Muthoot Finance Gifts Gold-Winning Athlete Sinimol K Sebastian A New Home, Celebrates Her Victory At World Dwarf Games 2023

The 39-year old veteran dwarf athlete - Smt. Sinimol K Sebastian from Idukki District of Kerala has won against all odds, and pulled off a spectacular show at the World Dwarf Games 2023 held in Germany.

Sinimol won across multiple disciplines including 4 Gold medals in Freestyle Swimming (25 m & 50 m categories), Javelin Throw, and Discus Throw, along with a Silver medal in the Shot Put category.

Muthoot Finance, in line with its commitment to promote sports as part of its CSR initiatives, and to celebrate Sinimol’s wins, provided crucial support in her journey, covered all her related expenses, and has now gifted her a new home as part of the Muthoot Aashiyana Project.

Bangalore, August 12, 2023: Muthoot Finance, India’s leading gold loan NBFC, proudly supports Smt. Sinimol K Sebastian, for her groundbreaking achievements at the 8th World Dwarf Games 2023 in Cologne, Germany. The 120 cm-tall athlete, Sinimol, achieved a remarkable feat and bagged five medals, including 4 Gold and 1 Silver at the World Dwarf Games 2023. This remarkable event took place from July 28th to August 5th, 2023, at the Deutsche SportHochschule (German Sports University) located in Cologne, Germany.

Sinimol, the 39-year-old veteran dwarf athlete from Kerala's Idukki District, was trained by Father Solomon Kadambattu Parambil at the Darshana Society for the disabled. She showcased a spectacular performance, and won 5 medals across various disciplines. Defying all odds she bagged 4 gold medals each in Freestyle Swimming (25 m & 50 m categories), Javelin Throw, Discus Throw, and 1 silver medal in Shot Put category. She was also honored as the flag bearer for the Indian continent representing Kerala.

To commemorate Sinimol’s remarkable accomplishments, Muthoot Finance hosted a ceremony at its Kochi Head Office on 11th August, 2023. Shri. George Alexander Muthoot, MD of Muthoot Finance, welcomed Sinimol with a memento and flowers, along with traditional percussion (chenda melam). As part of a heartwarming surprise ceremony, Muthoot Finance pledged a new home for Sinimol under its Muthoot Aashiyana Project. Through this gesture, Muthoot Finance acknowledges the hardships faced by Sinimol, celebrates her commitment and persistence that has led to her achieving this victory at the World Dwarf Games 2023. As part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility, Muthoot Finance had also allocated Rs. 5 Lacs to support Sinimol and took care of all the related expenses.

Speaking on Sinimol’s exceptional victory and her journey, Shri. George Alexander Muthoot, Managing Director, Muthoot Finance said, "Witnessing Sinimol K Sebastian's extraordinary triumph at the World Dwarf Games 2023, Germany fills us with immense pride. On the behalf of the entire Muthoot Family, I would like to congratulate Sinimol on her historic victory. Her dedication and indomitable spirit exemplifies the true essence of sportsmanship. At Muthoot Finance, we are delighted to have played a small role in her incredible journey, providing her with a new home and supporting her aspirations. We've realized that India's potential to produce exceptional athletes isn't limited by talent, but it is hindered by challenges such as access to basic amenities and unequal opportunities. We remain committed to provide support in the field of Sports as we firmly believe that Sports creates a sense of national pride and unity.”

Further, Shri. George M George, Deputy Managing Director, Muthoot Finance said, “I extend my heartiest congratulations to Sinimol K Sebastian for her exceptional performance at the World Dwarf Games 2023. Her dedication and perseverance inspires us all. As a true sportsperson and athlete, Sinimol has transcended all limitations and demonstrated an unstoppable essence of the human spirit. It is a true honor for us to be able to be part of her incredible journey, nurture her aspirations and offer a new house.”

Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Sinimol said, “I am truly humbled and overjoyed by my victories at the World Dwarf Games 2023. Achievements like these inspire me to strive for greater accomplishments and bring honor to my nation. This journey has been a testament to the power of determination and the unwavering support I've received throughout from my family, friends, brilliant coaches and sponsor Muthoot Finance. Muthoot Finance's backing in this entire World Dwarf Games journey and the belief they've shown in my abilities has been a game-changer for me. I am very grateful for this new house and the entire sponsorship awarded by Muthoot Finance.  I am determined to give my best in the field of Sports and make India proud.”

Photo Caption: (Left to Right)George M George - Deputy Managing Director Muthoot Finance, Shri. George Alexander Muthoot-Managing Director, Muthoot Finance, Fr Solomon - Darshana Society for Disabled, Smt. Sinimol K Sebastian - Athlete..

Ambuja & ACC Celebrate India's Progress And Independence: A Journey Of Resilience And Nation-Building

EDITOR’S SYNOPSIS 

·                     Ambuja Cements’ film, "Desh Ban Raha Hai", showcases India's dynamic and ambitious youth, celebrating their vigour and determination, highlighting the nation's core principles of integrity, unity, and growth. 

·                     ACC combines unwavering dedication to the nation's growth, fostering sustainable development through “Jahan Bharat Basta Hai” reflecting its iconic legacy. 

·                     Ambuja Cements and ACC reaffirm their commitment to nation-building, upholding India's youth spirit for shaping a future grounded in strength, unity, and sustainable progress. 

Ambuja Cements Limited and ACC Limited, the cement and building material companies of the diversified Adani Group, collaborate to commemorate India's 77th Independence Day. Under the theme of "Growing Nation," they reaffirm their commitment to India's growth and prosperity, symbolised by the metaphorical shade of a Banyan tree. The joint narrative encompasses the intertwined paths of schoolchildren, vibrant crossroads of carnivals, and the joy of newlyweds, all under our shared heritage. 

Ambuja Cements, in its latest campaign "Desh Ban Raha Hai," celebrates the unyielding spirit and boundless potential of India's youth. These young individuals embody the essence of India's core values - integrity, unity, and advancement, weaving faith in freedom and individuality.  

ACC's journey, spanning over eight decades, mirrors India's strength, progress and unity. Just as the tricolor soars with pride, ACC stands tall as a symbol of ‘global quality with nationwide trust’. From shaping iconic structures to infrastructure landmarks, ACC's commitment to a sustainable and prosperous India remains strong.  

Both companies champion innovation and sustainability, with green cement projects, eco-friendly practices, and holistic community engagement defining their commitment to a greener and enduring legacy for generations to come. On India's 77th Independence Day, they dedicate themselves to building a brighter, self-reliant future for our nation. 

Mr. Ajay Kapur, CEO, Cement Business, reflects on this remarkable journey, "On this auspicious occasion of India’s 77th Independence Day, we celebrate the indomitable spirit of our nation and its journey towards progress and growth. Our new films symbolsise the essence of nation building, intricately weaving into India's growth narrative. Committed to nation-building, Ambuja Cements and ACC embody core values - independence, unity, and dependability - as India progresses." 

Together, as Ambuja Cements and ACC, they stand as a testament to the essence of optimism, perseverance, and self-sufficiency, ready to carve their mark on the world and contribute to India's resplendent future. 

NTPC And EDII Join Hands To Empower Women Through Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, a 'Centre of Excellence' recognised by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the CSR Division of National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) on Friday.

Under the MoA, EDII will facilitate New Enterprise Creation among the underprivileged women in the vicinity of NTPC Noida. EDII will ensure the setting up of a Cold Compressed Oil Unit for the benefit of underprivileged women. This initiative will be strengthened by appropriate training and handholding to the participating women. NTPC has taken this initiative as a part of its CSR activity of empowering women and making them entrepreneurial and self-sustaining. In all, 30 women from self-help groups will be rendered independent and empowered over one year.

EDII implements several programmes for women entrepreneurship and empowerment as a CSR initiative for various corporate houses such as Accenture, HSBC, TATA Communications, Amazon India, Facebook, ONGC, BAYER, HCL, etc. Thus far, through sensitisation programmes, entrepreneurship competency-building programmes, domain and skill training, networking and marketing exposure, and handholding support, the institute has reached out to more than 39,142 women across the country.

About Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII)

The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad was set up in 1983 as an autonomous and not-for-profit Institute with support of apex financial institutions - the IDBI Bank Ltd., IFCI Ltd., ICICI Bank Ltd. and State Bank of India (SBI). The Government of Gujarat pledged twenty-three acres of land on which stands the majestic and sprawling EDII Campus.  EDII has been recognized as the CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt. of India. The Institute has also been listed as the Institute of National Importance by the Education Department, Govt. of Gujarat. For more information visit: www.ediindia.org

[24]7.ai Raises Fraud Alert in Bangalore: Scammers Exploiting Company Name For Job Fraud

[24]7.ai a global leader in intent-driven customer solutions and contact center services, has issued an alert regarding a rise in fraudulent activities exploiting the company's name. It has come to the company’s notice that Individuals have been falsely promising job opportunities while also collecting monetary advances under the pretext of providing laptops.

In response to this distressing incident, [24]7.ai has taken immediate action by filing an FIR (First information report) with the Marathahalli (Kadubeesanahalli) police station, and the company is working with the authorities to expedite the investigation process. Simultaneously, [24]7ai's dedicated internal teams are diligently collecting comprehensive information about the affected cases and victims involved in this reprehensible scam. The company is also strengthening its preventive measures as well as authentication procedures to combat the issue.

Individuals with any information that can  assist in the investigation, are requested to provide their full name, phone number, and case details by contacting Notify@247.ai. The authorized investigation team will promptly reach out, ensuring necessary actions are taken.

Those candidates who wish to validate the authenticity of their job offers can email india-recruitment-bo@247.ai with their offer letter details and our team will promptly respond with verification.

About [24]7.ai

[24]7.ai software and services use artificial intelligence, human insight, and deep vertical expertise to produce personalised, consistent, and satisfying customer experiences. The company's advanced conversational AI platform, combined with more than 20 years of contact center operational expertise, empowers the world's largest and most recognizable brands to deliver natural, frictionless conversations across all digital and voice channels. For more information, visit http://www.247.ai.

[24]7 and [24]7.ai are trademarks of [24]7.ai, Inc. All other brands, products, or service names are or may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.

Marriott Hotels Opens Doors In Coorg Infusing Rich Heritage Of World Class Hospitality

Marriott Hotels, an esteemed flagbearer within Marriott Bonvoy's illustrious array of 31 hotel brands, has unveiled the Coorg Marriott Resort & Spa amidst the tranquil landscapes of Coorg, Karnataka. Nestled amid the verdant expanse of the Makandur forest, this modern haven offers a gateway to immersive local escapades, all cradled within the serene sanctuary of a lush botanical haven.

Renowned as one of Southern India's premier hill station destinations, Coorg boasts enchanting vistas of mist-shrouded hills and luxuriant landscapes, providing a picturesque canvas for travelers. What sets this locale apart is not only its breathtaking natural allure but also the spectrum of exhilarating activities on offer, including intrepid treks, exploration of coffee plantations, and the enchantment of cascading waterfalls.

"We are thrilled to bring Marriott Hotels to Coorg, famously known as the Scotland of India, a land endowed with breath-taking natural splendor and glorious history. This opening underlines our commitment and focus as we continue to expand our footprints across leading travel destinations within India, providing travelers with trusted and high-quality accommodation choices" said Ranju Alex, Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International. "Marriott Hotels continues to live its legacy of Wonderful Hospitality, earning the trust of travelers around the globe.”

With 108 elegantly appointed villas and cottages, the Coorg Marriott Resort & Spa showcases panoramic emerald landscapes. Each villa boasts abundant natural light, plush bedding, and modern conveniences. Moreover, the resort extends its warm hospitality to four-legged companions, enhancing the vacation experience.

Within the dining sphere, the resort presents a diverse culinary offering. Madiker Kitchen caters to a global palate with international favorites and traditional Coorgi cuisine. Grills By The Valley promises a forest-framed dining experience with innovative dishes and skillfully crafted cocktails. The Greatroom welcomes guests to indulge in artisanal teas, coffees, and creatively infused cocktails amidst a library setting. As the day winds down, the swim-up Pool Bar provides an ideal setting for sundowners and light bites.

"We are delighted to welcome guests to our stunning new resort in Coorg," said Randal Whelpdale, General Manager at Coorg Marriott Resort & Spa. "Coorg is a unique blend of serene landscapes, vibrant traditions, and outdoor adventure. We are thrilled to showcase its natural beauty and charm through our exceptional facilities, curated local experiences, and warm hospitality."

For reservations and more information,  visit www.coorgmarriottresortandspa.com

About Marriott Hotels®

With nearly 600 hotels and resorts in over 65 countries and territories around the world, Marriott Hotels continues to elevate the art of hospitality – placing people first is the brand’s living legacy – ensuring guests always feel deeply cared for throughout their stay. Marriott Hotels raises the bar by consistently delivering heartfelt service, with modern, comfortable spaces, and by providing experiences elevated beyond the everyday. As global travelers needs and expectations evolve, so does Marriott Hotels, leading the industry with innovations including the Greatroom lobby and Mobile Guest Services that embrace style, design, and technology. Marriott Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enrol for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com

Ather Unveils Its Refreshed Product Portfolio And Launches The 450S, An All New Entry-Level Variant

* The 450S will sport India’s first DeepViewTM Display

*  At a starting price of INR 129,999, the new 450S will offer segment-leading performance and intuitive experiences when compared to 125cc petrol scooters available today

* Existing models undergo extensive feature update to enhance safety and performance

Ather Energy, India’s leading electric scooter manufacturer, today announced a completely refreshed product portfolio which will be built on the company’s best-selling 450 platform. The newly launched 450S and the refreshed 450X will be packed with new safety and performance features that are unseen in the industry yet, including India’s first DeepViewTM Display making its debut in the new 450S.

The 450S comes with a battery capacity of 2.9 kWh, an IDC range of 115km, a 0–40 acceleration of 3.9 sec, and a top speed of 90 km/h. The vehicle comes with a host of new changes including DeepViewTM Display, new switchgear, FallSafe™, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), and coasting regen, which improves range by up to 7%. Users can use the Ather Grid fast chargers to charge the 450S at a speed of up to 1.5km/min. The existing model - 450X, carries over all these upgrades and now also comes with the option to choose between 115 km and 145 km range variants. Both 450S and 450X users have the option to choose the Pro pack over the core configuration, which unlocks Ride Assist, Ather battery protect, AtherStack updates, and Ather Connect (free for 3Y).

Tarun Mehta, Co-Founder & CEO, Ather Energy, said, “With the launch of our refreshed portfolio today, we now have three products on the 450 platform in different price segments. This allows us to reach out to a much wider set of buyers. Our latest entry level variant - the 450S breaks new ground in the 125cc performance scooter segment by offering a first-of-its-kind DeepViewTM Display dashboard and a host of never seen before innovative features. The 450S significantly raises the bar in terms of riding pleasure and safety while still delivering on performance. The 450S will appeal to all those who want to enter the electric segment but are seeking the quality and assurance that Ather scooters provide at an accessible price point. Along with the 450S we are also introducing the 450X in 3kWh and 4kWh capacity providing more options to our customers to choose from our best selling scooter platform"

The 7” DeepViewTM Display with a 1000:1 contrast ratio, industry-first auto-brightness, and 18-segment characters providing superior readability any time of the day. The on-board navigation on the DeepViewTM Display comes with 18+ directional possibilities meaning, users can comfortably navigate even in a complicated 8-way roundabout. DeepViewTM Display combined with newly designed switchgear provides one of a kind interactive experience, unavailable in current digital displays.   

Both the 450S and 450X come with new switchgear with an improved tactile feel and two new switch additions, one-click reverse, and a joystick. One-click reverse enables a hassle-free reverse experience, and the joystick enables a host of interactions on the 450S and also improved in-ride interactions on the 450X. 

The new FallSafe™ feature, now available in all models, can detect changes in the scooter's speed, orientation, and acceleration when the rider is about to fall over. This feature switches off the motor (to avoid any further movement such as skidding) and activates flashing indicator lights to notify those around to step forward to rescue the rider. Further, Ather brings the new ‘Emergency Stop Signal’, a regulation in Europe, to the Indian market for the first time. This feature is designed to avoid accidents/crashes in panic-braking situations. When an Ather user panic brakes at a speed greater than 50km/h, brake lights blink to give riders behind a visual cue/ warning, thus giving them precious extra time to react.

Further, to improve the battery range, the 450S comes with coasting regen feature that slows the vehicle down while at a steady coast (no acceleration and no manual braking) and recycles the energy back into the battery. Ather has dynamically implemented this feature, ensuring that regen is lower at lower speeds, for people to nib through traffic easily and higher at higher speeds to ensure lower brake usage and improved efficiency. These improvements are said to contribute towards lower brake pad wear and an improved range of up to 7%, depending on modes.

As a first in the industry, the new inbox-to-scooter feature delivers destination addresses from other apps (like WhatsApp/ Telegram/ Instagram DM etc.) directly to the Ather dashboard. To activate this feature, users must have the Ather app installed, and the location shared must be a Google Maps link only.

The updated trip planner, apart from giving the most optimal suggestion of route along with a map of Ather Grid chargers, will also provide the option to select riders' own preferred Ather Grid charger and the trip will be planned keeping in mind your preferred chargers. Further, in certain geographies, trip planners can now help plan the trip and suggest appropriate Ather Grid chargers for intercity trips too. Ather has installed 1400+ public chargers spread across the country, including on state and national highways.

Ather has also made changes to the design of the rear mud flap to reduce the splatter on the pillion while riding on dusty or muddy roads. It also provides additional protection for the rear mono-shock and brake calipers from muddy conditions.

Deliveries will start in a phased manner, starting with 450X with 2.9 kWh battery by 3rd week of August, the 450S by last week of August and 450X with 3.7 kWh battery in October.

Pro pack that unlocks a host of features will be priced at INR. 14,000 for the 450S, INR. 16,000 for the 450X with 2.9 kWh battery and INR. 23,000 for the 450 with 3.7 kWh battery.

BharatPe Launches BharatPe Swipe Android Machine For Merchants

·         BharatPe to add new features to BharatPe Swipe Android in the coming months

BharatPe, India’s leading name in fintech industry, today announced the launch of its new Android Point of Sale (POS) terminal. Known as BharatPe Swipe Android, the device offers multiple modes for digital payment acceptance, including debit/credit cards, UPI, mobile wallets and QR code. The company, which had launched Linux based POS devices in the year 2020, already has a network of over 2 lakh POS machines  across 400+ cities in the country, and is one of the top 3 fintech players in the POS category. BharatPe will give its merchants an option to upgrade from the Linux based POS to the new Android POS device. Additionally, it plans to double its POS network count over the next 12 months, with the launch of BharatPe Swipe Android.

Powered by Android 10 operating system, the new device has a 5.5” HD touch screen and a long-lasting battery, supports fast charging, and is compatible with 4G and Wi-Fi for better connectivity. Supported by the BharatPe merchant app, the POS solution offers a simple and intuitive interface with the convenience of instant settlements and single point reconciliation for transactions across BharatPe QR and BharatPe Swipe. With BharatPe Swipe Android, merchants can also accept QR payments via dynamic QR generated on the machine, as well as generate physical receipts for the QR payments done. The comprehensive merchant dashboard enables efficient management of transactions and settlements with a customizable view as per the requirement of the merchant. Also, accepting payments through the POS machine enables the company to assess the merchant’s creditworthiness and facilitate business loans through its NBFC partners.

Commenting on the launch, Nalin Negi, CFO & interim CEO, BharatPe, said, “Through its robust fintech  ecosystem for offline merchants, BharatPe has brought millions of small businesses and retailers under the fold of the digital economy. The latest addition to our product suite, BharatPe Swipe Android, is a powerful yet simple-to-use device that will further enable our merchants to offer their customers a seamless and secure payment experience. It aims to cater to a wide range of merchants across segments including the small merchants, from a neighborhood kirana store to a fine dine restaurant or a supermarket chain. We are confident that with this new POS we will be able to offer a superlative experience to our merchant partners and in turn, help them further grow their business.”

Added Sandeep Indurkar, Chief Business Officer- Banking and Alliances, BharatPe, “The infrastructure for various payment acceptance offerings including point of sales (PoS) has been growing not only in metros and tier 1 cities, but also in tier 2 and 3 cities. We are bullish about our growth in the POS category with the launch of BharatPe Swipe Android devices. In the coming months, we will be launching a pathbreaking POS device along with offerings like pay later EMIs, Digital Receipts and sound notifications that will scale up payment acceptance for millions of offline merchants and kirana store owners. This will further enable our merchants to deliver customer delight and in turn, strengthen their businesses. We stay committed to empower our 10 million+ merchant community and be an important part of their growth story.”

In the next phase of scale-up for its POS business, BharatPe plans  to launch integrated inventory, billing and payment solutions that are customized for specific industry segments like restaurants and retail stores.

About BharatPe Group

BharatPe was founded in 2018 to make financial inclusion a reality for Indian merchants. In 2018, BharatPe launched India’s first UPI interoperable QR code, the first zero MDR payment acceptance service. In 2020, post-Covid, BharatPe also launched a card acceptance terminal – BharatSwipe. Currently serving 1 crore merchants across 400+ cities, the company is a leader in UPI offline transactions, processing 300 million+ UPI transactions per month (annualized Transaction Processed Value of over US$ 26 Bn in payments). The company has already facilitated the disbursement of loans totaling INR 100B+. BharatPe’s POS business processes payments of over US$ 3.5 bn annually on its machines. BharatPe has raised over US$ 583 million in equity till date. The company’s list of marquee investors includes Tiger Global, Dragoneer Investment Group, Steadfast Capital, Coatue Management, Ribbit Capital, Insight Partners, Steadview Capital, Beenext, Amplo, and Sequoia Capital. In June 2021, the company announced the acquisition of PAYBACK India (Rebranded to Zillion), the country’s largest multi-brand loyalty program company with 100 million+ members. In October 2021, the consortium of Centrum Financial Services Limited (Centrum) and BharatPe, was issued a Small Finance Bank (SFB) license by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). BharatPe also entered the Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) segment with the launch of postpe in October 2021. postpe has over 8 million downloads and an annualized TPV of close to INR 50B+. In January 2023, BharatPe Group received an in-principle nod from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an online payment aggregator. Recently, the company announced that it has acquired a majority stake in Trillion Loans, a renowned NBFC (Non- Banking Financial Company).