Archives November 2024

November 27, 2024: Binance, the global blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and users, today announced the appointment of key compliance and investigations hires as it continues to expand its compliance program and staff amid the industry and company’s rapid maturation. Binance expects to increase its compliance staff to 645 employees by the end of the year, which is a 34 percent growth between November 2023 and the end of 2024. As of today, we employ over 1,000 compliance staff and contractors.

Recent compliance hires include Todd McElduff, who joins Binance as its Enterprise Compliance Director. The Enterprise Compliance team at Binance is responsible for working with law enforcement to service requests and conduct special investigations, educating and training crime fighters, as well as key areas like transaction monitoring, market surveillance and sanctions compliance.

Todd brings 20 years of compliance experience with a focus on financial crimes in both traditional finance and fintech. His previous roles include Senior Director, Head of Global Financial Crimes Oversight at PayPal and Executive Director, Head of Financial Crimes for Wealth Management and Banks at Morgan Stanley where he was responsible for the execution of highly regulated financial crimes programs. He also held senior roles covering anti-money laundering (AML) and Internal Investigations at Morgan Stanley.

Lana Sinelnikova, Binance’s Business Compliance and Enterprise Wide Risk Assessment (EWRA) Director. Lana’s team provides end-to-end compliance control and advice to various business units across their products’ lifecycle and develops compliance risk programs on both global and local levels.

Lana has over 13 years of experience in financial services regulatory compliance and over 18 years in financial crime prevention. Her previous roles include Head of Risk and Compliance and then Chief Compliance Officer for the UK at Kraken, and Head of Trading Product Compliance and Head of Compliance and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) at Revolut Trading.

Pauline Chan, Binance’s Compliance Specialist for Regulatory Audit and Exam in the Global Audit Issue Management team. Her role focuses on regulatory and audit issues management and closure validation. Pauline is a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) in England and Wales. She has 19 years of experience in financial services and banking with a focus on financial crime risk management and issue validation. Her previous roles include Senior Manager in Wealth and Private Banking Compliance and Senior Quality Assurance and Sustainability Manager at the Remediation Management Office in the CEO Office at HSBC Hong Kong where she provided governance support for its second line of compliance and the regulatory monitorship remediation, and Assistant Vice President of the Global Financial Crime Compliance Testing at J.P. Morgan where she led the financial crime-related reviews for APAC regions.

On the investigations side, Céline Inial, with over 18 years of experience in cybercrime investigations, has joined Binance as its Special Investigations Specialist for France. Previously, she was a Cryptocurrency Specialist Investigator and trainer with France’s Gendarmerie Nationale. And, Caner Akyürek who has joined Binance as its Special Investigations Specialist for Turkey. He brings 18 years of operational experience in senior roles with the Turkish National Police and Europol.

“We are actively hiring for top compliance talent to strengthen our already industry-leading compliance program and team to match the demands of our rapidly maturing sector while global crypto adoption also grows rapidly,” said Noahn Perlman, Chief Compliance Office, Binance. “We are proud of leading the industry’s standards in protecting users and the growth of our compliance team ensures we continue to protect our global user base of over 240 million.”

“We recently achieved our 20th global regulatory milestone, which is a testament to our efforts and commitment to working with regulators and industry partners and ensuring sustainable growth of the crypto industry. These efforts are supported by our robust compliance program that is comparable to financial institutions and our leading team of digital asset crime fighters who are keeping the ecosystem safe from bad actors and ensuring that Binance remains a trusted and secure platform for all of our users,” said Noah

India, November, 2024: Boehringer Ingelheim announced the launch of the latest advancement in Marek’s disease vaccines in India. This next generation vaccine offers enhanced protection through an innovative controlled attenuation process, delivering the right balance between safety and efficacy.

Marek’s disease remains a significant challenge in Indian poultry, with outbreaks continuing despite widespread vaccination efforts. The vaccine addresses this gap with a groundbreaking serotype-1 construct vaccine, offering an ideal balance of safety and efficacy against the most virulent strains.

Dr. Vinod Gopal, Country Head-Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim India said, “Marek’s Disease presents a considerable risk, resulting in significant financial impact for poultry farmers, particularly affecting young chickens with immature immune systems. As India’s poultry industry expands,our vaccine is designed to aid farmers by reducing disease outbreaks, promoting flock health, and enhancing productivity. This innovative vaccine not only provides effective, early, and long-lasting immunity—supported by extensive trials across multiple regions—but also plays a crucial role in supporting food security and safety. It offers a cost-effective solution for poultry owners, helping to protect their livelihood while meeting the increasing demand for high-quality poultry products in India.”

 

Dr. N.K Mahajan, Retired Professor and Head of Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, LUVAS, Hisar, said “Marek’s disease continues to be a significant challenge for poultry farmers due to the increasing virulence of the virus strains.Even in the absence of clinical signs, Marek’s Disease virus can significantly damage chickens’ immune system as the virus attacks T lymphocytes. The resulting immunosuppression causes poor growth and performance, significantly affecting production and economics in the poultry industry. Birds are more prone to secondary infections and less responsive to other vaccines, leading to increased medication costs. The ability to provide early immunity and protection against the more aggressive forms of the virus is essential in reducing the impact of this disease on poultry farming operations in India.”

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

The lives of animals and humans are interconnected in deep and complex ways. We know that when animals are healthy, humans are healthier too. Across the globe, our 9,700 employees are dedicated to delivering value through innovation, thus enhancing the well-being of both.

Respect for animals, humans and the environment is at the heart of what we do. We develop solutions and provide services to protect animals from disease and pain. We support our customers in taking care of the health of their animals and protect our communities against life- and society-threatening diseases.

Mumbai, November 27, 2024: Knight Frank India’s report titled ‘India Warehousing Market Report – Q3 2024’ cited that warehouse transactions across eight key Indian markets reached 14.65 million square feet (mn sq ft) in Q3 2024 (July–September). Notably, 41% of these transactions involved Grade A spaces. The manufacturing sector outperformed the 3PL sector in leasing volume, marking a significant shift, as 3PL has traditionally dominated the Indian warehousing market. Manufacturing industries accounted for 37% of total transactions, leasing 14 mn sq ft from January–September 2024.

The market regained momentum in Q3 2024, with 14.65 mn sq ft transacted, reflecting a 20% year-on-year (YoY) growth. Year-to-date (YTD) transaction volumes reached 37.54 mn sq ft in the first nine months of 2024, marking a 4% YoY increase as occupiers steadily expanded their footprint.

Transaction volumes were well distributed across markets. Pune, the leading market, accounted for 23% of the total warehousing volume, driven primarily by the 3PL sector. NCR was the second most prolific market, representing 13% of the total warehousing area transacted during the period, with 3PL and manufacturing sectors driving volumes.

Transaction volumes were well distributed across markets, with Pune leading at 23% of the total warehousing volume, driven predominantly by the 3PL sector. NCR followed, contributing 13% to the total transacted area, with significant activity from the 3PL and manufacturing sectors.

 TRANSACTIONS DURING 2024 (Area in mn sq ft)

Source: Knight Frank India

Warehousing Rents:

Pune emerged as the most expensive warehousing rental market among the eight cities analysed in the country, with an average rent of INR 26.9/sq ft/month. Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai followed at INR 23.9/sq ft/month each. Healthy rental growth across markets has been driven by limited supply in recent times. Pune also led in value appreciation, recording nearly 4% YoY rental growth in Q3 2024, while Ahmedabad ranked second with a YoY growth of 3.50% during the same period.

Average rent (in INR/sq ft/month)

Source: Knight Frank India

Shishir Baijal, Chairman & Managing Director, Knight Frank India said “Robust investments and a resilient Indian economy have sustained corporate confidence, driving consistent activity in the warehousing sector. Anchored by the manufacturing and 3PL sectors, the market continues to thrive, with strong private equity interest catalysing the adoption of advanced processes and the development of high-quality facilities. In Q3 2024, the market regained momentum, recording a 20% YoY growth—underscoring its dynamic evolution and long-term potential. These trends highlight the sector’s pivotal role in supporting India’s economic growth and its readiness for future opportunities.”

 INDUSTRY-WISE TRANSACTIONS:

Manufacturing sector leads:

The manufacturing sector continued to outpace the 3PL sector in transacted volumes compared to the same period last year, marking a significant shift given the 3PL sector’s traditional dominance in the Indian warehousing market. Manufacturing companies, particularly from the automotive, energy, and chemicals industries, accounted for 37% of the total transacted volume during this period. This growth reflects India’s advantage as a hub for decentralised manufacturing, with global giants like Apple, Samsung, Foxconn, Micron Technology, and TSMC expanding their presence. This is significant considering that the 3PL sector has traditionally anchored the Indian warehousing market.

The 3PL sector ranked second, contributing 31% to the total volume. While its market share saw a slight decline, the absolute volume of 3PL transactions grew year-on-year, both in the quarter and during the January–September period, indicating continued demand.

The retail and e-commerce occupiers have been particularly active so far in 2024 with volumes transacted increasing by 35% and 34% YoY, respectively. While still much smaller than their counterparts, their market shares have grown to 11% and 9% respectively and signal the continuing broad-basing of the warehousing market’s occupier base.

Industry-split of transaction volume

                    Source: Knight Frank India

STOCK AND VACANCY:

The top eight warehousing markets in India hold a warehousing stock of 479 mn sq ft-. Mumbai is by far the largest market constituting 31% of the total stock with the NCR being a distant second at 21%. Healthy transaction volumes, in tandem with comparatively lower supply in recent times, have kept vacancy levels at a healthy 10.3% in Q3 2024. The Bengaluru market has the highest vacancy level at 18.9% followed by Hyderabad and the NCR at 14.6% and 14.5% respectively.

Key Financial Parameters:

The Company monetized 369 MW of its operational assets in H2FY24. Thus, for like-to-like periodic comparison with H1FY25 C Q2FY25, the financial C operational highlights for H1FY24 C Q2 FY24 have been adjusted to factor in the impact of monetized assets as shown below:

• Total revenue for H1FY25 at INR 635 Cr up 5.5% YoY and Q2FY25 at INR 295 Cr up 7.4% YoY.
• EBITDA for H1FY25 at INR 558 Cr, up 4.8% YoY and Q2FY25 at INR 256 Cr, up 3.7% YoY.
• Consistent and healthy EBITDA margin at ~88%.
• Cash PAT for H1FY25 at INR 152 Cr, up 10.6% YoY and Q2FY25 at INR 75 Cr, up 75.4% YoY.
• PAT at INR 15 Cr for the Q2FY25 vis-à-vis INR 1 Cr in Q1FY25 on a QoQ basis.
• Net Debt/Equity stood at 2.1x as of Q2FY25.

Standalone Financial Highlights (Represents revenue from EPC Business)            

• Standalone financials accounts for in-house EPC business for its own projects which gets eliminated at consolidated financials.
• At Standalone level, the Company reported total revenue of INR 876 Cr and Cash PAT of INR 198 Cr for H1FY25.

Business s Portfolio Highlights for YTD FY25      

• Total Portfolio of company stands at 6,720 MW comprising 2,540 MW of operational C 4,180 MW of Under construction (UC) projects spanning across Solar, Wind, FDRE C Hybrid Project
• Total operational capacity has increased to 2,540 MW from 1,340 MW as of Q1FY25 representing approximately 90% expansion in the operational capacity.
  1. Increase in operational capacity is on account of recently energised 1,200 MW SECI ISTS projects3 in October 2024.
• The company won multiple projects with combined capacity of 1,350 MW in FY25 till date contracted with central off-takers (SECI, NTPC and SJVN) taking the total order book (UC projects) to 4,180 MW.
• Out of 4,180 MW UC projects:
  1. Grid connectivity is in place for all the projects
  2. PPA has been signed for 1,660 MW
  3. LOA has been awarded for 2,120 MW
  4. Debt has been tied up for INR 1,400 MW to the tune of ~14,500 Crore
• Debt tied up for refinancing of operational projects of ~INR 4,500 Cr resulting in a cash release of ~INR 590 Cr.

Operational Highlights

• Capacity utilization factor has increased from 23.3% in H1FY24 to 24.6% in H1FY25 owing to initiatives focused on preventive and predictive maintenance.
• Plant availability has improved from 99.2% in H1FY24 to 99.3% in H1FY25.
• The implementation of drycleaning robots streamlined the process of module cleaning and enhanced operational performance.

SAN JOSE, Calif., and LONDON, UK  November 27, 2024 – Cisco, worldwide technology leader and NTT DATA,  a global digital business and IT services leader, today announced an expanded partnership to transform how global enterprises access wireless connectivity.

As demand for flexible and cost-effective connectivity surges, Cisco and NTT DATA are responding with a unified solution backed by world-class support services from both companies. Historically, connectivity has focused on connecting office environments through landlines. However, with the advent of eSIM in the market, the time has come to think broader and deliver network connectivity securely wherever needed.

Cisco and NTT DATA’s expanded partnership propels their vision of delivering exceptional, secure, and innovative digital services to meet the surging demand for flexible connectivity. The partnership will leverage Cisco’s eSIM technology, initially embedded into Cisco infrastructure solutions. The eSIM will connect to NTT DATA’s Transatel network, enabling customers to activate, provision, and configure Cisco solutions ‘out of the box’, for a simplified provisioning and setup process to launch secure mobile branches anywhere, on-demand with ongoing enhanced network device management.

Cisco’s eSIM technology will be the cornerstone of this transformation, paving the way for digital connectivity.  With eSIM technology at its core, enterprises can easily scale and manage their network needs, ensuring their networks are always connected and optimized for peak performance.

By integrating Cisco’s networking technologies and NTT DATA’s global connectivity capabilities, the two companies will empower enterprises to effortlessly connect to the network, using cellular technologies for primary or secondary connectivity. This advancement will provide faster onboarding to connectivity with ease and ensure new levels of security and resilience, paving the way for the future of enterprise connectivity.

Supported by this collaboration, enterprises will be able to activate, manage, and monitor Cisco infrastructure, connecting to NTT DATA’s Transatel network, remotely across 180 countries while benefiting from simple and flexible pricing plans. The initiative promises to transform the digital experience for mobile workforces worldwide.

“There are multiple use cases across industries such as retail, manufacturing, hospitality, financial services and others, where there is a real need to standup secure mobile branch services at short notice,” said  Andrew Brown, Practice Lead IoT Research, Omdia. “The need to lower setup and installation costs as well as provide vital services, such as backup in a managed and secure end-to-end fashion are pivotal to customers. This integration between Cisco and NTT DATA will simplify and streamline the process of getting customers up and running at scale and will provide an excellent complement to fixed line offerings.”

“With NTT DATA, we strongly believe we can enable a faster, simpler and more convenient way for enterprises to securely connect their organizations through an enhanced setup and provisioning process,” said Masum Mir, SVP/GM, Cisco Provider Mobility. “This collaboration is a game-changer for the enterprise market as it delivers a variety of valuable use cases, such as on-demand SD-WAN, fast scaling for 5G carriers, and edge computing for IoT applications.”

“Together with Cisco, NTT DATA is setting a new standard for enterprise connectivity and customer experiences,” said Shahid Ahmed, Group Executive Vice President of Edge Services at NTT DATA. “This partnership will deliver the future of connectivity today, allowing businesses to focus on their digital transformation journeys without worrying about the complexities of network management.”

Empowering modern industries

The joint solution and services from Cisco and NTT DATA are expected to benefit numerous industries, including:

• Financial Services: Ensuring uninterrupted services delivery with simplified management of branch and temporary location connectivity and enhanced security measures.
• Retail: Enabling omnichannel experiences with increased resilience for PoS systems backup, security and mobility for pop up locations and customers.
• Hospitality: Centralizing and simplifying cellular connectivity management across multiple locations for seamless guest experiences as well as providing convenient and secure connectivity for events, outdoor activities and systems backup
• Manufacturing: Reducing downtime with self-provisioning connectivity solutions that enable rapid secure deployments for remote locations.

“Today’s mobile and distributed enterprises face increasing pressure to simplify operations while accessing real-time, high-quality data for faster, more informed decision-making. Seamless, secure, and scalable connectivity solutions are now essential for unlocking innovation and growth in a connected world,” said Alejandro Cadenas, Associate Vice President at IDC and mobility, 5G and IoT lead in Europe. “These advancements reflect a broader shift toward democratizing access to advanced connectivity solutions, ensuring organizations of all sizes can capitalize on emerging opportunities with agility and confidence.”

Mumbai, November 27, 2024 — ASUS, the Taiwanese tech giant, today announced the launch of its AI PCs under its ExpertBook series, which are designed to revolutionize productivity, collaboration, and security for professionals across industries with onboard AI Processing capabilities. This includes the ASUS ExpertBook P5, ASUS ExpertBook B5, and ASUS ExpertBook B3 series which are powered by the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra processors, with the P5 model delivering up to 47 TOPS with the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 Processor (series 2). These laptops integrate cutting-edge AI features, robust enterprise-grade security, and durable designs to cater to the needs of modern businesses. By introducing this next-generation AI PC, ASUS shows its dedication to innovating advanced AI technology and establishing new standards for improving business processes in all industries, regardless of company size.

The ExpertBook P5405 features cutting-edge Intel® Core™ Ultra processors (Series 2) and integrates ASUS AI ExpertMeet tools for an unparalleled AI-enhanced work experience, with on-device AI processing utilizing the Intel® AI Boost NPU (Neural Processing Units) delivering up to 47 TOPS (Trillion Operation Per Second), this business laptop can redefine business computing by simplifying workflows, boosting productivity, and enhancing collaboration.

The ASUS ExpertBooks P5, B5 and B3 are light and robust, AI-ready marvels that combine the latest up to Intel® Core™ Ultra processors and high-performance integrated Intel® Arc™ graphics, ushering in a new era of productivity, plus a taller 16:10 display for deeper immersion, with optional touchscreen functionality. With AI-powered features like an intelligent camera, noise cancelation plus, seamless Wi-Fi 6E and optional 4G LTE connectivity, these ExpertBooks ensure that everyday business is smarter, faster and smoother. Security is also paramount, with biometric login, TPM 2.0, SSD with up to RAID 0/1 support and an optional smart card reader for enterprise-grade protection. From top to bottom, inside and out.

The ASUS ExpertBook B5 and B3 are expertly crafted for effective, enjoyable work — making it the perfect on-the-go companion for mobile professionals to multitask confidently. These laptops offer hardware customization from numerous touch and non-touch Display panels up to 120Hz, CPU, Memory, Storage, and so much more. They have incredible memory support of up to 64GB via the dual SO-DIMM memory modules and support for Dual NVME slots with RAID 0/1 functionality allowing easier IT upgrades.

The new ASUS ExpertBook AI PCs feature a design that embraces an eco-conscious outlook and embodies accountability and sustainability.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Dinesh Sharma, Vice President, Commercial PC and Smartphone, System Business Group, ASUS India, said, “AI is truly transformative orbital shift in Computing Technology across all aspects of computing ecosystem. At Asus we are always at the forefront of meaningful innovation. We believe PCs need to be empowered with independent onboard AI computing capability to ensure greater security and data privacy plus manage the AI processing workload of the ecosystem more efficiently and with far lower latency.

The launch of the new extensive range of ASUS ExpertBook AI PCs powered by the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra processors marks a transformative step in business computing. These laptops offer best-in-class onboard AI performance, robust security and military-grade durability, features that will resonate with businesses across segments and meet needs of varied user sets in the organization.

We also offer ASUS AI tools with these models that are designed to enhance collaboration and productivity at work utilizing the onboard AI compute capabilities.

Beyond exceptional performance, users benefit from high-resolution displays, making these laptops an ideal choice for professionals seeking smarter and more efficient workflows.

At ASUS, we remain steadfast in empowering businesses and individuals with innovative tools that inspire confidence and drive success.”

Key Features of the ASUS ExpertBook P5 (P5405)
• Incredible AI-driven Performance
The ASUS ExpertBook P5 is the first Copilot+ PC for work from ASUS, equipped with Intel® Core™ Ultra processors (Series 2) featuring three AI processing engines, with up to 47 NPU TOPS and up to 115 total platform TOPS. With up to 32 GB of LPDDR5X memory, and up to 1 TB PCIe® 4.0 SSD storage with Dual NVMe support, the ExpertBook P5 empowers smooth, seamless daily work and AI-intensive tasks, ideal for professionals on the go. It includes ASUS AI ExpertMeet, an AI assistant for capturing, summarizing, and translating meeting minutes, and ExpertPanel that enriches every facet of professional computing. Powering the visuals is the latest Intel Arc (series 2) integrated graphics enabled via Dual-channel memory support.

• AI ExpertMeet transforms the dynamics of virtual meetings, making them more efficient and effective through cutting-edge AI tools. With AI translation, participants can communicate seamlessly across language barriers, ensuring that no critical information is lost in translation. Assisted meeting summaries capture key points and action items, significantly reducing the time professionals spend on meeting follow-ups and allowing them to focus on strategic tasks. All processing needed for the AI ExpertMeet is performed on-device, without the assistance of internet during its core operations.

• ExpertPanel serves as a command center for the computing environment, automating system adjustments to optimize performance based on current usage patterns. This not only enhances the overall user experience but also ensures that the device is running at peak efficiency, saving time and energy. The AI-driven adjustments include energy management optimizations that extend battery life during critical tasks and ensure that system resources are allocated in the most effective manner.

• Superior Battery Backup
This exceptional next gen ExpertBook laptop is designed for all day productivity with its battery capacity of up to 63Wh in a 3-cell configuration. It is also equipped with 65W USB-C PD fast-charging technology, meaning you can stay fully mobile without worrying about long charging times. Apart from the 65W fast charging support, the P5 supports standard USB (5V-24V) charging support from a USB power bank or standard airline USB charging ports user

• Uncompromising Security
ExpertBook P5 is equipped with comprehensive protection, including a Windows 11 Secured-core PC framework, commercial-grade BIOS compliant with NIST-155 standards and Self-healing mechanism, chassis intrusion detection, discrete TPM 2.0 chip, Full-HD camera with IR and webcam privacy shield, a secure Smart-card reader, a fingerprint enabled power button, and a Kensington lock-slot. ASUS enhances the security of its devices by incorporating AI-driven features to protect against online threats, ensuring strong data security. IT managers benefit from ASUS tools that simplify deployment and leverage AI for improved Wi-Fi connectivity and prioritization of critical applications to boost network performance.

• Durability
Built to withstand the rigors of daily business use, the ExpertBook P5 is engineered with military-grade durability, featuring reinforced hinges, drop-resistant design, and advanced thermal management. These features ensure long-term reliability, even in challenging environments. The laptop also undergoes stringent ASUS internal testing that ensures hinges are tested up to a staggering 50,000 times, the display panel is tested up to 30kgs of panel pressure tests, and so much more.

• Superior Audio & Video
The ASUS ExpertBook P5 delivers exceptional audio quality for AV conferencing through AI noise-cancelling enabled dual-array microphones and stereo speakers enhanced with Dolby Atmos, ensuring crystal-clear voice reproduction with unparalleled fidelity. The Full-HD ASUS AiSense camera ensures superior camera performance by dynamically re-adjusting the frame to keep you centered and automatically enhancing color and sharpness, whether indoors or outdoors.

• Warranty
Supported by up to 5-years of international warranty, ExpertBook P5 provides professionals with the assurance of sustained performance and security, making it an essential tool in today’s challenging work environments.

Key Features of the ASUS ExpertBook B5 (B5404)
• Incredible AI-driven Performance
The ASUS ExpertBook B5 features up to the Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor with vPro® support, three AI processing engines, support of up to 64GB DDR5 memory via dual SO-DIMM slots, 1TB PCIe® 4.0 SSD storage, up to Intel® Arc Integrated graphics and highly efficient battery to deliver smooth performance for daily AI-intensive tasks. It includes ASUS AI ExpertMeet, an AI assistant for managing virtual meetings and a Microsoft Copilot key for further AI exploration. The resulting experience enables modern business professionals to tackle more complex workloads, enhance productivity and enjoy seamless multitasking and smoother collaboration. (ASUS AI ExpertMeet feature will soon be available with The Asus ExpertBook B5)

• Expertly Crafted for Mobile Multitasking
The ASUS ExpertBook B5 embodies mobility with an ultralight premium Magnesium-Aluminum all-metal chassis and the Steel Reinforced internal chassis and hinges, so it’s travel wherever business needs to happen. This sustainably crafted design is also imbued with military-grade strength, to meet the ultra-demanding MIL-STD 810H US military standard. It also undergoes thorough in-house testing by ASUS, including panel-pressure, shock and drop tests, to ensure superior durability and reliability.

The new laptop is driven by a capacious battery that keeps the productivity going throughout the working day. It also has support for fast-charging technology, so topping up the battery is satisfyingly swift. Wi-Fi 6E technology enables ultrafast wireless connections, extended range, rock-solid reliability, even in crowded areas, and wider spectrum for speedier throughput and reduced interference. There’s even optional 4G LTE support for anywhere connectivity, ensuring seamless connectivity between workplaces.

• Superior Audio & Video
The ASUS ExpertBook B5 delivers exceptional audio quality for AV conferencing through AI noise-cancelling enabled dual-array microphones and stereo speakers enhanced with Dolby Atmos, ensuring crystal-clear voice reproduction with unparalleled fidelity. The Full-HD ASUS AiSense camera with motion tracking technology ensures superior camera performance by dynamically re-adjusting the frame to keep you centered and automatically enhancing color and sharpness, whether indoors or outdoors. Simultaneously, the two-way AI noise-canceling technology employs sophisticated machine-learning techniques to filter sound around the speaker and eliminate noise from the person at the other end of the conversation — so virtual chats feel as natural as being in the same room.

• Enterprise-grade Security and Manageability
ExpertBook B5 is made for business and equipped with multiple design features and technologies to maximize security and ease IT administration, and seamless remote-work experiences. The inclusion of multiple log-in options, including an integrated fingerprint sensor, optional IR camera for face login and optional smart card reader provides both convenience and robust multi-factor authentication and means organizations businesses can enjoy enhanced security without worrying about data breaches.

Businesses choosing ExpertBook B5 also benefit from the extensive range of services and solutions on offer from ASUS, driver updates tool, OS imaging tools, and centralized management and security-management services. These are important for simplifying the deployment process, from device registration and image building to pre-configuration and enrolment, to make things easier and faster for IT staff, enabling them to focus on their core activities.

Key Features of the ExpertBook B3 (B3404)
• Powered by innovation
The ExpertBook B3 is engineered to enhance business capabilities, providing the fast and responsive performance essential for today’s demands, and enabling seamless multitasking, advanced data handling, and streamlined operations. It features up to Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor with vPro® support, three AI processing engines, up to 64GB DDR5 memory via dual SO-DIMM slots, 1TB PCIe® 4.0 SSD storage with dual NVME slots that support RAID 0/1, up to Intel® Arc Integrated graphics and highly efficient battery to deliver smooth performance for daily AI-intensive tasks. It includes ASUS AI ExpertMeet, an AI assistant for managing virtual meetings, and a Microsoft Copilot key for AI led productivity. (ASUS AI ExpertMeet feature will soon be available with ExpertBook B3)

• Flexible configurations
The latest ExpertBook B3 laptops offer the freedom and flexibility to be tailored to meet specific requirements or everyday computing tasks with configuration options that include an IR camera and fingerprint sensor for fast, secure biometric login, smart card reader for multifactor authentication and even 4G LTE connectivity for seamless remote working. The optional touchscreen B3 models are also compatible with the optional ASUS Pen 2.0 , and other MPP 2.0-compatible input devices, for versatile productivity.

• Productivity-first design
Smartly designed for modern business and forward-thinking organizations, ExpertBook B3 embraces a true productivity-first approach, making it ideal for today’s hybrid-working paradigm. With exceptional visuals, 65W USB-C PD fast charging and a long-lasting battery of up to 63Wh in a 3-cell configuration, it ensures seamless and efficient productivity experiences.

The ASUS ExpertBook B3 delivers exceptional audio quality for AV conferencing through AI noise-cancelling enabled dual-array microphones and stereo speakers tuned by Dirac, ensuring crystal-clear voice reproduction with unparalleled fidelity. To provide exceptional remote-working and video-conferencing experiences, the B3 features AI-powered noise-cancelation technology that cancels out unwanted background noise and picks up the user’s voice for optimum conference-call quality.

This PC delivers superb visual experiences with more vertical workspace with cutting-edge anti-glare IPS 120Hz display in 16:10 aspect ratio, featuring a vibrant 2560 x 1600.

• Enterprise-grade security and privacy
The new ExpertBook B3 series is packed with technology to provide strong data security and privacy protection. The built-in biometric security in the form of an integrated infrared camera for facial recognition and a fingerprint enabled power button for easy access. These are bolstered by a smart-card reader to enable easy two-factor authentication, with a password and recognized card required for login. A discrete TPM 2.0 chip securely stores authentication information utilized by software, safeguarding crucial data and transactions, including passwords and encryption keys. Testing to the rigorous US MIL-STD-810H military standard also assures superb physical durability.

The new laptops also benefit from a physical webcam cover for an assurance of instant privacy when it’s not in use with just a quick finger flick required for operation. There’s also an integrated Kensington lock slot, providing a physical security option for safeguarding the hardware when used in unsupervised locations.

Introduction

Most business expansion requires finance that is not readily available. Financing a business through loans is the common way of filling the gap. However, many business people face a major obstacle like having low credit scores. The lender often bases his assessment on credit scores to evaluate the creditworthiness of the borrower. Low credit score may degrade your small business loan eligibility, but you can still get your business loan with some increased effort and preparation.

At What Point Is a Credit Score Considered Bad?

There is a three-digit number which reflects your creditworthiness, that of a credit score. The higher the score, the better your credit history appears to lenders.

750 and above: Very Good credit score

700-749: Good credit score

650-699: Fair credit score

600-649: Poor credit score

Below 600: Bad credit score

A credit score below 650 may label you as a high-risk borrower to banks and NBFCs.

Now let us discuss the options of Accessing a Business Loan to grow your MSME, even if it’s at a Low Credit Score.

• Research on Lenders: A few financial institutions, especially NBFCs and fintech lenders, do lend money to people with very low CIBIL scores. These tend to not take the credit score-based approach as seriously, and instead, focus on such aspects as business performance, cash flows, or sometimes even collateral. Research these lenders and apply to them for better prospects to get your loan approved.

• Apply for Secured Loans: If your CIBIL score is poor, collateral is sure to enhance your chances of acquiring an MSME loan. Under this type of loan, collateral can be anything worth like machinery, or business assets that the lender can seize in case of a failure to pay back. Secured loans are less risky for the lenders, and therefore, they will go through with approving your application.

• Check Your Credit Report for Errors: Go through your report carefully for any errors with regard to loans taken by you, or for defaults that are incorrect. Immediately file a dispute with CIBIL (https://www.cibil.com/) in case of errors to correct the mistakes. The improvement in your score may increase your chances of getting your loan sanctioned.

• Good Business Financials: Lenders will consider your business’s financial position, specifically if your CIBIL score is low. You must present a stronger case for your business by showing stability in income, cash flow, and growth potential. Other financial documents, such as balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and even tax returns, must be kept accurate to help prove the repayment capability of your company.

• Relationship with the Lender: If you’ve previously taken and repaid a collateral free business loan on time with a bank or NBFC, make sure to maintain good relationships with those lenders and take the help of that lender to meet the business loan requirements. This may keep you at an advantage, as you were an old valued and faithful customer.

• Apply for a Smaller Loan Amount: Apply for a loan amount that is smaller, like ₹50,000 and below in which repayment is easier and less risk involved for the lender. Lower chances of disapproval occur with a lower credit score. The lender gains confidence in the borrower, and the ability to repay increases your chance of getting larger loans for the future.

• Government Schemes: The Government of India has launched many schemes to support SMEs. A few of those schemes offer loan facilities either with low credit score eligibility or interest rate subsidy.

• PMEGP (Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme)
• MUDRA Loans (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency)
• Stand-Up India Scheme

                           These schemes have lesser interest rates and flexible requirements.

• A Guarantor: When applying for a business loan, it is advisable to have a guarantor with an excellent credit rating so that the lender is able to trust you and give the money to you with less risk to the lender. This is so because the guarantor has agreed to pay if the borrower defaults. This is a great responsibility on the part of the guarantor hence choose a reliable one that trusts your ability to repay.

Conclusion

A poor CIBIL score will increase the issue of not getting access to business loans, but it doesn’t mean that you cannot access finance for your business anymore. You can still try to find ways and avail some other solutions such as applying to NBFCs, offering collateral for your loan, and availing any government scheme related to the loan. The second is, equally important to know why the credit score is low and work in a direction toward improving the same over a period of time.

Compared to traditional banks, NBFCs as they cater to small businesses, and even those who have unconventional financial backgrounds. NBFCs, therefore, present a faster process, loan options especially made by their flexibility. For those business persons who face issues related to credit score, a partnership with NBFCs is likely to be a perfect one for bringing progress into their MSMEs.

Photo by Mikhail Nilov:

India, 27th November, 2024 – GoSats, an Indian asset-based Rewards company, today revealed its resounding success following the launch of Bharat Bill Pay Service (BBPS) for its Elite Card Users. Aligning with user requirements, the firm recently launched an innovative feature as part of its Elite Card — simplifying everyday spending for users. The feature has since received enormous popularity — registering over 1,000 bill payment transactions daily, particularly in Postpaid recharge, FasTag recharge, and food & fashion shopping with leading e-commerce brands like Zomato, Domino’s, Flipkart, Myntra and Amazon.

The success is a particular milestone for GoSats, which offers Sats (Bitcoin’s fractional unit) and Gold as part of its rewards system and recently announced registering 700,000 users in India. With Bitcoin registering record-high levels constantly, the introduction of BBPS also helps users with a unique opportunity to accumulate more wealth than ever, stacking approximately 7,000 Sats monthly — the valuation of which keeps on appreciating simultaneously with Bitcoin. The GoSats Elite Card empowers extensive usage for its users through BBPS, completing utility bill payments, recharges, finance & tax, subscriptions and rent — receiving flat 1.5% rewards in Sats on all purchases. The firm is also offering the Elite Card at a 50% discount till the end of November.

Mr. Mohammed Roshan, Co-founder & CEO of GoSats, feels the recent price appreciation of Bitcoin provides a unique opportunity for Indian users to adapt to the crypto space, saying, “The introduction of BBPS allows our users to align their daily expenditure with the crypto ecosystem. With the infusion of new-age assets in conventional finance, Indians can seamlessly align with this shift by investing in Sats and Gold through only rewards. As Bitcoin’s price appreciates over time, the valuation of the rewards also increases, providing a chance for users to potentially make their shopping entirely free. We hope to create an entire ecosystem that empowers our users to make passive investments, securing their wealth and financial aspirations.”

The Elite Card users can use its services to shop and complete transactions with India’s leading e-commerce platforms and the rewards can be used to purchase vouchers with redemption of rewards from top brands such as Flipkart, Amazon, PVR, MakeMyTrip, PhonePe and others. Presently, the Elite Card is used by over 80,000 Indians, along with 7.5 lakh app installations — highlighting the unique opportunity for passive investments by Indian citizens. GoSats has also given out INR 30 Cr+ in rewards so far, a figure that is en route to a considerable boost with new milestones.

The firm is presently undertaking a significant development process and aims to double its user base by 2025. It also recently launched SatsPay, an exclusive feature for Elite Card holders, allowing them to simplify everyday transactions, from groceries to rent and everything in between. Aligning with the Government of India’s Digital India initiative, GoSats aims to transform the rewards ecosystem domestically, paving the way for a more simplified future.

Hyderabad, November 27, 2024: Phenom, a global AI SaaS company, proudly announces the launch of IAMPHENOM INDIA, a first-its-kind Intelligent Talent Experience Conference, taking place on Friday, December 13, 2024 at the Trident Hotel, HITEC City in Hyderabad. Building on the success of its flagship event in the U.S., IAMPHENOM INDIA will bring together over 500 senior HR professionals across talent acquisition, talent management, HR, HRIT and the c-suite to learn, celebrate customer successes and share innovative ways to accelerate hiring, development and retention with AI and automation.

IAMPHENOM INDIA is a unique educational opportunity for organizations to discover and embrace scalable AI innovations and strategies to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving HR landscape. The 1-day long, in-person conference will focus on the most critical topics for organizations today, including unlocking productivity, strategic talent acquisition, holistic talent development, and proactive talent retention by leveraging intelligence, automation and experience.

Set against the backdrop of Hyderabad’s burgeoning reputation as a global technology hub,

and expanding on the success of its U.S. events, which have become a hallmark of HR thought leadership, IAMPHENOM INDIA will address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by India’s HR and talent community. It is a space where the industry’s top minds will educate and inspire, learn about best practices, and discuss innovative solutions tailored to the complexities of today’s talent ecosystem.

Sharing his enthusiasm for the conference, Mahe Bayireddi, CEO and Co-founder, Phenom says, “The overwhelming success of IAMPHENOM in the U.S. has proven that when HR leaders come together to share insights and innovations, transformative change becomes possible. With IAMPHENOM INDIA, we aim to empower even more organizations with the tools and strategies needed to navigate today’s rapidly evolving talent ecosystem, unlocking human potential on an unprecedented scale. India is a critical driver of global workforce innovation, and we are thrilled to bring IAMPHENOM here.”

Event Details

Date: Friday, December 13, 2024

Venue: Trident Hotel, HITEC City, Hyderabad

New Delhi, 27th November 2024: Godrej Vikhroli Cucina, a brand-agnostic food and lifestyle platform by Godrej Industries Group (GIG), in partnership with the Food Bloggers Association of India (FBAI), proudly hosted the India Food & Beverage Awards 2024 (IFBA) at Seven Rivers, Taj Holiday Village, Goa. Celebrating India’s diverse food ecosystem, the IFBA continues to honour individuals and entities whose exceptional work has shaped and redefined the food and culinary industry.

Among the key honourees, Chef Sanjyot Keer was awarded the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality and Culinary Industry award, and Kalyan Karmakar was named the FBAI Star. Additionally, several other winners were recognized for their exceptional work, including food reviewer Prithvish Ashar, who was honoured with the Insta Award for Top Review in Eatery.

The 2024 IFBA recognized talent across 11 main categories, encompassing 33 sub-categories, including Facebook, Instagram, Blog, YouTube, Media, Hospitality, Public Voting, FBAI Star, Industry Support, Education, PR Agency, and Contribution to the Hospitality and Culinary Industry. A total of 155 winners were honoured at this year’s ceremony, representing an exciting cross-section of India’s thriving food and beverage industry.

The event also showcased the integration of several Godrej-owned brands, including Godrej Yummiez, Godrej Jersey, Godrej Real Good Chicken, and Godrej Vikhroli Cucina. Highlights included the Godrej Jersey Yogurt Wall and the Godrej Jersey Sweet Shack, which were standout interactive installations designed to engage and captivate the food community. To celebrate the upcoming Thanksgiving and give back to the food community, Godrej Foods also hosted a special Thanksgiving Grazing Table featuring products like Yummiez Prawn Rissois, and Yummiez Paneer Pop skewers with Caldine Drizzle. This showcase brought the brand’s culinary offerings to life, fostering community spirit and togetherness.

One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the launch of STTEM 2.0, India’s Frozen Snacks Report by Godrej Yummiez, unveiled by Mr. Sujit Patil, Chief Communications Officer, Corporate Brand & Communications, Godrej Industries Group, along with Chef Sanjyot Keer, Chef Sabyasachi Gorai, and Kalyan Karmakar.

Speaking on the launch, Abhay Parnerkar, CEO of Godrej Foods Ltd said, “I am excited to present the second edition of the Indian Frozen Snack Report, which explores the evolving snacking culture in India. As consumers’ palates continue to evolve, snacking is becoming an integral part of various occasions, from parties and weekend treats to lifting one’s mood. Our report highlights how convenience, taste, and even the emotional connection to snacking are driving this shift. Snacking is no longer just about satisfying hunger; it’s about the experience. There’s no better platform than IFBA 2024 to launch these findings, as it brings together the key voices shaping the future of food and beverages in India.”

Reflecting on the awards, Sujit Patil, Chief Communications Officer, Corporate Brand and Communications, Godrej Industries Group, said, “Vikhroli Cucina stands as a testament to our commitment to nurturing an inclusive and innovative food community. We’re thrilled with our longstanding partnership with the FBAI recognizing the outstanding talent and creativity that defines India’s culinary landscape. Honouring these accomplishments drives our shared mission to celebrate and elevate culinary excellence, connecting diverse cultures and flavours from across the country. Congratulations to all the winners for bringing new dimensions to India’s food scene, one inspired dish at a time.”

“We at Godrej Jersey are delighted to partner with IFBA 2024. Bringing together the dynamic community of chefs and food bloggers who inspire innovation and redefine the trends in the food and beverage industry. This collaboration reflects our dedication to delivering delightful and high-quality dairy experiences. With our Yogurt Wall and Jersey Sweet Shack, we aim to spark creativity and celebrate the joy of indulgence. Together with FBAI and Vikhroli Cucina, we look forward to fostering connections, sharing stories, and celebrating the passion that drives the F&B space.” Said Bhupendra Suri, CEO, Creamline Dairy Products Ltd