Airtel And Google Partner To Help Grow India’s Digital Ecosystem

* Google to invest up to $1 billion in a partnership with Airtel as part of its Google for India Digitization Fund

* Deal includes investment of $700M to acquire 1.28%* ownership in Airtel and up to $300M toward potential multi-year commercial agreements

* The partnership will focus on enabling affordable access to smartphones across price ranges, and will continue to explore building on their existing partnerships to potentially co-create India-specific network domain use cases for 5G and other standards, and help accelerate the cloud ecosystem for businesses across India 

Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), one of India’s premier communications solutions providers, and Google today announced that they will partner on a long-term, multi-year agreement to accelerate the growth of India’s digital ecosystem. Together, they will work to bring best-in-class end-to-end products to serve customer needs, provide quality customer experience, and bring their expertise to solve problems of affordability, access, and digital inclusion.

As part of this partnership, Google intends to invest up to $1B, as part of its Google for India Digitization Fund, which includes equity investment as well as a corpus for potential commercial agreements, to be identified and agreed on mutually agreeable terms over the course of the next five years. This will comprise:

A $700M equity investment in Bharti Airtel at a price per share of INR 734.

Up to $300M that will go towards implementing commercial agreements, which will include investments in scaling Airtel’s offerings that covers a range of devices to consumers via innovative affordability programs as well as other offerings aimed at accelerating access and digital inclusion across India’s digital ecosystem.

This deal will be subject to necessary regulatory approvals.

The two organizations recognize the importance of a connected India, in empowering businesses as they progress on their Digital Transformation journeys, and building a strong digital ecosystem for consumers everywhere. Both organizations are committed to working towards building an open technology ecosystem that serves customers and businesses with innovative digital services, and have agreed to jointly explore and invest across a wide spectrum of areas to create digital solutions that uniquely serve India’s requirements.

As a part of its first commercial agreement, Airtel and Google will work together to build on Airtel’s extensive offerings that covers a range of Android-enabled devices to consumers via innovative affordability programs. Together, the companies will continue to explore further opportunities to bring down the barriers of owning a smartphone across a range of price points, in partnership with various device manufacturers.

Under the larger strategic goals of the partnership, both companies will also potentially co-create India-specific network domain use cases for 5G and other standards, with cutting-edge implementations. Airtel is already using Google’s 5G-ready Evolved Packet Core & Software Defined Network platforms, and plans to explore scaling up the deployment of Google’s network virtualisation solutions to deliver a superior network experience to their customers.

Both companies will also focus on shaping and growing the cloud ecosystem in India to accelerate their digital transformation journeys. Airtel serves over one million small and medium businesses with its enterprise connectivity offering, and this partnership will help accelerate digital adoption.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Airtel said, “Airtel and Google share the vision to grow India’s digital dividend through innovative products. With our future ready network, digital platforms, last mile distribution and payments ecosystem, we look forward to working closely with Google to increase the depth and breadth of India’s digital ecosystem.”

“Airtel is a leading pioneer shaping India’s digital future, and we are proud to partner on a shared vision for expanding connectivity and ensuring equitable access to the Internet for more Indians,” said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet. “Our commercial and equity investment in Airtel is a continuation of our Google for India Digitization Fund's efforts to increase access to smartphones, enhance connectivity to support new business models, and help companies on their digital transformation journey.”

About Airtel:

Headquartered in India, Airtel is a global communications solutions provider with over 480 Mn customers in 17 countries across South Asia and Africa. The company ranks amongst the top three mobile operators globally and its networks cover over two billion people. Airtel is India’s largest integrated communications solutions provider and the second largest mobile operator in Africa. Airtel’s retail portfolio includes high speed 4G/4.5G mobile broadband, Airtel Xstream Fiber that promises speeds up to 1 Gbps with convergence across linear and on-demand entertainment, streaming services spanning music and video, digital payments and financial services. For enterprise customers, Airtel offers a gamut of solutions that includes secure connectivity, cloud and data centre services, cyber security, IoT, Ad Tech and cloud based communication. For more details visit www.airtel.com

About Google:

Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. Through products and platforms like Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Chrome and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people and has become one of the most widely-known companies in the world. Google is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc.

Sportz Village Schools Developed Programs To Enable Children To Be Physically Engaged In Safety And Comfort Of Their Homes

By  Mr. Krish Iyengar- Head Sportz Village Schools & Group Head - Marketing, Sportz Village 

How did Sportz Village Schools engage with children during the COVID?  

Children all over the world had their schooling disrupted due to the pandemic. Post the schools shut down in India, Sportz Village Schools developed programs and offerings which enabled children to be physically engaged in the safety and comfort of their own homes. We introduced ‘Play at Home’ a program that consisted of physical education classes with the curriculum suitably adapted to be conducted online. In addition to this, we also developed a web-based platform called ‘Sportz Village Leaderboard’. The Leaderboard incentivized children to be physically active by gamifying different physical activities. With these digital programs, Sportz Village was able to engage with close to 1.5 Lakh children and conducted more than 50,000 sessions. 

How are the programs of Sportz village Schools different from the ones conducted by regular schools and how has the experience been for children?

The Sportz Village in-school program is different from standard Physical education programs in a variety of ways. Firstly the Sportz Village program is implemented with the help of a scientifically designed curriculum. This curriculum is designed in such a way so as to be engaging and inclusive. The Sportz Village program also utilizes props and equipment which is designed as per the age of the children. Our program also has bi-annual assessments which helps track the performance of the child in different fitness and skill parameters. These assessments also help parents identify which sports their child could specialize and excel in. We also provide schools with content that seeks to teach academic concepts through sport.

What measures schools should take for children post-re-opening, to conduct physical activities? 

As recently the government has given a go-ahead to schools to re-open, physical education classes should also be normalised to ensure basic health and fitness of children. Schools need to implement social distancing norms. Sportz Village Schools curriculum has been modified in such a way that there is minimal physical interaction between children and minimal sharing of props and equipment. Although the introduction of these classes is necessary, care must be taken that the children are reintroduced to physical activity in a gradual, phased manner as we must take into consideration their reduced fitness levels. 

How Sportz Village Schools is enabling children to be fit and active?

Sportz Village Schools keep children fit and active through our in-school programs. These programs are a part of the school curriculum and ensures that children achieve the necessary amount of physical activity . These programs are implemented with the help of our dedicated trainers who are experts in their field. They are trained extensively on the Sportz Village curriculum ,both before deployment to schools as well as during refresher trainings throughout the year.  Our programs are also designed in such a way that all children irrespective of age and skill level are meaningfully engaged. The curriculum consists of different lesson plans, which focus on different fitness parameters as well as sports specific skills. The program also consist of a lot of both inter-school and intra-school events which give a children a chance to take part in competitive matches. 

Generali To Become Majority Shareholder In Indian Insurance JV

* Generali will become the majority shareholder of Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited and Future Generali India Life Insurance Company Limited 

* The move is in line with Generali’s ‘Lifetime Partner 24: Driving Growth’ strategy to strengthen its presence in fast-growing markets 

* Follows the announcement in 2021 by the IndianGovernment to permitthe increase of Foreign Direct Investment limit in the insurance sector from 49% to 74% 

* Strong market opportunity thanks to India being one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia: the size of the insurance market is around € 21 billion (March 2021), with an expected double-digit annual growth rate 

 Generali has signed agreements to become the majority shareholder in both its Life and P&C joint ventures in India. Both transactions are subject to the approval of relevant regulators. 

In the P&C business, Generali has agreed to acquire from Future Enterprises Limited 25% of the shares of Future Generali India Insurance (FGII) for a consideration of around € 145 million. After closing, Generali will hold a stake of around 74% in FGII. FGII is among the fastest growing general insurance companies in the market with a diversified product and distributor portfolio; as of March 2021 (fiscal year end for Indian insurance companies), it reported around € 450 million of premiums. 

Regarding the Life business, an agreement has been signedto acquire the entire stake(around 16%) held by Industrial Investment Trust Limited (IITL) in Future Generali India Life (FGIL) for a consideration of around € 26 million. FGIL reported around € 150 million of gross written premiums as of March 2021. In addition, Generali will subscribe to a preferential allotment of sharesin FGIL (around€ 21 million). As a result, following the closing of the transaction and completion of the preferential allotment, Generali will hold a stake of around 68% in FGIL, which may increase furtherto 71% by the end of 2022, following furtherpreferential allotment of shares. 

The transactions are fully in line with the ‘Lifetime Partner 24: Driving Growth’ strategy, strengthening Generali’s position in fast-growing markets and confirms the Group’s commitment to deliver profitable growth whilst creating value for customers, consistent with Generali’s Lifetime Partner ambition. Generali is the first player among international insurers to step-up to a majority stake in both its Indian insurance Joint Venture companies since the new foreign ownership cap came into effect.  

Following the completion of all the components of the transaction, the total estimated impact on the Group’s Regulatory Solvency Ratio will be approximately -4 p.p. in 2022. 

Jaime Anchústegui Melgarejo, CEO International, Generali Group, said: “Increasing Generali’s stake in our Indian Life and P&C insurance businesses represents a further step ahead in our growth journey in this high potential market. With an expected double-digit annual growth rate, India’s insurance market offers considerable opportunities, and we look forward to deepening our presence in this geography, becoming Lifetime Partners to an increasing share of Indian customers.” 

Rob Leonardi, RegionalOfficer, Generali Asia, said: “We’re excitedthat we are now able to consolidate our position in our Life and P&C insurance businesses, as it has always been our intention to increase our presence in India. Once the transactions are completed, we plan to do so in a way that will create more value for our more than 4 million customers, agents, partners and distributors.” 

India is one of the fastest growing insurance markets in the world, with nominal GWP growth at 10%+ CAGR over 2022-20301,2. It is uniquely attractive, thanks to its high real GDP growth(8% YoY growthexpected in 2021-20222, among the highestof south-eastern Asian countries), low insurance penetration levels (with GWP representing only 4.2%3  of GDP as at 20203) andprivate consumption and disposableincomes(expected to grow around 7% over the next 5 years2). 

Citigroup and Alvarez & Marsal acted as financial advisors to Generali on the transactions. 

Pause For Privacy: MYn App Calls For A Nation-wide Social Media Blackout On Data Privacy Day

*  This Data Privacy Day, unplug from social media to plug into Privacy

* MYn urges the nation to show support for Right to Privacy by committing to a culture of privacy, trust, and ownership

MYn App, a made-in-India for the world Super App, calls people for a one hour nation-wide social media blackout on Friday, 28th January 2022 at 5 PM, on Data Privacy Day. MYn, an app that functions on 100% privacy and zero targeted advertisements was launched to disrupt the contemporary social media, commerce, and workplace landscape, is an advocate for Right to Privacy. This hour-long social media pause, a movement initiated by MYn App, is a sign of silent protest against all forms of privacy and data violation occurring in our day-to-day social media environment.

Access to the internet has become increasingly centralized due to modern day applications, especially social media applications, leading to a rise in concerns regarding data privacy and data security. Consumers are sharing their data, but there are no rules or regulations in place to take action in case one’s data is misused. It's about the citizens being the sovereign. Thus, Data Privacy Day is observed every year on 28th January to raise awareness around the importance of privacy, to empower individuals to stand for their personal and web privacy, to enable trust, and to create a culture of owning one’s privacy responsibilities. It is imperative that every person who is a part of the online environment today knows the where, what, and how of their personal information. Therefore, with this social media blackout, MYn calls one and all to stand in solidarity for personal and web privacy by switching off from social media for a duration of one hour and be a voice that stands for the best and safest privacy practices in the online as well as offline environment.

In light of growing concerns surrounding frequent data breaches by commonly used social media apps, MYn believes that it is only time the digital community firmly stood against the same and strived for a data-protected cyber experience. The time is now to prioritize privacy in the digital space, and one way to amplify this movement is by collectively social distancing from social media for a solid one hour on the occasion of Data Privacy Day.

How to participate in the Social Media Silence:

Spread the word about the movement and the need for data privacy.

Switch off from all social media applications from 5 to 6 PM, on 28th of January.

Encourage your friends and family to join in on the same.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. A.S. Rajgopal, Founder, MYn App said, “I urge all media organisations, government agencies and my fellow citizens to lift up their voices against violation of data privacy, which is a pressing issue in today’s times. Privacy is a fundamental right. It is my fundamental right and your fundamental right. Let’s come together and claim what’s rightly ours. Join me in this nation-wide social media blackout on the 28th of January from 5 to 6pm, this Data Privacy Day.”

MYn is a made-in-India for the world Super App that is geared to reimagine and disrupt the current/contemporary social media, commerce, and workplace landscape. Consumers can now discover, interact and transact on a secure end-to-end encrypted system. MYn offers various services under one umbrella which includes social media, personal messaging, cloud storage, video conferencing, proximity commerce and a dedicated space for channels for content creators, users, traders and for personas (MYworld), (MYown) and (MYwork) on the app. MYn App is available for download on App Store and Google Play and offers a secure, internal communication and collaboration system for enterprises and businesses. If content creators wish to create an engaging MYn channel, they can connect with MYn team at contact@myn.global. Similarly, if an enterprise or business is keen on creating their work persona (MYwork) on MYn, they can reach out to the team at contact@myn.global as well. 

Link to iOS download: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/myn-own-your-network/id1576660827

Link to Android download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.multiverse.myn

About Multi-Verse Technologies:

Multi-Verse Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is founded with a vision focused on solving use cases centered at the intersection of citizens, enterprises and governments using cutting edge technologies. Multi-Verse is the launchpad for the revolutionary system, MYn App, that helps citizens and enterprises discover, interact, and transact with each other leading to immense possibilities.

FICSI And Indo German Chamber Of Commerce Have Signed An MoU To Bring International Standards In Bakery Training

In a bid to match the global benchmarks in skilling, Food Industry Capacity & Skill Initiative (FICSI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indo German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) to establish Centres of Excellence (CoE) for dual bakery training according to set standards of German Dual System, giving a push to endeavors focused on apprenticeship training.

The aim of the collaboration is to set up new baking-related vocational training courses in India. There is a demand for well-qualified candidates in the bakery sector, which is not met, currently. The purpose of these courses is to meet the changing requirements of the enterprises in India and global markets. The developed curriculum will be based on the needs of the Indian market, including the best practices from the German training standards for bakers. In addition, to meet the new training orientations, to achieve targets and to resolve challenges, a ‘Baker-train-the-trainer’ programme will be set up for addressing the technical as well as pedagogical elements involved in the courses.

Further, to show the impact from training and the international orientation of these dual educational training courses, an exchange programme with German vocational schools and companies for students and trainers will be established. This will include networking with the vocational schools, guilds in Germany and state partners, in turn, accelerating the apprenticeship efforts. Under the government’s initiative Vocational Training without Borders, the Indian trainees will receive 3-12 months long insights into a German bakery, imparting knowledge of German and European products along with intercultural exchange.

Commenting on the partnership, Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, stated, "A high degree of specialist knowledge and skill is required to excel in bakery and the industry provides a lot of opportunities. The MoU between FISCI and IGCC is driven to bridge the skill shortage in the industry in both the countries by introducing effective courses, corresponding to new industry demands and set up vocational training centres to facilitate expertise in the sector. Our vision is to set up an Indo-German network for the baking sector which will serve as a competence carrier for Industry 4.0 in consumer goods and production. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi has always expressed that globally there is a strong need for a talented workforce in several job roles, therefore, such partnerships support India’s young talent to receive these overseas employment opportunities, matching their interest with the most relevant prospects.”

Under the initiative, ways will be explored to evaluate the recruitment of trainees and their placement is Germany after they finish their training in India, making them available to internaltional markets and driving international mobility.

About Food Industry Capacity and Skill Initiative (FICSI)

Food Industry Capacity and Skill Initiative (FICSI) is the Sector Skill Council for Food Processing, an autonomous not-for-profit organisation set up under the Skill India initiative engaged in creating standards, curriculum design, training, assessment, and certification for the food processing Industry.

Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC)

The Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) was established in 1956 for the promotion of economic relations between India and Germany. With a network of about more than 4500 members, it is the largest German-foreign Chamber in the world and the largest Chamber of Commerce in India.   It is a significant catalyst for the promotion of trade and industrial relations between India and Germany and offers numerous services like foreign trade promotion, vocational training, regional economic development, and general services to their members.

US Baesd EvGateway, Expands Its Footprint In Indian Market

Continues their global expansion with the launch of a full Electric Vehicle Charging Management solution for the Indian Market- including Portal and Driver Mobile Application Collaborates with all major EV charging manufacturers and offers variety of options for a best-in-class turnkey solutions

EvGateway, a leading turn-key Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure solutions provider headquartered in California, USA with strong presence across United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East market, today announced the launch of its operations in India. Through this, the company will provide innovation in the Indian EV marketplace and help advance Electric Vehicle adoption, by offering easy-to-use solutions for drivers and charger owners alike. 

EvGateway provides Intelligent and advanced EV charging management services for customers of all industries and varied charging requirements. By combining the charger management features (such as OCPP & OCPI functionalities, Web portal, Demand response capabilities, Driver facing mobile app, Smart charging, and Fleet management services etc.) with the ability to integrate with EV vehicles, Energy management systems and Telematics functionalities, EvGateway will bring to the Indian market the most efficient and innovative EV solutions in the industry. 

Speaking about the expansion, Mr. Reddy Marri, President, EvGateway, said, “Our Global experience of integration of various technologies like telematics, V2G, CRMs into our SAAS platform enable us to provide effective solutions to clients of all sizes and adapt to every changing scenario.”

“A significant portion of the product was developed at our Development Centre in India and we continue to enhance the products from here. Along with the US team, we offer 24x7 support for the product from Hyderabad (We offer 24x7 support for the product from Hyderabad through our collective effort with the US team). It is indeed a moment of pride for us that we are finally bringing our product to India and contribute to its EV initiatives” added Uday Chagari, Head of EvGateway India.

“EvGateway’s suite of SAAS EV charging solutions is hosted and maintained in India regional cloud and meets the growing demands of Data security needs. EvGateway offers White Label solutions to Indian clients which enable them to invest and grow their individual brands. Our global experience in integrating Fleet Telematics, Payment gateways, OCPI roaming between networks, Load optimization, Onsite Solar and battery storage integration will provide flexibility and readiness for all different customer requirements. A parameter driven approach enables us to on-board clients with minimal effort.” added Nishanth Kalidindi, VP of Technology at EvGateway.

EvGateway will deliver advanced controls and features to Fleet operators, Large enterprises, and Charging station owners, to allow them to effectively manage and optimize their own EV infrastructure.  EvGateway is integrated with all major EV Charging manufacturers (Tritium, Siemens, Tellus Power, BTC Power, ABB, Efafec, Power Electronics, Rhombus and more) and so, can provide customers with the largest variety of options for a best-in-class turnkey offering!

About EvGateway

EvGateway is a turn-key EVSE infrastructure solutions provider with capabilities ranging from hardware procurement and networking, to payment gateway, white label software development, and 24x7 support for EV Charging stations. We partner with of some of the world’s leading companies to make charging convenient for fleets, public, and private charging scenarios.

For more information, visit www.evgateway.com

Exide Life Appoints Sanjay Vij As The New ED And Principal Officer

 Exide Life has announced the appointment of Mr. Sanjay Vij as the Executive Director and Principal Officer with effect from 10th January 2022.

On January 1, 2022, HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited (“HDFC Life”) announced the completion of the acquisition of Exide Life Insurance Company Limited (“Exide Life”), subsequent to receiving all relevant regulatory approvals. Pursuant to the agreement, there was a cash pay-out of Rs. 726 crore and 8,70,22,222 equity shares at an issue price of Rs. 685 per share were allotted to Exide Industries Limited (“Exide Industries”). Exide Industries now holds 4.1% stake in HDFC Life. The process for merger of Exide Life into HDFC Life will be initiated shortly.

Mr. Vij is a veteran in the life insurance industry. He joined HDFC Life in July 2001, and has since contributed to the company's incredible growth. As the Group Head - Bancassurance and Chief Values Officer (CVO) in HDFC Life, he was responsible for managing the P&L, market growth, and business of crucial bancassurance channels. As the CVO, he was responsible for institutionalizing and leading the EPICC values program. He was also a member of the Executive Committee (EC).

Mr. Vij brings more than 32 years of invaluable multi-industry experience in business management, performance management, business development and business strategy.

Sanjay Vij, the newly appointed ED and Principal Officer of Exide Life Insurance, said, “I am happy to see similar ethos, drive, passion and commitment making Exide Life and HDFC Life a perfect fit. Going forward, our goals and vision remain unchanged that is to provide innovative and customer centric insurance solutions that can help our customers secure their and their family's future, and in the process, become one of the most successful and admired life insurance companies in India.”

About Exide Life

Exide Life Insurance Company Limited, an established and profitable life insurance Company, commenced operations in 2001-02 and is head quartered in Bengaluru. The Company is 100% owned by HDFC Life Insurance. The Company manages assets of INR 18,381 Crores (as on 31 March, 2021). Exide Life Insurance distributes its products through multiple channels viz. Agency, Bancassurance, Corporate Agency & Broking, Direct Channel and Online. The Agency channel comprises of 40,000+ advisors attached to 200 Company offices (as on 31 March 2021) across the country. The Company also offers group life insurance solutions. The Company is focused on providing long-term protection and savings plans and has a strong traditional product portfolio with a consistent bonus track record.

The Company has ISO 9001:2015 quality certification for all Customer Service processes and the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for Information Security Management.