Archives February 2024

Modern School Vasant Vihar Student Anandini Suri Wins Junior Astitva Samman 2024 for Pioneering Hunger Solution Project

Vasant Vihar, February 12, 2024 –

Anandini Suri, a Grade 11 student at Modern School Vasant Vihar, has been awarded the Junior Astitva Samman 2024 for her groundbreaking project, “Artificial Intelligence vs Real World Hunger: A New Approach to Solving Mankind’s Oldest Problem.”

MODERN SCHOOL

Anandini’s project has received widespread recognition for its unique approach to addressing one of humanity’s most pressing challenges – hunger. Her utilization of artificial intelligence to tackle real-world hunger issues can be benefecial in tackling the realtime issues related to it.

In addition to receiving the Junior Astitva Samman 2024, Anandini Suri has also been acknowledged by the UN World Food Programme (UNWFP) for her exceptional efforts in combatting hunger on a global scale. This recognition further underscores the significance of her work and its potential impact on alleviating food insecurity worldwide.

Anandini’s dedication, creativity, and passion for addressing societal issues serve as an inspiration to her peers and educators alike. Her achievement not only reflects positively on Modern School Vasant Vihar but also highlights the school’s commitment to nurturing innovative thinkers and changemakers.

In her project report, Anandini Suri highlighted following points:

• One of the main aims is to raise awareness about food waste and to inspire individuals to adopt more sustainable practices.
• Educating people and raising awareness is the first and most crucial step to prevent food wastage.

• Eradicating food waste from the agricultural level to the consumption level will be the only way to completely end world hunger.

International Epilepsy Day – 12 January 2024 Home remedies use delay in right treatment of Epilepsy in India

International Epilepsy Day - 12 January 2024 Home remedies use delay in right treatment of Epilepsy in IndiaMumbai – International Epilepsy Day, celebrated each year on the 2nd Monday of February, is an opportunity to raise awareness of epilepsy, what it is, how it can be treated, and what is needed to bring treatment to all people who need it. It has been pointed out by Apex group of Hospitals that 30 to 40 percent of Indian patients and their relatives still take home remedies and inadequate treatment for this disease. symptoms like numbness of the body, shaking of hands & legs, fainting, not being able to speak, falling with standing, difficulty in breathing, stiffness in the body indicates epilepsy. On this occasion Dr. Samir Parekh, Neurosurgeon from Apex group of Hospitals says, “We can say that Epilepsy is a chronic non-communicable disease of the brain that affects people of all ages. Around 50 million people across the world have epilepsy and so is one of the most common neurological diseases across the world. When feet or seizures occur many times the smell of onion or shoes is immediately given to the patient, but there is no truth in this and it does not benefit the patient. Epilepsy cannot be cured but can be managed with medication and a series of lifestyle changes. Controlling the triggers of the disorder can reduce the number of seizures one experiences. While not skipping medication is most important, there are certain lifestyle factors that can greatly reduce the risk of seizures. Brain damage from prenatal and perinatal injury, Congenital abnormalities, Brain Infections, Stroke and Brain Tumors, Head Injury/ Accidents and Prolonged high fever during childhood are the main causes of Epilepsy. Epilepsy is caused by high fever, stroke, brain injury, stress, imbalance in nerve signalling, alcohol consumption and so on. Many people are unaware of the causes, symptoms, and treatment of epilepsy.”
The neurological condition epilepsy is characterised by unequal brain activity that results in seizures or episodes of odd behavior, sensations, and occasionally loss of cognizance. Epilepsy can attack any person. Men and women of different ages, races, and cultural backgrounds can develop epilepsy. Even though epilepsy is treatable, three-fourths of those affected in underdeveloped nations do not obtain the necessary care. Approximately 10 to 12 million people in India experience seizures linked to epilepsy, added by Dr. Samir Parekh, Neurosurgeon from Apex group of Hospitals.
About Apex Group of Hospitals- Apex Group of Hospitals is a chain of Hospitals managed and run by expert Medical Professionals with experience of 25 years. Currently Apex group of Hospitals manage more than 350+ beds and provide qualitative healthcare services to the people of Mumbai and surrounding areas. Apex Hospitals is located in Borivali, Kandivali & Mulund.

Celebrate Love in Style, Comfort and Timeless Romance with Thomas Crick

February 2024, NationalThomas Crick, the quintessential footwear brand renowned for its timeless craftsmanship and elegance, invites you to step into romance this Valentine’s Day with the exquisite collection of shoes. Every collection brings a rich legacy of premium quality men’s leather footwear with a contemporary twist. Let this Valentine’s Day add style, comfort and timeless romance to your life by making your loved one feel special in innumerable ways.

With a strong focus on innovation, comfort, and style, Thomas Crick is set to become the go-to gift for your loved one seeking exceptional value and quality love. Whether you’re searching a gift for your partner, or pampering yourself to a special indulgence, adding the oomph to your style statement, Thomas Crick has you covered.

The Black Chelsea: Strike the perfect balance of style and comfort with this pair of black casual boots from THOMAS CRICK. The TPR sole offers an exceptional grip and balance, while the full grain leather upper completes the classy look of this pair of casual boots. Ideal for every fashion-conscious man, ideal for all casual occasions, it can be teamed with a pair of pants and a shirt to look fashionable.

Bordo Derby Biker Boots: Elevate your casual footwear collection with this stylish pair of bordo casual boots from THOMAS CRICK. The TPR sole is slip-resistant and offers complete traction on most surfaces. These casual boots come with full grain leather upper which is stylish and also ensures optimum comfort. It can be worn with a T-shirt and a pair of denim.

Teak Monk Shoe: Make a strong style statement with this trendy and comfortable pair of teak monk shoes from THOMAS CRICK. This pair comes with a nappa leather upper, and its sole is made of premium quality rubber to ensure longevity. It will keep your feet relaxed throughout the day. The pair is ideal for formal occasions and can be teamed with a pair of trousers and a shirt.

ACREX India 2024: Exploring Future Horizons in HVAC Innovation, Advancements and Sustainability

New Delhi, 12th February 2024: The 23rd edition of ACREX India, organized by the respected association, Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE) in collaboration with Informa Markets in India, India’s leading B2B events organizer, will be held at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi-NCR, from February 15th to 17th, 2024. This event, the largest exhibition in South Asia dedicated to Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation, and Intelligent Buildings, with the theme “Powering Global HVAC Supply Chain,” will focus on the growth of the HVAC manufacturing sector in India, projected to reach USD 21.5 billion (INR 1,78,000 crores) by 2028.

ACREX India 2024 provides a valuable platform for domestic and international manufacturers to connect with government officials, industry stalwarts, end users, and many more, helping them achieve their business objectives. The expo will feature over 500+ exhibitors from 40 countries including Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, the Netherlands, UAE, UK, Ukraine and USA while welcoming 25000 trade visitors in the 3-day event. Prominent industry leaders such as Fujitsu General India Pvt Ltd, Daikin, Danfoss, Bluestar, Tata Voltas, Mitsubishi Heavy, Sharp India, Haier HVAC Solutions, Edge tech, and others will mark their presence, thereby offering a comprehensive perspective on current HVAC trends worldwide.

Offering a significant industry perspective, Mr. Sushil Choudhury, Chairman, ACREX India 2024 stated, “ACREX India stands as the highpoint of India’s HVAC narrative, weaving together the threads of Decarbonization, Technology Enablement, and Innovation, and integration of supply chain. Guided by ISHRAE’s visionary pursuit of advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning for the Indian HVAC industry, the ACREX India Expo shoulders the responsibility of spotlighting India’s stature as a global manufacturing hub, resonating with the essence of ‘Make in India’. The industry has also served as an example of India’s resilience and turnaround story in the post pandemic era. In 2023, air conditioners operating in India consumed around 190 TWH of electricity (more than 10% of national total), which is projected to reach 600 TWH by 2038. This corresponds to the proliferation of residential buildings across India’s rapidly expanding tier 1, 2, and 3 cities and the air-conditioner now being considered a necessity as opposed to a luxury item.

In line with the Prime Minister’s Atmanirbharta vision, ACREX epitomizes India’s strategic manufacturing prowess on the global stage. Don’t miss this indispensable showcase of the HVAC industry’s boundless potential!”

With this grand edition in the Delhi-NCR region, ACREX India is destined to continue its rich legacy and set new benchmarks professionals to congregate, collaborate, and elevate their businesses, showcasing materials, equipment, the latest technologies, and innovations in the industry on an international stage. The show is amply supported by both domestic and international associations such as Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Trades Association (RATA), All India Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Association (ACRA), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR), Assocham India, Indian Plumbing Association, India Green Building Council (IGBC), FSAI among others. This will help to bridge the gap between suppliers and buyers.

Speaking on the announcement of ACREX India, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets India said, “The growth of India’s HVAC market is a testament to the dynamic interplay of urbanization, improved standards of living, climate change, and strategic government initiatives promoting energy efficiency and sustainability. Simultaneously, with India aligning with global supply chain requirements, the HVAC export market is flourishing year on year, consistently showcasing the prowess of the Indian manufacturing sector on the global arena.

The India HVAC Market reached USD 9.1 billion in 2023 and has a projected a CAGR of 14.5% during the forecast period of 2025-2029.  The market continues to expand, driven by the adoption of energy-efficient systems and increasing demand in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Within this framework, ACREX India stands, with its own impressive highlights and legacy, as a vital platform for industry leaders and innovators to converge and navigate the evolving landscape. With a host of features including the ‘Pledge for Decarbonisation’, the show continues to elevate its reputation among every stakeholder of the industry,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, K J Jawa, Chairman & MD, Daikin India said, “The shift towards smart HVAC systems is a significant trend in India. As energy, consumption continues to rise and system efficiency improves, buyers are actively choosing an intelligent HVAC systems that offers enhanced controls, real-time monitoring, advanced building automation, and IoT integration. The global increase in temperatures has also heightened the frequency and intensity of heat waves, droughts, and rainfall, impacting relative humidity and thus affecting the performance and energy usage of HVAC equipment.

Furthermore, the government’s increased investments in the construction sector have created a demand for HVAC systems, further driving growth in the HVAC electronics market. In its 23rd edition, ACREX India, has again taken a proactive step in supporting India’s carbon emissions reduction goals and the pursuit of improved energy efficiency through its concept of engineering towards net-zero. I am glad that the industry players through ACREX 2024 aims to tackle environmental challenges on a large scale and provide the HVAC industry with a roadmap towards lower carbon intensity, reduced fuel and electricity consumption, consequently increasing the demand for energy-efficient equipment in the market.”

He further added, “The HVAC industry in India was at a market size of  $7,820.5 million in 2021, and it is anticipated to reach an approx.  $30,000 million by 2030, owing to a CAGR growth of 15.8% between 2021 and 2030. The growth is attributed to progressive government policies, infrastructure development, technological advancements, and rising tourism activities across the country. The rising disposable income and various initiatives by the Government that focus on improving the energy efficiency of appliances are also contributing to the market growth.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ravichandran Purushothaman, President, Danfoss India, said, “The HVAC industry is on a transformative path driven by global trends in sustainability, energy efficiency, and the quest for net-zero emissions. We’re witnessing a shift towards high-energy efficient appliances and eco-friendly refrigerants across sectors like refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pumps. As we head towards 2050, consumer preferences and regulatory changes will propel a transition towards environmentally friendly solutions, aligned with the Race to Zero campaign and net-zero emission goals. To thrive in this evolving landscape, businesses must innovate sustainably, invest in R&D, and embrace digitalization. At ACREX India 2024, we’re committed to showcasing our innovative solutions, fostering collaborations, and driving the adoption of sustainable practices. Together, we’re shaping a greener future for the HVAC industry in India.”

According to Mr. Arvind JA. Kumar, Assistant General Manager Marketing, ABS Fujitsu General India Pvt Ltd, “As the HVAC industry undergoes transformative growth, we are witnessing a global shift towards sustainability, energy efficiency, and achieving net-zero emissions. This evolution, fueled by urbanization and decarbonization, is driving demand for high-energy efficient appliances and environmentally friendly refrigerants. By 2050, the landscape of the air conditioning market is set to evolve significantly, with consumer preferences and regulatory changes shaping the transition towards environmentally friendly and energy-efficient solutions. 

At ACREX India 2024, We are committed to showcase our innovative and sustainable HVAC solutions, advancing energy-efficient technologies, and collaborating with industry partners to drive sustainable practices. We believe ACREX India offers a exceptional platform to shape the future of the HVAC industry in India” 

ACREX India 2024 sets the stage with compelling features designed to elevate the sector. A power-packed seminar will comprise sessions on ‘NET ZERO 2070 – Roadmap for Large And MSME Manufacturers In The HVAC Trade’; ‘Workforce Development In India – The Roadmap For The HVACR Industry’; ‘Innovative HVAC Technologies For The Hospitality Industry’; and ‘Transforming HVAC For Infrastructure Projects And Buildings’; with panel discussions and presentations in each session. With designated spaces like a Startup Pavilion, serving as a dynamic platform for entrepreneurs to showcase entrepreneurial ideas; Innovation Zone, Demo Zone, B2B Meetings, Seminar & Workshops, Launch Pad, Solution Centre, and Idea Presentation, ACREX ensures an immersive experience that delves deep into emerging trends and inspirations for the industry.

Attendees at the expo can also look forward to much-anticipated events such as the prestigious ACREX Awards of Excellence. This distinguished accolade acknowledges outstanding work and products. Adding

to the prestige is the ACREX Hall of Fame, a noteworthy recognition of industry icons whose contributions inspire building developers, architects, and designers.

ACREX India 2024 promises not only to showcase the latest in HVAC innovation but also to honour and celebrate those who drive excellence in the field.

ISB Executive Education releases India Corporate Governance Scorecard 2024*

Hyderabad, India – February 12th, 2024: In response to a growing need to understand the state of Indian Boards, the Indian School of Business (ISB) Executive Education has released the ‘India Corporate Governance Scorecard – 2024’. Conducted by Sanjay Kallapur, Professor, ISB, Nirmalya Kumar, Professor, SMU, and Harish Raichandani (adjunct faculty), ISB, the empirical report, based on a survey of directors from Indian Companies, offers insights into the prevailing practices and challenges in corporate governance.

The study evaluated corporate governance in nine areas across three dimensions: Guidance and Oversight, Board Functioning, and Leadership. The responding directors provided perspectives on boards of different types of companies, viz., professionally managed companies, promoter/ family-owned, multinational corporations, Indian conglomerates, and the PSUs.

A few of the highlights from their findings include:

· The scorecard reveals the varying degrees of satisfaction (percentage of directors responding “satisfied” or “highly satisfied”) across three dimensions: Board Leadership – 82%, Board Functioning – 73%, and Guidance & Oversight – 71%

· Directors demonstrate strong board effectiveness, marked by leadership acumen, a vibrant culture of collaboration, effective Board-CEO engagement, and commitment to their roles

· Directors exhibit a dichotomy in risk oversight, with high confidence in regulatory compliance at 95%, yet mixed vigilance over obsolescence and technology risks at 68% and 72%, respectively

· Strategic oversight emerges as a critical area for improvement, with only 68% satisfaction, indicating a potential blind spot in Indian boardrooms’ competencies

Emphasising the goal of the Scorecard released, Sanjay Kallapur, Professor, Accounting at ISB, said, “Corporate governance is a driver of value creation and competitive advantage for companies. The India Corporate Governance Scorecard 2024 is a pioneering initiative that offers a valuable benchmark for Indian companies to compare their corporate governance performance with their peers and identify areas for improvement. The report aims to serve as a catalyst for constructive dialogue and action among various stakeholders, such as regulators, investors, board members, executives, and academics, to foster a culture of excellence and innovation in corporate governance in India.”

The findings further equip ISB Executive Education to create more relevant corporate governance programmes, such as the ‘Powering High-Performance Boards’. With only one in 4 directors certifying that their board takes steps to educate/ train them, the demand for ISB’s board education services will likely increase further. The survey reveals that the directors require more regular updates on risks and regulatory aspects and keep abreast of industry changes.

Nirmalya Kumar, Professor, Marketing, Singapore Management University and visiting faculty, ISB who specialises in Strategy and Marketing, expressed concern at the low scores on the initiative taken by Indian directors to obtain information from independent sources and strategic oversight. He says, “The growth of Indian economy and the companies that comprise it will lead to burgeoning demand for board members. However, for boards to effectively fulfil their role on behalf of shareholders they must balance the time spent on compliance currently with greater attention to the strategic direction of the company.” Board members also expressed concerns about their engagement between meetings, needing more independent information sources, and staying updated on industry trends. The lack of mechanisms for addressing issues with ‘problematic’ directors and the need for a ‘devil’s advocate’ in decision-making were also noted.

It was not a surprise to see PSUs lagging on most of the scores; this is an opportunity for the concerned government ministries to focus and set new corporate governance benchmarks. The survey provided directors with an opportunity to voice their observations and concerns. Although they voted high on the oversight of compliances, their concern is that competent professionals are shying away from taking up Independent Director roles due to excessive focus from regulators.

Harish Raichandani, adjunct faculty and researcher at ISB, echoed director sentiments concerning directors’ true independence and a need to improve independent director selection and succession planning processes. To improve corporate governance, 22% of directors see the need to improve Board Composition and 31% of directors see a need to improve the flow of information to their Boards. Many voiced the need to focus on Board agenda related processes and offered suggestions to improve the same. Only 45% of directors believe that they have a robust whistle-blower mechanism in place

Quick Heal Foundation Transforms Over 50 Lakh Lives, Celebrates ‘Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha’ Awards 2024

Quick Heal Foundation Transforms Over 50 Lakh Lives, Celebrates ‘Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha’ Awards 2024Mumbai: 12th February 2024: Quick Heal Foundation, the CSR arm of Quick Heal Technologies Limited, a global cybersecurity solutions provider, hosted the 2024 edition of the ‘Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha Awards’ on February 10th in Pune, Maharashtra. The ceremony recognizes the outstanding efforts of the volunteering institutions, teachers, and students who have participated in its flagship initiative ‘Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha’. The award ceremony was graced by Ms. Anupama Katkar, Chairperson, Quick Heal Foundation, Prof. V. L. Maheshwari, Vice Chancellor of Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon, Prof. (Dr) Prakash A. Mahanwar, Vice Chancellor of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University, Mr. Sanjay Shintre, Superintendent of Police – Maharashtra Cyber and the academicians from 29 participating institutions.

The ‘Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha’ initiative aims to create awareness and educate the masses, especially the marginalized sections of society, about the importance of cyber safety and the best practices to follow in the digital world. The initiative has sensitized over 47 lakh students, teachers, and the general public on various aspects of cybersecurity, such as identifying cyber threats, practicing cyber hygiene, prevalent cyber laws, and cyber ethics, through collaborations with local educational institutions and street plays. Under the same initiative, the Foundation has launched an ‘Earn & Learn’ program aimed to empower the youth of the country. This program purposely engages and trains student volunteers strengthening their skill set to become future leaders of the country. These students relentlessly join the cause of spreading cyber awareness amongst communities at large in the most creative ways possible. In the past year, the initiative has touched over 8 lakh lives alone.

The nominations for the awards came from 6 zones across Maharashtra and Karnataka, reflecting the widespread impact of the program. The awards were given under the categories of Cyber Suraksha Warriors (Students), Cyber Safety Champions (Teachers), and Cyber Shiksha Champion of the Year (Institutions), based on the data received from the colleges describing the action, activities, and outreach efforts. Cyber Warriors were awarded in 3 categories – Best Process Compliance, Highest Outreach & Impact, and Outstanding Performance, while Cyber Safety Champions were awarded in 2 categories – Best Process Compliance and Extra Mile Recognition. Cyber Shiksha Champions received awards in 3 categories – Best Process Compliance, Special Appreciation for Media Outreach, and Creative Performance. With six winners each, the diverse categories highlighted exceptional contributions & achievements by all volunteers.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Anupama Katkar, Chief of Operational Excellence, Quick Heal and Chairperson of Quick Heal Foundation said, “It makes me proud to share the profound impact of our CSR initiatives, positively influencing the lives of over 50 lakh individuals, especially the ones living in remote corners of the country. What better way to commemorate this achievement than through the 2024 edition of the ‘Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha’ Awards. This momentous ceremony not only recognizes the invaluable contributions of volunteering institutions, dedicated teachers, and enthusiastic students, who have displayed exemplary commitment to spreading the crucial message of cyber safety to the masses. It also serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to inspire and empower the youth—the future leaders of our nation. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, local state administrations, the Police, Maharashtra Cyber, and industry bodies, including Nasscom, for standing with us in our mission to establish ‘cybersafety as a fundamental right for all’. Together, we aspire to ignite a movement that encourages more & more individuals to join us in creating a cyber safe and secure India.”

Lauding Quick Heal Foundation’s efforts, Mr. Sanjay Shintre, Superintendent of Police – Maharashtra Cyber, said, “In today’s digital age, where cybercrimes are on the rise, the importance of cybersecurity and safety awareness cannot be overstated. It is indeed a pleasure to witness Quick Heal Foundation’s relentless pursuit to equip the general masses with the knowledge needed to stay a step ahead of cybercrimes. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Anupama Katkar and her team for the exceptional work they have done in securing our nation. The ‘Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha’ initiative is a testament to their dedication to creating a cyber-safe environment, and I applaud their efforts in making a significant impact in the field of cybersecurity education.”

Prof. V. L. Maheshwari, Vice Chancellor of Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon, commented, “It brings me immense pleasure to be associated with Quick Heal Foundation and the ‘Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha’ campaign. The initiative is not just about imparting knowledge on cybersecurity but is a noble cause that shapes the future of our nation. Motivating faculty and students to actively participate in this endeavor not only enhances their skills but also equips them for a lifetime of success. I am proud to witness our volunteering students contribute to this vital mission, laying the foundation for them to become future leaders and cyber guardians of our society.”

Prof. (Dr) Prakash A. Mahanwar, Vice Chancellor of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University, resonated a similar sentiment by saying, “It is a true honor to be associated with Quick Heal Foundation and their commendable ‘Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha’ campaign. This noble cause goes beyond cybersecurity education – it instills a sense of responsibility and skill development in our volunteering students. By participating in this initiative, our students not only gain valuable knowledge but also acquire a skill set that will undoubtedly contribute to their success in future roles. Quick Heal Foundation’s commitment to shaping the future of our nation through such impactful campaigns is truly commendable.”

Quick Heal Foundation has been working relentlessly towards the social well-being of the nation, addressing critical areas such as education, skill development, and primary healthcare by promoting community participation, diversity, and inclusion, through various impactful programs and campaigns. Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, & 17, these initiatives have exceeded expectations with their impact reaching the remotest tribal communities, marginalized sections of society, and communities-at-large. The foundation has reached a significant milestone in touching the lives of over 50 lakh individuals through its initiatives in health and education across the nation.

Apart from the ‘Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha’ initiative, Quick Heal Foundation has also contributed significantly towards youth empowerment by bridging the skill set gap through initiatives such as Earn and Learn, the Faculty Development Program. The foundation has also worked towards promoting healthcare in the remotest of regions through the Arogya Yan (fully equipped medical vans) Donation program. Outreach programs conducted by Quick Heal Foundation, such as Life Skill Education, the Shaalangan Counselling Centre, Tribal Development Project, Arogya Mansampada, etc., have been instrumental in fostering personal development and well-being among the country’s youth, especially individuals residing in underserved regions.

Single.id Addresses ‘rewards Payment’ Challenges For Retailers, Partnering With Some Of The Biggest Retail & Financial Partners

Mumbai: February 12, 2024 – Single.id, the world’s first cross-reward-programme-identifier, operated by Enigmatic Smile, addresses the issue of wasted reward budgets for retailers in the payment linked rewards space. Single.id will provide a consolidated End User identity across the entire retail rewards space. This innovation correctly tracks, and attributes, every payment linked offer, claimed by every connected consumer, across all connected rewards programmes. The clarity which Single.id brings to the entire offer industry, both in-store and online, cannot be underestimated.

The service has partnered with 30 of the country’s biggest brands including McDonald’s and Shoppers Stop to provide a holistic view of all consumer payment linked reward redemptions.  NDTV Big Bonus has already onboarded 250K consumers. Now, Sarvatra Technologies, itself representing over 600 banks in the country, aims to onboard the next 20 million end users.  When retailers are able to correctly attribute payments-linked rewards transactions, guaranteeing no double payments of rewards, they can confidently utilize the channel to reward their current customers, as well as reach out to millions more.

With Single.idpayment linked offers become seamless, connecting shoppers existing credit cards and debit cards to rewards, and with Sarvatra now introducing offers on UPI payments, provide a holistic market penetration of unmatched scale.

Whilst customers collect value seamlessly across multiple brands, Single.id now makes rewarding customers risk free for retailers. It does this by functioning as a universal identifier across various reward programs for individuals and their payment cards.

“Attributing the source of an offer claimant is very hard in the payment linked rewards space. One payment generates only one transaction so it should only generate one reward, but this isn’t always the case. A lack of clear attribution for payment-linked rewards results in retailers paying out multiple times on each transaction, depleting their ROI and creating a strong resistance to participating in multiple Reward Programmes. Enigmatic Smile solves this very real concern for retailers with the Single.id service.

It provides a comprehensive, collaborative, End User identity, something no other competing reward system has achieved!” said Bish Smeir, CEO, Enigmatic Smile.

Single.id’s consolidated End User identity, drawn from multiple sources, offers immense long-term value to reward programs, retailers and consumers alike. Any reward programme can “plug in” instantly and access offers from all connected brands.

“We are delighted to collaborate with our new partner Sarvatra Technologies. Through this collaboration, we aim to enhance and simplify the loyalty experience for retailers, enabling them to participate in multiple reward programmes by eliminating double dipping risk,” added Chandra Bhushan, Country Head, Enigmatic Smile.

Brand ambassador MS Dhoni graced the event where Sarvatra Technologies launched their new app in association with Enigmatic Smile. Speaking on the occasion, Mandar Agashe, Founder & MD of Sarvatra Technologies said, “Since inception, the focus of Sarvatra Technologies has been to extend the benefits of new age payment services to the underbanked semi-urban and rural population of India. I am excited that our tie-up with Single.id will allow our client banks operating in semi-urban and rural India across 27 States and 3 Union Territories to reward their customers. Our client banks using our UPI switch and Rupay Debit Cards platform benefit by enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty via Sarvatra Rewards. And, in turn, the bank customers stand to double their benefits, as they will earn rewards from not just their UPI PSP app, but from their banks as well, every time they use their UPI or RuPay Debit Card to shop. It is a win-win for all the participants in the Sarvatra Rewards program and marks a step forward in India’s digital growth journey.”

Single.id consolidates reward balances across multiple reward programmes with a single sign-in. Single.id links all participating reward programmes and consolidates a customer’s identity, permissions, consents and balances.

Football legend from Manchester visit india

Manchester United and Norwegian Footballing legend – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – has arrived in India for a 3 city tour to interact with Manchester United fans in India.
Thousands of Manchester United fans across India thronged to the Mumbai airport to get a glimpse of one of their favourite football players and get a chance to interact with him.

Members of the Manchester United Supporters’ Club of Hyderabad (MUSCH) also made the journey early in the morning to meet with Ole Gunnar.
Taking the opportunity to interact with him, the MUSCH members presented the Legend with a miniature replica of Charminar – Hyderabad’s everlasting pride.
Upon receiving the token of appreciation and Hyderabadi love, Ole was touched and expressed his excitement at being welcomed with a prestigious gift.

MUSCH is one of the most active Fan club chapters that Manchester United has around the globe. With match screenings and global membership being offered by MUSCH to all Manchester United fans in and around Hyderabad, the Supporters’ club is in their own words “keeping the red flag flying high”

Rachana Mistry steps in the shoes of Arya post the leap in Dabangii Mulgi Aayi Re Aayi

Sony Entertainment Television’s intriguing narrative, ‘Dabangii – Mulgi Aayi Re Aayi’, has kept the audience riveted with Arya’s quest to find her father; and entering into a world of hidden secrets and entangled relationships that turned her life upside down.

Rachana M

 In the ongoing track, Satya (Aamir Dalvi) uncovers the shocking truth that Arya is his long-lost daughter, leaving him flustered. However, he is put to the ultimate test when Kasturi’s (Himani Chawla) cunning schemes drive him to conspire against Arya. Amidst the turmoil, Arya’s uncle and foster father, Ankush (Manav Gohil) sacrifices himself to shield Arya, leaving her to grapple with the aftermath of the familial betrayal. And, as the story unfolds, viewers will witness a 14-year leap, catapulting the narrative into new territory, brimming with Arya’s vengeance. Stepping into the shoes of a grown-up Arya post-leap will be the talented actor, Rachana Mistry. Disguised as Aira and driven by an urge for justice, Arya, still embodying her Dabangii spirit but with newfound maturity, seeks retribution for the murders of her Aai, Chhaya, and Baba Ankush.

Prof Rajat Moona, Director, IIT Gandhinagar, releases a book – “Leadership Transition for Engineers”

Prof Rajat Moona, Director, IIT Gandhinagar, releases a book - “Leadership Transition for Engineers”Gandhinagar: What would you do to boost the morale of your team when your project hits a wall? How will you make a decision when faced with two conflicting situations? How can you lead your organisation to the next level with innovation and limited resources? These are a few of the dilemmas faced by professionals in leadership positions.

A new book penned by Prof Rajeev Sharma, Adjunct Professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) at the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN), answers these and more questions to groom and guide engineering leaders. The book, titled “Leadership Transition for Engineers”, was unveiled by Prof Rajat Moona, Director, IITGN, along with the author of the book Prof Rajeev Sharma, and Prof Vikrant Jain, HoD, HSS-IITGN, on February 9, 2024.

Prof Rajeev Sharma dons multiple hats and transitioned from a seasoned banker to a management consultant, coach, mentor, academician, and author. His case study on the Turnaround of Canara Bank, where he superannuated as the Chief General Manager, was also published in the Harvard Business Review (HBR). In the last ten years, he has built Leadership Development Programmes for the top management and senior managers of public & private sector banks, foreign banks, corporates and Fortune 500 enterprises, and women leaders.

This is his third book, and it attempts to guide engineering leaders on how to navigate and accelerate comfortably through career transitions based on his own leadership experiences and studies. It provides the insights, tools, strategies and advice engineers need to succeed and keep moving in their career journey through a series of chapters like Seeing the Big Picture, Mastering Relationships, Communicating Effectively, Getting Things Done, Using Assets Wisely, Taking Organisation to the Next Level, and so on. It will be a differentiating resource for aspiring engineering students, mid-career engineering leaders, and CEOs of startups and unicorns, helping them to make a positive impact in their field.

Speaking about his motivation to write the book, Prof Rajeev Sharma said, “Even though there are a lot of books on leadership, I realised that there are virtually no books to guide engineering students on their leadership journey. Hence, I decided to write this book while teaching a course on Strategic Leadership at IITGN, which will also serve as a guidebook for grooming future leaders.” The book is available for sale at Amazon and Flipkart.

The event ended with a Q&A session between students and Prof Rajeev Sharma. The book is available on Amazon and Flipkart.