Thousands of Blood Cancer Patients Are In Dire Need of Matching Blood Stem Cell Donors

Blood stem cell transplant is often the only life-saving treatment option for blood cancer patients 

Only 30% patient in need of a stem cell transplant find a match in their family; the rest 70% have to find an unrelated matching donor 

Only five lakh Indians are registered as potential blood stem cell donors, which is abysmal compared to Western countries 

Blood stem cell transplant is often the only lifesaving treatment option for patients with blood cancer. Around one-year posttransplant, most patients go on to lead near normal lives. However, lack of awareness about the treatment is a big challenge in India, due to which it is a race against time for patients waiting to find a matching donor. This was stated by medical experts in Bengaluru while marking the World Blood Cancer day, in an event organized by DKMS BMST Foundation India, a non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against world blood cancer. 

Dr. Sunil Bhat, Director & Clinical Lead, Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Blood & Marrow Transplantation, Narayana Health, Bengaluru: “If a genetically well-matched, young and healthy donor is available, the outcome of blood stem cell transplant is very good. The success rate differs with variations in patient and disease characteristics but, if done at the right time, 60-70% patients can be completely cured. In fact, the success rate has increased up to 80% with advancement in the conditioning regimen. Studies suggest that more than 70% of patients report good to excellent quality of life in 1-4 years after the transplant.” 

Over the last two decades, better diagnosis and disease awareness has led to a definite increase in incidence of blood cancer in India, especially in patients belonging to lower socio-economic strata. These patients are being diagnosed at advanced stage of the disease, leading to higher morbidity and mortality. A large number of patients from underprivileged sections and remote locations go undiagnosed and the incidences are not reported. 

Unavailability of matching blood stem cell donors is the main challenge faced by Indian patients in need of a transplant. Said Patrick Paul, CEO, DKMS BMST Foundation India, only about 30% of the patients can find a sibling match and the rest 70% depend on finding a matching unrelated donor. As per the World Marrow Donor Association, there are over 39 million donors registered across the globe. Only 0.5 million of these are from India. When someone needs a blood stem cell transplant, their odds of finding a match is much higher from among people of the same ethnicity. Hence it is very important for more Indians to step forward to register as donors so that more patients can be saved.” 

Every year, over 70,000 people die due to blood cancer in India, even as over 1lakh new patients get diagnosed. Said Dr. Sunil Bhat: “Both malignant and non-malignant conditions can be treated with a blood stem cell transplant, including Lymphoma, Leukemia, Myeloma and Hodgkin’s diseases. Knowing the type and subtype of leukemia is important in estimating life expectancy. The 5-year survival rate for children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) has greatly increased over time and is now about 90% overall. The 5-year survival rate of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) has also increased over time and is now in the range of 65-70%. Early detection and initiation of treatment along with proper compliance from patient side will reduce both mortality and morbidity." 

Maheer found his lifesaver from Germany 

Maheer, hailing from Ahmedabad, was just 6 years old when he was diagnosed with acute leukemia. He got a second chance at life when he found a matching donor registered with DKMS, Dr Sita Arjune, a medical doctor from Cologne, Germany.  

It has been nine years since Maheer received the transplant. “At that time, I was very young, so I did not know what was happening, or why. There was so much anxiety, and my parents were so worried.  My father told me there was an issue with my blood but that it would all be sorted.  After the transplant, everyone felt much happier,” said Maheer.  

Dr Sita, who was elated to have helped a patient in need, said, “As soon as I found out about the plight of Maheer, I knew I had to help. Suddenly, there was someone I could give hope to through my donation. Hope is something we all deserve.” Maheer is now 14 years old. He has managed to beat leukemia and now has the gift of a bright future to look forward to. He loves to listen to music, play with friends, travel and do research, especially in the field of medicine.  

He has a very important message for people: “The only reason I am here breathing, living, speaking, is my transplant. This donation gave me my life back. What could be more beautiful than that? By donating stem cells, you could give someone a new life. So, please sign up as a potential lifesaver!  

Registration takes only 5 minutes of your time. If you’re between 18 and 50 years and in general good health, take the first step to register as a blood stem cell donor by ordering your home swab kit at www.dkms-bmst.org/register.  

About DKMS BMST Foundation India 

A non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and other blood disorders, such as thalassemia and aplastic anemia. Our aim is to improve the situation of patients suffering from blood cancer and other blood disorders in India and throughout the world, by raising awareness about blood stem cell transplantation and registering potential blood stem cell donors. By doing this DKMS-BMST provides patients in need of a blood stem cell transplant with a second chance at life.  

DKMS-BMST is a joint venture of two reputed non-profit organizations: BMST (Bangalore Medical Services Trust) and DKMS, one of the largest international blood stem cell donor centers in the world. For more information, please visit dkms-bmst.org 

Photo Caption:  Jithesh Kanchan, Kishor Ramji Surani, Suneel Narayan, Suresh Verma, Smita Joshi, Prapul R, Dr Latha Jagannathan, Director, DKMS-BMST,  Dr. Sunil Bhat, Director & Clinical Lead, Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Blood & Marrow Transplantation, Narayana Health, Bengaluru Patrick Paul, CEO, DKMS BMST Foundation India.

Garware Hi-Tech Films Earns Record Revenue And Profits For The Quarter And Year Ended On March 31, 2022

Key Highlights:

FY22 CONSOLIDATED REVENUE AT RS 1,303 CRORES VIS-À-VIS RS 989 CRORES IN FY21 – UP BY 32% YoY

FY22 CONSOLIDATED EBIDTA AT RS 278 CRORES VIS-À-VIS RS 234 CRORES IN FY21 - UP BY 19% YoY

FY22 CONSOLIDATED PAT AT RS 167 CRORES VIS-À-VIS RS 126 CRORES IN FY21 - UP BY 33% YoY

Q4 FY22 CONSOLIDATED REVENUE AT RS 324 CRORES VIS-À-VIS RS 288 CRORES IN Q4 FY21 - UP BY 12% QoQ

Q4 FY22 CONSOLIDATED PAT AT RS 45 CRORES VIS-À-VIS RS 32 CRORES IN Q3 FY22 - UP BY 42% QoQ

MRS SARITA GARWARE RAMSAY REJOINS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS BRINGING IN A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE AND ALSO ALINGING THE OWNERSHIP INTERESTS AND BOARD LEVEL LEADERSHIP

NEW LAMINATION CAPACITY AUGMENTING WINDOW FILM BUSINESS WILL COMMENCE PRODUCTION AROUND Q2 FY23

GARWARE HI-TECH FILMS LIMITED ANNOUNCES DIVIDEND OF RS 10/- PER SHARE

Garware Hi-Tech Films Limited (GHFL) (formerly Garware Polyester Limited), a flagship company of Garware Group and a leading player in specialty Polyester Films in India and Worldwide announced its results audited financial results for the Quarter and Year ended on March 31, 2022.

Commenting on the results, Shri S B Garware, Chairperson and Managing Director, GHFL said, “Our business initiatives undertaken few years ago with a long- term and in a financially conservative outlook is bearing fruit, and our Company has earned record revenues and profits, despite challenging external environmental factors. In the coming year, we anticipate, our new lamination facility to commence production, and our paint protection film to see increased volume as it has been tested and approved by our major trading partners in USA and Europe.”

“GHFL’s record results is a testament to our commitment to the manufacturing excellence and innovation, all driven by a dedicated team with a strong commitment to sustain world-class quality standards of our products. We are excited about the opportunities ahead in continuing to build a long-term, and a sustainable value for our stakeholders" said Ms. Monika Garware, Vice-Chairperson and Jt. Managing Director, GHFL.

Highlights:

GHFL records unswerving and robust performance, while earning record revenue and profits.

The Board of Directors has recommended 100% final dividend of Rs 10 per fully paid-up equity share of Rs 10 each for financial year ended March 31, 2022. This payment of dividend is subject to approval of Members of the Company at the ensuing Annual General Meeting of the Company.

Mrs Sarita Garware Ramsay, rejoins the board as an Additional Director in the category of Whole-Time Director (Executive Director) termed as Joint Managing Director. Prior the last board meeting, Mrs Sarita Garware Ramsay had desired to step-down from the Board, to pursue her nascent entrepreneurial ventures. In view of her wealth of experience in running the human resources and other critical functions of the Company for nearly two decades, and also as she holds sizable ownership interests in the Company, it was felt necessary by the Board to have her complete alignment to the Company’s cause. Hence, the Board requested her to reconsider the earlier decision, and to rejoin the Board managing her earlier functions. Mrs Sarita Garware Ramsay agreed to the Board’s request. Consequently, in the today’s Board meeting she has been appointed for a tenure of three years subject to the shareholders’ approval.

The new Lamination facility augmenting our window film business having an estimated capacity of about 1,440 LSF p.a. is nearing completion and the Company expects to commence commercial production by Q2 FY23.

The BMW i4. - First Electric Mid-Size Sedan With Unlimited Sheer Driving Pleasure Debuts In India

BMW Group leads with the most extensive and diverse portfolio of electric cars in India.

Outstandingly sporty and dynamic with maximum comfort.

Instant acceleration of 0-100 km/hr in 5.7 sec with an output of 340 hp.

India’s longest range electric vehicle with impressive 590 kms.

Extremely slim high-voltage lithium-ion battery with short charging time.

Introductory offer: Complimentary BMW Wallbox charger with installation.

Widest network of fast chargers in Indian luxury car segment.

#BMWi4 #Electrifying #BornElectric #UltimateElectricDrivingMachine

The first-ever BMW i4 has been launched in India today. With this launch, BMW Group is the first car manufacturer to offer the most extensive portfolio of electric cars in India.

Electrifying: The BMW i4 is BMW’s first purely electric model focused squarely on driving dynamics. It is the ultimate electric driving machine that represents the essence of NEXTGen Joy, the BMW attitude. The BMW i4 combines sporting prowess with a range that also convinces for long journeys with comfort, spaciousness and practical appeal.

The BMW i4 can be booked online at shop.bmw.in. Deliveries will start by the beginning of July 2022.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “With the launch of the BMW i4, I am excited to introduce the first electric mid-size sedan in the country. BMW i4 effortlessly combines sheer driving pleasure with sustainability as never experienced before. Thanks to its unique combination of BMW eDrive technology, extremely slim and high-voltage lithium-ion battery, rear wheel drive and advanced suspension kinematics, the BMW i4 gets an outstanding sporty feel. It is India’s longest range electric vehicle. Absolute luxury with class leading ambience, generous space, and rear axle air suspension ensures maximum comfort even for longer trips. Excitingly dynamic, comfortable and powerful in equal measure, the BMW i4 provides a truly electrifying experience that exceeds all expectations – every day, every trip. BMW Group today offers the most extensive and diverse portfolio of electric cars for Indian customers”.

The first-ever BMW i4 has been launched at an introductory ex- showroom price of

BMW i4 eDrive40 Sport        -        INR 69,90,000

* Completely-built-up unit (CBU)

* Price prevailing at the time of invoicing will be applicable. Ex-showroom prices inclusive of GST (incl. compensation cess) as applicable but exclude Road Tax, Tax Collected at Source (TCS), RTO statutory taxes/fees, other local tax cess levies and insurance. Price and options are subject to change without prior notice. For further information, please contact the local authorized BMW Dealer.

The electric sedan is available in exciting metallic paintworks - Mineral White, Black Sapphire and Skyscraper Grey. Perforated Sensatec upholstery comes in Canberra Beige and Cognac color schemes.

The optional M Aerodynamic Kit with embellishments such as M aerodynamic bumpers, exclusive 18 or 19-inch M light aerodynamic alloy wheels and M elements in high-gloss black enhance the dynamic and sporty character.

The first-ever BMW i4 comes with standard two-year warranty for unlimited kilometres. Repair Inclusive can extend warranty benefits from third year of operation to maximum fifth year without any mileage limitation. The batteries are covered by a warranty valid for eight years or up to 160,000 kilometres.

BMW India Financial Services is offering a complete package for loan, insurance and vehicle services especially designed for the first-ever BMW i4. Benefits include flexible and customized ownership plans like BMW 360° which give assured buyback value up to 4 years. 100% financing of accessories is also available including additional BMW Wallbox charger. The insurance delivers maximum protection with additional options such as zero depreciation, battery cover and return to invoice. Complimentary 5-year Road-Side Assistance provides complete peace of mind while on the move with facilities like portable roadside charging. Customers will also enjoy attractive offers to trade-in / upgrade to a new BMW.

The first-ever BMW i4 eDrive40.

The BMW i4 flawlessly showcases the trailblazing union of dynamism and sustainability in a pure electric form. It has a look that will set your pulse racing. The first-ever BMW i4 wears its innovative character on its sleeve like the sporty extrovert it is.

The car’s futuristic exterior design combines athletic aesthetics with a clear surface language and progressive precision. It is the most aerodynamic electric vehicle in its class. The front is characterized by expansive closed surfaces and precise lines. The Grey inlay in the front apron and vertical side openings emphasizes the functional, modern character of the vehicle. The absolute highlights are concise reinterpretation of radiator grille and the blue ring around BMW badge. Flat, strikingly contoured headlights and Frozen Grey accents in richly detailed, slender form add to the emotional flair. Thrillingly progressive, the side view is characterised by a long wheelbase, doors with frameless windows, fluid lines of the roof and short overhangs. Expansive, gently modelled surfaces with precise character lines create a modern impression that exudes elegance of a true BMW. The rear showcases a sharp vertical rear spoiler and recessed surfaces that strengthen the sporty and wide effect. The concise L-shaped rear LED lights with slender contours and horizontal lines, highlight how the BMW i4 hugs the road. Lightweight aerodynamic wheels contribute to enhance driving range. Air Suspension on the rear axle with automatic self-levelling function ensures maximum comfort and enhances stability on sharp turns.

Open, luxurious and fascinating, the interior brings a driver-focused cockpit and an ambience with generous space. The BMW Curved Display adds a high-quality, modern touch to the cockpit. The interplay of high-quality materials, a multimodal, intuitive operating concept, with sport seats and sport steering wheel, separated areas for the driver and front passenger and acoustic glazing create an atmosphere that is delightful for long journeys as it is during short drives. The sport seat gives an especially elegant boost with high-quality decorative stitching. Up to three passengers can enjoy the back seat with generous head and leg room. Ambient Lighting with six selectable light designs creates an atmosphere for every mood. Three-zone automatic climate control with nanofiber filter optimizes air quality.

The large tailgate with automatic opening function makes loading and unloading from the 470-litre luggage compartment particularly convenient. In addition, the functional rear bench seat folds down with 40/20/40 split to provide maximum storage space and increase boot capacity up to 1290 litres.

Rear wheel drive, 50/50 weight distribution and a low center of gravity add superlative balance, responsiveness and deliver outstanding traction and directional stability in extremely dynamic driving manoeuvres.

Fifth generation BMW eDrive technology features a highly integrated drive unit within a single housing that is powered by an electric motor, single-speed transmission and power electronics. The i4 instantly accelerates from 0 to 100 kms/hr in 5.7 seconds with an output of 340 hp. 

Making its debut, the extremely slim (110 mm) and high-voltage lithium-ion battery integrated in the floor has a capacity of 80.7 kWh providing a range of up to 590 kms. The BMW i4 has longest range than any other electric vehicle in India.

The first-ever BMW i4 ensures fast and hassle-free charging. Charging time is:

205 kW DC Charger: 10%-80% in 31 min / 164 kms added range in 10 min*

50 kW DC Charger:10%-80% in 83 min / 100 kms added range in 18 min

11 kW AC Charger: 0%-100% in about 8.25 hrs

*Best-in-class charging capacity

As an introductory offer, the BMW i4 will come with a complimentary BMW Wallbox charger with installation. It can be integrated at home to enable safe and convenient charging up to 11kW.

BMW Group India aims to build one of the best charging networks in luxury segment with fast chargers at BMW dealer network in 34 cities across India. BMW dealer network across India welcomes owners of electric vehicles of all brands for fast and convenient charging at nominal rates.

A host of BMW ConnectedDrive technologies continue to break the innovation barrier. BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes the freestanding BMW Curved Display with its connection between a 12.3-inch digital information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch Control Display with Navigation. The new generation iDrive display and control / operation system with new BMW Operating System 8 extends the interaction between driver and vehicle. Occupants can operate a number of functions simply by speaking to their BMW Virtual Assistant. The smartphone holder integrated into the centre console allows inductive, Wireless Charging. Wireless Apple CarPlay® / Android Auto ensure seamless smartphone connection with the car to access several functions. Harman Kardon Surround Sound System with 17 speakers conjures an engrossing treat for the ears. Parking Assistant with reverse camera makes parking in tight spots easier. The Reversing Assistant provides unmatched support in reversing out of a parking spot or narrow driveways. It records the last 50 metres driven and assists by taking over the steering.

Sustainability is in the DNA of BMW long before Sheer Driving Pleasure begins. BMW principle of Circular Economy - ‘RE:THINK, RE:DUCE, RE:USE, RE:CYCLE’ cuts down use of primary raw materials and increases secondary materials. Reduction of carbon footprint is achieved throughout the value chain and at all stages of lifecycle by making comprehensive use of natural and recyclable materials and production with 100% green electricity. Even when the battery has reached the end of its useful life after many years, it is not the end by any means. In their second life, the battery cells on an average can be used for another ten years as an energy store. After the battery cells are shredded, raw materials can be completely recycled. The lifecycle is then complete and ready to begin again.

Top Five Engage-2-Earn Technology Platforms Trending In 2022

The notion of content creation and engagement is changing by the hour, and it's changing as per the versatile interests of netizens. Engage2Earn (E2E) is one of the most exciting variables within the ever-growing cryptocurrency space, rewarding the committed users of a community. Where the world witnessing a convergence of the internet, earning currency that has real-world value while having fun is one of the main reasons why Engage-2-Earn has become so popular. More and more social media platforms and gaming platforms are coming forward to help the user community earn more by revolutionizing the whole concept of engagement.

Let’s check out five such platforms based on the 'Engage2Earn' model.

Chingari App:

Chingari - powered by GARI – Apps on Google PlayChingari is a video-sharing mobile app. In these videos, users have options to add visual effects, lip-sync, dance, or voice-over movie scenes and comic dialogues. Users can earn value in money by uploading videos on the Chingari app. Chingari pays users based on the popularity of their uploaded content. Users get to earn points or $GARI token based on the views their videos attract. Each view earns the user a point. These points can later be exchanged for money.

Taki:

Taki, a global token-powered social network, is all set to launch the platform for users and content creators in India. Currently, there is a waitlist of more than half a million to join the platform and get early access. Taki brings a unique engagement platform for creators, users, and crypto enthusiasts. Users on the platform can earn $TAKI, a crypto token, by creating content that other users enjoy, or even by simply engaging with the content such as commenting on and liking posts. Taki also allows users to create their own $USERCOIN to build their economy on the Taki platform. Taki primarily aims to reward users who are spending their time every day on social media to get entertained and engage socially. Soon the $TAKI coin is going to be listed as a stablecoin on the Indian cryptocurrency exchanges.

BOMB Crypto:

BOMB Crypto is a play-to-earn game where players own a group of BOMB heroes represented as NFTs. These heroes are programmed to search for BCOIN, the game’s native token. During this search, heroes undergo different challenges like going on missions and fighting monsters.  The game has an economic system that allows the players to trade and auction their heroes in a marketplace using BCOIN. This token is used to play, exchange, and trade in the ecosystem, allowing players to be part of the game’s development and governance. It also lets players access special passes to in-game events.

The Brave Browser Ecosystem Could Be Worth Billions (Cryptocurrency:BAT-USD)  | Seeking AlphaBrave Browser:

Brave is a free and open-source web browser developed by Brave Software, Inc. based on the Chromium web browser. As a Brave browser user, you can earn money in the form of BAT (Basic Attention Token) by simply choosing the option to view advertisements. BAT is Brave’s native cryptocurrency, and a user can earn it when they opt to view anonymous and privacy-preserving ads. This service is entirely optional, and ads are presented to the users in the form of push notifications rather than on-page. BAT tokens earned this way are stored in a wallet built into the browser, and can be traded for other cryptocurrencies or fiat currency.

Axie Infinity:

Axie Infinity is one of the most popular 'Engage-2-Earn' or play-to-earn crypto games out there today. Axie Infinity's in-game currency, Smooth Love Potion (or SLP), can be converted into cash. The game also has another token, known as Axie Infinity Token (AXS). Gamers can also create their characters with which they can win battles (called Axies) and earn AXS by competing in the PVP (or player vs. player) leaderboard. Axies themselves can also sell for a lot of money and have their own marketplace in this sense.

Godrej Appliances Sees Brisk Business For Air Coolers – Targets More Than 10% Market Share Gain In Three Years

 

The unprecedented heat wave has led to a spurt across cooling categories like air coolers. Godrej Appliances, a business of Godrej & Boyce the flagship company of the Godrej Group, launched its Air Coolers just before the pandemic hit the country and this is the first non-pandemic summer the new category is witnessing.

Kamal Nandi, Business Head and Executive Vice President – Godrej Appliances, part of Godrej & Boyce said, “The rising summer temperature has translated into a spike in sales of cooling products but with prices rising across appliances, affordability is taking a hit. This is where the strategy of straddling premium and mass categories comes into play. With our established presence in Air Conditioners and now Air Coolers too, we are able to offer much needed cooling solutions to a wider spectrum of consumers. This is the first full-fledged summer that Godrej air coolers is witnessing, and the performance is very encouraging. This gives us the confidence to aim for 10%+ market share gain over the next 3 years.”

Amit Jain, Product Group Head- Air Coolers- Godrej Appliances added, “This summer season is witnessing a pent-up demand for Air Coolers category, because the last two summers were impacted due to the pandemic. With people across the spectrum looking for solutions to tackle the heat wave, discretionary spends are being diverted to cooling products like Air Coolers. The affordable buying and operating cost of Air Coolers is an advantage for the category. Godrej enjoys a strong sales and service network across suburban India and we are leveraging on it while also adding new sales network for our air coolers. Our portfolio spans the desert cooler segment with mechanical, electronic and the high-end inverter options and has been very well received by consumers at large.”

Godrej Air Coolers with its Inverter Technology delivers superior cooling and greater energy efficiency. The brand was the first to introduce Inverter Technology hitherto associated with ACs into Air Coolers to drive power savings and efficiency. Further, with its smartly designed Ice Drip Technology, 18” aero-dynamic blades and Auto Cool Technology, it delivers superior cooling with efficient operation. The newly introduced Eco mode function available in select models enables Air Coolers to provide optimum cooling while saving energy and water – in line with the brand’s commitment to a greener environment, while the special anti- bacterial tank fights bacterial build-up in water tank to ensure fresh and pure air – in sync with the brand’s focus on consumer health and hygiene. The coolers couple robustness with fresh aesthetics and are available in multiple vibrant colors.

About Godrej Appliances

Godrej Appliances, a business unit of the highly diversified Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. is one of the leading Home Appliances players in India. Godrej was the first Indian Company in 1958 to manufacture Refrigerators and has since then, expanded its portfolio across many other categories like Washing Machines, Air Conditioners, Microwave Ovens, futuristic Thermo-electric cooling solutions, Air Coolers, Deep Freezers, highly specialized Medical Refrigerators and more recently, UVC Technology-Based Disinfecting devices and Dishwashers, all powered by the driving philosophy of 'Things Made Thoughtfully’/ ‘Soch Ke Banaya Hai’. 

This thought extends from human-centric design to planet centric design. Environment is a core value at Godrej Appliances. Both manufacturing units of Godrej Appliances’ - in Maharashtra and Punjab, became the first in the country to win the coveted Platinum Plus Green Co certification for its pioneering green manufacturing practices. 

The brand takes pride in not just its carefully designed products and environment-friendly technologies, but also best in class after-sales service delivered through over 680 service centers and more than 4500 SmartBuddy service experts spread all over the country.

To learn more visit : https://www.godrej.com/godrej-appliances

Fluent Commerce Expands India Team With Senior Hires - Former Employees of Tech Majors Such As SAP, IBM, Oracle, Cognizant, TCS

Fluent Commerce, a leading provider of a cloud-native distributed Order Management System, expands its leadership team in India. The company is reinforcing its commitment to the region to keep pace with its rapid expansion plans. India will be the company's largest office in the APAC region outside of Australia, its Global Headquarters. 

Fluent Commerce has established a significant presence in India, with an expanded team specialising in Sales, Solution Engineering, Business Development, and Channel Management. It has hired team members across levels and teams from established majors such as  SAP, IBM, TCS, Oracle, Cognizant and others. FluentCommerce’s expansion into the region starts with the appointment of a group senior hires- Sandeep Mukherjee (Director); Diptendu Bhattacharya (Senior Solution Engineer); Charu Dhir (Head- Business Development) and Devender Vashist (Channel Sales leader).

Fluent Commerce have also appointed Pranatharthi Haran as the Managing Director for the APAC region who will oversee the company’s investment in India.

Pranatharthi Haran, Managing Director, APAC leads Sales and Operations for the Asia Pacific region. His experience spans 20+ years in leadership roles for organisations including SAP, IBM, Cognizant Technology Solutions and Cybernet Software Systems.

Pranatharthi Haran, said, "India’s e-commerce market is ever-changing and evolving rapidly in recent years. The prospects in this market are enormous with the recent developments in the industry and the digital India push by the government. Furthermore the pandemic has accelerated the e-commerce market to keep pace with the expectations of the customer. I am excited to work with Fluent Commerce, India and look forward to supporting Indian retailers and brands  turbo charge their order fulfilment.India.”

Sandeep Mukherjee is the Director for India at Fluent Commerce, India with over 25+ years of experience and a proven revenue track record in the IT industry along with strong capabilities in driving Product & Service Lines Business Strategy, as well as Sales & Consulting for Digital Transformation. He has formerly worked with companies such as SAP, IBM, TCS, Oracle.

Diptendu Bhattacharya, Senior Solution Engineer India, joins Fluent Commerce from SAP and has previously worked with TCS and Sopra Steria. He has over 21 years of multi-regional experience in creating commercial value propositions, selling solutions, managing accounts, business planning, and managing partners. Another addition to the team is Charu Dhir, who heads up Business Development India at Fluent Commerce, India. She holds over 17 years of experience and has worked for companies such as SAP, Usha Martin, Qualcomm etc. She is experienced in the areas of Digital Transformation, Customer Experience, Intersectional Collaborative Approach towards Business Process Management and Decision Management.

Devender Vashist joins the Fluent Commerce team as a Channel Sales leader India. He carries more than 15 years of diverse expertise in Business Development, Key Account Management, Partner Business, Strategic Alliance Management and Channel Sales. He has previously led sales at IBM, SAP and TCS through channel partners like PwC, KPMG, Accenture and specialist partners.

Fluent Commerce have also started investing in their product development capabilities in the region by hiring a team of local engineers and developers. Based out of Sydney, the company is fast expanding with teams across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

It has also partnered with the Retailers Association of India to promote innovative retail practices and develop and strengthen existing distribution networks. Their multinational software business specialises in dispersed order management for omnichannel retailers. 

About Fluent Commerce:

Fluent Commerce is a global software company focused on distributed order management for omnichannel merchants. Both B2C and B2B organisations rely on their cloud native, highly flexible and fully scalable distributed order management platform to transform fulfilment complexity into a competitive advantage. Fluent Order Management provides accurate and up to date inventory availability across multiple locations, order orchestration, fulfilment location management, in-store pick and pack, customer service, fulfilment optimization and reporting. This enables retailers, brands, and B2B organisations to fulfil orders profitably while delivering the best customer experience possible. 

Fluent Commerce works with organisations such as JD Sports, L’Oréal, Ted Baker, LVMH and Dulux. For more information visit https://fluentcommerce.com

Worldline India Partners With Bank of India To Digitise Payment Collection Services For Panvel City Municipal Corporation

Worldline, a global leader in payment services, has partnered with Bank of India (BOI) to digitise several kinds of citizen-centric services, fines and tax collections for Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PMC).

With this development, citizens of PMC can make payments via credit and debit cards towards services like birth / death registration certificates, marriage registration certificates, assessment fee, transfer fee, license fee, NOC, electricity meter license, and daily charges among others. In addition, PMC is also empowered to collect municipal tax and fines related to Covid19 regulations, sanitization, encroachment, plastic ban and solid waste management fines from citizens.

Bank of India Android POS Terminal powered by Worldline was tendered to Shri. Ganesh Deshmukh, Panvel Municipal Commissioner by Shri. Rajendra Kokate, Deputy Zonal Manager, Bank of India and Shri. Gulshan Pruthi, EVP, Worldline to mark the launch of e-collection services.

Shri. Ganesh Deshmukh, Panvel Municipal Commissioner, said, “Digitalization of payment collection services by Bank of India for PMC will not only bring convenience to the citizens but also to the PMC staff as it helps in moving to an automated process and avoid cumbersome manual challan/receipt processes. In addition, the digital collection of taxes and fines brings transparency in the ecosystem and builds confidence among citizens. We are happy to work with Bank of India and Worldline to extend digital collection services for the citizens of PMC and will continue to introduce such innovative solutions in future.” 

Shri. Rajendra Kokate, Deputy Zonal Manger, Bank of India, said, “Digitization will help Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) in enhancing the transparency and avoiding cash payments. Bank of India has provided end-to-end solution right from the collection to real-time dashboard which has automated the process and will ensure efficiency at each level of users. With this initiative with  PMC, we look forward to extend all kinds of banking services by leveraging our wide presence in Maharashtra”

Shri. Gulshan Pruthi, EVP, Worldline India said, “Worldline has been at the forefront of the digital revolution that is shaping new ways of making payments. In our endeavor towards building a less-cash society, we are teaming up with partner banks and government associations to drive digital payments acceptance across the country. We are thrilled to offer the convenience of making digital payments to the citizens of Panvel Municipal Corporation with our long-term trusted partner – Bank of India.”

About Worldline

Worldline [Euronext: WLN] is a global leader in the payments industry and the technology partner of choice for merchants, banks and acquirers. Powered by 20,000 employees in more than 50 countries, Worldline provides its clients with sustainable, trusted and innovative solutions fostering their growth. Services offered by Worldline include instore and online commercial acquiring, highly secure payment transaction processing and numerous digital services. In 2021, Worldline generated a proforma revenue close to 4 billion euros.

Worldline India Pvt. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Worldline, is partner to over 40 banks and over 5000 marque clients comprising of ecommerce giants, leading insurance players, D2C players across sectors. In India, Worldline covers the whole payment value chain and end-to-end processes that facilitate services to over 1.5 million merchants across 5000 towns and cities in India, South Asia / Middle East. Services offered by Worldline in India are in the areas of Merchant Acquiring, VAS, Card Issuance, National Electronic Toll Collection, Risk Mitigation, Reconciliation, Loyalty solutions; and online solutions like NextGen Payment Gateway, Subscription Payments, Payment Orchestration Platform, Online Cross Border Solution, Tokenisation among others. Supported by over 2000 members team, Worldline India is constantly investing in its people and in the latest technologies to increase efficiencies, drive innovation and enhance digital payments adoption across the country.