Archives November 2024

New Delhi, 19 Nov, 2024: Kraftshala, the edtech with the highest placement rate in India, has achieved a significant milestone by achieving 2 consecutive quarters of profitability in the current financial year (FY 25), including 14% EBITDA in the recently concluded July-Sep quarter.  

Kraftshala has pioneered job-linked online programs in digital marketing and sales, and is the only edtech which publishes placement reports for each of its batches, achieving 94%+ placements in 21 consecutive batches.

In an environment where education companies, both online and offline, struggle to maintain their quality as they scale, Kraftshala has set for itself the goal to Scale with Soul. This is why in H1 of this year, Kraftshala’s 

• EBITDA crossed 14% in the July-Sep quarter vs 2% in the Apr-Jun quarter

• Placements in the July-Sep quarter have jumped by 34% over Apr-Jun quarter

• Enrolments in the July-Sep quarter have grown by 25% over Apr-Jun quarter

• Cost of acquisition has dipped by 24% in H1 FY 2025 over the previous 6 month cycle

Speaking about this, Varun Satia, Founder & CEO of Kraftshala, said, “At Kraftshala, our goal is to Scale with Soul, which means to add greater value to all our stakeholders everyday we get bigger. This simultaneous acceleration in placements, enrolments and profitability is testament to our incredible team’s ability to bring that goal to life, as well as a reflection of the trust reposed in us by our students and recruiting partners.”

Over the last few years, Kraftshala has partnered with leading recruiters such as Google, Tata, Unilever, Nestlé, Publicis Group, Nykaa, Acko, Hiveminds, Bajaj and others for top talent, affirming the platform’s effectiveness in bridging the gap between education and employment. 

Kraftshala’s Marketing Launchpad Program is now considered to be the largest source of hiring high potential digital marketing freshers in India. 

To meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in sales, Kraftshala has also launched a new online program – the Post Graduate Program (PGP) in Sales and Business Leadership, where salaries, including for freshers, have breached 17 LPA. 

Additionally, Kraftshala has launched the Content and Social Media Launchpad Program to meet the growing demand for content creation, freelancing, and social media management talent. Accessible to students and professionals, the weekend classes focus on hands-on learning with industry mentors. The program offers tracks for freelancing, upskilling, and job placements.

As Kraftshala strengthens its position as a key player in the edtech space, the brand has become synonymous with exceptional placements. Kraftshala is poised for continued success and growth in the upcoming years, reinforcing its commitment to shaping the future of education and employment in India.

by Mr.GD Singh, CEO-Mobility, iBUS Network

As commercial real estate continues to evolve, the integration of advanced technologies is becoming essential for maintaining competitiveness and value. One of the most critical elements in this evolution is reliable indoor 5G/4G connectivity. Below are key reasons why indoor cellular networks are key to future-proofing commercial buildings:

Seamless Communication for Business Operations:

For businesses, consistent voice and data services are critical. Indoor 5G/4G ensures seamless communication without interruptions, which is vital for productivity. Whether it’s making VoIP calls, video conferencing, or accessing cloud-based applications, seamless communication becomes a key pillar of daily operations.

Enhanced Tenant Experience and Satisfaction:

High-speed, low-latency connections significantly enhance the tenant experience. Whether it’s faster internet speeds for operations, smooth video calls, or reliable mobile service, tenants demand and value buildings that can support these services. Furthermore, with 5G, users will experience a 10x increase in data speeds compared to current 4G networks, providing a future-proof advantage.

Smart Building Integration for Efficiency:

Indoor 5G/4G connectivity powers IoT-based smart building technologies like HVAC control, lighting optimization, indoor air quality management, and advanced security systems, enhancing operational efficiency. These IoT devices rely on stable, high-speed connectivity to operate in real-time, which in turn optimizes energy usage, reduces costs, and enhances sustainability.

Enhanced property value

With the growing demand for modern, tech-savvy spaces, buildings equipped with 5G/4G infrastructure attract forward-thinking tenants, particularly those in tech-driven industries. These tenants require uninterrupted, high-performance connectivity to support their digital workflows, making properties with advanced indoor connectivity highly desirable.

Mumbai/New Delhi, 19th November: The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), the apex body representing the Indian forging industry, recently hosted a successful session on “Current Industry Scenario, Innovative Technology & Skill Development” in New Delhi. This event marks the second such session, following a highly successful gathering in Pune that focused on similar themes. The session brought together industry leaders, experts, and decision-makers from various sectors, including CEOs, COOs, CFOs, Plant Heads, HR Heads and other functional heads, to discuss the latest technological advancements and strategies for upskilling the workforce in the forging industry.

The session featured three insightful presentations, covering the current industry scenario, energy price risk management, and skill development. It highlighted the critical need for embracing technological innovations and making substantial investments in workforce skill development to drive growth in the forging sector. The key takeaway was the importance of fostering closer collaboration between industry and academia to create curricula that align with the latest technological advancements, ensuring the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to excel in an ever-evolving industry landscape.

Prof. (Dr.) Raj Nehru, Vice Chancellor, Shri Vishwakarma Skill University, Government of Haryana shared how Shri Vishwakarma Skill University is forging industry and academia collaborations which is so vital for building a workforce equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet industry demands. Prof. Nehru also shared various industry-aligned curricula being offered to the industry to bridge the education-industry gap.

Mr. Hemal N. Thakkar, Senior Practice Leader and Director,  CRISIL Market Intelligence & Analytics presented the current industry scenario and highlighted the opportunities emerging in defense and aerospace sectors.

The event also featured importance of energy price risk management and the challenges of navigating volatile energy prices amidst global disruptions. 

The session also highlighted India’s remarkable manufacturing revival, driven by strategic government initiatives, which presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. Rapid technological advancements, geopolitical conflicts, and regulatory complexities are creating hurdles for the industry. A key issue is the skills mismatch in advanced manufacturing, which calls for greater investment in vocational training to meet the demands of the industry.

Overall, the session reinforced the need for stronger collaboration between industry and academia, particularly in integrating forging technology into engineering curricula and upskilling the workforce. The event highlighted the urgency of investing in technology and skill development to bridge the gap in high-skilled labor and support India’s growth in advanced manufacturing. AIFI’s proactive approach in addressing these challenges positions collaboration, innovation, and skill development as essential drivers for the forging industry’s future growth.

India, November 19, 2024 – St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, has announced the launch of a new online learning platform: SGU Global Medic Club.

Aimed at students currently undertaking their A Levels, International Baccalaureate, foundation or upper secondary curriculum at SGU-affiliated schools within its global network, the exclusive digital resource offers educational support to prospective students considering a medical education and career.

SGU Global Medic Club’s content covers five distinct course collections, and the content has been curated by the university’s experienced faculty.

The Applicant Course Collection helps students prepare their medical school applications with valuable resources, while the Academic Course Collection helps them dive into key concepts in various medical sub-disciplines. The Clinical Course Collection provides an inside look at clinical skills and medical specialties, while the future-focused Medicine in the 21st Century Course Collection covers cutting-edge medical trends and innovations. For students looking to explore medical career options in the US and UK, the portal’s Global Physician Course Collection has plenty of insights.

Students who enroll in the program and complete the courses will be ranked on a worldwide leader board and will receive certificates as rewards to mark their learning journey. These certificates can then be used to strengthen their medical school applications.

The launch of SGU Global Medic Club offers affiliate schools an exciting opportunity to complement what each is doing to support their future medical professionals and is a convenient substitute for those schools lacking the resources to dedicate to their own club.

Aurelie Lily Phommarack, Associate Director, International Academic Affiliations at SGU, said: “We are thrilled to launch this exciting new e-learning platform across our global affiliate network. The SGU Global Medic Club is easy to enroll in, and students can benefit from specially tailored resources created by our expert faculty, ensuring each course collection is relevant to their individual preferences. This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting students to achieve their dreams of medical careers, helping them on their medical degree track through our ethos of academic excellence. We are delighted to be supporting the development of future doctors around the world through this unique and exclusive learning portal.”

Bengaluru | November 19th, 2024 – United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) in partnership with Continental, has launched an ambitious school adoption program at Karnataka Public School (KPS) in Anekal, with a ground-breaking ceremony marking the start of this significant initiative. The program, part of the Government of Karnataka’s SAMATVA Initiative, is a multi-year commitment aimed at transforming government schools to improve infrastructure and educational quality for students across the state.

This project follows a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Karnataka, Continental, and UWBe. Established in 1947, KPS Anekal currently faces challenges in accommodating its growing student body and providing essential facilities such as labs and sports areas. This initiative targets critical improvements in infrastructure, such as classroom renovations and new constructions, ensuring that KPS Anekal, currently having a strength of 855 students and 30 teachers becomes a model of a safe, accessible, and well-equipped education centre.

The transformation plan also includes the integration of advanced learning resources, such as STEM labs, digital classrooms, and computer labs, to enhance academic engagement and support students’ skill development. Improvements to WaSH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities are also a key part of the program, ensuring students have access to clean and safe amenities. Additionally, sports facilities will be expanded, emphasizing holistic development and encouraging physical fitness.

SAMATVA, a flagship initiative by the Government of Karnataka, seeks to close resource gaps and create equal educational opportunities for all. Through this partnership, Continental and UWBe aim to support this vision, creating a nurturing environment where students can realize their full potential.

“We are thrilled to begin another impactful initiative in our ongoing partnership with Continental. The association has driven real change and meaningful development at the grassroots. We are transforming Karnataka Public School into an inclusive place where creativity, and personal growth can flourish, aligning with both community priorities and government goals” said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO of United Way Bengaluru”.

INDIA, November 19, 2024 – B Capital, a global multi-stage investment firm, today announced the appointment of Timur Akazhanov as General Partner. Mr. Akazhanov will focus on strategic growth equity investments in technology and tech-enabled services companies, leveraging B Capital’s capabilities in scaling and globalizing the next generation of cutting-edge businesses. He will focus on opportunities where B Capital can achieve significant influence or control via acquisition of large stakes in target companies. Mr. Akazhanov will be based in New York and partner on this strategy with Sami Ahmad, General Partner and Deputy CIO.

“At B Capital, our mission is to partner with extraordinary founders and accelerate their growth,” said Raj Ganguly, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of B Capital alongside Eduardo Saverin. “Attracting talented investors like Timur, who embody our entrepreneurial spirit, is essential to that mission. Timur not only brings deep technology expertise but also an innovative, new perspective as we pursue high-growth opportunities and drive value creation across our portfolio.”

Mr. Akazhanov has more than 15 years of private investing experience, including in all aspects of deal sourcing, due diligence, deal execution, board governance and capital markets activities, across a broad range of industries. Previously, he was a Managing Director at H.I.G. Capital, where he focused on technology and tech-enabled services. Prior to H.I.G., Mr. Akazhanov was a Managing Director at Blackstone and also held roles at Bain Capital and McKinsey & Company.

“I admire B Capital’s hands-on approach and commitment to being true partners to founders at every stage of their journey,” Mr. Akazhanov said. “Together with Raj, Eduardo and the entire B Capital team, I look forward to helping the firm back innovative businesses during a time when technological change is creating so much opportunity to invest capital and apply our value creation strategies.”

“As the technology industry continues to mature, growth stage companies need partners who can provide both capital and strategic value through their continuous evolution,” Mr. Saverin said. “With Timur joining our team, we are even better positioned to support promising companies as they scale, offering the deep engagement and long-term commitment needed to build lasting businesses.”

New Delhi, November 19^th, 2024 – Lava International Limited, the leading Indian smartphone manufacturer, announced the outstanding success of their flagship AGNI 3, clocking a 200% growth during launch week and a threefold increase in volume compared to its predecessor, AGNI 2. This milestone highlights Lava’s commitment to innovation, quality, and value, fortifying its position in the Indian smartphone market in the competitive sub-30k segment.

The promotional campaign launched on September 24^th employed a robust 360-degree marketing strategy, covering high-impact print ads, digital media, airport branding, and influencer collaborations. Designed to resonate with the target audience and expand the AGNI fanbase, this multi-touchpoint strategy achieved notable engagement.

During the 2-week campaign, Lava engaged over 118 million people, resulting in more than 1.5 million searches across platforms. Even before the launch of the flagship phone, the campaign garnered significant attention. Between October 4th and October 8th, AGNI 3 received an overwhelmingly positive response, driven by a high-impact launch event and strategic promotions. Post-launch, the campaign maintained its momentum, achieving a reach of over 29 million, generating 70 million+ ad impressions, and amassing 41million+ video views.

Lava AGNI 3, crafted for the tech-savvy generation, is packed with premium features. It boasts a dual AMOLED display setup, including a 6.78-inch 1.5K 3D Curved AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a secondary 1.74-inch AMOLED display on the back — an India’s First in its segment. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300X octa-core processor, AGNI 3 offers seamless performance and efficiency. The device includes a triple camera setup of 50MP Sony sensor with OIS, an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide lens, complemented by a 16MP front camera. Equipped with a 5000mAh battery and 66W super-fast charging, AGNI 3 is available in two premium colors, Heather Glass and Pristine Glass. Other standout features include Dolby Atmos stereo speakers, a customizable Action Key, support for 14 5G bands, and a runs on clean Android 14 experience with a promise of 3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of software updates. AGNI 3 also offers a dedicated AGNI Mitra service for home replacement and support, setting new standards in its segment.

National, 19 November 2024: Researchers at the University of Southampton have designed a new mobile app to help small-scale fishing communities in Kerala, India, navigate the challenges of diminishing fish stocks and climate change. The app connects fishers, enabling them to share real-time information about fish locations, sea conditions, and catch details, ultimately optimizing fishing trips and promoting sustainable practices.

Fishers in Kerala face numerous pressures, including climate change affecting resource availability, habitat degradation, marine pollution, and enforcement issues. This new app addresses these challenges by fostering collaboration within fishing groups. When a boat locates fish, its GPS location is shared via the app, saving other fishers time and fuel. The app also encourages photo sharing to document sea conditions and catches, providing valuable data for researchers to understand the local marine environment and inform policy development.

“Along with our Indian partners, we’ve researched the issues facing Kerala’s fishing communities over the past decade and the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss,” said Dr. Bindi Shah, Associate Professor in Sociology at the University of Southampton. “This app empowers these marginalized communities with accessible tools to mitigate some of these challenges.”

The research team, which includes experts from the University of Southampton, University of Exeter, University of Newcastle, and the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology in Kerala, has also developed policy recommendations for local government. These recommendations address critical issues such as extreme weather events, marine mammal interactions, competitive disadvantages, infrastructure needs, and mangrove loss. The brief suggests practical and financial support for fishers, including compensation mechanisms, incentives for marine litter collection, and mangrove replanting projects.

The app is currently being refined after successful trials with fishing communities in Kerala and will soon be rolled out for wider use in the region. “Our key hope is that the app will stabilize incomes for the fishing community, saving them fuel and time, and helping them get the best price for their fish,” added Dr. Shah.

The bustling streets of Brigade Road have a new attraction for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike! Coffee All Day, a contemporary café offering high-quality, ready-to-drink coffee and more, has officially opened its doors, redefining the coffee experience for the city’s fast-paced urbanites.

Designed to cater to college students, busy professionals, and coffee enthusiasts, Coffee All Day offers an exciting menu that blends international coffee standards with the comfort of familiar Indian flavors—all at wallet-friendly prices starting at just ₹75. From classic espressos and signature creations like the Tiramisu Cappuccino to refreshing iced teas and delectable snacks, the café promises a quick yet satisfying experience.

Adding to the charm is its selection of soft serves, cupcakes, mini quiches, and sandwiches, making it an ideal spot for a quick break, a casual hangout, or even a laid-back work session.

Located in the heart of Bangalore’s vibrant Brigade Road, Coffee All Day is all about bringing great taste, convenience, and an inviting vibe to the city’s thriving café culture.

Visit Coffee All Day at Brigade Road to explore a new wave of café culture that’s perfect for every mood and moment!

Address: Coffee All Day, Brigade Road, Bangalore

New Delhi, 19 November 2024: Drone& Space tech-based Geospatial Company, Matrix Geo Solutions Ltd. has raised close to $1 million in its pre-IPO funding round. This round saw participation from marquee investors such as Chittorgarh Infotech Limited, Viney Equity Markets LLP, Tryrock Capital Trust AIF among Others. IntelliFin Private Limited acted as sole investment banker to the Company.

Following the fundraise, Matrix Geo is now looking to file DRHP soon for SME IPO. Furthermore, the Company intends to use this funding to accelerate growth and capture a larger market share in the rapidly expanding drone services sector in India and abroad.

Foundedby Amit Sharma & Rahul Jain in 2008, Matrix Geo Solutions is a leading geospatial technology company empowering customers in planning, monitoring, and management through advanced drone and satellite technology, driving efficiency, cost savings, and better decision-making.

Matrix Geo Solutions has been instrumental in advancing drone-based remote sensing solutions across India. Over the past few years, the company has successfully delivered services to a wide range of sectors, including Railways, Roadways, Ropeways, Irrigation, Agriculture, Hydropower, Metro projects, Mining, Urban planning, Solar power, Inspections, and Surveillance.

On the fundraiseAmit Sharma, Co-founder of Matrix Geo Solutionsaffirmed, “We are delighted to successfully complete the pre-IPO funding round and would like to express our gratitude the eminent investors who showed faith in Matrix Geo. Ever since the Indian government regulated drone usage in 2021, we’ve seen a massive surge in adoption across government and private sectors. Matrix Geo is committed to utilizing the fundraise in leading this transformation.”

Speaking on the investment,Anant Aggarwal, Managing Partner at Viney Equity Markets LLP said “Matrix Geo Solutions is clearly riding the wave of future with their drone technology. Given the growing scope of this technology, along with favorable regulations, we foresee an immense potential for a solution provider like Matrix Geo. We wish the team the best and look forward to them disrupting the sector with their top-of-the-line offerings.”

Rahul Jain, Co-founder of Matrix Geo Solutions added, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our investors for joining us on this growth journey. This fund will fuel investments in technology, capacity expansion, sales and marketing efforts, and R&D initiatives to drive continued success.”

Matrix Geo Solutions has recently launched the “Drone Academy of India,” an educational initiative aimed at building capacity and expanding market reach. The academy provides practical, industry-focused drone and space technology training for students, major infrastructure companies, and government agencies.

In the past, Matrix Geo Solutions has provided cutting-edge drone and space technology for several high-profile projects, including the Indian Railways’ High-Speed Rail Corridor, Bharatmala Road Project, Hemkund Sahib Ropeway Project, Statue of Unity Area Development, the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River, India’s largest solar project, Kumbh Mela planning, and more. We have collaborated with esteemed clients such as Indian Railways, World Bank, IRCON, RITES, RVNL, DFCCIL, NHAI, NHLML, NHIDCL, CRRI, WAPCOS, CWC, NWDA, GAIL, IOCL, DMRC, Kolkata Metro, SAIL, NEEPCO, UP Jal Nigam, ASI, NTPC, SECI, L&T, Adani, Tata, Dalmia Group, Welspun, among others.