Archives December 2023

Bengaluru,1st December 2023: Unicommerce – one of India’s leading e-commerce enablement SaaS platforms, successfully concluded the fourth edition of its business-focused event, e-Kumbh in Bengaluru today. e-Kumbh is a regional event that works as an e-commerce-focused knowledge-sharing platform for regional brands, retailers and technology enablers. Tailored to equip sellers in Karnataka with state-of-the-art e-commerce technology, the event attracted more than 2000 businesses, spanning online sellers, direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, and traditional retail enterprises from all over the state’s business community.

Businesses from different cities in Karnataka gathered at the event to explore various technologies that can assist them in expanding their operations. The event served as a hub for exploration into diverse technologies aimed at enhancing and expanding their operational horizons.

During this one-day event, prominent figures from the ecommerce and retail-tech sectors shared their insights on essential topics such as Building Sustainable Businesses, Direct-to-Consumer strategies, Post-purchase Experience Management and more. The event showcased perspectives on fostering business growth in international markets, presented by Amazon Global Selling, hosted a women entrepreneurs’ awards ceremony by Women Entrepreneur Network (WFN) and a knowledge-packed session by Ecommercesity, a talent upskilling medium for ecommerce entrepreneurs, professionals and aspiring businesses, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session. The sessions offered the audience valuable insights into leveraging technology as a catalyst for their business expansion.

Highlighting the robust potential within Karnataka’s e-commerce ecosystem and capitalizing on the conducive environment, e-Kumbh Bengaluru unfolded as a strategic forum, inviting regional businesses to engage in discussions about the growth of ecommerce technology and explore the boundless opportunities within the state’s dynamic market.

Speaking on the success of e-Kumbh’s 4th edition, Kapil Makhija, CEO of Unicommerce, said, “In the dynamic business hub of Bengaluru, where entrepreneurship thrives, the demand for e-commerce technology is more crucial than ever for our sellers and the budding Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) community. The overwhelming response at eKumbh underscores the clear recognition among businesses of the transformative power of technology. We are committed to making our contributions towards India’s growing ecommerce and new-age retail landscape with our regional efforts impacting local brands and businesses.”

Surbhi Bhatia, Founder of The Mom Store stated, “We started as a bootstrapped company and have evolved to become one of the leading maternity and baby care products’ brands in the country. We commend Unicommerce for championing initiatives like eKumbh, that helps local sellers, especially the ones with limited resources, to find the right technology to build their businesses. Bengaluru is India’s largest startup hub and witnessing the enthusiasm of sellers from across the state is truly inspiring. We are optimistic that such efforts will contribute significantly to the dynamic growth of businesses, enriching India’s retail landscape.”

Present at the event, Umar Akhter, CEO of Koskii, a Bengaluru-based women’s occasion-wear brand said, “Bengaluru serves as a bustling hub for a diverse array of retail and e-commerce enterprises. We have seen the hard times when physical shops used to be the sole sales channel for a retailer. Today, technology is equipping sellers with the right tools that can accelerate online growth, facilitating effective outreach to customers in global markets. Unicommerce’s initiative of providing a knowledge platform to the local sellers is another step towards building India’s retail prowess.”

Unicommerce’s e-commerce enablement Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) platform enables end-to-end management of e-commerce operations for marketplaces, brands, sellers and logistics service provider firms.

In the post-COVID era, remote work has become the norm. There is a massive surge in freelancer numbers as more and more people are embracing the flexibility that comes with it. Due to this, freelance platforms are flourishing, offering diverse opportunities for those equipped with the right skills. BeGig is one such platform for tech freelancers. It connects them with clients looking for top-notch techies with the right skills. There is a massive opportunity here. Another factor that is really important to talk about is AI and Generative AI and how it is shaping the future of the work sector.

AI is currently a transformative force in the gig economy, it is revolutionizing the way freelancers connect with clients and enhancing overall efficiency. Its impact on the gig economy brings some promising advancements. The intricate matching algorithms which consider skills, background, aspirations, cultural bent and availability rather than just skill sets. AI can easily reduce the entire screening process of going through thousands of profiles to seconds. However, a vigilant approach is required to prevent biases and ensure fairness in algorithm-made decisions.Apart from this, AI Professionals have some really lucrative opportunities to look out for as the field of Artificial Intelligence is booming. Freelance Machine Learning Engineers, with skills and experience, earn roughly $25 to $50 per hour. Computer and information research scientists predict a 21% growth in AI jobs by 2031.

Freelancing is a revolution we’ve all been waiting for. The flexibility it offers is unmatched and a lot of the workforce has already embraced freelancing due to the pros it offers. With the right set of opportunities, the freelancing landscape can be the new normal and we’re here for it!

BENGALURU, India, 1st December 2023: – Elastic®, (NYSE: ESTC) (“Elastic”), the company behind Elasticsearch® today announced the winners of the India Partner Awards 2023 presented at ElasticON Bengaluru. The awards recognize the valuable contribution of Elastic’s partners in India, acknowledging their pivotal role in helping customers achieve business growth and digital innovation through the power of search.

“Partners are the bedrock of any organization’s growth strategy, and we consider them fundamental to Elastic’s success in India,” said Andrew Habgood, Vice President, Channels & Alliances, Asia-Pacific and Japan, Elastic. “These awards showcase Elastic’s strong partnerships in India, and we are thrilled to celebrate their achievements as we work together, enabling customers to harness search-powered AI and unlock insights from their data.”

Elastic has a thriving ecosystem of partners, each playing a vital role in the company’s growth strategy and collectively contributing to Elastic’s vision to enable developers and enterprise users to find the accurate, insightful, and relevant answers that matter — in real time, at scale.

The 2023 winners are:

• Squareshift Technologies – Innovation Award
• CyberNX – Managed Services Partner of the Year
• Google Cloud – Cloud Partner of the Year
• Kyndryl – Systems Integration Partner of the Year
• NSE IT – Services Partner of the Year
• Ashnik Technology Private Limited – Reseller of the Year
• Arsenal Information Technology Private Limited – Public Sector Partner of the Year

New Delhi, 1st December 2023: Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB), together with Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneur Association (IDEA), Humanity and Inclusion (HI); is proud to announce their thoughtful initiative, “Purple Bharat Utsav”, a pioneering event scheduled to commemorate World Disability Day on 30th November 2023 at FIIB (Fortune Institute of International Business) Campus, New Delhi.

As the world deals with unprecedented challenges, FIIB takes a pioneering step in hosting this one-of-a-kind event on World Disability Day. The “Purple Bharat Utsav” signifies Delhi’s premier inclusive festival, curated to champion diversity, acknowledge remarkable achievements in disability, and underscore the significance of inclusivity in today’s society.

“Purple Bharat Utsav” is a one-day festival crafted to spotlight the diversity and talents of individuals with disabilities. The event promises a diverse range of engaging programmes, including insightful round table discussions with corporates and influential opinion leaders. With a primary focus on fostering inclusivity and accessibility across all spheres of life, this event holds special significance as part of the World Disability Day celebrations.

“Through the planned dialogs and showcases throughout the day, our aim is to sensitize organizations to embrace inclusivity as a core part of their approach. Our corporate panel will deliberate on understanding disability holistically to propose a roadmap for disability mainstreaming within organizations. This event is our humble effort to set the stage for recognizing disability inclusion as a key aspect of each company’s DEI framework.”, said Ms. Radhika Shrivastava, Executive Director of FIIB (Fortune Institute of International Business).

Formerly, FIIB had joined forces with the Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneur Association (IDEA) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote inclusive entrepreneurship. This strategic partnership was a testament to empowering individuals with disabilities (PWDs) in the field of entrepreneurship.

FIIB stands at the forefront of championing inclusivity and is proud to host this pioneering event that aims to redefine the narrative surrounding diversity and inclusion.

Mumbai, 1st December 2023: Sterlite Power, a leading private sector power transmission developer, has secured the order for Rajasthan REZ Ph-IV (Part-1-Bikaner Complex): Part-B Transmission project. With this order win, Sterlite Power has secured its third Green Energy Corridor (GEC) project in the state of Rajasthan. Sterlite Power will be building this project on a BOOT (Build, Own, Operate, Transfer) basis, for a period of 35 years. The project was bid out through a tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) process.

As part of the Part B Bikaner Complex transmission scheme, Sterlite Power will develop two integral components -1) 6000 MVA, 765/400kV substation at Neemrana, and 2) Two 400 kV transmission lines spanning ~ 250kms; connecting Neemrana with existing Kotputli substation, and another LILO corridor that will connect the existing Gurgaon-Sohna line with the Gurgaon & Sohna substations.

Expressing his views on the new order win, Pratik Agarwal, Managing Director, Sterlite Power, said, “Transmission today underpins India’s energy transition success. We are happy to win this critical project that will allow around 8000 MW of renewable energy to flow from RE rich Bikaner to load centers in Rajasthan, Haryana and UP. We stay committed to build robust transmission infrastructure projects in the country to solve the toughest challenges of green energy delivery.”

This project win adds to the overall green energy portfolio of the company taking the total projects under execution tally to 8. In March 2023, Sterlite Power won its first GEC project in Rajasthan – Fatehgarh III Beawar Transmission Ltd (Phase III, Part G project). This was followed by Beawar Transmission Ltd. (Phase III, Part-F) win in August 2023. Taken together with Project B Bikaner complex, these GEC projects will entail construction of a ~950 km long transmission corridor across Rajasthan. These corridors will be instrumental in evacuation of a significant portion of 20 GW of renewable energy from REZs in Fatehgarh (9.1 GW), Bhadla (8 GW) & Ramgarh (2.9 GW) and 7.7 GW in Bikaner.

Sterlite Power’s commitment to pioneering challenging and essential green energy transmission corridor initiatives was demonstrated earlier in March 2023, with the successful commissioning of its largest Green Energy Corridor Project – LVTPL (Lakadia-Vadodara Transmission Project Limited). This landmark project, today, facilitates the evacuation of 5 GW of reliable green power from the wind and solar energy hubs of Bhuj & Kutch to various parts of India.

New Delhi,1st December 2023: – As the temperature drops and winter settles in, mental health becomes a paramount concern. Manasthali, a leading advocate for mental well-being, is pleased to provide a set of valuable guidelines to help individuals safeguard their mental health during the colder months. Winter can bring a range of challenges that impact mental well-being, from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) to heightened stress levels.

Dr Jyoti Kapoor, Founder-Director and Senior Psychiatrist, Manasthali, says, “Winter can pose unique challenges to mental health, as the colder months often bring reduced sunlight and increased isolation. The limited exposure to natural light can impact mood and disrupt circadian rhythms, contributing to conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It’s crucial to prioritize mental well-being during this season by incorporating strategies that counteract the gloom. Engaging in regular physical activity, seeking out natural sunlight when possible, and cultivating positive habits can help alleviate the impact of winter on mental health. Additionally, staying socially connected and reaching out for support if needed can be instrumental in navigating the emotional challenges that may arise during the colder, darker months. By acknowledging the potential impact of winter on mental health and proactively adopting coping mechanisms, individuals can better maintain a positive mindset and overall well-being during this season.”

Manasthali recognizes the importance of addressing these concerns and offers the following advice to promote mental health during decreasing temperatures:

1- Embrace Natural Light: With shorter days and longer nights, exposure to natural light becomes crucial. Aim to spend time outdoors during daylight hours, even if it’s just for a short walk. This helps regulate circadian rhythms and combat the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
2- Stay Active: Regular physical activity is a proven mood booster. Find activities you enjoy, whether it’s indoor workouts, winter sports, or simply taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Exercise releases endorphins, which can significantly contribute to a positive mental state.
3- Maintain Social Connections: The colder weather may tempt individuals to hibernate indoors, but maintaining social connections is vital for mental well-being. Schedule regular meet-ups, whether in person or virtually, with friends and family to combat feelings of isolation.
4- Prioritize Self-Care: Create a self-care routine that suits the winter season. This might include warm baths, indulging in comfort foods, or practicing mindfulness exercises. Pay attention to your body’s needs and take time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
5- Ensure Adequate Sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for mental health. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and ensure your sleep environment is conducive to rest. If you struggle with sleep, consider consulting a healthcare professional for guidance.
6- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Cold weather can sometimes lead to neglecting hydration and proper nutrition. Ensure you are consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Staying hydrated and well-nourished supports overall health, including mental well-being.
7- Set Realistic Goals: Avoid overwhelming yourself with unrealistic expectations. Break down tasks into manageable goals and celebrate small achievements. This approach helps reduce stress and fosters a sense of accomplishment.

Manasthali encourages individuals to prioritize their mental health throughout the winter season. By incorporating these strategies into daily life, it is possible to navigate the challenges of colder weather while maintaining a positive and resilient mindset.

New Delhi, 1st December 2023: : IndiaMART, India’s largest online B2B marketplace, has been honored with prestigious Gold Award recognition by the League of American Communications Professionals (LACP) in the 2023 Spotlight Awards.

In this year’s competition, IndiaMART’s Annual Report achieved an outstanding total score of 98 out of 100, out of a total of 6 parameters, which included First Impression, Overall Narrative, Overall Visual Design, and Perceived Relevance. The competition received more than 500 entries, from across the globe. The Gold Award, a testament to IndiaMART’s dedication to transparent and impactful reporting, marks the second consecutive year of the company’s success in this global competition.

IndiaMART’s Annual Report, renowned for its comprehensive and insightful content, reflects the company’s achievements, milestones, and strategic vision. The Gold Award underscores IndiaMART’s commitment to upholding corporate communication and reporting standards.

Speaking on the achievement, Prateek Chandra, CFO, IndiaMART said, “We are delighted to receive this recognition. Our commitment to transparent communication with all stakeholders is unwavering, and such accolades serve as a motivating force for our teams. This acknowledgment is a testament to the fact that we are moving in the right direction.”

India 1st December 2023:– A Mustard Oil Pungency Awareness Survey 2023: ‘Jhaanjh Ki Jaanch’, an independent survey conducted by NFX Digital across major mustard oil markets of North and East India reveals a surprising information gap among the consumers regarding the pungency level of mustard oil, its primary characteristic. Astonishingly, 85% of respondents were unaware of this most important benefit of mustard oil despite its regular inclusion in their culinary pursuits.

Basis the findings of the survey and with the intent to empower consumers with the right knowledge about Mustard Oil, Emami Agrotech Ltd has introduced its ‘Emami Healthy & Tasty Kachchi Ghani Mustard Oil,’ in a unique selection of three distinct pungency levels: Mild (Jhaanjh level: .24%), Strong (Jhaanjh level: .30%), and Super Strong (Jhaanjh level: .36%). This disruptive & innovative concept, tailored to individual taste, is set to redefine the mustard oil landscape. This is for the first time that any edible oil brand is offering such information.

The quantitative survey conducted by NFX Digital aimed to gain insights into consumer awareness, perceptions, and preferences regarding Mustard Oil pungency level. The survey revealed that consumers seek ‘pungency’ or jhaanjh as the primary reason for mustard oil consumption for specific taste and aroma.. Respondents acknowledged that the pungency in mustard oil imparts a robust flavor and aroma, making it an essential component of their cooking.

A remarkable 75% of users expressed a keen interest in learning about the pungency level in mustard oil. Additionally, the survey displayed that 91% of users are ‘very likely’ to try a mustard oil brand that provides clear information regarding its pungency level on the packaging, reflecting a strong desire for transparency to make informed purchasing decisions.

Commenting on the findings of the survey and the need to launch a novel product endeavour, Mr. Debasis Bhattacharyya, President, Marketing at Emami Agrotech Ltd., said, “At Emami Agrotech, we are committed to offer transparency and honesty to our consumers and not just products. Therefore, the Mustard Oil Awareness ‘Jhaanjh Ki Jaanch Survey’ presented the right opportunity to honor our consumers and empower them with a ‘right to know’, so that they can make informed choices about their preference of mustard oil – one of the most essential ingredients in their kitchens. We hope ‘Emami Healthy & Tasty Kachchi Ghani Mustard Oil,’ with its three different pungency levels will offer the freedom of choice to our consumers to select their preferred levels of pungency.”

Expressing her thoughts on the survey and the consumers’ right to know , Chef Pankaj Bhadouria, India’s 1st Masterchef said, “In the rich culinary tradition of the northern and eastern parts of India, mustard oil plays a vital role. Unfortunately, mustard oil brands in India have no standardization for their pungency levels and often it varies from pack to pack even in the same brand. Consumers being unaware, end up buying a product, which may not meet their satisfaction. It is heartening to see Emami Agrotech being the first mover to display pungency levels on their packs, bringing transparency for the buyers.”

With a ‘jhaanjh’ (pungency) percentage labeled on each variant, Emami Healthy & Tasty Kachchi Ghani Mustard Oil is available with prices ranging from Rs 155 to Rs 180 for 1-liter pouches, as per the pungency levels and will be available in key markets such as Bengal, UP, Bihar, and Jharkhand etc. from December 2023 onwards.

Bengaluru,1st December 2023: Cashfree Payments, India’s leading payments and API banking company, announced the launch of its ‘BBPS-Biller Solution’, which facilitates and simplifies interoperable bill payment collection for Indian businesses. It is a single integration platform designed for businesses handling repeat payments, enabling them to get discovered on 150+ digital channels and 35 lakhs+ offline collection centres on Bharat Bill Payment System and collect bill payments at scale. BBPS-Biller solution aligns with RBI’s vision to offer integrated, accessible and interoperable bill payment services across geographies with safety of transactions.

Announcing the launch, Akash Sinha, CEO and Co-founder, Cashfree Payments said, “The launch of BBPS-Biller Solution will unlock opportunities and bring simplicity and ease in collecting bill payments for Indian businesses. This product will play a pivotal role in streamlining collections and settlements for businesses while fostering connections with millions of customers across India. At Cashfree Payments, we are committed to building innovative products and solutions that will not only empower businesses but also contribute towards strengthening the digital payments ecosystem in the country.”

The BBPS-Biller Solution was launched at the ongoing Bengaluru Tech Summit.

Cashfree Payments’ BBPS-Biller Solution leverages the BBPS network to reduce collection costs up to 4X, leveraging all cash and digital collection points seamlessly. Through real-time reporting and instant alerts, the solution enables 90% faster reconciliation. Also businesses can experience 2X faster bill collection using Cashfree Payments’ guided onboarding and robust technical support.

Cashfree Payments today is among the leading online payment aggregators and also leads the way in bulk disbursals in India with its Payouts with over 50% market share. India’s largest lender, SBI invested in Cashfree Payments underscoring the company’s role in building a robust payments ecosystem. Cashfree Payments works closely with all leading banks to build the core payments and banking infrastructure that powers the company’s products. Cashfree Payments is also integrated with major platforms such as Shopify, Wix, Paypal, Amazon Pay, Paytm, and Google Pay. Apart from India, Cashfree Payments solutions are used in eight other countries including the USA, Canada, and UAE.

Mumbai,1st December 2023:– With year-end just around the corner, Kingston Technology, a world leader in memory products and technology solutions, continued its Festive Bonanza Special Offer on a full swing. The company recently kickstarted a lucky draw promotion that offers customers a chance to win exciting prizes, including a MacBook Air, Paytm e-vouchers, Kingston mouse pads, and more.

As the world’s largest independent producer of memory modules and being the No.1 brand for SSDs, excelling in product performance, reliability, customer service and warranty, Kingston announced its festive bonanza offer which is open to all and it will run from till December 31, 2023.

To enter the Festive Bonanza Special Offer, customers simply need to purchase any Kingston products from one of the participating partners during the promotion period. Participating partners include a variety of authorized Kingston retailers, both online and offline. Once a customer has purchased a Kingston product, they can visit the lucky draw URL to enter their purchase details and contact information. Customers can only enter once per purchase. E-voucher and Kingston mouse pad winners will be drawn every week, while MacBook Air winners will be drawn every month. The winners will be notified by email and/or phone.

“Kingston has always been a part and parcel of our customer’s festive memories. Hence, this festive season, we are thrilled to bring our Festive Bonanza Special Offer, a lucky draw promotion that offers customers a chance to win exciting prizes. We thank our customers for their continued support throughout the year and look forward to being a part of their festive journey as #KingstonIsWithYou. On behalf of Kingston family, wishing everyone a great and auspicious Diwali full of love, laughter, and prosperity.” said Mr. Tejashwar Singh, India Sales Head, Kingston Technology.

People who want to upgrade for work, education or play shouldn’t miss this opportunity. So, hurry!