Archives February 2024

Bengaluru, February 26, 2024:

The Railways Strategic Business Group of L&T Construction has secured a significant order to construct the Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Project (Phase 2A) (Contract Package CP205) for MRT Jakarta through L&T’s long-term Japanese partner, Sojitz Corporation. This Contract marks the first EPC Railway Systems Order for L&T in the ASEAN region.

The Jakarta MRT Phase 2A is an extension of the existing Jakarta MRT Line for the section between Bundaran HI up to and including Kota with a total length of approx. 12.5 km and 7 underground stations.

This package involves procurement and delivery of multiple systems across various domains on a design and build basis including overall system integration. The project scope includes Trackworks, Overhead Contact System, Substation System, Power Distribution System, Signaling System & Telecommunication Systems, SCADA Facility, Platform Screen Doors, and modification of the equipment installed in the existing OCC and the stations/train sets (Phase-1).

L&T is India’s leading player in offering turnkey Design-Build/ EPC solutions for Railway Projects with single point responsibility encompassing design, engineering, supply, project planning, quality control and execution. L&T is currently executing such integrated Railway Systems projects for Mauritius LRT and Dhaka Metro.

Several railway projects are envisaged to be developed in the ASEAN region over the next decade. Following a boost to their infrastructure budgets recently, the governments of these countries have ambitious plans to expand their urban rail systems. Moreover, investors are also showing an increasing interest as the region promises significant opportunities for growth.

This order win in Jakarta will strengthen L&T’s foothold in the ASEAN region and enable it secure more such orders there.

Bangalore, 26 February, 2024: Kofluence, the disruptive AI-driven Ad-Tech influencer marketing platform, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sohail Khan Qadri as the Vice President of Client Success. In his new role, Sohail will lead the strategic management of large and key accounts across India, with a dual focus on enhancing existing partnerships and cultivating new business opportunities to upsell and cross-sell influencer marketing initiatives.

Sohail brings over 25 years of extensive experience, having held key positions with organizations such as iRealities Technology, Answerz Digital Pvt Ltd, vMobo, dgm India, Digital Direction of RK Swamy BBDO, and Lintas India among others. Sohail’s most recent tenure was with iProspect India, Dentsu International, a leading global digital-first media agency, where he excelled as VP – Account Management & Client Servicing, playing a pivotal role in driving client satisfaction and business growth. Prior to this, he served as National Business Head of SVG MEDIA, a part of the Dentsu International network.

Commenting on the appointment, Sohail remarked, “The Indian Influencer Marketing industry has witnessed a significant uptick in spending over the past few years, boasting a robust CAGR of 30-40%. However, despite the exponential growth, influencer marketing, both globally and in India, operates within a nebulous space, lacking a universal marketplace or standardization. This lack of transparency presents challenges for industry players, which I believe Kofluence, with its data-driven platform, is adeptly addressing. Bringing some much-needed calm to the chaos, Kofluence provides predictability and automation through its proprietary SAAS platform, streamlining every step of the campaign lifecycle, from creator discovery and matchmaking to campaign management, reporting, and payments. I am thus excited about my shift from a comprehensive agency background to Kofluence, a company that is already paving the way for the future.”

Kofluence, Co-Founder Ritesh Ujjwal said, “We are delighted to have Sohail join our leadership team. At Kofluence, we find ourselves at an exciting juncture, and Sohail’s extensive industry knowledge and proven track record of success make him an invaluable addition to our team. With Sohail leading our account management efforts, we are confident in our ability to deliver exceptional results for our clients and further drive the expansion of influencer marketing across India.”

Kofluence, CEO & Co-Founder Sreeram Reddy Vanga said, “At Kofluence, we take pride in our ability to empower brands to swiftly and effectively execute influencer activations at scale, maintaining a high standard of quality and impact throughout. With this commitment in mind, we are thrilled to welcome Sohail to our team. His wealth of experience and expertise will play a crucial role as we pursue our mission of engaging with key brands across the influencer marketing landscape, whether they are seasoned veterans or newcomers to the field.”

Bengaluru, 26th Feb – Star Sports, the official broadcaster of TATA IPL 2024, has launched its exclusive fan-centric initiative, ‘Star Nahi Far’ with Hardik Pandya in Mumbai. Vibrant crowd across Mumbai were present at NMIMS to greet the Mumbai Indians’ Captain and Team India’s dynamic all-rounder, Hardik Pandya. Not only this, he then did a spontaneous visit to a nearby society to surprise his fans.

New Delhi, February 26th, 2024: Renowned Political Strategist, TV personality, successful entrepreneur and Founder and Chairman, Nambiar Group, Managing Director of Flags Communications and B-Square solutions, Mr. PKD Nambiar left for heavenly abode on February 23rd 2024 leaving a profound void in the lives of everyone he touched. He was just 47 years old. Mr. PKD Nambiar was not merely a leader, but a beacon of excellence, guiding everybody with his unwavering commitment to scale new heights.

In an emotional message, his son Ayush Nambiar, on behalf of family & organisation said, “As we bid farewell to a titan in our midst, the Nambiar Group pledges to honour his memory by continuing to march forward on the path he illuminated for us. Although he may no longer be with us in person, his spirit lives on in every project the group undertakes and every milestone it achieves.”

A visionary like no other, he built a team of great minds; from award-winners to brand shapers, he chose only the best of the industry, and groomed them to carry forward his legacy of excellence

Mr. PKD Nambiar commenced his entrepreneurial journey at the tender age of 20 and over the years went on to become one of the most visible political strategists and television personalities actively participating in political debates with his unique style and originality, which made him a sought-after personality in business, political and media circles.

He is also the author of the highly acclaimed book “You Too Can Be A Brand” which has sold 25000+ copies on a popular e-commerce site. He has received several awards for his leadership, innovation, business excellence and philanthropy which will forever be etched in history. A prolific writer, Mr. PKD Nambiar’s articles have been published in many reputed media outlets across the country.

Bengaluru, 26 February, 2024: The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) and NMTronics India Pvt. Ltd. have announced the partnership for launch of the ‘NMTronics Center of Excellence for Electronics Manufacturing and Skills Development’ at IIT Kanpur. This collaboration signifies a major advancement in the synergy between industry and academia, promising ground-breaking research, technological innovation, and skill development in the field of electronics manufacturing.

This initiative was formalized through the signing of the MoU by Prof. Kantesh Balani, Dean of Resources and Alumni, IIT Kanpur, and Mr. Soni Saran Singh, CEO, Founder, and Managing Director of NMTronics India Pvt. Ltd, in the presence of Prof. S. Ganesh, Director of IIT Kanpur. The center aims to foster collaboration in research and development while providing advanced learning opportunities through IIT Kanpur’s learning and development programs and will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a fully automated Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Line.

Prof. S. Ganesh, Director, IIT Kanpur emphasized the significance of the collaboration with the NMTronics for establishing the Center of Excellence (CoE) for Electronics Manufacturing and Skills Development on campus and said “It is a significant milestone in IIT-Kanpur’s commitment to fostering industry-academia partnerships and delivering unparalleled technological expertise to students and all other stakeholders. It provides a platform for joint research, knowledge exchange, and skill enhancement, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and technological breakthroughs. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to drive socio-economic development through cutting-edge research and industry collaboration. We are grateful to NMTronics India Pvt. Ltd for their generous contribution in instituting the center and look forward to a successful endeavour “.

Mr. Soni Saran Singh, CEO, Founder, and Managing Director of NMTronics India Pvt. Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to announce the establishment of the “NMTronics Center of Excellence for Electronics Manufacturing and Skills Development” on IITK Campus. This initiative highlights our unwavering commitment to driving innovation and creating value for our customers. By partnering with IIT Kanpur, we are harnessing the collective expertise of academia and industry to fuel technological advancements and shape the future of the electronic industry.”

Prof. Kantesh Balani, Dean of Resources and Alumni, IIT Kanpur said “IIT Kanpur appreciates the generous support and progressive approach of NMTronics in promoting Electronics Manufacturing and Skills Development. This Center will promote strong industry-academia engagement and will play a pivotal role in manpower training with current industry practices for electronic industry.”

This CoE is expected to be operational by August 2024 on the IIT Kanpur campus. It will offer support for IIT Kanpur’s course curriculum, provide advanced certification programs for industry professionals, and serve as a new product introduction (NPI) site for startups and small businesses. Additionally, the center will facilitate development in semiconductor technologies, embedded systems, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), translating manufacturing concepts into tangible reality.

As part of the collaboration, NMTronics India Pvt. Ltd. will provide technical expertise, and access to its state-of-the-art facilities for collaborative projects with IIT Kanpur. This partnership is positioned to establish an innovation-friendly ecosystem, fostering the development of cutting-edge technologies with real-world applications.

Malda, West Bengal February 26, 2024: Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, marks a significant milestone in its commitment to providing next-day grocery deliveries to consumers with the launch of its grocery fulfillment center in Malda, West Bengal. This will be Flipkart’s fourth grocery fulfillment center in the state which will alone generate more than 700 direct and indirect local job opportunities while providing nationwide market entry for thousands of local sellers, MSMEs, and small-scale farmers in the region.

Spread over 1.13 lakh square feet with a dispatch capacity of over 1 lac units per day, this fulfillment center will cater to more than 7,000 orders per day across Berhampore, Malda, the North Bengal belts, and parts of Jharkhand and Bihar, including Bhagalpur, Deoghar, Munger, Purnea, Rampurhat, Saharsa, Siliguri, and Suiri. Based on local consumer insights, the new center in Malda provides consumers access to a curated range of locally popular brands such as Biskfarm Biscuits, JK Masala and Spices, Emami oil items, and Miniket Rice, to name a few. Additionally, the facility will provide over 5,000 products, ranging from a local selection of daily grocery items to products from established FMCG companies such as ITC, HUL, P&G, and more.

Shri Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal, said, “I am happy to learn that Flipkart’s grocery fulfillment center is being established in Malda, West Bengal which is surely a significant milestone in our state’s socio-economic progress. Flipkart’s continued investment in West Bengal is a testament to the state’s strong local economy and business-friendly environment. The expansion of Flipkart’s supply chain infrastructure aligns with the state’s vision of providing improved livelihood opportunities to the local ecosystem. We are proud to welcome Flipkart’s yet another grocery fulfillment center to the state and foresee greater participation in the digital commerce space in the coming years. I hope our farmers and producers will reap the maximum benefit from this endeavour.”

Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Flipkart Group, said, “We are happy to continue expanding our footprints in the state with the opening of our fourth grocery fulfillment center in West Bengal. Our commitment to next-day delivery ensures that local consumers have access to fresh groceries delivered to their doorsteps, bringing the benefits and convenience of e-commerce into their lives. Furthermore, by strengthening partnerships with local farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), MSMEs and other local businesses, we remain committed to further our vision of empowering these communities economically and fostering sustainable growth while creating new livelihood opportunities.”

Commenting on the launch, Hari Kumar G, Vice President, Head of Grocery, Flipkart, said, “West Bengal and the neighbouring regions, including North-East have always been an important market for us as we are seeing significant growth in the demand for online grocery in this region. With the launch of the fourth grocery fulfillment center in the state, we will be able to offer unparalleled customer service combined with superior value delivered at the customer’s convenience while giving a push to the upliftment of livelihoods of numerous regional businesses and sellers. Infrastructure expansion has always been an imperative step towards bringing the goodness of e-commerce to the doorstep of consumers making their online shopping experience much more seamless and convenient.”

Malda, historically reliant on fulfillment centers in Kolkata, will now have its own dedicated facility in the state, aligning with the company’s vision toward next-day deliveries and elevating the overall shopping experience for consumers. It also reinforces the company’s commitment to inclusivity, with 25 percent representation from various segments, including the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and ex-defense/veterans in its workforce.

Flipkart’s inauguration of the grocery fulfillment center in Malda reaffirms its commitment to fostering sustainable growth and holistic progress. West Bengal’s prominence in e-commerce, job creation, and seller growth aligns with Flipkart’s strategic investments in supply chain infrastructure and artisan empowerment. As a pioneer in driving economic development and enhancing consumer accessibility, Flipkart’s endeavors epitomize its mission to empower communities, boost local economies, and bridge the digital gap, marking an important milestone in West Bengal’s journey towards inclusive prosperity.

Barcelona, Spain, February 26, 2024: Huawei hosted the 5G Beyond Growth Summit at MWC Barcelona 2024 today. At the summit, Li Peng, Huawei’s Corporate Senior Vice President and President of ICT Sales & Service discussed how carriers can achieve business success in 5G and how 5.5G will further unlock the potential of networks and create new growth opportunities.

“5G is on the right path to business success,” said Li. 5G began commercialization in 2019, and over the past five years, it has already gained 1.5 billion 5G users around the world. It took nine years for 4G to make this happen. Currently, 20% of global mobile subscribers are using 5G. These users generate 30% of all mobile traffic and contribute to 40% of mobile service revenue.

Li explained, “5.5G is entering commercial use in 2024, and as 5.5G, AI, and cloud converge, carriers can unlock the potential of new applications and capabilities.”

He went on saying carriers around to the world should focus on high-quality networking, multi dimensional monetization, emerging services, and generative AI to grasp these opportunities.

High-quality networks are still the foundation of business success

Mobile users have proven willing to purchase experience upgrades for their mobile packages if their networks are of high enough quality. The traffic generated by these users is therefore expected to significantly increase, allowing carriers to maximize the value of traffic. This has led to more and more carriers proposing strategic goals that include the construction of high-quality 5G networks.

Some carriers in the Middle East, for example, have already deployed Massive MIMO networks, and the optimal experience delivered by these networks have made 5G FWA rollout a success. Currently, 5G FWA has connected nearly 3 million households, making it a powerful engine of revenue growth for carriers.

Multi-dimensional monetization maximizes the value of each bit

More than 20% of global 5G carriers have already adopted speed-tiered pricing models. One carrier in Thailand, for example, recently released a 5G Boost Mode add-on, which allows subscribers to select different speed tiers to best meet their usage needs. This model has helped the carrier increase its ARPU by about 23%. Another Chinese carrier has launched a guaranteed uplink package to provide livestreamers with smooth, high-definition livestreaming experiences. The package has become quite popular and helped the carrier increase its ARPU by more than 70%.

New emerging services enable long-term sustainable growth

New services like New Calling, cloud phones, and glasses-free 3D are getting more and more attention from consumers. For example, New Calling’s value-added functions like virtual avatars are becoming quite popular. Users are also willing to pay more for services that deliver real-time experience, such as one-stop car insurance claims.

5G has been also adopted among many industries. In China, more than 50,000 private 5G network use cases have entered commercial use in over 50 industries. The new capabilities of 5.5G, including deterministic latency, precise positioning, and passive IoT, are expected to create even more opportunities for carriers in the B2B market.

Generative AI will drive the mobile industry into the era of all intelligence

According to IDC, global AI mobile phone shipments will reach 170 million in 2024. This will account for 15% of all smartphone shipments. Next-generation AI phones will have more powerful storage, display, and imaging capabilities. The AIGC applications powered by these phones will generate hundreds of billions of GB data and create new opportunities for carriers.

Li closed out his remarks at the summit by promising, “Together with carriers, we will unlock the potential of 5G and 5.5G, and drive incredible new growth.”

National, February 26, 2024: Prega News, the leading pregnancy test kit brand from Mankind Pharma, released a new video campaign titled #SheCanCarryBoth leading up to International Women’s Day on March 8th. The uplifting video highlights and celebrates women who gracefully balance their professional and personal responsibilities.

The video features acclaimed actress Pooja Gor as Meenal, a dedicated teacher in the final weeks of her pregnancy. Despite her condition, Meenal is committed to the education of her students. She selflessly provides extra classes and support to the weaker 12th grade students to help them pass their upcoming board exams. While the rest of the school staff might have written off the children who fail their exams, with some even suggesting Meenal focus on her own unborn child, she carries on because after all, these are her children too.

“With #SheCanCarryBoth, we wanted to showcase an inspiring woman who embodies strength, compassion and purpose in playing her dual roles as an educator and mother-to-be,” said Joy Chatterjee, Associate Vice President, Sales and Marketing Head of Mankind’s Consumer Business Unit. “Meenal’s story reflected the quiet struggles of women everywhere who balance professional expectations and personal duties with grace.”

According to a Quint report, ‘Approximately 50% of working women continue to work through their pregnancy with an unwavering commitment.’ Aligning with this sentiment, the affirmative message of #SheCanCarryBoth is a reinforcement of Prega News’ commitment to celebrating and empowering women across India. This also particularly resonates with Mankind Pharma, which has a sizeable number of women employees in its workforce.

“We are proud to have honoured women like Meenal who uplift their communities through small daily acts of courage and kindness,” Chatterjee continued. “Mankind Pharma is dedicated to creating positive social change and progressive values. The #SheCanCarryBoth video champions gender equality by showing an inspirational woman thriving in both her career and family life.”

With its mix of humour, emotion and insight, the #SheCanCarryBoth video aims to entertain and inspire viewers while highlighting important social issues. As India’s #1 pregnancy test kit, with an 85% market share, Prega News is well-positioned to raise awareness on women’s empowerment and equal access to opportunities. As the brand moves into the complete neonatal and maternity care market, the #SheCanCarryBoth video is the latest initiative aligned with Prega News’ commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion and women’s advancement across India.

BY: Pankaj Bansal, Founder at NewsPatrolling.com

Globally, the shift to renewables is happening at a fast pace. The primary sources of renewable energy being utilized include solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy, tidal energy and biomass energy. The shift to renewable energy is happening primarily due to the concerns about climate change and global warming. The other reason is that non-renewable sources such as oil and gas reserves are limited and will not last forever. To avoid a potential global climate catastrophe, use of fossil fuels is being minimized.

 While the switch to renewable energy sources is inevitable, it makes us wonder how the oil industry and oil producing nations will manage this change. What will happen to the large workforce that is currently deployed in the oil industry? How will oil-producing nations deal with the threat of losing their primary source of income? How will the citizens of these countries be impacted, who currently have one of the highest per capita incomes in the world? To answer such questions, let us take a look at how the shift to renewable energy sources such as solar energy and wind energy will impact the oil industry and oil producing countries.

 Gradual shift, not instant
While renewable energy sources are being harnessed at an industrial scale, it will still be several decades before oil is completely removed from the ecosystem. As per estimates provided by the International Energy Agency (IEA), oil demand is expected to reach its peak by 2025. Beyond that, there will be a steady decline in demand for oil.

 However, oil will continue to be used by various industries. For example, sectors like aviation and shipping will take much longer to shift to renewable energy sources. Oil and gas will continue to be used in power plants and even for generating green fuels such as hydrogen. In comparison, the auto industry is expected to switch to electric much faster.

 Economic diversification
Oil-rich countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Kuwait, Qatar, etc. have stepped up focus on diversifying their economy. This is the only way for these countries to survive the switch to renewable energy sources. For example, Saudi Arabia is making big investments in solar and wind energy. It is also focusing on sectors such as tourism, banking and finance, pilgrimage, global supply chain and logistics and healthcare.

 Economic diversification will help absorb the negative impact of the shift to renewable energy sources. People employed by the oil industry can be reskilled and shifted to other sectors. Assets and resources of the oil industry can be repurposed for various industries including renewable energy such as solar and wind energy. As the shift will be gradual, oil producing nations have ample time to diversify their economies.

 Shift in geopolitical landscape
Traditionally, oil-producing countries have enjoyed tremendous clout in the global political
landscape. With the shift to renewable energy, oil-producing nations will see a reduction in their global influence. This will create a balance of power among nations. It is not necessarily something that is a negative development for oil-producing nations. As a matter of fact, the change in geopolitical landscape will prompt oil-producing nations to innovate and compete more aggressively, instead of being completely dependent on oil money.

 Impact on oil industry workers
As the shift to renewables will be gradual, the oil industry will continue to function for several decades. However, since production is expected to decline gradually, some job losses will be unavoidable. It will be great if oil companies and governments can work together to launch special programs to protect the interests of people employed in the oil industry. As mentioned earlier, reskilling can be a great way to help oil industry workers impacted by the shift to renewable energy sources.

 Focus on newer technologies
Fossil fuels are blamed primarily due to their high carbon footprint. However, things can change in the future with new technologies. For example, improved methods of carbon capture can reduce the pollution emitted via the burning of fossil fuels. Similarly, more efficient internal combustion engines can be developed to produce electricity or other green fuels.

 Government policy and regulations
The overall impact on the oil industry and economy will depend on how prepared the respective governments are in dealing with the shift to renewable energy sources. With proactive policies and regulations, oil-producing nations can achieve a smooth transition.

 Is it safe to invest in green energy stocks?
With the shift to renewable energy sources, one may consider investing in green energy stocks. However, it is important to choose the right stocks that have potential for growth. Some reliable green energy stock options one can consider include Adani Green Energy, Reliance New Energy, JSW Energy, KP Energy, Zodiac Energy, Websol Energy System, Borosil Renewables, NTPC, BF Utilities and Inox Wind Energy. It is important to do your own research and invest as per your risk appetite. For max gains, you may have to choose long-term investments in green energy stocks.

New Delhi, February 26, 2024: Zomato, India’s food ordering and delivery platform, recently hosted a distinguished delegation from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and representatives from the Labour Department of the Japanese Government at one of its rest points in Gurgaon. As part of Zomato’s ongoing commitment to the health and welfare of delivery partners, the company conducted free health check-ups for the delivery partners on the day of the visit in partnership with Acko. Last year, the firm launched The Shelter Project, under which the company has started building public infrastructure (called Rest Points) to support the entire gig economy and delivery partners of various companies.

Rakesh Ranjan, CEO, Food Delivery, Zomato, said, “We are delighted to welcome the ILO delegation and representatives from the Japanese Government’s Labour Department to witness our different initiatives towards the betterment of the gig ecosystem in India. Their visit will further inspire us to stay at the forefront of improving the lives of delivery partners and fostering a culture of safety and well-being. Through ‘The Shelter Project’, our aim is to create a better work environment for all gig workers, irrespective of the platform that they work for.”

Led by Ms. Kaori Osaka (Nakamura), Deputy Assistant Minister for International Affairs at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan, and Mr. Takeshi Miura, Director General of the Ministry, the delegation also included Mr. Yuta Isozaki, Deputy Director of the International Affairs Division, and Mr. Yasuo Ariga, representing the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. Accompanying them were members from the ILO India country office, including Mr Satoshi Sasaki, Deputy Director, Ms Mariko Ouchi, Senior Specialist for Social Protection, Ms. Ayaka Mochida, Partnerships Officer, and Mr. Karun Gopinath, National Project Coordinator for Social Protection.

Mr Satoshi Sasaki, Deputy Director for the ILO, Decent Work Team for South Asia and Country Office for India, said, “The Extension of Social Protection for Gig and Platform workers project funded by the Government of Japan, has been working closely with the Government, aggregators and workers’ organizations to extend social protection benefits that are a basic right for workers. Given the rise of the platform economy and new forms of work, all tripartite constituents in India have demonstrated their support for the welfare of gig and platform workers and the ILO is committed to enabling them to extend social protection to all workers.”

With efforts by the Government, initiatives by platform aggregators, Workers Organizations and ILO’s social partners along with other relevant stakeholders, India is uniquely placed to create an ecosystem that promotes the rights and welfare of the worker on a continuous basis.

The delegation toured the rest point facility and engaged in discussions with Zomato representatives about the company’s best practices in supporting delivery partners. This included insights into the Shelter Project, which provides essential amenities such as comfortable seating, charging points, washrooms, high-speed internet, and first-aid support to ensure delivery partners’ well-being while on duty.

Zomato is committed to creating a more supportive gig economy ecosystem for the delivery partners onboarded with Zomato by addressing their personal and professional needs. This includes previously announced benefits such as accident insurance, medical coverage, loss of pay support, and ambulance services, all aimed at ensuring the overall well-being of the delivery partners.