Navayuga Engineering Achieves New Operational Heights With Xpedeon ERP Solutions

* #DigitalTransformation #ERPsolutions #Xpedeon #ConstructionTech

Xpedeon, a leading provider of construction management software, proudly announces the successful one-year implementation of its ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions at Navayuga Engineering Company Limited. Faced with challenges from previous ERP systems, Navayuga sought a powerful, highly scalable and robust enterprise-wide solution. By partnering with Xpedeon, the company has increased operational efficiency, improved collaboration, and streamlined project management, marking a critical milestone in its digital transformation journey.

Navayuga Engineering Company Limited (NEC), the flagship firm of the Navayuga Group, is a leader in the core infrastructure and engineering sector. Before partnering with Xpedeon, Navayuga relied on separate and siloed systems for financial accounts and other operations, with key project activities like contracts and budgeting handled manually. With Xpedeon’s suite of integrated system purpose built for the Engineering & Construction industry, Navayuga has gained a competitive edge by optimizing its operations, achieve total digital transformation across their engineering and infra business.

Janak Vakharia, CEO, Xpedeon said, "Partnering with Navayuga underscores the transformative impact that customized ERP solutions can have on infrastructure enterprises. The improvements in data transparency, project management, and collaboration highlight the potential for technology to drive strategic growth and enhance operational agility in today’s competitive landscape."

Navayuga, handling high value projects, needed a system that could scale alongside their business growth. Xpedeon’s ERP provided crucial project visibility—especially in areas like budgeting, subcontractor management, procurement, and equipment planning—allowing the company to address previous bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Over the past year, Xpedeon's ERP platform has played a pivotal role in transforming Navayuga's workflows, fostering seamless interdepartmental cooperation, and facilitating better decision-making through real-time insights.

The implementation of Xpedeon’s ERP system has brought Navayuga greater control over project finances, streamlined processes, and eliminated data silos. The system's versatility and robust capabilities have allowed the company to handle complex projects with greater efficiency and accuracy.

Mr. Sai Mani Kiran Chinta, ERP Head at Navayuga commented, “The transition to Xpedeon’s ERP system has been transformative for our digital evolution. The flexibility and power of this system have reduced operational bottlenecks caused by legacy systems and empowered our teams to make better, faster decisions. Xpedeon’s platform is helping us stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.”

The synergy between Navayuga and Xpedeon has been crucial to overcome the constraints of the previous systems.

Rents Surge 7.4% QoQ Across Major Cities, Rental yields Increase To 3.62%: Magicbricks

Magicbricks, India’s leading real estate platform, published its latest Rental Update, highlighting that between July and September 2024, average rents increased 7.4% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) across 13 major Indian cities[1] to INR 35.8 per square foot per month- the highest increase in the l       ast 2 years.

Chennai recorded the sharpest increase at 22.2% QoQ, moving from INR 17.94 psf in Q2 2024 to INR 26.91 psf in Q3 2024. Delhi and Thane also saw significant jumps, with Delhi’s average rent rising 11.4% QoQ to INR 37.55 psf and Thane’s rent increasing 10.9% QoQ to INR 33.10 psf.

According to the report, Mumbai remains the priciest rental market at INR 86.50 psf per month, followed by Delhi at INR 37.55 psf and Navi Mumbai at INR 33.83 psf. Meanwhile, developing markets of Greater Noida (INR 15.48 psf), Noida (INR 21.32 psf), and Kolkata (INR 22.14 psf) are more affordable.

Elaborating on the same, Prasun Kumar, Chief Marketing Officer, Magicbricks "This year, rental demand has shown a strong quarter-on-quarter surge, driving rents to the sharpest increase we've seen over the past eight quarters. It's evident that ready-to-move apartments are increasingly being purchased for self-use, contributing to a decline in rental supply. Meanwhile, the rise in under-construction supply suggests potential for market balance in the coming quarters, as more inventory becomes available."

The report detailed that after a notable increase of 14.8% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) in rental demand during the previous quarter (April to June 2024), the demand continued to increase, albeit at a slower pace of close to 2%. However, the supply of rental properties has not kept pace, declining by 6.7% QoQ in the third quarter (July to September). This imbalance between demand and supply has contributed to the upward pressure on rental prices.

The report concluded that gross rental yields across 13 cities reached 3.62%. Ahmedabad led with the highest yield at 3.9%, followed by Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune at 3.7% each. Chennai saw the largest QoQ yield growth at 21.3%, with Delhi, Hyderabad, and Navi Mumbai also reporting strong increases at 8.8%, 5.4%, and 5.3% respectively. However, Greater Noida, Gurugram, Kolkata, Mumbai, Noida, and Pune recorded declines as property price growth outpaced rental rate growth.

Source: Magicbricks Research

McAfee Research Reveals Surge In Online Shopping Scams During October Festive Shopping Season

* McAfee safeguarded users against suspicious or malicious URLs nearly 24,000 times throughout the festive season.

Nearly half (45%) of Indian consumers say they or someone they know has fallen victim to a deepfake shopping scam. Of the 56% of these people who lost money to the scam, 46% lost over ?41,500.

* 78% of Indians are more concerned about online shopping scams this festive season than they were a year ago, particularly due to the rise in deepfake scams.

 As the vibrant lights of Diwali dim and the festive season concludes, it's time to reflect on the joyous celebrations and the less cheerful reality of online scams that targeted festive shoppers. This year, McAfee, a global leader in online protection, uncovered a worrying trend: a significant rise in online scams impacting consumers during the festive shopping rush from October 1 through October 28.

McAfee’s Global Festive Shopping Survey found that 66% of Indians plan to do more online shopping this year than last year. Of those people, 68% report finding better discounts and offers online and 60% say online shopping was easier and faster than in-store shopping. However, the convenience and potential discounts associated with online shopping may come at a price. McAfee’s Labs team revealed a significant rise in online scams aimed at festive shoppers in India, marking this season as a prime opportunity for cybercriminals.

Phishing and Malicious URLs: McAfee’s Labs team analyzed over 800 unsolicited, festive-related emails. The volume of these emails spiked on Fridays and Saturdays, aligning with a trend of increased scam activity at the end of each week – and suggesting that scam-related risks are present throughout the festive season and consumers should stay aware.

Protection Efforts: The McAfee Labs team also reported protecting customers against 24,000 suspicious or malicious URLs during the festive season. Consumer interactions with these malicious links spiked significantly in the leadup to key events – for example, the days prior to Durga Ashtami and Diwali – pointing to savvy scammers targeting people during peak shopping windows.

Too Good to be True: Many of these malicious links masqueraded as legitimate shopping sites like Flipkart or Amazon, promoting implausible discounts of up to 99%.

“Diwali is special time of year that many look forward to – from consumers, to retailers, to cybercrooks, said Pratim Mukherjee, Senior Director of Engineering at McAfee. “With AI-powered tools, scammers can now more quickly and easily create incredibly realistic fake celebrity endorsements and near-perfect imitations of trusted brand messages and websites. We’re urging people to stay cautious, think twice about deals that seem too good to be true, and use the best online tools to protect their information."

Festive Consumer Behavior

The festive season drives a shift in consumer behavior, with many Indians adjusting their shopping habits in response to inflation, the hunt for deals, and increased social media influence. This also leads to increased concerns about scams and cybercrime, shaping festive shopping patterns in India.

95% of Indians, in light of inflation, plan to engage in related deal-seeking festive shopping behaviours.

90% said they’d consider starting festive shopping earlier than normal in order to find the best possible deals.

41% said they were more likely to jump on a good deal immediately when they see it.

Impact of AI on Festive Scams

McAfee's Festive Shopping Survey found 74% of Indians believe cybercriminals are more prevalent during the festive season, making the period especially risky and stressful for online shoppers, especially as AI-driven digital scams become increasingly common.

84% of Indians are more concerned about deepfakes now than they were a year ago.

39% of Indians say they encounter the most fake messages via email, followed by 31% through text and 30% on social media.

When asked about the types of scam messages they’ve received:

30% mentioned messages about purchases they didn’t make.

37% reported fake missed delivery or delivery problem notifications.

24% saw security alerts from popular e-commerce platforms or notifications regarding account updates.

43% received messages about urgent issues with their credit card or banking account.

Social Media Influence

A significant percentage of Indian shoppers say their purchasing decisions are influenced by social media and celebrity endorsements. Scammers are increasingly exploiting this trend, to deceive consumers.

Nearly half (47%) of Indians say they or someone they know has purchased or provided payment for something that either came from a celebrity or appeared endorsed by a celebrity, that then turned out to be a scam.

31% of Indians are likely to make a purchase from a new retailer found via social media if the deal is appealing.

McAfee’s Tips for Safe Festive Shopping 

To stay safe this season, McAfee recommends consumers: 

Think before you click.? If you receive an email or text message asking you to click on a link, even if it’s a great-sounding deal or indicates it’ll provide useful information such as a package delivery update, it’s best to avoid interacting with the message altogether. Always go directly to the source and interact with reputable companies. 

Use AI to beat AI. From blocking dangerous links in text messages, social media, or web browsers, if clicked, customers across all platforms can take advantage of the AI-driven technology behind?McAfee Text Scam Detector?to engage with text messages, read emails, and browse the web peacefully and securely.

Detect deepfakes. Look for slight inconsistencies in content. Is there unnatural blinking, odd eye movements, or unusual-looking hands or teeth ? Does the audio not quite match the speaker’s lips or have a distorted quality? 

Invest in holistic online protection like McAfee+. Use products that provide maximum identity, privacy, and device protection. Help keep yourself and your family safe online with protection that detects and protects against suspicious links and sites (even those that promise to bring the latest in celebrity news!), so you can browse online with greater confidence.

For more festive safety tips and details on McAfee’s cybersecurity solutions, visit www.mcafee.com. 

Study Methodology 

The survey, which focused on the topic of deepfakes, scam messages, and festive shopping, was conducted online in November 2024. 7,128 adults, age 18+, in 7 countries (US, Australia, India, UK, France, Germany, Japan), participated in the study. 

About McAfee 

McAfee Corp. is a global leader in online protection for consumers. Focused on protecting people in an always-online world, McAfee’s solutions adapt to user needs, empowering individuals and families with secure, intuitive tools. For more information, visit www.mcafee.com. 

Odysse Bags Order Of 40,000 Vehicles And Investment From Zypp Electric

* Odysse Electric Secures Investment to Drive National Growth, Bags Order for 40,000 Vehicles

Odysse Electric, the Indian two-wheeler electric vehicle (EV) brand, has secured an investment from Zypp Electric to accelerate its national expansion. This also includes an order for 40,000 electric vehicles to be delivered over the next three years. The deal highlights the rapid growth and potential of electric mobility  in India.

This investment is expected to significantly bolster Odysse Electric's B2B Penetration along with expanding dealership network across the country. By increasing production and enhancing distribution capabilities, Odysse aims to increase its production capacity to meet the rising demand for clean and efficient mobility and delivery options in personal space as well as booming last-mile delivery space in both urban and rural areas.

Mr. Nemin Vora, CEO of Odysse Electric, commented on the agreement, saying, " We are thrilled to welcome this strategic partnership with Zypp Electric. The new investment in Odysse Electric signifies a pivotal moment as we strive to create a cleaner, greener India. Their deep industry expertise and vision of fleet electrification will significantly accelerate our nationwide expansion plans underscoring the robust B2B and consumer demand for electric vehicles. We are eager to revolutionize India's transportation and logistics landscape."

Akash Gupta, Co-founder & CEO, Zypp Electric stated, "Zypp wishes to deploy 200,000 EVs in the market over next 2-3 years to decarbonize last mile delivery. Our investment in Odysse Electric reflects our belief in the brand's vision, product quality and growth trajectory in India's electric mobility sector. Odysse's commitment to better quality of EVs and ability to customize to Zypp’s long term requirements aligns with our principles, and we are thrilled to partner with them on this journey to redefine mobility and scale last mile deliveries in various cities of India & beyond."

This agreement represents a significant milestone for Odysse Electric as it continues to champion sustainable transportation across India.

Established in 2020, Odysse Electric is at the forefront of reshaping India's electric vehicle landscape. Odysse Electric offers one of the largest product portfolios, comprising 7 models which includes 2 low-speed scooters, 2 high-speed scooters, a delivery scooter targeted to B2B segment, an EV sports bike, and a commuter bike for daily users. The product range includes: -

Electric motorcycle Vader (with 7” Touchscreen Android Display, AIS-156 approved battery, five drive modes, 18-liters storage space, Robust build)

Electric bike EVOQIS (with four drive modes, keyless entry, anti-theft lock and motor cut-off switch)

Latest addition of High-Speed Electric scooter SNAP (AIS 156 approved smart Portable Battery, waterproof motor, Distance to Empty & CAN enabled display)

High Speed Electric scooter HAWK Li (India’s first electric scooter with cruise control & Music system along with portable battery)

Low Speed - E2Go Lite, E2go+ and E2GO Graphene (electric scooter with portable battery, USB charging, digital speedometer and keyless entry)

Low speed electric scooter Racer Lite V2 Lite and V2+ (waterproof motor, huge boot space, dual battery and led lights)

Sightsavers, AbbVie Therapeutics Hosted 4th State-Level Consultation On ‘Prevention Of Visual Impairment Caused By Glaucoma’

Sightsavers India and AbbVie India, in their ongoing collaborative campaign, recently hosted the fourth state-level consultation on the ‘Prevention of Visual Impairment Caused by Glaucoma’ at the NIMHANS Convention Centre in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The event was honoured by the presence of our Guests of Honour, Shri Vikas Kishor Suralkar, IAS, Special Commissioner BBMP and Dr Shamsundar, Joint Director Ophthalmology, Govt of Karnataka.

Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness worldwide, demands early diagnosis and timely treatment to prevent irreversible vision loss. At the consultation, distinguished guests, including health officials and advocates for eye health, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to enhance eye care services. They recognised this initiative as an essential step in raising awareness and bringing together expertise to confront the challenges posed by glaucoma and prevent avoidable blindness.

The consultation began with a heartfelt welcome by Edwin Charles, Corporate Partnerships Executive, Sightsavers India. This was followed by opening remarks from Mr R.N. Mohanty, Chief Executive Officer of Sightsavers India, and Dr Rahul Rathod, Medical Director, AbbVie India.

Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister of Health and Family Welfare for the state of Karnataka shared his views with us. “Our foremost priority is the health and well-being of the people of Karnataka, and we recognise that clear vision is essential to living a healthy and fulfilling life. The government is fully committed to supporting initiatives like this, which emphasize early detection and prevention of glaucoma to safeguard the eye health of our citizens. We greatly appreciate the dedication of Sightsavers India and AbbVie India in addressing preventable blindness and hosting this consultation as an invaluable effort to raise awareness. Through collaborations focused on eye care, we aim to build a healthier, more productive community for all.”

Shri Vikas Kishor Suralkar, IAS, Special Commissioner BBMP, “I am proud to support this crucial consultation on glaucoma prevention by Sightsavers India and AbbVie India. This event is a vital step in strengthening awareness and prevention strategies around eye health, and the BBMP is fully committed to ensuring that our city’s residents have access to quality care. We must continue to strengthen these efforts and work collectively to ensure every individual has access to early detection, treatment, and the necessary resources to safeguard their vision. The BBMP stands firm in its commitment to supporting initiatives that improve eye health, and we will continue to prioritize eye care as a critical component of our public health agenda.”

Dr Shamsundar, Joint Director Ophthalmology, Govt of Karnataka in his address said, “It is both an honour and a responsibility to be part of this significant consultation addressing the prevention of visual impairment caused by glaucoma. Events like these are essential in uniting expertise and resources to tackle preventable blindness effectively. The combined efforts of the Government of Karnataka, private sector leaders like AbbVie India, and organisations like Sightsavers India demonstrate the power of partnerships in driving impactful change. Together, we remain steadfast in our commitment to adopting initiatives that enhance awareness, promote early diagnosis, and provide equitable access to eye care for all.”

Dr Rahul Rathod, Medical Director, AbbVie India stated “As healthcare professionals, we understand the critical importance of early detection and access to quality eye care. Glaucoma poses significant challenges that call for both increased awareness and prompt action. Through these consultations, we aim to bridge gaps in understanding and improve access to essential care. By equipping communities with current knowledge and resources, we’re advancing efforts to prevent glaucoma-related sight loss. Partnering with Sightsavers India in this initiative is a significant step toward making quality eye care accessible to all, especially those in marginalized communities. This collaboration reflects our commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to protect their vision and receive the essential eye health services they need.”

Mr R.N. Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India said “With this campaign now reaching its fourth state, we’re making significant strides to create awareness on glaucoma. Our partnership with AbbVie India continues to drive forward the urgent mission to prevent vision impairment and blindness caused by this ‘silent thief of sight.’ The recent consultation in Bangalore, Karnataka brought together some of the brightest minds in ophthalmology, public health, and government representatives, demonstrating our collective commitment to innovative strategies and early diagnosis for preventing avoidable blindness. We look forward to expanding this initiative into other states in the coming months, taking crucial steps to protect sight and empower communities across India.”

The event continued with a panel discussion featuring specialists who explored different strategies for managing glaucoma. This was followed by an engaging Q&A session, allowing attendees to pose their questions and receive direct guidance from the experts.

Dr Suneeta Dubey, Medical Director and Director of Glaucoma Services, Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, New Delhi, and Keynote Speaker said, “. Today’s consultation is an example of collaboration in action, bringing together medical expertise, and public health leaders to drive a unified response against glaucoma.”

The panel members also included General Ophthalmologist: Dr Kaushik Murali, President of Medical Administration Quality & Education at Sankara Eye Foundation India; Glaucoma Specialist: Dr Asha M.S, Nethradhama; Public Health Expert: Dr Priya T. Nandimath, Principal Professor at Padmashree School of Public Health, Bangalore and Garimella Subramaniam, professional journalist and Director of Strategic Initiatives at AgnoShin Technologies, Chennai.

The panel discussion highlighted the crucial role of collaboration in preventing glaucoma-related visual impairment, emphasizing that a united approach among experts, healthcare providers, policymakers, and media is key to safeguarding vision. The panel members highlighted the often-overlooked risks of glaucoma, stressing that timely diagnosis and intervention can preserve sight and improve quality of life. The importance of regular eye exams was discussed as a proactive measure, alongside the role of media in spreading awareness, empowering individuals to prioritize eye health, and building public support for policies aimed at reducing preventable blindness.

To conclude the event, Jatin Tiwari, Director, of Corporate Partnerships and Southwest Programme, Sightsavers India, shared the way forward and said “The perspectives shared today will be instrumental in refining our initiatives for increasing awareness, promoting early diagnosis, and improving treatment for this silent threat. Moving forward, we are committed to actionable outcomes and advancing stronger collaborations with healthcare experts, policymakers, and community stakeholders” A vote of thanks and felicitation was done by Sayanti Bit, Corporate Partnerships, Sightsavers India.

Photo Caption - L to R: Dr Shamsundar, Joint Director Ophthalmology, Govt of Karnataka; Shri Vikas Kishor Suralkar, IAS, Special Commissioner BBMP; RN Mohanty, CEO, Sightsavers India; Dr Rahul Rathod, Medical Director, AbbVie India

For more information about AbbVie Eye Care, visit us at

 https://www.abbvie.com/our-science/therapeutic-focus-areas/eye-care.html.

wienerberger India Achieves Lowest Carbon Footprint With Porotherm Smart Bricks

* LCA shows 150 years of life cycle for Porotherm

wienerberger India's flagship product, Porotherm Smart Bricks, has demonstrated an exceptional environmental performance in a recent Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) conducted by LEAD Consultancy and Engineering Services (India) Pvt Ltd.

The LCA, adopted the 'Cradle to Grave' approach, adhering to international standards (EN 15804+A2 & ISO 14025 / ISO 21930) and assessed the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of various walling materials. The ‘Cradle to Grave’ approach covers entire life cycle of a product from the excavation of raw materials to manufacturing process, transportation, installation, and usage to its end-of-life phases.

Porotherm Smart Bricks including Porotherm HP, Porotherm Plus, FB Exteria and Grinded bricks showed a remarkable GWP of 97.103 Kg CO2e per ton, significantly outperforming other materials. The lifespan of Porotherm is 150 years as per the LCA report.

Porotherm Vs other walling materials

The Global Warming Potential (GWP) of Porotherm is much lesser as compared to other walling materials as per the LCA 

- Porotherm: 97.103 Kg CO2e/ton

- Autoclaved Concrete: 230 Kg CO2e/ton

- Burnt Clay Bricks: 330 Kg CO2e/ton

- Concrete Blocks: 400 Kg CO2e/ton

- Reinforced Concrete Wall: 800 Kg CO2e/ton

For a typical 1500 Sqft residence, Porotherm's total embodied carbon is 1491, compared to:

- 3172 for Autoclaved Concrete

- 21133 for Burnt Clay Bricks

- 18401 for Concrete Blocks

- 52277 for Reinforced Concrete Wall

"This significant reduction in carbon footprint underscores our commitment to sustainability," said Mr. Monnanda Appaiah, Managing Director, wienerberger India. "Our eco-conscious approach enables us to create environmentally friendly products, contributing to a greener future."

Sustainable Manufacturing

Porotherm's composition includes an impressive 90% recycled waste, including:

- Stone slurry

- Rice husk

- Tank clay (silt removed from dead tanks and lakes during de-silting)

Only 10% of the raw material is clay sourced from clay mines. This innovative use of recycled materials significantly reduces waste and minimizes the product's ecological footprint.

The benefits of Porotherm's sustainable manufacturing process extend beyond environmental benefits, offering:

- Reduced waste disposal costs

- Conservation of natural resources

- Lower energy consumption

About wienerberger India

wienerberger India provides innovative building solutions, focusing on environmental responsibility and sustainable development. With a strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions, wienerberger India strives to minimize its ecological footprint while promoting sustainable development.

For more information log on to : https://www.wienerberger.in/

FADA Releases 42 Days Festive Period Vehicle Retail Data

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) today released Vehicle Retail Data for 42 days festive period.

Festive Period Retails

Commenting on 42-days festive period (from 1st day of Navratri to 15 days post Dhanteras) retails, FADA President, Mr. C S Vigneshwar said, "I am delighted to announce that the automobile retail sector has achieved a new milestone, surpassing last year's festive records. We witnessed a remarkable surge in numbers since the beginning of Navratri, nearly hitting our forecasted target with 42.88 lakh vehicles registered during this period—a growth of 11.76% over last year's 38.37 lakh units.

Two-wheeler sales were particularly robust, registering a 13.79% growth to reach 33.11 lakh units, largely driven by strong rural demand. As expected, Passenger vehicles bounced back after a lull, growing by 7.10% to 6.03 lakh units, spurred by pent-up demand and unprecedented discounts available in the market.

While we celebrate these achievements, we acknowledge that we could have fully met or even exceeded our targets of 45L units if not for the unseasonal heavy rains in South India, especially in Bengaluru and Tamil Nadu, and the Cyclone Dana that affected Odisha.

As the festivities conclude, FADA anticipates passenger vehicle stock levels will reduce further from what we reported in our October retail data press release. However, FADA advises caution as the complete picture on inventory will emerge by month-end.

With 1.5 months remaining before the calendar year ends, FADA urges OEMs to focus on liquidating 2024 stock so that Dealers can enter 2025 with ideal FADA-recommended 21 days of inventory.

Looking ahead, the auto industry is yet to fully benefit from a government push in infrastructure spending, which we expect will bolster commercial vehicle sales. Additionally, tractors should perform better, supported by good rainfall and the government's increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops, putting more money into farmers' hands."