Archives August 2024

8th August 2024: In its latest meeting, the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) kept key rates unchanged, with the repo rate at 6.5%, SLR at 6.25%, and MSF at 6.75%. The majority decision of 4 out of 6 members underscored the MPC’s commitment to gradually withdrawing accommodation to align inflation with targets while supporting economic growth.

The GDP growth forecast for FY25 remains at 7.2%, supported by global resilience, rural demand, and robust industrial capacity utilization. Inflation for FY25 is projected at 4.5%, with upward revisions for Q2 and Q3 and a slight downward adjustment for Q4. The central bank remains cautious amidst fluctuating prices of key crops like pulses and vegetables, emphasizing vigilance in monitoring economic indicators moving forward.

Comments by Industry Experts:

Rahul Jain – CFO, NTT DATA Payment Services India

The Central Bank’s announcement to increase the transaction limit to Rs 5 lakh for tax payments using Unified Payments Interface (UPI), from Rs 1 lakh earlier is a significant move, propelling India towards digitally inclusive economy. This initiative will strengthen the tax-collection system, reduce the cost of tax-collection, and make tax-payments more convenient for taxpayers. This also means more benefits to taxpayers in terms of seamless, transparent, secured, and ease of making high value transactions.

Allowing Delegated Payments can be a pivotal step in expanding the userbase of Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Through this development, two family members can now use one bank account for making UPI payments. While we wait for more details, this initiative will further strengthen and enhance UPI payments especially in rural areas, where financial literacy is less, and one bank account is used by one family. This mechanism will enhance user convenience by ensuring effective control through the usage limit authorization feature. This will also empower consumer confidence with easy, safe, and hassle-free financial transactions, thereby contributing towards a digitally empowered nation.

Mr Saket Dalmia, President of India Sotheby’s International Realty

The RBI’s decision to maintain the policy rate aligns with expectations, given the current inflation and global economic scenario. While the near-term outlook for global growth appears positive, the medium-term outlook faces challenges due to demographic shifts, climate change, geopolitical tensions, and fragmentations. Despite this, domestic economic activity remains resilient. The MPC emphasized the need to maintain a disinflationary stance to ensure inflation aligns with targets while supporting growth, thus keeping the policy rates unchanged. Stable interest rates are beneficial for various industries, especially real estate.

We support the RBI’s current stance and anticipate future rate cuts, which would positively impact the real estate sector and contribute to overall economic stability and growth.

Mr Vimal Nadar, Senior Director & Head, Research at Colliers India

Amidst swift changes in global economic undercurrents with a moderate view on global economic outlook, RBI has remained cautious and maintained benchmark lending rates at 6.5% for the ninth consecutive time. Inflation, despite being within 6% levels, remains above the benchmark of 4% and thus, continuation of withdrawal of accommodation. In the first MPC meet after the Budget, the RBI has projected a GDP growth rate of 7.2% for FY 2025 led by robust high frequency economic indicators across key sectors.
Interestingly, stability in interest rates coupled with the recent announcement to rationalize stamp duty charges along with concessions for women homebuyers bodes well for real estate sector especially residential segment. Strong visibility in financing charges should help homebuyers and developers alike in the upcoming festive season.
Moreover, partial withdrawal of the applicability of the revised LTCG tax arising out of sale of land & buildings retrospectively provides elbowroom to effect housing sales with minimal tax outgo. This is likely to buoy investors’ & homeowners’ sentiment and thus the real estate sector at large throughout 2024.

Shrinivas Rao, FRICS, CEO, Vestian

RBI maintained status quo for the ninth consecutive time and kept the repo rate at 6.5%. Sticky inflation, elevated food prices, and global macroeconomic uncertainty likely influenced this decision. A steady monetary policy for the past one and half years has ensured stability in the real estate sector, boosting demand for all asset classes. This upward momentum is expected to continue as the repo rate is anticipated to remain stable for a couple of more months due to rising inflation amid increasing geopolitical frictions in the Middle East.”

Dharmakirti Joshi, Chief Economist CRISIL

Monetary policy expectations from the most influential central bank in the world, the US Federal Reserve, are becoming less restrictive for the emerging markets. European Central Bank (ECB) and Bank of England (BOE) have already initiated rate cuts.
The Fed is now expected to begin cutting rates next month due to cooling labour markets.

On the domestic front, with a lower fiscal impulse and investment focused spending, the budget was clearly non-inflationary. But that is not enough for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to initiate rate cuts yet. Other domestic factors, particularly inflation, still dictate a cautious wait and watch approach.

Food inflation is a hurdle and without a durable decline in it, headline inflation cannot be tamed to 4% on a sustained basis. A pick-up in food inflation in June dragged consumer inflation to 5.1%. To boot, the growth momentum remains strong. Inflation should decline in July, but the RBI will overlook it because that will be purely high-base effect. We expect RBI to begin cutting rates in October at the earliest and have penciled in two rate cuts this fiscal. By then, there will be clarity on food inflation as the monsoon would have played out. Good progress on rains and sowing so far offers hope.

Manish Chowdhury, Head of Research, StoxBox

The RBI has decided to keep the repo rate unchanged in its August MPC meeting, reflecting India’s robust growth despite uncertainties in weather, geopolitics, and AI-driven tech disruptions. While the economic outlook remains positive, the central bank refrained from revising the inflation forecast downwards due to elevated food prices. Confident in its inflation management efforts, the RBI aims to achieve its 4% target without disrupting liquidity. India’s economy is buoyed by resilient high-frequency and fiscal indicators, supported by an all-time high forex reserve, positioning the RBI well to handle unforeseen risks. However, the slow pace of inflation moderation necessitates caution. On the global front, the global economic outlook remains resilient although with some moderation in pace. Inflation is retreating in major economies, but service price inflation persists. International prices of food, energy and base metals have eased since the last policy meeting. With varying growth-inflation prospects, central banks are diverging in their policy paths. This is creating volatility in financial markets. Amidst recent global sell-offs in equities, the dollar index has weakened, sovereign bond yields have eased sharply, and gold prices have soared to record highs. Domestically, strong urban and rural consumption helped to maintain economic stability, while the global outlook shows steady but uneven expansion. The RBI emphasizes that sustainable high growth is unattainable without price stability. Encouragingly, the broad-based softening in core inflation continues. The potential La Nina conditions in the second half of the monsoon could impact agricultural production, adding another layer of complexity. Notably, the RBI Governor acknowledged the alignment between market expectations and RBI policies. He reiterated the focus on sustainably reducing inflation towards the 4% target before considering a policy shift. Given the current momentum in high-frequency indicators, there is optimism for upward revisions to GDP forecasts going forward. With more clarity on FY26 inflation and GDP growth trajectory going ahead, we expect the RBI to initiative dovish stance from Q3FY25 and a probable rate cut in Q4FY25.

Mr. Pankaj Kalra, CEO, Essar Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Ltd (EOGEPL)

“The RBI’s decision to keep the interest rate steady at 6.5% reflects a measured response to current inflationary concerns. This decision provides a stable economic environment that is vital for planning and investing in long-term project financing and capital allocation. The decision to uphold the ‘Withdrawal of Accommodation’ stance aligns with our expectations and supports economic stability, ensuring that we can continue our exploration and production activities without the added uncertainty of fluctuating borrowing costs. At EOGEPL, we will use this stable interest rate to promote growth and help strengthen India’s energy sector.”

Mr. Pralay Mondal, MD & CEO, CSB Bank

“The Central Bank has been looking at data and deciding on policy objectively. The food inflation and the impact of base effect on inflation doesn’t warrant a looser monetary policy. The reduction of reporting periodicity to CIC and continuous clearance of cheques are welcome steps. We believe that RBI will continue to keep the system liquidity in surplus to ease pressure on bank deposits.”

Mr. V. P. Nandakumar, MD & CEO at Manappuram Finance

Today’s MPC decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5% did not come as any surprise as the rate setting committee once again reiterated its stand on containing inflation without sacrificing growth. More importantly, the apex bank has kept the GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal unchanged at 7.2% which underscores its stance of `withdrawing accommodation’ while supporting growth. The MPC has decided to keep the repo and other policy rates unchanged in view of its inflation forecast for the current fiscal pegged at 4.5%. Though headline CPI print is moderating, the apex bank has decided to keep a strict vigil on underlying price pressures in view of the higher food prices. The key takeaway from the Policy is that a rate cut may be three or four quarters away depending on evolving headline inflation print and economic growth.

Esha Khanna, Assistant Professor at Sarla Anil Modi School of Economics (NMIMs)

Even as two members continue to turn in favour of rate and stance change, RBI seems to be extremely vigilant and unwilling to make any changes primarily driven by discomfort arising from elevated food inflation and rising household inflationary expectations since September 2023. Though there is a considerable ease in core inflation, firmness in current policy stance is the need of the hour as higher share of food in consumption basket can have a significant impact on inflationary expectations of businesses and households affecting further the wage demands and firms’ price setting behaviour which can change the course of overall inflation trajectory in the long-run. Going forward one cannot ignore the risk emanating from a dismal medium term growth outlook and ever increasing geopolitical tensions affecting external demand and may cause new supply-side disruptions. On the domestic liquidity front, transmission to lending rates (WALR) has been relatively lower compared to deposit rates but stands at 169 basis points for Public sector banks and 178 basis points for private sector banks but slowly increasing and can affect the domestic consumption depending on our interest elasticity of aggregate demand. Looking at the current liquidity scenario, RBI may continue to manage this tedious task of inflation-growth dynamics through its fine tuning liquidity management tools like VRR and VRRR auctions for little longer than expected without any change in policy rates. It would also be crucial to observe the anticipated easing of the monetary policy cycle by our global peers and its probable though likely positive impact on India’s forex reserves, FPI inflows and INR. If we remain divergent from global peers for a little while, RBI may look out for MSS and more OMO sales in near term to manage liquidity conditions. RBI’s emphasis on creating alternative investment avenues for bank retail customers, careful monitoring of retail loans and strict adherence required for regulatory prescriptions relating to loan to value (LTV) ratio, risk weights and monitoring of end use of funds by Banks and NBFCs will contribute to strengthening the financial system.

Siddhartha Sanyal, Chief Economist and Head of Research, Bandhan Bank

“The status quo on the repo rate is no surprise. The central bank was emphatic to underscore their commitment for further disinflation. They seem to be in no hurry to cut rates.

While RBI closely watches the heightened volatility in financial markets globally, it rightly avoids any knee-jerk reaction.

Given India’s generally strong macro backdrop including current account deficit of sub-1% of GDP, decent FII flows and a large forex reserve cushion, one feels that fundamentally INR is on a strong footing.

Growth in reserve money – the measure of primary liquidity infusion by the central bank into the banking system – has been markedly weak, often in a range of 6-8% y/y during the last two years. Given the trend of bank deposits growth lagging credit growth now for 28 straight months, one expects the RBI to step up the pace and quantum of primary liquidity infusion in the coming months in order to provide the desired quantum of liquidity for smooth functioning of the banking system.”

The Center will be led by the K K Birla Goa Campus and supported by the Alumni Office and Incubation Societies of the institute

National, 8th August, 2024 – BITS Pilani, an institution known for its commitment to innovation today announced the establishment of a Bangalore Center for BITS Pilani. The development marks a major stepping stone for the institution in achieving its vision of fostering innovation and industry collaboration. The purpose of this key move is to open the door to numerous opportunities for BITS Pilani students, researchers, faculty, incubators, accelerator programs, and the institution itself.

Located in a city known for its lively technological ecosystem, the newly unveiled BITS Pilani office at Bangalore is primed to mark the presence of over 800 alumni creators and the largest concentration of alumni in any single city worldwide. It is located at the heart of the startup area of Bangalore in HSR Layout , home to nine unicorn offices. The space has been sponsored by Hustlehub, one of the largest providers of enterprise & coworking office spaces, in Bangalore.

The major objective of the BITS Pilani Bangalore Center is to establish collaboration with the corporate community including alumni and non-alumni-led organizations. The Center will contribute to the scope of institute initiatives, like adding Practice School and Placement stations, securing industry-sponsored research and consultancy projects, and developing the curriculum of the institution to be industry-aligned and make students job ready. A key focus will be to establish networks that can provide mentorship and investment to student and alumni start-ups. Engagement with corporate initiatives related to their Innovation programs and CSR requirements will support institute incubators and start-ups, infrastructure development, and scholarship schemes. These efforts are expected to create significant social impact.

Speaking at the inaugural event, Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani said “BITS, Pilani Bangalore Centre exemplifies our resolve to foster innovation and industry collaboration. Launching a new Centre in Bangalore will help us intensify our relation with the local community and create a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures innovation and the development of budding entrepreneurs and researchers.”

Prof. Goel, founding lead of the BITS Goa Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship Society also expressed her gratitude, stating, “We are immensely thankful to the alumni who have always been the backbone of institute initiatives. The support of various founders and investors for the activities of this Center will be the key to scaling its operations. Early support has been already committed by alumni founders of Hustlehub, Quizizz, Questt, Innaccel, Bewgle, Flutura, Flam, Portkey, Bogmalo Foods, Petasense and VC founders from Blume, AllinCapital,etc. The initiative is being led by BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus and Prof. Suman Kundu’s efforts have been key in bringing this project to fruition. We look forward to building more partnerships in the city to drive innovation and excellence in education.”

The BITS Pilani Bangalore Center will be led by Prof. Mridula Goel from the K K Birla Campus in Goa, supported by the Alumni Affairs Division and the institute’s Incubation Societies. Prof. Goel has a proven track record of helping BITSians and others transform their ideas into successful startups.

Delhi, August 2024– KLK Ventures Private Limited is pleased to announce its partnership with the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM), part of the Department of Rural Development, for a groundbreaking project. The collaboration will involve the installation of a 75 kWp On-grid Hybrid Net Metered Solar PV System with a one-hour battery backup at the THR (Take Home Ration) Production Units.

This project marks a significant step forward in improving the efficiency and sustainability of these vital units, which are instrumental in providing essential nutritional support to women and children throughout Uttar Pradesh. By harnessing solar energy, the THR Production Units will benefit from reduced electricity costs, allowing for a greater allocation of resources towards enhancing and expanding nutritional programs. The shift to solar power also promises to lower operational costs and decrease dependency on traditional energy sources.

In addition to economic benefits, the installation will contribute positively to environmental sustainability. The solar PV system is designed to reduce carbon emissions and support efforts against climate change. The backup battery feature ensures uninterrupted production of rations, even during power outages, thereby maintaining consistent service and contributing to environmental protection. The one-hour battery backup is particularly crucial, providing the necessary stability and continuity in production. This feature allows the THR units to operate without interruption during power cuts, ensuring that the quality of the rations remains high and meets the required standards for health and well-being.

Akshat Jain, CEO of KLK Ventures Private Limited, stated, “We are thrilled to partner with UPSRLM on this transformative project. By integrating solar energy into the THR Production Units, we not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also enhance the efficiency of essential nutritional programs. Our commitment is to deliver impactful solutions that support both the community and the environment.”

This initiative also plays a key role in empowering local communities. By reducing energy costs and providing a reliable power supply, the project enhances the sustainability and economic viability of the THR Production Units. This, in turn, supports job creation and economic development in rural areas, further strengthening the community.

KLK Ventures Private Limited is dedicated to executing this project with excellence, leveraging its extensive expertise in renewable energy. The company, in collaboration with UPSRLM, is committed to advancing sustainable practices while supporting the nutritional needs of Uttar Pradesh’s communities.

Mumbai, August 08, 2024: With the Indian healthcare market projected to reach US$ 320 billion by 2028, growing at 12% CAGR, as per Bain & Company, the healthcare industry is poised for significant growth and innovation, driven by advances in technology, shifting patient needs, and evolving healthcare management practices. Healthcare organisations need leaders who possess a comprehensive understanding of the industry from a management perspective, including financial, operational, marketing, and strategic aspects. Acknowledging this increasing demand, ISB Executive Education, the #1 B-School in India as per FT Global MBA Ranking 2024, has announced the launch of its ‘Certificate Programme in Healthcare Management’ along with Emeritus, the global leader in making high-quality education accessible and affordable to individuals and organisations and the Max Institute of Healthcare Management.

The 12-week high-impact online programme is designed for healthcare professionals aiming to transition to team leader or administrative roles, including doctors, pharmacists, and para-medical staff seeking management skills. It is particularly well-suited for mid-level healthcare administrative professionals seeking to advance their managerial acumen and enhance healthcare delivery within their institutions. Additionally, it is also beneficial for medical professionals planning to start their own clinics, hospitals, or businesses in the healthcare sector.

Announcing the programme’s launch, Mr. Mohan Kannegal, CEO, India and APAC, Emeritus, said, “Healthcare organisations are increasingly recognising the need for skilled management to navigate the evolving landscape and enhance service delivery. The Certificate Programme in Healthcare Management equips professionals with key skills in financial oversight and strategic planning. By bridging the gap between clinical expertise and strategic leadership, it empowers participants to lead healthcare organisations more effectively and drive innovation. As the industry adapts to emerging trends such as AI and quality management, this programme ensures that healthcare leaders are well-prepared to meet future challenges and advance their organisations.”

According to the Healthcare Industry Report by India Brand Equity Foundation, the demand for Indian healthcare professionals is expected to double nationally and globally by 2030 due to a shortage of healthcare workers in India. As healthcare organisations revamp their management structures to expand access to quality care, they are seeking trained and skilled managers to lead this transformation. The Certificate Programme in Healthcare Management by ISB Executive Education is specifically designed to bridge this gap, equipping healthcare professionals with the advanced knowledge, skills, and expertise required to navigate the complex healthcare ecosystem. By combining cutting-edge research, industry insights, and experiential learning, this programme is aimed at fostering a new generation of healthcare leaders.

Through this programme, participants will be able to:

• Learn how to optimise healthcare organisation’s finances to achieve sustainability and business objectives
• Understand the process of strategic outreach and develop marketing strategies to attract, guide, and engage healthcare consumers
• Gain a holistic overview into the accounting and capital management processes of the healthcare industry
• Apply operational frameworks through real-life examples for practical learning
• Supervise daily practices that involve client experience and organisational goals in healthcare facilities

The Certificate Programme in Healthcare Management includes pre-recorded videos for self-paced learning delivered by the globally renowned ISB Executive Education faculty, real-world case studies on top healthcare brands, business scenarios, and hands-on projects on healthcare marketing and strategic management. Additionally, it offers live masterclasses on AI and Generative AI in Healthcare, total quality management, healthcare fraud detection and healthcare analytics, among other topics. The modules of this programme include introduction to accounting in healthcare, cash flows and financial ratios in healthcare, process design and process analysis in healthcare, process excellence and raising capital in healthcare among others.

The eligibility for this programme includes Graduates (10+2+3) and Diploma holders (10+2+3) from a recognised university (UGC/AICTE/DEC/AIU/State Government/recognised international universities).

On successful completion of the programme with a minimum grading of 70% in all required assignments, participants will receive a certificate of completion from ISB Executive

New Delhi, August 8, 2024: Gokaldas Exports Limited  declared its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The Company reported a consolidated revenue of ₹ 939.7 Crore for the quarter compared to ₹ 522.2 Crore in the same quarter last year and a consolidated profit after tax of ₹ 27.2 Crore compared to ₹ 32.6 Crore in the previous year Q1 FY24.

 Key Highlights:

Reported Consolidated Financial Performance:

Commenting on the company’s first quarter, Mr. Sivaramakrishnan Ganapathi, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Gokaldas Exports said, “We were able to sustain the revenue growth momentum during the quarter but missed on profitability front. The company witnessed several headwinds starting from a disruption of our production in a majority of our factories in April and May leading to delays in shipment incurring extra costs in overtime and airfreight, huge ramp up of employees in anticipation of volume growth in the second half of the year, slower ramp up of our new units, and continuing airfreight costs at Atraco. Some of these impacts will be offset in the quarters ahead.

We are making good progress towards integrating the operations of our newly acquired entities to secure better operating leverage. Our strategic investment in BTPL, a fabrics processing unit, allows us to derive utmost benefit through vertical integration into critical raw materials, adding an edge in terms of speed, quality, and cost”.

The Company raised equity capital of ₹ 600 Crore through Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) in April 2024. After the acquisition of two companies through a combination of debt and equity, along with the fund raise, the Company has a net cash of ₹ 58 Crore as of June 30, 2024. The Company has robust operations spanning multiple geographies leveraging trained people, a diversified and strong customer base supporting growth opportunities and preferential access to raw materials through investments in the vertical value chain. This will support the Company to target significant growth in the future.

Mumbai, August 8th, 2024 – Hyatt Centric Juhu, a vibrant boutique hotel in the heart of Mumbai, is delighted to announce the appointment of Manish Pandey as its new Associate Director of Sales, effective May 06, 2024. Manish brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to this key role.

Manish boasts an impressive 9+ years in the hospitality industry, with a successful track record at renowned establishments like Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Jaipur, The LaLit Jaipur, Holiday Inn New Delhi, Marriott International The Westin Garden City Mumbai, Aloft New Delhi, Hilton Mumbai, and most recently, Taj Lands End Mumbai where he served as Associate Director of Sales. In his new role, he will leverage his expertise to drive sales growth and build strong relationships with both existing and new clients.

“I am excited to join the dynamic team at Hyatt Centric Juhu,” says Manish. “My vision is to leverage my experience and industry knowledge to foster a thriving sales culture and propel the hotel to even greater success.”

Manish is a highly motivated leader with a passion for building strong relationships and exceeding expectations. He excels at identifying new market opportunities and developing strategic plans to achieve ambitious goals.

Hyatt Centric Juhu is confident that Manish’s expertise and leadership will be instrumental in achieving their goals. The entire team extends a warm welcome to him and looks forward to his contributions.

Mumbai, 8th August 2024: Motorola, a global leader in mobile technology and innovation recently launched the motorola edge 50 in India. The motorola edge 50 is the latest addition to Motorola’s premium category of edge smartphones and it comes with numerous disruptive features such as an MIL- 810H military grade durability and IP68 underwater protection making it the world’s slimmest IP68 MIL-810H miliary graded certified durable smartphone. It features the segment’s best moto AI powered camera with Sony sensor LYTIA 700C and also boasts a 6.7” 1.5K Super HD+, HDR 10+ pOLED curved display along with various other premium features. The smartphone 50 is available in a single 8GB+256GB variant and goes on sale at an effective price of just 25,999* on Flipkart, Motorola.in and leading retail stores across India, starting today.

The motorola edge 50 gives a comfortable in hand feel with symmetrical curves in every element of its design. The design of the motorola edge 50 is as durable as it is elegant offering never before seen standards of durability . Additionally, the edge 50 boasts latest military standards MIL-STD-810H for durability, which implies that the smartphone has passed 16 rigorous tests for durability and extreme environmental conditions. Even the display is protected against cracks and scratches with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5, so users never have to worry about accidental damage to the phone.

The motorola edge 50 features the pro level Sony – LYTIA™ 700C Camera sensor with incredible AI features powered by motoAI and google photos AI. The 50MP main camera uses the Sony – LYTIA™ 700C sensor for ultrafast capture. Users get true-to-life images with moto ai which works in the background, instantly analyzing the photo and blending exposures. Motorola has also introduced a new Auto Night Vision, which is Motorola’s fastest Auto Night Vision ever. It automatically detects ambient lighting and adjusts the settings accordingly. Its 10MP telephoto camera captures subjects at a distance with incredible detail and users can see every scene clearly from 3x the distance with optical zoom, or use advanced hybrid zoom for 30x the distance. Optical Image Stabilization smooths out unwanted shakes and moto ai helps retain the details, achieving crisp and beautiful results . The third sensor in the rear camera system of the edge 50 is a 13MP Ultra-Wide camera with Macro Vision. It allows the users to take stunning shots of landscapes with a 120º ultra-wide-angle lens which can capture more of the scene in the frame than a standard lens. For extreme close ups, there’s built-in Macro Vision, which brings users 4x closer to the subject than a standard lens. On the front, the motorola edge 50 flaunts a 32MP selfie camera which can shoot videos in 4K resolution and deliver 4x better low-light sensitivity with Quad Pixel technology, which combines every four pixels into one for brilliant results.

The moto ai image processing analyzes multiple frames of a photo and blends exposures to create a true-to-life image. It works directly on the uncompressed image to preserve hidden details, richer colors, and subtle textures. These moto ai enhancements apply to videos as well. The edge 50 users can also opt for the Long Exposure feature to hit on moving water or light trails with a single tap. Users can access amazing google photos editing and AI tools to effortlessly enhance their photos and videos. AI Magic Eraser removes unwanted background distractions in just a few taps. Users can reimagine their photos with Magic Editor using generative AI and can edit, hold and drag to reposition, or pinch to resize. Apart from camera features, moto ai also bring couple of generative AI features, and several other cutting-edge innovations.

The motorola edge 50 boasts an incredible 6.7” 1.5K Super HD curved pOLED display with 1600 nits peak brightness and nearly borderless bezels. It boasts more vibrant pictures with sharper details and less pixelation owed to Super HD (1220p) resolution. The ultra-fast 120Hz refresh rate makes switching between apps, playing games, and scrolling through content incredibly smooth and fluid. Plus, the refresh rate adjusts automatically based on the type of content on the screen, and with a low latency 360Hz touch rate. Its vivid pOLED HDR10+ display delivers infinite contrast of deeper blacks and over a billion colors with wide DCI-P3 color range standards. Moreover, high brightness mode automatically adjusts the display outdoors, capable of reaching peak brightness levels of up to 1600 nits. It also features stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos for an immersive multimedia experience.

The motorola edge 50 is powered by a Snapdragon® 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition which is built with superior 4nm technology that will deliver years of proven performance. While being future proofed for upcoming networks thanks to 5G and Wi-Fi 6E support. This high-performance device is backed up by a massive 5000mAh battery and 68W TurboPower™ charger. Plus it also comes with the segment leading 15W TurboPower™ wireless charging for a hassle-free charging time. There is also support for reverse power charging to charge other devices in the ecosystem.

The motorola edge 50 comes with 256GB of built-in storage, along with RAM Boost feature which temporarily turns available storage into virtual RAM whenever they need some extra speed, so users can open apps faster and switch back and forth with ease. Apps and information stay ready in the background with up to 8GB of RAM so everything runs smoothly. Furthermore, the motorola edge 50 uses advanced thermal components to regulate heat produced during high performance. With a large 4516mm chamber, it distributes heat more effectively to keep the CPU cooler, improving thermal performance by 70% compared to the previous generation edge device.

With the launch of the motorola edge 50, comes the intuitive Hello UI with all Moto apps at one place and latest Android 14 with assured 2 OS upgrades and 3 years of security updates. Hello UI features include Smart connect, Moto Gestures, Moto Secure with Thinkshield, Family Spaces and Moto Unplugged. It also offers Moto Premium Care for after sale service benefits.

This landmark effort sets new standards in public safety and emergency management in the State of Uttar Pradesh and the country

08th August 2024, Bangalore: Astrikos.ai, the pioneer in Infra AI is proud to announce the implementation of its Intelligence Platform in the ambitious Uttar Pradesh’s UP 112, the world’s largest Next-Gen Emergency Response Support System (ERSS). This effort aims to revolutionize the ERSS in the State, setting new standards in public safety and emergency management with the use of AI while enhancing the system’s efficiency and effectiveness.

Astrikos.ai’s solutions, centered on Smart Cities and Digital Urban Spaces, facilitate smarter, more efficient, and sustainable operations, greatly enhancing urban living and facility management. The Astrikos.ai Intelligence Platform was leveraged in the second phase of UP 112 which Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently launched to enhance public safety.

The Platform, selected for this ambitious project is revolutionizing the State’s ERSS and providing insights to the State administrators to effectively plan for the management of emergencies by the respective State departments.

Astrikos.ai’s Intelligence Platform for the UP 112 Project focuses on achieving key objectives, such as,

•  Data Intelligence & Data Quality Enhancement
•  Crime Anticipation & Optimal Resource Deployment
•  Incident Trends & Risk Terrain Modelling
•  Emergency Trend Pattern Analysis and Forecasting
• Response Time Analysis and Optimization Advisories

“We are truly honoured to collaborate with the state of Uttar Pradesh on the esteemed UP 112 Project,” said Chinmay Hegde, Co-founder, CEO, and Managing Director of Astikos.ai. “Our Intelligence Platform is designed to deliver transformative insights and operational improvements to these emergency response systems, enhancing public safety and saving lives.”

With a population exceeding 270 million Uttar Pradesh is the most populated State in India and is leading the way in public safety by pioneering the Next Generation ERSS – Dial 112 (Emergency) or UP 112. The Project marks a critical advancement in the evolution of emergency response systems in India, demonstrating the immense potential of AI in addressing complex challenges in public safety and emergency management.

Astrikos.ai serves a diverse range of sectors, including the Public Sector, Data Centers, Urban Local Bodies, Smart Cities, Manufacturing Units, Healthcare Infrastructure, and Airports. Its esteemed clientele includes over five smart cities across India, MENA, and ASEAN, data centers of private sector banks, food and beverage organizations, and major infrastructure and infrastructure management companies, among others.

Singapore, 8th Aug 2024- FlexiBees, a Talent MarketPlace, providing flexible, part-time and remote work solutions has raised its Pre-Series A Round led by Inflection Point Ventures. The round also saw participation from Shan M S, COO of Namma Yatri, Reema Mahajan, founder of International Women in Dubai, and other notable investors. The funds will be used for expanding its technological infrastructure, refining its AI algorithms, and broadening its market presence to better meet the needs of both employers and talent.

FlexiBees is a leading vetted talent platform connecting women professionals with part-time, project-based, and remote roles. Serving over 700 businesses globally, including major firms like Kimberly-Clark Professional and Tata Realty, as well as high-growth startups such as Qapita and Creditmantri, FlexiBees has a network of 60,000+ professionals. They have successfully placed 1,400+ women in flexible careers and impacted 20,000+ women through returnship preparation and interview coaching.

Shreya Prakash, Co-Founder and CEO of FlexiBees, directs Business Development and Marketing, drawing on a decade of experience at Hindustan Unilever. Rashmi Rammohan, Co-Founder and COO oversees Business Delivery, Technology, and Digital, with a distinguished background in leading Media, Digital, and e-commerce Insights at P&G. Deepa Swami, Co-Founder and Chief Talent Officer, manages Talent Acquisition, Project Operations, and Finance & Legal, supported by her prior roles as a Management Consultant at KPMG and in the education sector with Aptech. All three are distinguished MBA graduates from IIM Bangalore.

Vikram Ramasubramaniam, Partner, Inflection Point Ventures says, “Balancing household and office responsibilities often takes a significant toll on individuals, such as new parents or those caring for aging relatives, leading to compromises. FlexiBees addresses this by offering part-time, project-based, and remote jobs, enabling professionals to manage both their personal and professional lives effectively. This approach allows them to contribute their expertise while maintaining personal commitments, benefiting employers with access to skilled talent.”

FlexiBees provides value for startups and SMBs with cost-effective and agile solutions, helping professionals balance their careers and personal lives. Their advanced vetting technology ensures high-quality matches, with 70% of business from repeat clients. FlexiBees offers a broad range of roles such as Sales, Digital Marketing, Finance, HR, and Technology, significantly reducing hiring time by 90%. For professionals, it offers flexible, career-advancing opportunities that promote financial independence and agency.

As of July 2024, FlexiBees has a team of over 30 professionals working remotely, all sourced from their own talent pool, exemplifying their commitment to flexibility.

Shreya Prakash, Co -Founder & CEO, FlexiBees, says, “Our objective is to scale our operations to generate employment opportunities and improve employability for millions of women professionals currently outside the full-time workforce. This initiative will provide business across the world with access to a remarkable talent pool, helping them grow competitively. We express our sincere gratitude to Inflection Point Ventures for their confidence in our vision and ambition. We could not have asked for more esteemed partners.”

Rashmi Manmohan, Co- Founder and COO FlexiBees, “We recognized early on that the traditional marketplace matching approach was insufficient for our needs. Companies today are hiring for a wide array of roles flexibly, from Sales and Marketing to Content Strategy. Traditional gig Marketplaces, lack the capability to effectively manage these complex skill matches.”

In 2022, FlexiBees was honoured as the first runner-up in the Tie Women’s competition for South East Asia and South Asia. Notably, FlexiBees was recognized by Jefferies, a leading brokerage firm, as a pioneering force in the flexible work sector.

FlexiBees targets startups and SMBs within a global ecosystem of over 3.5 million startups spread across more than 300 hubs, collectively generating $4 trillion in value. The company seeks to capture a share of this substantial market by offering experienced, cost-effective, and on-demand talent from India and other regions where the pool of qualified women professionals remains under-utilized.

8th August 2024: Hilti India Private Limited announced the launch of its pathbreaking Data Driven Services (DDS). This innovation offers state-of-the-art tool park and warehouse management, and battery health services. This strategic move aims to revolutionize tool management for businesses and ensure enhanced on-site productivity and efficiency.

Since its inception, Hilti India has been a frontrunner in bringing innovations that improve productivity, safety, and sustainability to the Indian construction jobsites. In July 2023, Hilti India launched Nuron – the single 22V cordless platform that brings performance and safety to all applications, from light duty applications such as drilling to heavy duty applications such as breaking.

Hilti India has made its Nuron platform smarter and more agile by bringing intelligence and connectivity to all the tools. Hilti’s innovative “Data Driven Service (DDS)” is an integrated IoT technology that provides advanced tool park management and real-time insights on battery health services.

DDS brings numerous new features, one of the most significant being the location tracking of power tools allowing the user to track the site where the tools are present. Combined with this, DDS also offers real-time information on the utilization of power tools, providing details on idle assets and the duration for which the tool was idle. The third feature that DDS provides is the proactive health monitoring system of a tool battery and gives proactive alerts and replacements in case it is faulty, thus ensuring uninterrupted operations.

To bring simplicity and convenience to accessing this collected information, Hilti has introduced “ON! TRACK 3”, a single app for managing all Hilti assets. The app also acts as a virtual customer care center, in addition to providing access to all its other features. For example, users can access all relevant product details, view costs spent on tool maintenance, and even book repairs directly through the app.

Commenting on the launch, Ashish Markande, Director – Marketing, Hilti India Pvt Ltd, said, “At Hilti, our constant endeavor is to streamline our customers’ tool ownership experience and ensure their convenience in using our products and services. In line with this vision, we have designed the Data Driven Services (DDS) platform specifically to empower customers to focus on their core business and manage tools. By addressing the key pain points, DDS optimizes operational efficiency and purchase processes, serving as a one-stop solution for all their tool-related needs.”

DDS is the first-of-its-kind service launched for power tools in India. It integrates seamlessly with Hilti’s groundbreaking Nuron platform, capturing data from all cordless tools during each charge cycle. This allows businesses to leverage tool park insights, improve efficiency, and make informed decisions through the app. With this innovative solution, Hilti India aims to provide data-driven consultation and services, staying true to its promise of being the best partner for productivity, safety, and sustainability for its customers.

India is undergoing a digital transformation, particularly in the construction industry. Construction 4.0, driven by advanced technologies and data-driven solutions, represents a significant shift. BIM, IoT, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, and Automation are key technologies facilitating this paradigm shift. It is encouraging to see India’s readiness to embrace innovation and strive for increased productivity.