Agarbathi Industry Ensuring Livelihood To Over 4 Lakh Employees Despite COVID-19

Agarbathi industry is a labour intensive industry and the manufactures have been extending their support to the eco-system to tide over the COVID crisis stated All India Agarbathi Manufacturers Association (AIAMA). According to the association, despite the challenges the industry had provided employment to around 4 lakh people last fiscal. Out of the 4 lakh nearly 60% are in manufacturing and the others are in the support and marketing functions. 70% of the workforce in manufacturing is women.

Elaborating about the efforts of the industry, Mr. Arjun Ranga, President, AIAMA said, “As soon as COVID hit the industry, we rallied all our energies to keep the demand supply chain intact both at the domestic as well as at the export market. This push from the members of the industry coupled with the growing preference for yoga, meditation and well-being not only aided the industry to sail through the difficulties and recover fast, it also helped us to provide gainful employment to people. In many a households it was the member working in the Agarbathi industry who was supporting the rest of the family.”

“While the second wave and the resultant lockdowns have impacted the movement of goods and inputs, we are confident we will be able to continue to support the people involved in the industry.” added Mr. Arjun Ranga

Apart from being an employment generator, the industry is also taking efforts to help its talent get access to vaccines. Most of the members have rolled out an aggressive vaccination drives as well as welfare schemes to support their talent and safeguard their lives. 

With CAGR of around 3.6% the Indian Agarbathi has been growing significantly over the years.  The current retail value of the industry is around INR 7,500 crores and with revenue of INR 1000 crores in exports, the industry is also one of the leading exporters from the county. Despite COVID-19 induced challenges like lockdowns as well as logistic hurdles, the industry has managed to maintain its sales. The industry has regained nearly 90% of its pre covid sales.About All India Agarbathi Manufacturers Association (AIAMA):

Established in the year 1949 as MOMA (Mysore Oodabathi Manufacturers’ Association) by seven founding members, AIAMA has been working tirelessly towards encouraging the growth of Agarbathi industry and allied products in India. In the early 80’s, with increased interest and participation of manufacturers from other Indian states, MOMA was renamed to ‘All India Agarbathi Manufacturers Association’ (AIAMA). With head office in Bengaluru, at present more than 800 Agarbathi manufacturers across India are life members with AIAMA. The association has been aggressively working with the industry peers, policy makers and government bodies to address various issues of the Agarbathi and allied industries. Association’s efforts are not only restricted to the support and growth of Agarbathi industry in the domestic market, but also to drive for demand growth in the international markets.

ZebPay Launches Lending Platform For Investors To Earn Returns On Crypto Holdings

* ZebPay's industry leading platform to enable crypto holders to earn passive returns on their Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT) and DAI holdings ZebPay, India’s oldest and most widely-used Bitcoin and crypto asset exchange, today announced the launch of the ZebPay Lending Platform, a first of its kind crypto lending model in India. This new offering from ZebPay allows users to lend their coins to ZebPay, on which they earn returns depending on the coin and the time period it is loaned for. The ZebPay Lending Platform generates returns on users’ crypto investments if they lend select cryptos thus, providing an opportunity to earn a passive income by adding on to the returns gained from rise in crypto prices.

On launch, the lending feature will support Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT) and Dai (DAI). Depending on the term of deposit, users will be able to generate returns of upto 3% on their Bitcoin (BTC), upto 7% on Ethereum (ETH) and Dai (DaI) and  upto 12% on Tether (USDT).

Investors can lend their crypto for an open term or a fixed term with the ZebPay Lending Platform. Under the open term, investors will not need to lock-in their crypto under the open term deposit and will earn returns as applicable for the day, with the returns being deposited in the investor’s trading wallet along with the principal amount. The fixed term allows investors to lend their crypto for 7-day, 30-day, 60-day and 90-day periods, with the rate of return varying for each. In this case, tokens cannot be withdrawn before the end of the term. In case the investor chooses to withdraw early, a small penalty will be applied. Upon maturity, the returns earned will be deposited in an investor’s trading wallet along with the principal amount. The returns offered on the ZebPay Lending Platform will be calculated directly based on the amount of crypto an investor holds.

Avinash Shekhar, Co-CEO, ZebPay, said, “ZebPay has always encouraged investors to hold on to their crypto for the long-term in order to benefit from the best possible returns. Through the ZebPay Lending Platform HODLers, as we call them, can earn passive returns on top of those gained from a rise in crypto prices. The crypto holdings of ZebPay customers are essentially going to do the work for them as the investors earn passive income with ease.”

“We have always believed that crypto will enable a multi-fold increase to investors’ wealth. With the launch of the ZebPay Lending Platform, we want to give users the opportunity to grow their investments further, by making their existing crypto holdings do all the work.” Avinash added.

The lending option has already been launched on the revamped version of the existing ZebPay app. Once users update the app to the latest version, the lending option will automatically show up.

About ZebPay

ZebPay is India’s oldest and most widely-used Bitcoin and crypto asset exchange, with over 4 million users and over $1 Billion in monthly transaction volumes. Founded in 2014, ZebPay's mission is to make Bitcoin accessible to Indians using its highly secure and compliant exchange, available via web and on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. ZebPay also operates an exchange in Australia and Singapore, serving 162 countries globally. ZebPay members can invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other crypto assets, trading both crypto-fiat and crypto-crypto pairs. ZebPay OTC, a bespoke trading desk for high-volume clients, serves both individuals and institutions.

BenQ India Steps Up Home Entertainment With The Launch Of GS2: The Smart Wireless Portable Projector

* Breaks boundaries to enrich home entertainment and learning

BenQ, a leading global innovator of display technologies and the No.1 Global DLP projector brand for 12 years running (2009-2020), announced the launch of GS2, a portable LED wireless projector designed for family-oriented entertainment and learning as well as outdoor lifestyles. Wireless casting of larger-than-life projections of movies, videos, music, and learning materials in any setting, the GS2 projector is splash-proof with IPX2 certification, drop-proof, and works with virtually any wireless or wired source device. The GS2 is equipped with streaming content that once can access with Smart control app that allows you quick and easy access of the projector with your own mobile without leaving the couch. GS2 portable projector removes boundaries by combining extraordinary features such as stylish design, powerful performance with 3 hour battery life and Bluetooth speakers.#StayHomeStaySafe has churned the home entertainment industry in a big revolution. As consumers submit to the locked-down living, they are also on the lookout for enhancing and upgrading their home entertainment infrastructure. The Portable projector is a perfect partner to meet the consumer diverse needs, be it for entertainment or learning because of the flexibility it provides and can be used anywhere in the house. BenQ stands firm on its commitment to offer its consumers quality products with innovation and technology at its forefront.

Rajeev Singh, Managing Director - BenQ India & South Asia, opined about the consumer centricity of the new GS2 projector and said, “A strong demand is being addressed with the launch of our latest innovation, the GS2 Portable Projector. Consumers spending time at home are considering scaling up their media and entertainment consumption. Keeping in mind this rising consumer need, we at BenQ launched the GS2 which promises to enrich and enhance their visual experience.”

“GS2 is a user-friendly product and satisfies needs for OTT streaming, music enjoyment, cooking, engaging with kids at home. Our new entertainment product portfolio will bring value and usefulness to our end users. We are focusing on developing innovative and quality products including smart projectors and Laser Projection TV that can bring enjoyment and quality to life. In the Portable Projector segment, BenQ dominates the category with an all-time high of 52% market share in Q1 this year. This along with over 50% market share in 4K UHD projector market in India makes BenQ a formidable market leader in Home segment.”

GS2 delivers long-lasting High Definition picture quality with precise colors and razor-sharp clarity coupled with a 20,000 hour maintenance-free Solid state LED light source.

Using WiFi, HDMI, USB-C, or its built-in media reader, GS2 instantly casts and plays upto Full HD  visual content whether indoors or out. GS2 also doubles as a powerful Bluetooth speaker and comes with the Aptoide TV app market for limitless streaming potential. The projector is designed with families’ and children’s safety and comfort in mind, utilizing a richly colorful and vibrantly bright reflected LED light and BenQ-exclusive LumiExpert ambient-sensing automatic brightness technology to optimize the viewing experience while safeguarding viewer comfort and vision health. GS2 even includes an eye proximity sensor to temporarily blank the projector to prevent shining into children’s eyes.

Compact and lightweight, GS2 sets up anywhere without hassle or connectivity concerns. Featuring autofocus, auto vertical keystone, and an adjustable hinge for easy, instant operation in any setting, GS2 enables imaginative and inspirational learning and entertainment possibilities for families in their homes or at the scenic open-air and outdoor ambiance.

Available with 2 years carry-in warranty, this power packed product is available on Amazon at a Best buy price of INR 59,990.

About BenQ Corporation

Founded on the corporate vision of “Bringing Enjoyment ‘N’ Quality to Life”, BenQ Corporation is a world-leading human technology and solutions provider aiming to elevate and enrich every aspect of consumers’ lives. To realize this vision, the company focuses on the aspects that matter most to people today – lifestyle, business, healthcare and education – with the hope of providing people with the means to live better, increase efficiency, feel healthier and enhance learning. Such means include a delightful broad portfolio of people-driven products and embedded technologies spanning digital projectors, monitors, interactive large-format displays, digital cameras and camcorders, mobile computing devices, and lighting solutions. Because it matters.   

About BenQ Group

The BenQ Group is a $25+ billion powerhouse comprised of nearly 20 independent companies operating in over 30 countries across numerous industries with a combined workforce of over 100,000 employees.  Each Group member is a recognized leader in its own field, contributing to the BenQ Group’s vast resources, broad R&D, and distinct strategic strengths.  By leveraging each company’s vertical specialization to create true scale across horizontal markets, the BenQ Group controls a highly efficient value chain with the unrivaled ability to deliver critical components and world-class solutions in the following industries: TFT-LCD, green energy, fine chemicals and advanced materials, lighting, IC design, precision components, system integration, branded business, and service.  The Group is committed to profitable and sustainable businesses that share its long-standing vision of Bringing Enjoyment ‘N’ Quality to Life.

The BenQ Group companies are:  BenQ Corporation, AU Optronics Corporation (world’s top manufacturer of large-size TFT-LCD panels), Qisda Corporation, Darfon Electronics Corporation, BenQ ESCO Corp., BenQ Materials Corp., BenQ Guru Corp., BenQ Medical Center, BenQ Medical Technology Corp., BenQ AB DentCare Corp., BriView Co., Ltd., Daxin Materials Corp., Dazzo Technology Corp., Forhouse Corp., Lextar Electronics Corp., LILY Medical Corp. and Raydium Semiconductor Corp. 

QuEST Defense Systems & Solutions Begins Operations To Provide Engineering Services To The US Defense Industry

* The new entity will primarily support the aerospace & defense industry in the United States

QuEST Global, a global product engineering and lifecycle services company, announced the launch of its subsidiary, QuEST Defense Systems & Solutions (QDSS). Based out of Cincinnati, Ohio, QDSS will primarily focus on supporting the aerospace & defense industry in the United States and will operate independently in accordance with the US industrial security rules and a Special Security Agreement (SSA) with the US Government. The company will partner with several strategic players in the defense industry, helping them solve industry challenges by accelerating product design & development, supporting efficient production and supply chains, and providing product lifecycle solutions.

To support its customers in aerospace and defense, QDSS is planning to hire more than 1000 engineers in the next five years. The new entity's core competencies cuts across the product life cycle and include design, high-fidelity engineering analysis in the areas of computational fluid dynamics, heat transfer analysis, and structural finite element analysis, software/firmware development and verification, supply chain, operations, and manufacturing engineering, Engineering Process Services (EPS), and aftermarket and sustainment engineering. In addition, the QDSS team brings a strong presence in digital technologies, including software application development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and implementation of the digital thread into the engineering process.

Built upon the legacy of more than two decades of expertise in providing product engineering services, QuEST Defense aims at becoming the trusted thinking partner for its customers by evaluating and delivering results that exceed customer expectations. Through long-lasting strategic partnerships and higher value solutions, QuEST is committed to supporting its customers and helping them maximize value for their contract spending.

"QDSS will bring to the defense industry the same focus on engineering excellence and efficiency that QuEST Global's commercial customers enjoy. Our customers will benefit from reduced costs and on-time performance that would translate into improved cost, schedule, and performance in the systems delivered to our ultimate consumers - America's fighting forces," said Page Hoeper, Board Chairman – QuEST Defense Services and Solution.

Steve Gerber, President, and CEO of QuEST Defense, said, “With the launch of our US-based defense enterprise, we aim to continue providing our product engineering expertise to organizations in the aerospace and defense sector. Through our deep domain knowledge in the aerospace and defense industry, as well as our speed and flexibility in addressing difficult technical problems, QDSS is uniquely positioned to support our customers in the US Defense sector.”

Ajit Prabhu, Chairman & CEO, QuEST Global, said, "Over the past two decades, we have been at the forefront of the convergence of Mechanical, Electronics, Software, and Digital Engineering Innovations. As a trusted thinking partner to our customers, we have been enabling them to get more done with their available engineering budget and help them focus on executing core processes to develop next-generation products. With the launch of QuEST Defense Systems and Solutions, our US-based subsidiary, we will be able to partner with the US government contractors in the Defense sector and apply our proven track record and strong expertise to help them solve their engineering problems."

Manipal Academy of Higher Education Is Organizing ’TEDxMAHE 5.0 In Collaboration With TEDx Under The Theme – “Unalome”

 

Manipal Academy of Higher Education is organizing the fifth edition of TEDxMAHE on May 30, 2021. The theme for this edition- ‘Unalome’, a symbol that represents the path to enlightenment. ‘Unalome’ instils a feeling of hope and abundance in anybody who is suffering, The symbol serves as a powerful reminder of the vital truth “to err is human” and that to keep trying is what will help individuals attain their goals. 

The event will host eminent speakers like Deepak Pareek - Content Creator, Co-Founder, Career Keeda, Srinivasa Kumar N Acharya - Asst. Professor - MAHE, Centre Coordinator - Dvaita Philosophy Resource Centre, Mohammad Younus - Motivator, Life-skills catalyst, Career Coach, Peshwa Acharya - Senior CXO, Business Leader, Startup Mentor any many more who will be sharing valuable insights from their unique journeys. 

The faculty mentor of the TEDxMAHE, Dr. Raghu Radhakrishnan, Director, International Collaborations deems it an honour to be advising teams led by Vatsal Khemani, a 3rd year student of Computer Science and Engineering who is the director and the lead organiser of TEDxMAHE.

TEDx aims to inspire people with their local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. TEDxMAHE platform strives to present the concept of TEDx - Ideas Worth Spreading and this year’s theme “Unalome” is a symbol that represents the path to enlightenment. Its spirals, lines, and dots are a concoction of life itself. The twists and turns represent the trials and tribulations that one inevitably finds oneself in throughout the journey of life. The straight lines depict the moments of peace and harmony, with the self and beyond, as one reaches ‘Nirvana.’ The dots at the end indicate ultimate enlightenment followed by death when the body, mind, and soul become one with the creation.

BMW Group India Offers Complete Peace Of Mind With Extended Service And Warranty Packages For Its Customers

BMW Group India has extended a firm hand of support to its customers by extending the dealer warranty coverage and Service / Repair Inclusive packages up till 30 June 2021. All BMW and MINI customers whose warranty and Service / Repair Inclusive packages expire between 31 March 2021 to 29 June 2021 can avail this benefit. 

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “At BMW Group, we stand together – because that is our culture and a strong value system which has always stood the test of time. We have once again undertaken comprehensive measures to support our customers to ensure a hassle-free ownership experience of their BMW and MINI vehicles during this unprecedented time. With a network of dedicated dealer partners, expert teams and strong processes, we will make consistent efforts in ensuring complete peace of mind, both on and off the road.”

There are three Service Inclusive packages – Oil Service Inclusive, Service Inclusive Basic and Service Inclusive Plus. The scope of services covered under each differs. Customers can pick any one for a duration / mileage of their choice starting from 3 yrs / 40,000 kms and extendable up to 10 yrs / 200,000 kms. 

The base package Oil Service Inclusive is specially designed for customer with low usage and covers only oil services of their vehicle.

Service Inclusive Basic covers all regular maintenance work such as vehicle check and standard scopes, vehicle check, engine oil service, engine oil top-ups along with service / replacement of air filter, fuel filter, micro filter, spark plugs and brake fluid.

Service Inclusive Plus goes a step further and covers replacement of wear and tear items, brake pads, brake discs, wiper blades and clutch in addition to the above. Customers can purchase Service Inclusive for their existing cars as well, where the package begins from the date of purchase and not from the Warranty start date.

For customers with very high usage, service packages are available in business portfolio. These start from 2 yrs / 200,000 kms with extension options.

An important highlight of Service Inclusive is that once the validity is over, customers still have up to 15 months to renew or extend the package by just paying the differential amount. During package run time, any part price or tax rate increase is not passed on to the customers.

With benefits of Service Inclusive and Condition Based Service (CBS), cost of maintenance is reduced substantially so customers have absolute freedom to enjoy their car.

With Repair Inclusive, the standard warranty on a vehicle can be extended even after the initial period of 24 months for unlimited mileage up to a period of 6 years. The cost for all necessary repairs is covered within the agreed mileage / duration.

In case of change of ownership, Service and Repair Inclusive are easily transferable. Consistent maintenance by trained service staff and the use of Original BMW and MINI Parts also enhances value of the car in the long run.

BMW Group India dealer network undertakes intensive sanitization. This involves the sanitization of workshops, showrooms and vehicles. The standard operating procedure defines sanitization of all defined ‘High Touchpoints’ (Door handles, Power Windows, Steering wheel, Gear lever, Seats etc.

BMW and MINI dealerships have enabled safe test drive experience for all customers. Exhaustive decontamination of all test-drive vehicles will be undertaken before and after test-drives. The guidelines also comprise of necessary placement of disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers in all test-drive cars at all times and use air-conditioning with fresh air intake mode activated to reduce the risks.  

CSS Corp To Appoint Sunil Mittal As Its New Chief Executive Officer

CSS Corp, a global customer experience and technology consulting services provider, today announced that its board has unanimously chosen Sunil Mittal as the organization's next Chief Executive Officer. Sunil Mittal, currently the Chief Operating Officer at CSS Corp will take up the new role effective July 1st succeeding Manish Tandon who is stepping down after engineering a successful turnaround and generating tremendous value for investors. In addition, Sunil will also join the company's Board of Directors upon assuming his new role.

"After a well thought out and executed succession plan, we are pleased to have found the best individual to assume leadership of this world-class technology and customer experience services organization," said Sanjay Chakrabarty, Chairman of CSS Corp’s Board of Directors and Managing Partner of Capital Square Partners, a Singapore based private equity fund manager and majority shareholder of the company. "In his current role as the COO and in his prior role as the company’s Chief Revenue Officer, Sunil has architected unprecedented revenue momentum and pipeline for the company. We are confident that he will be able to build upon this foundation and take the organization to the next level. Sunil’s strong business acumen and industry knowledge deeply connects with CSS Corp’s clientele and operations, and his leadership qualities make him best suited to lead CSS Corp successfully into the future."

“We are extremely thankful to Manish Tandon, CEO for his contributions to CSS Corp. Under his dynamic leadership, CSS Corp made a successful turnaround over the past four and a half years and grew at 25% in the latest financial year ending 31-Mar-2021. Manish used innovation and technology as the underpinning of the turnaround strategy and created CSS Labs which is recognized as an innovator in this space. He also built a world class management team and established strong data driven processes leading to industry leading profitability and scalability of the business.

"I'm honored and grateful to the board for the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization of passionate, customer-centric and talented professionals," said Sunil Mittal. "We are redefining traditional services through our unique intersection of industry-leading proprietary solutions, resilient operations, and innovative business engagement models. We are well-positioned to continue our growth momentum with our compelling value propositions. I’m excited about this opportunity and look forward to collaborate closely with our clients and employees."

Mittal has had an illustrious career of over 22 years in the technology services industry. He spent 18 years at Infosys across multiple geographies, managing large client accounts, incubating new business capabilities, and building C-level relationships. He joined CSS Corp over four and a half years back and managed global sales, marketing, presales, and account management. Recently, he took over as Chief Operating Officer where he assumed the responsibility of global client delivery and IT, in addition to his existing portfolio. He serves on several association boards, including the Partner Advisory Board of the Technology Services Industry Association, and is a member of the Forbes Business Council. He currently resides in Dallas, Texas.

Manish Tandon expressed his confidence in the board's choice. "Sunil is a remarkable leader who has been one of the chief architects of our success over the years at CSS Corp.  I'm very happy with how the organization has turned around and is well positioned for growth under his leadership. I carry with me, the goodwill and best wishes of almost 9,000 employees and the board. It has been a very rewarding journey for me and all stakeholders with CSS Corp over the last 5 years, and I wish Sunil the very best. "

About Capital Square Partners

Capital Square Partners ("CSP”) is a private equity fund manager based in Singapore, and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). CSP advises funds investing across growth capital and buyouts supporting high performance management teams to build leading digital businesses. With deep sector expertise across technology, media and telecommunications, business services, healthcare, and consumer sectors, CSP has supported management teams to scale businesses across multiple geographies and create transformational value. 

About CSS Corp

CSS Corp is a global customer experience and technology services provider, disrupting the industry with a unique intersection of industry-leading proprietary solutions, resilient operations, and innovative business engagement models. The company is a digital transformation partner of choice for its clients, which include the world’s top innovators across industries, from mid-market players to large enterprises. Its diverse team of over 9,000 customer-centric thinkers, collaborators, and co-creators across 18 global locations, is passionate about helping clients succeed through intelligent automation-led outcomes. The company has overcome macroeconomic headwinds to become the industry’s fastest growing and most awarded company in its revenue range.