Zupee announces Strategic Partnership With Reliance Jio

* Increasing visibility in the Jio ecosystem

* First of its kind integration and cutting-edge tech & innovation partnership

* Massive distribution reach

* Partnership enables market growth for Zupee, which just completed a US$ 102 million series B round

Zupee, India's largest skill-based casual gaming company, has announced a first-of-its-kind strategic partnership with Jio Platforms Limited. This will entail integration of products and strong synergies in user engagement and distribution in a future-ready ecosystem that will benefit over 450 million users. With this new synergy, the aim is to build an ecosystem that will facilitate faster and more efficient development and distribution of products and services that will benefit Zupee customers. Jio users will be provided access to Zupee’s rich repertoire of online skill-based games as well as other innovative products that Zupee develops.

With the new partnership in place, emphasis will be on rolling out more quality games in multiple languages to as many users as possible with the ambition of making Zupee the biggest gaming platform in India connecting India with Bharat. Over 150 million 5G handsets are expected to be sold before the commercial launch of 5G in India, and Zupee is aggressively looking to capture as much of the market as possible with this partnership with Jio.

Zupee will also benefit from the reach Jio currently has. Zupee games will be distributed to all the Jio customers. It will also be made available to Jio Phone customers. This will give Zupee the biggest reach of all gaming companies in India catapulting the fastest growing gaming start-up into the biggest gaming company in the country. This strategic partnership firmly cements the trust in the incredible growth and vision that Zupee brings to the table with key strengths in cracking winning game formats and monetisation in the Indian market.

Zupee recently completed US$ 102 million Series B funding round, with an extension of US$ 30 million that was already raised. The round saw participation from marquee investors such as WestCap Group, Tomales Bay Capital, Nepean Capital, AJ Capital, Matrix Partners India & Orios Venture Partners. This takes the total funds raised by Zupee to US$ 121 million at a US$ 600 million valuation. Previous investors include the Smile Group who partnered as a venture builder with Zupee. Zupee has over 70 million downloads in India and the new capital raise will help it grow its reach significantly.

The funds will be utilized for developing new products, enhancing immersive design experiences, expanding into new geographies, ramping up marketing, reach, penetration, research and innovation, and hiring top talent to further Zupee’s ambition of building a platform rich with possibilities and meaningful connections. In 2022, Zupee will continue to develop new forms of purposeful entertainment that can engage, empower and entertain the users.

Dilsher Singh, Founder & CEO, Zupee, said, “Zupee has always been a behavioural science, human motivation & culture first start-up, bringing the best of India’s engineering talent, creativity & storytelling abilities under one roof, pushing the boundaries of innovation, with user centric design and a tech-for-good approach. Jio is the perfect partner for this journey as we look to penetrate the remotest areas of India all the way to the most disadvantaged people to bring them into the fold. This resonates firmly with our idea of the internet of the future which would be open, permissionless,

decentralized & limitless. Indian smartphone exports are expected to increase from USD 3.6 bn in 2020-21 to USD 55 bn in 2025-26 which is a 15x growth. As a home-grown start-up, we want to put Indian products and games on all those devices that can take the India story to the world. We will do this while continuing to make games that entertain and put smiles on the faces of millions of people around the world.”

“The timing for this partnership could not be better as we are going to be focussing on innovations in Edge Computing, Decentralised Data Networks and Artificial Intelligence creating a truly global platform with the best that India has to offer. As we work towards building a robust feature rich platform, we never wish to lose sight of staying relevant and meaningful for the last mile and the underserved communities of the country. I remain equally bullish on enhancing the footprint of the Zupee Skilling Academy where we will be at the forefront of empowering the youth of our country for the future of work & jobs through our equal opportunity pillars and our collective efforts on deepening democracy.” he further added.

Zupee has many firsts to its credits and was recently named a soonicorn in the Hurun India Future Unicorn List 2021 with its founders highlighted as the youngest leaders in the category. They have previously been recognized in the Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 Consumer Tech category as well. The gaming start-up is known for taking time-tested, popular games and reengineering them for mobile devices by making them competitive, engaging and entertaining. The user-centric, language-agnostic approach has meant that the games are popular with people across geographies and demographics.

Rodolphe Belmer Takes Office As New Chief Executive Officer Of Atos

Atos is pleased to announce that effective January 1st, 2022, Rodolphe Belmer has assumed office as the Group’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Last October Mr Belmer was coopted as Board Member and nominated by the Atos Board of Directors to lead the Group’s transformation. With a wealth of experience and a solid international network, he is a recognized business leader in Europe, the United States and Asia and can capitalize on a proven track record in transforming and spearheading the rebound of companies disrupted by technology.

Bertrand Meunier, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Atos SE, Chairman of the Nomination and Governance Committee, said: "On behalf of the Atos Board and all its employees, I am very happy to welcome Rodolphe Belmer and look forward to working closely with him as he leads our Group forward, accelerating our transformation and enabling the return to growth.”

Rodolphe Belmer, 52 years old, was formerly Chief Executive Officer of satellite operator Eutelsat Communications, a position he held for six years, following a 14-year career at Paris-based television giant Canal Plus where he was appointed CEO in 2003 and served as Group Managing Director from 2012 to 2015. Mr Belmer is also a board member of the world’s leading streaming entertainment service Netflix.

About Atos

Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with 107,000 employees and annual revenue of over € 11 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 71 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea), listed on the CAC 40 ESG and Next 20 Paris Stock Indexes.

The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

BITS Pilani WILP Becomes Employee Education & Upskilling Choice For Tech Company Mphasis

* BITS Pilani WILP to offer an M.Tech. Degree programme to 250 Mphasis employees beginning from Academic Year 2022 

The Work Integrated Learning Programmes (WILP) Division of BITS Pilani has entered into a collaboration with Mphasis, a leading technology company. The collaboration will begin with enrolling 250 Mphasis employees for an M.Tech. Programme offered by BITS Pilani’s WILP, a trusted ally of the Indian Industry to develop future skills talent. The Mphasis employees will be able to pursue their M.Tech. Programme while pursuing their jobs and without taking any career breaks. The collaboration will commence in Academic Year 2022 and the number of enrolled employees will likely increase in subsequent years based on business requirements.  

This M.Tech. Programme has been built to provide learners with a sound foundational knowledge of Software Engineering and allied subjects, and apply that in their projects at work seamlessly, and develop world-class software solutions for Global clients. With the constantly changing industry needs, the company resources also need to keep up with the change in demands.  

Talking about this collaboration, Prof. G. Sundar Director Off-Campus Programmes & Industry Engagement, BITS Pilani, said, “We are pleased to initiate a collaboration between BITS WILP and Mphasis an organisation that prioritizes investing in a range of programmes specifically created for the well-being of the employees. Through our WILP Division, we work with organizations to transform working professionals in a manner that while meeting their learning aspirations, also facilitates career growth by aligning with the organization goals, and meeting evolving industry needs” 

Speaking with Chief Human Resource Officer of Mphasis Srikanth Karra said, “As a Hi-Tech, Hi-Touch, Hi-Trust organisation, we are looking for ‘geeks’ who have engineering in their DNA. BITS Pilani seems the right partner for the cohort. We are excited to on-board young talent who have the hunger to learn, a flair for agility, and are keen to solve higher-order client challenges.”  

Businesses and various industry sectors must upskill & reskill their human resources to offer domain expertise, creativity, and swiftness to stay ahead in a digitally changing environment. BITS Pilani WILP has been offering professional learning programmes for over 40-years now, equipping more than 97,000 working professionals in industries such as IT, Automotive, Manufacturing, Pharma, and Chemicals, Metals & Mining to propel their careers forward. To meet the upskilling requirements of the twenty-first century, the industry, institution, and enrolled employees, all need to work together and create a workforce of future-ready talent. 

About BITS Pilani Work Integrated Learning Programmes: 

India has a large and qualified professional workforce, which must and will continue to grow in size, complexity, and quality. Given the nature of modern professions, and the acquired reputation of Indian professionals in these roles, continual learning and higher educational qualifications are necessary tools for the nation to succeed within, and compete globally. Work Integrated Learning Programmes of BITS Pilani (WILP) are degree/diploma/certificate programmes which are developed and conducted by BITS Pilani in association and jointly with organizations representing various industry sectors.  

About BITS Pilani:  

BITS Pilani is an Institution of national repute, known for providing technical education of the highest standards and is well recognized for its innovations, and strong links with industry. It is consistently ranked as the best private engineering & technology institution by leading ranking agencies and publications. MHRD, Govt. of India, in August 2018 announced BITS Pilani as one of the first six Institutions of Eminence in the country. It is one of the few universities that has created an institutionalized framework for achieving a vibrant environment that successfully inculcates an ambience for experiential and cooperative learning and education. BITS Pilani views education as a continual engagement and experience, and ensures that the learning experience is integrated seamlessly not only across its classrooms and laboratories, but also in the industry, as exemplified by its Practice School, and Work Integrated Learning Programmes 

Big Ear Hole? Now Get Non-Surgical Auroplasty Done In Bangalore!

Ear holes can become big for various reasons and can affect women of all age groups. Hitherto, surgery has been the only answer to closing the hole and piercing a new hole. 

Now you can say goodbye to painful surgery. Dr Poonam Sharma's Auroplasty is a simple non- surgical procedure where you can walk in and walk out in just 2 to 3 hours with the new hole. 

In an exclusive interview, she talks about the procedure and the cost involved. Dr Poonam will be performing the procedure in Bengaluru on Jan 7& 8, 2022.

Q. What are the reasons for the ear hole to become big? Is it age related?

Dr Poonam: There are multiple reasons for ear hole to become big, major being 

a. Soft Skin

b. Accidental pulling

c. Constant wearing of large ear-rings

d. Fungal infection

e. Sleeping on sides

Age is definitely a factor, with growing age skin loses its elasticity and thinning of lobes is common in elderly patients 

Q. What is Auroplasty? 

Dr Poonam:In simple words, Auroplasty means ear lobe repair.

We close the existing hole completely without any stiches and make a new hole in one seating.

Few of its advantages are: 

No pain

Permanent

Reliable

No side effects

No burning

Quick

Safe

Economical

No medication required

Q. Since when have you been performing auroplasty? How many patients have you seen across how many cities?

Dr Poonam: I have been practicing Auroplasty since 1998 in Mumbai.

In 2006, we started with our first outstation clinic in Delhi.

Currently we are present in 14 cities across India and more than 30000 patients have been benefitted 

Q. Is the procedure painful? What are the precautions a patient needs to take pre and post procedure?

Dr Poonam: It is not a painful procedure. I have completed it for small children (due to accidental pulling) also for elderly patient aged 93 Years. 

There are no precaution to be taken before procedure apart from having a hair wash, since you won't be able to do it post procedure for 7 days :)

Post care in short is to keep the area dry and clean. Detailed Post care instructions will be provided post procedure and are also available on www.earholerepair.com   

Q. Can people with tendency of keloids undergo auroplasty?

Dr Poonam I Personally do not suggest this for keloids patient. Keloids patients may get keloid on new hole or may not get, but taking a chance is not worth. They can use support tapes and continue to wear ear-rings. 

Q. How much is the cost of the procedure?

Dr Poonam : Cost for closing is Rs. 5000 for one hole and Rs.7000 for both. This excludes cost of ear-ring towards the new hole, that starts Rs. 500/- onwards.

Q. When will you be performing in Bangalore? 

Ans: Every 6-7 weeks - January 7, 2022.

IIFL Finance Offers Gold Loan At Lowest Rate Of 0.54% Per Month

IIFL Finance, one of India’s leading non-banking financial companies (NBFC) has launched gold loan products with interest rates starting from 0.54%, which is one of the lowest interest rate offered by a gold loan NBFC. The scheme is available in more than 2200 branches of IIFL Finance. 

IIFL Gold Loan offers longer tenure which extends up to 24 months, allowing customers to manage cash flow better. In addition, it offers flexible interest repayment - monthly, bimonthly, quarterly and half-yearly options - to customers based on their requirements.

A customer can walk into IIFL Finance branch and receive the loan within 30 minutes. The company offers 5 days of grace period for interest repayments, which is a novelty in this segment.

Mr. Saurabh Kumar, Business Head - Gold Loans, IIFL Finance said: “IIFL Finance has a loyal customer base with over 70% customers choosing to do business with us again. Our customers include farmers and small entrepreneurs, who have used gold loans to meet their capital needs. They appreciate our lower interest rates, longer tenure, grace period and easy digital repayment options.” 

IIFL Finance believes in honest and transparent dealing or #SeedhiBaat and has launched a campaign around the same in association with star cricketer Rohit Sharma.

IIFL Finance caters to over 60 lakh customers with Home loan, Gold loan, Business loan and Microfinance products. IIFL Finance has widened its pan India reach through an extensive network of over 2,200 branches across 600+ locations. IIFL Finance continues to expand its footprints in tier 2 – tier 5 cities with aim to fulfil credit needs of underserved and unbanked customers.

Garmin India Introduces The All New TACX BOOST An Indoor Trainer Designed For Cyclists Of All Levels

The easy-to-use Tacx Boost includes several key training features:-

* Magnetic brake allows cyclists to apply resistance or lighten it to get the most of their indoor ride

* Resistance can be adjusted manually up to 1,050 watts with 10 levels

* Flywheel generates authentic and smooth pedal stroke while the closed resistance unit reduces noise

* Speed sensor provides cyclists with an affordable way to track speed, distance and virtual power

In a quest to make cycling experiences more immersive, Garmin India, a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced the launch of the power packed indoor training devise, the Garmin TACX BOOST that provides a realistic ride-feel to the cyclists and is ideal for training the year-round.

The Tacx Boost indoor trainer comes with a wide range of features. It is integrated with ten different levels of adjustable resistance and can deliver up to 1,050 watts via the lever attached to the handlebar. Cycling enthusiasts can apply resistance or lighten it with the magnetic brake to maximize their indoor riding experience.

The flywheel installed in the indoor training devise simulates a realistic pedal stroke, while the closed resistance unit helps to reduce noise, which allows cyclists to ride anywhere without being heard. The speed sensors which comes in separately enables the cyclists to track their pace, distance and virtual power using apps like Tacx Training, Zwift, and TrainerRoad.

Speaking on the launch of Tacx Boost in India, Mr. Ali Rizvi, Director, Garmin India, said, “Garmin always thrives to enhance user experiences with quality and world-class technology. The Tacx Boost is designed and developed by the in-house R&D team to cater to the needs of cyclists of all levels and support them in enhancing their performances. It is further laden with advanced features and multiple applications that make it the most trusted partner while training".

The set-up of the Tacx Boost is quite simple. The cyclists only required two simple clicks to get it started. In addition to ensuring a comfortable cycling position, the front wheel support also serves as a handle to carry the trainer.

Price: The Tacx Boost Indoor Trainer comes with a speed sensor and is available in a bundle version for INR 29,990.

Availability: Pro Bikers (Chennai), Cyclofit (Bombay), The Bike Shop (Gurgaon), Mastermind (Bombay) and Rajesh Cycles (New Delhi).

For more information about Tacx Boost, visit:-https://www.garmin.co.in/mobile/products/intosports/tacx-boost/

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for runners, cyclists, swimmers and athletes of all levels and abilities. Committed to developing technology that helps people stay active and elevate performance, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday.

About Garmin International, Inc. Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin is a registered trademark and Index S2 and Garmin Connect are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

ideaForge Offers Microlearning To Its Drone's Pilots To Reinforce Safe Practices And Enhance Skills

To accelerate the learning curve of pilots operating ideaForge’s drone and to reinforce safe practices, ideaForge has on-boarded Rapl, a microlearning platform. This is in line with its vision to increase the adoption of unmanned aerial systems. With Rapl, ideaForge will be able to introduce reinforced learning for each of the pilots of its drones, allowing them to operate their drones more safely and effectively.

ideaForge, as a market leader, is also eager to increase system adoption by assisting the operators of its drones, i.e., Pilots, in a thorough and convenient learning mechanism. This approach helps make our skies more secure from inadvertent errors. With one ideaForge drone flying every 6 minutes in India, ideaForge has over 3000 pilots operating its drones and have completed over 200,000 successful missions.

Operators/pilots can benefit from an interactive platform such as the one provided by Rapl by enabling continuous learning and engagement even after the excellent training provided at the time of inducting of the system in a customers’ workflow. ideaForge assists pilots in focusing on their weak areas and avoids concepts in which they are confident, allowing them to optimise their learning and shorten the learning curve.

Vishal Saxena, VP of Business says, "At ideaForge, we have been singularly focussed on delivering successful missions to our customers. We are also at the forefront of innovation: be it tech, business models, or operations. Building on this, we are introducing a microlearning platform for our customers, especially pilots, to train via micro "bite" sized learning that is engaging (gamified, scenario based) and simple to use, is personalised and adaptive. This will inculcate a continuous learning culture which is further amplified with actionable analytics which will help ideaForge recommend appropriate interventions to these pilots.” 

The pilot for the last 3 months has yielded successful results with a great adoption and engagement rates, it is now rolled out to all the pilots. We believe this journey of empowering pilots is the key for successful missions for our customers. 

About ideaForge:

ideaForge is India's largest manufacturer of drones for defence, homeland security, and industrial use. The organisation, founded in 2007 by IIT-Bombay alumni, has a consistent market share of more than 90% in the Security & Surveillance segment. The organization is a Ministry of Defence (MoD) approved licensed manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

ideaForge is the first organisation in India to develop and manufacture vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAVs. It is India's UAV industry pioneer, with over 20 patents to its name, including the then lightest world's autopilot in 2009. Currently, the organization has deployed over 1000 systems and has trained over 3000 pilots in services including Indian Army, Navy, Air-Force, all CAPFs (CRPF, BSF, NSG, etc), State Police Forces, Indian Railways, Survey of India, TAFE, NTPC, DRDO, L&T and many more. For more information, visit www.ideaforge.co.in