Friday, December 1, 2023

Stovekraft Expands Its Product Portfolio With The Launch Of Pigeon Duo OTG Airfryer


Stovekraft Limited, a pioneer in innovative cookware and kitchenware appliances, has launched the Pigeon Duo OTG Airfryer, underscoring its commitment to delivering cutting-edge products that meet the changing preferences of modern households. Pigeon Duo OTG Airfryer is an unparalleled innovation, seamlessly combining the functions of an OTG oven and an air fryer into a single, space-saving appliance.

Designed to redefine culinary experiences, this remarkable product brings convenience, versatility, and health-conscious cooking to your kitchen. With its spacious 25-liter interior capacity, it accommodates larger meals and facilitates the preparation of multiple dishes simultaneously. The Rapid Heating Technology (RHT) at 1400 Watts ensures swift heating, enabling users to commence cooking instantly and saving both time and energy.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Rajendra Gandhi, MD of Stovekraft, said, "We at Stovekraft have always been at the forefront of introducing high-quality kitchen appliances to meet our customers' growing demands. The Pigeon Duo OTG Airfryer is a revolutionary advancement in kitchen technology, designed to meet the needs of busy individuals and health-conscious families. This appliance seamlessly transitions between traditional OTG oven functions and advanced air fryer features, providing an all-in-one solution for baking, roasting, grilling, toasting, and guilt-free air frying. The removable trays make cleaning a breeze, ensuring simple and efficient upkeep.”

The Pigeon Duo OTG Airfryer uses Air Frying Technology to deliver crispy food textures with minimal oil, promoting healthier meals. This novel method provides the satisfying crunch of traditional frying without the extra calories and without sacrificing taste. It is simple to use, with 6 intuitive controls for precise temperature and cooking time settings.

Photo Caption: Mr. Rajendra Gandhi, MD of Stovekraft unveiled the Pigeon Duo OTG Airfryer.

Dr Deepak Padmanabhan From Sri Jayadeva Institute Honoured With Prestigious Sitaram Jaipuria Foundation Awards


* Dr Deepak Padmanabhan was recognised with Emerging Young Leader in Medicine and Healthcare Award.

Dr Deepak Padmanabhan, Cardiac Electrophysiologist at Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bengaluru, was honoured with prestigious Medical & Healthcare Excellence Awards hosted by Sitaram Jaipuria Foundation for Emerging Young Leader in Medicine and Healthcare Award. The foundation presented a substantial Rs. 90 lakhs in awards to express profound gratitude for doctors’ invaluable contributions to society’s health and well-being.

The event, held in New Delhi, was graced by the presence of Guest of Honour Sonali Bendre which was hosted by Mr. Ashok Jaipuria, Chairman of SJF and Chairman & MD of Cosmo First Ltd. The ceremony honoured healthcare luminaries, showcasing the evolving landscape of medical contributions and innovations. The event also included a mesmerizing performance by Sarod Maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his talented sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash.

Citing the words of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the awards recognized doctors’ courage, selflessness, and resilience during unprecedented times. Their commitment extends beyond healing, instilling hope and fortitude into society. Hence, it is not just a duty; it’s a profound necessity for society to express utmost respect and heartfelt gratitude to the entire medical community.

The second edition drew attention with over 1,000 entries including 12 Padma awardees, demonstrating a growing commitment to recognizing exceptional contributions. Awards totalling Ninety Lakhs Rupees were conferred across various categories:

Winners of the Medical & Healthcare Excellence Awards 2023 are:

1.       INR 50 Lakhs for Excellence in Medicine and Healthcare Award

·         Prof. (Dr) Jeyaraj Durai Pandian- Professor & Head of Neurology and Principal/Dean /Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, Punjab

INR 10 Lakhs for Emerging Young Leader in Medicine and Healthcare Award

·         Dr Karan Madan- Additional Professor, Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine /All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi

·         Dr Deepak Padmanabhan- Cardiac Electrophysiologist/Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka

INR 10 Lakhs for Exemplary Leadership in Rural Medicine and Healthcare Award

·         Dr Regi M George and Dr Lalitha Regi- Managing Trustee and Trustee /Tribal Health Initiative, Sittilingi, Tamil Nadu

INR 10 Lakhs for Smt. Gayatri Jaipuria Women’s Medicine and Healthcare Excellence Award

·         Prof. (Dr) Pratibha Singhi- Professor & Head of Department of Paediatric Neurology / Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad, Haryana

INR 10 Lakhs for Shri Ashwini Kumar Lifetime Achievement in Healthcare Award

·         Prof. Gursaran Pran Talwar, Director Researcher / Talwar Research Foundation, New Delhi

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ashok Jaipuria, Chairman SJF and Chairman & MD of Cosmo First Ltd. stated, “In the spirit of my father, Sitaram Jaipuria's profound humanitarian values, we gather to celebrate our medical heroes. These exemplary doctors, akin to visible gods on Earth, have made it their life's mission to heal and uplift humanity. They embody the true essence of medicine and compassion.”

He further added, “Through the Medical & Healthcare Excellence Awards, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to these healthcare warriors who often work selflessly, sacrificing their comfort for the well-being of others. This recognition is a testament to their indomitable spirit, a reminder that their devotion to serving humanity never goes unnoticed.”

Kotak’s Global Service Account – A Comprehensive Current Account, Addresses A Range Of Banking Needs Of The Service Export Sector


Kotak Mahindra Bank (“KMBL”/ “Kotak”) today announced the launch of ‘Global Service Account’ (GSA) as a comprehensive current account to meet the unique banking needs of the Service Export Sector. This proposition will enable businesses with international presence, clients and employees, access a wide suite of products and services such as prioritised customer service with a dedicated Relationship Manager, Advisory Services on Forex Markets and Trends, access to Trade Experts and Digital Solutions and Lending solutions for on-time salaries, vendor payments, among others.

Global Service Account: A comprehensive suite of products and services

Exclusive One-Stop Service: A dedicated Relationship Manager to provide prioritised customer service

Advisory Services on Forex Markets and Trends: For a competitive edge with guidance on the latest trends in the world of Forex.

Trade Experts and Digital Solutions: Empower businesses with expert trade insights and innovative digital solutions.

Lending solution***: Access business financing of up to ?2 crore for on-time salaries, vendor payments, and more.

As per India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), a Trust established by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, the Service Export1 sector contributes to 40% of the total exports in India with a growth rate 26.8% in FY’23 as compared to FY’22, reaching $323 billion in FY’23.  Kotak aims to simplify customer experience by offering key banking products and services for global businesses within one current account, without having to opt for services separately. Global Service Account will cater to global services in sectors such as Consultancy, Software, BPO, E-commerce, Tour & Travel, Hospitality, and Transport, with increasing international operations.

Rohit Bhasin,     President - Retail Liabilities Product and Chief Marketing Officer, Kotak Mahindra Bank said, "Our Global Service Account will augment banking and finance related transactions for businesses with their international operations in a comprehensive and seamless manner. In an effort to be customer-centric, we continue to develop solutions that prioritize the needs of our customers, making it delightful to bank with us.”

The ‘Global Service Account’ offers two Current Account variants: ‘Global Service Account Ace’ and ‘Global Service Account Elite’. Both variants provide exclusive and preferred pricing for Trade and Forex Transactions, granting access to a Business Platinum Debit Card with exclusive VIP airport lounge privileges through Priority Pass. Furthermore, it also offers flexibility in maintaining Average Quarterly Balance (AQB) or quarterly throughput^*, ensuring that businesses can tailor the banking experience to their unique needs.

Global Service Account customers have accesses to a suite of power-packed solutions to give their business an edge:

Current Account Payment Solution: Simple and secure business payments with a bulk upload facility for easy and faster transactions

Trade and Forex Solutions: Execute end-to-end forex transactions, protect against currency fluctuations, and access seamless, paperless trade portals.

Lending Solutions***: Key offering includes lending solutions for on-time salary and vendor payments with unsecured overdraft limit of up to ?2 crore. Other offerings are Clean Overdraft, Hedging Limits, Foreign Currency Term Loans, Export Finance Limits, and Working Capital Solutions.

Corporate Salary: Benefit from zero-balance salary accounts for employees and Priority Banking offering for employees**, enticing brand offers, complimentary insurance covers, program perks for employees, and lifetime access to premium credit cards.

Corporate Credit Cards****: Special offers like cashback, fuel surcharge waivers, lounge access, and more along with a dashboard for expense control and monitoring

ActivMoney: Earn FD-like interest of up to 7%* p.a. on the idle funds in your Current Account above a minimum threshold###

Convenience Banking: Experience hassle-free banking through Kotak’s integrated ERP solutions and Access banking on-the-go through Kotak’s Net, Mobile, Phone, and SMS banking facilities, along with Kotak FYN, a one-stop digital portal for seamless account services.

^*For Global Service Account Elite, AQB of Rs. 1 lakh or quarterly throughput more than or equal to USD 1,00,000 needs to be maintained. For Global Service Account Ace, AQB of Rs. 2.5 lakh or quarterly throughput more than or equal to USD 2,50,000 needs to be maintained.

**For employees with salary of Rs. 1 lakh and above per month

***Terms & Conditions apply. Credit at the sole discretion of Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd and subject to guidelines issued by RBI from time to time. Bank may engage the services of marketing agents for the purpose of sourcing loan assets.

****Issuance of Credit Card is at the sole discretion of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited. All features and benefits are subject to Credit Card terms and conditions.

*For deposits above 7 days. T&C apply. Visit www.kotak.com for more details. ### Minimum threshold for ActivMoney facility in Global Service Account is Rs. 2 lakh for Elite variant and Rs. 5 lakh for Ace variant.

For detailed T&Cs, please visit www.kotak.com.

About Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

Established in 1985, Kotak Mahindra Group is one of India's leading financial services conglomerates. In February 2003, Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd. (KMFL), the Group's flagship company, received banking license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), becoming the first non-banking finance company in India to convert into a bank - Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

The Bank has four Strategic Business Units – Consumer Banking, Corporate Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury, which cater to retail and corporate customers across urban and rural India. The premise of Kotak Mahindra Group’s business model is concentrated India, diversified financial services. The bold vision that underscores the Group’s growth is an inclusive one, with a host of products and services designed to address the needs of the unbanked and insufficiently banked. As on 30 September 2023, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd has a national footprint of 1,850 branches and 3,170 ATMs, and branches in GIFT City and DIFC (Dubai).

For more information, please visit the company’s website at https://www.kotak.com/

BTS 2023 Puts Spotlight On Innovative Product Launches, Renewable Technologies In Addressing Climate Change & Government Policies


Highlights: 

An Informative Fireside Chat featuring Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw & Nobel Laureate Dr. H. Robert Horvitz: Exploring the Transition from Basic Research to High-Impact Innovation 

Other Noteworthy Events of the Day: TCS Rural IT Quiz National Finals, Groundbreaking Startup Product Launch, Introduction of Uber Green: A Global Flagship Electric Vehicle Service 

A Fireside Session led by Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India moderated by Jaya Jagadish, Country Head, Senior Vice-President, Silicon Design Engineering, AMD India 

STPI in collaboration with the Government of Karnataka supported by HPEIPL sets up a Center of Excellence (CoE-EA) in Efficiency Augmentation at Jayanagar, Bengaluru, to leverage the emerging Industry 4.0 technologies 

STPI IT Exports Awards 2023 Announced: IT Ratna of Karnataka was awarded to Infosys and Intel Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 

Bengaluru, 30th November 2023: The second day of the 26th Bengaluru Tech Summit 2023 witnessed the esteemed presence of Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. The event, organized by the Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, Government of Karnataka, and Software Technology Parks of India, captivated business visitors and experts from the Deeptech, BioTech, Startup, and Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) sectors. Exciting sessions and events were held, including fireside chats with industry leaders and recognition of exceptional talent in the industry. 

The day commenced with a compelling ITE & Deeptech Track titled "Tech Interventions for a Sustainable Future," featuring Sagar N, Farm & Field, crop & digital solutions, Santosh Subramanian, Regional CIO – SA, SEA & Oceania at Veolia, Prof. Claudio J Tessone from the University of Zurich, and Guru Prakash Shastry, Head - Climate Action, Infosys. The emphasis was on the importance of renewable technologies in addressing climate change and aligning human behaviour, government policies, and environmental metrics for sustainability. It stressed on altering water consumption metrics, employing AI for sewage management, and utilizing technology for real-time crop monitoring. The discussion also highlighted blockchain's role in transparent finance while cautioning against over-dependence on hyped technologies.  

This session was followed by a substantive discussion featuring Anjum Parwez, IAS, Managing Director of BMRCL, Sanjay Chaddha, Director Public Policy India & South Asia, Uber India Systems Private Limited, Blake Opsahl, Director of Business Development and Technology at BETA Technologies, and Prasanna Patwardhan, of Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions. The panel addressed the theme "The C.A.S.E. for Future Mobility" delving into the critical role of integrated transportation, electric and autonomous vehicles, and their influence on shaping the future of mobility in India. The session encapsulated suggestions on alleviating traffic congestion in Bangalore, emphasizing the encouragement of public transportation usage over private modes, as one of the key strategies. 

Startup Product launched at Bengaluru Tech Summit 2023: 

In the presence of Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Electronics, IT & Bt, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka, and Shri Prashanth Prakash, Chairman, Vision Group for Startups, 35 groundbreaking products and solutions were unveiled by startups during the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2023. The second edition of the Startup Product Launch took place at the Startup Innovation Zone over the 2nd day of the summit. This initiative underscores the state's dedication to nurturing innovation across a diverse range of industries. 

TCS Rural IT Quiz National Finals: 

A significant moment of the day was the national finals of the 24th edition of  'Rural IT Quiz, graced by the presence of Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon'ble Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Govt. of Karnataka along with Sunil Deshpande, Regional Head, TCS Bengaluru, Dr. Ekroop Caur - Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, and Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka and Shri Darshan H.V., IAS, Managing Director - Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), Dept. of Electronics, IT, Bt and S&T, Govt. of Karnataka. This year, the quiz was open to students in classes 8 to 12 across India. The program comprised online tests and virtual and physical quiz shows. As for the winners, Udit Pratap Singh from BSP Senior Secondary School, Bhilai Chhattisgarh claimed the first place, while Vignesh Nauso Shetye from Dr. K.B. Hedgewar Vidyamandir, Bicholim, Goa and Amrut Uppar from The Forbes Academy, Gokak Karnataka were the runners-up. The winning team was awarded a scholarship from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) worth rupees 1,00,000, runners-up were awarded scholarships worth rupees 50,000. 

Launch of Uber Green: 

Uber introduced its global flagship electric vehicle service, Uber Green, offering residents convenient access to eco-friendly rides through their app. This was launched by Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister of IT, Bt, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, and Uber India President Prabhjeet Singh at Bangalore Palace during the Bengaluru Tech Summit. Initially accessible in central Bengaluru, the service endeavours to extend its reach across additional areas within India’s startup hub. 

Centre of Excellence in Efficiency Augmentation: 

STPI has inaugurated the Centre of Excellence in Efficiency Augmentation (CoE-EA) in collaboration with Govt. of Karnataka, supported by HPEIPL at Jayanagar, Bengaluru, to leverage the emerging Industry 4.0 technologies. Spanning 16,000 sqft, the state-of-the-art facility includes an Innovation and Development Lab, an Incubation facility, and a dedicated Centre of Excellence. The CoE aims to nurture 100 startups and engage 25,000 students over the next 5 years.  

STPI IT Exports Awards – 2023: 

IT companies are being recognized by STPI for their performance and contribution to IT industries by awarding them in different categories every year. Accordingly, for the year 2022-23, the top performing IT companies like Wipro GE Healthcare, Cyient DLM Ltd., Infosys BPM Ltd., Oracle Financial Services Software Ltd., in the categories of Exports, Employment, Women Employment, etc., and IT Ratna of Karnataka were awarded to Infosys Ltd. and Intel Technology India Pvt. Ltd in the presence of Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Electronics, IT & Bt, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka and other dignitaries at the Day 2 of the Bengaluru Tech Summit. 

Adding to the day's highlights, The Bengaluru Tech Summit 2023 concluded with an insightful fireside chat featuring Shri. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Hon’ble Minister of State for Electronics, IT, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, and Jaya Jagadish, Country Head and Senior Vice-President of Silicon Design Engineering at AMD India. Minister Chandrasekhar emphasized India's ascent as a dependable global partner and a prospective leader in the semiconductor industry, acknowledging the remarkable growth of the Indian ecosystem. He highlighted the resurgence in electronic engineering enrollments, emphasizing the rising demand for innovative minds and urging India's youth to consider careers in electronics. Chandrasekhar lauded AI's role as a driver of India's digital economy but cautioned about the necessity for legislative frameworks ensuring trust and safety in the AI domain. His insights outlined India's trajectory towards semiconductor leadership, stressing talent development and ethical AI integration in the nation's technological advancements. 

Highlights from conference tracks: Day 2 at Bengaluru Tech Summit 2023 

In the ITE and Deeptech Track, another session centered on "Navigating the Digital Frontier: Internet Governance, Cybersecurity & Cyber Warfare". The session highlighted the significance of raising awareness about cyber attacks for data protection and security. Panelists emphasized the necessity of grassroots-level awareness to fortify cybersecurity, stressing its profound impact on society.  

The Biotech Track on day 2 began with a vibrant fireside chat on the topic, “Basic Research to High-Impact Innovation” between Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson – Biocon Limited, & Chairperson, Vision Group on Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka and Dr. H. Robert Horvitz, Nobel Laureate & American biologist. Dr. Mazumdar-Shaw initiated a discussion on India's investment focus in basic scientific versus applied research, advocating for government support in fundamental research through academic centers. Dr. Horvitz emphasized the importance of a balanced research portfolio, drawing from his experiences as both a researcher and entrepreneur. He highlighted the transformative impact of research on patient recovery, stressing the need for an open-minded, opportunistic approach to one's career journey, reflecting on his diverse academic background in English, math, and physics, culminating in a career in biology. The dialogue underscored the necessity of diverse research investments, governmental backing for fundamental research, and the value of adaptability in shaping a fulfilling professional trajectory. 

The Startup Track commenced its session, "Rapid Revolution of Gen AI", delving into the diverse applications of AI across industries. Panelists illuminated the challenges and opportunities inherent in AI adoption. Exploring AI's impact on startups and corporations, they highlighted the significance of storytelling and historical apprehension toward new technologies. The discourse expanded to AI's role in creative tasks and generating synthetic content, acknowledging hurdles of quality and individuality. Conversational AI platforms like ChatGPT were emphasized, evolving toward outcome-driven solutions for industry-specific challenges. The discussion raised concerns about synthetic content fatigue, choice overload, and the necessity of a human touch in AI interactions. Furthermore, the session acknowledged AI's psychological impact on human happiness. 

The Global India Alliance (GIA) track commenced its first session of the day titled "Israel – From Idea to Impact: Israel’s Innovation Odyssey". The panelists showcased Israel's contributions to health monitoring, facial recognition, smart mobility, and electric vehicle motor design. Discussions highlighted collaborative endeavors between Israeli and Indian companies in these pioneering areas. Key themes encompassed technology applications for predictive fleet maintenance, the multifaceted role of facial recognition, bus transportation optimization via software solutions, and the development of compact motors for electric vehicles. The session emphasized the need for nurturing strategic alliances between Israel and India across technology, economy, and culture. 

Two concurrent sessions, "Electronics: The Backbone of Digital Economy" and "Semiconductors: Making India a Semiconductor Nation" encapsulated critical discussions paving the way for India's technological growth. The deliberations acknowledged India's proficiency in software but emphasized the necessity to intensify focus on hardware development, especially in fostering innovation among the younger generation. The vast digital economy, comprising over 900+ digital TV channels and 700+ million internet users, has catalyzed transformative changes across industries. India aspires to achieve a one trillion-dollar digital economy by 2028, signifying significant progress. Insights into the semiconductor domain highlighted the impending surge in demand for advanced technologies, focusing on miniaturization, efficiency, and the rise of specialty semiconductors like compound semiconductors. The sessions underscored India's Semiconductor Mission, aligning with emerging technologies and emphasizing research, development, and strategic global partnerships. Discussions also stressed India's potential in GaN & SiC fabrication, considering strong local demand and export prospects. Addressing India's role in the global semiconductor landscape, fostering start-ups, embracing emerging technologies, and talent development were other crucial topics discussed. These sessions presented a comprehensive roadmap for India to establish itself as a significant contributor to the evolving global semiconductor industry. 

The Global India Alliance Track's special session, "India USA Tech Conclave: Innovative Healthcare Technologies" explored how technology revolutionizes healthcare. Panelists discussed collaborative efforts between India and the USA, focusing on AI, IoT, and the essential collaboration among government, industry, and policymakers. They addressed complexities in technology adoption, reimbursement challenges, and the need for cost reductions. The session emphasized policy tracking and optimized data for better health outcomes, offering insights into emerging healthcare technologies. Discussions highlighted the advantages of robotic surgery and its projected growth, providing a comprehensive outlook on healthcare's future. 

About organisers of Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 

BTS is organized by the Department of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka, and co-hosted by Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and driven by members of Karnataka’s Vision Groups on IT, Biotechnology, and Start-Ups. BTS is the only event in India that has brought together leading cross-sectoral industry organizations like NASSCOM, IESA, ABAI, ABLE, TiE, and USIBC on a common platform.  The Event is curated by MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications. 

For more details visitwww.bengalurutechsummit.com  

Photo Caption - Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt and S&T, Govt. of Karnataka, Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon'ble Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Govt. of Karnataka with the winners of TCS Rural IT Quiz announced at the Day 2 of the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2023. 

Punjab National Bank Recognises “Hockey Players For Outstanding Contributions At The Asian Games”


Punjab National Bank (PNB), the nation's leading public sector bank, felicitated its Hockey Team players who are part of the Indian National Team - Shamsher Singh (Tokyo Olympic 2020 Bronze Medalist & Commonwealth Games 2022 Silver Medalist), Abhishek (Commonwealth Games 2022 Silver Medalist) and Sukhjeet Singh - for their notable contributions during the recently held Asian Games 2022 in China during September-October 2023.  

Congratulating the Hockey players on their success, Shri Atul Kumar Goel, MD & CEO, PNB, expressed, "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our superheroes for their contribution in securing the Gold Medal for the nation in the Asian Games 2022. The way you all have showed your strength, determination, and positive attitude to overcome all obstacles, are your greatest contribution to this country, and an inspiration to the PNB Parivaar and above all to the nation.” 

The felicitation event took place at the Bank's Corporate Office in Delhi and was graced by the presence of Shri Atul Kumar Goel, MD & CEO of PNB, along with Executive Directors Shri Kalyan Kumar, Shri Binod Kumar and Chief Vigilance Officer Shri Raghvendra Kumar. The event was also graced by special guests Shri Romesh Pathania (Dronacharya awardee and former coach of PNB Senior Hockey Team) and Shri Ashok Kumar Sharma (first Nodal Officer, PNB Hockey Academy).   

The event commenced with a welcome address by PNB CGM Shri Sanjay Varshneya. As part of the felicitation, PNB MD&CEO presented the hockey players (Shamsher Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek) a cash incentive of Rs 10 lakhs each. Additionally, in accordance with PNB's internal policy, players were also awarded increments and promotion as a token of recognition. 

PNB MD&CEO also felicitated Shri Paramjeet Singh (current coach of PNB Senior Hockey team) and other team players with mementos.  

Photo Caption: PNB MD&CEO Shri Atul Kumar Goel felicitating Shri Abhishek (extremely left), Shri Sukhjeet Singh (right) and Shri Shamsher Singh (extremely right) for their outstanding contributions at the Asian Games at PNB Corporate Office 

Bank of Baroda Introduces The “BOB Parivar Account For Savings And Current Accounts”


- ‘My Family, My Bank’ brings together a family’s entire banking relationship with the Bank, doing away with the need to maintain minimum balance for each account and enabling all family members to enjoy attractive benefits 

Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, announced the introduction of the “BOB Parivar Account for Savings and Current Accounts”. The ‘My Family, My Bank’ segment, which has been launched as a part of the Bank’s “BOB Ke Sang Tyohaar Ki Umang” festive campaign, groups all the bank accounts belonging to members of a single family under One Family. While each account will be operated independently by the primary account holder, the maintenance of quarterly average balance (QAB) is recorded at the Group/ Family level, eliminating the need to maintain QAB in every single account. 

Further, it gives each family member access to an array of benefits during the festive period due to the overall enhanced relationship. The BOB Parivar facility is open to both new and existing customers.  

The BOB Parivar Account can comprise of a minimum of two and a maximum of six members. Eligible family members for the BOB Parivar Savings Account segment include the spouse, parents, children, parents-in-law, daughter-in-law and/or son-in-law. The BOB Parivar Current Account Segment is open to proprietorship, partnership, LLP and Pvt. Ltd. companies, which are group companies or sister concerns.   

Both the BOB Parivar Savings Account and the BOB Parivar Current Account segments come in three distinct variants – Diamond, Gold and Silver – with varying Pooled Quarterly Average Balance (PQAB) requirements (For Savings Accounts - Diamond: Rs 5 lakh & above; Gold: Rs 2 lakh & above; Silver: Rs 50,000 & above; For Current Accounts - Diamond: Rs 10 lakh & above; Gold: Rs 5 lakh & above; Silver: Rs 2 lakh and above) and associated benefits.  

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ravindra Singh Negi, Chief General Manager - Retail Liabilities & NRI Business, Bank of Baroda said, “We are delighted to introduce the BOB Parivar Account for our Savings and Current Account holders. By grouping together individual accounts of a single family or associated companies, our customers will be greatly rewarded with superior benefits, which are normally provided in accounts maintaining higher balances. In the BOB Parivar Account segment, all individual family members will gain from the overall balances maintained together. Here there is no requirement to maintain individual Quarterly Average Balance for each account, thus enhancing the overall banking experience. As a bank with a 115 year history, we are privileged to have generations from the same family bank with us and the ‘My Family, My Bank’ concept will further strengthen and deepen their relationship with Bank of Baroda.” 

Benefits of the BOB Parivar Account: 

Concessional Interest Rates on Retail Loans for Saving Accountholders  

Waiver of Processing Charges on Retail Loans (excluding TCR/Valuation Charges) 

Concession in Locker Rent Charges 

Concession in Demat AMC  

Concession in manual NEFT/RTGS charges (Digital is 100% Free)  

Complete waiver of DD/PO Charges 

Concession in Cheque Book charges 

Waiver of charges on collection of Outstation Cheques (Only Postage & Out of Pocket expenses are payable for Collection of Outstation Cheques) 

Complimentary SMS/Email Alerts and Standing instructions 

For details on ‘My Family, My Bank’ and to avail this facility, click on Baroda Family Savings Account Segment and Baroda Family Current Account Segment or visit the nearest Bank of Baroda branch.  

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Indus Appstore Powers Up: Major Game Developers Join The Indus Appstore


* MPL, Dream11, Nazara Technologies, A23, RummyCulture, RummyTime, Junglee Rummy, Rummy Passion CardBaazi, Taj Rummy, and more have partnered with the Indus Appstore

* Zero in-app Commissions and Localized Reach: Game-Changing Features Excite Developers

Indus Appstore, India's very own Android-based mobile app store, announced the onboarding of leading game developers, revolutionizing the gaming experience for users across the nation.

In a groundbreaking move Dream11, Nazara Technologies, A23, MPL, Junglee Rummy, Taj Rummy, Rummy Passion, RummyCulture, RummyTime and CardBaazi have partnered with the Indus Appstore.

This partnership promises to enhance the gaming experience for millions of users, providing a diverse range of quality games that align with Indus Appstore's commitment to diversity and innovation.

Indus Appstore's commitment to supporting developers is highlighted by the zero commissions on in-app payments, a stark contrast to other app stores charging hefty fees ranging from 15-30%. This revolutionary move empowers developers to focus on crafting immersive gaming experiences without financial constraints. Additionally, the platform's localization feature ensures that these games can now reach every corner of India, offering content in the language of the user's choice.

Speaking on the partnership Akash Dongre, Co-founder of Indus Appstore, said "We are thrilled to welcome these gaming giants to the Indus Appstore family. Their expertise and commitment to delivering top-notch gaming experiences aligns seamlessly with our vision. Together, we look forward to crafting the next growth story in the Indian gaming industry."

Partner Quotes

* Sunit Warraich (CEO), CardBaazi: "With Indus Appstore, we're set to redefine the card gaming sphere, providing not just entertainment but a commitment to fair and rewarding interactions for players. With Cardbaazi's immersive gameplay and Indus Appstore’s supportive environment, we're excited to offer an unmatched card gaming escapade, enriched by zero commission on in-app purchases, fostering a community passionate about fair play and enjoyment."

* Manish Shrivastava (VP Marketing), MPL: "Being a platform that has an enviable roster of games, MPL's aim is to make gaming accessible to people all across the country, giving users the opportunity to play games of skill that they’d want. Partnering with Indus Appstore will help us reach out to the India we are building for."

* Amandeep Singh (CMO), Rummy Passion: "We are looking forward to scale our product, Rummy Passion, on the Indus Appstore and are eager to explore the significant growth opportunity that awaits us. Indus Appstore’s India-based Support Team stands out, offering real-time and dedicated support—an invaluable resource ensuring seamless user experience. We believe this partnership will help us drive widespread user product adoption and engagement.”

* Pratik Sahu(AVP Marketing), Gameskraft: “Partnering with Indus Appstore will open avenues to reach newer audience for Gameskraft. Their ingenious video-led app discovery experience will help spark a significant wave of awareness for our apps. We are looking forward to being part of India's first appstore and reaching a wider audience."

* Sudhir Kamath(COO), Nazara Technologies: “Our dedication to bringing diverse gaming experiences to players across different platforms aligns perfectly with Indus Appstore's vision of empowering users with a variety of quality apps. We're thrilled to join this innovative platform, further expanding our reach and offering our engaging games to a broader audience.”

* Bhanuchander B (Head of Marketing), Taj Rummy: “Indus Appstore’s distinctive advantage of Localized App Listing resonates deeply with us—it's a bridge to connect with Bharat by embracing their language and culture. This tailored approach amplifies our reach, offering a more personalized gaming experience. Together with Indus Appstore, we're poised to elevate the joy of rummy gaming, ensuring our platform resonates authentically with diverse audiences.”

* Sudarshan (Senior Director, Acquisition), A23: “We're thrilled to join forces with Indus Appstore and are excited about unleashing our gaming experiences to a broader audience. With targeted advertising solutions, we're poised to reach the right users, engage effectively, and drive conversions. Join us in this exciting journey as we captivate audiences and elevate the gaming experience with Indus Appstore's tailored advertising solutions..”

Developers across India can become a part of the Indus Appstore and  showcase their apps. All they need to do is visit Indus Appstore and be a catalyst for innovation in the digital landscape.

About Indus Appstore

Indus Appstore is a native Android-based mobile app store, designed to fulfill the localized and cultural needs of Indian consumers. With an extensive array of categories it seeks to provide users a localized, contextual and a personalized experience. Indus Appstore is available in English and 12 Indian languages, which allows users to explore the Appstore in their preferred language.

For developers, Indus Appstore provides a fair and level playing field to list, distribute & promote their products in the Indian app ecosystem. It provides a self-publishing platform, localization services, multiple tools to monitor and grow their apps along with a dedicated 24x7 customer support. 

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