Archives July 2024

Shriram Finance Ltd. Increases FD Interest Rates on Various Tenors

30th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Shriram Finance Ltd. (SFL), India’s largest retail NBFC has increased interest rates on fixed deposits by 0.05 to 0.20 in various maturity tenures. The revised rates have come into effect from 9 April 2024.

Senior citizens aged 60 years or above at the time of deposit/renewal are eligible to earn an additional 0.50% interest per annum, while women investors can avail an extra 0.10% interest per annum. SFL will offer an additional interest of 0.25% per annum on all renewals. The Fixed Deposits are rated “(ICRA)AA+ (Stable)” by ICRA and “IND AA+/Stable” by India Ratings and Research. Deposits will be accepted in multiples of Rs. 1,000/-, subject to a minimum amount of Rs. 5,000/- . Cumulative deposits can be renewed for maturity value.

For Non-cumulative fixed deposits, SFL offers interest rates ranging from 7.85% to 8.80% per annum for terms spanning 12 to 60 months. The effective yield on Cumulative fixed deposits is between 7.85% to 10.50% per annum for the same tenure range.

Deposit Normal

Scheme

  Non-cumulative 

Deposit

Cumulative

Deposit

Period (months) Monthly % p.a Quarterly % p.a Half yearly % p.a Yearly %p.a Effective yield % p.a. maturity value for Rs.5000/-
12 7.59 7.63 7.71 7.85 7.85 5,392
18 7.73 7.77 7.85 8.00 8.16 5,612
24 7.87 7.92 8.00 8.15 8.49 5,849
30 8.05 8.10 8.18 8.35 8.88 6,110
36 8.38 8.43 8.52 8.70 9.49 6,423
42 8.42 8.47 8.56 8.75 9.75 6,706
50 8.47 8.52 8.62 8.80 10.10 7,107
60 8.47 8.52 8.62 8.80 10.50 7,625

All the above tenures will be available for both offline and online investments.

Umesh Revankar, Executive Vice Chairman, of Shriram Finance Ltd. said, “The revised term deposit rates aim to provide our Depositors with a range of attractive deposit rates. These revisions not only benefit depositors for wealth creation but also contribute to the objective of balancing and optimizing the overall cost of deposits.”

AI-zation of the Fleet: Dalmia Logistics Partners with drivebuddyAI Enhancing Driver & Fleet Safety with ADAS

AI-zation of the Fleet

30th July 2024  Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India drivebuddyAI, a pioneering leader in AI-driven solutions for the transportation industry, proudly announces the onboarding of Dalmia Transports & Logistics as its latest client. Operating within the dynamic cement sector in Kanpur, UP, Dalmia Transport has undergone a comprehensive three-month validation process of drivebuddyAI’s innovative ADAS technology, culminating in the decision to establish a strategic partnership underpinned by a mutually beneficial five-year engagement contract.

Mr. Naman Dalmia, the esteemed partner of Dalmia Transport, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the adoption of drivebuddyAI’s cutting-edge ADAS product. He articulated his confidence in the platform’s ability to revolutionize trucking operations by enhancing driver management and real-time risk aversion measures mainly due to driver fatigue, excessive phone usage, seatbelt non-compliance and overall driver behaviour, thus providing safer transit of goods and fostering a secure ecosystem for all stakeholders involved.

“Incorporating drivebuddyAI’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) into our fleet serves multiple strategic purposes,” stated Mr Naman Dalmia.

Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology help reduce a fleet’s chances of causing or being involved in, vehicular accidents. ADAS has advanced safety features such as collision avoidance systems, blind spot detectors, and driver drowsiness detection, which benefit both commercial and private vehicles and is revolutionizing fleet management in the process. In addition, ADAS works with video telematics to monitor drivers’ behaviour when on the road. AI Dashcams provide drivers with real-time audio warnings while segmenting and tagging recorded incidents, allowing us to monitor the fleet from the cloud management portal.

“We can easily identify new or risky driving behaviours. We can use the data to coach our drivers and help them improve. AI data equips our drivers with the skills to undo bad habits while mitigating future consequences. Data can also be leveraged to execute e-training modules, which can be shared with the drivers to help them develop good skills and increased confidence on the road.” added Naman while explaining the need to equip the fleet with ADAS & Surveillance cameras.

“We believe that we have the recipe to optimize fleet operations while improving the behaviour of the drivers over the period consistently with AI assistance, pro-active fleet monitoring & coaching drivers to help them overcome their limitations and leverage technology at its maximum level to reduce accidents and hence improve the TAT resulting efficiency for a fleet is the real ROI in logistics operations,” said Nisarg Pandya while interacting the usefulness of ADAS.

Dalmia Group since incepted in 1987 by Mr Anil Dalmia – Mr Naman’s father has seen exponential growth working with prestigious groups like Aditya Birla Group and brands like Hindalco, and Ultratech Cement. Later joined by Mr. Naman who’s an IT graduate and enthusiast ventured into the business in 2017. He believes that in the last ten years, technology has played an important role in streamlining fleet operation with the adoption of advanced GPS Tracking which helps in monitoring harsh braking, sharp turns, overspeeding, geofencing, route planning, tyre pressure monitoring, load monitoring, fuel utilization and theft detection. With the integration of ADAS in vehicles it has enhanced passenger, pedestrian, and driver safety and made driving more convenient.

Both Naman & Nisarg firmly believe that the right implementation of ADAS in the trucking industry can reduce driver fatigue by 80% & improve overall behaviour or risk reduction by 73%, improve TAT by 25-30% and reduce operating losses by 25% makes the implementation of ADAS & Surveillance cameras for the fleet more viable financially.

“My experience and interest in information technology helped me in transforming end-to-end material handling and logistics operation to a fully digitized process. My initiatives have earned me accolades and appreciation from industry experts. My fleets are fully equipped with advanced GPS tracking, fuel monitoring, tyre pressure monitoring, Tyre RFID Tracking, Load monitoring, ADAS and DMS. Our control tower which operates 24 x 7 x 365 monitors the movement of each and every vehicle providing on-road support to the vehicles and delivery updates to the customer,” said Mr. Naman Dalmia describing his enthusiasm about technology implementation in fleets.

“Dalmia Logistics specifically operate in the building and construction domain providing primary and secondary transportation and handling services to Ultratech Cement Limited. On an average, we handle and transport more than 65,000 Metric Tonnes of material per month. Integrating Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and surveillance technologies into fleet vehicles can indeed provide several advantages that may help a logistics company gain a competitive edge. It can position your logistics company as an industry leader, offering superior safety, efficiency, and reliability compared to competitors who may not have invested in these advanced capabilities. Remember, successful implementation requires proper training, maintenance, and data analysis. Leapfrogging the competition involves not just adopting technology but leveraging it effectively!” said Naman Dalmia in response to how ADAS can help the fleet leapfrog the competition.

“We have undergone a comprehensive three-month validation process of drivebuddyAI’s innovative ADAS technology. We chose drivebuddyAI for its unparalleled expertise in AI-driven solutions for the transportation industry. The comprehensive suite of products offered by drivebuddyAI, including its advanced ADAS and driver management capabilities, stood out as a perfect fit for our evolving needs. drivebuddyAI’s team make sure that the solution is installed and implemented in the way it can provide the best results. With the help of video telematic and data, the team provides training and feedback to the drivers and creates e-training modules, which can be shared with the drivers to help them develop good skills and increased confidence on the road,” said Naman while sharing his reason to choose drivebuddyAI for the ADAS requirements.

“We are excited for this partnership. India is evolving in safety aspects everywhere with consideration of Euro NCAP rating for buying a car to investing in AI products to ensure safety & operations optimization and leveraging data to coach drivers and take data driven decision to run logistics operations shows the maturity in the market and young enthusiasts like Naman Dalmia are taking the industry on the heights of leveraging technology & AI. We are happy to extend our services in Kanpur & nearby regions of UP & MP with Dalmia Logistics ensuring safety, driver behaviour improvement via ADAS & coaching.”

Avantor Emphasizes Importance of Collaboration, Leveraging Technological Advancements in India Biopharma Forum Series

Avantor Emphasizes

30th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Avantor, Inc., a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the life sciences and advanced technology industries, hosted first-of-its-kind series of Biopharma forums across India in Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune to emphasize Avantor’s commitment to creating customized solutions for customers by identifying and addressing the challenges faced by Biopharma companies in India.

The Indian biopharmaceutical industry is rapidly expanding with increased investments in research and development, robust product pipelines, collaborations, and technological advancements. However, challenges such as constantly evolving regulatory compliances and price and quality control impede global competitiveness. The 2024 Avantor Biopharma Forums focused on critical topics including scale-up, risk mitigation, and cost optimization, which are crucial for addressing these challenges and driving growth in the biopharma industry.

To facilitate an enriching exchange of ideas for professionals within India’s Bioprocessing industry, the forums provided a platform for over 600 participants from some of the prominent biopharma players in India to engage with Avantor’s products and solutions, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration within the bioprocessing community.

The highlight of the forums was industry panel discussions with biopharma experts from leading biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies across the three cities. These discussions explored topics such as the current state-of-the-art in biologics manufacturing, overcoming critical challenges associated with process failure or yield, and the future evolution of biologics manufacturing and digital advancements across the industry

Dr. Ger Brophy, Chairman of Avantor’s Scientific Advisory Board, spoke about the Readiness for Changing Biological Molecules and Regulatory Environment(1) and shared his perspective about the ever-evolving regulatory environment in the country.

Highlighting the evolution of the industry, Mr. Narayana Rao Rapolu, VP, Biopharma and Applied Products Solutions, said, “The Indian biopharma sector is witnessing a rise with the introduction of high-quality, cost-effective biosimilars into the market. At Avantor, we recognize the significant challenges hindering the growth of biopharma companies. With innovative strategies emphasizing efficiency, quality, and affordability, we aim to generate a positive impact on the biopharma business while earning the trust of our customers.”

Dr. Nandkumar Deorkar, SVP Research and Development, Avantor, shared his insights about effectively managing the Total Cost of Ownership in Bioprocessing. “At Avantor, we work to simplify our customers’ scale-up processes thereby eliminating process steps. Avantor aims to create long-term, strategic partnerships within the industry by working closely with biomanufacturers to drive and foster cost optimization and improve biologics process efficiencies. We are proud to provide exceptional post-sales support and quality assurance, both are key decisive factors in for driving the success of at biopharma companies,” said Dr. Deorkar.

The Avantor Biopharma forums successfully brought the industry together for meaningful dialogue and exchange. The participants were appreciative of the knowledge-sharing sessions and engaging conversations.

8th Edition of Payoneer’s Global Flagship Event Set to Empower Service Export SMBs in India

30th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  Payoneer (NASDAQ: PAYO), the financial technology company empowering the world’s Small and Medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to transact, do business, and grow globally, has announced the 8th edition of its global flagship event in India, Payoneer Elevate.

Scheduled to take place in New Delhi on April 18, 2024, this one-of-a-kind event aims to empower SMBs engaged in service exports like IT, web and app development, programming and technical support, consulting and management, and digital marketing & sales looking to thrive in the rising, global economy.

Payoneer Elevate stands out as a marquee event, featuring influential thought leaders and policymakers from the industry sharing insights for international businesses, identifying global trends in service exports, and unlocking the next frontiers of growth for Indian SMBs.

The event will feature sessions filled with invaluable industry insights, led by influential thought leaders such as Sanjeev Bikchandani, Founder of InfoEdge; Jeet Vijay, CEO of MeitY Startup Hub; Naina Lal Kidwai, Chairperson of Rothschild India and Founder of India’s Sanitation Coalition; Pramod Bhasin, Chairman of ICRIER and Founder of Genpact Ltd; and Vani Dandia, Founder of CherryPeachPlum Growth Partners. Topics include “India’s Service Sector Supremacy: Key Drivers Shaping the Era of Transformation & Global Opportunities,” “Unlocking the People Potential for India @100: Harnessing the Young Workforce and Reimagining Recruitment, Retention, and Upskilling,” and “Lessons in Brand Building for India’s Service Sector.

Gaurav Shisodia, Vice President

Gaurav Shisodia, Vice President – India, Payoneer said “India’s service ecosystem is experiencing dynamic growth, positioning the sector with an average growth rate of 24% over the last two years. At Payoneer, we have witnessed an increase in our customer base in India by 54% in service exports-focused businesses since 2016 (as of Dec 31st, 2023), fueled by convenience, dedicated local support, and our commitment to support business growth for global expansion.”

“Elevate 2024 underscores Payoneer’s dedication to empowering businesses by facilitating learning, networking, and access to industry thought leaders and domain experts through curated sessions and workshops on pivotal topics of Finance, HR, and Growth.”

Through meticulously curated knowledge-led workstreams facilitated by domain experts, attendees will gain invaluable insights and effective strategies for international expansion. The workstreams will cover topics such as “Tax Tightrope: Navigating Taxation Implications for Businesses Eyeing Global Growth”; “Mastering Global HR: Hiring & Compliance,” “The Next Wave in Performance Management: From OKRs to Technology,” “Acing the Funding Juggernaut: Raising Capital – Bootstraps and Beyond,” “From India With Love: Shaping the Global Demand for ‘Made in India’ Services and Products,” and “The AI Disruption: How Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics Will Drive Future-Ready Marketing,” among others.

Founded in 2005, Payoneer is a global multi-currency financial stack, supporting up to 11 of the world’s most traded currencies in 190+ countries and territories empowering cross-border businesses to effortlessly get paid, manage, and expand their international transactions. Payoneer’s local receiving accounts enable businesses to accept payments from global customers, vendors, and marketplaces in multiple currencies across borders. This allows SMBs to operate virtually in international markets regardless of their geographical location.

eClerx GenAI360 Platform Wins the 2024 Globee Silver Award for Technology

Mumbai, July 29, 2024: eClerx Services Ltd (ECLERX.NS) eClerx announced today that its GenAI360 Platform has been named the Silver winner for AI Innovation at the 19th Annual 2024 Globee® Awards for Technology.

More than 1,700 nominations were received for the award. The Globee® Awards for Technology is a renowned program celebrating outstanding achievements and innovations across the tech industry.

The eClerx GenAI360 Platform focuses on content, virtual customer care, code automation, and insights across various business needs. By integrating advanced foundation models, GenAI360 delivers improved efficiency and creativity to users in multiple use cases.

“We are thrilled and honored to receive this recognition from the Globee® Awards,” said eClerx Global Head of Technology Sanjay Kukreja. “This Silver award is a testament to our commitment to delivering innovative solutions leveraging the latest in technology with a focus on empowering businesses to achieve greater efficiency, quality, and better insights. It reflects our dedication to continuous innovation and excellence in technology.”

Globee Awards President San Madan added, “Congratulations to all the exceptional winners of the 2024 Globee Awards for Technology. Your groundbreaking innovations and unwavering dedication have set a new standard of excellence in technologies everywhere. At Globee Awards, we proudly celebrate your remarkable achievements and look forward to witnessing the transformative impact you will continue to make in the world. Keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and inspiring us all.”

The award is the second of two awards the platform has won in 2024. In January, the eClerx GenAI360 Platform was selected as a winner of the BIG Innovation Awards 2024, an annual business accolade by the Business Intelligence Group.

For more information, visit https://eclerx.com/genai360-platform/

About eClerx

eClerx provides business process management, automation, and analytics services to a number of Fortune 2000 enterprises, including some of the world’s leading financial services, communications, retail, fashion, media & entertainment, manufacturing, travel & leisure, and technology companies. Incorporated in 2000, eClerx is today traded on both the Bombay and National Stock Exchanges of India. The firm employs more than 16,800+ people across Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Netherlands, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the UK, and the USA.

For more information visit www.eClerx.com.

Pune Welcomed a Glorious Return of RAANYA Season 2

On July 29, 2024, the suburb of Pune city, Kharadi witnessed a dazzling spectacle as RAANYA, the innovative creation of Ridaan Creations, made its grand return for a second season. The fashion and lifestyle exhibition exceeded expectations, promising and delivering an event that was bigger and better than ever before.

raanya

 

A Showcase for Small Business Excellence

RAANYA Season 2 shone as a beacon for small and medium-scale entrepreneurs, offering them an unparalleled platform to display their exceptional products and services. The exhibition featured a wide range of offerings, from exquisite clothing to thoughtful gifting solutions, catering to every taste and occasion.

The Perfect Pre-Rakshabandhan Shopping Destination

As the auspicious festival of Rakshabandhan approached, RAANYA Season 2 emerged as the ideal shopping destination. Visitors were treated to a plethora of stalls adorned with handpicked products, ensuring they found the perfect gifts for their beloved siblings.

A Hub for Networking and Socializing

Beyond the allure of fashion and shopping, RAANYA Season 2 served as a prime venue for networking and social interactions. Entrepreneurs connected with like-minded individuals, exchanged ideas, and forged new business partnerships, making the exhibition an invaluable opportunity to expand professional circles.

Event Details:

 Date: 27th July 2024
Time: 3 PM – 11 PM
Location: Dilli Darbar, Kharadi
 Registration: Entry Free

Surabhi Aplesh, Founder & CEO of Ridaan Creations, enthused, “Hello Punekars and visitors, prepare to ignite your shopping desires at our exclusive Rakhi Pop Up!”

Experience ‘Spice Symphony’ with ‘Flavours from City of Destiny’ at Novotel Kolkata

Kolkata , 29th July 2024 : Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences is delighted to announce a special Culinary Spice Symphony Dinner, at the one of the most acclaimed Ministry of Kebabs. This exclusive dining experience will take place from July 25th to July 27th 2024 at Ministry of Kebabs for Dinner and on 28th July,2024 at The Square for Brunch in Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences.

Chef Madeena Valli X Chef Sirajul Rahaman

The event will be graced by two of Novotel’s most celebrated chefs, Chef Madeena Valli from Novotel Vishakhapatnam Varun Beach and Executive Sous Chef Sirajul Rahaman from Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences. These culinary maestros are going to collaborate to create an extraordinary gastronomic trail, highlighting the rich and diverse flavours of Indian spices.

Experience the culinary prowess of Chef Shaik Madina Valli and Chef Sirajul Rahaman as they collaborate to present a gastronomic journey through Andhra Pradesh’s rich culinary heritage. From traditional delicacies to innovative interpretations, every dish at ‘Flavours from City of Destiny’ reflects the essence of Andhra Pradesh’s diverse flavours and cultural influences.

Patrons attending the Culinary Spice Symphony Dinner can expect a meticulously curated menu that showcases the best of Indian spices, from aromatic starters to delectable main courses and indulgent desserts. Each dish will be a testament to the chefs’ expertise and their dedication to culinary excellence.

Chef Madeena Valli is known for his innovative approach to traditional Indian cuisine, bringing a fresh perspective and contemporary flair to classic dishes. His culinary creations are celebrated for their bold flavours and exquisite presentation.

Executive Chef Sirajul Rahaman of Novotel Kolkata is a master of authentic Indian cuisine, with a particular expertise in kebabs and tandoor specialties. His dishes are renowned for their perfect balance of spices and textures, making every bite a memorable experience.

Furthermore, the Chefs are also collaborating for an exclusive Culinary Symphony of Spices Brunch at The Square. For the brunch, the patrons will surely get a chance to embark on a culinary journey through traditional favourites from Andhra Pradesh, such as Nellore Chapala Pulusu, a tangy fish curry; Gongura Mamsam, featuring tender mutton with sorrel leaves; Natu Kodi Koora, a rustic chicken curry made with free-range chicken; Gutti Vankaya, brinjal stuffed with a spicy peanut-sesame paste; Raju Gari Royala Vepudu, a spicy prawn fry; and Ragi Sangatti, a dish made from finger millet flour, typically served with ghee to name some. Indulge in the rich culinary heritage of Andhra Pradesh fused with world cuisine offerings. From spicy delicacies to subtle flavours, every dish reflects the essence of Andhra cuisine, meticulously prepared to tantalize your taste buds.

“We are thrilled to host the Culinary Spice Symphony Dinner at Ministry of Kebabs and the Brunch at our all-day dining-The Square,” said Arjun Kaggallu, General Manager at Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences. ” This special event showcases the rich tapestry of Andhra Pradesh’s culinary heritage, expertly curated by our talented chefs. This culinary collaboration is a unique opportunity for our patrons to experience the incredible talent and creativity of Chef Madeena Valli and Executive Sous Chef Sirajul Rahaman. We look forward to an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of India.”

Adding to the allure of the event is complimentary access to Novotel Kolkata’s poolside retreat, where patrons can unwind and enjoy the serene ambiance amidst lush surroundings. To further enhance the cultural experience, live Bollywood music will set the mood, creating a perfect backdrop for a memorable Sunday brunch.

“We are thrilled to bring ‘Spicy Flavours of Andhra Pradesh’ to Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences,” said Chef Sirajul Rahaman. “This event celebrates the culinary diversity of Andhra Pradesh, offering our patrons an opportunity to indulge in authentic flavours and experience a blend of tradition and innovation.”

At Ministry of Kebabs, a culinary oasis nestled within Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences. Indulge in our signature kebab creations, meticulously crafted using traditional recipes and premium ingredients. From succulent skewers of marinated meats to flavourful vegetarian options, each dish is a celebration of bold flavours and authentic spices. Our expert chefs combine passion with expertise to deliver an unforgettable dining experience. Immerse yourself in the warm and inviting ambiance as you savour the rich aromas and tantalizing tastes of our kebabs. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely meal with loved ones or hosting a special event, Ministry of Kebabs promises to elevate your dining journey to new heights. Come, embark on a culinary adventure with us at Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences.

The best of Novotel Kolkata hospitality ensures that every dish encapsulates a distinctive and inspiring tale. Join us to embark on this extraordinary adventure, where you can immerse yourself in an unparalleled dining experience with exceptional service and culinary mastery meet and create unforgettable memories with every bite.

Ad revenue to lift regional print media growth 8-9% this fiscal

Buoyant growth in advertising revenue, driven by strong localised demand from key advertising sectors1, together with a loyal subscriber base, will lift the total revenue of regional print media2 companies by 8-9% this fiscal.

The healthy growth, coupled with softening newsprint prices, will also expand the operating profitability of the players by ~200 basis points (bps) to 20-22%. This will be in addition to the ~400 bps expansion in margin already clocked last fiscal as newsprint prices retracted.

A CRISIL Ratings analysis of eight regional print media players, which account for ~60% of the regional print media market in terms of circulation, indicates as much.

Advertising revenue, which contributes about two-thirds to the topline of regional print media companies, has high correlation with economic sentiment and spending on advertisement by corporates as well as state and central governments.

Says Manish Gupta, Senior Director and Deputy Chief Ratings Officer, CRISIL Ratings, “Economic sentiment remains positive, as reflected by growing budgetary spend on advertisement and marketing by corporates. Advertisement demand from key contributing sectors such as automobiles, FMCG3, education, e-commerce, real estate, and services is also buoyant from local establishments as they prefer regional print players owing to latter’s wide reach in the locality. All this will lead to 9-10% growth in overall advertising revenue this fiscal, offsetting a moderation in the government segment. This contrasts with last fiscal, when increased government spending on advertisements in the run up to the general elections had propelled a similar growth in advertising revenue.”

Meanwhile, subscription revenue, which accounts for ~25% of the sector’s topline, continues to be resilient, indicating the enduring popularity of vernacular print media in India despite strong traction in digital media. The persistence indicates compulsive reading habits and hyper-localised content continue to benefit vernacular print players, which are expected to see subscription revenue clock a decent 2-4% growth this fiscal.

Notably, the regional players have now started to push for subscriptions in places adjacent to their existing coverage area. Earlier, these players were deliberately slow in growing their subscriber base as cover prices were not sufficient to absorb the cost of newsprint paper.

The prices of newsprint paper, which is a key raw material and accounts for 35-40% of the total operating cost of print media companies, continue to soften on the back of modest global demand and easing of supply chain issues. Newsprint prices rose a whopping 41% in fiscal 2023 due to logistical disruptions amid the Russia-Ukraine war as Russia accounts for more than half of the total newsprint paper imports. Prices have softened since then and continue to slide.

Says Ankit Kedia, Director, CRISIL Ratings, “A steep on-year fall of 21% in newsprint prices during fiscal 2024 shored up the operating profitability of regional print media companies by 400 bps to 18-20% during the fiscal. While newsprint prices have remained volatile since October 2023 due to the prevailing shipping issues around Red Sea, they are still well below their average levels of fiscal 2024 and are expected to remain rangebound because of muted global demand and adequate supply. This, coupled with the projected revenue growth will further expand margin by ~200 bps to a healthy 20-22% this fiscal.

The higher margin will result in the RoCE4 improving to 15-16% this fiscal (versus 14-15% the previous fiscal) in the absence of any major capex plans. This, along with their already strong balance sheets (marked by low to nil debt and cash positive position), will strengthen the credit profiles of players.

Jio Things & MediaTek Revolutionize 2-Wheeler Industry with 4G Smart Tech

New Delhi, July 29, 2024: MediaTek, the world’s leading fabless semiconductor company, powering over 2 billion connected devices a year, and JioThings Limited, subsidiary of Jio Platforms Limited and the only provider of end-to-end cutting-edge IoT solutions, today announced the launch of “Made in India” Smart Digital Cluster and Smart Module specially tailored for the 2-wheeler (2W) market. This collaboration brings together MediaTek’s advanced chipset technology and Jio Things’ innovative digital solutions to strengthen its presence in the 2-wheeler space and revolutionise the electric vehicle (EV) landscape.

media tek

Mr. Kiran Thomas, President and CEO, Jio Platforms Limited, commented on the partnership “Jio Things is pleased to collaborate with MediaTek to revolutionize the Mobility industry with our 4G Smart Android Digital Cluster, App Suite and Smart Module solutions. This collaboration firms up our commitment towards India-led global innovation and enhancing customer experiences in IoT technology, integrating MediaTek’s advanced chipset with our cutting-edge digital solutions to set new benchmarks offering seamless performance and unparalleled customer experience tailored for the future of mobility.”

This long-term strategic collaboration will deliver Android based smart digital cluster solution in India and the global market. The JioThings smart digital cluster is based on AvniOS, an AOSP based operating system that provides OEMs a unique and competitive edge supported by strong MediaTek chipset level performance and support for critical firmware/base OS release. Smart Digital Cluster & Operating System enables real-time data analytics, customizable interfaces, voice recognition for effortless control, and a comprehensive Cluster OS for seamless integration with Vehicle controllers, IoT-enabled charging infrastructure and Smart Battery Management System optimized for EVs. Through this offering, customers will now have access to “Jio Automotive App Suite” which includes services like Jio Voice Assistant, JioSaavn, JioPages, JioXploR and various other unique service bundles thus delivering a new age and holistic experience to the 2-wheeler users.

Smart Digital Clusters have become integral part of vehicle experiences and draws converges from stationary to mobility use-cases. The collaboration is aimed at providing seamless digital experiences to the 2-wheeler users on one end, at the same time reducing the time to market for OEMs significantly in building and integrating solutions. With MediaTek’s strong legacy in building cutting edge chipsets and Jio’s history in product innovation, this solution provides a turnkey offering to the market not just for India but also globally.

“Our collaboration with Jio Things on the 2-wheeler Smart Digital Cluster powered by MediaTek strengthens our commitment to innovation in both the IoT and automotive sectors. This cluster aligns with our vision for the future of 2-wheeler smart dashboards. By providing OEMs with a competitive edge in the fast-growing 2-wheeler EV market, this solution offers early access to MediaTek’s latest technologies and key software features at the OS level.” said Jerry Yu, Corporate Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Intelligent Devices Business Group, MediaTek.

“MediaTek’s collaboration with JioThings on the designed and manufactured in India Smart digital cluster and smart module for the 2-wheeler market is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in India. This solution leverages MediaTek’s advanced chipset technology and JioThings’ visionary digital solutions to deliver next-generation smart clusters that meet the ever-changing needs of the global 2-wheeler market. Together, we are poised to transform the rider experience and drive the next wave of mobility innovation on a global scale.” said CK Wang, General Manager, IoT business unit, MediaTek.

With the Indian 2W EV market projected to reach 10,000 Crores by end of 2025 with more than 3 million vehicles on road and growing at a CAGR of 50% over next 5 years, this collaboration between Jio Things and MediaTek will cater to the rising demand of electronic vehicles in the automotive industry. It marks a significant milestone for both MediaTek and Jio Things, to build smart digital cluster and strengthening their presence in the 2-wheeler space in India.

Ram Nath Kovind to deliver 5th Dr. Rajaram Jaipuria Memorial Lecture

New Delhi, 29th July 2024: Ram Nath Kovind, the 14th President of India, will deliver the 5th Dr. Rajaram Jaipuria Memorial Lecture on August 3, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The lecture is an annual event held by Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions.

bharat mandap

The topic of the lecture is, “The Rise of India As Vishwa Guru – नया युग, नईं ऊँचाइयाँ”. It is in consonance with India’s projected growth into a developed nation during the Amrit Kaal. Ram Nath Kovind, an exemplary statesman with over 3 decades of a political career, has witnessed India’s transformation from the era of liberalization in 1991 to its rise as the fifth largest economy in the world presently. During his tenure as President, Ram Nath Kovind has particularly witnessed the resilience of the Indian economy during and after the Covid years.

Shishir Jaipuria, Chairman of Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions, says the lecture’s topic reflects the aspirations of the country’s 1.4 billion population.

He says, “Today, India is positioned at a sweet spot. We have strong economic fundamentals, visionary political leadership, a demographic dividend, and an industry showing robust signs of sustained growth to drive India’s rise as a global leader in the years and decades ahead. We are eager to know from Kovind ji’s lecture how this incredible potential of our nation can be realized.”

The 5th Memorial Lecture is an annual flagship event of the Jaipuria Group. It was launched in 2019 to honour the memory and legacy of Dr. Rajaram Jaipuria, a noted industrialist, philanthropist, educationist and an ardent patriot who made notable contribution towards nation-building.

The first memorial lecture was delivered in 2019 by Venkaiah Naidu, the former Vice President of India. The subsequent lectures over the years 2020, 2022 and 2023 were delivered by Nitin Jairam Gadkari, the Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Swami Swaroopananda, the Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, and Dr. Murali Manohar Joshi, former Minister for Human Resource Development. All memorial lectures have been on the progressive topics pertaining to India’s growth and development.

The 5th Dr. Rajaram Memorial Lecture by Ram Nath Kovind will be attended by an audience of 600 comprising prominent figures from industry, academia, students, and teachers. It will also be livestreamed for a larger outreach to an audience of 10,000 online viewers. The physical attendance is by invitation only.

Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions is a leading conglomerate with the strength of 21 K-12 schools, 5 preschools, 2 management institutions and a teachers training academy. The group has a base of 22,000 students and 15,000 alumni.