Archives June 2023

Delhi,29th June 2023– DLF Promenade and DLF Avenue, leading shopping and entertainment destinations in New Delhi are proud to announce their integration with the global privacy campaign for women, in collaboration with WhatsApp. For the first time in India, DLF Delhi Malls will introduce and innovative feature called “Mirrored Messages,” aimed at empowering women and encouraging open conversations on important issues.

The concept revolves around the installation of special mirrors in the restrooms at select locations within DLF Malls. These mirrors combine cutting-edge technology with privacy-focused messaging to create a secure space for women to connect and support each other.

Here’s how it works: WhatsApp will incorporate new 4K LED technology in an unprecedented manner by installing high-spec screens behind mirrored Perspex, seamlessly blending with the existing bathroom setup. The screens will display animated graphics triggered by motion, such as using soap dispensers in front of the mirror, revealing hidden messages that will only be visible when someone approaches. When they step away, the message will vanish without a trace, mimicking the disappearing messages feature on WhatsApp.

The Mirrored Messages feature not only ensures the highest quality and accuracy but also allows for customized messages that can be tailored to different-sized and shaped mirrors in our locations. It offers a scalable solution that seamlessly integrates with the bathroom environment while prioritizing privacy.

“WhatsApp is committed to providing a safe and private space for users to have their most personal conversations,” stated Sandhya Devanathan, Vice-President at Meta India, the parent company of WhatsApp. “Through this collaboration with DLF Malls, we are spreading awareness about the importance of checking in on a friend or a loved one. By encouraging women to support each other and speak up, we hope to make a positive impact in their lives.”

DLF Promenade & DLF Avenue invite visitors to experience this unique and empowering initiative firsthand. The mirrored messages aim to foster a sense of solidarity and serve as a reminder for women to reach out to others for support, especially during challenging times.

Bangalore,29th June 2023 Cargill, in collaboration with TechnoServe, has announced ‘Srishti’, a transformative partnership to empower 10,000 maize farming households in Davanagere, Karnataka. Through this partnership, farmers will be trained on the use of regenerative agriculture to improve soil health, sequester carbon, and improve water quality and use. This program aims to bring 25,000 acres of farmland under regenerative and sustainable agricultural practices over the next four years.

Healthier soils are more resilient to the impacts of climate change and can increase crop productivity, helping improve farmers’ livelihoods and enhancing sustainability of food supply chains. This program is just one example of how Cargill is working with farmers, partners and customers to implement soil health practices – supporting the company’s vision of making regenerative agriculture commonplace across its global supply chains. These efforts help farmers produce food more sustainably, while boosting their profitability and climate resiliency.

The initiative was announced in the presence of Ronald P Verdnok, Minister Counsel, Office of Agricultural Affairs, US Embassy along with leadership teams of Cargill and Technoserve.

“Having this inauguration of Cargill’s initiative this week is certainly timely, in light of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the United States and the meetings he had with several U.S. companies to hear about the increasing commercial ties and proximity of the companies and their customers whether there in the U.S. or here in India. Cargill’s regenerative farming initiative is a fitting example of strengthened partnership between our two countries, and in the case of this program, how a world-leading U.S. multinational is making an investment to strengthen the sector of the Indian economy that accounts for more employment than any other and upwards of 15% of GDP”, said Ronald P Verdnok, Minister Counsel, Office of Agricultural Affairs, US Embassy.

Over the course of four years, the partnership will focus on empowering farmers with knowledge and tools to implement regenerative farming techniques by delivering comprehensive training, resources, and sustained support. Additionally, the initiative will address critical challenges such as water conservation, access to finance, and better market linkages, ensuring a comprehensive approach to sustainable agricultural development.

Simon George, president of Cargill in India said, “Regenerative agriculture starts on the farm. That is why Cargill is supporting farmer-led efforts to scale regenerative agriculture globally and why we are starting this program in Davangere to create a lasting impact on farmers’ livelihoods and their long-term productivity. Leveraging our deep experience in the food and agriculture domain, coupled with TechnoServe’s success in sustainable development programs, this partnership will foster transformation in the agricultural landscape in India and bring positive environmental outcomes.”

“We’re excited to kickstart our new program ‘Srishti’ in Karnataka with Cargill, our longstanding partner globally and in India. Over the next four years, the program will support 10,000 farming households in building climate-resilient livelihoods by enabling the adoption of regenerative agriculture and water conservation practices. The economic empowerment of women from these farming households will also be a focus area for the program”, said Punit Gupta, Country Director, TechnoServe India.

Regenerative agriculture is founded in traditional and indigenous soil health practices and integrates them with modern technology and innovation for a more targeted approach. To efficiently implement these practices at scale, this program will be working on:

Helping farmers adopt regenerative practices like bund plantation, cover cropping, and low tillage

Expanding water harvesting capacity of farming households sustainably through farm ponds and borewell recharge structures

Promoting sustainable use of community land to ensure afforestation of degraded pastureland

Collaborating with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) as focal points for farmers’ awareness and engagement, besides accessing inputs required for regenerative practices and enhancing remunerative market linkages

Farmers will also be upskilled on good agricultural practices like nutrient management, pest and disease management, pre and post-harvest practices and improved irrigation practices to drive positive environmental outcomes to help build a more resilient future.

New Delhi, 29th June 2023 Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), an esteemed organization dedicated to nurturing talent in the tourism and hospitality industry, recently hosted a consultative workshop with more than 30 academic partners in New Delhi. This workshop, held as part of the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebrations, aimed to explore the guidelines of Diploma and Advance Diploma programs established by the National Council of Vocational Education & Training (NCVET).

The august presence of Mr. Rajan Bahadur, the CEO of THSC, and Ms. Deepti Saxena, VP Strategy at the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), marked the inauguration of the day-long workshop. The event attracted prominent academic institutions, industry experts, and thought leaders who came together to shape the future of skill development in the tourism and hospitality sector.

During the workshop, participants engaged in insightful discussions, delving into various aspects such as the guidelines of Diploma and Advance Diploma programs, aligning these programs with the National Education Policy (NEP), anticipating industry demands, fostering apprenticeships, and exploring international employment opportunities. The collaborative exchange of ideas and experiences was aimed at ensuring that the skill development programs in the sector remain relevant and robust in the ever-evolving landscape.

Mr. Rajan Bahadur, CEO of Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council, expressed his enthusiasm for the workshop, stating, “We are delighted to organize this consultative workshop as part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations. By bringing together esteemed academic partners, we aim to create a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration. This event is crucial in guiding the development of Diploma and Advance Diploma programs that align with industry requirements and meet the aspirations of our talented workforce. Our collective efforts will undoubtedly contribute to a stronger and more skilled tourism and hospitality industry.”

The workshop not only emphasized the importance of skill development but also aimed to bridge the gap between academia and industry by fostering collaboration and sharing best practices. It provided an opportunity for academic partners to gain valuable insights from industry experts, enabling them to enhance their curriculum and training methodologies.

THSC remains committed to its mission of developing a skilled workforce that meets the dynamic demands of the tourism and hospitality industry. By organizing such workshops, THSC aims to strengthen the industry-academia partnership, foster innovation, and ensure the continuous growth and sustainability of the sector.

Bangalore, 29th June 2023: Java Capital and Capital-A are set to organize the inaugural edition of Climathon’23, the world’s first 24-hour Pitchathon exclusively designed for Indian climate-tech startups. This first-of-its-kind initiative offers an unprecedented opportunity for entrepreneurs building the climate tech space to pitch their early-stage startups for up to $1 million in investments. The Pitchathon is aimed at driving climate awareness, fostering innovation, and providing significant investment opportunities for startups in the climate space. The event will take place on the 5th and 6th July 2023 in Bangalore.

With just about $1 billion being invested in climate-tech (primarily by NGOs, government, early-stage VCs, and other ESG entities), India has so far been way below the minimum investments’ threshold in the green-tech startups. On a positive note, this also implies that India offers a massive untapped potential in the climate-tech sector, and alongside its global counterparts.

Recognizing the immense potential in the sector, Java Capital and Capital A have made substantial investments in their respective companies, including The ePlane Company, Sudo Foods, Okulo Aerospace, Matchlog, Tan90, Bambrew, Chargeup, Oorja, and Entuple E-Mobility. These investments showcase their commitment to making a difference in the green-tech ecosystem and supporting innovative solutions to combat environmental challenges.

Adding further, Vinod Shankar, Partner, Java Capital, said, “Through Climathon’23, we are breaking down the barriers between two worlds: the urgent reality of climate change and the realm of startup innovation,” said Vinod Shankar, Partner of Java Capital. “It’s no longer a separate agenda; it’s about one earth and one shared mission. We invite entrepreneurs and startups passionate about creating an impact on climate change to join us in this transformative journey.”

Adding further, Ankit Kedia, Founder & Lead Investor, Capital A, said, “Although 24 hours may not suffice to address the highly significant challenge of climate technology, it undoubtedly represents our climate endeavor to bring together entrepreneurs who share a common vision in this field and provide early support to nurture their entrepreneurial spirit. We believe that new-age entrepreneurs possess remarkable ideas and an unwavering determination to contribute to these purpose-led investment opportunities!

The Pitchathon is specifically designed for climate tech entrepreneurs especially those who are building around Energy Transition, Advanced/ Alternate Materials, Circular Economy/ Waste Management, Climate Finance, ESG/ SDG, Agriculture/ Food Systems, Green Buildings/ Construction, Carbon Capture & Storage, Mobility, and Transport.

During the event, Java Capital and Capital A will listen to sustainability-focused pitches for a continuous 24-hour period in person at Bengaluru. The event aims to provide a unique environment for collaboration, learning, and investment.

The startup pitches will be evaluated based on criteria such as innovation, market potential, scalability, and environmental impact. The winning startup(s) will not only secure substantial funding but also gain exposure to a global network of investors, mentors, and industry leaders. They will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, engage in meaningful discussions, and forge strategic partnerships that can drive their ventures to new heights.

If you are an aspiring entrepreneur seeking to make a difference in the fight against environmental challenges or an existing startup looking for guidance and funding opportunities, Climathon’23 is the platform for you. Join the movement to shape a sustainable future by visiting [website link] for more information about Climathon’23 and how to participate.

With the festive spirit in the air, shop to your heart’s content with Language this Eid. Combine fashion and everyday functionality with stylish sandals to usher in good tidings. Elevate your Eid attire with simple yet sophisticated sandals that exude practicality and style while adding a spark to the festivities.

Make room in your wardrobe for these gorgeous Fenton Mules. Featuring a stylish metallic trim, this mule is made from premium leather, with a rubber sole and leather lining. This striking pair comes with cushioned footbeds for comfort, elevating your look. They are available in Black and Brown colour options.

Price: Rs.4,990/-

Add style to your step this Eid, with the charming Lemas Mules, which can be easily slipped on and off. These mules come with a milled leather upper to impart character and a non-removable cushioned footbed for added all-day comfort. They are available in Black and Tan colour options.

Price: Rs.4,490/-

The Hansel Sandal can help you achieve an effortless style. These sandals are designed to perfection with a cork footbed that moulds to the contours of your feet and matches your everyday outfit with comfort and style. They are available in Black, Brown and White colour options.

Price: Rs.4,290/-

If you want comfort and support, the Packer Sandal are an excellent choice. These sandals are all about casual and simple elegance, with an adjustable leather strap and a cork footbed that ensures a great fit for happy feet all day long. They are available in Black, Brown and White colour options.

Price: Rs.3,790/-

Slip into the stylish and incredibly comfortable Holden Sandal. Featuring a cork footbed with adjustable leather straps, these handcrafted sandals are a must-have in your wardrobe. They are available in Black and Brown colour options.

Price: Rs. 4,290/-

Explore this sandal collection at Language’s exclusive brand outlets at Nungambakkam Chennai, Express Avenue Chennai, Sarath City Mall Hyderabad, Lulu Global Mall Bengaluru, Lulu Mall Kochi, Pavilion Mall Ludhiana and HiLITE Mall Kozhikode. Language is also present in more than 250 multi-brand outlets across the country, at Viz., Metro Shoes, Mochi, Inc.5, Centro, Atesber, Regal Shoes. You can shop the collection online at www.languageshoes.com and also on www.amazon.in

Mumbai; 29th June 2023 – GotChosen, the social media platform that prioritizes monetization for influencers, today announced the launch of ‘GotChosen Lite’, a lighter and faster version of its short-form video platform. The application was created for the Indian market, with the aim to optimize it for a wide range of users and focus on low-end mobile devices that don’t have a very fast processor, storage, or memory.

At under 30 MB download size, GotChosen Lite is now available to download for any smartphone, including low-end mobile devices. Users can view and upload short-form videos on the app, as well as engage, create, and monetize their content. Prior to the launch of GotChosen Lite, the standard or main version of GotChosen app was being offered to a limit audience on Google Play for mobile devices with over 3 MB memory ram.

With a reduced size of download and storage, GotChosen Lite also consumes significantly less resources from the device, without compromising on the experience of the user. While offering a similar user experience to the standard GotChosen app, the Lite version does not offer the full suite of features of content creation. However, content creators can easily create and post videos from the gallery of their mobile devices and also use the app camera with basic features.

Commenting on the light version, Oz Silva, Founder and CEO, GotChosen said. “We developed GotChosen Lite with the aim to ensure that the size of our application does not become a deterrent for creators and users. We wanted a user-friendly app, which requires minimum resources, and allows them to create and consume content, as well as monetize it.”

“We are committed to providing the best experience for the users, while not forgetting the core of our operations – monetization. We are focussed towards adding value to the creator space in India, while making sure we are transparent with our audience in all aspects”, he further added.

GotChosen Lite is available for all android users and can be downloaded through Google Play Store. The standard version of GotChosen is available on Google Play Store and iOS.

Hyderabad/Bengaluru, 29th June 2023: The leading Geospatial organizations Allterra and NeoGeo, collaboratively won the largest-ever drone-based Land Parcel Mapping contract through an open tender process from the Karnataka government. The project covers an area of 68,000 SQ. KM. and 10 complete districts in Karnataka – Gadag, Koppal, Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, Chikkamagaluru (Chikmagalur), Vijayapura (Bijapur), Yadgir, Raichur, Bidar, Kalaburagi (Gulbarga). Both companies have chosen Aereo (formerly Aarav Unmanned Systems) as their technology partner for this historic project. This entire project will be done using Aereo’s state-of-the-art drone solutions.

This work envisages the deployment of approximately 60 survey-grade PPK drones to capture high-resolution images to generate maps with a resolution better than 5 cm per pixel. At full scale, the fleet of drones will be mapping an approximate area of 1,75,000 acres in a single day on average. Furthermore, the SSLR department will be using these Ortho-Rectified Images (ORIs) to create digital land parcel maps. These digital maps will play a critical role for updating landing ownership records, ground truthing, and enabling infrastructure development across the state.

Allterra is a renowned brand in the geospatial sector with extensive experience in positioning technologies including CORS, and GNSS and provides complete solutions in this field. Allterra provides innovative solutions in the field of survey and mapping by bringing the latest and most advanced solutions to the Indian market.

NeoGeo Technologies is one of the leading solutions providers in spatial data capture, data modelling and applications in the country with over 20 years of experience in executing large government projects. NeoGeo has proven expertise and experience in developing and deploying accurate GIS mapping technologies.

Aereo is a drone solutions provider and has proprietary and cutting-edge technology. Over the past year, Aereo has successfully mapped over 25,000 sq. km. in the state of Haryana. Aereo has built highly advanced intellectual properties (IPs) throughout the last decade. This has resulted in them filing close to 15+ patents and building India’s first DGCA-certified survey-grade PPK drone. To fulfil such a high-capacity demand, it is hiring an expansive team of around 250 people with high technical skills. That includes over 210 drone pilots, DGPS surveyors, and project coordinators.

On winning the contract, Pradeep Rathor, MD, Allterra, stated, “AllTerra’s vision is to transform the way the world works using state-of-the-art GIS and survey technology. With this project, India enters a new age of geospatial data collection, processing, and implementation. Using Aereo’s drone solutions to capture high resolution and accurate data we will help create assets that have immense use across sectors. Most importantly, this data will ramp up development across the state of Karnataka and make governance technologically advanced and simpler.”

G.V. Sreeramam, CEO, NeoGeo, said, “We are proud to embark on this historic project. It is the biggest land parcel mapping project in the world and is a leap forward in land record digitization and development. Along with our trusted partner, Aereo, we will collect high resolution GIS data, process the data and deliver at highest quality standards in the defined timeframe. Aereo’s end-to-end drone solutions will make this process seamless and efficient. This data will essentially improve the lives of crores of people living in these areas.”

Vipul Singh, co-founder and CEO, Aereo, added, “This is a landmark project for India and the drone industry. We are extremely proud to support organizations like Allterra and NeoGeo in this impactful project. Large Scale Mapping is the need of the hour to fast-track the digitization of land records in urban and rural areas. Through our drone solutions, we aim to deliver immense value to our partners and enable the Karnataka government to create ultra-high resolution digital survey maps that have multi-sector application. We’re looking forward to this year-long collaboration and delivering on our targets.”

29th June 2023, Chennai: Rapido Auto India’s leading Auto and Bike taxi platform, is proud to announce its partnership with ANEW (Association for Non-traditional Employment for Women) in Chennai. This collaboration aims to provide employment opportunities for underprivileged women by providing autos, for them to become auto-rickshaw drivers on the Rapido platform.

The official flag-off ceremony of this ground-breaking initiative took place in the presence of esteemed representatives from Rapido Auto and ANEW. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Rapido’s commitment to empowering and uplifting marginalized women by offering them a platform to earn a sustainable livelihood.

Rapido Auto has always been at the forefront of providing innovative solutions and opportunities for individuals seeking unconventional employment options. By joining hands with ANEW, a reputable NGO dedicated to supporting women in non-traditional careers, Rapido aims to drive positive change and create a more inclusive society. The company also plans to expand this initiative across cities.

Through this partnership, Rapido Auto will facilitate extra training and licensing for underprivileged women to become auto-rickshaw drivers. The company will also provide them with necessary tools and support to effectively navigate the Rapido platform, ensuring a seamless experience for both women drivers and women passengers.

Speaking about the collaboration, “Pawan Guntupalli” Co-founder, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “At Rapido, we believe in the transformative power of opportunities. By partnering with ANEW, we are committed to empowering underprivileged women in Chennai and enabling them to achieve financial independence through the Rapido platform. We are proud to be part of their journey towards self-reliance and look forward to witnessing their success.”

Dr Anu Chandran, ANEW’s Management Committee member who has nurtured the driving program from its inception, expressed her views on the alliance, stating that ANEW has been dedicated to providing opportunities for women to pursue non-traditional careers for the past 26 years. They equip their beneficiaries with skills that enable them to earn a living. Dr. Chitra A R, Head Operations, ANEW, says the partnership with Rapido Auto introduces exciting prospects for underprivileged women by offering them the opportunity to become successful auto-rickshaw drivers and gain a stronger foothold. She believes that RAPIDOs flexible and women-friendly options will have a significant impact.\

Rapido Auto’s partnership with ANEW demonstrates their dedication to promoting gender equality and social empowerment. This joint initiative holds the potential to transform the lives of numerous underprivileged women by providing them with a means to earn a sustainable income and gain financial independence.

Pacific Mall, Dehradun, 29th June 2023: Pacific Mall, Dehradun, India’s leading mall, has successfully concluded the Kids Doon Book Festival in collaboration with Shelfebook at the Dehradun location. The festival, held from June 23rd to June 25th, witnessed around 600+ people who came together to celebrate the joy of reading.

The Pacific Kids Doon Book Festival in with Shelfebook aimed to inspire young minds and ignite their passion for reading. With a variety of engaging activities, the festival provided a platform for children to explore the magical world of books and characters that have captured their imaginations.

One of the highlights of the festival was the interactive meet and greet sessions with popular characters such as Geronimo Stilton, Dogman, Peppa Pig, and many more. Children and parents alike adorned costumes of their favorite characters creating a vibrant and immersive environment that brought stories to life.

The festival also offered a range of workshops with curated experiences designed to enhance children’s reading skills and foster a love for books. In fact, notable children’s books from publishers including WonderHouse, HarperCollins, and Penguin Random House participated in this event. From storytelling sessions to creative writing workshops, the young attendees had the opportunity to expand their horizons and explore their own storytelling abilities.

“We are thrilled to have hosted the Kids Doon Book Festival with Shelfebook at Pacific Mall Dehradun,” said Mr. Abhishek Bansal, Executive Director, Pacific Malls. “It was heartening to see children and their parents come together to celebrate the joy of reading. We believe that events like these play a vital role in promoting literacy and nurturing young minds at an early stage.”

The festival garnered enthusiastic participation from families across Dehradun, making it a resounding success. Parents expressed their gratitude for the initiative, emphasizing the positive impact it had on their children’s reading habits and overall development.

With the successful conclusion of the Kids Doon Book Festival in collaboration with Shelfebook, Pacific Mall, Dehradun reaffirms its commitment to supporting education and inspiring the next generation of readers. Through such initiatives, Pacific Mall, Dehradun aims to create engaging experiences that foster a lifelong love for books and learning.

Milan, June 28, 2023 – Sababa Security S.p.A. – a leading Italian cybersecurity player that provides an integrated and customised offer of products and managed services to protect different IT, OT, and IoT environments from cyberthreats – announces that it has signed a partnership agreement with Radiflow, a leading global vendor of OT cyber security solutions for advanced protection, monitoring and risk management of industrial systems and critical infrastructures.

Attacks to OT systems and critical infrastructure are an ever-increasing threat with potentially severe consequences, including damage to the infrastructure itself, disruption of production processes, and even harm to the environment and public safety. In 2022, we’ve witnessed a heightened frequency of cyberattacks on key industry suppliers, with manufacturing ranking first among the most target sectors and vulnerability scanning being the preferred method of attack.

Bringing together their cybersecurity expertise and industrial know-how, Sababa Security and Radiflow join forces to enhance organisations’ ability to identify vulnerabilities, mitigate risks, and respond effectively to OT cyber threats. From risk assessment & management platform to ongoing monitoring and training, the two companies will be offering industrial enterprises tailored technologies and services to meet their industry-specific needs and empower their critical infrastructure.

“Sababa Security already protects several critical infrastructures in industries such as oil and gas, utilities, energy generation and distribution, and is constantly investing in R&D within the OT field thanks to the strong collaboration with universities and Competence Centres such as Start 4.0 – of which the company is a member”, commented Alessio Aceti, CEO of Sababa Security “In this respect, the partnership with Radiflow allows us on the one hand to strengthen our technical offering and on the other hand to support customers in achieving compliance with recognized cybersecurity standards, including the New Machinery Regulation (NMR) and IEC 62443”.

“Radiflow’s team is known, globally, for its cybersecurity expertise and reputation in the OT world.
Backed by research and led by innovation, we are committed to exceeding expectations by tailoring solutions to our clients’ industry-specific needs, stated Ilan Barda, CEO of Radiflow. Radiflow develops trusted Industrial Cyber Security Solutions for critical business operations. We offer a complete portfolio of game changing solutions for ICS/SCADA networks that empower users to maintain visibility and control of their OT networks, including an Intelligent Threat Detection tool that passively monitors the OT network for anomalies, as well as our unique CIARA platform delivers OT Risk Management with a clear understanding of Organizations’ continuous risk postures, a Risk score as well as a high-level view of each site’s status. The partnership with Sababa Security allows our joint clients to achieve their risk posture objectives over time and address their OT vulnerability issues.”