Taki, A Token Powered Social Network For Content Creators, Fuelled By Crypto Token $TAKI, Will Launch Soon In India

* Taki is incubated at SuperLayer, a leading Web3 venture studio

* Solana Foundation has partnered with Taki and provided a USD 2.5M fund to on-board content creators onto Taki

* Interested users can sign up to join the waitlist and participate in the upcoming community token sale in April

Taki, a global token-powered social network, is all set to launch the platform for users and content creators in India. India takes precedence and priority among other markets that Taki plans to expand into this year. The platform is currently invite-only, but users can sign up on the waitlist with public access coming soon. Taki brings a unique engagement platform for creators, users, and crypto enthusiasts, who can earn a daily income by simply posting content and chatting with others about things that interest them.

Users on the platform earn $TAKI, a crypto token, by creating content that other users enjoy, and by commenting on and liking posts. Taki also allows users to create their own user coin to build their own personal economy on the Taki platform. Taki aims to reward users who are spending their time every day on the internet to get entertained and engage socially. Engaging over the content themes and common passions, the users of Taki now have the opportunity for being economically rewarded with every single post exchanged, shared, or liked either by fans or the creators.

The platform allows users to earn in two ways, one through the crypto token $TAKI, and the second through individual user coins for every user ($UCOIN). In both ways, a user can earn by creating content that other users enjoy, or even by pursuing a basic level of engagement activities such as commenting on and liking the posts.

Taki becomes the first platform to introduce the concept of user coin ($UCOIN). A user coin is a monetary representation of the personal social network, where a user can buy and sell user coins using a $TAKI token. User coins can generate a new source of income for creators who are traditionally reliant on sponsored content deals. It allows users to control their personal economy with a branded coin that they own.

Taki introduces a multi-tiered crypto-economy design by allowing users to freely trade their user coins with others on Taki. It also allows existing users to buy a particular creator’s user coins at the initial stages and remain part of that creator’s economy while their community and token economy grows.

Taki is built with an “Engage2Earn" product design and integrates user coins with social media features to incentivize and reward activities that benefit the Taki community. Incubated at SuperLayer, Taki received product design advice and networking support prior to the project’s independent spin-out and launch. Taki is built on the Solana Blockchain which allows Taki to provide fast and inexpensive transactions with low environmental impact. Solana has partnered with Taki to set up a 2.5 million USD creator fund to bring content creators to Taki who can drive a high level of awareness and enhance overall user engagement for the platform.

Commenting on the pre-launch phase, Sakina Arsiwala, Co-Founder, Taki said “Taki is a work of passion and an amalgamation of vision to bring a new dimension and meaning for social content consumption. Our vision is to enable liberalization in personal economy space with the power of crypto tokens. Taki is designed to be a secure, safe and tech superior product that enables social enthusiasts to consume, invest, share, transact and build a token-based content portfolio.”

Speaking on creating economic success for the content creators in cryptocurrency, she said, “India is a hub for creative talent, and has emerged as one of the biggest adopters of cryptocurrency in comparison to the other countries. The growth of the Indian engagement economy is rooted in the success and the immense reach of content creators. Content creators are building communities, and need to evolve in their journey along with their fans. More than just enabling social popularity on the platform, Taki presents an economically rewarding opportunity for creators and their fans through cryptocurrency.”

The community token sale of $TAKI by the TAKI DAO is anticipated in April 2022 with the goal to enable broader distribution of $TAKI and promote awareness of the Taki project.

Towards Taki India launch, Kevin Chou, Managing Partner at SuperLayer said, “We are extremely excited about Taki as an emerging token-powered platform. We believe Taki is going to be a first of its kind to bridge the gap between normal netizens and Web3 experience at large. India has the real potential to nurture and grow the cryptocurrency ecosystem for the entire world.”   

About Taki

Taki is a global token-powered social network where everyone can earn a daily income by simply posting content and chatting with others about things that interest them. Users earn $TAKI, a crypto token, by creating content that other users enjoy, and by commenting on and liking posts. Taki also allows users to create their user coin to build their individual economy on the Taki platform.

About SuperLayer

SuperLayer is a community of builders creating transformative Web3 experiences that democratize opportunity and ownership of the internet. SuperLayer is made up of a team of crypto-passionate builders, founders, investors, operators, and product managers who’ve built multiple companies from zero-to-one and beyond. SuperLayer is a partner of the $RLY network, an open, decentralized network powered by its governance token, $RLY. It supports an ecosystem of consumer crypto applications to bring the next 100 million users into crypto.

3i Infotech Bags Orders Worth Rs. 105.8 Million Across Industry Verticals

* The new clients are from varied industries ranging from Retail, Financial Services, Edtech to SMEs in the manufacturing sector 

3i Infotech Limited (BSE: 532628, NSE: 3IINFOTECH), a global Information Technology company, committed to accelerating business transformation, has announced that they have signed the Master Service Agreements (MSA) with the following new clients and the starting contract value is Rs. 10.58 Crore (i.e., Rs. 105.8 million). The companies ranging from Retail, Financial Services, Edtech to SMEs in the Manufacturing sector include Vishal Mega Mart Private Limited, Dhani Loans and Services Limited (formerly India bulls Consumer Finance Limited), Amara Raja Batteries Ltd, Aavas Financiers Limited, Erulearning Solutions Private Limited and Rockman Industries Limited. 

Sushant Purushan, Business Head (Digital IMS, Cloud Transformation), 3i Infotech said, “We are excited to be chosen as a digital transformation partner for all these companies, who range from Retail, Financial Services, Edtech to SMEs in the manufacturing sector. Among other things, we will be deploying our Digital Infrastructure Managed Services and Multi-Vendor Services for them, which will help accelerate innovation and enable greater business outcomes in the long run. Our products and services will also help secure cloud and the edge.” 

3i Infotech’s Digital Infrastructure Managed Services includes Data Center Modernization Services, Data Center Managed Services (Server, Network, Storage, DB, Backup, Application Services), Hybrid Cloud Managed Services, Digital Integrated Service Desk, EUS Management Services, End Point Protection Services, Unified Messaging & Collaboration, Mobile Device Management Services and Virtual Desktop Services leverage rich multi-domain expertise to build optimal infrastructure setups with 24x7x365 IT support. 

3i Infotech’s Multi-Vendor Services provide preventive, corrective and on demand services through preferred delivery channel i.e., direct or B2B using their expertise and support network. Their key service offerings include - IT Assets Lifecycle Management, Tech Refresh and Integration, Projects and Consulting. 

About 3i Infotech  

Headquartered in Mumbai, India, since inception in 1993, 3i Infotech has been committed to driving business value across multiple industry verticals. 3i Infotech, today, has emerged as a leading name in propelling the current wave of digital transformation initiatives, with deep domain expertise across BFSI, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail and Government sectors. The Company has over 4500 employees in 32 offices, 15 countries and across 4 continents. With a wide range of IT services, 3i Infotech has successfully transformed business operations of 1,200+ customers across 50 countries. The Company has a very strong foothold and client base in geographies like North America, India, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

Website: https://www.3i-infotech.com/

MADAME Onboards Tara Sutaria As New Face Of The Fashion Brand

MADAME, India’s leading western wear fashion brand, has signed up Tara Sutaria as the face of the brand. The 26-year-old Bollywood actor will be endorsing the Spring-Summer and Autumn-Winter Collection of the brand.

 “We are delighted to partner with Tara to endorse our new collections of MADAME. This is in line with our motto of supporting the modern Indian women who dare to achieve their dreams. I think Tara is a wonderful representative of what our brand stands for. We want all the women to feel inspired and be confident about themselves,” said Sumedha Jain, Head of Marketing and Communications.

“Confidence, paired with the perfect look, and you're ready to take on the day. That's why I'm excited to partner with MADAME to bring all you lovely women the opportunity to ‘MAKE NOW YOURS’,” said Tara Sutaria.

With the Spring Summer’22 collection by MADAME, you can claim every moment as your own. We believe that there’s no better moment than now and there’s no better person than you to grab every fleeting opportunity to celebrate.  Let the sun be your spotlight as you #MakeNowYours with MADAME.  

As summer has arrived, the collection will contain capsules such as Sorbet Blue, Lilac Sage, Indigo Breeze. Both SS’22 and AW’22 collections are aimed squarely at today's women who desire to dress stylishly and keep up with the latest fashion trends. MADAME is certain that its new collection and cooperation with Tara Sutaria will elicit excitement among its loyal clients as well as attract new buyers.

Axis Bank’s Proposed Acquisition Of Citibank’s Consumer Businesses In India Strongly Positions It For Accelerated Growth

Axis Bank and Citibank today announced that their respective Boards of Directors have approved the acquisition of Citibank’s consumer businesses in India by Axis Bank. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals.

The transaction comprises the sale of the consumer businesses of Citibank India, which includes credit cards, retail banking, wealth management and consumer loans. The deal also includes the sale of the consumer business of Citi’s non-banking financial company, Citicorp Finance (India) Limited, comprising the asset-backed financing business, which includes commercial vehicle and construction equipment loans, as well as the personal loans portfolio.

Axis Bank looks at this acquisition as a healthy strategic fit. It will gain access to the large and affluent customer franchise of Citibank having a bouquet of fee-oriented and profitable segments, that include quality credit card portfolio, affluent wealth management clientele, meaningful deposits with 81% being CASA, along with a strong consumer lending portfolio. Post the acquisition, Axis Bank will have ~ 28.5 mn Savings Accounts, 2.3 lakh+ Burgundy customers and 10.6 mn Cards.

The Bank has made large investments in people, processes and technology over the past few years. With all the required capabilities in place, it expects successful integration across all key parameters including employees, customers, product offerings and technology in a value accretive manner. Additionally, the deal offers strategic advantages to the Bank such as premiumization of its overall customer portfolio, increased opportunities to cross-sell its products and accelerated digital transformation.

The acquired portfolio would increase Axis Bank’s credit card customer base by ~31% with an additional 2.5 million cards, which will in turn bolster the Cards balance sheet position to be amongst the top 3 players in the Indian market. Moreover, the wealth and private banking portfolio will add great value to the Axis Burgundy business, further accelerating its growth ambitions in that segment. On an overall basis, the proposed transaction will add ~7% to the Bank’s deposit base (with ~12% increase in CASA) and ~4% increase in advances.

Axis Bank and Citibank together will ensure continuity of superior customer service levels, even post-closing of transaction, across all customer channels. Citibank’s customers will continue to avail all the rewards, privileges, and offers to which they were previously entitled. Further, Citibank’s customers will specifically benefit from Axis Bank’s wider geographical reach and comprehensive service offerings, along with One Axis capabilities that extend across all its subsidiaries. Digital Banking and the highly rated Axis Mobile app offering 250+ services will be an added advantage for customers, having immediate access to view and transact across product categories such as deposits, investments, payments and protection solutions. Moreover, the world class Citi Phone Banking will ensure service excellence for both Citibank and Axis Bank customers.

Speaking on the occasion, Amitabh Chaudhry, MD&CEO, Axis Bank said, “We are delighted with the addition of an enviable retail franchise and a high-quality talent pool as we continue our journey towards becoming a premier financial services brand, in line with our GPS strategy framework. This is a significant milestone in Axis’ journey of growth and leadership and will bring in great value for all stakeholders. The amplified scale and width of offerings, the diversified portfolio of products and global best practices will enhance customer experience, while greater synergies both on revenue and cost side will augment value for the new franchise.

We look forward to collaborating with Citi’s experienced senior leadership team and diverse talent pool, as they join Axis’ 86,000+ strong, dedicated workforce. Axis Bank already has a rich network of Citi alumni across the hierarchy, which reflects cultural alignment between the two organizations. Given the expertise that Citi employees bring to the table, we view them as a significant addition to our existing team that will help drive synergy realization and our GPS objectives. We welcome all employees to the Axis Family and together we will serve our customers ‘Dil Se’.”

Citi India CEO, Ashu Khullar said, “We are extremely pleased with this outcome for our consumer colleagues and clients. Axis Bank is committed to building its consumer banking business in India and is backed by a strong market presence. We believe Axis Bank will provide our employees an excellent environment to build their careers and shall meet all the financial needs of our consumer clients. We continue to remain committed to contributing to India’s growth and development as we deepen our presence through our institutional businesses and our community initiatives. Citi will also continue to harness India’s rich talent pool in the areas of Technology, Operations, Analytics, Finance and allied functional areas through its network of Citi Solution Centers that are located in five cities in India and support our global businesses.,”

A well outlined Integration Plan and a focused senior execution team will ensure smooth transition and seamless integration on all fronts, in collaboration with Citibank. The team comprising specialists with expertise in operationalizing large-scale integration programs will focus on Customer Service, Personnel, Systems & Technology, and other synergies.

Axis Capital and Credit Suisse acted as Financial Advisors to Axis Bank for the transaction, and Khaitan & Co acted as Legal Advisor. In addition, the Bank was supported by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Boston Consulting Group.

About Axis Bank:

Axis Bank is the third largest private sector bank in India. Axis Bank offers the entire spectrum of services to customer segments covering Large and Mid-Corporates, SME, Agriculture and Retail Businesses. With its 4,700 domestic branches (including extension counters) and 11,060 ATMs across the country as on 31st December 2021, the network of Axis Bank spreads across 2,665 centers, enabling the Bank to reach out to a large cross-section of customers with an array of products and services. The Axis Group includes Axis Mutual Fund, Axis Securities Ltd., Axis Finance, Axis Trustee, Axis Capital, A.TReDS Ltd., Freecharge and Axis Bank Foundation.

For further information on Axis Bank, refer to the website: https://www.axisbank.com

Manipal Academy of Higher Education To Unveil The Sixth Edition of TEDxMAHE On April 3, 2022

* The theme for this edition is 'Journey to Eureka'

Manipal Academy of Higher Education will be organizing the sixth edition of TEDxMAHE, on Sunday, 3rd of April. TEDxMAHE offers a platform to present the concept of TED - Ideas Worth Spreading. The theme for this edition is 'Journey to Eureka', which captures a sequence of events leading to that glorious epiphany where all the sacrifices make sense.

The sixth edition will be inaugurated by Honourable Pro-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dr. H.S Ballal at the Gangubai Hangal Auditorium, Manipal

This year the event will host eminent speakers from diverse walks of life. Dr. H Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman of Manipal Hospitals; Ms. Sneha Singhi Upadhaya, BBC Pastry Chef of the Year (2018); Mr. Vijay Raghav Varada, founder and CEO of Fracktal Works; Ms. Nikkiey Chawla, India’s first transgender model and actress; Srijan Deshpande- Hindustani classical vocalist, and researcher; Sneha Biswas, founder and CEO of Early Steps Academy, are the  six speakers for this edition who shall be standing on the Red Circle.

Lt. Gen. Dr. M D Venkatesh Honourable Vice-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education said “We are extremely pleased to be hosting the sixth edition of TEDxMAHE. The university has always believed in empowering the students and encouraging every endeavour of theirs. Particularly like TEDxMAHE as such events inspire the community”

Dr. Raghu Radhakrishnan, Director of International Affairs and Collaborations at MAHE and faculty mentor of TEDxMAHE said “The entire team of TEDxMAHE has been working hard to set up the best panel for our audience. It is an experience where no compromises are made. Having the opportunity to organize it offline after 2 years makes us quite thrilled and enthusiastic. All of us are looking forward to it and hoping to provide a platform for everyone where knowledge and expertise are exchanged.”

Kashish Miglani and Vani Mittal, both third-year students from Manipal Institute of Technology are going to be the lead organizers for the event.

Hero Motocorp Launches The Sixth Edition Of Hero CoLabs - Its Crowd-Sourcing Platform Enters Its Third Year

Aligned with its Mission to “Create, Collaborate Inspire”, Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, today announced the sixth edition of Hero CoLabs, its flagship crowd-sourcing platform.

With overwhelming response from participants during the past two years, Hero CoLabs has emerged as one of the go-to platforms for students, enthusiasts and professionals to showcase their creative and technical capabilities.

Commencing the new season of Hero CoLabs, the ‘Design Challenge 3.0’ will put to test the visual and creative flair of the participants. The popular Design Challenge has seen a large number of entries in its previous two editions.

The challenge goes live from today, March 30, 2022.

The ‘Design Challenge 3.0’ is being held across two categories. Participants will have the choice of either designing graphics and livery for the Pleasure+ and Destini 125 or designing a Hero T-shirt for the Pleasure+ and Destini 125. They may choose to take part in one of the challenges or both. The challenge will be open to participants across India.

Interested individuals may visit the Hero CoLabs website (www.HeroCoLabs.com) to register and submit their entries. The deadline for entry submissions is April 24, 2022.

Post the submission of entries, Hero MotoCorp will shortlist the Top 50 designs, which will be then put up on the Hero CoLabs website for public voting. Participants will have the opportunity to share their designs on their personal social media handles to garner support. The winners will be decided basis the scoring by a team of specialists from Hero MotoCorp and the results of the public poll.

The Grand prize of the challenge will be a brand-new Pleasure+ or Destini 125 scooter, as per the winner’s choice. The first and second runners-up will receive Amazon Pay vouchers worth Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 10,000 respectively. Both challenges will have separate winners.

Commenting on the initiative, Malo Le Masson, Head – Strategy, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Hero CoLabs has proven to be an excellent platform for anyone who needs an avenue to showcase their skill and passion. In just two years, Hero CoLabs has been able to crowd-source solutions and innovations from design, to UX in mobile applications, to retail experience. To keep on testing our audiences’ creativity and further expand the platform, we are launching the ‘Design Challenge 3.0’, which embodies the spirit of creativity, innovation and collaboration, and presents a unique opportunity for people to collaborate and create with the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters.”

The names of the winners and runners-up will be announced on the Hero CoLabs website and Hero MotoCorp social media platforms.

Renaut Introduces The Kiger MY22 Across Indian Market

 * Smart interiors enhanced with comfort features like Cruise Control and Wireless Smartphone charger 

* Stunning exterior additions - Front Skid Plate, Tailgate Chrome and a New Colour - Metal Mustard with Mystery Black Roof in Dual Tone 

* Enhanced Sporty quotient with TURBO Door Decal, Red Wheel Caps on the exterior and Red Fade Dashboard Accent and Red Stitch in the interior 

* Introduces 1.0L Turbo in both Manual & CVT transmissions in the RXT(O) variant 

* Renault KIGER already features 4-Star Safety Rating for Adult Occupant Safety by Global NCAP and is also among Top 2 in the J.D. Power 2021 India Initial Quality Study (IQS) in the Compact SUV Segment 

Renault, the number one European brand in India, introduces the new KIGER MY22 with advanced features, at a starting price of INR 5.84 Lakhs. Embodying Sporty, Smart and Stunning attributes, the KIGER has been instrumental in driving India among Renault’s top five global markets. 

An outcome of a collaboration between the design teams in France and India, Renault KIGER continues to garner great response from the customers. It is the third global car to be launched in India first, before it is taken globally. Renault KIGER brings latest tech features to the CMFA+ platform that offers class leading features like Multi-Sense Driving Modes, great roominess, cabin storage and cargo space along with the right balance of performance and efficiency. 

Available in two engine options 1.0L Energy Engine in MT & EASY-R AMT transmissions and 1.0L Turbo in MT & X-TRONIC CVT transmissions, the KIGER MY22 will offer PM2.5 Advanced Atmospheric Filter as a standard feature across the range, ensuring good air quality inside the cabin. The new Interior colour harmony featuring New Red Fade Dashboard Accent and Quilted Emboss Seat Upholstery adorned with Red stitch, adds to the sportiness of the car. Further enhancing theingoverall driving experience and comfort, the Wireless Smartphone Charge and Cruise Control functions have been added along with a new colour option - Metal Mustard with Mystery Black roof in Dual Tone. The Renault KIGER MY22 Turbo range will feature New Tailgate Chrome Insert, Front Skid Plate, TURBO Door Decals along with 40.64 cm Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels with Red Wheel Caps, making the exteriors more stunning and sporty. 

The KIGER RXT(O) variant, launched last year as part of Renault’s 10th Anniversary Celebrations in India, will be offered in 1.0L Turbo in MT & X-TRONIC CVT transmission as well at an attractive price point. The bookings of all-new KIGER MY22 range will commence from today, March 31, 2022. 

Renault KIGER is compliant with all the current safety requirements for the Indian market and even goes beyond to protect both passengers and pedestrians. Recently, the Renault KIGER has been awarded with the 4-Star Safety Rating for Adult occupant safety by Global NCAP, the foremost global car assessment programme. For driver & front passenger safety, the Renault KIGER comes equipped with four airbags – front and side along with seatbelts with pre-tensioner and load-limiter (for driver occupant). It also hosts a range of safety features such as ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors, which ensure safety while driving on the road. Additionally, KIGER also features an impact sensing door unlock, speed sending door lock, 60/40 split rear row seat with adjustable headrests and ISOFIX anchorage for child seat. 

Additionally, Renault KIGER was Ranked 2 in the J.D. Power 2021 India Initial Quality Study (IQS) in the Compact SUV Segment, reflecting Renault’s committment towards delivering top quality products to its customers. Renault KIGER has been recognized with multiple awards in the compact SUV category, highlighting its success in the Indian market. 

Powered by a world-class turbocharged 1.0L petrol engine, the KIGER not only offers more performance and a sporty drive, but alsoboasts best in segment fuel efficiency of 20.5 KM/L*. Following its successful global launch in early 2021 in India, Renault India began the exports of KIGER to Nepal, South Africa, Indonesia where it has already received an overwhelming response since its launch.  

* (5-speed Manual)