Archives January 2025

Prepare for a transformative sensory experience. The world’s foremost and Asia’s largest Bollywood music festival, Bollywood Music Project (BMP), is set to redefine the live event and IP landscape with its highly anticipated seventh edition – YES BANK Bollywood Music Project 2025. YES BANK, the 6th largest private sector bank in India, is the title sponsor for the 2025 edition of Bollywood Music Project.

This year, YES BANK Bollywood Music Project 2025, a collaborative venture between EVA Live and TM Ventures Pvt. Ltd., will dramatically expand its on-ground presence, covering two of India’s most vibrant cultural hubs – Gurugram and Mumbai. Under the evocative theme and tagline, ‘All The Feels, All The Hits’, YES BANK Bollywood Music Project 2025 will deliver a meticulously curated four-day live extravaganza featuring over 100 artists across 15 genres and 2 stages, offering more than 32 hours of unmatched music and dance experience to an anticipated audience of over 1,00,000 across both cities.

This 2025 extravaganza will ignite Gurugram’s Backyard Sports Club on 21st – 22nd February, 2025, before electrifying Mumbai’s Jio Garden, BKC on 15th – 16th March, 2025.

Since its inception, BMP has attracted over 6,00,000 attendees and over 100 million digital impressions, showcasing the talent of over 200 prominent names from the Indian film-music fraternity, a feat singlehandedly achieved by BMP within the South Asian festival landscape. The festival upholds a brilliant legacy of over 250 artists, including names such as Amit Trivedi, Arijit Singh, Benny Dayal, DIVINE, Sunidhi Chauhan, Vishal Shekhar, Raftaar, Neha Bhasin, Shilpa Rao, Jonita Gandhi, Badshah, Farhan Akhtar, Nucleya, Javed Ali, Sukhwinder Singh and Ajay Atul who have showcased at previous editions.

YES BANK Bollywood Music Project 2025 moved beyond just a celebration of musical talent; it is set to be a cultural event that connects people of all generations through the emotions and diversity of Bollywood music. The festival’s tagline, ‘All The Feels, All The Hits’, reflects this new vision. ‘All The Feels’ taps into the emotional power of Bollywood music, capturing a wide range of human experiences – from joy to sorrow, love to nostalgia. This makes the festival not just about entertainment but an exploration of Bollywood’s emotional depth. Paired with ‘All The Hits’, it promises a lineup of well-known artists performing chart-topper favorite Bollywood songs, ensuring a dynamic and exciting musical experience. The combination of emotional connection and top-tier music aims to create an unforgettable festival that offers something for everyone.

Mr. Deepak Choudhary, Founder, EVA Live states, “YES BANK Bollywood Music Project 2025 is set to redefine the Asian music festival experience. This seventh edition marks a significant expansion, taking the festival to two iconic cities with an even larger and more diverse lineup of artists. Our meticulous curation, extending from the performers to the immersive venue design, ensures an unforgettable multi-sensory journey through the heart of Bollywood’s emotional landscape. This ambitious undertaking solidifies BMP’s position as a leading force in the Asian music festival scene.”

Mr. Alaap Gosher, Co-Founder, TM Ventures Pvt. Ltd. states, “YES BANK Bollywood Music Project 2025 is dedicated to creating an incredible musical experience for entertainment lovers. This year, we’ve brought together a fantastic lineup of artists from diverse genres, including Sufi, Qawali, Punjabi, Indian pop/Bollywood pop, and Hip hop. Each performance is designed to add something special to the festival, making it exciting and emotionally engaging. After six successful years, we’re raising the bar again, celebrating India’s vibrant entertainment industry with fresh and innovative ideas.”

Mr. Nipun Kaushal, Chief Marketing Officer and Head – CSR, YES BANK states, “YES BANK is delighted to partner with Bollywood Music Project, a festival that aligns perfectly with our ethos of staying connected to current trends and delivering exceptional experiences to our customers. As a young, dynamic bank, we understand the diverse aspirations of our customers and take pride in offering exclusive access and benefits that enhance their lifestyle. The theme of YES BANK Bollywood Music Project 2025 – ‘All The Feels, All The Hits’ – resonates with our brand’s ethos ‘Life Ko Banao Rich’ as we believe in creating moments of joy while seamlessly taking care of our customers’ banking needs. With over 100 artists performing across Gurugram and Mumbai, this iconic celebration of Bollywood music offers a unique opportunity to connect, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories. Join us as we continue to deliver customer delight and bring your aspirations to life.”

Mr. Amar Sinha, COO, Radico Khaitan states, “We are delighted to collaborate with YES BANK Bollywood Music Project 2025 for the second consecutive year, reaffirming our dedication to celebrating India’s rich cultural and musical heritage. Magic Moments Music Studio has consistently been at the forefront of promoting music and connecting with young audiences, making it a perfect partner for this iconic festival. Together, we aim to amplify the festival’s immersive experience, creating moments that truly resonate with audiences. This partnership brings together two vibrant brands with a shared passion for innovation and excellence, promising an unforgettable celebration of music, emotions, and creativity.”

Beyond the live performances, YES BANK Bollywood Music Project 2025 will feature an array of exclusive partner brand activations, curated food and beverage courts, interactive art installations, a flea market, and dedicated adventure and experiential zones, designed to elevate the holistic attendee experience.

YES BANK, as the title sponsor for the event, proudly aligns its commitment to enriching customer experiences and fostering India’s vibrant cultural landscape. There will be an exclusive pre-sale window for YES BANK Visa Debit and Credit Card holders offering a 15% discount from 12 PM on January 13, 2025 to 12 PM on January 15, 2025. General sales will go live at 2 PM on January 15, 2025.

District by Zomato will be the official ticketing partner for the YES BANK Bollywood Music Project 2025, powered by Magic Moments Music Studio

Jan. 9, 2025 – Imagine being able to track every market rumour, no matter where it appears—on TV, in newspapers, online, or even on social media.

Already, Concept BIU is helping over 50 companies confidently meet SEBI’s regulatory requirements.

As the first and largest Indian media monitoring agency to offer in-house solutions tailored for SEBI’s Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR), Concept BIU ensures that listed companies can confirm or deny market rumours within 24 hours, as mandated by SEBI.

From a smart dashboard to mobile apps and even WhatsApp alerts, Concept BIU’s innovative tools empower businesses to act quickly, ensuring their compliance teams and communication desks are always one step ahead.

With coverage spanning over 100 cities, Concept BIU monitors everything from regional newspapers to glossy magazines and tracks millions of national and international websites. Its in-house platform even keeps an eye on major social media channels, ensuring that no rumour goes unnoticed.

And that’s not all. With capabilities to track TV channels across India and recognition from international bodies like AMEC and SABRE, Concept BIU doesn’t just stop at India’s borders. Whether it’s a rumour in one’s hometown or halfway across the world, they’ve got it covered.

Speaking about Concept BIU’s vision, CEO Irfan Chaudhary said, “At Concept BIU, we understand how important it is for companies to stay compliant while protecting their reputation, that’s why we don’t just provide data—we deliver insights. Over the last 20 years, we’ve earned the trust of over 800 clients, and we’re proud to be a partner that C-suite executives and communication teams can rely on.”

In today’s fast-moving world, where news spreads in seconds, it’s critical for companies to stay on top of what’s being said about them. Concept BIU’s innovative tools don’t just keep people informed; they empower them to act quickly and protect their brand.

Jan. 10, 2025 – Investments in energy grid modernization and digitalization have not kept pace with energy demands and requirements over the past years. Given rapid electrification and the ongoing energy transition toward net zero, spending on grid digital transformation needs to accelerate. According to a new report from global technology intelligence firm ABI Research, aggregated worldwide investments in grid digitalization will grow from US$81 billion in 2024 to US$152 billion in 2030.

“The benefits of the digital transformation of energy grids are huge and wide-ranging,” explains Dominique Bonte, VP End Markets and Verticals at ABI Research. “Most importantly, it enables the real-time management, orchestration, and continuous reconfiguration of increasingly complex and distributed energy networks and assets while unlocking much-needed additional generation and transmission capacity. It also reduces costs in terms of both grid expansion and operational management, improves grid resilience in terms of reduced downtime and faster fault recovery, and enhances overall energy quality and efficiency.”

Examples of key grid digitalization technologies and their use cases and benefits are listed below.

Digital and Virtual Energy Substations – With the energy sector facing the new reality of both distributed and intermittent energy resources and systems, the need for higher flexibility is huge, especially at the edge of the energy grid, which experiences the highest friction between static energy supply and dynamic energy demand in a rapidly electrifying environment. This is where software-defined low and medium-voltage energy substations come into play in terms of facilitating flexible over-the-air functionality upgrades and configuration changes as well as managing and coordinating the 2-way flow of energy, thereby ensuring grid stability in real-time. Key suppliers of virtual substation solutions include Schneider Electric and ABB.

Energy digital twins – Digital twins developed by companies such as Siemens are critical to design, model, simulate, plan, and operate energy infrastructure.

AI and Gen AI are increasingly becoming general purpose technologies (“Swiss army knife”) addressing use cases such a preventive maintenance, demand-response orchestration, amplification of customer service and maintenance personnel, and compliance reporting.

Energy Grid Management Software – Companies such as GE Vernova and Hitachi Energy offer a portfolio of energy grid software, including Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS), Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS), and Energy Management Systems (EMS).

Connectivity and Cloud – Smart metering use cases go beyond traditional end user energy usage monitoring to provide granular edge and cloud intelligence needed to regulate and stabilize the upstream grid in real-time and the use of metering data for billing purposes by resellers in an increasingly competitive environment. Honeywell is key actor in this space.

However, grid digitalization faces multiple barriers and inhibiting factors ranging from a lack of financing, rigid regulation, conservative and protectionist attitudes, aging workforces lacking “digital” expertise, limited competition, long infrastructure lifecycles, and cybersecurity concerns. Bonte concludes, “Going forward, it will be critical for energy utilities and technology providers to develop agile design and deployment practices, tap into innovative funding mechanisms, leverage open platforms and ecosystem cooperation, and address the human factor of embedding technology into company processes and culture. There is no room for failure. Others will be ready to invest in and take control of energy assets if needed.”

These findings are from ABI Research’s Digitalization Challenges in Smart Energy Grids report. This report is part of the company’s Smart Energy for Enterprises and Industries research service, which includes research, data, and ABI Insights.

Jan. 10, 2025 – As Decentralized finance (DeFi) continues to redefine the global financial landscape, the demand for secure and efficient DeFi wallets has skyrocketed. Nadcab Labs, a leader in blockchain innovation, is meeting this demand with its 25-day DeFi wallet development guarantee. This game-changing service ensures businesses can launch fully operational wallets rapidly, with a promise of a 10% discount if the timeline is not met. It offers a comprehensive DeFi wallet development service designed to empower businesses with fast, secure, and customizable solutions for the decentralized finance ecosystem. With a focus on rapid delivery, Nadcab ensures that clients can launch their wallets in just 25 days, gaining a competitive edge in the fast-evolving DeFi space.

The key benefits of Nadcab’s DeFi wallet development include rapid market entry, tailored solutions to meet specific business and user needs, advanced protection through encryption and multi-signature capabilities, and compliance support to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.

Additionally, they provide seamless user experiences with intuitive UX/UI designs, multi-chain compatibility for interoperability, and scalability to accommodate growing demands. To achieve such rapid development, they employ a modular architecture with pre-built components, an experienced team of blockchain experts, an agile methodology for iterative testing and deployment, and advanced toolsets to ensure precision and efficiency in every project.

“Nadcab Labs is redefining how DeFi wallets are developed. With our rapid delivery model and commitment to quality, we’re empowering businesses to capitalize on opportunities in the decentralized finance market,” said Aman Vaths, CEO of Nadcab Labs. “The 10% discount guarantee reflects our confidence in meeting deadlines without compromising on excellence.”

Jan. 10, 2025- Crisil Limited, a provider of ratings, data, research, analytics and solutions, today unveils its new brand logo.

The new brand identity, ‘Crisil‘ (earlier written as CRISIL), reinforces the company’s position as a global, insights-driven analytics firm, building on a distinguished legacy of close to four decades.

Large and highly respected firms partner with us for the most reliable opinions on risk in India, and for uncovering powerful insights and turning risks into opportunities globally. We are integral to multiplying their opportunities and success.

Says Amish Mehta, Managing Director & CEO, Crisil, “Our reimagined brand expresses a more progressive vision of our future. It celebrates a pioneering and illustrious past and showcases our commitment to deliver actionable insights to clients. Our people’s analytical rigour and domain expertise will continue to set standards and empower clients to make mission-critical decisions with confidence. The new brand identity guides us in shaping how we present ourselves to the world, influencing every interaction internally and externally to help us deliver exceptional client value.”

The strategic brand transformation positions Crisil’s businesses — Crisil Ratings, Crisil Intelligence (formerly MI&A), Crisil Coalition Greenwich, and Crisil Integral IQ (formerly GR&RS) — under a cohesive identity that offers a consistent and more connected experience for clients around the world.

Crisil Ratings: Offers independent credit ratings in India that empower informed decisions and objective benchmarking by lenders, investors and issuers.

Crisil Intelligence: Offers insights, consulting, technology-driven risk solutions and advanced data analytics, serving clients across government, private and public enterprises, empowering them to make informed decisions.

Crisil Coalition Greenwich: Offers strategic benchmarking, analytics and insights to the financial services industry and specialises in providing unique, high-value and actionable information to help clients measure and drive their business performance.

Crisil Integral IQ: Offers solutions and actionable intelligence to financial institutions around the globe to deliver strategic transformation, optimise risk and drive operational excellence.

The main logo in bold black is simple yet strong, symbolizing excellence and the certainty that we deliver. Complementing this, our business logos now feature a distinct teal color that conveys the confidence and trust rooted in rigour and domain expertise.

Jan. 10, 2025 -Widely known as the better half of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai is set to redefine urban luxury with the emergence of New Palm Beach. Envisaged by Delta, Bhagwati, and Pyramid, this exclusive coastal vicinity is poised to surpass the iconic Palm Beach Road, offering a more thoughtfully planned neighborhood surrounded by natural beauty and global business hubs.

Nestled alongside flamingo wetlands, New Palm Beach provides panoramic views of mangroves, the sea, and the hills. Navi Mumbai is famous for its seasonal visitors, as thousands of migratory flamingos flock to its wetlands each year, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle. Residents of New Palm Beach will enjoy the privilege of living close to this rare phenomenon, where nature and modern living co-exist harmoniously. The area’s ecological significance and its ban on future construction make this the last opportunity for homebuyers to own a piece of Navi Mumbai’s most scenic and tranquil address. With its serene surroundings preserved for generations to come, New Palm Beach is a haven of exclusivity amidst urban growth.

Strategically positioned at the heart of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), New Palm Beach enjoys seamless connectivity to five key Central Business Districts — Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Powai, Andheri, Thane, and Vashi. Each of these hubs is just 20 minutes away, making the location ideal for professionals seeking a harmonious balance between work and lifestyle.

Infrastructure advancements have further boosted the area’s accessibility. The existing Mulund-Airoli Bridge acts a connector between Central Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, while the soon-to-open Airoli-Katai Naka Freeway will further bolster the connectivity of New Palm Beach to other key regions of MMR. Additionally, the upcoming Metro Line-14, Vikroli-Kanjurmarg-Badlapur will enhance the connectivity of New Palm Beach even further, reinforcing its position as a pivotal growth corridor.

This transformative location is anchored by a landmark project from Delta, Bhagwati, and Pyramid, three of Navi Mumbai’s most renowned developers. Their vision for New Palm Beach includes luxurious residences designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, offering state-of-the-art amenities, panoramic views, and thoughtfully curated green spaces.

Residents will also benefit from a complete ecosystem of conveniences, including leading schools like Vibgyor School and Euro School, top healthcare facilities such as Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital and Jupiter Hospital, along with thriving entertainment cultural centers like the D.Y. Patil stadium and CIDCO Exhibition center.

New Palm Beach is more than just a place to live; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a home in MMR’s last-of-its-kind coastal residential development. With its combination of natural beauty, strategic connectivity, and high investment potential, New Palm Beach offers a lifestyle that is as aspirational as it is enduring.

Jan. 10, 2025 – Manipal Hospital Whitefield launched a dedicated Paediatric Emergency Bay on Wednesday, 8th Jan 2025 within its emergency department, aiming to enhance the quality of care for young patients in a child-friendly and comforting environment. A significant step forward in enhancing paediatric care, this newly established facility will address the unique needs of young patients while ensuring timely and comprehensive medical attention.

The inauguration was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Vanshika Anjani Kashyap, Child Artist, and reality show Nannamma Superstar Winner, alongside the hospital’s team of doctors, headed by Dr. Ravi Shankar Swamy, Consultant – Neonatology and Paediatrics. Following the ceremony, Dr. Swamy addressed the gathering, highlighting the features of the Paediatric Emergency services and the hospital’s commitment to improving healthcare access for children.

This separate, child-focused emergency facility features colourful and engaging cartoon-themed walls, creating a welcoming space that reduces anxiety and fear for children. A paediatrician will be available 24×7, ensuring that children receive prompt medical care without long waiting times. This initiative addresses one of the primary concerns raised by parents about the lack of a separate paediatric emergency service as this new dedicated bay aims to bring a comfortable and efficient experience for both children and their families.

Dr. Ravi Shankar Swamy noted, “Every year, we cater to thousands of paediatric and adult emergencies, and managing children with emergencies requires a unique approach. We understand that bringing a child to the emergency room can be stressful with long waiting hours and a sense of uncertainty amongst adult patients in emergency care. With our new Paediatric Emergency Bay, we are hopeful that children feel relaxed and supported during emergencies, while parents receive the assurance of quick and expert medical attention.”

One of the key highlights of the facility is the innovative ‘box-in-box‘ model. By integrating paediatric emergency services within the hospital’s multi-speciality setup, the facility ensures seamless access to advanced imaging services like CT and MRI, as well as specialists in cardiology, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, and more. This comprehensive approach eliminates the need for external referrals or transfers, making Manipal Hospital Whitefield a one-stop solution for even complex paediatric emergencies.

Vanshika Anjani Kashyap AKA Little Pataki said, “I was a bit scared before coming to the hospital, but everything is so different here. I went around the new paediatric emergency room and felt really comfortable because it didn’t even feel like a hospital. The doctors, nurses, and everyone was so nice and friendly. They even have my favourite cartoons painted on the walls.”

With the launch of this new service, Manipal Hospital Whitefield continues to set new benchmarks in healthcare delivery, offering high-quality, patient-centered care and improving the overall healthcare experience for children in the community.

By DR. JYOTI RANJAN SWAIN, CONSULTANT-SURGICAL ONCOLOGY, HCG PANDA CANCER HOSPITAL, CUTTACK

When planning a pregnancy, it is essential to take proactive steps to safeguard your health and fertility. One of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of preparing for pregnancy is preventing cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and taking preventive measures before conception can significantly reduce your risk. Understanding the causes of cervical cancer, the ways to prevent it, and how these steps align with your reproductive health is crucial for ensuring both a healthy pregnancy and long-term well-being.

Understanding Cervical Cancer and Its Causes
Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. While most HPV infections are cleared by the immune system, some can cause abnormal changes in cervical cells, potentially leading to cancer. However, cervical cancer is largely preventable with the right strategies.

Preventive Steps to Take Before Pregnancy
Regular Screening (Pap Smears and HPV Testing)
Routine screening for cervical cancer is one of the most effective ways to prevent it. A Pap smear detects abnormal cells in the cervix, while an HPV test identifies the virus responsible for these changes. By identifying and treating abnormal cells early, cervical cancer can often be avoided.

When to Start Screening: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) recommends that women begin cervical cancer screening at age 21. Screenings should continue every three years with a Pap smear until age 30. After age 30, a combination of a Pap smear and an HPV test is recommended every five years.

Why It Matters: Regular screenings help detect abnormalities early, allowing for timely treatment before cancer develops. If you’re planning a pregnancy, ensure you have a screening before conception to maintain a healthy cervix.
HPV Vaccination

One of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer is by protecting yourself from HPV infection. The HPV vaccine, which is recommended for girls and boys at ages 11-12, helps prevent infection from high-risk strains of HPV responsible for cervical cancer.
Before Pregnancy: If you are planning a pregnancy and have not yet received the HPV vaccine, consult your healthcare provider. The vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to the virus, but women up to age 45 who have not been exposed to the strains covered by the vaccine can still benefit.

Why It’s Important: The HPV vaccine can protect against the types of HPV that cause approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases. Vaccination before pregnancy can significantly lower your risk of developing cervical cancer later in life.

Safe Sexual Practices
Since HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, practicing safe sex is an important step in reducing your risk of infection. While condoms do not provide complete protection against HPV, they can lower the likelihood of transmission. If you’re planning a pregnancy, it’s a good idea to discuss safe sexual practices with your partner and be mindful of the risks associated with HPV transmission. While HPV is common, reducing exposure is key to preventing the infection and subsequent development of cervical cancer.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices to Lower Cervical Cancer Risk

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can further reduce the risk of cervical cancer and improve overall reproductive health. Key factors include:

Smoking Cessation
Smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to clear HPV infections. Women who smoke are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer compared to non-smokers. If you smoke, quitting before trying to conceive is essential. Stopping smoking not only reduces your cervical cancer risk but also improves your overall health and increases your chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Balanced Diet and Regular Exercise
Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, combined with regular exercise, can help strengthen your immune system and maintain overall health. Studies suggest that a healthy lifestyle may help reduce the risk of various cancers, including cervical cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active can support your immune system’s ability to fight infections like HPV and improve your overall health as you prepare for pregnancy.

Managing Stress and Health Conditions
Chronic stress and certain health conditions, such as HIV, can weaken the immune system, increasing the likelihood of developing cervical cancer. Managing stress and staying on top of any existing health conditions is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system.

Seeing An Expert for Evaluation
Before planning a pregnancy, it’s wise to consult with your gynaecologist to assess your risk for cervical cancer. A thorough evaluation may include:
Reviewing your medical and sexual history
Evaluating any previous Pap smear or HPV test results
Discussing the HPV vaccine if appropriate
Providing guidance on quitting smoking and making other lifestyle changes
If you have a family history of cervical cancer or have had previous HPV infections, your healthcare provider might recommend more frequent screenings or additional tests to ensure early detection of any abnormalities.

The Importance of Early Detection in Preventing Cervical Cancer
Early detection of abnormal cervical cells through regular screenings is key to preventing cervical cancer. If your screening results indicate abnormalities, early intervention can prevent these cells from turning cancerous. Procedures such as colposcopy (a closer examination of the cervix) or biopsy can determine if the changes are pre-cancerous and allow for timely treatment, which can prevent cancer from developing and protect your fertility in the long run.

Cervical cancer is largely preventable, and taking steps before pregnancy to reduce your risk can protect both your health and your fertility. Regular screenings, HPV vaccination, healthy lifestyle choices, and safe sexual practices all play a crucial role in preventing cervical cancer. By prioritizing these preventive measures, you are not only reducing your risk of cancer but also ensuring that you are in the best possible health as you plan for pregnancy. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance on how to protect yourself from cervical cancer and prepare for a healthy pregnancy.

10th January 2025: Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks, inaugurated a ‘Phygital’ branch at South End Road, Bengaluru. The phygital branch will redefine the customer experience by seamlessly integrating self-service and assisted service models to meet the diverse requirements of customers. Bank of Baroda’s phygital branch features Self-service kiosks, a Video Contact Centre for non-financial services and Universal Service Desks for in-person customer service.

Shri Sanjay V. Mudaliar, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda inaugurated the Phygital branch. Shri Manas Mishra, Deputy General Manager and Shri Prashant Avhad, Regional Head, Bank of Baroda along with valued customers were present during the inauguration.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sanjay V. Mudaliar, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda “We are pleased to launch the first phygital branch in Bengaluru (overall the fourth across the country) that promises to enhance overall banking experience for our customers. The phygital branch is a unique new-age banking concept that will meet the diverse requirements of our customers in Bengaluru – for their day-to-day banking transactions that can be completed independently as well as an assisted mode for customers who prefer human interaction.”

The key features of Bank of Baroda’s Phygital branches are:

· Self-Service Kiosks: Self-service kiosks with interactive touch screens/tablets and other digital interfaces through which customers can avail a host of services such as PAN updation, receiving Account Statement through email, obtaining TDS certificate, nominee updation etc.

· Video Contact Centre: Customers can directly connect with the Bank’s contact centre through a video call for assistance on all non-personalised and non-financial services such as Home Loan enquiry, Savings Account, Term Deposit, Car Loan etc.

· Universal Service Desks: Phygital branch also has an exclusive Service Area with Universal Service Desks that act as a one-stop solution for all banking needs for customers that require in-person service.

January 10, 2024: Infosys Finacle, part of EdgeVerve Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY), and Qorus, a global association for retail financial institutions, have announced the winners of the 11th edition of the Qorus-Infosys Finacle Banking Innovation Awards. Winners were felicitated in an award ceremony, conducted as part of the Infosys Finacle Conclave.

The awards, which recognize the best customer-centric ideas and innovations by banks, attracted more than 390 applications from 177 financial institutions across 57 countries. Applicants ranged from agile start-ups to the world’s largest financial institutions. Winners were selected across nine categories: Business Model Transformation, Core Offering Innovation, Future Workforce, Neobanks & Fintech Players, Operational Excellence, Reimagining the Customer Experience, Transformative Innovator of the Year, Emerging Tech Innovation of the Year, and Social, Sustainable & Responsible Banking. The selection process involved peer-based voting combined with evaluation by a panel of 33 expert judges from leading global financial firms.

The complete list of the recognized banks and details of their award-winning banking innovations is available here.

John Berry, Chief Executive Officer, Qorus, said, “The awards are into their second decade and continue to garner overwhelming support from the banking industry. By recognizing and rewarding innovative ideas, these awards set a benchmark for others to learn from and grow. This year’s submissions offer rich inspiration, illustrating how banks are broadening and diversifying their products and services to meet and exceed customer needs and expectations while championing the sustainability imperative.”

Sajit Vijayakumar, Chief Business Officer and Global Head, Infosys Finacle, said, “The banking industry is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, as banks worldwide explore new possibilities with cutting-edge technologies and innovative business models. The Qorus-Infosys Finacle Banking Innovation Awards recognize banks at the forefront of this transformation. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their exceptional commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer centricity. Their achievements are setting new standards for the industry and inspiring a better banking future.”