Archives February 2024

New Delhi, February 6 2024: In a dazzling spectacle of intellect and insight, India’s leading Hindi news channel, News18 India, orchestrated its prestigious flagship summit, News18 India Chaupal, at ITC Maurya in Delhi on Monday. The eighth edition of this marquee initiative brought together a constellation of the nation’s luminaries, featuring thought leaders, policy strategists, news makers, industry experts, and youth icons. Against the backdrop of the impending Lok Sabha elections, this summit served as a pivotal arena for shaping the agenda that could propel India towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

The session commenced with an insightful discussion featuring Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju. Subsequently, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Mohan Yadav, and Union Railways Minister, Ashwini Vaishnav, actively participated in the discourse

During his session at News18 India Chaupal, Minister Vaishnav provided a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of the Railways and Telecom sector. He emphasized the changing face of these sectors, showcasing a progressive transformation.

Expressing confidence, Vaishnav said, “The promise of Prime Minister Modi’s hat-trick victory would be fulfilled in the upcoming elections.”

During the presentation on the accomplishments under his ministries, Vaishnav highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been true to his commitments, delivering on promises made. He shared details about the ongoing initiatives, showcasing the expansion of Ayodhya Railway Station’s capacity to accommodate three crore devotees annually. The station exemplifies modern infrastructure while encapsulating the cultural essence of Ayodhya.

The Union Minister for Railways, a former IAS officer, provided insights into the swift progress of the Bullet Train project. Vaishnav announced that the work on the Bullet Train, including a groundbreaking 21-km undersea tunnel, is underway. He emphasized the significant increase in the Indian railway budget for 2024-25, reaching Rs 2,52,000 crore compared to Rs 15,674 crore during 2004-14. India is now the second-largest electrified network globally.

Vaishnav highlighted the ongoing transformation of railway stations nationwide, incorporating modern facilities that reflect the cultural ethos of their respective regions. He underscored the design excellence of Vande Bharat Sleeper, featuring world-class interiors.

The discussion also delved into the rapid development of digital infrastructure in India, with the imminent rollout of 5G. Vaishnav shared that over 4,15,000 towers have been installed to support this digital revolution.

In a significant development, Vaishnav emphasized India’s foray into semiconductor production, with the country now set to export Made-in-India chips. He highlighted the remarkable achievement of commencing semiconductor production within 90 days, showcasing India’s prowess in the global technology landscape.

As the political and intellectual luminaries convened, the event witnessed an illustrious conclave that could potentially shape India’s trajectory towards development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047 became the focal point, aligning with the nation’s aspiration to become the third-largest economy by 2030 and overshadowing the US GDP by 2060.

News18 India Chaupal strategically unfolded as India, the fastest-growing economy, showcased its prowess on the world stage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to join the league of developed nations by 2047 echoed through the summit. Projections envision India as the third-largest economy by 2030, poised to surpass the US GDP by 2060.

As the summit unfolded, it became a platform for thought leaders to deliberate on critical themes and topics, setting the stage for the 2024 general elections. News18 India Chaupal engaged forward-looking speakers, discussing a progressing, growing country, and exploring how the abundant energy in the nation can be channeled to drive development, growth, and prosperity.

In essence, News18 India Chaupal emerged not just as an event but as a amalgamation of ideas, a convergence of intellect and insight that could potentially chart the course for India’s evolution into a developed nation by 2047. The summit’s strategic timing ahead of the elections added layers of significance, making it a catalyst for shaping India’s future.

Dadasaheb Phalke, the visionary “Father of Indian Cinema,” left an indelible mark as a filmmaker by incorporating unique effects that revolutionized storytelling. His influence transcends borders, inspiring filmmakers globally. In this exploration, we unravel the distinctive qualities of Dadasaheb Phalke as a filmmaker, spotlighting key scenes and the pioneering effects he employed in his groundbreaking approach.

 1. The Power of Compelling Storytelling:
– Film Reference: “Raja Harishchandra” (1913) – The Transformational Vow
– Details: Phalke’s unique touch in “Raja Harishchandra” is amplified by the transformational vow scene, where he employed an innovative use of intertitles and visual cues to convey the protagonist’s inner journey. This subtle yet impactful use of cinematic language set a new standard for narrative storytelling, emphasizing the power of visuals in conveying emotion and character development.

 2. Mastering Visual Aesthetics and Cinematography:
– Film Reference: “Setubandhan” (1932) – The Palette of Emotions
– Details: In “Setubandhan,” Phalke introduced tinting and toning techniques to convey different emotions within a scene. The changing color palette serves as a visual metaphor for the protagonist’s emotional states. This innovative use of color in cinematography elevated the narrative, showcasing Phalke’s mastery in creating a visually immersive experience.

 3. Embracing Innovation:
– Film Reference: “Kaliya Mardan” (1919) – The Spectacle of Special Effects
– Details:”Kaliya Mardan” features groundbreaking special effects, including the use of double exposure to create a supernatural confrontation. This pioneering technique allowed Phalke to depict otherworldly events, pushing the boundaries of what was previously thought possible in cinema. The scene stands as a testament to Phalke’s fearless embrace of innovation in storytelling.

 4. The Devil Lies in the Detail:
– Film Reference: “Lanka Dahan” (1917) – The Mythical Realism
– **Details: Phalke’s commitment to detail in “Lanka Dahan” is exemplified through the use of meticulously designed sets and authentic costumes. Every detail, from the intricate set pieces to historically accurate attire, contributes to the film’s immersive quality. This attention to detail enhances the authenticity of the mythical setting, showcasing Phalke’s dedication to creating a realistic cinematic experience.

 5. Persistence and Passion:
– Film Reference: “Shri Krishna Janma” (1918) – The Divine Animation
– Details: In “Shri Krishna Janma,” Phalke showcased unparalleled persistence and passion. The standout scene portraying the divine birth utilized stop-motion animation, a technique uncommon at the time. This ambitious experiment required exhaustive effort, with Phalke meticulously orchestrating frame by frame to bring the scene to life. His passion for storytelling and relentless pursuit of excellence in experimentation shine through in this labour-intensive yet groundbreaking cinematic achievement.

 For Film Lovers:
Filmmaking students or aspiring film lovers can draw invaluable lessons from Dadasaheb Phalke’s innovative techniques. The intricacies of intertitles, colour palettes, special effects, attention to detail, and experimental animation offer a rich tapestry for students to explore. These lessons underscore the importance of pushing boundaries, embracing new technologies, and infusing passion into every frame. Phalke’s legacy serves as a guiding light for aspiring filmmakers navigating the dynamic landscape of cinema.

6th February 2024, Chennai:  Federal Bank becomes one of the earliest private sector banks to launch NCMC integrated Debit cards. National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) is a feature introduced on RuPay Contactless Debit Card which allows cardholders to make payments across NCMC-enabled terminals at metro stations, buses, etc in an offline mode within fraction of second, just by tapping the card on the card reader. NCMC is equipped with multiple functions, including stored value payments (currently up to Rs.2000/- and subject to change as prescribed by RBI from time to time) to simplify travel across different modes by digitizing payment.

 For activating the NCMC functionality and to start using the card for offline transactions, the cardholder is required to enable “contactless feature” either through Mobile banking, Internet banking or through IVR. Post enablement, visit the customer care desk of Metro station and initiate the activation and money load transaction. Money can be loaded in the card through cash or through the existing savings account at the metro counter itself. After loading money, the customer can just tap the card at the entry and exit of the terminal and unveil the convenience of travelling without purchasing a ticket separately. The amount debited/available will be displayed on the metro terminal screen at the time of tapping the card.

  ‘We are thrilled to unveil a new and ambitious project for Federal Bank RuPay Debit Card holders who can now use their debit cards for offline payments at transit operators. The NCMC is poised to revolutionize the way citizens navigate urban transportation networks across the country. With the goal of enhancing convenience and efficiency, the NCMC introduces a unified approach to travel, simplifying the commuting experience for millions. We feel that this step taken by Federal Bank and RuPay would empower the ustomers and give them the flexibility to travel and pay on the go’- said Chitrabhanu KG, SVP and Country Head- Retail Assets and cards- Federal Bank.

6th Feb 2023, New Delhi: Livguard, a pioneer in the energy transition sector, is showcasing a spectrum of groundbreaking products and solutions at the ongoing Bharat Mobility Expo in New Delhi at Pragati Maidan. With a strategic focus on electromobility and battery storage solutions, Livguard is driving the transition from traditional energy paradigms to cutting-edge technologies.

Livguard’s exhibition spotlights a range of products designed and manufactured in India, each representing the latest in technology, having either been recently launched or scheduled for launch in the coming months. The core emphasis is around accelerated energy transition, with a key emphasis on electromobility and battery storage solutions.

Livguard presents a comprehensive display of batteries, featuring the safest chemistry available in India. Among the highlights is the unveiling of Livguard’s indigenously designed lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) cell technology, the first Made-in-India LFP cell certified by ARAI. Additionally, the company is set to launch new batteries in the coming days, reinforcing its commitment to advancing battery technology domestically. The company boasts a robust R&D team of 200+ engineers dedicated to designing and engineering solutions within the country. Livguard’s commitment goes beyond “Made in India” to “Designed in India.”

Gurpreet Bhatia, CEO of Livguard said, “Livguard is not merely introducing products, we are revolutionising the entire ecosystem of electromobility in India. Our integrated solutions, from batteries to drivetrain, coupled with advanced analytics, represent a leap towards a greener and more efficient future that is Conceptualised, Designed and Manufactured in India.”

Livguard takes pride in its fully homegrown Battery Management System, developed over the past four years in India. It offers state-of-the-art battery health monitoring and enhances battery life and safety.

The focus of the exhibit is to present solutions beyond physical products to Battery Intelligence. The new-age batteries showcase real-time analytics and AI-driven insights. The platform predicts the remaining charge, monitors battery health, and detects potential abuse conditions, ensuring optimal performance and safety for users with features to remotely disable battery in case of abuse situations. Livguard’s cloud-based solutions have been instrumental in managing a deployed base of over 50,000 batteries, generating invaluable intelligence about usage patterns and optimizing performance.

Addressing the need for rapid adoption of electric mobility, Livguard has also developed battery-swapping stations. These stations facilitate quick turnarounds for fleet-based applications, ensuring efficient use of assets. Livguard’s customers plan to install over 500 swapping stations in the next year, initially in Delhi, Pune and nearby areas, with plans for further expansion post the pilot phase.

The exhibition is also witnessing Livguard’s drivetrain solutions, representing a shift from traditional combustion engines to motors and electronics. The portfolio includes drivetrain solutions in e-Rickshaws, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers. Livguard’s focus on sustainability extends to its drivetrain solutions, featuring motors with reduced magnet usage. The company is actively developing motors that eliminate the need for rare earth magnets. This commitment aligns with Livguard’s overarching goal of providing efficient, sustainable, and environmentally conscious electromobility solutions.

Chennai, February 06, 2024: Aquaconnect, a full-stack aquaculture platform with embedded fintech that leverages satellite remote sensing and artificial intelligence to improve the efficiency of stakeholders in the fish and shrimp farming industry, completed a $4 million (INR 33 Cr) Pre-Series B funding round led by S2G Ventures.

Aquaconnect will utilize the new capital to continue scaling its operations and enhance its coverage of the major aquaculture production states in India. The company has recently expanded its footprint in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam, and achieved 4x revenue growth in the last fiscal year

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With this new funding, Aquaconnect also seeks to double its Aqua Partner network in the next 6 months, strengthening post-harvest linkage solutions and expanding its product portfolio with farmer-focused innovations, formal credit services, and new products to amplify its reach and impact. Aqua Partners are rural entrepreneurs who provide last-mile assistance to farmers while delivering the company’s services, including farm advisory, access to feed and other farm inputs, and post-harvest market linkage to domestic and international buyers.

Commenting on the Pre-Series B funding round, Rajamanohar Somasundaram, Founder & CEO of Aquaconnect, said, “The investment from S2G reinforces our mission of transforming the Indian aquaculture landscape through a phygital approach. The funds come at a critical juncture as we gear up for our next phase of growth to capture new opportunities, with an intense focus on expanding our operations in major markets. This expansion is more than just scaling. It’s about deepening our impact within the farming communities by strengthening our Aqua Partners and seafood buyer network, thus creating a more sustainable ecosystem while simultaneously enhancing the service offerings and innovative tech-driven solutions to strengthen our position in the aquaculture sector.”

“Aquaconnect’s full-stack solution is revolutionizing aquaculture in India through reliable access to a diverse set of farming input products, working capital financing, marketplace commerce, and streamlined logistics,” said Kate Danaher, Managing Director at S2G Ventures. “Aquaculture is the fastest growing method of food production in the world, and a critical solution for long-term food security. Platforms that contribute to the viability of the sector through sustainable farming practices and trade are paramount. As a leading organization in the second largest aquaculture market in the world, we believe Aquaconnect is ideally positioned to capture meaningful market share and contribute to a future of sustainable growth across the sector.”

Aquaconnect raised $15 million in a Series A funding round last year from Lok Capital, Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) Ventures, Suneight Investments, AgFunder, Omnivore, Rebright Partners, Flourish Ventures, and Hatch Blue.

NEW DELHI, February 06, 2024 – Genpact (NYSE: G), a global professional services firm focused on delivering outcomes that transform businesses, announced a new multi-year engagement with Advantage Solutions (NASDAQ: ADV), a leading provider of sales and marketing services to consumer goods manufacturers and retailers. Combining Genpact’s domain, process, and technology expertise, with Advantage Solutions’ extensive industry experience, and leading technology platforms like Salesforce, provides solutions to foster competitive advantages and growth for global consumer goods companies.

 Genpact will lead the implementation of a suite of industry-leading platforms, including Salesforce Order Management, Esker for order automation, HighRadius for Cash App automation, collections, and smart deduction management, and Genpact’s digital business platform Genpact Cora, to rapidly scale Advantage’s commerce operations to drive fast, smart business decisions with AI-enabled and experience-led digital transformation capabilities. These platforms will unlock value through scalability, flexibility, and adaptability to streamline processes, reduce complexities and expenses, as well as enhance collaboration and efficiency across organizations.

 “Consumer goods and retail companies that embrace data, AI, and digital transformation in their operations are better equipped to respond swiftly to market changes,” said BK Kalra, President and CEO-Designate, Genpact. “Genpact’s AI-first posture, coupled with our focus on leveraging industry-leading technology partnerships, is poised to transform the Advantage Solutions consumer goods-retail ecosystem, delivering deeper value and empowering their customers to outcompete in their markets.”

 In this transformative alliance, Genpact will build an advanced, custom digital platform to automate various back-office processes for Advantage, including order-to-cash services, contract management, trade-program management, vendor-managed inventory support, call-center services, electronic data interchange, and data synchronization. This platform is designed to heighten speed and accuracy in supporting clients with these services.​

 “Leveraging technology and data for real-time insights is vital for competitive agility, and this agreement enables us to provide our clients improved, state-of-the art services without disruption,” said Dave Peacock, CEO, Advantage Solutions. “We recognize the need for an advanced digital infrastructure to help drive efficiencies and create capacity to reinvest in our core capabilities and accelerate growth. Through the work we’ll do together, we will offer clients and customers an improved overall experience as we strive to be more proactive and agile in exceeding their expectations in this dynamic environment.”

 “Our ongoing collaboration with Genpact enhances Salesforce’s ability to deliver impactful and transformational solutions for our customers, like Advantage Solutions,” said Matt DeTroia, Senior Vice President, Alliances and Channel Revenue, Salesforce. “Genpact’s expertise in technology, strategy, and process efficiency, driven by a results-oriented mindset, differentiates their capabilities to empower long-standing customer success.”

Mumbai, February 6, 2024: SBI Mutual Fund, India’s largest fund house, announces the launch of the SBI Energy Opportunities Fund, an open-ended scheme following the energy theme. The fund would invest in an optimal mix of domestic and/or overseas companies engaging in activities such exploration, production, distribution, transportation and processing of traditional and new energy including but not limited to sectors such as oil & gas, utilities and power. The New Fund Offer (NFO) period is February 6 – 20, 2024.

Mr. Shamsher Singh, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, SBI Funds Management Limited, said: “The Energy sector is a multi-decade Atmanirbhar Bharat story as our country aims to move from being energy deficient to self-sufficient. Our country’s commitments towards Green Energy initiatives like COP26 (Panchamrit Strategy), the Green Hydrogen Mission, the Ethanol Blending Programme along with focused policy initiatives in the traditional energy sectors provide sufficient tailwinds for the Energy sector to grow in line with our country’s needs. As the largest fund house in the country, we believe the time for funds like SBI Energy Opportunities Fund is apt as they aim to capitalise and provide investors benefits from a theme which is at an inflection point.”

Mr. D P Singh, Deputy MD & Joint CEO, SBI Funds Management Limited, said, “The SBI Energy Opportunities Fund is an opportunity to participate in the growth of the India Energy sector. The sector has seen rapid strides in terms of infrastructure and policy reforms, helping improve the profitability of the sector. Historically, energy consumption in an economy is directly linked to economic growth. With our country expected to be the third largest economy in the world, its per capita energy consumption could also witness significant rise and opportunities exist across the entire spectrum of the energy value chain. Investors who believe and seek to leverage this growth journey should look at investing in the fund in line with their risk profile and portfolio needs.”

The scheme would primarily invest 80 – 100% of its assets in equity and equity-related instruments of companies engaged in energy (traditional & new) and allied business activities theme. (including equity derivatives) with the balance in other equity & equity-related instruments (including equity derivatives), debt securities (including securitized debt & debt derivatives) and money market instruments (including tri-party repos). The minimum application amount required is Rs. 5,000 and in multiples of Rs. 1 thereafter. Investments can be done through lump sum or SIP (Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, Semi-Annual & Annual). The fund managers for the SBI Energy Opportunities Fund would be Mr. Raj Gandhi and Mr. Pradeep Kesavan (dedicated fund manager for overseas securities).

Bengaluru, February 06, 2024: The CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL), a revolutionary franchise-based motorsport spectacle poised to become the fastest-growing league in India focusing beyond cricket. The league showcased the adrenaline-pumping journey with an explosive opening at the Pune race, mesmerizing over 9000 fans on the ground with live broadcast on TV and OTT. The company recently diluted its 3% stake to concentrate on promotion and on-ground activations, with a pre-season opening valuation of INR 350 crore.

With an objective to reach the maximum audience and elevating the stature of the sport, the promoters are in conversation with private investors to dilute 2% of the stake for a staggering valuation of INR 450 Crore just after the first race. The changing need to look beyond conventional sports is fuelling the excitement for motorsports. With strategic investment and market confidence, India represents a unique opportunity to redefine Supercross and reach new heights.

Mr. Veer Patel, Director and Co-Founder of CEAT ISRL, expressed his excitement, “We conceptualized it in 2015, documented in 2017, registered in 2019, and the first race took almost a decade to transition from paper to stadium. However, we received a pre-season valuation of INR 350 crores, which is a true testament to market potential and investor confidence. We are overwhelmed by the market response, witnessing an impressive jump of almost 30% in valuation just after the first race held in Pune. Our longstanding conversations with brands and partners have suddenly expedited. We are in the advanced stage of closing a minority stake sale to fuel our Season 1 plans, staying aligned with our INR 150 crore spending target. We are confident of achieving an INR 1000+ crore valuation post Season 3.”

ISRL has enlisted CEAT as the title sponsor, Toyota Hilux as the vehicle partner, Axor and Kawasaki India as the industry partner in significant deals. The broadcast rights have been granted to Viacome18 via Jio Cinema and sports 18. The league garnered an overwhelming response from the global sporting community with registrations from over 120 riders worldwide.

The first season includes a total of 3 races held in major stadiums, the team is poised to entice the audience of Ahmedabad and New Delhi after a successful completion of the Pune race.

Bengaluru, 6th February 2024: Celebrating the spirit of love and beauty, Kryolan, a global professional cosmetics brand, is all set to paint the town red with an avant-garde Valentine’s Day Make-up Showcase and Masterclass Experience. Led by Ms. Sanah, a globally acclaimed make-up artist based out of Paris, France, this one-of-a-kind experience is set to take place on 14th February 2024 at the Kryolan City Bengaluru in Indira Nagar, promising an immersive fashion experience for aspiring make-up artists in beauty and high fashion and audiences alike.

With an impressive background in the TV and movie industry, as well as international high-profile events and festivals, Ms. Sanah is set to showcase three signature looks inspired by art from around the world that symbolize love in the truest sense. Attendees will have the privilege of witnessing the union of make-up, art, and fashion like no other and will also get to know the newest make-up trends from Ms. Sanah.

Kryolan’s Valentine’s Day Masterclass is open for both experienced and aspiring make-up artists wanting to learn Sanah’s techniques. For reservations and additional information, please contact +91 9500125626. Embrace the magic of make-up with us this Valentine’s Day and have an unparalleled experience.

Central Bank of India, Today launched two initiatives, the Bank’s State-of-the-art, Integrated Customer Care (ICC) and a new Customer Care Number – 1800 30 30. This was followed by the launch of Advanced Collections Management (ACM) in Mumbai.

 The inauguration of both the new facilities for ICC and ACM was done by Shri M. V. Rao, MD & CEO in the presence of Shri M. V. Murali Krishna, Executive Director, Shri Mahendra Dohare, Executive Director, Shri E. Ratan Kumar, General Manager- IT Digital, Shri Satish Agarwal, General Manager-PDOD, Shri S. V. Mangrulkar, General Manager- Credit Mon. & Policy and other key executives.

 ICC Overview:

ICC is a one-stop solution for all the Bank’s Customer queries, whether it is a Service Request or Digital Support. ICC will also run and manage various awareness, sales, marketing, and promotional campaigns for the Bank.

 ACM Overview:

Bank also launched an end-to-end Advanced Collections Management that leverages Data-Powered Automation to maximize collections and minimize delinquency.