Hoist Finance Selects LTI’s Digital Banking Platform To Achieve Accelerated Growth In Europe

* Platform to support growth in Performing Loans segment

Larsen & Toubro Infotech Ltd. (BSE: 540005, NSE: LTI), a global technology consulting and digital solutions company has entered into a strategic engagement with Hoist Finance AB,  a pan European financial services company, to provide Banking-as-a-Service for Performing Loans segment through its Digital Banking Platform.

LTI’s Digital Banking platform, powered by Temenos, will enable Hoist Finance to be more scalable and with faster on-boarding of new asset classes across regions. The platform provides seamless interoperability, agility, and higher security at a lower total cost of ownership.

Klaus-Anders Nysteen, CEO, Hoist Finance, said: “The strategic partnership with LTI is in line with our growth strategy for performing loans segment in Europe. It will help us strengthen Hoist’s positioning as a leader in this segment with digital-first strategies. LTI has been a strategic partner for Hoist since 2019 and has supported multiple transformation initiatives, spanning workplace transformation, infrastructure transformation and migration to the cloud. Onboarding LTI’s digital banking platform was a natural extension of our strategic partnership.” 

With its comprehensive capabilities, LTI’s Digital Banking Platform provides end-to-end integration with Temenos Transact, Temenos Infinity, Temenos Payments, and Temenos Financial Crime Mitigation as well as Fintech solutions like regulatory reporting, authentication, KYC solutions, card services, and payment solutions available on Temenos Marketplace.

Sanjay Jalona, CEO & Managing Director, LTI, said “LTI’s digital banking platform combines our functional and technological expertise to modernize operations without huge upfront investment or license cost. The consumption based model offered by the platform will enable banks to stay competitive without worrying about technology cycles. We are proud of our partnership with Hoist, and look forward to enabling their expansion across Europe.”

LTI’s Digital Banking platform will seamlessly operate across existing Hoist applications and infrastructure through an API driven interface to connect with third party systems.

Julia Ehrhardt, Chief Retail Banking and Business Development Officer, Hoist Finance, said: “LTI’s state-of-art digital banking platform will facilitate Hoist in accomplishing its strategic objective of enhancing its market share in the retail banking segment which is estimated to  grow from 700 Million SEK currently to 4 Billion SEK by 2023. LTI’s platform is fully scalable, providing Hoist with the agility to expand its performing loans and deposits offering into all of our markets.”

With presence across Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland, LTI is one of the leading IT Consulting and digital solutions providers in the Nordic region. A recent study by Whitelane Research and PA recognized the company among the top performers in the Nordic region and #1 in customer satisfaction in Sweden. The company counts leading banks and financial institutions among its clients in the region.

About LTI

LTI (NSE: LTI) is a global technology consulting and digital solutions Company helping more than 400 clients succeed in a converging world. With operations in 31 countries, we go the extra mile for our clients and accelerate their digital transformation with LTI’s Mosaic platform enabling their mobile, social, analytics, IoT and cloud journeys. Founded in 1997 as a subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro Limited, our unique heritage gives us unrivalled real-world expertise to solve the most complex challenges of enterprises across all industries. Each day, our team of more than 33,000 LTItes enable our clients to improve the effectiveness of their business and technology operations and deliver value to their customers, employees and shareholders. Follow us at @LTI_Global

Hero Motocorp Extends Duration Of Free Service, AMC Services And Warranty Across India

With customer-centricity at the core of its operations, Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has extended the duration of all its warranty and free services.

This is also in keeping with its commitment to the safety and welfare of its people, its customers and to break the chain of the spread of Covid-19.

For the benefit of all its existing customers, the Company has extended the duration of the services that were getting exhausted during the ongoing period by 60 days. These durations have been extended to ensure that customers are not required to visit dealerships in a rush to avail of the services. 

The extended services include –

All scheduled Free Service (FSC)

All services under Joyride (AMC)

All vehicles for which the warranty is expiring

(as per terms and conditions of warranty) 

Hero MotoCorp has also recently launched its comprehensive range of sales and aftersales services on the messaging app – WhatsApp – where customers can avail a host of services from an easy-to-interact menu-based chatbot that can be accessed 24X7 on the messaging platform. Providing real-time services and offering support on a wide range of topics, the feature provides key facilities like Service booking and post-service feedback, Real-time status check of the vehicle under repair, locating nearest workshop & showroom and more.

KRAFTON Announces “Pre-Registrations For BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA”

* Simple seamless process welcomes gaming aficionados across India 

KRAFTON, the premier South Korean video game developer, today announced pre-registration for BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA. Developed by KRAFTON, the pre-registration for the game is now live on Google Play Store for fans in India.  

Players pre-registering for BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA will get 4 amazing rewards, the Recon Mask, the Recon Outfit, Celebration Expert Title, and 300 AG. These rewards are for fans who pre-register, so get ready to dive in and enjoy the battle royale experience on BATTLEGROUNDS with your friends. 

Players can follow the simple steps to pre-register seamlessly. 

To pre-register for BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA, please visit the Google Play Store Link and click on the “Pre-Register” button, and your rewards will automatically be available to claim on game launch. 

Set in a virtual world, BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA is a battle royale game where multiple players employ strategies to fight and be the last man standing. A free-to-play, multiplayer experience from KRAFTON, players can battle it out in diverse game modes which can be squad-based or even one-on-one. Featuring diverse maps with different terrains on a virtual setting, BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA utilizes the full capabilities of Unreal Engine 4 to bring alive fantastic worlds augmented by 3D sound, to build a truly immersive experience on a mobile phone.  

The recommended system requirements to experience the game seamlessly are Android 5.1.1 or above and at least 2 GB RAM in the mobile device.  

Pick your map and the mode that suits you and get set for a thrilling ride. More than pure combat, BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA, is also a battle of wits, as you develop strategies to take on your enemies with friends or solo and defeat them to be the last man standing.  

With detailed monthly content updates and world-class collaborations, there is always something to look forward to in this battle royale game. KRAFTON will, from the very start, strive to hear player feedback and bring content that players love in what will become their favorite mobile game.  

AeroMIT Secures 2nd Rank In The Oral Design Presentation At SAE Aerodesign Competition 2021

The AeroMIT Team from Manipal Institute of Technology secured 2nd rank in the Oral Design Presentation at SAE Aerodesign 2021, a competition organized by SAE International. The MIT team had participated in the Micro class category. The first rank was won by students from University of Puerto-Rico-Mayquez (USA). The AeroMIT team was also adjudged 5th position in the Written Design Report where the Georgia Institute of Technology (USA) secured the top position.

Due to the pandemic, this year's competition was organized using a hybrid model. Teams were engaged in the competition through a 2-step registration process - the “Knowledge event” which was held online and the “Validation event” which is scheduled to be held offline. The Knowledge event included a written Design Report and Oral Technical Presentation. Whereas, the Validation event which is to be held in June will include a Technical Inspection and Flying Rounds.

Dr. D Srikanth Rao, Director MIT congratulated AeroMIT for their stupendous performance. “Despite the limitations imposed by pandemic, our students have been doing exceptionally well and have been winning accolades in international events. The pandemic has not the least effected their pursuit of technical prowess and learning abilities. The students have demonstrated that perseverance and determination can help us overcome all difficulties. They have made best use of the available resources and time to keep themselves engaged in educational pursuit. I am very happy at the achievement of AeroMIT team and wish them best for their next endeavour”.

Applying Agile Methodologies In CDMOs Across The Indian Market

* Saurabh Gurnurkar, Executive Director, Uquifa states that CDMOs have begun to incorporate the latest innovations in all aspects of their operations. Whether this implementation happens in science, in manufacturing equipment, or communication technologies, CDMOs are pushing the boundaries. 

In order to truly help biotech and pharma companies in their journey from drug development to commercialisation, contract development and manufacturing organisations (CDMOs) have begun to incorporate the latest innovations in all aspects of their operations. Whether this implementation happens in science, in manufacturing equipment, or communication technologies, CDMOs are pushing the boundaries and making changes. 

One area that may be less tangible is the management of the relationship with their customers, as well as the management of the customers’ programs. Sponsor companies and their suppliers are starting to work together more collaboratively than ever before, to ensure positive outcomes. Successful delivery of a program on time,  first time, translates into time and cost savings. The main driving force behind this evolutional change revolves around the need for reduction of drug development costs which in turn opens new avenues for better patient care. However, there are still companies hesitant to enter into completely open and collaborative partnerships. Some CDMOs, thus, have taken it upon themselves to incorporate leading-edge solutions to help streamline project and project. 

The industry’s standard approach revolves around employing a single, dedicated network, with multiple, consecutive phases or gates. In some cases, there are separate end-users with complex contractual terms as well. The common denominator is the sequential nature, the static planning, and the transfer of risk and liability among the parties, which contributes to a siloed effect—curbing the collaborative experience during a project. Such a rigid approach is growing increasingly fragile. 

Fit-for-purpose Agile methodologies

Back in 2000, a group of IT thought-leaders set up the principles of Agile methodology principle. It was articulated thus, “We are uncovering better ways of developing software by doing it and helping others do it. 

Through this work, we have come to value: Individuals and interactions over processes and tools, Working software over comprehensive documentation, Customer collaboration over contract negotiation, Responding to change over following a plan.”

The process from tech-transfer to developing an efficient new drug API at a CDMO seemed to be made-to-order for the Agile methodology. We at Uquifa adopted it to ensure that flexibility, collaboration, individuals and outcomes rather than process, documentation or contracts become the basis of our CDMO process. To further raise the bar in the delivery of pharmaceutical ingredients Uquifa created fit-for-purpose Agile methodologies for small API molecule development, manufacturing capabilities, and project management. These Agile methodologies have helped significantly in overcoming barriers and constraints, resulting in lean and efficient manufacturing culture. At the core of this Agile methodology adoption was our Integrated Project Teams (IPT) have helped improve throughout the lab-to-commercialisation journey are open communication, flexibility, responsiveness, and excellence in customer service. 

Heavily influenced by IT agile principles, every project is implemented streamlined with various execution and delivery processes. Understanding the specific requirements of the new drug is naturally crucial, and our expert professionals gain comprehensive insights and expectations for each new drug development project directly from customer inputs and feedback. This helps tackle one of the industry’s biggest challenges, viz, the transfer of technology effectively without loss of time and know-how. Our Agile methodologies go the extra mile to eliminate constraints and create a cooperative environment that promotes enthusiastic participation as well as a commonly shared vision helping in tech transfer and overall project management. This has become even more important when marrying the high-quality culture of regulated international markets while ensuring low operational and overhead costs for clients has become second nature, giving efficient and timely delivery of such molecule.

And, through the years we have seen that a shared vision through these adapted Agile methodologies helps in consistently achieving a shared outcome for clients. 

DRDO Launches Anti-COVID Oral Drug 2-DG Across Indian Market

* The medicine comes in powder form and can be taken with water

The first batch of DRDO-developed anti-COVID drug 2-DG (2-deoxy-D-glucose) has been launched to treat patients suffering from the deadly COVID-19. The medicine comes in powder form and can be taken with water.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh and health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan released the first batch of the 2-DG, an anti-COVID-19 therapeutic application of the drug developed by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a lab of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL).

Singh would be later distributing around 10,000 doses of the drug to a few hospitals in the national capital.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) granted emergency use nod for the drug last week. The drug could be a game changer in the battle against pandemic as it helps in faster recovery of hospitalised patients and reduces oxygen dependence.

Clinical trial results have shown that the drug helps in faster recovery of hospitalised patients and reduces supplemental oxygen dependence. Higher proportion of patients treated with 2-DG showed RT-PCR negative conversion in COVID patients.

The medicine was found to be safe for COVID-19 patients in phase-II trials, conducted between May and October last year. It was found to be effective in cutting short the hospital stays of COVID patients and reducing their supplemental oxygen dependence.

During the first wave of the pandemic in April last year, INMAS-DRDO scientists conducted laboratory experiments with the help of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, and found that this molecule works effectively against SARS-CoV-2 virus and inhibits the viral growth.

Based on these results, DCGI permitted phase-II clinical trial of 2-DG in COVID-19 patients in May 2020. The DRDO, along with its industry partner DRL, Hyderabad, started the clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of the drug in COVID-19 patients.

In phase-II trials (including dose ranging) conducted during May-October 2020, the drug was found to be safe in COVID-19 patients and showed significant improvement in their recovery. Phase II was conducted in six hospitals and Phase IIb (dose ranging) clinical trial was conducted at 11 hospitals all over the country. 

Phase-II trial was conducted on over 110 patients. 

Mercedes-Benz Research And Development India Announces Support To Employees, Community Through Covid-19 Relief Initiatives

 

· Helps procure 110 oxygen concentrators for Karnataka in partnership with regional NGOs and German Consulate, Bengaluru 

· Reinstates support to employees with holistic wellbeing initiatives

Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) announced a slew of initiatives to ensure the health, safety, and holistic wellbeing of its employees and the larger community, amidst the second wave of the pandemic.

Contributing towards Covid-19 relief efforts, the company has collaborated with C-CAMP (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms), the German Consulate, Bengaluru, Rhenus Logistics, and Nayonika Eyecare Charitable Trust to procure 110 oxygen concentrators for the hospitals in Karnataka.

“The health and safety of our employees is a foremost priority and we are committed to it, more so during these difficult times. We’ve taken extensive measures right from virtual medical consultation, Covid-19 care leaves, insurance coverage to vaccination programmes to support our employees and their families,” said Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO, MBRDI. “Empathy is the need of the hour and at MBRDI, we are mindful that the communities around us need to be supported in all possible ways.  It is both our honour and duty to strengthen the larger relief efforts with the procurement of oxygen concentrators for the hospitals in Karnataka.”

Some of the initiatives to support MBRDI employees in staying safe and healthy during the ongoing global pandemic include:

Covering the cost of Covid-19 vaccination for all its 6000 employees in India, as well as their dependents.

As part of the Covid-19 home isolation care programme, the company has tied up with Apollo Clinic to provide all-paid medical care and advisory services for two weeks. This programme constitutes daily monitoring, consultation with physicians, diet counselling, physiotherapy sessions including breathing techniques, daily critical vitals checks, and more.

Covid Kawach, an additional insurance cover exclusively for Covid-19 treatment, focusses on a health plan with comprehensive coverage for the employees as well as their dependents.

As part of its #TogetherWeCan initiative, the company has launched an in-house, virtual response taskforce called the Covid-19 Warriors. The programme has seen an uproar of support from MBRDI employees volunteering to go above and beyond in assisting colleagues in distress.

A command center with a 24x7 helpline is set up to provide virtual medical teleconsultation, end-to-end guidance on the doorstep RT-PCR swab collection, and information on hospitals and emergency services providing medical assistance to Covid-19 patients.

To support and ensure mental and emotional wellbeing, the company’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) has stepped up its focus on prevalent topics employees reach out for free counselling on.

MBRDI also plans to offer free 3 healthy meals delivery to the employees and their families affected by Covid-19 or in quarantine.   

About Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI)

Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) headquartered in Bengaluru was founded in 1996 as a captive unit to support Daimler’s research, IT, and product development activities. We focus on topics ranging from computer-aided design and simulations (CAD, CAE) for powertrain, chassis, and exteriors to embedded systems, telematics and developing various IT applications and tools. The satellite office in Pune specializes in interior component designs and IT engineering.   The establishment of MBRDI is in line with the Daimler group’s ambition to attract the world’s best engineering talent and form a global footprint for its R&D and IT competencies. MBRDI also aims to partner closely with suppliers in India for its activities in product development and IT services. It is now one of the largest global development centres outside Germany, employing more than 5000 skilled engineers; and has established itself as a valuable partner to all business units and brands of Daimler worldwide.