WION ‘Billion Dollar Idea’ Season 2 Goes Live On July 16; To Feature Entrepreneurial Success Stories Of Business Leaders Making It Big!

WION presents Season 2 of 'Billion Dollar Idea': charting the extraordinary stories of individuals building big businesses, India's premier international news channel, WION, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Season 2 of its talk show, 'Billion Dollar Idea,' hosted by news anchor and entrepreneur, Jasper Reid. With 12 highly engaging episodes, the new season aims to inspire and empower viewers in pursuit of bigger dreams.

'Billion Dollar Idea' Season 2 delves into the rapidly evolving landscape of Indian business, exploring both traditional and disruptive enterprises by talking to experienced and emerging entrepreneurs as well. The show provides an intimate glimpse into the personal journeys and motivations of its notable guests, sharing their successes, setbacks, and the stories behind their remarkable achievements.

Season 2 introduces a revamped format, featuring in-person and on-location interviews with Jasper Reid (the Founder and CEO of International Market Management) engaging in informal chats with guests who have founded or lead enterprises valued at $1.0 billion or whose firms have the potential to become 'Unicorns.'

Episode 1 of 'Billion Dollar Idea' Season 2 goes live on Sunday, July 16th, 2023 and features thought-provoking conversations with Anish Achuthan, Co-founder of Open Money, India's 100th unicorn, as he shares candid insights into making his #BillionDollarIdea a reality.

Madhu Soman, Chief Business Officer of WION, commented on the approach of Season 2, saying, "With the second season of Billion-Dollar Idea, we plan to dig deeper and unpack the method behind the madness. And Jasper, with his slightly irreverent and freewheeling style, has this uncanny ability to get the mind behind the money to open up while keeping things conversational yet compelling."

Jasper Reid, entrepreneur, and host of the show adds, "An entrepreneur's journey is never easy. It requires unwavering zeal, the courage to face failure, and the willingness to take risks and handle uncertainty. As I explore the struggles and triumphs of each of the 12 entrepreneurs, I hope their stories will inspire many others in the future."

WION - The World is One News, renowned for its comprehensive analysis of global issues, has amassed a subscriber base of over 7 million on YouTube. The channel consistently outshines many Indian English News channels, including India Today, NDTV, and Times Now, in terms of monthly viewership on digital platforms.

About WION: WION, World is One News, is a distinguished English global news brand under Zee Media, reaching audiences in over 190 countries. It provides unparalleled coverage of global news from an Indian perspective. Website: www.WIONews.com

Zee Media Corporation Ltd, a leading media conglomerate in India, boasts a robust presence in news and regional genres, with 16 news channels spanning seven languages and an extensive viewership of over 528 million through linear and digital platforms.

Bengaluru Set To Host Asia's Biggest Apparel Sourcing Expo- Apparel Sourcing Week 2023

~Apparel manufacturers from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India and other countries to participate~

~A true apparel industry festival – 150+ apparel manufacturers, fabric & accessories manufacturers to showcase latest of apparel and textile innovations for 10000+ brands & retailers~

Apparel Sourcing Week (ASW) 2023, Asia's premier sourcing show for the global fashion and retail industry is poised to create a wave of excitement with its much-awaited third edition. With participation from over 15 countries and the presence of more than 5000 visitors from across the globe representing buyers, sourcing heads, industry professionals and retail brands from the fashion and retail industry, ASW 2023 is set to become the biggest platform in the region. The highly anticipated 2023 edition of ASW is scheduled to take place on July 20th-21st at the iconic Hotel Sheraton Grand and Convention Center in Bengaluru, this transformative event will provide an unprecedented platform for industry stakeholders to tap into the immense potential of the booming Indian fashion retail market.

The global fair as it is, with 150 exhibitors from countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Mauritius, Hong Kong, and Australia; 50-plus fabric and accessories manufacturers; and 30-plus sponsors offering specialised fabrics to sustainable technology, ASW 2023 will be the veritable one-stop sourcing solution for the supply chain players. Among the key exhibitors at ASW 2023 are Aitken Spence Apparel, Timex Garments (Pvt.) Limited,  Sarasavi Exports, Colmans Garments Group (all from Sri Lanka); Azim group, Pakiza, Mitali Fashions (all from Bangladesh); Pratibha Syntex, SCM Garments, Creative Garments Pvt Ltd., Texport Industries (all from India), apart from many others presenting their innovative product ensembles and manufacturing capabilities.

With meticulous selection criteria focusing on specialisation, delivery, shipment, and sustainability, ASW 2023 guarantees the exhibitors will fulfil every requirement of the discerning buyers.

"The Indian market stands as a beacon of hope amidst the global economic challenges, and ASW 2023 offers a gateway to this extraordinary growth story," expressed Mayank Mohindra, CEO of ASW and Director, Apparel Resources, adding, "Our vision is to provide an unparalleled and enriching experience in the vibrant fashion retail landscape of India."

This year ASW will feature about 25-plus panel discussions and workshops with the first day being dedicated to SustainableNXT Conference and Awards while day two will have panel discussions on themes such as Sourcing as a Service.

The highlight of Day 1 of ASW 2023 is the SustainableNXT Conference & Awards, dedicated to fostering circularity, green building, sustainable materials and practices in the fashion industry, promoting the agenda of sustainability and a greener future. Committed as it is towards driving positive changes ASW through SustainableNXT Awards will honour 20 individuals and entities across five categories for their exceptional efforts in the realm of sustainability.

It’s just not hardcore business; ASW will not be found wanting when it comes to inspiration either as events like Trend Walk, Pledge Wall and BOTS will take the spirit of motivation to all together different level even as the attendees will soak in the melodious tunes of saxophone as they give in to the heady mix of fun, food and entertainment, to make ASW a memorable experience. 

Around 5000 plus attendees including buyer delegates, representing leading national and global retail chains and e-commerce platforms, ASW 2023 will once again reiterate its standing as the foremost sourcing platform, captivating the attention of top industry players, only to consolidate its position as the global hub for fashion retail.

Website: https://apparelsourcingweek.com/

Alli Serona_Together In Art: Inspiring Women In The Informal Sector To Harness The Power Of Creativity

* The film was screened at Alliance Française de Bangalore on the 13th of July in the presence of women from the informal sector

Can underrepresented women from the informal sector with differing caste, language and community backgrounds find joy in a community bound together by creativity? Why don't or can’t they claim public spaces with as much ease as men do and only leave the confines of their homes and work environments to do errands? Can they make time to make rangolis together, do quilting, block printing, and share their lives? How can the power of participatory art practices address the mobility demands of women informal workers?

These are some of the questions that the short documentary 'Alli Serona: Together in Art' raises with sensitivity. Screened on the 13th of July at Alliance Française de Bangalore, the film documents the efforts of ‘Alli Serona’ (Let’s meet there), a social impact movement. 'Alli Serona' originated in Marathahalli, a bustling locality in suburban Bengaluru to bring together women working in the informal sector, in an empowering community-centric movement.

You can watch this short documentary here: https://youtu.be/t-Fes6qk1d8 

Tanisha Arora, a Senior Creative Strategist and key spokesperson for the initiative, says, "Alli Serona: Together in Art,' successfully demonstrates how participatory art practices can empower even the most underserved women and help them transcend language barriers, cultural differences, and social divides. Active involvement in collective creation away from the daily grind can offer them a shared opportunity for dialogue, self-expression, and mutual connection."

Why the name 'Alli Serona'? "The name was chosen by the women themselves and it has a certain energy and movement that they have come to relate with.,” adds Tanisha. They are also acutely aware of how climate change impacts underserved communities like their own. "The effects of climate change are first felt by informal settlements, often affecting marginalised communities whose voices are often absent in decision-making spaces and processes. The 'Alli Serona' movement is an attempt to ensure that the voices of the most vulnerable stakeholders are not only heard but also amplified.”

The film focuses on many such voices and celebrates the resilience of women like Parvathamma and Chand Bi who now steal a little time for themselves to collectively reflect upon their role in the informal workforce and as well as in society. Says Shwetha T, a dedicated mural artist involved in the project from the Aravani Art Project, "Women have all sorts of things in their hearts. Pain, sadness, joy, and difficulties. We make them forget all of that when we invite them to paint."

Alli Serona (“Let’s meet there” in Kannada) is a collective of civil society organisations, creators, and think tanks that are working together to bring the voices of the informal sector of Bengaluru to the centre of the city’s shift to a more sustainable, low-carbon city.

OPPO India Teams Up With The Atal Innovation Mission To Set Up The First PPP-Model Atal Tinkering Lab

OPPO India announces the establishment of an Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) in Kerala in collaboration with NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) as Knowledge Partners. This programme motivates students to explore, experiment, and undertake projects involving DIY kits in robotics, electronics, and rapid prototyping.

The lab at St Paul’s CEHSS in Kuriachira, Thrissur, was inaugurated on 10th July 2023 by Shri Rajeev Chandrashekar, the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Electronics and Information Technology. The primary objective of this initiative is to create an empowered future-ready workforce and nurture entrepreneurship and technological skills among the youth. Till 2022, 10,000 ATLs were established across 35 States and UTs in India via government grants. This collaboration marks the establishment of the first-ever Atal Tinkering Lab, based on the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model.

Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, MD, Atal Innovation Mission, said, "On behalf of the Atal Innovation Mission team, I welcome OPPO to the ATL Community. The establishment of the first PPP Atal Tinkering Lab in collaboration with OPPO India is a significant milestone in India's School Innovation journey. Through this new modality of partner-established ATLs, we hope to democratise tinkering and make it available to many more students across the country. I invite more partners to this new and exciting initiative to establish many more ATLs in India, thus empowering more young innovators."

The ATL has been set up to empower school children in classes 6th to 12th to develop innovative solutions. The students can harness cutting-edge technology tools such as 3D printing, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, miniaturised electronics, space technology, drone technology, and technology-inspired textiles.

Mr. Vivek Vasishtha, Vice-President, Public Affairs, OPPO India, said, “OPPO India is committed to social upliftment by investing in youth and providing holistic learning opportunities. We are delighted to inaugurate our first-ever Atal Tinkering Lab to offer a modern learning ecosystem to nurture future innovators and entrepreneurs. This collaboration is part of our endeavour to promote ‘out of the box’ thinking and teach community-oriented problem-solving capabilities to young students. We are proud to be able to contribute to the Government of India’s mission of empowering the citizens of tomorrow with future-ready skills.”

This collaboration between the AIM and OPPO—with Learning Links Foundation as the implementation partner—adapts the 'Hub n Spoke' strategy to create an innovative learning environment through practical experiences and regular training sessions. The ATL in the nodal school will act as a ‘Hub’ for the students from neighbouring government schools to come and conduct experiments in the lab. This approach will also extend its assistance to three community schools.

“We take immense pride in collaborating with OPPO India and Niti Aayog to establish the Atal Tinkering Labs. We will work together to nurture a generation of individuals who will contribute to the development and advancement of our society,” said Dr Anjlee Prakash, Chairperson, Learning Links Foundation.

Through the ATL, children with exceptional potential will be identified and nurtured through the Student Innovator Programme and the ATL Marathon to provide them with mentorship opportunities from eminent entrepreneurs and prepare them to compete in national/regional contests, fostering lifelong learning.

OPPO India has taken proactive steps to offer advanced educational opportunities to children and motivate them to build a better future through various initiatives. These initiatives encompass setting up a computer lab at the Roundtable School in Varanasi and collaborating with MENSA to equip underprivileged children with digital literacy tools. Most recently, OPPO India has partnered with CSC Academy to train 10,000 women in semi-urban and rural areas as Cyber Security Ambassadors. 

About Atal Innovation Mission

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, is the Government of India’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. AIM has launched the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) program. ATL is a state-of-the-art space established in a school that aims to foster curiosity and innovation in young minds.  To date, AIM has selected 10,000 schools in 700+ districts of the country to establish ATLs.

About OPPO Mobiles India Private Limited

OPPO is the world's leading smart device manufacturer and innovator. Since its establishment in 2004, the company has expanded its global footprint to over sixty countries and regions, including India. OPPO Mobiles India Private Limited, registered in 2013, has its headquarters in Gurugram, Haryana. OPPO India now has one of India's largest mobile phone manufacturing centres. The manufacturing plant is spread across a 110-acre campus in Greater Noida, described as a ‘superfactory’ by National Geographic & is at the forefront of leading India’s smartphone manufacturing journey. The company has 65,000+ channel partners nationwide and service centres in over 530 cities, supporting over 150,000+ families across India.

IIIT-B Signs MoU With Continental Automotive Components India And Continental Autonomous Mobility India For Collaborative Engagement

The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) and Continental Automotive Components (India) Pvt Ltd have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to foster collaboration in the field of research and development. Additionally, IIIT-B and Continental Autonomous Mobility India Pvt Ltd have also signed an MoU and NDA to explore joint opportunities in autonomous mobility solutions.

The signing ceremony took place at IIIT-B's premises and was attended by distinguished representatives from both institutions. Present from IIIT-B were Prof. Debabrata Das, Director; Prof. Ramanathan Chandrashekar, Dean (Academics); Prof. Shrisha Rao, Dean (Faculty); Prof. Jyotsna Bapat; Prof. Dinesh Babu Jayagopi; Prof. Vinod Veera Reddy; and Prof. Vinu Venugopal. From Continental Automotive Components (India) Pvt Ltd, the attendees included Ms. Latha Chembrakalam, Head of Continental Technical Center India (TCI); Mr. Sudeepth Puthumana, Head of ADAS Segments; Mr Ganesh S Rao, Head of R&D ADAS Engineering; and Mr. Thiyagarajan, Chief Manager, Leading TCI University connection program.

The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Prof. Debabrata Das, who expressed his appreciation for the partnership between IIIT-B and Continental Automotive Components (India) Pvt Ltd. He emphasized the vital role played by IIIT-B in the research domain and its contributions to society. Prof. Das also highlighted the various research centres and programs conducted by IIIT-B, showcasing its expertise and commitment to cutting-edge research.

Prof. Ramanathan Chandrashekar, Dean (R&D) at IIIT-B, delivered a comprehensive presentation on IIIT-B and its research activities. He provided an overview of IIIT-B's vision, mission, and goals, underscoring its position as a premier academic institution. Prof. Chandrashekar highlighted IIIT-B's research programs and the significant achievements of its graduates, including successful startups. He also shed light on the major research domains and centres at IIIT-B, spanning areas such as Data Science, Computer Science, VLSI Systems, Wireless Communications, Mobile Computing, Physics, and Software Engineering.

Ms. Latha Chembrakalam, Head of Continental Technical Center India (TCI), then shared insights into Continental Automotive Components (India) Pvt Ltd and its areas of focus. She emphasized the organization's commitment to attracting bright minds, upskilling its staff, fostering joint research collaborations, and engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. Ms Chembrakalam highlighted TCI's vision and its role in shaping the future of mobility through cutting-edge research and development. She underscored TCI's collaboration with top engineering institutions, including IIIT-B, to fuel innovation and build competencies in niche areas.

The signing of the MoUs and NDAs between IIIT-B and Continental Automotive Components (India) Pvt Ltd, as well as IIIT-B and Continental Autonomous Mobility India Pvt Ltd, marked a significant milestone in the collaboration between the institutions. The agreements solidify their commitment to joint research, development, and innovation in various areas of mutual interest. The MoU event concluded with a productive discussion on the possible outcomes of the collaboration. The partnership sets a strong precedent for industry-academia collaborations that drive technological innovation, research advancements, and socio-economic growth.

About IIIT-Bangalore

IIIT-Bangalore is a premier institute focused on Post-Graduate IT education and research, located in the heart of Electronic City, Bangalore. IIIT-Bangalore is graded A+ by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for 2022, IIIT-B has secured 74th ranking. The institute was ranked number 1 among India's Best Technical Universities (Private) by India Today. IIIT-Bangalore contains state-of-the-art infrastructure, eminently qualified faculty, a vibrant alumni community, cutting-edge research facilities, and close industry collaborations. 

The institute’s specially designed courses make the students cognitive of the current technologies. Experiential learning and practices followed in the institute equip them with the tools and knowledge to solve contemporary real problems. IIIT-Bangalore has consistently achieved excellent placement records every year since its establishment in 1998, thanks to the unwavering support of the industry and the expanding pool of highly skilled alumni.

For more details, log onto https://www.iiitb.ac.in

Yulu’s Next-Generation DeX GR EVs Hit Roads In Bengaluru

* Jointly developed by Yulu and Bajaj Auto, the Yulu DeX GR bikes are purpose-built on a smart two-wheeler platform and will accelerate green deliveries across the city  

Yulu, India’s largest shared electric 2-wheeler mobility player, today handed over the first batch of new third-generation Yulu Dex GR shared EVs to delivery executives in Bengaluru. The Yulu DeX GR handover event was graced by honourable Chief Guest M.N. Anucheth, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Bengaluru City.  

The Yulu GR shared EVs are the result of a first-of-its-kind global collaboration between Yulu and leading OEM brand Bajaj Auto. The vehicles are manufactured on a purpose-built platform specially engineered for urban mobility, keeping in mind Indian consumers, the climate, and road conditions. Accordingly, the DeX GR EVs have enhanced features including smart batteries for higher ride uptime, and longer range and load-carrying capacities. 

Pradeep Puranam, Head of Revenue and Operations - Yulu said, “Yulu is committed to providing sustainable and efficient mobility solutions for urban users. At the core of the new DeX GR EV is our extensive user-focused R&D into the needs of last-mile delivery executives and enterprises. Yulu has always been at the forefront of the mobility revolution through its innovative products and services. We believe that the new DeX GR, supported by Yulu’s robust on-ground operations and our flexible rental plans- will enhance delivery riders’ earnings and provide them a truly delightful experience.” 

The new generation of Yulu shared EVs will have access to the extensive charging infrastructure of Yuma Energy, which operates one of India’s largest networks of battery swapping stations for electric two-wheelers. 

Suzuki Motorcycle India Rolls Out The 5 Millionth Access 125 From Its Gurugram Plant

Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation has achieved a significant production milestone as the company rolled out 5 millionth Access 125 from its Kherki Dhaula plant situated in Gurugram, Haryana.

Access 125 was the first scooter in the 125 cc segment at the time of its launch in 2007. Today, Suzuki Access 125 has come a long way in proving its supremacy in the Indian market and achieving a significant market share in the country. This family scooter with its attractive looks and a peppy engine has won the heart of many and has been on a healthy growth trajectory. The company has also been quick in upgrading the Access 125 almost every year to perfectly match it with the latent expectations of the customers.  

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Kenichi Umeda, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India said, “This is a major milestone for all of us at Suzuki Motorcycle India. It reflects our commitment and customers’ confidence in our Access 125 in the domestic as well as overseas markets. We express our sincere gratitude towards our valued customers, dealer partners, associates, and all our colleagues for supporting us achieve this remarkable feat. Today’s Access 125 is fully equipped with convenient features developed keeping the Indian customers in mind.”  

ABOUT SUZUKI MOTORCYCLE INDIA PVT LTD (SMIPL)

Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited is a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan wherein they have the same manufacturing philosophy of PRODUCTS OF SUPERIOR VALUE right from the inception. SMIPL manufactures two-wheelers best suited for valuable Indian customers. The Company started its India operation in February 2006.