WinZO, In Partnership With DPIIT’s Startup India, Announces Gaming Startups Representing India At Gamescom, Latam

* The company aims to invest in opportunities highlighting Indian creativity and technological prowess.

WinZO, India's largest vernacular interactive entertainment platform, in partnership with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade’s (DPIIT) Startup India, has announced the selection of 18 gaming startups to represent India at Gamescom, Latam. These winners were meticulously chosen from a competitive pool of over 100 participating technology and gaming companies and technology colleges by an esteemed panel of industry veterans, including Rohit Kumar Singh, Former Secretary to the Government of India; Suresh K Reddy, Indian Ambassador to Brazil; Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Co-Founder, Info Edge; Rajesh Raju, Managing Director, Kalaari Capital; and Dr. Umesh Mukhi, Associate Professor of Management at FGV - EAESP.

The selected games cover a broad spectrum of genres, from cultural and historical narratives like "Tanhaji - The Maratha Warrior" and "Chola Empire," to diverse categories, including cricket, mythology, puzzles, racing, physics-based challenges, and chess. These innovations originate from major urban centers such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, and Kolkata, as well as smaller cities like Nashik. Among the winners is a Backstage Pass Institute of Gaming and Technology student group in Hyderabad.

This initiative is part of WinZO’s flagship Bharat Tech Triumph program, designed to create a global platform that brings together leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, visionaries, and other stakeholders committed to fostering innovation and promoting technological exports from India. These winning companies will be sponsored by WinZO to showcase their innovative products at the first-ever India Pavilion at Gamescom - LATAM, which will be inaugurated by the honorable Indian Ambassador to Brazil in Sao Paulo next month. This exposure will enable game developers to explore and launch their games in Brazil, the largest economy in Latin America and the fourth-largest mobile gaming market, with approximately 4.6 billion annual mobile game downloads. WinZO successfully exported over 100 games to Brazil following its launch last year.

Rohit Kumar Singh, Former Secretary to the Government of India, stated: "By investing in opportunities highlighting Indian creativity and technological prowess, WinZO is setting new benchmarks in the global gaming industry. This is truly the decade of India. With a foundation built on world-class inventions and a commitment to fostering homegrown talent, India is set to lead the way in technological innovation. WinZO exemplifies this trajectory, harnessing the power of Indian creativity and technology to impact the global stage significantly."

Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, DPIIT, added “Programs such as Bharat Tech Triumph are a welcome initiative where the industry joins forces with the government, catapulting the startup ecosystem forward. It gives me great pleasure to see that this program supports budding game developers, providing them with global exposure and the opportunity to represent India at Gamescom LATAM, created and sponsored by WinZO and IEIC. The India Pavilion at Gamescom LATAM will be fundamental in showcasing our tech prowess, IP, Indian culture, storytelling and heritage on a global scale. India’s foray into LATAM represents a new horizon for our technology entrepreneurs, driven by the export of technology and IP. By joining this initiative, developers chase dreams and fuel India's rise as a leading force in technology exports.”

Paavan Nanda, Co-Founder WinZO, commented: “India has long been a cradle of innovation, producing groundbreaking solutions and inventions that have not only addressed local challenges but have also gained global recognition. Our innovations have stood as a testament to India’s ingenuity and resourcefulness. WinZO aims to bring these traditional games and pieces of Indian heritage, along with new Indian gaming IP, to the international stage through platforms such as Gamescom and initiatives like Bharat Tech Triumph.”

These groundbreaking games showcase India's prowess in technology and gaming and represent a significant step towards establishing a global footprint for Indian developers.

The Bharat Tech Triumph initiative reflects WinZO’s dedication to the vision outlined by the Honorable Prime Minister and President for 'Made in Bharat for India & the World.' Aligned with initiatives like Digital India, Startup India, and Make in India, this collective effort aims to propel Bharat as a powerhouse of technological innovation, shaping the next era of technology and contributing to the vision of achieving a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030.

The winners of the Bharat Tech Triumph initiative include:

1. Gods Of Cricket: A cross-platform AAA cricket game with 11v11 multiplayer, real player interactions, and community events.

2. Unsung Empire: The Cholas: A narrative-driven 3D action-adventure game featuring Rajendra Chola's historical journey.

3. Kamla Indian Exorcism: A first-person survival horror game where players perform rituals to exorcise a possessed woman.

4. Frontier Paladin: A unique blend of melee combat, quest-driven narrative, and action tower-defense gameplay.

5. My Dream House (MDH): A casual Match3D+Decor game with strong engagement metrics, targeting the global female audience.

6. Mr Racer: A thrilling car racing game with online multiplayer, multiple challenge levels, and customizable supercars.

7. Tanhaji The Maratha Warrior: A role-playing game designed to instill values of patriotism, sacrifice, and responsibility.

8. Spook-A-Boo: A whimsical couch co-op game where players capture mischievous ghosts using various tools and teamwork.

9. Kurukshetra: Ascension: An epic strategy card battler game set in the universe of the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

10. Tale of Honor: A dynamic real-time chess game that transforms traditional strategy with unique execution mechanics.

11. Laser Tanks: A fast-paced top-down shooter game battling alien monsters with diverse weapons and an endless mode.

12. Timmy's Toy Rush: A fun tile-matching game, blending Mahjong-style gameplay with challenges for sharpening cognitive skills.

13. DetectiveIQ: A challenging puzzle game packed with brain teasers, riddles, and logic puzzles to test and improve mental agility and detective skills.

14. Bharat Cricket Premier League: An action-packed cricket experience inspired by the IPL, focusing on storyline and strategy to engage fans.

15. Mumbai Gullies: An open-world adventure game set in Mumbai, where players take on the role of protagonist Vangya to explore the city and complete thrilling missions.

16. Elemental Escape: A hypercasual action game where players control spaceships, collecting molecules while dodging overload-inducing molecules.

17. Tea Garden Simulator: Lets players explore the intricacies of tea production, from selecting terroir and clones to mastering processing, offering a creative journey to grow and manage their own tea empire.

18. Shri Ram Mandir: A simulation/arcade game enabling players to construct the iconic temple.

OET Has Launched A Revitalized Brand And A Comprehensive Suite Of New Brand Creatives

OET, a leading English language test provider, has launched a revitalized brand and a comprehensive suite of new brand creatives. This initiative aims to better meet the dynamic needs of healthcare professionals globally, underscoring OET’s commitment to supporting nurses, doctors and healthcare workers throughout their careers, and simplifying their journey towards global professional success. 

For over a decade, the OET test has been at the forefront of English language testing for healthcare. The refreshed brand builds on this legacy, enhancing and synthesising its offering to outpace competitors in the healthcare sector and solidify its position as a market leader.

The rebrand includes a new creative identity, an updated website, and a brand film directed by Dentsu Creative. The film tells the story of a Kerala nurse and a successful OET Test candidate, Revathy Subhash. It recounts Revathy’s journey from India to the UK, her childhood aspirations to work overseas, and how OET unlocked her dream of living in England. The film illustrates how OET serves as a bridge for healthcare professionals to achieve their global ambitions.

Rebranding film link - https://oet.com/from-here-anywhere

Revathy Subhash and her husband, who met in nursing school, shared a dream of working in Europe. They faced a significant hurdle: their proficiency in English. Recognising the importance of language skills for their migration journey, Revathy and her husband turned to OET for assistance.

"OET provided me the resources, online classes, practice tests, and follow-ups I needed. With OET, I knew I was on the right track. We received the support to elevate our language skills, so we could live the life we dreamed of in the UK,” shared Revathy Subhash.

Marco Delgado, OET’s Chief Experience Officer, commented on the new brand positioning, saying, “The new brand unveiled today represents OET’s evolution to becoming the leading partner in empowering healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to excel in their profession, whether domestically or overseas. This new brand platform and campaign allow us to cultivate a nurturing community and environment for our healthcare professionals around the world, built around our market-leading OET test. From when they begin preparing to take the OET test, to finding the first role in their dream healthcare career, OET will support them every step of the way."

Executive Creative Director of Dentsu Creative, Sarah McGregor said the brand film embodies OET’s customer journey simply, yet effectively.

“In a market that’s often focused on numbers, test scores, and function-first, OET’s new brand campaign puts the candidate first. OET is not a transactional assessment, but rather an accelerant towards a goal – bridging healthcare professions with their dream across the world.”

The new OET brand features an enhanced suite of products, prominently showcased on an intuitive new website, ensuring easier access to resources at all career stages. The brand extensions include:

OET Test

Created by professional language researchers, the OET test is the preferred English proficiency language test for healthcare professionals globally.

Accepted by regulators and healthcare employers globally, the OET test draws upon real-life healthcare scenarios to prepare test takers for real workplace scenarios, encompassing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

OET Ready

OET Ready is a comprehensive exam preparation offering.

The materials include practice tests, study guides and expert guidance, allowing test takers to boost their confidence while also achieving their best OET Test scores.

OET Career

OET Career provides healthcare professionals with employment resources like resume tips, career advice and destination guides, helping them find the best pathway to their dream destination.

OET Access

Geared towards organisations that use the OET test, OET Access includes a range of tailored products for employers, government, and healthcare regulators.

OET Access offers simplified results verification, and versatile solutions to support health institutions, empowering organisations to recognise English proficiency.

The brand campaign, launching on 27 May, will be promoted across digital, YouTube, and social media channels globally. These products are designed to support candidates beyond language testing, providing test-takers with employment opportunities, better test results, and support in moving overseas to achieve their career and lifestyle dreams.

The top 10 countries in which OET delivers testing include India, Saudi Arabia, the UK, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, USA, Philippines, Kuwait, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe.

OET is a joint venture between Cambridge English (Aus) and Box Hill Institute.

The full OET product suite can be accessed through oet.com

About OET 

OET is the global leader in English language testing for healthcare. We empower internationally trained healthcare professionals to communicate effectively in healthcare settings.

Since 2013, OET has been owned by Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment Unit Trust (CBLA) a venture between Cambridge Assessment English (Aus) and Box Hill Institute. Learn more at oet.com. 

Garware Technical Fibres Consolidated Net Profit Before Tax Increases By 22% In FY24

Garware Technical Fibres Ltd., a leading manufacturer of technical textiles for the Indian and global markets, today announced its audited financial results for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2024. 

Consolidated: Q4 FY24 Highlights:

Net Sales increased by 3% to Rs. 382.3 Cr in Q4FY24 as compared to Rs. 370.5 Cr in Q4FY23

Profit before tax increased by 17% to Rs. 91.5 Cr in Q4FY24 as compared to Rs. 78.5 Cr in the same period last year

Net profit after tax has increased by 16% to Rs. 69.5 Cr in Q4 FY24 as against Rs. 59.7 Cr in the corresponding period of FY23

EPS for Q4 FY24 is at Rs. 34.1 this is a growth of 17.4% over Q4 FY23

Consolidated: 12M FY24 Highlights:

Net Sales increased by 2% to Rs. 1325.6 Cr in FY24 as compared to Rs. 1305.6 Cr in FY23

Profit before tax increased by 22% to Rs. 271.7 Cr in FY24 as compared to Rs. 223.2 Cr in the same period last year

Net profit after tax has increased by 21% to Rs. 208.2 Cr in FY24 as against Rs. 172.2 Cr in the corresponding period of FY23

EPS for 12M FY24 is at Rs. 102.2 this is a growth of 22% over 12M FY23

Management Comments:

In a statement, Mr. Vayu Garware, CMD, Garware Technical Fibres Ltd. said, “Q4 FY 24 has shown a profit growth of 17% over previous Q4FY23 on account of strong demand from Norway and northern Europe.  Operating margins improved by 200 basis points over previous year Q4 on the back of further improved product mix and strong demand for value added solutions.

In FY24 the Company was able to cross a milestone of Rs 200cr PAT and EPS crossing Rs. 100/-. Growth in FY24 was fuelled by Aquaculture, Geosynthetics and from the domestic business. Net profit before tax increases by 22% in FY24. Sustained focus on fund generation from operations delivered a strong free cash flow for the year. 

Pincode App Partners With Simpli Namdhari’s In Bengaluru

-       This partnership helps reach a larger online customer base for Simpli Namdharis’

-       Simpli Namdhari’s wide assortment of products will now be available on Pincode also

Pincode, India’s store-first commerce app by PhonePe, today announced that it has partnered with Simpli Namdhari’s – India’s only 100% veg omni channel retailer, bringing a wide variety of groceries, fresh fruits and vegetables and other premium FMCG products on the Pincode App.

Pincode has over 2 million registered users, with more than 1.5 million orders processed to date, and it is growing exponentially. Pincode's offerings for merchants, include free delivery, seasonal incentives, and reliability in order fulfillment, allowing merchants to expect a seamless transition into the digital marketplace. Pincode also provides comprehensive support through training, dedicated dashboards, and a mobile app for day-to-day operations, ensuring merchants can run their digital stores their way.  Pincode allows consumers to discover and shop from popular stores and supermarkets in their area from the convenience of their homes.

Speaking on the partnership Vivek Lohcheb, CEO of Pincode said, "We are excited to announce our partnership with Simpli Namdhari’s, which is among Bengaluru’s leading Omni Channel retailers. Namdhari’s are known for being one of the largest exporters of fresh fruits and vegetables in India, and now their products are available on Pincode as well. Pincode is working to empower local businesses to thrive alongside the e-commerce boom. By partnering with us, merchants can seamlessly digitize their shops as we provide them with all the expertise they need to go online while leveraging our extensive network to drive online demand. "

Gurmukh Singh Roopra, CEO of Simpli Namdhari’s added, "Our partnership with Pincode opens up possibilities for us to reach a larger online audience. E-commerce platforms are becoming increasingly popular among customers due to the convenience they offer. In addition to our own ecommerce platform, the Pincode app will help drive more online orders for Simpli Namdharis by offering our extensive catalog of over 5000 products across fresh fruit and vegetables, staples, dairy, FMCG and more to customers."

About Pincode

Pincode, India’s store-first commerce app by PhonePe, offers a revolutionary new approach to e-commerce. Pincode places local stores and sellers at the forefront of the digital shopping growth story. With Pincode, every Indian shopkeeper, regardless of their location, is digitally empowered to tap into the vast potential of e-commerce, creating unprecedented opportunities for growth, while driving innovation at scale.

For more details contact: media@pincode.com

IIIT-Bangalore Hosts 3D Vision Summer School (3DVSS 2024) Co-Organized By IIIT Hyderabad

International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-Bangalore) announces the collaboration with IIIT Hyderabad for 3D Vision Summer School (3DVSS 2024). The event is a comprehensive seven-day program focused on advanced topics in 3D vision. Held at the IIIT-Bangalore campus in Electronic City, Bangalore, the 3DVSS will start from May 26 and concludes on June 1, 2024.

Speaking about the significance of the event, Prof. Viswanath Gopalakrishnan, IIIT-Bangalore, remarked, “The domain of 3D Vision encompasses the acquisition and analysis of three-dimensional objects and scenes, with applications in animation, AR/VR platforms, autonomous driving and medical imaging. The summer school is organized to familiarize participants with processing 3D vision data using deep learning methodologies. Additionally, the summer school will introduce participants to generate 3D data using the latest advancements in Generative AI.”

This summer school aims to provide participants with deep technical insights and hands-on experience in cutting-edge 3D vision technologies. The curriculum includes core technical sessions on topics such as Deep Learning in 3D computer vision, Human 3D Modeling, Deep Learning-based 3D Rendering, and Generative AI in 3D Vision.

The participants have the opportunity to learn from leading researchers in the field through a series of invited talks from Dr. Stefanie Wuhrer, INRIA, France, Prof. PJ Narayanan, IIIT Hyderabad , India, Dr. Vladislav Golyanik, MPI Informatik, Germany, Dr. Bernhard Kerbl, TU Wien / CMU, United States, Prof. KS Rajan, IIIT Hyderabad , India, Prof. Karan Singh, Toronto University, Canada, Dr. Ramya Hebbalaguppe, TCS Research, India, Prof. Manmohan Chandraker, NEC Lab, United States, and Dr. Shunsuke Saito, Reality Labs, Meta, United States

The organizing committee for the 3D Vision Summer School (3DVSS 2024) includes a distinguished group of experts from academia and industry. The committee members are Mr. Arjun Jain from Fastcode AI, Prof. Avinash Sharma from IIT Jodhpur, Prof. Charu Sharma from IIIT Hyderabad, Prof. Dinesh Babu Jayagopi from IIIT-Bangalore, Prof. Jaya Sreevalsan Nair from IIIT-Bangalore, Dr. Lakshmi Priya from Dolby Laboratories, Dr. Lokender Tiwari from TCS Research, Dr. Midhun Sreekumar from Samsung Research, Prof. Parag Chaudhuri from IIT Bombay, Dr. Rahul Tallamraju from Mercedes-Benz Research, Prof. Rajendra Nagar from IIT Jodhpur, Dr. Sai Sagar Jinka from Qualcomm, Prof. Shanmuganathan Raman from IIT Gandhinagar, Prof. Uma Mudengudi from KLE Tech, and Prof. Viswanath Gopalakrishnan from IIIT-Bangalore.

The summer event is open to undergraduate students in their 3rd or 4th year, Master’s and PhD students, as well as industry professionals interested in 3D vision. The event will bring together around 150 participants from both academia and industry, providing a unique platform for networking and collaboration.

Key Dates:

- Duration: May 26 - June 1, 2024

- Inauguration: Monday, May 27, 2024

Visit https://3dvss.github.io/ for more information .

U.S. Polo Assn. Kids iPresents Junio'rs ’S Fashion Week In Bengaluru

Junior’s Fashion Week (JFW) presented by U.S. Polo Assn. Kids illuminated the vibrant lifestyle of Bengaluru. with its 85th edition, held an exhilarating two-day event from 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, on May 25 to 26, 2024. The Marriott Hotel Whitefield was excited as young fashion enthusiasts took the stage to showcase their talent and style. Teaming up with Zoop by Titan as the accessories partner, this event promised a fusion of style and elegance like never before.

"We at U.S. Polo Assn. Kids are excited to be the presenting partner at Juniors Fashion Week. This event is a fantastic platform for young fashionistas to showcase their style and confidence. We are proud to be part of this journey, celebrating the vibrant energy and the sport of polo that inspire our latest collections." said Mr. Amitabh Suri, CEO, of U.S. Polo Assn.

The runway pulsed with the sporting heritage of U.S. Polo Assn. Kids, the charm of Zoop by Titan, and the elegance of Emporio Armani. Collaborations with GUESS Kids, Stella McCartney, and Sonia Rykiel added allure. Partnering with Junior’s Model Management, JFW celebrated fashion and provided an edutainment platform. Workshops and grooming sessions empowered juniors with confidence and skills for future modelling opportunities.

"We are thrilled with the success of Junior’s Fashion Week in Bengaluru. It’s incredible to see these young talents shine with confidence and style. This event not only celebrates fashion but also empowers our juniors with skills and experiences that will benefit them for years to come." said Vin Sharma, Founder, of Junior’s Fashion Week.

The first day began with an interactive Workshop, featuring a Photo Shoot Session where junior models and their parents struck poses with confidence and elegance. A modelling session followed, prepping the juniors for their runway debut, while a confidence-building session showcased their newly learned skills. Delicious meals kept everyone happy throughout the day.

The second day, The Showcase, started with professional styling & makeup and final rehearsals The grand Showcase event saw juniors mastering choreography and strutting the runway with confidence, earning applause and excitement. Again, delicious meals ensured high energy and wide smiles.

Junior’s Fashion Week presented by U.S. Polo Assn. Kids in Bengaluru was a resounding success, celebrating young fashion with enthusiasm and style. The event provided junior models a platform to showcase their talent and gain invaluable skills and confidence. Collaborations with esteemed brands and fashion icons made it memorable for all. Supported by dedicated parents, professional stylists, and the JFW team, the young stars shone on the runway, leaving a lasting impression. We look forward to future editions, as JFW continues to inspire and empower the next generation of fashion enthusiasts.

About Brands -

1. U.S.  Polo Assn. Kids: 

U.S. Polo Assn. Kids is a premier brand that embodies the spirit of the sport of polo, offering high-quality apparel and accessories for children. The brand is committed to providing stylish and comfortable clothing that allows kids to express their unique personalities.

2. JUNIOR’S BRANDS PRIVATE LIMITED:

JBPL is committed to rendering exceptional services that bolster the market value of the associated brands. With a proven track record of successful luxury children's fashion events across India, organised by Junior’s Brands Private Limited, Junior’s Fashion Week consistently garners attention from esteemed media, affluent individuals, influential mothers, and representatives from leading fashion hoU.S. es, making it a mus-attend event for brands and talents alike.

Dr Rashmi Saluja Conferred The International Buddha Peace Award By The Myanmar Embassy

Dr Rashmi Saluja, Executive Chairperson, Religare Enterprises and Chairperson, GTTCI {Global Trade & Technology Council (India)}, was awarded the International Buddha Peace Award at the ‘Mahasaddhammajotikadhaja’ Title conferring Ceremony on Sunday, 26 May 2024. The ceremony that took place at the Myanmar Embassy in New Delhi was presided over by His Excellency Mr. Moe Kyaw Aung, Ambassador of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to India.

Dr Saluja was recognized for her contributions to promoting peace and global harmony. In her acceptance speech, Dr Saluja highlighted the urgent need for peace in today's world. She said, “In these challenging times, the need for peace is more critical than ever. India has always been at the forefront of promoting peace and harmony, both within the nation and globally. It is our collective responsibility to continue this legacy and work towards a more peaceful world.”

The event featured distinguished guests such as Abhidhaza Maharaththa Guru, Agga Maha Pandita Dr Ashin Nyanissara, and Abhidhaza Maharaththa Guru, Dr Bhaddant Nyanesara, adding significant importance to the occasion. Over 150 Buddhist monks, followers, dignitaries from various embassies, and diplomats attended the ceremony.

This event reinforced the strong diplomatic ties between India and Myanmar and highlighted the shared commitment towards peace and understanding among nations. Religare Enterprises Ltd emphasized its ongoing dedication to supporting initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence. The company continues to provide platforms that highlight the shared responsibility of individuals, organizations, and nations in working towards global harmony.

About Religare Enterprises Limited:

Religare Enterprises Limited (REL), a Core Investment Company (CIC) registered with Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is a diversified financial services company. REL offers an integrated suite of financial services through its underlying subsidiaries and operating entities, including loans to SMEs, Affordable Housing Finance, Health Insurance and Retail Banking. REL is listed on the BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) in India. The Religare Group (REL & subsidiaries) reaches over 1 million policyholders in insurance business, 1 million plus broking customers, more than 26,000 customers in MSME finance and over 10,000 customers in affordable housing finance. The Group employs more than 11,000 professionals servicing this diversified customer base with a presence in over 1,000 locations across India.