Dr. Shobha M E Wins Historic Medals For India At Aceh International Orienteering 2024

Dr. Shobha M E, Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), MAHE Manipal, has created history by becoming the first Indian woman to represent India and win medals at the prestigious Aceh International Orienteering (AIO) Championship 2024. The event took place on Sabang Island, Indonesia, from 6th to 8th September 2024, and Dr. Shobha’s achievements have set a milestone for India in this internationally acclaimed sport.

The Aceh International Orienteering Championship saw participation from over 160 athletes representing 10 countries. Dr. Shobha was the only female participant from India, standing alongside a team of five male athletes. Competing against the world’s best, she secured a gold medal in the Middle Category, covering an 8-9 km route with 11 control points that took her through diverse terrains, including villages, forests, and beaches of Sabang Island. She also claimed the silver medal in the Sprint Category, which covered 4-5 km with 14 control points across significant urban landmarks, monuments, and buildings in Sabang’s city center. She narrowly missed the gold by just 40 seconds in the sprint event, a testament to her incredible performance and resilience.

Dr. Shobha’s accomplishment marks a breakthrough for Indian orienteering in the international arena, as she became the first Indian woman to earn this distinction in the sport’s 100-year history. Orienteering, a sport that tests both navigational skills and physical endurance, is widely popular in Europe, Oceania, and North America. Participants use a map and compass to navigate through unfamiliar terrains at high speed, searching for control points while demonstrating both strategic thinking and athletic ability. The sport is also recognized in the World Games and features its own World Championship.

Dr. Anil Rana, Director of MIT, also extended his congratulations, stating, “Dr. Shobha’s incredible achievement highlights the commitment to excellence that we at MIT uphold. Her success at the Aceh International Orienteering Championship underscores not only her individual talent but also the global reach of the opportunities and support MIT provides. We are proud to have her as part of our community and look forward to seeing her continue to shine on the world stage.”

Dr. M D Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor of MAHE, commended Dr. Shobha’s hard work and determination, remarking, “This is a historic achievement for India and MAHE. Her outstanding performance in Indonesia exemplifies her perseverance and passion for orienteering. Her success will encourage more participation in this challenging and rewarding sport, and we wish her continued success in all her future endeavors.”

Dr. HS Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of MAHE, congratulated Dr. Shobha on her remarkable achievement, stating, “Her victory is a moment of immense pride for the country and MAHE. She has demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill to win medals on an international platform, and her success will surely inspire future generations to embrace orienteering. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishment.”

The Aceh International Orienteering 2024 Championship not only celebrated Dr. Shobha’s historic triumph but also recognized Rahul Verma of Bangalore, who secured a silver medal in the male Sprint category. This event has brought significant recognition to Indian orienteering and its athletes, positioning India prominently in the international orienteering community. Dr. Shobha’s achievement is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and will undoubtedly inspire a new wave of orienteers in the years to com

AGS Implements And Commences Management Of Prepaid Card Platform For IndianOil’s Flagship ‘XtraPower’ Fuel & Fleet Management

* ‘XtraPower’ Fuel & Fleet Management Program, with an Order Value of INR 58 Crore Over Five Years

AGS Transact Technologies Limited (BSE: 543451 & NSE: AGSTRA), one of the leading providers of integrated omni-channel payment solutions in India, in terms of providing digital and cash-based solutions to banks and corporate clients, today announced that it has implemented and commenced managing the Prepaid Card Platform for ‘XtraPower’, the fuel and fleet management program of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), India's largest public sector enterprise. AGS Transact will receive a fixed fee for these services, generating an estimated revenue of approximately INR 58 crore over five years.

IndianOil’s ‘XtraPower’ is accepted at 35,000+ IOCL fuel retail outlets in India and processes fuelling transactions worth more than INR 70,000 crore annually. AGS Transact Technologies’ end-to-end platform & management services include developing & hosting the Application, provisioning the IT Infrastructure (Hardware & Software); providing Application Maintenance Support & Change Management; Managing Backend Operations; and Implementation of Security Operations Center (SOC) and a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system to strengthen the platform’s cybersecurity framework and enhance threat detection capabilities. Furthermore, the company will also manage Card Issuance for IndianOil’s XtraPower program.

Mr. Ravi B. Goyal, Chairman & MD, AGS Transact Technologies Limited said, “We are delighted to partner with IndianOil on their flagship ‘XtraPower’ fuel & fleet management program. At AGS Transact, we are dedicated to transforming the mobility ecosystem in India. By offering comprehensive prepaid card platform and management services, we aim to drive the modernisation of fleet management solutions across the country. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative, secure payment solutions that empower businesses to operate more efficiently and with greater ease."

AGS Transact Technologies offers niche digital solutions to leading Banks, Corporates and OMCs in India. Its state-of-the-art transaction switching software processed ~625 million switching transactions in FY24. Additionally, the company’s digital payments business offers merchant acquiring and issuance services across various sectors.

About AGS Transact Technologies Limited (AGSTTL)

Established in 2002, AGS Transact Technologies Limited (BSE: 543451| NSE: AGSTRA) is one of the largest integrated omni-channel payment solutions providers in India in terms of providing digital and cash-based solutions to banks and corporate clients. AGS Transact provides customised products and services comprising ATM and CRM outsourcing, cash management and digital payment solutions including merchant solutions, transaction processing services and mobile wallets. The company operates in three broad business segments, namely, Payment Solutions; Banking Automation Solutions; and Other Automation Solutions. Ongo is a fast-growing omnichannel digital payment platform by AGS Transact Technologies, which offers convenient payment solutions. Launched in 2015, Ongo offers merchant Acquiring and Prepaid Issuance services. Ongo is a non-bank prepaid payment instrument and offers dedicated open-loop prepaid solutions for consumers across segments. AGS Transact Technologies serves diverse industries such as banking, retail, petroleum, toll and transit, cash management and fintech in India and other select countries in Asia. As of June 30, 2024, the company has deployed 2,48,834 payment terminals and was one of the largest deployers of PoS terminals at petroleum retail outlets in India, having rolled out 41,777 terminals at various petroleum retail outlets. For more information, visit www.agsindia.com

Lemonn Has Acquired Over Five Lakh Users In The First Five Months Of Its Launch

~Around 36% of the total users are first-time investors~

PeepalCo's investment app, Lemonn has acquired five lakh users in the first five months of the launch. Designed to simplify investing for first-time investors, Lemonn offers options to invest in mutual funds, direct stocks, IPOs, and trade in Futures and Options (F&O).

“At Lemonn, our goal is to make investing simple and accessible for everyone. Reaching five lakh users in just five months is a strong indicator that we're on the right path. We've designed our platform to empower young individuals to take advantage of the investing opportunities and secure their financial future,” said Ashish Singhal, Co-founder, Lemonn.

“As we move forward, we'll continue to enhance the user experience while staying committed to our mission: making financial opportunities equal for all,” he added.

The platform's intuitive design and valuable features have strongly appealed to investors, with about 36% of total users being first-time investors. About 68% of these investors are from tier 2 and 3 cities and 65% of the users are between the age group of 18-25 years, showcasing the app's effectiveness in catering to a diverse audience. Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Bardhaman, Nadia and Murshidabad are among the top 10 cities for the platform.

Commenting on the milestone, Devam Sardana, Business Head, Lemonn said "We are thrilled and deeply grateful for the warm reception Lemonn has received, especially as a late entrant in such a competitive market. A substantial portion of our user base consists of first-time investors, presenting us with the opportunity to build long-term relationships. The trust our users have placed in us motivates and drives us to consistently deliver exceptional service.”

Lemonn offers zero maintenance and account opening fees, with the additional benefit of zero brokerage for one month for new users.

PhonePe And Liquid Group Partner To Expand UPI QR Payment Acceptance In Singapore

PhonePe has announced that it has partnered with the Liquid Group, a fintech leader in digital cross-border payment solutions, to expand its merchant acceptance network in Singapore. This collaboration will allow travellers to conveniently scan and pay using their PhonePe app at Liquid Group’s extensive merchant base in Singapore, a popular travel destination for Indian visitors.

These QR codes will be widely available at tourist-centric locations, including Changi Airport, duty-free shops, restaurants, bars, retailers like The Cocoa Trees, Charles & Keith, Luvenus Jewellery, Hard Rock café, etc. sightseeing spots, and transportation services. This collaboration is facilitated through Liquid Group's partnership with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL). Through this partnership, Liquid Group has enabled its merchants to accept UPI as a payment method, making it convenient for Indian travellers to use their preferred UPI App for transactions. To make payments at merchant outlets, PhonePe users simply need to scan the QR code generated/displayed by the merchants. Transactions will be processed in Indian Rupees (INR), ensuring both transparency and ease of use.

In addition to making payments to the Liquid group merchants during travel to Singapore:

PhonePe users can receive international remittances through UPI via the PayNow-UPI real-time remittance corridor. This simplifies and fastens the process of transferring money by leveraging the UPI infrastructure, thereby eliminating the need for the customers to share details such as bank account numbers and IFSC codes.

Singapore based Non-resident Indians (NRIs) can also link their NRE/NRO bank accounts and make payments for various services for use cases in India such as utility bill payments, transferring funds to their friends and families in India and merchant payments on ecommerce or physical merchants.

The above capabilities were rolled out as part of PhonePe’s enablement of UPI based features for international use cases earlier in 2024 and have seen positive uptick in the last few months.

Speaking on the partnership, Ritesh Pai, CEO of International Payments at PhonePe said, “We're thrilled to partner with Liquid Group to bring the convenience of UPI payments to Indian travelers visiting Singapore. This popular destination is a favorite among Indian tourists, and we're excited to empower them to pay quickly and easily at their favorite food, shopping, and sightseeing spots making their travel experience even more enjoyable."

Alvin Seck, CCO of Liquid Group said, "We are excited to join forces with PhonePe to enhance the payment experience for Indian travellers in Singapore. By integrating UPI into our extensive merchant network, we are not only simplifying transactions but also reinforcing our commitment to providing seamless, cross-border payment solutions. This partnership aligns perfectly with our goal of making global payments more accessible and efficient for consumers and businesses alike."

About PhonePe Group:

PhonePe Group is India’s leading fintech company. Its flagship product, the PhonePe digital payments app, was launched in Aug 2016. In just 8 years, the company has scaled rapidly to become India’s leading consumer payments app with 560+ million registered users and a digital payments acceptance network of 40+ million merchants. PhonePe also processes over 280+ million daily transactions with an annualized Total Payment Value (TPV) of USD 1.5+ Trillion.

On the back of its leadership in digital payments, PhonePe Group has expanded into financial services (Insurance, Lending, Wealth) as well as new consumer tech businesses (Pincode - hyperlocal e-commerce and Indus App Store – India’s first localized App Store). PhonePe Group is an India headquartered technology company with a portfolio of businesses aligned with the company’s vision to offer every Indian an equal opportunity to accelerate their progress by unlocking the flow of money and access to services.

For more details: media@phonepe.com

About Liquid Group

Liquid Group is a leading fintech headquartered in Singapore, specialising in global digital payment solutions with a mission to make cross-border payments more affordable, transparent, and efficient for businesses and individuals.

Liquid Group operates an advanced interoperable digital QR payment network, enabling seamless acceptance of multiple local and international mobile payment apps and digital wallets across multiple merchant acquirers in the Asia-Pacific region.

As a Major Payment Institution (MPI) regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Liquid Group is authorised to conduct account and e-money issuance, merchant acquisition, as well as domestic and cross-border money transfers. Additionally, Liquid Group is a proud member of Singapore’s PayNow and participant in the FAST network.

https://liquidgroup.sg/

Stay Healthy And Safe This Monsoon: Dabur Chyawanprash Special Immunity-Boosting Event In Bengaluru

* Dabur Chyawanprash Which Boosts Immunity At Government Kannada Model Primary School Kadugondanahalli Bengaluru

As the much-awaited monsoon season arrives, offering a refreshing break from the sweltering summer heat, it also brings a host of seasonal ailments, especially for those with low immunity, including children. The drop in temperature and rise in humidity levels create an ideal environment for infections to thrive, making diseases such as cold, cough, malaria, dengue, typhoid, and pneumonia more prevalent.

Ayurveda, a centuries-old science, provides a holistic approach to combating these seasonal threats. While modern medicine offers solutions for treating diseases, ancient Indian herbs and Ayurvedic formulations offer a preventive approach to maintaining a healthy and energetic lifestyle. One such powerful formulation rooted in the principles of Rasayana tantra—one of the eight specialties of Ayurveda focused on rejuvenation—is Chyawanprash.

Dr. Parmeshwar Arora, M.D. (Ayurveda), B.H.U, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said Chyawanprash  is a well-known Ayurvedic formulation, used for decades for boosting immunity and providing resistance against infections. Dabur Chyawanprash, based on an age-old formulation, is an Ayurvedic supplement, fortified with various herbs and minerals. Dabur Chyawanprash helps in prevention of a variety of diseases through its immunomodulatory effects. Dabur has conducted various clinical and preclinical studies which confirm Chyawanprash’s beneficial effect on immunity, seasonal influences, nasal allergies and infections, etc. Chyawanprash helps balance tridoshas ‘vata,pitta, and Kapha as mentioned in ancient ayurvedic scriptures. Dabur Chyawanprash helps activate Dendritic Cells, NK cells & macrophages helping fight germs.

Mr. Prashant Agarwal, Marketing Head – Health Supplements at Dabur India Ltd, emphasized, "With a rich heritage of Ayurveda and deep knowledge of nature, Dabur has always focused on providing safe, cost-efficient, and effective healthcare for all through the study of authentic Ayurvedic texts. Dabur Chyawanprash, a formulation created with ancient Indian knowledge of Ayurveda and the cutting edge of science, is the perfect way to protect ourselves from various day-to-day infections."

Mr. Diwakar, Headmaster, Government Kannada Model Primary School KG Halli, Bengaluru, expressed his gratitude, stating, "The Immune India campaign is in perfect sync with our school’s mission to promote a healthy and active environment for our students. We believe that health and sports play a vital role in the all-round development of individuals."

The event concluded with an interactive session where students actively participated and showcased their enthusiasm towards adopting a healthy lifestyle and engaging in sports activities. Dabur India, Corporate communication, Mr. Dinesh Kumar was present at the event.

Dabur Chyawanprash's key ingredient, Amla (Indian gooseberry), is renowned for its immunity-boosting properties. Other ingredients, such as Guduchi, Pippali, Kantakari, and Shalparni, among others, work synergistically to alleviate common infections and allergies, particularly those affecting the respiratory system. This unique blend of herbs makes Dabur Chyawanprash a perfect ally in safeguarding health during the monsoon season.

Steelcase Launches A New Dealer Showroom In Bengaluru In Partnership With The Jhaver Group

Steelcase, the global leader in workplace design and innovation, proudly announces the launch of its latest dealer showroom, V SpaceZ Workplace Solutions, in Bengaluru. In collaboration with The Jhaver Group, this new venture marks a significant milestone in Steelcase's commitment to expanding its footprint across South Asia. The state-of-the-art showroom, located at V SpaceZ - 4032, Second Floor, 100 Feet Road, Indira Nagar, Bengaluru - 560038, will serve as a hub for businesses seeking cutting-edge workplace solutions.

Steelcase Dealers are a worldwide community of experts who support leading local organizations to create places that work better, with the global power of Steelcase behind every solution. This collaboration is part of Steelcase's broader strategy to invest in India, where they currently have four WorkLife Centers and over 10 dealer showrooms. 

Tirthankar Basu, Managing Director - India and SAARC, expressed his excitement at the launch, stating, ““Steelcase is thrilled to mark a pivotal moment in our growth journey in India by further expanding our reach in Bangalore with V SpaceZ.  We partnered with V SpaceZ because they are aligned with Steelcase values, in customer experience, and putting the customer and user first. India is a critical market for us, and Bangalore is a dynamic ecosystem which is witnessing significant growth with emerging start-ups and expanding Global Organisation. With our growing community of dealers and WorkLife, we are in a prime position to address the needs of our customers with innovative solutions and great customer service.”

The new V SpaceZ Workplace Solutions showroom will feature Steelcase’s expansive portfolio of world-class office furniture and accessories, designed to enhance the productivity, comfort, and well-being of modern workspaces. From award winning ergonomic seating, such as the Think®, Gesture™ and Steelcase Karman™ task chairs to versatile workstations and collaborative furniture like LexCo, Migration SE Pro, Flex Collection, and WorkValet, the showroom will showcase the latest in Steelcase’s innovative offerings.

Alongside the Steelcase portfolio, Clients can also experience a curated selection of Steelcase’s partner products, including pieces from renowned global designers and industry-leading brands such as Orangebox, Viccarbe, and Segis. 

Vignesh Raghunathan, Director - V SpaceZ & Ritu Jhaver, Director - The Jhaver Group, jointly commented on the partnership, stating, "With our partnership with Steelcase and our decades of expertise, we are set to redefine office spaces. Our world-class solutions are not just enhancements but essential for businesses aiming or productivity and growth. Every business deserves an environment that fuels success, and we’re here to make that a reality."

The showroom officially opened its doors on 6th September 2024, and visitors are invited to explore the latest in workplace design and innovation.

About Steelcase

Established in 1912, Steelcase is a global design, research and thought leader in the world of work. We help people do their best work by creating places that work better. Along with more than 30 creative and technology partner brands, we design and manufacture innovative furnishings and solutions for the many places where work happens — including learning, health and work from home. Our solutions come to life through our community of expert Steelcase dealers in approximately 770 locations, as well as our online Steelcase store and other retail partners. Founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Steelcase is a publicly traded company with fiscal year 2024 revenue of $3.2 billion. With our 11,300 global employees and dealer community, we come together for people and the planet — using our business to help the world work better.

For more information, visit www.steelcase.com  

About The Jhaver Group

The Jhaver Group of Companies is an Indian headquartered global business conglomerate with a presence across various sectors like Pharmaceuticals, Agro-Chemicals, Pesticides, Zippers, Textile Chemicals, and Information Technology. The Group was founded in 1894 by Mr. R. Srikrishna Jhaver as a trading and distribution company. Over generations, with continuous innovation and expansion, The Jhaver Group has created several business segments committed to quality and customer service. Today, the group is highly respected and has emerged as one of the fastest-growing innovators in South India. The $2B Group currently employs 30,000 people across 80 countries and has its Global Corporate Headquarters in Chennai, India.

FlixBus, Europe’s Largest Intercity Bus Service, Partners With AbhiBus to Expand Its Reach In India

AbhiBus (ixigo bus business), India’s leading bus ticketing platform has onboarded FlixBus, Europe’s largest intercity bus service to bring a new standard of bus travel to the country. With FlixBus tickets now available on AbhiBus, users can seamlessly book premium bus journeys across India starting at just Rs.99.

After launching earlier this year on popular routes in North India, FlixBus has recently expanded its services in South India, now connecting major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The company’s next phase of growth will extend to cities like Coimbatore, Madurai, Tirupati, and Vijayawada, aiming to capitalize on AbhiBus’s extensive reach in South Indian markets and its technological expertise.

This collaboration is set to elevate the travel experience for Indian passengers, offering high-quality services, modern amenities like spacious seating, and punctual schedules - all at an affordable price. By integrating with AbhiBus, FlixBus ensures that passengers can easily browse routes, compare prices, and book tickets through an enhanced, user-friendly interface.

Rohit Sharma, COO of AbhiBus, shared his thoughts on the strategic partnership: "This partnership reflects the shared ambition of FlixBus and AbhiBus to revolutionize intercity travel in India by providing high-quality, yet affordable bus services. By combining FlixBus's premium offerings with our intuitive and user-friendly platform, we’re elevating the travel experience for Indian passengers. Moreover, FlixBus's strong commitment to sustainability makes this collaboration a perfect choice for eco-conscious travellers, offering greener, more environmentally responsible travel options without compromising on comfort or convenience.”

Surya Khurana, Managing Director of FlixBus India, added, “FlixBus is renowned for its modern, comfortable buses and unwavering commitment to encouraging shared travel. We are excited to join forces with AbhiBus, leveraging its strong foothold in South India to expand our reach into new regions. As part of our recent South India expansion, we have launched 6 new routes as inaugural connections in the region connecting 33 cities, further driving our growth. Together, we aim to offer Indian passengers convenient and affordable travel solutions that prioritize both comfort and sustainability.”

About AbhiBus

AbhiBus (ixigo bus business), is a leading online bus-ticketing platform that aggregates over 4,000+ private bus operators and 25 leading State RTCs, covering more than 350,000+ routes across the country. The AbhiBus website and apps allow users to check amenities provided by bus operators, compare booking fares, check bus timings in the searched route, live tracking of the bus before arrival, cancellation protection options and other facilities. It is the official ticketing partner for several state road transport corporation bus tickets and IRCTC tickets. Apart from an e-ticketing platform, AbhiBus also provides an end-to-end technology solution to private and government bus operators. It provides a state-of-the-art online passenger reservation system to more than 350 private bus operators and 5 State Road Transport Corporations, including APSRTC, TSRTC, KSRTC, HRTC (Himachal) and Kerala RTC across India. Its software solutions include fleet management solutions, vehicle tracking systems, passenger information systems, and logistics, providing a robust and customizable software solution to small and big size bus operators. The business of AbhiBus was acquired by ixigo (Le Travenues Technology Limited) in 2021.

About Flix

Flix is pioneering the transport sector by offering climate-friendly alternatives for convenient and affordable travel via the FlixBus and FlixTrain brands. Thanks to a unique business model and innovative technology, Flix has quickly established Europe’s largest long-distance bus network and swiftly moved on to a global expansion including the United States, Canada and Brazil. As a trailblazer for sustainable traffic Flix operated the first green long-distance trains in 2018, initiated a pilot project for all-electric long-distance buses in 2018 and launched EU’s first biogas-powered long-distance buses in 2021.

While Flix handles technology development, network planning, operations control, marketing and sales, quality management and continuous product expansion, trusted Flix-partners maintain the daily route operations. The unique combination of technology start-up, e-commerce platform and classic transport company has positioned Flix as a leader against major international corporations, permanently changing the global mobility landscape. For more information, visit corporate.flixbus.com.