Uber Celebrates One Year of uberMOTO in India; Completes 2 Million Trips Across 5 Cities

Uber, the ridesharing app that connects riders with drivers to provide convenient, reliable and affordable rides at the push of a button, celebrates the first anniversary of UberMOTO, Uber’s bikesharing product, in the country. This month also marks the completion of 2 million trips on uberMOTO, a key milestone for the company and testament to the potential of bikesharing to improve last and first mile connectivity in the country.

“uberMOTO gives riders the option to book a motorbike ride via the Uber app, a mode of transport that has long been the preferred way to get around cities in India. Currently available in Gurgaon, Faridabad, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Jaipur, the success of uberMOTO reflects how Uber easily blends into the fabric of the cities, providing multiple commute options at the push of a button” said Prabhjeet Singh, GM, Uber Delhi and North

India

To celebrate the success of uberMOTO, Uber introduced a Zip Zap Zoom Index, a round up on how bikesharing has touched riders, driver partner and the cities in the last 12 months.

Here are some fun facts:

• Riders from 181 cities across the world booked a ride on uberMOTO in India
• A female rider in Gurgaon took the highest number of rides, accounting for 1393 trips in one year
• A single driver partner in Gurgaon has taken 5573 trips in the last one year
• Every 18 seconds an uberMOTO ride is requested in Hyderabad
• Kalupur Railway Station is the top destination for uberMOTO in Ahmedabad  
• In Jaipur, no new vehicles have been added ensuring better asset utilization of existing two-wheelers, in an effort to reduce congestion in the city
• One out of every four trips on uberMOTO are to/from metro stations in Gurgaon

UberMOTO is a step forward in Uber’s commitment to help the address the first and last mile connectivity transportation needs. By integrating Uber’s on-demand technology platform with motorbikes, the objective is to use today’s transportation infrastructure more efficiently and effectively. Here are five reasons that make uberMOTO a must-have for all cities:

1.     Expands access to public transport: Public transit is the mobility backbone of cities. uberMOTO promotes the use of public transport as people now have an affordable and efficient transport option for their last mile connectivity. Today, one out of every four trips on uberMOTO are to/from metro and railway stations.

2.     Saves time: With uberMOTO, commuters can ride and swiftly maneuver through traffic. It is the quickest way to get anywhere, anytime of the day. Riders can save time traveling by motorbike when and where it makes sense, such as for short trips in heterogenous traffic that’s more easily navigated via small vehicle, or along routes where public transport isn’t easily accessible or convenient.

3.  Affordability: uberMOTO rides are one of the most affordable commute options in the city. Several studies have also explored the correlation between access to transportation and essential opportunities including education and employment.

4. Empowering a dignified living: The positive impact of ridesharing on congestion, safety and cities are real and important, but it’s also important to note the economic activity generated by the people who drive on Uber. Owning a motorbike is much more affordable than owning a car. The lower cost barrier of uberMOTO makes it even easier for more people to pursue this micro-entrepreneurship opportunity.

5.  Hop on, hop off commute: Whether you are riding to the office for an early morning meeting, catching the metro at the nearest station or heading to the mall for a fun-filled evening, travelling in a city on uberMOTO is the smartest hop on, hop off option.

CII’s 13th India Innovation Summit in Bengaluru from July 13-14, 2017

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) announced its 13th India Innovation Summit with the theme, ‘The New Wealth of Nations – Innovation and Intellectual capital’ in the city today. The two-day summit, on July 13 and 14 will cover subjects such as, Teens as Innovators to disrupt the existing businesses, Rise of Machines and Future of Human Labour, India’s digital transformation into a cashless economy, the great expectations on the e-commerce industry – scaling the consumption economy, the role of society and culture on innovation, the rise of personalized/ precision medicine, the role of technology in continuing education, and intellectual property rights and the scope of innovation as a new state diplomacy.

n the current times of geopolitical re-balancing, innovation-led businesses became the prime driver of differentiation between the developed and developing nations. The asset-driven and regulation-based industries of the past era are giving into the innovation-centric and open market, digital businesses.

Addressing the gathering Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman, India Innovation Summit said, “in the new world order, innovation shall be the most important factor defining the growth of development. India, as a society, should embrace the change that innovation, across all the spheres, brings in. It’s time we relooked at the conventional definition of wealth. Innovation and Intellectual property, he firmly believes, shall be the new wealth of the nations.”

“CII has seen working on a multi-point agenda to include the larger society for inclusive growth.” Kamal Bali, Chairman, CII Karnataka added, and thanked the government for being a wonderful partner in translating it into action. “The state council achieves the goal of helping the industry, particularly, MSMEs to help cope with the changes in the business landscape and help job creation led by innovation.”

Detailing the event, Vijaya Kumar Ivaturi, Co-founder, Crayon Data elucidated, “India Innovation Summit has been growing from strength to strength. We started off with covering innovation that was done in larger corporates. We moved towards the spirit of entrepreneurship, which are, more often than not, orthogonal in nature. This year, we have come up with the third dimension. It is perhaps the result of the first two. Our theme captures the larger picture that is true of every nation: innovation and intellectual property determine the wealth of a nation. In a digitally connected age, it’s all about leveraging the social capital through technology to our best advantage. It means learning the new and unlearning the obsolete. The panels are a good mix of the industry veterans and the technology natives and entrepreneurs. The structure of the program and each element has been carefully crafted to capture the transition. We only hope the leaders shall closely guide the new-age, young innovators, with deep commitment and utmost care. As though one handles a teenager who is a digital native. India Innovation Summit is 13, by the way, he reflected.”

Highlighting the CII-3M challenge, Debarati Sen, Managing Director, 3M India Limited said, “India has emerged as a hub for innovations and houses the largest population of youth in the world. Identifying the vast scope and talent that exists in the country, 3M India, in collaboration with the CII, instituted the Young Innovators Challenge Award in 2014 with a vision to create a forum to recognize innovative ideas with a social relevance. The award also offers a level playing field to young innovators across a wide spectrum, from the top institutes in the country to the grassroots, to compete for recognition & support that can give impetus to their ideas to become an established initiative. This nationwide search culminates with the winners of the challenge being felicitated by 3M India and CII leadership at the CII India Innovation Summit.”

To complement and augment the conference themes, there will be an exhibition that will provide an experiential understanding of the real-world tools of the new wealth paradigm. The pavilions will cover the spectrum of innovation by the Indian industry, representing the macro and micro level of the nation’s spirit, creativity and entrepreneurial zeal in a showcase.

Implemented Without Delay: MP Rakeev Chandrasekhar Urges Defence Minister Arun Jaitley

Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar wrote to the Defence Minister regarding the Government’s order dated 29 June 2017 on implementation of orders of Hon’ble Courts/AFT’s in Neither Attributable to Nor Aggravated (NANA) by service cases.

In his letter to the Defence Minister he welcomed the move and the landmark step taken by the Narendra Modi Government that will benefit thousands of soldiers who have suffered disability died because of a disability while in service.

“The Committee of Experts submitted its report in November 2015 with 75 recommendations and despite the then Raksha Mantri giving his go ahead for implementing the recommendations in August 2016, there has been no action taken on its implementation till date.” MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar said.

Recalling the DESW Memo of 02 January 2014, which stated the department would appeal automatically in six categories of disability , Chandrasekhar said he had taken up the matter strongly with then Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri A K Antony and after his interventions, the Minister had withdrawn the instructions.

Despite the former Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri. Manohar Parrikar decision in January 2015, not to pursue nearly 4,000 disability pension cases pending against the Ministry of Defence in courts, in April 2016 new instructions were issued by the DESW to again automatically file appeals in all cases pertaining to disability pensions and benefits, Chandrasekhar wrote in his letter to the Defence Minister.

“I had urged the then Raksha Mantri to put in place a system of audits to ensure genuine cases of disabled soldiers and their families do not suffer long painful legal battles” Rajeev said.

PM Modi in the past had expressed the need to minimise litigation, stop frivolous appeals and to strengthen the Armed Forces Tribunals which had led to the constitution of the Raksha Mantri’s Committee of Experts for reduction of litigation in the Ministry of Defence and strengthening of mechanisms of redressal of grievances in July 2015.

What is CopyCat Malware? How It Spreads and ways to Protect Themselves in India?

CopyCat is an adware (a malware that injects ads on victims device to generate revenue) that affected over 14 million Android users in the span of 2 months. It raked over $1.5 million via fraudulent app installations and advertising with peak activity during April & May 2016.

How did CopyCat malware spread?

Unlike older adwares, CopyCat spread via 3rd party app stores and standard phishing attacks. With increased security checks in the Google Play, the architects of CopyCat chose not to host it on the official market. 

How does CopyCat work?

CopyCat once installed from a 3rd party app store or a phishing campaign. injected advertisements in the browsers and other applications of a victim's device and when the victim clicked them, it earned money. 

Moreover, after installation, the malware fetched information about the device and used specific exploits to root (A process where an app gains highest available privileges allowing it to alter the core architecture of the device) the victim's device. This allowed CopyCat to further install rootkits to make itself persistent in the victim's phone.

After gaining root access, the malware could then install fraudulent apps, monitor app installations and app launches to display targeted ads and altered the refer-install mechanism to steal the installation revenue.

All this was done via infecting the Android Zygote Daemon(A service in Android devices that is responsible for launching apps on the device). This allowed the attacker complete access to the victim's device.

CopyCat used several exploits, including CVE-2013-6282 (VROOT), CVE-2015-3636 (PingPongRoot), and CVE-2014-3153 (Towelroot) to infect devices running Android 5.0 and lower, which is although very old but widely used.

What was the impact of CopyCat?

CopyCat infected over 14 million devices out of which, 8 million were rooted ie complete high privileged access. Out of these 8 million, 3.8 million devices were infected with adware and 4.4 million were used to steal credit card information.

In this span of 2 months, it earned over $1.5 million via fraud app installations & displaying over 100 million advertisements.

Which parts of the world did CopyCat hit the worst?

CopyCat primarily affected devices in the Southeast Asia, mainly spanning to India, Pakistan & Bangladesh.

Although in the Unites States over 280,000 devices were infected. Interestingly, Chinese users were not infected indicating the attack to be originated from China.

Who is behind CopyCat?

Though it lacks any direct evidence, researchers at CheckPoint suggested the responsible 

party being a Chinese advertising network MobiSummer.

The researcher found following connections between CopyCat & MobiSummer:

1. CopyCat malware and MobiSummer operate on the same server 

2. Several lines of CopyCat's code is signed by MobiSummer 3.

CopyCat and MobiSummer use the same remote services 

4. CopyCat did not target Chinese users despite over half of the victims residing in Asia

What can users do to protect themselves?

According to the spokesperson at Bugsbounty, users should take the following precautions:

1. Install applications only from the Google Play Store and not use any 3rd party app stores

2. Make sure that the option for allowing app from unknown sources is unchecked in the Android settings

3. Avoid installing apps with < 50,000 downloads and enough reviews & ratings.

4. Check the app permissions before installing. The app should only take permissions that are relevant to it. If a flashlight app needs permission for SMS & contacts it is definitely malicious

5. Update to the latest version of Android if possible

6. Specifically disallowing apps specific permissions from the settings if your phones allow it.

Geberit Unveils One Million Concealed Cisterns Installed in India

European leader in the field of sanitary technology and bathroom ceramics, Geberit has announced at a meet that it has successfully installed One Million Concealed Cisterns across residential and commercial properties in India.

Talking on the occasion Abubaker Koya, Managing Director, India shared “Concealed Cisterns were a new concept to India when we entered the market.  From addressing the fear of how hidden cisterns would work, to practising the concept of water and space saving benefits, the team had to articulate and educate both the trade partners and end customers.”

 “We have come a long way since and are today proudly celebrating the one million installation of the same system across industries from IT parks, Malls to Manufacturing plants and of course hi end residential building. We enjoy the patronage of leading Indian corporates and developers across the country,” Koya added.

“Geberit in India (as a fully owned subsidiary) started in 2010 with its headquarters in Bangalore and a production facility for concealed cisterns in Pune.  The company has since followed the Constraint based Product Innovation - best of modern technology, design and India’s mind-set in designing products exclusively for Indian customers.” said Koya.

Geberit products are available across the length and breadth of India with over 1500 dealers and distributors in its network. While Geberit forayed into India with concealed cisterns and piping (behind the wall) products, the company has moved on to ‘in front of the wall’ products viz. Mera Shower Toilets, Urinals, Sensor Taps etc.

“The sanitaryware industry size in India is about Rs 15,000 crores and the space Geberit operates is in about half of it, very specifically at the premium end of the segment. Interestingly the Sanitary Industry in particular, has kept pace with the reality industry (real estate) growth in India at about 10-15% per annum. However, the premium segment within this, where companies like Geberit are major players, has grown at a higher rate >20% per annum.”

“Within the toilets segment, one is seeing a major shift to wall-hung toilets. Due to this change, the new flushing systems (concealed cisterns) market is evolving in a big way and Geberit is a major player in that area today,” said Koya.

Talking about their community outreach initiatives, Koya said “Geberit has helped establish India's first Plumbing Lab in Pune and works with institutions to create customized learning and knowledge sharing programmes.”

SMB’s Get Cloud Transformation Boost with India Oracle Digital Hub

Small and midsize businesses (SMBs) will get access to the cloud solutions and resources they need to power digital transformation with the opening of Oracle’s first Digital Hub in Asia Pacific, which will be based in Bangalore.  The new facility, one of five Digital Hubs set to open in Asia Pacific, highlights Oracle’s commitment to better serving the midsize market in the new cloud economy.  India’s new Digital Hub, part of a global network of best practice centres for SMBs, will help small and midsize businesses leverage Oracle Cloud solutions to streamline operations, boost innovation and gain a platform for growth.

The hub will house Oracle’s new digital sales team and focus on helping more midsize organisations transition to the cloud quickly and easily.  With a distinctive Indian feel, and exuding the energy of a start-up, the team will provide timely, personalised and effective support to customers, using the latest collaboration tools, techniques and technologies to transform the buying experience. 

François Lançon, senior vice president, Oracle Japan and Asia Pacific, said: “The cloud is democratising IT; you just need a web browser or a mobile phone app to take advantage of it.  What’s more, it has incredible transformation potential for small businesses, enabling them to do things they have never been able to do before, at an affordable price, such as use technology to streamline business processes, gain access to an easy-to-use platform for innovation, and digitise their customer experience.  We are simplifying the buying process to help these smaller organisations, as well as branch offices and line of business departments, digitally transform their business.”

Customers that want to buy entirely online can utilise the click-to-buy Oracle Accelerated Buying Experience. In addition to the simplified buying experience, Oracle’s Digital Hubs will provide a complete suite of cloud applications, platform, and infrastructure services as both standalone services and as bundles.  The range of choices empowers small businesses to select solutions that directly address their goals or issues. 

Vivek Vinayak Purekar, vice president and global HR head, Simeio Solutions, said, “We’re constantly trying to reduce operational costs by automating our processes so that we can focus more on our core business, and Oracle understands this very well. The Oracle HCM cloud solution has completely transformed our HR engine to match our fast growth and has given us the freedom to do more with less. It has helped us achieve the right blend of process modernisation and increased efficiencies. The analytics that come embedded enabled us to gain the right insights to drive more contextual collaboration and engagement, and make faster and better operational decisions.”

Yathindra Banappa, managing director, Amego, said, “Amego is India’s first logistical assistance company for medical emergencies on the go. We wanted to implement a scalable, flexible cloud platform that can be accessed from anywhere across the country. With Oracle Mobile Cloud Service, we’ve enabled more than 50,000 people, with one click access, to automatically log medical emergency requests and get approvals on the go. Customers can avail our services whether online or offline, even from far-flung hospitals and pharmacies with no internet connectivity. Going forward, we intend to leverage Oracle’s Intelligent Chatbot offering to deliver greater ease of access and a superior, more intuitive experience to customers.”

The complete package

Shailender Kumar, vice president and regional managing director, Oracle India, said: “There are over 51 million SMBs in India, many of whom haven’t worked with Oracle or used cloud before.  They now have access to the most modern solutions in the market, available online, direct via the hub and through our expanded end-to-end ecosystem, working with the vast network in India.  The increased choice in cloud technology will help accelerate SMB’s ability to innovate and grow more quickly, paving the way for the next big SMB revolution in the country.  This solid investment reiterates our strong commitment to India.”

Praveen Bhadada, partner and practice head – Digital, Zinnov Management Consulting Pvt. Ltd., said, “With nearly 40 percent contribution to India’s GDP, the SMB sector forms the backbone of the Indian economy. Technology enablement of SMBs is expected to further add $1.1 Tn to the GDP and over $250 Bn to exports from India. Technology advancements, particularly around cloud, are playing a key role in helping small businesses to upgrade their operations, launch innovative products and services and expand their reach. Tools that make it easier for these organisations to adopt cloud and are compatible with local business needs will certainly be welcomed.”

The Digital Hub’s work with SMBs complements the Oracle Startup Cloud Accelerator Programme, which aims to fuel cloud-enabled innovation among startups around the globe. Following the success of the pilot program in Bangalore, Oracle recently expanded locations across the globe, including opening two new centres in Delhi–NCR and Mumbai to provide mentorship and technology resources to local startups.

Being Human E-Cycle Partners with Amazon.in to Exclusively Launch on Prime Day

Salman Khan’s Being Human E-Cycle has announced its partnership with Amazon.in to launch online exclusively on Prime Day. The products will be exclusively available to Prime members from 6 pm on Monday, July 10.

To be launched in two different models – BH12 and BH27, Being Human E Cycle is a hybrid between battery and manual human power. These cycles have a pedal assist and rechargeable batteries providing customers with the freedom to cycle or ride like a bike at their discretion. Priced at Rs 40,323 and Rs 57,577 respectively, BH12 and BH27 can reach a speed of max 25km/hr for a unique riding experience.

Commenting on the exclusive launch on Prime Day, Atul Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, Being Human E-Cycle said “Being Human E-cycle illustrate a responsible choice for shaping our future, a quality that resonates with dynamic, tech-savvy and new-age Prime members. Prime Day is a special day created for these customers, making it a perfect platform for us to launch Being Human E-cycle. We look forward to a successful Prime Day on Amazon.in.”

Akshay Sahi, Director & Head, Amazon Prime, India added, “Prime brings to members the best of Amazon with unlimited free fast delivery, ad-free video streaming, exclusive selection & deals, and much more. Prime Day gives Prime members 30 hours of exciting shopping with great deals & exclusive launches across a wide range of categories, with new deals being added all through the day. We are delighted to partner with the highly popular Being Human brand to exclusively offer their E-cycles to Prime members for India’s first Prime Day.”

BH 12 and BH27 are made from premium-quality, sturdy and lightweight steel frames that have been specifically developed for extra stability and rigidity. Both wheels of the Being Human E-Cycle are equipped with mechanical disc brakes and come with adjustable front suspension to ensure a smooth ride. The cycles are equipped with bright LED lights as the main focus remains on stability and safety along with the use of superior quality products.

To the cyclists and absolute newcomers, the E-Cycle represents an exciting adventure that expands horizons, both individually and as a group. For those who love their bikes, it represents a new form of sporting enjoyment and even for those pursuing a modern and open-minded lifestyle, the Being Human E-cycle represents the perfect means of transportation.