All posts by Rabindra

India, 5th September 2024 – Recent regulations in many markets make it possible for merchants to accept payment from consumers using direct, account-to-account transfers. As airlines seek to best meet the needs of travelers and reduce the overall cost of payments, account-to-account payments are becoming very popular, and they represent a new option for travelers to pay for air tickets.

That’s why IATA and Outpayce are partnering so airlines can now accept payments made with IATA Pay through Outpayce’s Xchange Payments Platform (XPP).

IATA Pay is an alternative account-to-account form of payment for travelers to pay for air tickets purchased online by directly debiting their bank account. It leverages the new account-to-account rails and regulations developed by countries around the world such as India (UPI), the Netherlands (Ideal), Brazil (PIX) or Philippines (QR Ph). Currently available in over 30 countries, IATA Pay improves the speed and security of payments, while reducing payment acceptance costs.

When a traveler reaches checkout on an airline’s website the new account-to-account payment service allows them to select their bank or scan a QR code depending on the country. IATA uses the payment and bank details or the QR code’s approval to request a transfer from the passenger’s account and the funds are transferred using the banking rails. IATA settles the funds with the airline the following day.

Juan Antonio Rodriguez, Director Financial Settlement Operations, IATA said: “The trend towards account-to-account payments is gaining more momentum. It provides a seamless experience for passengers and provides an attractive option for airlines to lower the cost of payment acceptance. Through Outpayce, airlines using XPP can begin to accept IATA Pay while still benefiting from XPP’s powerful orchestration, analytics and reporting capabilities.”

Anna Isabel Bengzon, Chief Financial Officer, Philippine Airlines said: “We are pleased to now accept IATA Pay in the Philippines. It will provide our passengers a more convenient and secure way of paying via QR code using their digital wallets, which is highly prevalent in the country, or through their bank accounts. Outpayce’s XPP system helps us to intelligently accept a wide range of payment methods used by travelers across the international markets we serve. Moreover, we can access various payment methods and partners through XPP, with detailed analytics on the performance of payment flows and back-end reconciliation support.”

Jean-Christophe Lacour, SVP and Head of Product Management & Delivery, Outpayce added: “We’re committed to helping travel companies accept the widest possible range of payment methods through a single connection to XPP and IATA Pay represents an interesting new option for the industry. By making it easier for partners to connect to XPP using self-service APIs we intend to broaden this choice even further.”

IATA is one of the first partners to connect to Outpayce’s Xchange Payment Platform using its new self-service APIs, being piloted in 2024. The addition of self-service APIs helps to open XPP, making it easier for any payments or fintech company to connect its services, which increases choice for travel companies and further optimizes payment orchestration.

September 05, 2024: Himalayan Elevation Kashmiri Saffron, a brand from Tata Consumer Products is celebrating Himalayan Day. Himalayan Day is celebrated on 9th September every year and is an annual initiative dedicated to preserving and uplifting the unique Himalayan ecosystem and its communities. This year, the focus is on supporting the saffron farmers of Pampore, Kashmir, who are facing challenges due to declining yield of Kashmiri Saffron.

As part of this year’s initiative, the brand in collaboration with Matamaal Foundation will be training Kashmiri Saffron farmers starting September, with on-ground sessions planned till October.

100% of the proceeds from all packs of Himalayan Elevation Kashmiri Saffron sold online, in the week of this Himalayan Day, will be used to train these farmers. These trainings will equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to cultivate saffron more efficiently, ensuring the sustainability of their craft.

This initiative is in line with the brand’s commitment to giving back to the communities that are integral to the Himalayas. With this initiative, not only is the brand providing training to the saffron farmers of Kashmir to combat the declining yield but also giving them the hope they need to continue their craft in the face of environmental challenges. This initiative reflects the brand’s belief in the importance of sustainability and its dedication to making a positive impact on society.

Consumers can scan the QR code on the back of each Himalayan Elevation Kashmiri Saffron pack to see the specific farmer whose livelihood they have helped uplift. This initiative thus allows consumers to see firsthand the impact their purchase is making on the lives of these farmers.

Bengaluru, September 05, 2024: Tata AIA Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (Tata AIA), one of India’s leading life insurers, has announced the launch of its offshore branch at Gujarat International Finance Tech-City (GIFT City), India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).

Venky Iyer, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Tata AIA, said, “The setting up of IFSC GIFT City is a remarkable step by the Government of India towards widening the scope of Indian financial services. It provides a great opportunity for insurers to provide foreign currency denominated products. We are delighted to introduce life insurance solutions for our NRI consumers, enabling them to secure their families and fulfill their aspirations.”

The Company will commence operations with a unique term offering USD denominated Life Protect Supreme, enabling policy benefits in US dollars. The Plan covers risks such as death, accident, disability, and critical illness, for up to 100 years of age. NRI Consumers can choose from five plan options to tailor their coverage according to their lifestyle, medical history, and occupation. The Plan options offer flexibility to include add-on benefits (Riders) such as accidental death benefit, critical illness cover, and waiver of premium on accidental total and permanent disability.

The Company also plans to introduce Unit Linked life insurance products soon, giving consumers the prospect to benefit from exciting investment opportunities in global equity markets.

Hyderabad, 5 September 2024 – WIKA India has been awarded as “Sustainability Champion Of The Year” at 7th Edition of EPS Conference 2024 organised recently, the EPS Conference 2024 is a business meet that aims to provide an extensive platform for industry leaders to meet and nurture the exchange of business, insights, ideas, and innovations.

The award was received by Gagan Inder Singh, General Manager of Quality and Head of Lean Sigma at WIKA India, in acknowledgment of the company’s immense contribution toward renewable energy and electrical mobility in Telangana.

This event, held in Hyderabad, underlined the vision of the state to turn itself into a trillion-dollar economy via sustainable energy solutions and technological advancement. WIKA India has been at the forefront in this respect, primarily in the areas of solar energy, energy-efficient lighting, and various other initiatives.

Some of the key sustainability initiatives taken by WIKA India over the last couple of years have been the proliferation of solar energy across its facilities to minimize carbon footprint, the deployment of lighting solutions that ensure energy efficiency, moving to pulp packaging to reduce wastage, developing urban forests by planting 1,600 trees, and implementing LPG gensets to replace diesel generators.

In the process, such efforts have contributed not only to a greener environment but also to establishing WIKA India as one of the leaders in the industrial sector on sustainable business practices.

Addressing media, Singh said, “We are thankful for this recognition and reiterate our commitment to sustainability. This award is a recognition of the continuous commitment of WIKA India to integrate sustainability into its operations. Innovation and change have driven continuously with assurance, that such initiatives will go a long way in boosting renewable energy and electric mobility in Telangana, aiding economic development in the state.”

The success of WIKA India underlines the prime position occupied by sustainable practices in the future course of industry and commerce. The involvement of such enterprises will be a key factor in devising sustainable, inclusive growth as Telangana marches further toward its emergence as a trillion-dollar economy.

New Delhi, 5th September 2024: Pacific D21 Mall, Dwarka, in collaboration with Daakroom, successfully celebrated Teacher’s Day on the theme “Thank You, Dear Teacher.” The event witnessed an enthusiastic response from visitors coming together to express their gratitude towards their teachers through creative letter writing and meaningful activities.

The two-day event saw participants indulge in various activities designed to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions of teachers. Attendees wrote letters to their favourite teachers, crafted personalized bookmarks, and engaged in magnet design and letter colouring sessions.

A special highlight of the celebration was the signature analysis session conducted by Nidhi Gupta, a renowned calligraphist and handwriting expert.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Abhishek Bansal, Executive Director of Pacific Group, said, “The value of teachers in shaping our lives is immeasurable, and this event was a heartfelt tribute to their notable contributions. Through creative and meaningful activities, we aimed to provide visitors with a platform to express their gratitude and acknowledge teachers’ profound impact on our lives.”

As a special gesture, each participant received a special magnet, beautifully designed with a Teacher’s Day theme, to appreciate their participation in the event. The atmosphere was filled with creativity, joy, and a strong sense of community as everyone came together to celebrate the spirit of teaching.

Delhi, India, September 5, 2024: SEMI, the global apex body representing the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, is proud to announce SEMICON India 2024, the first-ever Indian edition of the globally celebrated event. In collaboration with the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), Digital India, and Messe München India this landmark event will take place from September 11-13, 2024 at the India Exposition Mart Ltd. (IEML) in Greater Noida. The event promises to deliver key insights into innovations and trends driving the semiconductor industry, focusing on smart manufacturing, supply chain management, sustainability, and workforce development. Registration is now open and to register, visit SEMICON India 2024.

As the Indian semiconductor industry advances, it is set to play a crucial role in the global industry’s growth, projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030. At this critical juncture, SEMICON India 2024 will bring together the industry’s top minds and leaders to propel India’s semiconductor growth story. With robust support from the MeitY, ISM and Government of India, the event will underscore India’s growing capabilities in this semiconductor industry. State government representatives from Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Assam, Karnataka, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu will outline their strategies for expanding the semiconductor and display ecosystems. They will present progressive, industry-friendly policies designed to attract significant investments and foster growth.

“SEMI is thrilled to bring the collective power and expertise of our member companies from around the world to SEMICON India for the first time. The event marks a key milestone in our efforts to accelerate the growth of the semiconductor industry in this dynamic market following our historical success hosting annual SEMICONs in our seven other regions. India has long been a hub for semiconductor design, but with recent investments, its evolving role in global technology and the right policies, we are witnessing a significant shift. The Indian semiconductor market, projected to exceed $100 billion and generate over 600,000 jobs by 2030, is poised for tremendous growth. This event will be a catalyst, helping to unlock the market’s potential and drive India’s ambitions in the semiconductor space,” said Ajit Manocha, SEMI President and CEO.

Themed Shaping the Semiconductor Future, the maiden event is designed to accelerate technological progress in the semiconductor and electronics sectors while highlighting India’s strategic efforts to strengthen its ecosystem. Building on India’s decades of expertise in semiconductor design, where it contributes 20 percent of the global integrated circuit (IC) design workforce with over 125,000 professionals, expanding into semiconductor manufacturing would significantly enhance the country’s position in the global semiconductor value chain. As the largest gathering of its kind in Southeast Asia, SEMICON India 2024 will feature over 250 exhibitors and 650+ booths from across the global semiconductor supply chain. Co-located with electronica India and productronica India, it will provide the region’s most comprehensive platform for showcasing the latest advancements in semiconductor and electronics technologies.

Opening Ceremony and Keynote Program

The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, will inaugurate SEMICON India and the accompanying exhibition on September 11, 2024. The opening ceremony will feature keynotes by prominent industry leaders from SEMI, NXP, Foxconn, PSMC, Renesas, Tata Electronics, and CG Power. The ceremony will be followed by keynote sessions themed around smart manufacturing, supply chain management, sustainability, and workforce development:

• The keynote session on Wednesday, September 11 will feature the theme Creating a Vibrant Semiconductor Manufacturing Ecosystem in India and a roundtable discussion themed Academia Perspectives on “Opportunity India.”
• The session on Thursday, September 12 themed Global Market, Local Execution – The Benefits of Cross-Regional Partnerships will conclude with a roundtable looking at Perspectives on Lessons Learned from Greenfield Projects in Other Regions.
• In addition to government officials, company representatives from Applied Materials, Cadence, CG Power, KLA, Lam Research, Micron, NXP, Renesas, TATA Electronics, Tokyo Electron, and many other industry leaders will participate.

Mumbai, 5th September 2024: Rapido, India’s largest ride-sharing platform, has received commitments to the tune of ~$200 million in its Series E funding, marking a significant milestone in its mission to transform shared mobility across the country.

The Series E funding round was led by WestBridge Capital, a prominent investment firm focused on investments in India. The round also saw participation from existing investor Nexus, along with new investors Think Investments and Invus Opportunities. This latest investment elevates Rapido’s post-money valuation to $1.1 billion, reinforcing its strong position in the urban mobility sector.

Speaking on the funding Aravind Sanka, Co-founder of Rapido said, “With this new infusion of capital, we are eager to explore and expand our offerings, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our customers. Over the past year, we’ve experienced significant growth, with our daily rides surging to 2.5 million. This investment will empower us to continue innovating and improving our services, allowing us to better serve our customers and make significant strides in enhancing urban mobility for everyone.”

Sumir Chadha, co-founder and Managing Partner at WestBridge Capital, said “In the five years since the initial investment made in Rapido, we’ve seen Aravind, Pavan, Rishikesh and the team transform it into India’s leading low-cost mobility platform. From dominating bike taxis to making significant strides into 3W autos and cabs, their growth is a testament to their operational rigor and relentless focus on customer and captain satisfaction. We congratulate the team on their capital efficient scaleup, which now positions Rapido amongst India’s most used consumer internet apps. This latest funding round underscores our ongoing commitment to their journey”

The newly raised funds will be strategically allocated to expanding Rapido’s operations across India and scaling its technology platform to enhance service delivery. Rapido plans to grow its operations across all categories, including bike-taxis, three-wheelers, and taxi-cabs.

Since its inception 9 years ago, by driving more than 150% year-on-year growth, Rapido has revitalized the consumer internet space in India, solidifying its position as a leader in the shared mobility sector. Initially focused on bike-taxis, the company has since diversified into auto and cab services, expanding its value proposition and strengthening its operations. Rapido has also extended its reach beyond metro cities, establishing a presence in over 100 cities, including tier 2 and 3 cities across the country.

National, September 5, 2024: Known for its compelling narratives and meaningful initiatives, Sony BBC Earth has launched the fourth edition of its photography contest – ‘Earth In Focus’. With a canvas of infinite possibilities, the channel has set the stage for photography enthusiasts to showcase their unique perspectives on India under the theme ‘One World, Many Frames’.

‘Earth In Focus’ celebrates the richness of our planet and gives people a chance to showcase its unity amidst vast diversity through their lens. To participate, people can submit their photographs on the microsite under the subcategories – Markets: A Vibrant Melting Pot, Ancient Marvels, and Wildlife. The month-long contest will be judged by internationally acclaimed photographer, Shivang Mehta. A Sony Alpha Ambassador and a fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP), Shivang’s expertise and passion for wildlife and conservation photography are highlighted in his award-winning books and assignments like Project Cheetah.

The top three winners across categories will receive a mega prize of GoPro HERO12 and get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feature on the Sony BBC Earth channel. Additionally, the top 15 selections will get an opportunity to receive exclusive guidance from Mr. Shivang Mehta through a masterclass.

Rohan Jain, Business Operations Head – Sony AATH and Head – Marketing & Insights, English Cluster, Sony Pictures Networks India

“As a channel committed to inspiring passion and exploration, we are thrilled to offer ‘Earth In Focus’ as a platform for people to showcase their talent and contribute to our shared passion for the world. As we announce the fourth edition of the contest, we are excited to see the world through the lens of our talented photographers and share their stunning work with our audience.”

Shivang Mehta, Contest judge, Earth In Focus

“It is a pleasure to be selected as the judge for Sony BBC Earth’s ‘Earth In Focus’. Every photographer has a different way of perceiving a subject and it is well reflected through their work. I am eager to see the interpretation of ‘One World, Many Frames,’ and how each entry will highlight the unique viewpoints reflecting the richness of our world.”

India, 5th September 2024: Haier Appliances India, the No.1 global major appliances brand for 15 consecutive years, has announced the launch of its latest 316 Top-Load Washing Machine series featuring cutting-edge Ultra Fresh Air Technology. The new ‘Airfresh’ series is an upgraded version of the 306 series and offers a perfect combination of stylish design and functionality, making the laundry experience simpler and more hassle-free than ever before for consumers. With this latest launch, Haier India introduces its first Top-Load Washing Machine Series featuring revolutionary Ultra Fresh Air Technology with an 8kg capacity. This innovative series is specifically designed for larger households, providing a superior laundry experience.

Leaving washed clothes in the washing machine, especially during the monsoon season, can lead to bacteria growth and unpleasant odors. With the launch of the new ‘Airfresh’ series with Ultra-Fresh Air technology, Haier India aims to tackle this common issue faced by Indian households. The Ultra Fresh Air Technology ensures that clothes remain fresh and odor-free for up to 8 hours, even when you’re busy with chores or work. The Haier 316 series top-load washing machine automatically runs a 6-minute wash cycle at intervals of every 54 minutes to significantly reduce the chances of odor and bacteria formation, ensuring a hassle-free laundry experience.

Additionally, the washing machines feature advanced technologies such as the Oceanus Drum, Magic Filter, Soft Closing Door, Air Dry, and Near-Zero Pressure Technology, making them an all-rounder and a must-have for Indian households, especially during the monsoon season.

Commenting on the launch of the new innovative washing machines, Mr. NS Satish, President, Haier Appliances India said, “At Haier India, we are immensely proud to introduce our new ‘Airfresh’ series of Top-Load Washing Machines, packed with innovative and advanced technology that make the laundry experience simpler and more hassle-free than ever before. With this new series, we aim to solve one of the biggest laundry issues faced by consumers who juggle between household chores and work. The standout feature of these washing machines is their ability to keep clothes fresh and odor-free with advanced Ultra Fresh Air Technology, even if they are left in the machine for hours or overnight. This new launch aligns perfectly with our philosophy of making consumers’ lives smarter, more comfortable, and convenient.”

Haier ‘Airfresh’ Top-Load Washing Machine Series Key Functionalities:

Equips a Dedicated Ultra-Fresh Air Button

The all-new Haier washing machines include a dedicated DIY button to activate the Ultra Fresh Air Technology, which effectively eliminates post-wash odors and keeps your clothes fresh. This technology ensures consistent airflow within the drum during the wash cycle, controlling moisture retention and keeping clothes fresh and odor-free for up to 8 hours.

For those times when you forget clothes in the machine, the Ultra Fresh Air Technology automatically activates every 54 minutes for 6 minutes, circulating fresh air to prevent odors and bacterial formation. With this innovative feature, you can enjoy cleaner, fresher clothes after every wash.

Air-Dry Feature Eliminates Excess Moisture

The Air-Dry feature efficiently removes excess moisture from your clothes, ensuring they come out drier and fresher after every wash. This innovative feature enhances the drying process, reducing drying time and helping to maintain the quality of your garments.

A Unique Oceanus Drum Design

The ‘Airfresh’ series features a unique drum design that prioritizes fabric care through a gentle yet effective washing process. With its smooth and seamless Oceanus wave pattern, the drum delicately agitates clothes, offering tender care while minimizing wear and tear on fabrics. This innovative design ensures thorough cleaning while helping your clothes stay in excellent condition for longer.

Magic Filter Captures Every Lint and Dirt

It features a magic filter that effectively captures lint and dirt, keeping both your laundry and washing machine clean. This advanced filtration system enhances washing performance and prolongs the appliance’s lifespan, ensuring you have fresh, spotless clothes every time.

Equips Soft Closing Door for Convenience

The all-new Haier ‘Airfresh’ washing machine series caters to various laundry needs with a Soft Closing Door that enhances convenience and safety by preventing accidental slams and reducing noise during operation.

Packs Attractive Colorful Control Film

The washing machine features an attractive, colorful control panel with vibrant, easy-to-read graphics and intuitive icons. Made from durable, moisture-resistant materials, the washing machine combines functionality with modern aesthetics, making the laundry experience more seamless and user-friendly.

Features Near-Zero Pressure Technology

For high-rise buildings and households with low water pressure, the new Haier washing machines provide an optimal solution for achieving the perfect wash. Equipped with advanced Near-Zero Pressure technology, these machines operate efficiently at water pressures as low as 0.01 MPa, ensuring effective cleaning performance regardless of water supply conditions.

Shashi Tharoor releases his latest book ‘A Wonderland of Words’ in Kolkata;

unveils Prabha Khaitan Foundation’s book rack at Taj City Centre

Kolkata 5th September 2024: The mellifluous flow of words he is known for held the audience that gathered at a hotel in Kolkata in thrall when Congress MP Shashi Tharoor juggled his wit and wisdom while reading out from his latest book “A Wonderland of Words: Around the Word in 101 Essays” on Sunday.

It was a bright sunny day in Kolkata after days of heavy rains and Tharoor uplifted the spirit of bibliophiles with his subtle humorous punch, drawing a portrait with his captivating words and eloquent presentation of what they could expect from his book that he described was not at all ‘political’.

During the event, 68-year-old Tharoor also launched the Kolkata-based non-profit trust Prabha Khaitan Foundation’s book rack at Taj City Centre New Town.

“Prabha Khaitan Foundation is an organisation with which I have been involved with for many years,” the Congress MP said.

“They have done some terrific work around the country in promoting books,” he said.

Speaking on the book rack launch initiative, Tharoor said: “They will be unveiling the book rack which they will have across hotels, centres or institutions which will host their events.”

“Doing something for Prabha Khaitan is always fun because they are always committed to books,” he said.

He praised the members of the foundation for keeping alive the book-reading habit at a time when the world was enthralled with mobile phones and other electronic gadgets.

“Several women readers are associated with the organisation and this is indeed fascinating in this world where we are more used to laptop, television or mobile phone screens. We no longer pick up books and read them,” he said.

Tharoor, who returned to the Indian Parliament for another term this year by clinching victory in the Lok Sabha polls from the Thiruvananthapuram seat, said he hopes to see his readers enjoying his new book.

“This book is a slight departure from my usual kind of recent writings. It is not at all political,” he said.

“It is all about joy and use of words. I hope you will enjoy it. The book is meant to be accessible and entertaining and in the process, if it can inform and educate then its purpose will be served,” he said.

The book is published by Aleph Book Company.

Among others who attended the launch event included industrialist Harshvardhan Neotia, Mallika Verma, Gouri Basu, Manisha Jain, Anindita Chatterjee and Indranil Ray.