foundit Becomes The Official Talent Partner Of The Badminton World Federation (BWF)

·         The partnership is a powerful tool for connecting foundit with millions of talented individuals across India, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines & Southeast Asia

·         foundit further aims to support badminton players and grassroots academies in India & Southeast Asia

foundit, a leading talent platform in APAC & the Middle East, today announced its partnership with the Badminton World Federation (BWF). This strategic collaboration aims to amplify foundit’s brand presence while championing the spirit of excellence embodied by badminton players worldwide.

The partnership was unveiled during a global virtual media meet in the presence of Sekhar Garisa, CEO foundit, Saurabh Srivastava, CMO foundit, Thomas Lund, Secretary General, BWF, Owen Leed, Director of Commercial and Communications, BWF. As the governing body for badminton, BWF oversees prestigious events such as the Thomas and Uber Cup, Sudirman Cup, and World Tour Events, boasting a global fan base exceeding 700 million.

Through this collaboration with BWF, foundit aims to tap into the excitement and passion surrounding badminton, one of the most followed and played sports. This partnership will enhance foundit’s brand presence and enable it to connect with a diverse audience of job seekers and employers across various industries. foundit will be the Official Talent Partner for 20 significant championships throughout the year, including the highly anticipated Thomas & Uber Cups, All England Open, Malaysia Open, Singapore Open, and the India Open.

Speaking about the partnership, Sekhar Garisa, CEO of foundit, emphasised the shared values of agility, perseverance, and pursuit of excellence that unite badminton players and foundit. “This partnership is a testament to foundit’s unwavering commitment to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities. Badminton’s immense popularity in our core markets, particularly among young professionals, makes this partnership a powerful tool for engaging with the millions of job seekers and recruiters across the markets.” he added.

Commenting on the association, Thomas Lund, Secretary General/COO, BWF, said, “We are thrilled to partner with foundit, a leading talent platform that shares our passion for excellence and talent development. Badminton is a sport built on dedication, hard work, and the pursuit of success — values that resonate deeply with foundit’s mission. By joining forces, we aim to inspire individuals to reach their full potential and make a lasting impact in their careers.”

foundit further aims to partner with grassroots academies and badminton players from India and Southeast Asia, reflecting its dedication to nurturing talent from grassroots to elite levels. By effectively leveraging these associations, foundit aims to inspire individuals to achieve their full potential in professional pursuits.

World Earth Day: 1.30 Crore Planted Trees Turn Arid City Into Green Paradise In Karnataka

The ‘Koti Vruksha Abhiyana’, a massive plantation drive under the Hon’ble Minister M B Patil, Ministry of Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure has successfully planted 1.30 crore trees in Vijayapura, Karnataka, in collaboration with the local forest departments and NGOs since its inception in 2015. This initiative not only aims reviving the once-arid landscape of the district but also empower the local farmers in the region through the distribution of these saplings at 90% subsidised rates – incentivising farmers to cultivate sustainable farming and living practices.

During FY2021-22, the Koti Vruksha Abhiyan succeeded in achieving its ambitious goal of planting one crore trees, by disseminating over 80 lakh saplings to farmers and the subsequent planting of over 50 lakh trees across over 100 block plantations, encompassing 5,000 hectares of land within the district. Notably, Vijayapur now houses one of the largest urban forest plantations, with over 60,000 saplings planted on over 600 acres on the city's outskirts.  The project's resounding success has spurred the implementation of a second phase, with the new target of planting 2 crore trees.

Commending the success of the drive so far, Hon’ble Minister M B Patil noted, “The collaborative efforts of all agents – from field workers and guards, farmers, and the District Forest Officers, over the past eight years are the true torchbearers of this project. Through this initiative, not only did we aim to erudite farmers on the significance of the cause by encouraging the plantation drive through subsidised rates of saplings, but also ensure maintain the plant death rate to a minimum of 2%, a substantial feat considering Vijayapura’s complex topography.  By ensuring sustainable planting techniques via solar-driven drip irrigation for each plant, the cooperative determination has enabled self-sustainability across the entire plantation. As we continue to enhance our efforts in the region, the next phase of the plantation drive aims to build one of the largest man-made block plantations around the village of Mamadapur, aiming to plant 2 lakh saplings in a single-block plantation – with 1 lakh saplings to be planted by the end of 2024, covering a total area of 626 hectares.”

The substantial contribution of the partnering NGOs, such as the Society for Protection of Plants and Animals (SPPA), in particular, further enabled the drive’s successful operations by raising awareness about the campaign in the rural region – by educating over 8,000 rural students in the district via a myriad of interactive campaigns/activities, such as building/making bird feeders.

Commenting on the crucial impact of the plantation drive till date, Mr. Dhruv Patil, President of the SPPA, noted, “We have witnessed immense progress in the region’s wildlife and environment only over a span of five years, with the forest cover of the district – which was the lowest in the state – improving from 0.17% to 0.24%. Further, wildlife enthusiasts and environmentalists have already documented over 185 species of birds residing in these plantations, while even acting as home to migratory species. Significant reduction in temperatures have also been witnessed, with the district enjoying the season’s first spell of rains, while the state met with soaring temperatures. We believe that the plantation drive was undertaken/implemented with future generations in mind – creating a vital lung space for the state to filter the urban air, and are immensely proud to be a part of such an ambitious yet noble cause.”

Surpassing the planting of 1.30 crore trees, the Koti Vruksha Abhiyan demonstrates unwavering determination, thriving on continuous growth, and serving as a global exemplar. Aiming to plant another 2 crore trees over by 2025 the project aspires to continue to persevere, despite formidable challenges – fostering a flourishing green revolution.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Announces the Launch of Fortuner LEADER EDITION - A Signature Style to ‘Lead in Power’

* Fortuner continues to be the leader in mid SUV segment since its launch in 2009, with over 251,000 units sold till date.

* In the quest to build “Ever-Better Cars”, Toyota has now launched the Fortuner LEADER EDITION

* Fortuner LEADER EDITION features a bold and more sporty design, to meet the distinct needs of the customer

* The Fortuner LEADER EDITION is available in 2.8 L Diesel Engine with 6-Speed Automatic and 6-Speed Manual Transmission

* Fortuner LEADER EDITION Automatic Transmission provides a whopping 500 Nm Torque and powerful performance with 204 PS, while Manual Transmission variant comes with 420 Nm Torque and 204 PS

* Fortuner LEADER
EDITION is available in 4X2 variant and comes in attractive new dual-tone colours of Super white & A. Black, Platinum Pearl White & A. Black, Silver Metallic & A. black and with Black wheels  

* The interiors are enhanced with dual tone colouring, exuding a new feel

* With distinct quality of ‘Lead with Power’, the Fortuner LEADER EDITION is loaded with many high-end features.

Key Feature Highlights of the Fortuner LEADER EDITION:

* Stunning Dual Tone Exterior

* Bold and Rugged Black Alloy Wheel

* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

* Rear & Front Bumper Spoilers (accessories developed by TTIPL* and installed by authorized dealers)

The Toyota Fortuner needs no introduction, and to celebrate the success of this most admired SUV, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today launched the LEADER EDITION of the Fortuner in the India market. Building upon its renowned features, Fortuner LEADER EDITION brings distinctive design with many add-on features.

The Fortuner LEADER EDITION stands out with its commanding presence, accentuated by varied style elements. Featuring a dynamic front and rear bumper spoiler, this vehicle exudes an aura of boldness and sophistication, reflecting the true essence of leadership. One of the key highlights of the Fortuner LEADER EDITION is its prominent dual-tone exterior, available in a palette of ‘black, white, and clarity’. This unique combination not only enhances the exterior appeal but also underscores its premium craftsmanship. The interior boasts dual-tone seats that offer unmatched comfort and elegance, elevating the driving experience to new heights. With every detail meticulously curated, from the plush upholstery to the ergonomic design, the Fortuner LEADER EDITION makes every journey, filled with awesomeness.

In addition to its perfect styling, the Fortuner LEADER EDITION is equipped with an array of advanced features designed to enhance convenience, safety, and connectivity. From a wireless charger and TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) to auto-folding mirrors, this vehicle is aimed at fulfilling the diverse needs of the aspiring customers. Moreover, the Fortuner LEADER EDITION comes with black alloy wheels that make a bold statement with every turn. These wheels not only enhance the vehicle's aesthetics but also reinforces its status as a true leader on the road. Certain accessories developed by TTIPL will be installed by authorised dealers, including rear and front bumper spoilers, to enhance the exterior appeal of the vehicle.

Commenting on the launch of Fortuner LEADER EDITION, Mr. Sabari Manohar – Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Their evolving preferences and desires for enhanced features and driving experiences motivates our relentless pursuit of excellence. The Fortuner LEADER EDITION is crafted to elevate its bold style statement with more add-on features, while imparting an unparalleled sense of power and distinction. The Fortuner LEADER EDITION is a testament to Toyota's resolute commitment in providing best-in-class offerings, leading the way with power & style.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the passionate Fortuner fan base in India, for their trust in our brand. We will continue to excite the SUV enthusiasts with the Fortuner LEADER EDITION offering bold exterior design, eye-catching and comfortable interiors, and advanced high-tech features, positioned to ‘Lead in Power’ " he added.

Since its debut in 2009, the Toyota Fortuner has been the most-loved SUV in the country for over a decade, maintaining its unrivalled position in the segment. With its premium features, sleek and trendy interiors, top-notch safety standards, and robust performance, the Fortuner has consistently set the benchmark, captivating SUV passionate across generations.

A true leader starts with a bold presence!  Bookings for the Fortuner LEADER EDITION is now open. Customers can either book the Fortuner LEADER EDITION online  Toyota India | Official Website (toyotabharat.com) or visit their nearest Toyota dealership.

Nium Appoints Banking Industry Expert, Alexandra Johnson, To Scale Global Banking And Payment Operations As Chief Payments Officer

Nium, the leader in real-time cross-border payments announced the appointment of Alexandra Johnson as the company’s first “Chief Payments Officer”. With this newly-created position, Nium sets itself up to closer align itself with partners across the payments ecosystem. Johnson will work across Nium’s markets, leading the Global Banking and Payment Operations teams. She will report into Prajit Nanu, Co-Founder and CEO of Nium.

In her role as Chief Payments Officer, Johnson will oversee strategy, day-to-day activities, and the evolution of Nium’s payments network team. She will manage and grow the Nium payments network, applying best practices and regulatory policies globally and will work with the Risk and Compliance teams in each market to enhance frameworks, build new relationships, and build upon the existing strength of the existing financial network of Nium.

Her wealth of knowledge and expertise in the banking and payments space will support Nium’s global and vertical business growth.

“Fostering and growing our network is one of the most critical aspects of building Nium,” said Nanu. “Alex’s experience in the world of banking and payments is invaluable and I’m excited to see her tackle this role head on and contribute to the growth of the business.”

Johnson added, “I am ready and excited for the opportunity to level-up the already stellar network that exists at Nium and deliver innovative and market leading solutions to our customers across the globe.”

Prior to joining Nium, Johnson was the Head of New Product Development & Innovation in Global Transaction Services (GTS) at Bank of America where she led a team responsible for exploring new technologies and concepts, that drove greater efficiencies, security and advancement of treasury solutions. Before Bank of America, she led Global Go-to-Market, Commercialization and Partnerships at JP Morgan for its foreign exchange product, where she oversaw product design, partnerships, pricing, and strategy for the bank’s multiple market-leading cross currency solutions. Prior to this she led network implementation and strategy at Hyperwallet, a member of the PayPal group of companies. She sits on the board of Bottomless Closet, a non-profit supporting disadvantaged NYC-based women in entering the workforce and achieving success. She holds an MBA from the George Washington University and dual-bachelor's degrees from Michigan State University.

Tanishq Presents GlamDays - A Range Of Nordern Daily Wear Jewellery

~Jewels designed to #MakeEverydaySparkle ~

With the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya approaching, Tanishq, India’s largest jewellery retail brand from the house of Tata unveils ‘GlamDays’, a stunning and versatile range of contemporary daily wear jewellery inspired by designs from around the world. Combining elegance with a modern fashion-forward aesthetic, GlamDays promises to elevate your everyday style, becoming a treasured addition to every woman's wardrobe.  In addition to this versatile range, Tanishq will be  hosting a series of engaging and interactive styling sessions at its stores. The styling sessions are curated to provide customers with a personalized experience with stylists offering expert advice and guidance to help customers discover the perfect daily wear pieces to complement their individual style and personality.

With over 10,000 unique designs to choose from and create a stunning new look every day you and your jewellery can #MakeEverydaySparkle.  Drawing inspiration from diverse global designs, GlamDays redefines everyday elegance with stylish yet versatile daily wear jewellery that can be adorned everyday from AM to PM.  Whether it's floral pendants exuding delicate charm, bold yet refined gold hoops, evergreen infinity rings, or chic gold bracelets, GlamDays offers a contemporary range of gold and diamond daily wear jewellery, that effortlessly transitions from daytime sophistication to evening glamour. The range caters to the diverse style preferences to create a beautiful new look every day. To add to the excitement, Tanishq is also offering customers Up to 20%* off on Making Charges of Gold jewellery and on Diamond Jewellery Value. In addition, customers can also make use of Tanishq’s ‘Gold Exchange Program’  wherein customers can avail upto 100%* exchange value on old gold purchased from any jeweller in India. With the increasing gold rates, Tanishq is also offering Gold Rate Protection* that allows customers to book in advance and stay protected against increasing gold rates. The offer is valid for a limited time period* only.  Each piece in this range is thoughtfully designed to complement the dynamic lifestyles of today's women comprising extensive designs in 18Kt and 22Kt gold.

With designs inspired from around the globe and the use of differentiated techniques, GlamDays provides a unique assortment designed to be a versatile companion for every look, whether it is pairing for a polished professional look, family dinners, leisure days at home or incorporating them into your minimalist ensemble. GlamDays reflects Tanishq's commitment to curating a jewellery line that enables self-expression and boosts confidence. With a variety of styles to choose from, GlamDays offers a diverse range of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings offering women to curate a personalized look that aligns with their unique preferences and daily wear styling.

Discover the perfect accessories to complement your daily style and #MakeEverydaySparkle. GlamDays is now available across all Tanishq showrooms and on E-commerce platform https://www.tanishq.co.in/dailywear?lang=en_IN , with prices starting from INR 15,000/- .

Perfect ID Gears Up To Meet Surge In FASTags Demand For Banks And Fintechs

Perfect ID, India's leading manufacturer of FASTags, is actively preparing to address the significant rise in FASTags demand triggered by the recent Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directive on a FinTech company. This surge stems from the requirement for customers to replace their existing FASTags with new ones issued by authorized banks.

Approximately 1.8 crore FASTags will need to be replaced swiftly to avoid delays and inconvenience at toll booths. This sudden increase in demand poses a challenge for FASTag manufacturers to fulfil these requirements quickly and efficiently.

Perfect ID, recognizing the critical need, has proactively invested in new equipment over the past few months, expanding its FASTags production capacity by 40%. This significant investment ensures they are well-equipped to handle the surge in demand from banks and FinTech companies.

Commenting on this Satendra Singh, CEO of Syrma SGS says, “As the leading manufacturer of Fastags, we leverage cutting-edge technology in our manufacturing processes to assist our clients and contribute to the Make in India initiative. We have made substantial investments in enhancing our production capacity to efficiently address the sudden and time sensitive increase in demand. Our Perfect ID team (A subsidiary of Syrma SGS Technology Limited) is fully prepared to support our customers meet this surge in demand.”

The company specializes in RFID design and with a 55,000 square feet facility in Gurgaon covering IC bonding, inlay manufacture, tag conversion, and personalization, Perfect ID stands as the largest supplier of FASTags to top banks for over 6 years.

About Perfect ID–

Perfect ID is a global leader in RFID and IoT-powered digital transformations for businesses across industries. Perfect ID designs products to help its customers take control of their productivity-boosting and efficiency-augmentation objectives by tracking and tracing their business operations from manufacturing through the entire supply chain to their customers. A Subsidiary of Syrma SGS, an Indian manufacturing leader servicing customers across the world. Perfect ID is dedicated to leveraging over 50 years of combined experience in RFID and IoT manufacturing to design and develop products of unparalleled quality and finesse. Perfect ID’s clients utilize their products for a spectrum of applications, including Automatic Toll Collection, Asset Management, Item-level inventory management, garment and laundry tracking, and much more.

Wipro Sees Steady Performance; Green Shoots Not Yet Visible In Q1 Guidance

Wipro reported steady performance in Q4 — revenue grew 0.1% QoQ to USD2.65bn (-0.3% CC), tad better than our estimates. Growth was aided by Top- 10 clients, which added ~USD40mn QoQ, on the back of large-deal ramp up. IT Services EBITM of 16.4% was slightly higher than our estimate. The new CEO, Srini Pallia, highlighted five focus areas: 1) Accelerate large deal momentum. 2) Strengthen relationship with large clients. 3) Focus on industry-specific offerings, led by consulting and infused with AI. 4) Build an AI-ready skilled workforce. 5) Continue to simplify the operating model. Wipro has guided for -1.5% to 0.5% revenue growth in Q1, with the mid-point of the guidance being 50bps lower than our estimate. While the macro environment remains uncertain with further challenges in the short run, the management is seeing some green shoots and remains focused on execution rigor with speed to accelerate growth. We tweak our FY25E/26E EPS by less than 1%, factoring in-line Q4. We retain ADD with unchanged TP of Rs500/sh at 19x Mar-26E EPS.

Results Summary

Wipro’s IT services revenue grew 0.1% QoQ (0.3% QoQ decline in CC) to USD2.65bn, tad above mid-point of its guidance and broadly in line with our estimate of USD2.64bn. Growth was aided by the Top-10 clients, which grew 7.4% QoQ, and it was across top, top 2-5, and top 6-10 clients. IT services margin expanded 40bps QoQ to 16.4%, ahead of our estimate of 16%, while overall margin for Q4 expanded 110bps QoQ to 15.9%, in line with our estimates, due to the ~Rs1bn of reconciling items impact. Among verticals, 5 of the 7 reported a sequential decline in CC terms. Consumer, ENU, Technology, Manufacturing, and Communications saw a decline of 0.6%, 0.3%, 6%, 0.6%, and 4.8%, respectively, while BFSI and Healthcare reported growth of 2.1% and 1.2%, respectively. Americas 2 was the only strategic market unit to post growth, up 1.9% QoQ CC, while Americas 1, Europe, and APMEA saw a decline of 1.8%, 0.1%, and 2.2%. TCV of orders stood at USD3.6bn, while large-deal TCV was USD1.2bn (18 large deals). Total headcount declined 2.6% QoQ/9.5% YoY to 234,054. Attrition was stable QoQ at 14.2%. What we liked: Margin resilience, recovery in Capco, Strong cash conversion (~119% OCF/ EBITDA). What we did not like: Sequential decline (in CC) in 3 out of 4 strategic units, and 5 out of 7 sectors.

Earnings Call KTAs

1) There are no material changes in the demand environment compared to the start of the year CY2024. The management’s immediate focus is to accelerate growth. The core tenets of the operating model will remain unchanged under the new CEO. Consulting-led, AI-infused offerings will be the key differentiator for the company. 2) Management suggested green shoots in consulting last quarter, which continued in Q4 as well, with Capco revenue growing 6.6%, and order clocking growth of 43.6% QoQ. 3) BFSI retuned to growth after 4 quarters of softness. Healthcare has continued to do well. ERU and manufacturing have been soft, though there is a good pipeline of interesting deals. Consumer and Lifesciences continue to be impacted by the spend environment owing to high inflation. 4) Large deal pipeline continues to be strong, and also consists of a few mega deals. 5) Management will remain selective on the M&A front, and will prefer tuck-in acquisitions. It acquired 60% stake in Aggne for a cash consideration of USD66mn in Q4 to strengthen its P&C core system implementation capabilities, specifically in the area of Duck Creek. 6) Utilization was at an all-time high in Q4, and the management hopes to sustain it. Headcount decline has been driven by operational efficiency.