25 Year Old Low Cost Housing Developer In Forbes 30 Under 30

Young entrepreneur and developer from Bengaluru, Pranav Sharma, found his name entering the 30 under 30 Forbes list of Young Entrepreneurs early this year. The recognition, coming close on the heels of his successful multiple venture of providing affordable housing to the economically backward and mid segment home buyers, was given for the unique model opted in the solar energy segment to positively crack the cost ratio of the project.

In his project connected with solar energy generation, Pranav had come up with a leasing model for the primary cost of land, thus reducing the cost ratio of land in project cost from its prevailing 7 to 10 per cent to now merely 3 to 4 per cent. His business model also came with the added advantage of benefitting the farmers leasing the land by enabling them to continue to hold the title of the land while earning a regular monthly stream of income which otherwise was non-existent given the fallow nature of their lands.

In recognition of his business acumen, perseverance and unique business model, Forbes entered his name into the 30 under 30 list. “The land sourced for a solar plant is typically a waste land that cannot be used for agricultural purposes. The farmers stand to benefit when it is leased from them by the government. The land can be sub-leased from the government by those private players generating solar energy”, says Pranav.

Forbes also recognised his work in the affordable housing segment where Pranav cracked another successful business model where the cost of each apartment unit ensured that the economically backward home buyer had to pay an EMI not exceeding his normal monthly rental payments. This cost approach made the apartment units extremely affordable for the targeted segment, resulting in the units getting sold out within two months of launch. “Our objective was to build a brand, ensure quality, keep margins thin, where the viability is met through volumes”, explains Pranav about his business model.

Pranav is currently working on expanding his footprint both in the renewable energy segment as well as the affordable housing segment.

TVS Eurogrip Appoints “Vector Brand Solutions As Brand & Communication Agency” On Record

TVS Eurogrip, one of India’s largest manufacturers and exporters of two and three-wheeler tyres as well as off-highway tyres has awarded its Brand & Communications mandate to Mumbai based Brand & Communications consultancy, Vector Brand Solutions.  

Having already worked together on the immensely successful ‘Tyres for a country full of turns’ campaign, Vector Brand Solutions has been assigned to further strengthen brand strategy and communication. 

Madhavan P, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing TVS Srichakra said, “The journey since the launch of our brand TVS Eurogrip has been an exciting one. On the distribution front, we have been steadily penetrating and growing market share. In collaboration with our Europe product development centre, we now have best-in-category range of quality tyres that cater to the needs of the new age millennial rider. We have already successfully worked with the team at Vector to create a differentiated brand communication and we are excited to turn this into a long-term partnership. Team Vector’s all-round capabilities fit well with our value of delivering consistent high performance. With our new partnership with IPL champions Chennai Super Kings in place to catapult our brand salience, we look forward to partner with Vector on strengthening brand”. 

Joseph (Joe) George, Founder & CMD, Vector Brand Solutions added, “Our working relationship with the team at TVS Eurogrip has been spectacular and we are thrilled to now work with them long term - building the brand, and growing the business.  We passionately believe in TVS Eurogrip’s desire to become the market leader in terms of both performance and experience; and we will bring to bear all that we have, to fulfil their rightful ambition, which hereon is ours too”. 

About TVS Srichakra Ltd. 

TVS Srichakra Limited, makers of TVS Eurogrip brand of tyres is one of India’s leading manufacturers and exporters of Two, Three-Wheeler tyres and Off-Highway tyres. Incorporated in 1982, it is one of the flagship companies of the USD 8.5 Billion TVS Group which is India’s largest Auto Ancillary conglomerate.  With global research and development capabilities and cutting-edge technology, TVS Srichakra produces industry leading tyres for the automotive sector in India and worldwide. Headquartered in Madurai, TVS Srichakra has manufacturing facilities in Madurai (Tamil Nadu) and Rudrapur (Uttarakhand) with a production capacity of over 3 million tyres a month. The company has a design centre in Milan, Italy supporting the R&D centre in Madurai and the tyres are tested in Indian, European, and Japanese road conditions. TVS Srichakra’s products are available in over 85 countries across the world. In India, the company enjoys a significant market share amongst the original equipment manufacturers and replacement markets and has a comprehensive network of distributors and dealers giving it a robust presence. For more information, visit https://www.tvseurogrip.com.

Renault India Strengthens Its Presence Across Indian Rural Market

* Customers in rural areas get easy access to Renault’s products and services with 300 Booking Centres across India 

*  In a collaborative effort with CSC (Common Service Centre) to bring Renault vehicles closer to rural customers, opens 300 Renault Booking Centres across India 

Further widening its reach in the rural areas, Renault India has announced opening of 300 Renault Booking Centres across India in collaboration with CSC Grameen e-Stores, a subsidiary of CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd(CSC-SPV).  

Through this initiative, Renault India and CSC aim to increase accessibility in remote regions and provide rural customers an opportunity to book their favourite Renault car within their locality with ease and convenience. The customers can book their Renault car with minimum documentation formalities, by scanning the QR Code available at the nearest Renault Booking Centre, making digital inclusion of rural India a reality. The CSC’s nationwide network and digital services will further strengthen Renault India’s reach in rural geographies, including remote areas of the country.   

The Renault Booking Centres will also serve as a customer information center, providing all information related to the product, its features, price range, finance schemes and offers applicable at that point in time. To facilitate smooth rural e-commerce, these Booking Centres are equipped with highly trained Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) catering to all financial and products related queries and enabling sale to end customers in rural areas under one roof. 

CSC e-Governance Services India, Special Purpose Vehicle, has been set up by the ministry of electronics & IT under the Companies Act, 1956 to oversee implementation of the CSC scheme. CSC SPV provides a centralised collaborative framework for delivery of services to citizens through CSCs, besides ensuring systemic viability and sustainability of the scheme. 

Renault had partnered with CSC Grameen eStore last year to enhance its reach in rural India and move closer to customers in remote areas. Renault India’s leading product range and services are listed on the CSC Grameen eStore and made available to potential customers in the rural areas. Recently, Renault joined hands with CSC e-Governance Services to support Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan (PMGDISHA), Government of India’s flagship programme that aims to provide digital literacy to six crore rural citizens.  

PNB Announces Mandatory Verification Of High-Value Cheques In India

In a move to protect the bank customers against large value cheque frauds, Punjab National Bank (PNB) to make Positive Pay System (PPS) mandatory for the cheque of Rs.10 Lacs & above.  

As per the Positive Pay System (PPS) developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), a customer issuing the high-value cheque has to reconfirm some essential details, which are cross-checked while presenting the cheque in clearing before payment. 

PNB customers need to share details like account number, cheque number, cheque alpha code, issue date, amount, and beneficiary name for clearing the high-value cheques under PPS. 

These details are to be shared with the bank at least 24 working hours before the cheque is presented for clearing. Customers can share the details through internet banking, mobile banking, SMS banking, or their home branch in the prescribed format. 

The cheques that are registered in the PPS will only be accepted under the dispute resolution mechanism. 

As per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, PNB had introduced PPS for cheques of ?50,000 and above presented in CTS clearing from January 1, 2021, which has now become mandatory for the cheques of ?10 lakh and above from today. 

RBI had recommended that while availing of the facility is at the account holder's discretion, banks may consider making it mandatory for cheques of Rs. 5 lakh and above. 

Thomas Müller Joins Jaguar Land Rover As Executive Director of Product Engineering

* Thomas Müller appointed as Jaguar Land Rover’s Executive Director of Product Engineering with immediate effect 

* Thomas brings a 20-year automotive R&D track record including chassis, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving 

* Latest appointment to the Board of Directors will help Jaguar Land Rover accelerate its Reimagine strategy and vision of modern luxury by design 

Jaguar Land Rover has today announced the appointment of a new Executive Director of Product Engineering.  

Thomas Müller begins his role immediately, taking responsibility for the technical development of all new Jaguar and Land Rovers, including both hardware and software. His expertise in technology, agile leadership and digital capabilities will bring significant benefits to the efficient delivery of the next generation of modern luxury vehicles. 

With more than 20 years’ experience in the automotive industry, Thomas has an extensive background in different roles in research and development, with a focus on chassis, ADAS and autonomous driving. He joins Jaguar Land Rover from the Volkswagen Group, where he held a variety of engineering leadership positions at Audi. Most recently, Thomas was Executive Vice President for Research and Development ADAS and Autonomous Driving at Volkswagen Group’s automotive software subsidiary, CARIAD. 

Commenting on his appointment, Thomas Müller said: “I am thrilled to join the Jaguar Land Rover team at a pivotal point in the company’s transformation. We have a truly exciting opportunity. By fully implementing agile principles, automating engineering processes and applying innovative product development methods, we will bring to life a new generation of electrified Jaguar and Land Rover models that embody our modern luxury philosophy. Jaguar and Land Rover are already renowned for their peerless design and dynamic capability. I’m looking forward to further contributing to the success of these amazing brands and products as we pioneer a new era of electric power and digitalisation.” 

Thierry Bolloré, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Not only is Thomas a highly skilled, experienced engineering leader; he also brings a humble and approachable quality and we’re delighted to welcome him to Jaguar Land Rover. His vision and knowledge from more than two decades in the industry will make him a great support and mentor to our teams as we accelerate our journey of simplification and electrification.” 

Thomas is the latest executive appointment at Jaguar Land Rover, where he will play a key role in bringing to life the company’s Reimagine strategy: a sustainability-rich reimagination of modern luxury by design, unique customer experiences, and positive societal impact. The strategy is designed to help Jaguar Land Rover achieve net zero carbon emissions across supply chain, products and operations by 2039.  

Thomas succeeds Nick Rogers, who decided to leave Jaguar Land Rover in December 2021. 

Household Spends Have Increased For 62% Of Families: Axis My India – CSI

*  Consumer Sentiment highest in the last one year, with a Net Score of +19

·        Over 10,086 people surveyed 67% is from rural India while 33% is from urban India

·        Overall household spending increased for 62%, an 8% increase from last month

·        Increase in essential spends and non-essential spends by 5% each

·        Health-related consumption decreased for 16% of families

·        Media consumption remained the same for 55% of families

·        Mobility sentiments maintain a net score of Zero

·        18% planning to buy or exchange products like AC/Fridge this summer season

·        13% plan for domestic holidays while 84% has no plans of travel

Axis My India, a leading consumer data intelligence company, released its latest findings of the India Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI), a monthly analysis of consumer perception on a wide range of issues. The period of March reveals a significant improvement in consumption across household products. Sentiments associated with mobility highlight marginal improvement while sentiments associated with media consumption remains the same as last month. At an overall level, the Consumer sentiment is at the highest in last one year.

The April net CSI score, calculated by percentage increase minus percentage decrease in sentiment, was up/down to +19, from +9 last month and reflecting the highest increase in last one year.

The sentiment analysis delves into 5 relevant sub-indices – Overall household spending, spending on essential and non-essential items, spending on healthcare, media consumption habits & mobility trends.

This month, Axis My India’s Sentiment Index delved deeper to comprehend consumer’s behaviour with regard to current world affairs, IPL consumption and information- seeking motivations. The survey further revealed summer- specific holiday/leisure plans and product preferences of consumers.

The surveys were carried out via Computer Aided Telephonic Interviews with a sample size of 10086 people across 36 states. 67% belonged from Rural India while 33% belonged from urban counterparts. In addition, 63% of the respondents were male while 37% of the respondents were female. In terms of regional spread, 24% and 21% belonged to the Northern and Southern parts of India while 25% and 30% belonged to Eastern and Western parts of India. In terms of the two majority sample groups, 31% reflects the age group of 36YO to 50YO and 27% reflect the age group of 26YO to 35YO.

Commenting on the CSI report, Pradeep Gupta, CMD, Axis My India, said, “With mounting geo-politics tensions, opening up of economies and diminishing fear of Covid-19, Indian consumers are showcasing confidence and overall sentiment is at the highest in last one year. While they are seeking out every new information with the help of the ever increasing penetration of internet, a majority of the population still relies on traditional media such as television to seek accuracy of this information. Even the government’s decision to abstain from voting resonated with the country's sentiment basis welfare and security concerns of the Indian community in Ukraine and awareness of long standing political and strategic ties with Russia. Increasing expenditures across categories, domestic travels and coming together for IPL further captures the sentiment of an optimistic consumer. It reflects their intent for an improved life and lifestyle.

Key findings:

·          Overall household spending has increased for 62% of families which reflects an 8% increase from the last month. The net score which was at +43 last month as increased by +10 to +53 this month.

·          Spending on essentials like personal care & household items has increased for 48% of the families which reflects an increase by +5 as compared to last month. Spends however remain the same for 33% of the families, reduced by -5 from last month. The net score which was +24 last month has increased to +29 this month.

·          Spends on non-essential & discretionary products like AC, Car, Refrigerator has increased for 13% of families reflecting an increase of 5% from last month. Spending nevertheless remains the same for 82% of the families. The net score has improved to +8 this month as compared to +3 in the previous month.

·          Consumption of health-related items more or less remains the same for 46% of the families, while decreased consumption is witnessed among 16%. The health score which has a negative connotation i.e., the lesser the spends on health items the better the sentiments, has a net score value of -22 this month.

·          Consumption of media has increased for 22% of the families reflecting the same as last month. Consumption remains the same for a majority of 55% of families. The overall, net score which was at +1 in the last month is -1 this month.

·          89% of families said that they are going out the same for short vacations, malls and restaurants. Increased travel is reflected only among 6% of families, an increase by +1 from last month. The overall mobility net score is at 0.

On topics of current national interest:

·        Axis My India further evaluated consumers’ views on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the crisis that followed. Gauging consumers’ view on India’s stand, the survey discovered that 55% believe that India was right in not criticising Russia over the invasion of Ukraine. This reflects the countrymen’s confidence in the governments to take decisions based on national and strategic interest

·        Catching the excitement and thrill around the IPL, the survey discovered that a huge 33% will be watching the season on television at home or outside (mall/pub/friends’ place) while 10% showed interest in digital viewing. Only 2% reported enjoying the match live from the stadium. Marketers are thus expected to park a huge percentage of their ads on Television and Digital platforms being the most preferred medium as per the survey.

·        Assessing consumers’ views on buying non-essential summer- related products, Axis My India’s survey found out that 18% are planning to buy air-conditioners/fridge or replace an old one this summer season. However, 65% are still maintaining caution

·        The CSI – Survey furthermore captured consumer’s views on summer vacation/holiday plans. 13% are considering domestic travel while only 1% is looking to go for an international trip. A majority of 84% is still averse of major traveling for leisure.

·        In an attempt to understand consumer’s behaviour on information seeking, Axis My India discovered that 60% depend on the internet while seeking new information. However, 41% reports Television as the most trusted source of information followed by digital medium– the view of 33% and print – the view of 22%. This draws an interesting co-relation between the nature of the medium and the kind of need it fulfils of a consumers. While Digital caters to urgency, television caters to accuracy and honesty needs of the consumer seeking information.

About Axis My India:

Axis My India is India’s foremost consumer data intelligence consultancy that has revolutionized the field of election polling in the country, with an accuracy rate of ~93% spread across 28 states and 8 union territories and 2 national elections. The company has a presence in over 737 districts and has touched 85 million Indian households. It counts some of India’s largest corporations, state governments as well as Union Government in its clientele and offers a repertoire of research related services, including consumer insights, product validation, market segmentation, on-ground brand activation, personalized media solutions and micro marketing. The company publishes an annual Consumer Trust Index – spread across 45 consumer and product categories, and 1 million respondents.

For more information: https://www.axismyindia.org/

DeepFake AI Video Regeneration Tech De-Ages For First Time By Over 35 Years And Recreates 11-Year Old Sachin Tendulkar

* Campaign created and conceptualized by VMLY&R for Ageas Federal Life Insurance

Global brand and customer experience agency VMLY&R, unveiled the making of the film using Deepfake AI technology for Ageas Federal Life Insurance (AFLI) latest campaign featuring 11-year-old cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. The recreation process used a mix of custom pre and post processes and innovation took over 3 months, multiple stages, and dozens of technical and artistic experts across India and Spain to complete.

Making of the Video - https://vimeo.com/693461149

SRT Reaction Video - https://vimeo.com/693457577

YouTube link of the final campaign: https://youtu.be/GeF-Aecd0nY

Training Material Challenges

Deepfake AI video regeneration is a complex face-replacement process that only performs as well as the “learning” material that serves as its input. This was the first hurdle as no photographs or videos were available of Sachin at age 11. The few black and white photographs that were from his later teenage years and news interviews were of extremely poor quality and lacking in detail. The VMLY&R team conducted painstaking archival research with the help of the sportstar’s team to first visualise how he looked at a young age and assembled a set of photos and rare archival interviews.

The team auditioned over 40 child actors to find one who balanced performing abilities with a morphological resemblance to young Sachin.

They then proceeded to extract as many angles and expressions as possible from the archival material and a preliminary regenerated video was executed on 8 different young actors to help with the cast selection.

Precision Shooting and Preliminary AI

VMLY&R planned the shooting extremely carefully to ensure proper conditions for the best results, keeping in mind that we had a limited range of head angles. The team had to shoot the actor to mimic the same light conditions as in the archival photos, to get additional layers of information on each compositing.

Before editing, a second preliminary AI regeneration technique was applied to the best shots to make the take selection easier, to ensure that Sachin’s expressions looked believable. Once we had all takes and sources, a final calculation was done to get as many details and expressions as possible.

Integration and 3D

In the third stage, integration of the AI-generated visual layers over the young actor takes was performed. When comparing the results to the reference pictures, it was found that additional facial shape transformations on the chin were necessary to match a resemblance with the target at this age. 

So the team had to innovate again. A 3D model of a young Sachin's head was built based on the young Sachin photographs. This head was match-moved on every take to provide guidelines for proper shape adjustment.

VMLY&R even developed a technique to transfer details of the original actor to complete the missing details on young Sachin. Realistic face details such as the interior of the eyes had to be manually restored to increase the likeness. Next, additional 3D layers provided realistic were added lighting and texturing resources.

The VMLY&R team included some details that are the gold standard for Deepfake tests and can never be achieved with traditional Deepfake techniques - Such as a ball passing in front of the face, the head hiding behind the arm while he was performing with the bat.

At the end of the third stage, after colour adjustment, an artistic touch was an “old videotape look”, that helped melt original and post-produced layers together.

And finally, Sachin’s unmistakable voice had to be de-aged. The legend agreed to spend an entire day recording in a studio. With every take, we manually de-aged the voice and had to place it on the Deepfake output to make sure it matched and sounded authentic.

Commenting on the campaign, Mukund Olety, Chief Creative Officer, VMLY&R India said, “It’s amazing what we can do with technology. We can tell stories that could have never been told before. We wanted an inspiring figure to convince parents to overcome their fears with better financial planning from Ageas Federal Life Insurance, and who is better than our protagonist - the 11-year-old Sachin. While we knew this was something we could achieve using technologies such as DeepFake AI, unfortunately for us, we didn’t have any pre-existing videos of Sachin as a child. Instead of letting that stop us, we found our way through custom tech innovations.”

The TVC is supported with integrated social, print and outdoor pieces.

About VMLY&R

VMLY&R is a global brand and customer experience agency that harnesses creativity, technology, and culture to create connected brands. Made up of more than 12,000 employees worldwide, the agency has principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney. VMLY&R India encompasses VMLY&R, The Glitch and VMLY&R Commerce, and works with client partners including Colgate Palmolive, Marico, Ford, ICICI Bank, Kraft Heinz, Future Group, PepsiCo, Abbott Pharma and Swaraj Tractors. For more information, visit www.vmlyr.com. VMLY&R is a WPP company (NYSE: WPP).