Apollo LogiSolutions Signs Partnership With Indigo Airlines, StaTwig For India’s First Vaccine Platform Solution

* Collaborates with supply chain’s major players for transparency and better tracking and tracing of Covid-19 vaccines 

The platform is expected to bring vial level visibility on track and trace, chain of custody management and temperature continuity  

Apollo LogiSolutions (ALS), an Integrated Logistics solutions provider, has announced that it is collaborating with leading players across technology, cold chain warehousing, pharmaceutical, healthcare, airline and airport sectors for its new ‘integrated vaccine delivery platform’. Apollo LogiSolutions aims to enhance the current Covid-19 vaccine distribution model in India with its new solution and has already onboarded UNICEF backed blockchain technology firm StaTwig for technology capabilities; Coldman, Kool Solutions and other major companies for effective cold chain warehousing of 70,000+ pallet capacity at 10 locations in India and GMR-Hyderabad airport and Indigo airlines for air transportation.  

IndiGo, India’s leading airline is amongst fastest growing low-cost carriers in the world which has been playing a pivotal role in India’s inoculation drive by transporting vaccines within the country. By collaborating with IndiGo, Apollo LogiSolutions plans to bolster its initiative of contributing towards world's largest vaccination drive. 

Apollo LogiSolutions’ ‘integrated vaccine platform solution’ is designed to address the end-to-end supply-chain related challenges and bring more transparency and effective tracking for effective Covid-19 vaccine distribution in the country. 

Announcing the new solution, Raaja Kanwar, Vice chairman and Managing Director, Apollo LogiSolutions said, “It’s a proud moment for everyone at Apollo LogiSolutions to have been able to build a solution that will help India in its mission to immunize its people against Covid-19. We have already partnered with some of the most trusted names in the industry and will continue to add more to make the platform more robust as part of our commitment in creating an effective end-to-end distribution platform for the Covid-19 vaccine.” 

He added, “As India grows, the logistics segment will need to scale, adapt and transform itself to the needs of businesses and consumers. Apollo LogiSolutions is aggressively working towards introducing innovative technologies, tools and operational excellence to streamline the fragmented sector, make it future ready and drive better efficiency.” 

Sid Chakravarthy, founder of StaTwig mentioned that “India manufacturers 60% of global vaccines by volume. With this integrated solution that ensures quality and safety of the vaccines both in domestic and international supply chains, we can make Indian vaccines market much more resilient and sustainable.” 

In addition to the current partners, Apollo LogiSolutions is also engaging with major players in the healthcare and pharma sector alongside various local and central government authorities and ministries to get them on-board.  

About Apollo LogiSolutions 

Apollo LogiSolutions as one of India’s leading end-to-end, logistics service provider. The company has Pan India presence with services across transportation, warehousing and distribution. The company controls a warehousing space of 1.5 mn sqft at 30 locations, a fleet of 600+ vehicles and owns dry port and CFSs at key container ports in India. 

Aegon Life Introduces Work From Anywhere (WFA) Policy For All Its Employees

* Extending the benefit of working from a safe and comfortable environment 

Aegon Life, India’s leading digital life insurance company, is leaning in to the new normal by introducing a “Work from Anywhere (WFA)” policy effective April 2021. With the introduction of this practice, all Aegon Life employees will have the flexibility and convenience to work from anywhere in India and contribute to organisational growth.  

Sunita Rath, Chief People Officer at Aegon Life shares, “We have always held the belief that people are our key assets and emphasized the need for the right practices that can empower our people. The WFA policy that we have introduced upholds this belief.”  

She further adds, “We have constantly redefined the sector in which we operate, right from being the pioneers of online term plans in India, to becoming the leading digital-only life insurance company in the country. We are not only the first life insurance company but are amongst the first organisations in the country to formally adopt a fully WFA work policy. Needless to say, we will still have our office space to enable employees to meet, brainstorm, connect and collaborate. With WFA as our new normal, we will adopt other suitable digital tools and solutions to engender a culture of agile policies and proactive support.” 

This holistic and well-thought-out approach to work is designed to protect people interests and provide necessary leverage to achieve organisational goals. Salient features of this practice include: 

Flexibility: Work from home, or from any location within India, on an ongoing basis, irrespective of the location of work mentioned in the terms of employment. 

Introduction of core working hours: To help strike an optimal work-life balance, we have brought in the concept of core working hours. All managers and teams are encouraged to plan e-meetings and con-calls at specific times during the day to ensure that hours outside of these timeslots are used to balance their family and work commitments.  

Introduction of a ‘No Meetings Day’: The second Wednesday of every month has been designated as ‘No Meetings Day’, with no prescheduled calls and meetings. This will enable uninterrupted work and focus on projects. 

Support to enable WFA / Home Office: A one-time reimbursement for setting up one’s home-office. Further, necessary technology will be made available to all employees to enable a seamless and secure working environment.  

Focus on emotional well-being: Recognising the challenges that one can face while working from home, employees have been requested “not to be apologetic” for inevitable disturbances (of being at home) during official meetings/calls. Further, regular online wellness sessions are organised to support mental and emotional well-being. 

About Aegon Life :  Aegon Life, India’s leading digital life insurance company, was the first life insurance company to launch Online Term Insurance Plans in India. By focusing on innovative digital-first solutions, its vision is to enable customers to lead tension free lives and be the most recommended new age Life Insurance Company. The company’s Direct to Customer focus establishes a direct dialogue with the customers enabling  greater clarity and transparency. Being the online protection specialists, Aegon Life has a dedicated customer service team that is geared to provide superior customer experience.  

Paytm Achieves Over 1.4 Billion Transactions In March, Leads Digital Payments With Wallet, UPI, Cards & Net-Banking Services

 

- Establishes itself as the largest enabler of digital payments in the country with over 20 million merchants on its platform, aims at 50 million merchants over the next few years

- Maintains the highest market share in offline merchant payments with 15% M-o-M growth recording the most number of transactions among all digital payment platforms

- Leads offline payments as more retail stores adopt IoT based payment devices such as All-in-One QR, All-in-One POS and Android Smart POS

- Planned deployment of over 5 million IoT based payment devices for the benefit of merchants in smaller cities & towns

India's leading digital financial services platform Paytm today announced that it has achieved over 1.4 billion monthly transactions in March, led by the massive growth in offline payments and financial services. With over 20 million merchant partners on board, the company maintains the highest market share in offline payments and continues to register 15% M-o-M growth. It is the only platform in the country that promotes all digital payments services including Paytm Wallet, UPI, Paytm Postpaid, cards & net-banking. Paytm is aiming to enable 50 million merchants with IoT-based payment devices including All-in-One QR, All-in-One POS, Android Smart POS, and Soundbox over the next few years.

Paytm which is on a mission to empower businesses with digital payments & reconciliation services continues to lead with the highest market share in offline merchant payments with 15% M-o-M growth. It is aiming to equip 5 million businesses with Paytm Soundbox 2.0, Paytm All-in-One EDC devices as well as its newly launched innovative Paytm Smart POS for Android phones that transforms a smartphone into a device that accepts debit & credit card payments just like a normal card swiping machine.

The company empowers users with multiple services including Paytm Payments Bank, Paytm Payments Gateway, Paytm Payout, Paytm Money for democratizing wealth creation, Paytm Insurance, Paytm Postpaid, Paytm Credit Cards as well as utility bill payments, offline merchant payments, content & gaming services.

Narendra Yadav, Vice President Paytm said, "Paytm is the only company that provides the widest range of options to both merchants and customers which has helped us to achieve over 1.4 billion monthly transactions. Consumers can pay from Paytm wallet, UPI, Paytm postpaid, credit or debit cards, and bank accounts. Similarly, merchants can accept payments into their wallet or in any bank account. Paytm has the widest network of merchants in the country with over 20 million merchants partners. We want to serve all spectrum of merchants, from street vendors to large retailers as we continue our efforts to enable them with IoT-based digital payments services. " 

Amit Chadha Takes Charge As CEO & MD Of L&T Technology Services

Amit Chadha has taken over as CEO & Managing Director of L&T Technology Services (NSE: LTTS) effective April 1, in line with previous disclosures made to stock exchanges dated October 19, 2020. Prior to his elevation, he was serving the company as Deputy CEO & Whole-Time Board Member. 

Amit joined LTTS in 2009 and has been a core member of LTTS’ executive management team, closely involved in the company’s listing on stock exchanges in 2016. Subsequently, he progressed to assume charge as President, Sales and Business Development, where he was responsible for helping global R&D customers and Fortune 500 companies leverage LTTS’ digital engineering offerings for their strategic differentiation and product development.

On his appointment, Amit commented, “The ER&D services sector is poised to play a critical role over the next decade as confluence of engineering and technology reshapes the products and services of the near-future. Against this backdrop, the multi-vertical engineering expertise that LTTS has demonstrated makes it stand apart as a leader in pure-play ER&D services. I see it as a big responsibility to lead the pack of over 16,000 bright and committed LTTSites. I am confident that together we will make the company reach newer heights and milestones.”    

Amit’s overall career spans over two decades in core engineering & information technology outsourcing. He has managed P&L for multiple business units, spearheaded organization-wide strategic initiatives and led business development and relationship management activities worldwide.

Amit is an electrical & electronics engineer who has done his Global Business Leadership Executive Program with Harvard Business Publishing. He has also done an Advanced Management Program in Business Leadership from INSEAD, France. Amit is currently based in Washington DC.

About L&T Technology Services Ltd

L&T Technology Services Limited (LTTS) is a listed subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro Limited focused on Engineering and R&D (ER&D) services. We offer consultancy, design, development and testing services across the product and process development life cycle. Our customer base includes 69 Fortune 500 companies and 53 of the world’s top ER&D companies, across industrial products, medical devices, transportation, telecom & hi-tech, and the process industries. Headquartered in India, we have over 16,000 employees spread across 17 global design centers, 28 global sales offices and 62 innovation labs as of December 31, 2020. 

HCL To Modernize And Transform “Tenneco’s Technology Landscape”

HCL Technologies (HCL), a leading global technology company, today announced an agreement with Tenneco Inc. (NYSE: TEN), a leading Fortune 500 global tier-1 automotive supplier and manufacturer, for a multi-year, integrated application development, modernization, and operations services contract. As part of this engagement, HCL will help Tenneco enhance their IT simplification, modernization and transformation journey while helping to reduce technical complexities and support the global IT application portfolio. 

Tenneco has strategically worked to consolidate its global IT Service vendors to improve user experience by creating a more agile and nimble IT support organization that works on reducing technical costs and IT complexities. 

HCL Technologies’ application modernization approach will be part of the initial acceleration of Tenneco’s application rationalization and modernization initiative. HCL will use its FENIX 2.0 offering, an industry-aligned execution framework that helps organizations reprogram their enterprise architecture and build a roadmap for initiatives for digital transformation objectives. To further transform Tenneco’s operations, HCL will bring in automation through DRYiCE, a suite of organic automation and AI-based transformation products and platforms.  

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work so closely with Tenneco as it embarks on this strategic journey of transforming its IT landscape,” said Ajay Bahl, EVP, HCL Technologies. “This deal is a great endorsement of HCL’s next-generation application services and ability to drive major transformations. We look forward to providing value to this relationship, driving critical technology transformation and helping Tenneco realize business success.” 

About HCL Technologies  

HCL Technologies (HCL) empowers global enterprises with technology for the next decade, today. HCL’s Mode 1- 2-3 strategy, based on its deep-domain industry expertise, customer-centricity and entrepreneurial culture of Ideapreneurship™, enables businesses to transform into next-gen enterprises. HCL offers its services and products through three business units: IT and Business Services (ITBS), Engineering and R&D Services (ERS) and Products & Platforms (P&P). ITBS enables global enterprises to transform their businesses through offerings in the areas of applications, infrastructure, digital process operations and next generational digital transformation solutions. ERS offers engineering services and solutions in all aspects of product development and platform engineering. P&P provides modernized software products to global clients for their technology and industry specific requirements. Through its cutting-edge co-innovation labs, global delivery capabilities and broad global network, HCL delivers holistic services in various industry verticals, categorized as Financial Services, Manufacturing, Technology & Services, Telecom & Media, Retail & CPG, Life Sciences & Healthcare and Public Services. As a leading global technology company, HCL takes pride in its diversity, social responsibility, sustainability and education initiatives. For the 12 months ended December 31, 2020 HCL had consolidated revenue of US$ 10.02 billion. Its 159,682 ideapreneurs operate out of 50 countries. 

QNET To Sponsor CHAIROS Hockey Cup To Support A Good Cause

 -Sponsored by QNET 

-Organised by CCC Association, under the aegis of Hockey Karnataka  

-Proceeds of sponsorship will be donated to Cheshire Homes India, Bengaluru 

QNET Ltd., the leading e-commerce enabled direct selling company is all set to sponsor the CHAIROS Hockey Cup, organised by Coorg Challengers Chickpet Association, Bengaluru under the aegis of Hockey Karnataka. This is the 5th edition of the super blazing, high speed 5-A-Side hockey tournament. The spectacular event will be held from 2nd to 4th April at FM Cariappa Hockey Arena turf ground, Shanthi Nagar, Bangalore. Dr. AB Subbaiah, Olympian, Arjun Awardee and current Secretary, Hockey India, will be inaugurating the tournament that brings together 23 of the best state level teams from Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This hockey tournament will be a big boost for upcoming sportsmen from these states and to propagate India’s national sport. 

The teams will include an array of world-class players who have represented India at global hockey tournaments and many of them have been a part of the world’s biggest sporting stage, the Olympics. The icons from yesteryear like VR Raghunath (Double Olympian and Arjun Awardee), Nikkin Thimmaiah (Olympian and Asia cup winner), Arjun Halappa (Olympian and World cupper), Bharath Chethri (Olympian and Dhyan Chand Awardee), Vikram Kanth (Asia cup winner), and other great players like Nithin Thimmaia, MG Poonacha, Pradan Somanna, Md Rafeel, MB Aiyappa, BJ Cariappa, KD Ganapathy, KM Somanna, KK Santhosh, MB Somaiah,  will be playing at the hockey turf in this tournament. 

An exhibition match will be played before the finals on April 4th comprising of players who are sports icons from yesteryear and ex-Olympians, such as, Dhanraj Pillay, Jude Philix, C S Poonacha, Anil Aldrin, Sabu Varghese, Ravi Naiker, Sandeep Somesh, Bharath Chethri and KK Poonacha.  

While several people associate ‘Coorg’ as a tourist hotspot, most of us do not know that this small hill station is also a cradle for hockey game in India. Comprising of 14 families with 40 individuals, Coorg Challengers Chickpet Association holds the vision to support and promote hockey. Courtesy, the key sponsor QNET, India, the proceeds generated from the tournament will be donated to Cheshire Homes India, Bangalore. 

Considering Covid precautions, all teams will follow strict protocols for safety and sanitization and will be PCR tested. Social distancing norms will also be strictly implemented to ensure safety of those who attend the games as spectators.  

The winner will be awarded the 'CHAIROS Hockey Cup' by QNET.   

About QNET 

QNET is one of Asia's leading e-commerce enabled direct selling companies offering a wide range of health, wellness, and lifestyle products. QNET's business model pivoting upon technology and e-commerce has helped empower millions of entrepreneurs in more than 100 countries worldwide. 

QNET is headquartered in Hong Kong and has a presence in more than 25 countries around the world through subsidiaries, branch offices, agency partnerships, and franchisees. 

QNET is a member of the Direct Selling Association in several countries, as well as the Hong Kong Health Food Association and the Health Supplements Industry Association of Singapore, among others. In India, QNET operates through its sub-franchisee Vihaan Direct Selling (India) Pvt Ltd and is a member of the Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association (HADSA), ASSOCHAM, and CII. 

QNET is also active in sports sponsorships around the world. Some of the more prominent partnerships include being the Direct Selling Partner of Manchester City Football Club and the African Club League Championships of CAF.  

Honda Sells Total Of 411,037 Units During March’21 Across India

Building on the demand momentum despite renewed COVID challenges, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. closed March 2021 on a positive note.

Honda’s domestic sales in the month of March grew from 245,716 units last year to 395,037 units in March’21. With 16,000 units exported during the month, Honda total sales (domestic + export) closed at 411,037 units in the month.

Overall, Honda closed FY2020-21 (April’20 to March’21) with total sales of 4,073,182 two-wheelers. This includes domestic sales of 3,865,872 units and exports of 207,310 units.

Honda 2Wheelers India closed Q4 of FY’2020-21 with 31% growth, contributing the maximum - that is nearly every 3rd incremental two-wheeler sold in India.

Giving an overview of fiscal year 2020-21, Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said,

“FY’2020-21 was a year of Unprecedented Uncertainties. Honda resiliently overcame challenges from lockdowns to unlocks; while continuing to create many new firsts. India became the epicentre of Honda’s 2 global unveils (H’ness CB 350, CB350 RS) and followed this with the scintillating Indian debut of CB500X & CB 650R. Noteworthy, that leading the recovery as Highest Growth driver of two-wheeler industry in Q4, 2021 has started on an optimistic note for Honda.”

Key Highlights in FY2020-2021:

Silver Wing à Honda’s Premium Motorcycle Business

-   5 model launches in mid-size motorcycle segment: Honda 2Wheelers India rose to the world map with the global unveils of all-new H’ness CB350 and CB350 RS. Parallely, Honda’s mid-size ambitions were further beefed up with the Indian debut of CB500X, CB650R in addition to the 2021 CBR 650R.

-   3 model launches in 1000cc+ segments further amplified the GoRiding! Spirit across super-sports (CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and Fireblade SP) and adventure (2021 Africa Twin Adventure Sports).

-   Supporting this line-up availability, the differentiated Silver Wings expanded from its first Gurgaon showroom ending FY’20 to 50+ BigWing touchpoints ending March 31st, 2021, across both BigWing Topline (for entire premium motorcycle range from 300cc to 1800cc) and BigWing (exclusively for mid-size motorcycle segment) retail formats.

Honda’s Red Wing business across scooters & motorcycles

-   In the domestic lineup, Honda made a big splash in the 180-200cc segment with the successful introduction of Hornet 2.0.

-   Parallely, Honda’s BS-VI line-up became more robust across segments with the introduction of Grazia 125 BS-VI in automatic scooters and 3 BS-VI motorcycle upgrades (CD 110 Dream, Livo BS-VI, X-Blade)

-   Creating special joy for Honda fans were 4 Limited editions – Repsol Honda editions of Hornet 2.0 & Dio, the 20th Anniversary edition of Activa 6G and the 125cc Sports edition of Grazia.

Business & Sales Milestone

-   ‘Activa’ rewrote history as the 1st scooter brand in India to reach 2.5 crore customers’ mark in just 20 years!

-   Parallely, Honda’s 125cc motorcycle Shine crossed the 90 Lac cumulative customers’ mark in December.

-   In premium motorcycle business, H’ness CB350 touched 10,000 sales mark in just 3 months.

-   Across regions, brand Honda scaled new heights of trust and acceptability. Honda’s cumulative sales crossed the momentous 1.5 crore customers’ milestone in Southern region, breached 70 lac in North India and crossed the 35 lac sales milestone in Uttar Pradesh.

Strategic Leadership Change

-   Strategically stewarding the brand leadership, Mr. Atsushi Ogata assumed responsibility as the new President, CEO & Managing Director of Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd.

Motorsports DNA of Honda:

-   2021 Dakar Rally saw Honda’s factory team Monster Energy Honda Team triumph with the first 1-2 victory since 1987 fuelled by riders Kevin Benavides and Ricky Brabec finish 1st and 2nd. 

-  Beginning with its first world grand prix race in 1961, Honda achieved the unprecedented 800th FIM World Championship Grand Prix victory.

-    On domestic front, ENEOS Honda Erula Racing Team completed 2020 Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (PS 165cc) with 10 podiums including 3 victories.

Corporate Social Responsibility

-   Honda India Foundation pledged Rs. 11 crore aid for Covid-19 providing high-pressure backpack sprayers, ambulances for medical emergencies among other arrangements.

Honda educates nearly 40 lac people on Road Safety

-   Honda digital road safety initiative ‘Honda Road Safety E-Gurukul’ launched in May’20 successfully sensitized over 3 lac individuals in the new Normal.

-   Spreading road safety education with focus on learner licence applicants and traffic rule violators, Honda inaugurated 3 new Safety Education Driving Centers (SDEC) in Guwahati, Vizag and Bengaluru.