All posts by K S Krishna

16th December, 2024- Acies’ ALM software, Antares, has been recognized by Chartis Research as a Category Leader in Liquidity Risk Management (LRM) in their 2024 rankings of ALM Solutions . This recognition solidifies Acies’ standing as a leader among liquidity risk software providers, driving innovation in liquidity management, decision support and regulatory compliance. Chartis Research ranked Antares as a strong Category Leader in LRM for the completeness of its offering, as well as the exceptional decision support and stress testing support provided by its innovative, no-code technology.
“Acies’ category leader placing in our LRM quadrant reflects several factors,” said Maryam Akram, Research Principal at Chartis Research.

She adds, “Acies’ solution offers out-of-the-box support for liquidity risk and an ability to generate liquidity profiles using configurable cashflows and simulations – and its approach to scenario generation received an especially high score in our analysis.”

“This recognition is an endorsement of the superior technology on which Antares software solutions are built, and our success in empowering end-users through no-code analytics, reporting and BI.” added Abhinava Bajpai, Head of Acies TechWorks. He adds, “We are focused on developing solutions that help our clients enhance liquidity resilience and navigate regulatory expectations with ease.”

“We are proud to be recognized by Chartis Research as a Category Leader in the LRM space.” said Arindam Banerjee, Head of Business Development at Acies. He adds, “This achievement is a testament to the increasing industry adoption of Antares, which helps financial institutions address critical liquidity risk management and reporting requirements. We remain dedicated to meeting the needs of our clients across the US, Middle East and Asia by continuing to invest in enhancing Antares and our other award-winning risk and regulatory solutions.”

Antares, Acies’ suite of balance sheet management solutions, is designed to help financial institutions effectively manage liquidity, promote balance sheet resilience, and meet regulatory requirements with confidence. With over 20 specialized software products covering ALM, capital management, IFRS, GRC, and treasury, Acies provides institutions with the high-performance tools they need to tackle complex risk and regulatory challenges.

Acies’ suite of financial risk, IFRS, GRC, regulatory reporting and treasury software helps financial institutions achieve sustainable balance sheet growth, while controlling profitability and maintaining credit quality, all with a compliance-first mindset.

Acies’ continued dedication to delivering innovative solutions and industry expertise positions it as a trusted partner for businesses worldwide, driving growth and fostering resilience in an evolving risk landscape.

December 16, 2024: FedEx, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp and one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, has introduced the FedEx One Stop Shop, a digital platform that provides access to both shipping and freight forwarding services, simplifying global shipping for businesses.

FedEx One Stop Shop brings order management, booking, and track & trace into a single system, providing businesses with comprehensive visibility and control over shipments. The platform enables streamlined operations through a single point of contact at FedEx, eliminating the complexities of managing multiple freight forwarders. Additionally, it allows businesses to maintain a repository of their past shipments, ensuring a more efficient and transparent logistics process.

“FedEx One Stop Shop is a significant step in our transformation into a digitally driven business, powered by our extensive transportation network,” said Nitin Navneet Tatiwala, Vice President of Marketing and Air Network, FedEx, Middle East India Subcontinent and Africa (MEISA). “Developed in India, it is already creating efficiencies for customers who participated in the pilot by enabling them to book and manage shipments across FedEx shipping and logistics services. We’re excited to scale this platform to other regions, helping businesses simplify and improve their logistics operations.”

FedEx is committed to meeting the evolving demands of global commerce through continuous innovation. Digital solutions like the FedEx Delivery Manager and the FedEx Import Tool simplify the shipping process by offering customized delivery preferences, centralized documentation, online payment options, and more, further enhancing efficiency and convenience. This foundation of digital excellence strengthens the value proposition of FOSS, enabling businesses to streamline their logistics operations with even greater ease and transparency.

16 December 2024: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, commemorated World Disability Day 2024 at its Ambuja Manovikas Kendra (AMK) in Ropar, Punjab, with an event that underscored empowerment and inclusivity.

Students showcased their remarkable talents through folk dances, solo songs, and a fancy-dress competition themed around impactful social messages. Parents, community members, and dignitaries, including notable social workers and educators, joined to appreciate and support the students’ efforts.

To add further sheen to the special day, Ms. Priya, an AMK Olympian, and Ms. Paramjit Kaur, a graduate trainee from its skilling center, were honored at a state-level event in Punjab. Ms. Priya received the award for Best Sports Person (Female) with a Disability, while Ms. Paramjit Kaur was recognized as Best Self-Employed Female with a Disability. These awards, presented by Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, showcased the indomitable spirit of these individuals who inspire their communities with their dedication and achievements.

The event was a testament to Ambuja Cements’ commitment to fostering inclusive growth and recognizing the potential of every individual. By empowering individuals with disabilities, Ambuja Cements continues to contribute meaningfully to building an inclusive and resilient society.

December 16th, 2024: OrangeGlobal Stories has set a new benchmark in the audio entertainment space with the announcement of its pioneering platform ‘Eshtory’, exclusively dedicated to original fiction audio storytelling. The platform was unveiled at a grand event in Nagpur, where the logo was introduced, symbolizing the brand’s creative vision. The event was graced by the Honourable Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, who commended the initiative for its focus on innovation and creativity.

Scheduled for launch in January 2025, the app promises to redefine audio storytelling by offering listeners a seamless and immersive experience with original, high-quality, compelling narratives. Beyond entertainment, the platform will serve as a hub for homegrown storytellers, showcasing regional tales to global audiences and fostering a vibrant ecosystem of creative talent.

With a strong belief of ‘Content being the king’, Mr. Harrish Bhatia, Co-founder, OrangeGlobal Stories, said “At OrangeGlobal Stories, we’re not just building a platform; we’re creating a movement. In a fast-paced world, stories have the power to inspire, entertain, and connect. Through ‘Eshtory’ our mission is to transform storytelling into an immersive experience, delivering original fiction that resonates across cultures and geographies. We aim to bring voices from every corner of the world to light, offering narratives that are original, fresh, and unforgettable.”

The global audio storytelling market is expected to grow to $53.46 billion by 2032, with strong contributions from emerging markets like India and rapid growth in the Asia-Pacific region. In India, the convergence of affordable data, widespread smartphone penetration, and evolving consumer preferences has propelled the audio OTT sector into a high-growth trajectory. Amid this momentum, OrangeGlobal Stories is uniquely positioned to fill critical gaps in the market. By prioritizing quality and originality, the platform stands apart in a space often dominated by tech-driven approaches, offering listeners a reimagined storytelling experience that caters to both local and global audiences. With India emerging as a creative hub for diverse storytelling, OrangeGlobal Stories seeks to redefine the audio landscape by showcasing compelling narratives that resonate across cultures and geographies.

Distinguished by its visionary leadership and a commitment to redefining the art of storytelling, OrangeGlobal Stories is co-founded by industry stalwarts whose combined expertise spans decades in storytelling and audience engagement. Mr. Harrish Bhatia, with over 40 years of experience across radio, newsprint, and consumer electronics, brings unparalleled strategic insight. Mr. Viplove Gupte, a founding member of three FM radio brands in India, spent 3 decades in media and entertainment, offers deep expertise in content creation and distribution, while Mr. Nilesh Kadam leverages over 20 years of experience in alliances, partnerships, brand creation, and entrepreneurship to drive innovation. Together, they form a powerhouse of creativity and strategic acumen.

The platform’s leadership is further strengthened by the strategic investments of Mr. Abhijit Majumdar of the Abhijit Group and Mrs. Inu Majumdar, CEO of Radio Orange and Chairperson of OrangeGlobal Stories. Their backing underscores a shared vision to address gaps in the market and raise the bar for storytelling standards. With this robust foundation, OrangeGlobal Stories is uniquely positioned to champion original, high-quality content that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Mr. Bhatia, further elaborated, “We are united by a shared vision to celebrate the boundless power of imagination and creativity. Our mission goes beyond launching a platform; we aim to redefine how stories are told and experienced, transforming them into immersive journeys that resonate with audiences across the globe. By blending innovation with a deep respect for the timeless art of storytelling, OrangeGlobal Stories is creating a space where creators and listeners alike can connect through compelling narratives that caters to all ends of the listening spectrum. This initiative is more than a business; it’s a movement to elevate storytelling into a transformative and universal experience.”

Mrs. Inu Majumdar, CEO of Radio Orange and Deputy Chairperson of OrangeGlobal Stories said,“As an ardent enthusiast of audio entertainment and the only female CEO leading a radio channel in India, I am incredibly proud to witness the coming together of three visionary leaders – Mr. Harrish Bhatia, Mr. Viplove Gupte, and Mr. Nilesh Kadam – to redefine the storytelling experience. OrangeGlobal Stories is not just a platform but a testament to our commitment to delivering the finest audio content that resonates deeply with listeners. With this initiative, we aim to offer a seamless, immersive experience that bridges creativity and technology, elevating storytelling to new horizons.”

The unveiling of the OrangeGlobal Stories logo at the Nagpur event encapsulated the brand’s ethos of originality, imagination, and inclusivity. The vibrant logo reflects the platform’s core values, setting the tone for a reimagined storytelling journey.

Earlier this year, OrangeGlobal Stories announced a $36 million investment in marketing and digital promotion over the next three years. This strategic allocation aims to enhance the platform’s reach and engagement via, Large-scale Brand Awareness, advanced digital strategies, targeted ad campaigns, and tailored content promotion.

In recent years, rapid urbanization and rising environmental concerns have propelled a significant affinity towards sustainable and eco-friendly buildings. Developers and homebuyers are embracing sustainable architecture to create a more environmentally friendly future. The integration of green building practices is no longer just an added benefit but an essential component of modern housing developments. Aligning with the commitment, SKA Destiny One, by the renowned SKA Group, is an exquisite luxury residential project designed to redefine upscale living while embracing the principles of sustainability.

As an IGBC Gold Pre-Certified project, it promotes green living through eco-friendly materials that enhance both the development’s sustainability and luxury. The project boasts a green space of 13,675 sqm, complemented with initiatives such as sustainable construction practices, green building methods, waste reduction strategies, sewage treatment plants, rainwater harvesting, solar system for basement lighting, and electric vehicle charging units, which reduces its carbon footprint while maximizing efficiency.

Moreover, since its inception in 2012, SKA Group has created exceptional living spaces for the new global Indians, making it one of the reputed real estate companies in Delhi NCR. The group is committed to meticulous planning and execution, guaranteeing that projects progress without delay, thereby ensuring that your dream home becomes a reality sooner than anticipated.

Strategically located in Zeta 1, Greater Noida, SKA Destiny One offers a perfect blend of modern architecture, premium amenities, and environmentally-conscious features. Spanning 6 acres, the project boasts three towers, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma, with 34 storeys and 645 units. The Alpha Tower boasts four expansive apartments, each offering 4BHK of 3007 sq. ft per floor with a striking 12-foot ceiling height. Every apartment offers a spacious living experience where residents enjoy ample natural light and ventilation through five complemented balconies. Through this, the project embraces a minimalist yet elegant design philosophy that optimizes natural resources such as sunlight and ventilation, reducing energy dependency. Designed as a smaller yet meticulously maintained community, it offers superior service facilities and streamlined maintenance, ensuring that residents experience both opulence and eco-conscious living.

What truly sets SKA Destiny One apart is its innovative construction methodology.

Unlike traditional brickwork construction, the entire project is built using aluminum formwork technology. This advanced construction technique ensures precision, durability, and consistency in structural quality while significantly reducing waste. Aluminum formwork minimizes issues like seepage, enhances structural strength, and provides excellent dimensional accuracy, reducing the need for additional plastering. It also offers better thermal and acoustic insulation, improving overall comfort for residents. Additionally, this method reduces construction waste, shortens project timelines, and promotes sustainability, making it an environmentally conscious and highly efficient choice.

Further, the array of amenities at SKA Destiny is designed to enhance the quality of life for residents while promoting sustainable living. The project boasts amenities like virtual golf, yoga, aerobics, and meditation rooms, an indoor and outdoor sports zone, and more, fostering an active lifestyle. These amenities reflect SKA Destiny’s commitment to creating a vibrant, sustainable community where luxury and eco-friendliness coexist harmoniously.

Amid this realty renaissance, SKA Destiny One is the ultimate ultra-luxurious abode, setting new benchmarks for grandeur and style in the region. SKA Group transforms luxury real estate in the NCR by raising new standards in innovation and sustainability with timely delivery, transparency, and technology. The group has dedicated itself to building iconic landmarks, elevating customer experiences, and fostering community growth in response to the ever-growing demand for luxury residences. Thus, SKA Group’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its SKA Destiny One’s design and execution. By focusing on recycling, green spaces, water and energy conservation, and environmental regeneration, the group is paving the way for a more sustainable future in real estate development

The Fastest Fashion Fix Ever: Go Colors Partners with Zepto for 10-Minute Deliveries

Get ready to level up your everyday glam in just 10 minutes!

Go Colors, the premium brand for bottom wear in India, has joined forces with Zepto, the 10-minute delivery powerhouse, to revolutionize the way customers shop for fashion. Together, they’re delivering quality bottom wear to your doorstep in just 10 minutes, offering a shopping experience that’s quicker and more seamless.

Renowned for providing chic bottomwear in an array of sizes and hues across multiple categories, Go Colors boasts of a wide offline footprint with more than 750 stores across 170+ cities in India. Having expanded extensively in the offline space, Go Colors is now vying for the fast-growing quick commerce sector through its partnership with Zepto and is currently available across Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The brand has decided to deliver a collection of leggings and churidars quickly, to perfectly complement your everyday attire.

“At Go Colors, we strive to bring unmatched convenience to our customers. By merging Go Colors’ trendsetting bottomwear with Zepto’s lightning-fast delivery, we aim to fix the hassle of last-minute wardrobe choices,” said Mr Gautam Saraogi, Founder and CEO of Go Colors. He further added, “We are excited to team up with Zepto to bring Go Colors’ fashion forward and comfortable bottomwear closer to millions of shoppers across India. This will facilitate us to make fashion more accessible than ever before.” stated Mr. Saraogi.

“At Zepto, we are honoured to team up with India’s top bottom-wear brand, Go Colors. This strategic partnership strives to bridge a significant selection gap in the women’s bottomwear category on quick commerce, delivering shoppers with quick access to a wide range of styles. Aligning with Go Colors will contribute to Zepto’s evolution in the women’s fashion sector,” stated Chandan Mendiratta, Chief Brand Officer, Zepto.

16 December 2024: ProjectHero, a construction tech startup that had previously raised $3.6mn from Ankur Capital, Omidyar Network, and Titan Capital, has introduced HomeRun, a quick commerce platform offering 60-minute delivery of construction materials. HomeRun caters to contractors, professionals and homeowners and currently delivers to around 800 SKUs across 76 pin codes in Bengaluru.

HomeRun addresses the problems faced by customers who typically depend on local retailers and vendors for ad hoc construction material supplies of cement, hardware, plywood, etc — this is a time-consuming and logistical nightmare, with no tracking or visibility around pricing or availability. Due to small quantities, traditional vendors are not able to fulfill these orders, HomeRun, on the other hand, eliminates these hurdles by offering no-minimum-order deliveries. For instance, customers requiring just one or two bags of cement can now place an order on HomeRun without incurring high transportation costs. Additionally, HomeRun supports on-demand material delivery directly to construction sites, ensuring quick access to supplies needed unexpectedly or at short notice.

“Quick commerce has disrupted everything from groceries to gadgets. Now, we’re bringing that same game-changing speed & customer experience to construction. HomeRun isn’t just a platform; it’s how we are solving the massive inefficiencies in material procurement for the contractors and homeowners,” said Satya Vyas, Founder of HomeRun.

The platform currently has two live dark stores in Bengaluru, with three more coming up in the next two months.

Krishnan Neelakantan, Partner at Ankur Capital, said, “ProjectHero’s entry into quick commerce via HomeRun, addresses a critical gap in the construction market – a sector where delays can have significant cost implications. Satya and his team are leveraging their extensive domain experience and strong insights around buyer behavior in the segment and have seen strong initial traction at HomeRun.”

HomeRun is capitalizing on the surging demand for instant deliveries in India. With the market poised to reach $5.5 billion by 2025 and $1.45 trillion by 2032, HomeRun is well-positioned to revolutionize Bengaluru’s construction industry. By offering efficient, no-minimum-order rapid deliveries, HomeRun is setting a new standard for convenience and speed.