5ire Raises USD 100 Million In Series A Funding At Valuation USD 1.5 Billion; Turns Unicorn

* 5ire, has received funding from UK-based conglomerate SRAM & MRAM to become the fastest growing blockchain unicorn in India and the only sustainable blockchain unicorn in the world.

* Brainchild of India-origin founders, Pratik Gauri and Prateek Dwivedi

5ire, a fifth generation level 1 blockchain network and the world’s first and only sustainable blockchain, today announced that it has raised $100 million in Series A funding from UK-based conglomerate SRAM & MRAM. This investment makes 5ire the fastest growing blockchain unicorn in India and the only sustainable blockchain unicorn in the world, valued at $1.5 billion. 5ire was founded by Indian-origin entrepreneurs, Pratik Gauri and Prateek Dwivedi, along with web3 financier Vilma Mattila, in August 2021.

The funds raised will be used for business expansion and extending 5ire’s footprint across three continents including Asia, North America and Europe, with India as the hub of operations and core area of focus. 5ire will continue to invest in strengthening its blockchain further and work towards ensuring this decentralised technology benefits a larger base globally. Additionally, 5ire aims to hire the best talent in the industry across functions like product, engineering, marketing etc.

5ire had earlier raised a funding of $21 million in its seed round at a valuation of $110 million with participation from both private and institutional investors like Alphabit, Marshland Capital, Launchpool Labs, Moonrock Capital, and amongst many other investors. 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sailesh Lachu Hiranandani, Chairman of the SRAM & MRAM group, said, “We have great confidence in moving forward with investments in sustainable technologies. As a scientist, I have always believed in finding better ways to do things, and 5ire is committed to finding solutions for the 17 UN Sustainability Development Goals. We are assured in the abilities of the leadership team at 5ire and wish them all the very best.”

Pratik Gauri, CEO and Founder of 5ire said, “We are on a mission to embed sustainability into blockchain and shift the current paradigm from ‘for-profit’ to ‘for-benefit’. The 5ire team has worked round-the-clock to develop a platform that combines both technology and processes for the benefit of humankind. Becoming the world’s first and only sustainable unicorn born out of India, in just 11 months, is testimony that we are on the right path. We are humbled by the trust shown in 5ire by the SRAM & MRAM group and thrilled to find a partner who also wants to promote the transition of the world from the 4th Industrial Revolution to the 5th Industrial Revolution.”

5ire is a blockchain ecosystem that brings forth Sustainability, Technology & Innovation to build the 5th industrial revolution (5IR). The mission of the 5ire ecosystem is to embed the for-benefit paradigm at the heart of blockchain, by highly incentivizing practices that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), therefore facilitating the transition from the 4IR to 5IR. 5ire empowers decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and working groups to help accelerate the implementation of the UN’s 17 SDG goals. It assures openness, unity of purpose, and inclusivity. Thus, shaping the ethics of business and collaborations toward sustainability while providing a cross-chain environment as well as advanced governance and rewarding mechanisms for participants.

About 5ire:

5ire is a blockchain ecosystem that focuses on sustainability, technology and innovation to build the 5th industrial revolution (5IR). Founded by blockchain proponents Pratik Gauri, Prateek Dwivedi and Vilma Mattila in August 2021, the missions of the 5ire ecosystem are to embed a for-benefit paradigm at the heart of blockchain, highly incentivise practices that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), facilitate the transition from the 4IR to 5IR, and accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The company’s primary offering is 5ireChain, a first layer, sustainability-driven 5th generation blockchain that ensures adherence to the philosophy of 5IR, creating a net positive impact on the planet and service humanity. For further information, visit its website at https://www.5ire.org .

About SRAM & MRAM Group:

SRAM & MRAM Group is the brainchild of Dr. Sailesh Lachu Hiranandani, and founded in 1995. Chairman Dr. Sailesh Lachu Hiranandani, holds a Ph.D in Financial Management from UK, is a visionary with a steadfast background in Financial and Risk management in Hedge Funds and Forex Managements. His career started with commodity trading in India and Cambodia and gradually entered FX hedging and rollovers from Tokyo, Hongkong and Singapore. During this time, the world currency markets were rapidly fluctuating and he wanted a reliable system to manage the USD against GBP, EURO and JPY. This led to his acquiring considerable skills in both Financial and the Information Technology market.

Assisted by an able team of Information Technology and Forex associates,  he set up what is today, after two decades, a global conglomerate with 8 international alliances, 10 companies,5 continents, 35+ locations, 300+ employees with a sales turnaround of USD 800 Million (FY 2017-2018). The corporation is headquartered in Edinburgh, United Kingdom with branch offices in Cambodia, South Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bahrain, Georgia, India and Bangladesh. For further information, visit https://srammram.com.

Tata STRIVE Impacts Over One Million Individuals Across Indian Market

1.5 lakh skilled for employment in the formal sector

1.3 lakh livelihoods enabled in the informal sector

650 entrepreneurs developed

6,000 trainers certified by Tata STRIVE have skilled over 6.5 lakh learners

Tata STRIVE, a skill development initiative of Tata Trusts, today, on World Youth Skills Day, announced that it has, since 2015, touched the lives of over one million individuals. Among them, 1.5 lakh were skilled for employment in the formal sector, 1.3 lakh livelihoods were enabled in the informal sector, and 650 individuals were developed as entrepreneurs. Besides, 6,000 trainers, certified by Tata STRIVE, have skilled over 6.5 lakh learners.

Tata STRIVE brings to its learners, job-oriented courses created along with industry leaders, such as IKEA, Schneider Electric, L’Oréal India, Sahyadri Farms, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), Tata Communications, Voltas, Tata Capital, and others. Many experts from these partners also engage as guest faculty. Companies are involved across the value chain - as knowledge, funding, placement, and infrastructure partners.

Tata STRIVE’s skill development centres range from large multi-skilling centres to sector-specific smaller centres, as well as colleges and ITIs. Classrooms and training labs come with best-in-class equipment and the faculty are specially trained to deploy the unique Tata STRIVE pedagogy and methodologies while teaching.

Partnerships with the Government of India and several State Governments have ensured that Tata STRIVE’s offerings reach individuals from varied backgrounds, at scale. As an outcome-oriented organisation, driving counselling, employment and entrepreneurship, Tata STRIVE has created multiple solutions to deliver high quality training, relevant to youth, in a scalable model targeted at the bottom of pyramid.

Highlighting the importance of quality skilling programmes for the youth on World Youth Skills Day, Ms. Anita Rajan, CEO of Tata STRIVE said, “India’s future belongs to its youth. Our economic growth is throwing up immense possibilities for young people. Driving awareness and providing the skills for them to participate and benefit from these opportunities is our goal. I’m elated to see the rewards of our efforts and the immense support of our partners. I hope that we continue shaping the nation’s future. On World Youth Skill Day, I’d like to remind our youngsters the importance of a versatile skill set as the means of fulfilling their ambition.”                                                 

To celebrate this achievement, Tata STRIVE has deployed a digital campaign – One in a Million – celebrating the stories of its learners. The campaign lays emphasis on individuals who have been skilled at Tata STRIVE. It recounts the story of One-in-a-Million, Amit Dere, who even after two unsuccessful job stints and a failed business, took up the skills training programme at Tata STRIVE and now, runs a successful business. The campaign urges the youth to realise the importance of a versatile skill set as a means of fulfilling their ambition. It is live here: https://bit.ly/3bV94Vs

Jaguar TCS FIA Formula Racing Aiming For Fairytale Of New York

* Jaguar TCS Racing head to the streets of Brooklyn with their sights set on another successful double-header weekend

* With the 2022 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship entering the final phase of the season in three iconic city locations, the British racing team aim to deliver a strong haul of points starting in New York

* After his fifth podium of the season in Marrakesh, Mitch Evans sits fourth in the drivers’ standings

* The challenging Red Hook circuit has been a happy hunting ground for Sam Bird who won in New York last year adding to his success in the Big Apple

* Lights go green in New York at 13:00 EDT on 16 and 17 July 2022

Jaguar TCS Racing will return to electrify the streets of Brooklyn for the eleventh and twelfth rounds of the 2022 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship this weekend.

Jaguar TCS Racing’s driver line-up have seen success in New York previously with Mitch Evans scoring a podium finish in 2019 and Sam Bird storming to victory from pole position last year in Brooklyn, his third victory in New York.

The New York City E-Prix hosts one of the shorter tracks at just 2.3 km long but with sharp, tight corners, walls either side and varying tarmac and camber, it provides an exciting challenge for the team.

Jaguar TCS Racing are fourth in the teams’ standings with 156 points while in the drivers’ standings, Mitch Evans is fourth just fifteen points behind the leader and Sam Bird is twelfth.

James Barclay, Jaguar TCS Racing Team Principal: “The New York City E-Prix is a real Formula E street circuit in one of the most iconic cities in the world. In the past it has seen thrilling racing and an excellent spectacle for the fans. As a team we enjoy racing stateside and we have seen success in the past with a brilliant comeback win from Sam last year and a podium finish for Mitch in 2019. The streets of Brooklyn provide a unique challenge for all teams but we’re looking forward to returning to the track and we are hard at work to try and deliver another strong points haul.”

Mitch Evans, Jaguar TCS Racing driver #9: “New York is one of my favourite tracks on the race calendar. We’ve achieved some great results here and seen some incredible racing action. Last year a very late brush with the wall compromised what was looking to be a really strong result. This year I’m coming back even more focused and determined to push for a podium result again. The championship fight is on, so we need to maximise every opportunity.”

Sam Bird, Jaguar TCS Racing driver #10: “I’m really excited to head back to New York; it’s a circuit I’ve performed really well at in the past with three wins in total including last year. It’s always a demanding weekend in New York but I’m looking forward to the challenge and hopefully another strong result for the team.”

Phil Charles, Jaguar TCS Racing Technical Manager: “The New York City E-Prix takes place on a prime example of a street track. It has a plethora of tight and twisty sections where the walls are ready to catch you out if you make any small error. On top of that, being that it's not a permanent venue, there is significant track evolution throughout the race weekend. You need to push pretty much right from the off if you want to be really in the groove by the time of qualifying where the brave are rewarded. The races normally give plenty of excitement too with lots of overtaking and batteries nearing their temperature limit towards the end.”

Rounds eleven and twelve of the 2022 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will take place on Saturday 16 July and Sunday 17 July at 13:00 EDT.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor, GTTC Signs MoU For Automotive Skill Development Based On National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme

* A collective effort by Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Government Toolroom and Training Centre to contribute to “Make in India” and “Skill India” mission

Reiterating its commitment to India’s vision of achieving self-reliance through ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India’, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), today, announced the signing of an MoU with Government Toolroom and Training Center (GTTC). Aimed at providing students with extensive industry level training and generating higher job opportunities for the young India, this new milestone strengthens the company’s goal of creating a world-class skill pool in the Indian auto industry. 

The MoU was exchanged between Mr. H. Raghvendra, Managing Director, GTTC and Mr. G. Shankara, Vice President, HR, and Services, TKM, in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Karnataka Mr. Basavaraj Bommai and Dr. C. N. Ashwath Narayan, Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, IT & BT, Science & Technology, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood Government of Karnataka.

Quality products and services stems from developing world-class skilled manpower and the objective is not only to manufacture safe and ecofriendly vehicles, but to also build a skilled workforce to contribute to the betterment of the whole society.

In this direction, this initiative will assist the trainees to acquire skillsets that are relevant to the manufacturing industry and to improve their employment potential through a ‘Learn and Earn’ approach comprising of theoretical and On-the-Job training. The course duration consists of, one month of theoretical training followed by industry based On Job Training (OJT) for 21 months wherein the apprentice will get stipend during their OJT.

Talking about the initiative, Mr. G. Shankara , Vice President HR Services, TKM said, ”As we collaborate with GTTC, we further aim to  strengthen “Skill India Mission” by ensuring the students gets to learn and practice thereby enhancing the availability of skilled manpower. While the industry is developing at a rapid pace, there is a dire need of right skillset, knowledge, and attitude. To achieve this challenge, together with GTTC we are bridging the gap by providing the students with right skills and developing them into employable youths.”

On this occasion, Mr. H. Raghvendra, Managing Director, GTTC, said, “I believe, these new initiatives will not only support India’s mission but also contribute to enhancing social development by increasing employment opportunities and upskilling manpower. This collaboration between Toyota, as an industry partner, and GTTC, as basic training provider, will play a substantial role in contributing to the nation’s vision of “Make in India” and “Skill India”.”

To create world-class manpower in advanced technologies and manufacturing, TKM has undertaken a major expansion of their training institute with capacity going up from 200 to 1,200 students. TKM has trained more than 77,360 employable youths in various skill development initiatives. TKM has collaborated and is engaged in developing one Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in every district of Karnataka (31 districts). Through Toyota Technical Education Program (TTEP), TKM continues to develop trainees in 49 Institutes, across 17 States in India. Further, TKM has tie-ups with Government of Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Haryana, New Delhi, and Telangana providing skill enhancement to students and faculty members.

AG&P Pratham Kicks Off Its Pipeline Laying Work For Domestic And Commercial PNG Connections In Mysuru

AG&P Pratham, a leading player in the Indian City Gas Distribution (CGD) industry, held a ground breaking ceremony today to mark the start of construction for its Piped Natural Gas (PNG) pipeline laying work in Mysuru, Karnataka. AG&P has already set up 9 CNG stations in Mysuru District and the number of stations will grow to 24 by March 2023. The network of CNG Stations will further be expanded to Mandya and Chamrajanagar Districts and reach a total of 42 Stations by March 2023.

The ground breaking ceremony was graced by MP Shri Pratap Simha, MLA Shri L Nagendra, Commissioner MCC Shri Laxmikant Reddy, Corporator Shri M.U. Subaiah (Ward 20), Corporator Shri Shivakumar (Ward 47) in the presence of AG&P Pratham representatives Mr. Arun Nayak, Regional Head and Mr. Nitin Huilgol, Cluster Marketing Head, Karnataka.

The company has received permission from Mysuru Municipal Corporation for Ward number-20 Vijay nagara and Ward number-47 Kuvempunagara and permission for Ward number-3 Mahadeshwara Badavane is expected shortly, for MDPE laying for the benefit of domestic and commercial customers. The PNG Pipeline Laying will not only provide continuous PNG supply to domestic customers but will also transform their lives by allowing them to experience a fuel that is safer, economical, reliable as well as convenient. It helps save up to 22% on household cooking fuel in comparison to LPG cylinders.

“The construction of AG&P Pratham’s PNG pipeline in Mysuru is an important milestone in the roll-out of natural gas networks being developed in Karnataka. It is in lockstep with our mission of helping the country in moving toward energy sufficiency and transform into a gas-based economy. We are committed to taking a step ahead for ensuring a clean, economical, and sustainable future supply of natural gas to every household in Mysuru.” said Mr. Arun Nayak, Regional Head, AG&P Pratham.

About AG&P Pratham:

AG&P Pratham is the leading international player in the Indian City Gas Distribution (CGD) industry. AG&P Pratham holds 12 CGD licenses awarded by the Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) to exclusively provide natural gas for everyday use in 34 Districts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Rajasthan. The exclusive rights cover the supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to households, industrial, commercial, non-commercial, and non-domestic exempt commercial (NDEC) establishments, as well as CNG for use in vehicles. These CGD networks will cover 278,000 square kilometers, 17,000 inch-km of the pipeline, and over 1,500 new CNG stations.

Serial Entrepreneur - Ashok Soota Unveils Happiest Health Portal With In-Depth Knowledge Related To Health And Wellness

Serial Entrepreneur and Executive Chairman of Happiest Minds, Ashok Soota today announced the launch of his latest entrepreneurial venture Happiest Health, a global health and wellness knowledge enterprise that aims to provide in-depth, credible and trustworthy knowledge related to health and wellness. Happiest Health formally launched its website Happiest Health, accessible to all across the globe. This is Ashok Soota’s second commitment to the health and wellness space, having launched SKAN last year, a not-for-profit Medical Research Trust that focuses on aging and neurological disorders.

Happiest Minds 5-year Vision statement includes:

*   Be recognized amongst the top 2 most trusted and credible sources of knowledge on health and wellness globally.

*   Be recognized for our thought leadership for kinder, gentler & newer therapies.

*   Prepare the company for a successful IPO around FY-29.

* Be known as the company with the highest standards of Corporate governance.

*   Be recognized by Great Places To Work (GPTW) as a best place to work, best place for women, best place for health and wellness

* Achieve carbon neutrality by FY23 and net-zero emission by FY25.

Happiest Health will aim to be recognized amongst the top two trusted and credible sources of knowledge on health and wellness globally, while driving thought leadership for integrated medicine and gentler, kinder therapies.

Speaking at the launch, Ashok Soota, Executive Chairman, Happiest Health said, “Happiest Health owes its genesis to a cognizance that globally healthcare knowledge is merely about repetitive factual information that may not necessarily answer concerns of a common person or provide in-depth, coherent understanding on complex health and wellness issues. We want to become global leaders of health and wellness knowledge and position ourselves as Happiness and Wellness Evangelists. Through Happiest Health, we want to build the importance of integrated medicine, provide valuable knowledge through experts on early diagnosis and evidence-based therapies and do so with empathy and passion.”

Armed with the mission of ‘Better Knowledge. Better Health’, Happiest Health aims to be a game changer in providing customised, interactive wellness and health knowledge across digital platforms with a strong focus on research-driven content, breakthroughs and developments in related fields, tools for early diagnosis, user stories & comments and kinder, gentler therapies. The platform will have articles and blogs from esteemed doctors, a rich panel of wellness experts lending their voice to the knowledge base. Another key highlight will be the platform’s collaboration with globally renowned medical research institutes for knowledge sharing. While keeping abreast of all modern allopathic practices, Happiest Health will also put the spotlight on therapies such as Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Yoga for wellness, to name a few.

Commenting on the launch, Ravi Joshi, Chief Editor (Digital), Happiest Health said, “There is a huge potential for verifiable medical content that can be put to good use. Happiest Health aims to bridge gaps in wellness knowledge that is relatable, credible and, most importantly, relevant for people across the spectrum. We wanted to create a platform that is pathbreaking in its content while passionately caring for all-round wellness of our readers. We aim to reach maximum users in India and across the world to deliver happiest health and wellness.”

Happiest Health will educate audiences with breakthroughs and developments in health and wellness sourced from new research including studies from global institutes of excellence. The platform’s panel of doctors will cover multiple disciplines through guest essays, articles which offer unique perspectives and interesting medical experiences.

Commenting on the roadmap for Happiest Health, Ashish Pratap Singh, Chief Marketing Officer, Happiest Health said, “The growing urban population is aware and concerned about increasing lifestyle-driven health issues. At Happiest Health, we see the need to mitigate concerns through preventive wellness and early diagnosis. People of all ages are increasingly understanding the importance of holistic wellness and integrated medicine. Through Happiest Health, we are well-positioned to address these needs and bring all of this knowledge in a coherent, meaningful manner.”

Happiest Health will also cater to tier-II & III regions in India with regional written and video content, which the platform will launch in the next one year. Happiest Health will also soon launch its own podcast, web series and audio content.

Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate Launches “Residential Home Inventory” of Rs. 400 Plus Crores At Parkwest 2.0

* The new tower CEDAR stands 32 storeys tall, will offer luxurious 2.5 BHK & 3 BHK apartments 

After the successful launch of earlier Parkwest towers, Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate, one of India’s most trusted real estate brands, has announced the launch of its residential home inventory of Rs. 400 plus crore at its Bengaluru project. The new tower CEDAR at Parkwest 2.0, is a luxurious project situated in Central Bengaluru. Part of a 46-acre development and with a total saleable area of over 3 lakh square feet, the project is located in Binnypet. 

The newly launched tower, CEDAR, at Parkwest 2.0, stands at 32 storeys and offers 225 efficiently & smartly designed luxury apartments with 2.5 & 3 BHKs ranging from 1588 square feet to 2065 square feet. Priced at Rs. 1.62 crore onwards, tower CEDAR at Parkwest 2.0 will offer spacious homes with large decks, ample sunlight, fresh air, breath-taking views, and the utmost privacy to its occupants.  

The company has launched over 2371 (excluding t8) apartments. Of these, 700+ apartments have been handed over to the residents.   

Strategically located, Parkwest offers easy connectivity to the Metro Station, Majestic Bus Stand and City Railway Station. The project is in close proximity to the Central Business District, shopping malls, schools, hospitals, commercial complexes, restaurants, and entertainment options.  

Commenting on the launch, Mr Venkatesh Gopalakrishnan, Chief Executive Officer at Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate, says, “Considering the overwhelming response from home buyers, we are launching tower CEDAR at Parkwest 2.0. We believe this is the right time to bring the best products to the Central Bengaluru micro-market. Moreover, the smart way of living offered at tower CEDAR is the best fit for Bengaluru residents as the city is well known as a tech hub of the country.” 

Mr Sumit Sapru, Business Head, Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate said, "We have witnessed a steady demand for spacious luxury homes in the Bengaluru market. Parkwest will not only deliver but exceed customers’ expectations of luxury living. We look forward to ensuring that Parkwest becomes Binnypet’s most desirable address.” 

Equipped with the latest security and home automation solutions, tower CEDAR at Parkwest 2.0 will offer a smart way of living to its homebuyers. It will offer a package of smart security and home automation solutions which will include a smart door lock, smart video door phone, motion alarm, panic alarm, smart control for AC, smart control for the television, smart energy monitoring, smart water purifier, electric vehicle charger and remote activation of the water heater. With the existing lush greenery at Parkwest 2.0, the project will offer the best-balanced blend of nature and technology. With Parkwest, Binnypet has become a desirable location for investors and home buyers.  

About Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE)  

Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate is a well-regarded, reputed player in the Indian real estate sector owing to cutting-edge design innovation, construction quality and architectural excellence. It constitutes a significant segment of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group – an enormous multi-business conglomerate. The group has a 150+ years legacy that bridges the earliest celebrated structures of India and the modern marvels. Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate has made inroads into most Indian cities – Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Gurugram and Kolkata - with a variety of developments from luxury apartments, opulent residences to aspirational homes for mid-income homebuyers as well as one of the largest mass housing projects in India. 

Link to the website: https://www.shapoorjipallonji.com/