RapiPay To Facilitate Covid-19 Vaccination Search And Registration Through Its Website And App

* To assist vaccination registration for crores of people through its 2 Lakhs + direct business outlets 

RapiPay Fintech, one of the leading assisted payments Fintech companies has reiterated its commitment to the society by facilitating Covid 19 vaccination registration through its agent app and website. Currently, RapiPay’s B2B app has more than 5 Lakhs installs from retailers and merchants.  

RapiPay has used a tool on its website and app that redirects users to Covid vaccination data available on CoWIN website on live basis. Lakhs of RapiPay agents access this app daily to serve crores of customers for payments, AEPS and remittance services. Using the same app, the agents will be able to seamlessly assist their customers to check vaccination availability in their area and accordingly register for the vaccination slot.  

The second wave of COVID-19 has hit the country at a faster pace and to overcome this pandemic, the public at large needs to get vaccinated at the earliest. The government has now opened vaccination drive for 18+ age group population also and has made prior registration and appointment mandatory. 

Commenting on this announcement, Mr. Yogendra Kashyap, CEO, RapiPay said, “In this hour of need, all of us must do our bit to combat this pandemic. Millions of non tech users, especially in the rural markets, might not be able to register on CoWIN or Aarogya setu app on their own. With this initiative, their vaccination registration can be facilitated through our direct business outlets (DBOs) who use RapiPay daily for their business.  We are hopeful that with this facility a lot of people will not crowd the immunization center and help maintain social distance which is the need of the hour.” 

About RapiPay 

S.K. Narvar promoted RapiPay Fintech Pvt. Ltd., is instrumental in growing financial inclusion services in the country with services like Money Transfer, Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS), Micro ATM, Payments and many more. With a nationwide network of over 2 lakhs retailers (RapiPay Saathis), RapiPay is providing Banking and Financial services to more than 2 crore underbanked consumers every month. RapiPay is a subsidiary of Capital India Finance Limited (CIFL). 

Five Technology Trends That Are Redefining The New Normal

* To be attributed to Mr. Parag Naik, Co-Founder & CEO, Saankhya Labs

The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic is continuing to create mayhem in the lives of individuals as well as businesses. In order to contain the spread of the virus, companies have extended work from home with an aim to keep their employees safe, while the government on its part has also been reinforcing lockdowns in various states. In such times, technology has been the greatest pillar of support to mitigate disruptions in operations, which has led to a tremendous acceleration in the adoption of different technologies over the last year.

As technological innovations continue to gain momentum, here are some technologies that will remain crucial and are redefining the new normal:

Open RAN based 5G deployments: The economics of 5G are compelling network operators to deploy virtualized, multi-vendor solutions which can help augment infrastructure investments. Open RAN is set to define the future of 5G expansion by making the architecture more dynamic in terms of vendor choice and software upgradability. Many companies across the world are working towards developing an Open RAN based cognitive scalable 5G RAN solution which includes Multi-Band Remote Radio Units with advanced analytics capabilities and a RAN Intelligent Controller platform. In the long run, Open RAN will enable companies to source hardware and software from different vendors for developing their networks, and help in promoting an open interoperable network market.

“IT-fication” of Telecom networks through virtualization and disaggregation: There is an increased drive to shift towards more open and disaggregated “cloud-based” networks and a general virtualization or IT-fication of the network. The telecom network design is at an inflection point from the technology as well as geopolitical point of view which has led to this swift transition. This will drastically change the telecom service provider network and allow operators to build a new ecosystem of vendors that is agile and responsive. With the implementation of virtualization, operators can enhance the 5G network architectural and functional viability, as well as allow reduced capital expenditure and better agility.

Shared and unlicensed spectrum usage for private networks: With the dawn of 5G era, the cellular communications industry is going through a ground-breaking transformation, which is driven by technological innovations, regulatory policy liberalization and revolutionary business models. One vital aspect of this radical revolution is the increasing adoption of shared and unlicensed spectrum in which frequencies are not exclusively licensed to a single mobile operator. Such initiatives are catalysing the rollout of shared spectrum LTE and 5G NR networks for a diverse array of use cases ranging from private cellular networks for enterprises and vertical industries to mobile network densification and neutral host infrastructure. Mobile operators and other cellular ecosystem stakeholders are also seeking to tap into vast swaths of globally and regionally harmonized unlicensed spectrum bands for the operation of 3GPP technologies.

Convergence of broadband and broadcast networks: There has been a sweeping rise of video consumption platforms which has led to the overburdening of networks. In order to avert network congestion and enhance users’ experiences, communication platforms must opt for 5G broadcast, an innovative solution based on a converged Broadband and Broadcast networks. This innovative data transmission solution will provide an enriching experience to users across devices while streaming, ease out on the network congestion, provide a smart data pipe for content, help to monetize the broadcast spectrum and offer live streaming on-the-go without the need of data caps.

Satellite broadband and IoT networks: Satellite based IoT solutions is the next game changing technological evolution and the low-cost, low-power, global connectivity offered by satellites is fuelling the growth this sector. SDR based satellite IoT and communication solutions enable secure and reliable satellite based connectivity in remote locations. Satellite networks ensure global broadband coverage thereby allowing for IoT to be provided in remote locations terrestrials cannot access either due to cost restrains or terrain, including the sea, air, or any other unconnected locations. In the absence of network connectivity, satellite communication solutions can be deployed to send and receive data from a central control location.

To summarize, technology and its innovations will continue to support businesses to augment their offerings through the adoption of digital technologies in the new normal.

Indians Reveal Little Things They Did To Make Their Lock down Days Complete

* In April, the percentage increase in the number of times these keywords were searched grew by 81 percent and a further 190 percent the following month

Over half of all Indians surveyed in a recent poll say that they have become conscious of the environment — including growing plants, become more prudent on purchases, and conserving energy — as a direct result of the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown. ‘The Little Things We Do’, the latest research from Godrej Group, analyzed the daily routines, habits, and gestures adopted by citizens during the 10 months of lockdown last year to make their life more tolerable.

When the country is reeling under the mutated virus and lockdown in many states, the research is a reminder of the duties of responsible citizens and organizations to support the country, even though the second-wave lockdown doesn’t seem as exciting to many. It revealed 44 percent have participated in community activities such as volunteering and helping the less privileged, during the same period.

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According to the data, confinement and other restrictions have also liberated India’s creative side: more than one-in-five Indians (22.9 percent) are now more likely to cook, paint, sketch, or pursue other creative hobbies to keep themselves happy. Nearly a quarter (23.2 percent) found solace in reading or listening to music during periods of lockdown.

More than half donated ‘little things’ such as sanitizers, food packets, old clothes, blankets, medical devices, etc. Pixabay

These findings correspond to another research, by SEMrush that highlighted between February and March in 2020 searches such as “how to bake a cake”, rose by a staggering 238.5 percent. In April, the percentage increase in the number of times these keywords were searched grew by 81 percent and a further 190 percent the following month.

Other insights revealed through the research include:

More than half donated ‘little things’ such as sanitizers, food packets, old clothes, blankets, medical devices, etc. to those in need; 40 percent made financial donations to the underprivileged. Men and women seemed to have different priorities when it came to making decisions on ‘little things, as almost 31 percent of male respondents preferred to spend time with their family to keep themselves content during the lockdown as compared to almost 19 per female respondents.

At the same time, 32.8 percent of women saw cooking as a source of comfort and happiness compared to just 12 percent of men. More men switched on the TV for comfort. Social media also revealed itself as a source of happiness during the lockdown period, as many remained connected with friends and family through social media; watched funny memes and videos, and attended Instagram Live concerts; explored their creative side by making content for social media; and learned new skills such as cooking, painting, etc. through DIY videos created by influencers.

Also, 16 percent believe that working from home has helped to improve their time management skills. Pixabay

Confinement also made happen other benefits to Indian households. Thirty-six percent of respondents claimed to now spend more time with their families because of the absence of long commutes, while almost 3 in 10 now take regular breaks throughout the day to de-stress and maintain work-life balance. Nineteen percent claim that they are more efficient at work — completing tasks within allotted working hours — because of the absence of distractions. Also, 16 percent believe that working from home has helped to improve their time management skills.

Tanya Dubash, Executive Director and Chief Brand Officer, Godrej Group, described the research as a unique insight into resilience, altruism, and the capacity of our citizens to adapt to, in many instances, extremely challenging circumstances. “Our research reveals the little things and daily routines that can make a huge difference to people’s well-being. The situation of the pandemic has really highlighted the often overlooked role which rituals play in our overall health and well-being,” she said.

She added, “It also reveals the positive side of such trying circumstances, with long-standing routines being reassessed: 36.2 percent of respondents claim to have quit unhealthy habits, while a staggering 58.2 percent are now engaged in activities which support their mental and physical fitness such as yoga, walking or meditation.” 

Bentley Systems Announces Acquisitions Of sensemetrics And Vista Data Vision

* To Accelerate the “Infrastructure IoT” Opportunity, for Living Digital Twins!

Bentley Systems, Incorporated (Nasdaq: BSY), the infrastructure engineering software company, today announced its acquisitions of sensemetrics (agreement executed) and Vista Data Vision (closed), leading providers of software for Internet of Things (IoT) applications used extensively in infrastructure. sensemetrics and Vista Data Vision will expand the scope of the Bentley iTwin platform to add intrinsic IoT capabilities for infrastructure digital twins to incorporate real-time sensor data. By virtue of the resulting “infrastructure IoT” standardization, the full IoT ecosystem will finally be seamlessly accessible for IT/OT/ET integration, through infrastructure digital twins, to advance asset performance and to mitigate environmental risks.

Geotechnical engineering firms, land surveyors, and civil and structural engineering firms, and asset owner-operators in mining, transportation, and utilities apply sensemetrics and Vista Data Vision offerings for geological, geotechnical, structural, and environmental monitoring including in heavy civil construction, mines, tunnels, dams, and for water resources. sensemetrics and Vista Data Vision support interfaces to hundreds of different sensor devices and related data types, including robotic total stations, inclinometers, piezometers, strain gauges, crack meters, tilt meters, extensometers, anemometers, and for vibration data, pressure cells, temperature, solar insolation, precipitation, water quality, and air quality.

sensemetrics and Vista Data Vision are particularly complementary to Seequent, a global leader in 3D modeling software for geosciences, which Bentley recently announced its agreement to acquire, subject to regulatory approvals in New Zealand and the United States. Augmenting Seequent’s Leapfrog models with continuous monitoring of real-time sensor data, instead of waiting for updates from intermittent borehole or drillhole investigations, can advance 3D subsurface digital twins to function as 4D “living” digital twins—enabling unprecedented improvements in environmental safety and resilience.

sensemetrics

Founded in 2014 in San Diego, California, sensemetrics has continually advanced its vision to democratize IoT, and to extend its benefits across infrastructure assets, through its native cloud connectivity and edge controls platform – and its successful propagation, across device vendors, of farsighted sensor-agnostic standards. The sensemetrics platform is used extensively for real-time safety and risk monitoring in infrastructure, mining, and construction activities including to measure and visualize civil structural movement, for condition assessment, and to help detect and prevent damage.

sensemetrics’ modular design provides a flexible platform for developers to build their own applications to meet specific infrastructure IoT needs. In particular, sensemetrics’ Sensor Integration Builder uniquely enables asset owners, engineers, and risk managers to choose their own sensors – with assurance that they can be seamlessly integrated into digital twin solutions within a matter of minutes. Finally, sensemetrics’ Thread and Strand connectivity devices can optionally accelerate “plug and play” deployments for wireless sensor devices, even for “off-grid” infrastructure locations.

Vista Data Vision

Based in Reykjavik, Iceland, Vista Data Vision is a second-generation family business spun out of Vista Engineering, which pioneered remote, real-time monitoring of power, traffic, and sanitation systems. In 1991, Vista Data Vision started developing software for analyzing and managing project data, to be used in solving real-world engineering problems that required real-time or near real-time observations, and that could be configured by nontechnical users, with no software engineering required and no vendor lock-in.

Vista Data Vision is a stalwart of instrumentation projects, with unmatched experience gained over the last 30 years in bespoke applications for some of the most critical engineering use cases. Its solutions have been used in more than 2,000 projects in more than 70 countries, collecting millions of data points daily from hundreds of thousands of sensors.

Infrastructure IoT

By scalably and securely incorporating real-time sensor data, Vista Data Vision and sensemetrics increase the value of infrastructure engineering and geotechnical data to empower proactive risk management, safety, and predictive maintenance applications. Previously, traditional sensor data capture systems required specialists to implement and maintain, and were typically complex, rigid, and costly. Vista Data Vision and sensemetrics have made widespread infrastructure IoT deployments feasible by providing simple and reliable means to connect, store, and stream sensor data from a wide range of sensor devices for continuous and automated condition monitoring. The maturity and experience of Vista Data Vision in established engineering use cases to improve asset and environmental outcomes, along with their software’s configurability and ease of use, will now be complemented by the cloud-native device connectivity standardization, and platform scalability, of sensemetrics.

These capabilities will be closely integrated with the Bentley iTwin platform to enable iTwin partners and users to easily develop and deploy their own applications for seamless incorporation of data streams from hundreds of sensor types. Through the iTwin platform’s intrinsic span of technical integration, infrastructure IoT applications can now gain the benefits of the broader IoT ecosystem including data analytics and visualization through Microsoft’s Azure IoT, Siemens’ MindSphere, and/or NVIDIA’s Omniverse. The extension of the iTwin platform for infrastructure IoT substantially increases the lifecycle ROI, and the contribution to environmental resilience “handprints,” for 4D infrastructure digital twins.

The combination presents engineering firms with new “evergreen” opportunities to extend their value through continuous monitoring services and to curate, during the operations and maintenance lifecycle, the infrastructure asset digital twins which they create for capital project delivery. Examples of infrastructure IoT digital twin use cases include:

environmental groundwater monitoring to improve the water quality of catchment areas, rivers, wetlands, and groundwater systems to assure a safe level of flood protection;

dam condition monitoring for groundwater and slope stability during and after construction;

near real-time rainfall and weather monitoring to minimize adverse environmental impacts during construction;

air quality and meteorological monitoring;

instrumentation and monitoring services during the repair of the truss chord on a bridge; and

monitoring cracks in a cliff to assure safety for ongoing work at the site.

Bentley Systems CTO Keith Bentley said, “It is exciting to now be able to close the adoption gap between critical infrastructure and IoT technologies by integrating these acquisitions through our iTwin platform to enable living digital twins. We are very pleased to welcome our new colleagues who (from Vista Data Vision) originated and have proven the potential of infrastructure IoT, and who (from sensemetrics) have propagated the standardized cloud platform to now institutionalize it. They have all led the way, and the learning curve, towards this ultimate convergence of ET, OT, and IT, advancing infrastructure engineering and the environment for everyone.”

“We are thrilled to join the Bentley family and look forward to expanding the scope and reach of infrastructure instrumentation projects throughout the world,” said Thorarinn Andresson, CEO of Vista Data Vision. “Combining the capabilities of Vista Data Vision with sensemetrics, through the Bentley iTwin platform, will greatly accelerate our collective users’ benefits from infrastructure digital twins.”

“Combining our technology strengths with Vista Data Vision, and within Bentley Systems as the infrastructure engineering software company, brings closer our goal to effortlessly connect decision makers with condition monitoring data and insights that are critical to the safe and efficient operation of their assets,” said Cory Baldwin, CEO of sensemetrics. “The synergies enabled by extending infrastructure digital twins through infrastructure IoT are compelling, and we are excited to play a pivotal role in this advancement.”

Together, sensemetrics and Vista Data Vision will add approximately 40 colleagues to Bentley Systems. Their combined annualized revenues and profitability are not material to, and are not expected to meaningfully impact, the BSY financial outlook for 2021.

Bayer Announces Extended Support And Relief Measures For India’s Fight Against COVID-19

* Supporting 130 COVID-care beds across various locations

* Supply of oxygen to PHCs across India

* 2,00,000 N-95 masks and 11,00,000 3ply masks to 500 hospitals

* Smooth functioning of supply chain to enable availability of pharma and agri products

* Psychological support to over 10,000 paramedics and farming community members

* Strong support from employees to help local communities

Bayer is a global life sciences company present in India for over 125 years. Today, it announced an extension of its COVID-19 relief measures to local communities, healthcare workers, businesses and employees. Through these varied initiatives, Bayer aims to support the nation’s healthcare system, mental health of frontline workers and farmers, facilitate vaccination for its employees and their families and support health & nutrition needs of local communities.

As COVID-19 cases surge, India’s healthcare sector has been stretched. To address these urgent needs, Bayer is re-purposing its existing 200 NM3/hr Nitrogen plant at its manufacturing facility at Vapi. This will help provide a permanent source of Oxygen supply to a local hospital. Additionally, Bayer will also provide oxygen concentrators to Primary Health Centers (PHCs) to serve communities across rural India. Over the last 10 months, Bayer along with the Government of Maharashtra has converted its plant at Chittegaon, Aurangabad into an 80-bed COVID-care facility. To support, those in need, the organization has also sponsored beds in major hospitals across multiple cities for emergency support.

In collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra, NASSCOM and WNS Global Services, Bayer is supporting 30 ICU beds in one of the district hospitals through telemedicine solutions.

There is an urgent and critical need to support those paramedics and frontline workers who are struggling with mental health challenges during these tough times. To this end, Bayer is launching a helpline to support these frontline workers and the farming community. This helpline will serve approximately 10,000 beneficiaries and their immediate families.

To accelerate the vaccination process, Bayer is mobilizing communities by conducting awareness drives highlighting the benefits of immunization and reinforcing COVID Appropriate Behaviour (CAB). These efforts will complement Bayer’s ongoing initiative to facilitate vaccination for all employees and their families.

D. Narain, Senior Bayer Representative, South Asia and Chief Executive Officer, Bayer CropScience Limited said, “During these unprecedented times, it is our responsibility to support the nation’s fight against the pandemic. Our small contribution is an effort to sustain sections of our society where help is needed the most. Reflecting our vision, ‘Health for all, hunger for none’, we will continue our efforts to resurrect vulnerable sections of our society.”

Since the start of the pandemic, Bayer has been focused at providing holistic support across multiple dimensions delivering impactful results to the communities and customers we serve. As part of these initiatives to provide critical supplies and support, Bayer has provided 15,000 PPE kits to 175 hospitals across 6 states; 6,00,000 N-95 masks to police personnel and 206 hospitals in 12 states; 5,000 pairs of gloves to frontline workers; 5,500 ration kits to migrant workers and 45,000 cooked meals to quarantined individuals and frontline workers.

In addition through its initiative “Better Farms, Better Lives”, Bayer has provided 4,00,000 smallholder farmers, immediate access to basic agri-inputs and crop advisories in 204 districts across 17 states, spanning key crops such as rice, corn, vegetables and millet to support their critical livelihood needs. The company is also extending support to marginalized communities with nutritious food through the “Roti Foundation, Mumbai”.

While the last few months have been tumultuous, Bayer’s 13,000+ employees and associates are ensuring that our customers, partners and local communities are supported extensively. Safety of our employees and their families has always been paramount. Bayer’s employee welfare measures have included enhanced health insurance coverage, teleconsultation services, comprehensive health check-ups and vaccination programs for all our employees, their families and all contracted associates.

Team Bayer salutes the relentless efforts of our frontline health workers, the Central government, State governments, voluntary organizations, and the community at large in fighting the battle against COVID. We will overcome this crisis together and emerge stronger.  

About Bayer

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to benefit people by supporting efforts to overcome the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development, and the Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2019, the Group employed around 104,000 people and had sales of € 43.5 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to € 2.9 billion and R&D expenses to € 5.3 billion. 

ASUS India Stands With The Nation During Covid-19 Crisis

* Postpones the launch of next generation ASUS smartphone that is being launched globally in May 2021

ASUS, a Taiwan-head-quartered, multinational computer hardware as well as consumer electronics, has postponed the launch of new ASUS smartphones in India due to the recent surge in COVID 19 cases in the country. Standing in solidarity with the nation during these testing times, ASUS India has delayed the launch that was originally slated during May, until the current situation improves.

“While we have been very excited to launch our new smartphone at same time as global, ASUS India’s top priority in these challenging times is the safety of our customers, partners, employees and all other stakeholders in the fight against the virus. Hence we have consciously decided to defer the launch until the current scenario improves. On behalf of the entire ASUS India family, we urge you to stay indoors, practice social distancing and help each other combat this crisis until we emerge stronger and in a safer environment.” said Dinesh Sharma, Business Head, Commercial PC and Smartphone, System Business Group, ASUS in India.

ASUS India will disclose the new launch date once the situation improves.

About ASUS

ASUS is a multinational company known for the world’s best motherboards, PCs, monitors, graphics cards and routers, and is ranked by Laptop Mag as the best laptop brand in 2020. Along with an expanding range of superior gaming, content-creation and AIoT solutions, ASUS leads the industry through cutting-edge design and innovations made to create the most ubiquitous, intelligent, heartfelt and joyful smart life for everyone. With a global workforce that includes more than 5,000 R&D professionals, ASUS is driven to become the world’s most admired innovative leading technology enterprise. Inspired by the In Search of Incredible brand spirit, ASUS won more than 11 awards every day in 2020 and ranks as one of Forbes’ World’s Best Regarded Companies and Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies. 

Amara Raja Resumes Production; Committed To Environment And Sustainability In Indian Market

Amara Raja Batteries Limited (“The Company” / “ARBL”) has resumed operations at its plants at Nunegundlapalli and Karkambadi at Chittoor District with effect from 8th May, 2021 after Hon’ble High Court of Andhra Pradesh granted an interim suspension of the orders passed by Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB).

Continuing with its focus on the best-in-class systems and processes for environmental, safety and health practices, the Company will continue to engage closely with APPCB to resolve any potential issues.

The Company is confident of meeting all its supply commitments and assures all its stakeholders that the temporary disruption caused during the last few days will not have any material impact on its operations or order book.

“We have taken proactive measures to ensure that all our obligations to supply products and services to our customers are met in a timely manner without causing any inconvenience, whatsoever. We are assessing the impact of the short term disruption, and gearing up to sufficiently cater to the demands of all our customers and business partners. We also take this opportunity to thank all our employees, customers, partners, vendors and all other stakeholders who reposed faith in us and we will continue to strive to meet all their expectations,” a Company spokesperson said.

The Company reiterates its commitment for excellence in complying with all the regulatory requirements. As a responsible corporate citizen, ARBL has always placed highest priority on the environment and to the health and safety of its workforce.

About Amara Raja Batteries Limited

Amara Raja Batteries Limited is the technology leader and one of the largest manufacturers of lead-acid batteries for both industrial and automotive applications in the Indian storage battery industry.

In India, Amara Raja is the preferred supplier to major telecom service providers, Telecom equipment manufacturers, the UPS sector (OEM & Replacement), Indian Railways and to the Power, Oil & Gas, among other industry segments. Amara Raja’s industrial battery brands comprise PowerStack®, AmaronVolt® and Quanta®. The Company is a leading manufacturer of automotive batteries under the brands Amaron® and PowerzoneTM, which are distributed through a large Pan-India sales & service retail network.

The Company supplies automotive batteries under OE relationships to Ashok Leyland, Ford India, Honda, Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, and Tata Motors. The Company’s Industrial and Automotive Batteries are exported to countries in the Indian Ocean Rim.