Archives September 2024

Bangalore, 12th September 2024 – Wundrsight, a Digital Therapeutics startup has secured $400K in seed round led by Inflection Point Ventures. Social Alpha has also joined the round along with other angel investors. This investment will enable Wundrsight to expand its network of hospital and clinic partnerships across India and accelerate the development of its innovative VR-based mental health solutions.

Wundrsight is first in India to build Virtual Reality and AI based therapy platform for mental healthcare management Established in 2022, the company focuses on digitising and standardising mental health therapy using the immersive nature of Virtual Reality (VR). Their mission is to deliver accessible, effective, and personalized care for various mental, behavioral and neurocognitive health conditions, including Substance Use Disorders, OCD, Anxiety, Phobia, Autism, Dementia and more. They have also been backed by Meta (Facebook parent), DLabs at Indian School of Business, IIT Mandi Catalyst, NASSCOM and others.

Raunak Swarnkar, Co-founder & CEO, an IIT GN-Alumni, brings over 5 years of experience leading product development across AI/ML, B2B SaaS, and R&D in Neuroscience and medical devices, with previous roles at TCS R&D, IBM, and RedSeer Consulting. Nishtha Budhiraja, Co-founder & Chief Medical Officer, a psychologist with 10+ years of experience, has worked with over 5000 patients and holds a degree from the University of Essex, with prior clinical leadership roles at Loop Health, Cult.Fit. Together, they are on a mission to build technology to solve for the current inefficiencies in delivering quality mental healthcare treatment to patients.

Vikram Ramasubramanian, Partner, Inflection Point Ventures says, “The mental health crisis is more alarming than ever; solving it with just traditional methods is often limited to accessibility, personalized treatment, and engagement. Many people start therapy but frequently drop off due to ineffective retention and engagement strategies. Wundrsight is at the forefront of addressing these issues by bringing in digital therapeutic and mixed reality technology like Virtual Reality to create personalized, immersive, and effective mental health care experiences. VR augments current solutions, helping to retain and engage users more effectively, ensuring they achieve their results. At IPV, we believe in Wundrsight’s vision to make mental wellness accessible to all through technological innovation.”

Wundrsight stands out with its passionate team, boasting decades of experience in mental healthcare and cutting-edge product development. Wundrsight’s VR solutions have already proven successful in reducing therapy session times by up to 30%, saving time and money while delivering superior patient outcomes. With a focus on evidence-based practices, they’re pioneering VR therapy in India, backed by CDSCO Registration, ISO certifications and CTRI-registered clinical trials.

Currently operating in 3 metro cities, they have already secured contracts with over 5 hospitals, with additional partnerships with leading private and government hospitals underway. Offering more than 6 VR therapy products, the startup has successfully treated over 1000 patients across various mental health conditions, including Substance Use Disorders, OCD, Anxiety, Phobia, and Autism, with clinician-administered therapies.

“We’re at a pivotal moment in mental health care, especially now as innovative software-based medical devices are getting regulatory approvals for prescriptions,” said Raunak Swarnkar, Co-Founder & CEO of Wundrsight. “Hospitals and clinics globally face immense pressure to provide high-quality, scalable mental health services despite a shortage of clinicians. Our VR-based solutions not only reduce the need for medication but also enhance clinician efficiency, allowing for safe, standardized and effective treatments. This funding will help us expand our reach and impact in India and APAC. We look forward to entering the US market next where VR therapy has received CPT codes for reimbursement from insurance providers.”

India Mental Health Market Valuation is projected to reach approximately USD 62.86 billion by 2032, up from USD 6.89 billion in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.16%1.

New Delhi, Sept 12th, 2024: NTPC Ltd. paid the final dividend of Rs. 3,151 crore on 11th September 2024 for the financial year 2023-24, representing 32.50% of the paid-up equity share capital of the company.

This is in addition to the first interim dividend of Rs. 2,182 crore and a second interim dividend of Rs. 2,182 crore paid in November 2023 and February 2024 respectively.

The total dividend paid for FY 2023-24 is Rs.7,515 crore, at the rate of Rs. 7.75 per share of a face value of Rs.10 each.

This is the 31st consecutive year that NTPC Ltd. has paid a dividend

Authored by Prof. G. Shainesh, Priya Venkatesh, and Karthikeyan S, the book celebrates the intersection of education and ecology.

12th September 2024: IIM Bangalore is launching a captivating book that takes you on a visual journey through the campus’s diverse flora and fauna, highlighting the profound connection between education and the environment. On September 14, 2024, IIMB is hosting the book launch titled “Exploring Nature: Flora and Fauna of IIM Bangalore” at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC) Library,” Published by Altrim Publishers, the book is co-authored by Prof. G. Shainesh from IIMB’s Marketing faculty, Priya Venkatesh, Founder of The Naturalist School, and Karthikeyan S, Chief Naturalist at Jungle Lodges and Resorts

The launch event will take place from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and will feature a panel discussion titled “Embracing Biodiversity for a Nature-Inclusive Bangalore.” Esteemed speakers include S. Karthikeyan, Chief Naturalist at Jungle Lodges and Resorts; Priya Venkatesh; Dr. G. Shainesh; and P. S. Narayan, Global Head of Sustainability at Wipro. “The panel will explore how IIM Bangalore campus, despite urban challenges, serves as a model for creating spaces that integrate academia and ecology

S Karthikeyan, Chief Naturalist, Jungle Lodges and Resorts

S Karthikeyan is a well-known naturalist with more than three decades of experience teaching about nature who has worked with WWF-India as a professional and volunteer, receiving the prestigious Carl Zeiss Wildlife Conservation Award in 2013. He shares his knowledge through interactive activities such as guided nature walks, talks, film screenings, workshops and nature camps; he has also extensively written on natural history topics maintaining a blog on the same. Currently Karthikeyan heads the Naturalists Training Programme at Jungle Lodges and Resorts where he trains the next generation of naturalists to appreciate and interpret their surroundings so that they can have a stronger bond with Mother Earth while still encouraging conservation efforts.

Priya Venkatesh, Founder, The Naturalist School

Priya Venkatesh is the Founder of The Naturalist School, a pioneering institution dedicated to fostering a deeper connection with nature. With a passion for environmental education and conservation, Priya has created a unique learning space that encourages individuals to explore, appreciate, and protect the natural world. Through her school, Priya aims to inspire a new generation of nature enthusiasts, citizen scientists, and sustainability leaders, empowering them with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to make a positive impact on the environment.

Dr. G Shainesh, IIMB Marketing faculty

Professor G Shainesh is a distinguished academic with over two decades of research and teaching experience in India and internationally. He has collaborated with renowned institutions worldwide, including the University of Gothenburg, University of St. Gallen, HEC Paris, and Bocconi University, among others. His expertise lies in Digital Marketing Strategies, CRM, Services Marketing, and Service Innovations. Additionally, he serves as Vice Chair of the Academy of International Business – South Asia Chapter (AIB-SAC) and on the Board of the International Sustainable Development Research Society (ISDRS).

P S Narayan, Global Head of Sustainability

P.S. Narayan is a seasoned executive and sustainability leader, serving as Global Head of Sustainability and Social Initiatives at Wipro Limited and Managing Trustee of the Wipro Foundation. With nearly 30 years of experience, he has shaped Wipro’s sustainability agenda, developing and managing its sustainability charter, advocating for sustainability with prominent organizations, and championing the Wipro earthian Awards. His dedication has made a significant impact, inspiring responsible business practices and earning him recognition as a pioneer in corporate sustainability, driving positive change at Wipro and beyond.

Event: Book Launch- “Exploring Nature: Flora and Fauna of IIM Bangalore”
Date: 14th September 2024
Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Venue: Bangalore International Centre Library
Panelists: S Karthikeyan, Priya Venkatesh, Dr. G Shainesh and P S Narayan

12 September 2024: Centricity, India’s fastest growing tech-first wealth management company, has successfully raised USD 20 million in a seed funding round to advance its mission of revolutionising wealth management through its technology-based platform. This investment was led by Lightspeed with returning investors Burman Family Office, Shantanu Agarwal amongst others. The round also saw investments from Paramark VC, a distinguished Korean venture capital fund and a group of renowned Family Offices and angel investors, including MS Dhoni family office, Aakash Chaudhry (Ex Aakash Institute), NB Ventures family office, Ritesh Agarwal (OYO), Vishal Dhupar (MD Nvidia) MMG group family office and Action Tesa family office among others.

With a vision to build India’s largest financial distribution franchise and a best-in-class boutique private banking practice, Centricity plans to utilise the fresh capital to expand its operations. The company plans to double its tech development team from 75 to over 150 specialists, focusing on innovations like generative AI led modules, insure-tech, and broking-tech platforms. Through a “phygital” approach, Centricity aims to empower financial advisors to easily access and transact in financial products while simplifying the understanding of financial portfolios.

On the successful fundraise, Manu Awasthy, Founder & CEO of Centricity, said, “Our tech product and business growth are testimony of an impeccable team, immaculately executing a coherent idea. End investors in wealth management are tech starved and crave for simple, sincere solutions. And Centricity is solving this problem through its tech first mind set and practical tech applications. Our scale has been bigger and faster than any wealth management company in India within 15 months of starting the operations”

“Centricity’s vision of redefining wealth management with its one-of-a-kind solution is essential for India’s rapidly evolving financial landscape. The company’s commitment to empowering independent financial advisors and former private wealth professionals with a sophisticated, yet user-friendly platform sets a new benchmark in the industry. By offering democratised accessibility to all financial products for investors and a commitment to addressing the largely underserved Indian wealth market, the platform holds a lot for promise. We have strong belief in Centricity’s innovative approach and its potential to disrupt the wealth management landscape,” said Shuvi Shrivastava, Partner & Advisor, Lightspeed.

Saket Burman from Burman Family Office said, “We backed Centricity’s founding team in the pre-seed round, recognising their potential to transform how UHNWIs and SFOs in India manage their wealth. While others still rely on basic tools, Centricity is offering a cutting-edge solution. The team’s remarkable progress and proven execution reaffirm our belief that they can become a leader in this challenging market.”

MS Dhoni Family Office said, “Centricity’s OneDigital is on a mission to democratize wealth management for a billion Indians and boost financial product distribution, especially in tier 2/tier 3 towns and cities. Investing in Centricity will be step towards partnering in this journey.”

India, September 12, 2024 – Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., a leading cyber security platform provider of AI-powered, cloud-delivered solutions, has been recognized as a Leader in the latest GigaOm Radar Report for Security Policy as Code. As part of the Infinity Platform to secure the cloud, Check Point CloudGuard offers robust code security capabilities that fortify businesses against evolving cyber threats.

“At Check Point, we understand the challenges that come with ensuring the safety and integrity of your digital assets in the cloud. That’s why we are thrilled to announce our positioning as a Leader in GigaOm’s Security Policy as Code report,” said Paul Barbosa, VP of Cloud Security at Check Point Software Technologies. “This recognition highlights our innovative CloudGuard solution, which enables organizations to seamlessly integrate security into their development processes, ensuring robust protection from the start.”

As businesses increasingly rely on advanced software for their daily operations, securing this code becomes crucial for protecting sensitive information and ensuring seamless operations. Cloud practitioners require dependable security solutions, such as code security, part of the Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP), to meet this need. According to Check Point’s 2024 Cloud Security Report, a mere 21% of organizations focus on preventive measures to stop attacks before they happen, highlighting a significant gap in current cloud security strategies. By adopting Security Policy as Code, companies can prioritize proactive security measures, streamline security management, reduce errors, and empower teams to quickly address threats, as early as development, thereby securing cloud environments.

“CloudGuard benefits from Check Point’s deep cybersecurity expertise and integrates seamlessly with the Infinity platform, providing advanced threat prevention and security management capabilities across diverse environments,” said Whit Walters, analyst at GigaOm. “CloudGuard is well-suited for organizations operating in complex multicloud or hybrid environments, particularly those with a strong DevOps culture.”

Additional features of CloudGuard Code Security include:

• Integrated Security Across CI/CD Pipelines: offers seamless, language-agnostic security scanning, enabling early detection and resolution of vulnerabilities and exposed secrets to mitigate production security risks
• Automated DevSecOps Practices: Enforces uniform security policies and regulatory compliance while optimizing security operations, seamlessly integrating with DevOps to enable rapid development without sacrificing security
• Advanced Threat Detection and Prevention: Provides robust detection of vulnerabilities, malware, and weak security practices, reducing the likelihood of costly security incidents
• Actionable Remediation and Continuous Improvement: Offers precise remediation steps for security issues, empowering developers to swiftly address vulnerabilities and continually enhance their security practices

Mumbai, September 12, 2024: Successfully managing insurance compliance requires diligence, accuracy, and a strict adherence to timelines. Onboarding, licensing, appointments, and terminations can be extremely labor-intensive, error prone, and expensive without the right technology in place, which is why AgentSync developed a SaaS platform to help insurance companies streamline their end-to-end producer management processes.

Mphasis Silverline is excited to announce that it has partnered with AgentSync to bring their producer and compliance management solution to our insurance clients. Built directly on the Salesforce Platform, AgentSync Manage gives organizations the power to use intelligent automation to simplify producer management and compliance, gaining valuable customer insights in the process.

“We’ve had to custom-build these solutions or integrate into another system for a lot of insurance clients over the years,” said Danielle Laffey, Senior Director of Insurance of Mphasis Silverline. “AgentSync’s solution is native to the Salesforce Platform and can be easily configured to the particular needs of the insurance community.”

Prior to AgentSync, insurance compliance vendors operated on infrastructure that looked similar to the legacy insurers they served: dated, complex, custom-coded, and difficult to use. Today, however, many of the largest insurance carriers and agencies are adopting modern technology and digitally transforming the way they manage compliance, improving operations and reducing financial, legal, and reputational risks.

AgentSync is the only insurance compliance management solution that takes an agency or carrier’s processes from hours of manual data entry, including cross-referencing websites and spreadsheets, to a few minutes of activity in a single platform.

“When we were evaluating compliance technology solutions, other products looked dated, bland, and didn’t seem to be customizable. They were hard to navigate around, and hard to read. AgentSync was the opposite. It felt modern, purpose-built, and innovative and the interface was appealing to look at,” said Matt Brockmeier, Business Development Specialist at Veterans United Insurance and an AgentSync customer. “AgentSync showed a level of insurance industry expertise that we didn’t see in other vendors we were looking at.”

Using APIs and a cloud-native, low-code architecture, AgentSync’s robust integrations and unparalleled data accuracy break through the milieu of outdated legacy tech to modernize and simplify operations and compliance in the insurance branch of the financial services industry.

“AgentSync knows compliance,” said Laffey. “They are experts, and their platform demonstrates that expertise. They understand the nuances and state-level requirements across the producer lifecycle – from licensing and appointing to continuing education and renewals – and make it really easy and efficient for organizations to achieve and maintain compliance and leverage producer data to drive reporting, analytics, and distribution strategies.”

AgentSync is committed to building insurance infrastructure that is current, automatic, and integrated into an organization’s technology ecosystem. With a daily sync, the first-of-its-kind API to connect customers to the industry’s source of truth on producer licensing and state appointments, customers get a real-time view into their workforce’s compliance and can understand ready-to-sell status across all jurisdictions, without anyone having to perform manual checks or validation.

The combination of AgentSync’s insurance compliance expertise with Mphasis Silverline’s deep Salesforce knowledge provides a significant opportunity for our clients to transform their compliance processes on the Salesforce Platform.

Mumbai, September 12, 2024: The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) today hosted the 6th edition of the Auto Retail Conclave, centered around the theme “Elevating Customer & Revitalising Dealer Synergy”. More than 500 participants from across India participated, focusing on enhancing customer experiences and strengthening partnerships between automakers and dealers. The conclave provided a platform for discussing evolving market dynamics, the importance of collaboration, and strategies to foster innovation in the auto retail sector.

The Conclave was inaugurated by our esteemed Chief Guest, Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India who addressed the attendees virtually. We were also honoured by the presence of our distinguished Guest of Honour, Mr. Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, as well as Mr. H.D. Kumaraswamy, Union Minister of Heavy Industries, and Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Adviser, Ministry of Finance, Government of India. Additionally, Mr. Karti V. Nagpal, President of Rosmerta Group, and Ms. Shradha Suri Marwah, President of ACMA and CMD of Subros, graced the occasion, emphasizing the importance of shaping the future of India’s auto retail sector.

Commending FADA’s ongoing efforts in building a responsible retail automobile ecosystem in the nation, Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, stated, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to FADA on its 60th anniversary and the celebration of its Diamond Jubilee with such professionalism. With over 30,000 dealerships employing more than 5 million people, the association has been a driving force in regional development, social inclusion, and economic growth, providing significant employment opportunities and contributing substantially to India’s economic resilience. With annual revenues of ₹40,000 crore and ₹95,000 crore in taxes, the auto retail sector plays a vital role in the nation’s economy. FADA’s leadership in advocating policy reforms has promoted transparency, fairness, and sustainability. I also commend its commitment to green mobility and its role in advancing road safety through initiatives like the ‘Buckle Up’ campaign and the implementation of the New CMV Rules.”

He further added, “The theme of this year’s conclave, ‘Transforming Tomorrow: Elevating Customer and Revitalising Dealer Synergy,’ is timely and aligns with the government’s push towards a customer-centric approach in the automotive industry. As we embrace the future of mobility, continued innovation in customer service, after-sales, and quality assurance will be critical. I assure you that the government remains committed to supporting the auto retail sector and values the significant role FADA and its members play in driving India’s economic growth. We look forward to continued collaboration in achieving our shared goals of sustainability, innovation, and safety.”

Honourable Minister of Heavy Industries, Mr. H.D. Kumaraswamy, remarked on the 60th anniversary of FADA and the 6th Auto Conclave, saying, “It is an honour to be part of this significant celebration as FADA marks its Diamond Jubilee, reflecting on six decades of excellence in India’s auto retail sector. FADA has played a crucial role in shaping an industry that not only provides employment to millions but also makes a substantial contribution to the country’s GDP. The data from FADA’s vehicle registration reports remains invaluable for policymakers and industry leaders. As India progresses toward sustainable mobility, FADA’s efforts in promoting cleaner energy and supporting the growth of electric vehicles, particularly through initiatives like FAME II, align perfectly with the government’s vision for a green and forward-thinking automotive sector. We are dedicated to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the continued, customer-focused, and sustainable growth of India’s automotive industry. On behalf of the government, I express my gratitude to FADA for its steadfast commitment and pledge our ongoing support as we strive together to achieve India’s mobility goals.”

Shri. Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Minister for Environment and climate, stated, “I extend my deep appreciation to the automotive retail industry for its substantial contribution to India’s development journey. As we continue to advance economically, it is essential that we strike a balance between growth and environmental sustainability. Climate change is a pressing reality, and we must work collectively to address it. I urge dealers across the country to embrace green mobility, prioritizing zero-emission vehicles and contributing towards India’s goal of carbon neutrality. FADA’s initiative of planting one tree for every vehicle sold is a commendable step in the right direction, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Together, we can drive economic progress while safeguarding the environment for future generations.”

Mr. C.S. Vigneshwar, President of FADA, in his address to the stalwarts of the Indian automobile industry and esteemed dignitaries from the Government of India, said “It is both an honour and a privilege to assume the role of the 37th President of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) today. Our collective efforts not only contribute significantly to the economy but also foster inclusive growth across the country. As we look to the future, two fundamental elements will shape our path forward: Passion and Intent. These qualities, demonstrated by each of you in your daily operations, will be instrumental in driving the next phase of our industry’s evolution. Our top priorities will focus on the Retail Protection Act and the Model Dealer Agreement, which are vital for securing the long-term stability and success of dealerships across India. The future of our industry will depend on the strength of our partnerships—whether with OEMs, financiers, insurance providers, or other key stakeholders.”

The Conclave witnessed the launch of the ‘FADA Corporate Video’ and the ‘FADA Digest 2024’. The FADA Digest, the association’s annual journal, offers a comprehensive analysis of the Indian automobile industry. It provides insights into current trends, technologies, and policies shaping the sector’s development. Beyond reviewing the latest trends, the digest also presents a forward-looking vision for the industry’s future, identifying emerging challenges and opportunities within the Indian auto retail market. It further highlights key initiatives undertaken by FADA to improve dealer operations, enhance customer experiences, and strengthen partnerships across the industry.

A notable feature of the Conclave was a presentation by Mr. Shylesh Narayanan, Country Head of Frost & Sullivan, who introduced the Customer Experience Index Study conducted in collaboration with FADA. This extensive study aimed to assess customer experience across sales, after-sales service, and product quality in the passenger vehicle segment. It identified critical drivers of customer satisfaction, offering valuable insights for the automotive sector. The survey, involving over 8,500 customers from Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities, including both urban and rural regions, provided a comprehensive view of customer preferences and satisfaction levels across India.

The conclave witnessed a series of sessions with industry abled leadership sharing their views & vision for the sector & its challenges. The key Power Panel discussion were on Customer Experience Index (CEI) Study, Collaborating on Government Policies and The Dealer Satisfaction Survey Study – strengths and opportunities

Panel I: CxO Fireside Chat on Customer Experience Index (CEI) Study 2024

The CxO Fireside Chat on the Customer Experience Index (CEI) Study 2024 gathered valuable responses and insights from prominent industry leaders. Moderated by Mr. Vinkesh Gulati, Chairman of FADA Academy & Research, the panel featured a distinguished lineup of executives, including Mr. Veejay Ram Nakra, President – Auto Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., Mr. Rajeev Chaba, President & MD, MG Motor India Pvt. Ltd., and Mr. Aroop Zutshi, Global Managing Partner & Executive Board Member, Frost & Sullivan. Each leader shared their perspective on the CEI study’s critical importance, discussing the challenges currently faced by the automotive sector and exploring opportunities for future growth.

Collaborating on Government Policies

The session on Collaborating on Government Policies brought together distinguished speakers, including Dr. Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, and Mr. Mahmood Ahmed, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India. The discussion focused on the pivotal role of government policies in shaping the future of the automotive sector, with insights into ongoing regulatory developments and their implications for the industry. Moderated by Mr. Sai Giridhar, Secretary of FADA, the session concluded with a Q&A, facilitating an engaging dialogue between industry stakeholders and government officials on critical policy matters.

Panel II: Dealer Satisfaction Study (DSS’24): Strengths & Opportunities

The Dealer Satisfaction Study (DSS’24) panel provided a comprehensive analysis of the strengths and opportunities within various vehicle segments. It featured insights from prominent industry leaders: Mr. Amit Kamat, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Motors PVs; Mr. Hardeep Singh Brar, Senior Vice President & Head of Marketing & Sales, Kia India Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director of Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Ranjivjit Singh, Chief Business Officer, Hero MotoCorp Ltd.; Mr. Diego Graffi, Chairman & Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. S.S. Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd.; and Mr. Amandeep Singh, President LCV, International Operations, Defense and Power Solutions, Ashok Leyland Limited. The panelists discussed key findings from the study, examining dealer satisfaction levels across the Passenger Vehicle (PV), Two-Wheeler (2W), Three-Wheeler (3W), and Commercial Vehicle (CV) segments. They also explored strategies to enhance dealer relationships, optimize performance, and capitalize on emerging market opportunities.

FADA signed an MoU with DigiELV and Meta Materials Circular Markets (MMCM) to advance sustainable practices in the automotive industry. The agreement, signed by Mr. Nitin Chitkara, CEO of MMCM, and Mr. Sai Giridhar, Secretary of FADA, focuses on promoting responsible end-of-life vehicle management through digital solutions.

A dedicated session was held to review the Federation’s initiatives focused on strengthening and advancing the Indian automobile industry. The session covered key areas including the progress of the FADA Academy, achievements of FADA GenX, and the “Women in FADA” program. Detailed reviews and strategic frameworks were presented, providing a comprehensive outlook for the sector’s future.

The Dealer Satisfaction Study 2024 Awards ceremony recognized the winners of FADA’s Dealer Satisfaction Study. This event also included the presentation of additional awards, such as the Golden Dealership Award and the Customer Experience Index Study 2024 Award, celebrating excellence in dealership performance and customer experience.

11 September 2024: Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, announced the appointment of Sejal Haribhakti Mody as its Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective September 9, 2024. Sejal will lead Akasa Air’s human resources strategy as the airline continues on its path to becoming one of the top 30 airlines in the world by the turn of this decade.

In her new role, Sejal will be responsible for driving organizational and functional transformation, enterprise performance and talent management, and leadership development, while ensuring a strong focus on employee experience and culture. With a career spanning over 20 years, Sejal brings a wealth of experience in human resources, organizational change, and talent strategy across industries, including FMCG, media and consulting.

Commenting on the appointment, Vinay Dube, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Akasa Air, said, “We are delighted to welcome Sejal to the Akasa family. Her deep expertise in organizational transformation, change management and her passion for building strong, people-centric cultures will be instrumental as we continue to scale our operations and maintain our commitment to providing world-class customer experience rooted in employee centricity.”

Sejal Haribhakti Mody, Chief Human Resources Officer, Akasa Air, added, “The Indian aviation industry has witnessed tremendous transformation, and I am thrilled to join Akasa Air at such an exciting phase of its journey. With deep understanding of people practices and employee experience programs, I look forward to working with the talented team at Akasa, to build a dynamic and inclusive culture that empowers our people to thrive and contribute to Akasa’s success as India’s most customer-centric airline.”

Before joining Akasa Air, Sejal held a leadership role at Hindustan Unilever Ltd., where she served as the HR Head for Supply Chain, Legal, and ESG/Sustainability for South Asia. In this capacity, she was responsible for Talent Strategy, Organisation Design, Workforce planning, Culture and Capability building while also continuing to focus on partnering with the Supply Chain and Legal functions. Her previous experience has included roles such as Senior Vice President for Corporate HR at Disney Star, where she led strategic HR initiatives during the Disney-Star integration. She has also held key leadership roles at McKinsey & Co. and Accenture.

Sejal has earned an MBA in Finance and Change Management from the Indian School of Business and a BBA Honors in Management Information Systems from Texas McCombs School of Business.

Akasa Air’s consistent on-time leadership, operational efficiencies and extremely positive customer feedback have made it a preferred carrier in India, serving over 11 million passengers since its launch in August 2022. Akasa Air currently connects with 22 domestic and five international cities, namely Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Port Blair, Ayodhya, Gwalior, Srinagar, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Doha (Qatar), Jeddah, Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Kuwait City (Kuwait).

Bengaluru, September 12th, 2024: Mphasis and United Way Bengaluru officially announced the launch of the “One Billion Drops” campaign at five police campuses in Bengaluru, including CAR (City Armed Reserve) North, Karnataka State Reserved Police 9th Battalion, Centre for Counter-Terrorism, CAR Headquarters, and KSRP 1st Battalion. This year, 590 percolation wells will be constructed across these locations.

The event was attended by the Commissioner of Police, Bangalore City, Mr. B Dayananda, who commended the initiative for its significant contribution to Bengaluru’s water sustainability.

The “One Billion Drops” initiative addresses climate-change-related issues through percolation wells designed to capture rainwater at the point of impact. This approach reduces surface runoff, prevents floods, and conserves water by slowing its flow. The campaign is pivotal in restoring Bengaluru’s water resources, replenishing groundwater, and maintaining soil moisture to support the city’s green cover.

“I wholeheartedly appreciate the proactive support of Mphasis and United Way of Bengaluru for coming forward to make our police campuses water-neutral through their CSR initiatives. Your commitment to sustainability is a shining example of community policing in action. Together, we are not only ensuring a greener future for our personnel and the community but also setting a benchmark for responsible governance. Thank you for your invaluable partnership in this noble endeavour,” said B. Dayananda, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City.

“Our ongoing partnership with United Way Bengaluru has empowered us to address global environmental challenges like climate change while making significant strides in reviving the state’s biodiversity. The ‘One Billion Drops’ campaign remains a powerful initiative in rainwater conservation and sustainability, demonstrating our commitment to a greener future,” said Deepa Nagaraj, Senior Vice President and Head – ESG & CSR, Sparkle Innovation Ecosystem and Communications

“Rooted in a community-driven approach, the ‘One Billion Drops’ campaign represents a scalable and replicable model that promotes ecological sustainability and resilience against climate change. By harnessing the power of collaboration between corporate entities, NGOs and government bodies, this initiative is setting a new standard for climate action and water conservation,” said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO of United Way Bengaluru.

This initiative aligns seamlessly with the Prime Minister’s National Water Mission initiative, “Catch the Rain, Where it Falls, When it Falls.” Each percolation well can conserve up to 128,000 litres of rainwater annually, directly enhancing groundwater levels in their respective catchment areas.

Once known as the Garden City, Bengaluru now faces the harsh realities of India’s climate crisis, dealing with severe groundwater depletion, erratic rainfall, and a shrinking green cover. In response to these growing challenges, Mphasis, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, has partnered with United Way Bengaluru to drive an impactful campaign called “One Billion Drops”.

Since 2022, Mphasis has supported the creation of 1,338 percolation wells across Bengaluru, including in major parks and the iconic Lalbagh Botanical Garden. These percolation wells can conserve approximately 175,284 kiloliters of rainwater annually, making a significant contribution to the city’s water resources and environmental health. These wells have benefitted 251,000 members of the community. In the coming years, the goal is to reach out to approximately 225,000 beneficiaries by creating 1200 wells by 2026.

Kannur, 12 September, 2024: Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital (KIMS), well known and large healthcare chain has entered into a lease and operations and management agreement with Sreechand Speciality Hospital situated in Kannur town, Kerala. The Hospital started operations in the year 2020. Hospital is currently functioning with 189 beds, 6 OTs and 1 Cath Lab. The agreement was entered into by KIMS through its wholly-owned subsidiary KIMS SWASTHA PRIVATE LIMITED.

The hospital will be rebranded as KIMS Sreechand Specialty Hospital and will be expanded into a 350-bed quaternary care unit with high end facilities across all departments with added focus on Transplants, Robotic Surgeries and Comprehensive Cancer Care.

Distinguished and efficient individuals will take charge of Kerala’s operations indicated the press note.

Dr Abhinay Bollineni, CEO of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital opined that the management will be adding more such Asset Light Hospitals in Kerala.

Mr. Anup Kallalathil, Director, Sreechand Hospital expressed his happiness to be associated with a well renowned group like Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital.