Category business

New Delhi: 5th June 2023: Circularity is critical in the urban context of the Global South. Rapid urbanization in the region has led to significant challenges related to housing, transportation, and waste management. While many cities in the Global South are adopting sustainable urban planning approaches, waste management practices, and promoting recycling and composting to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, these practices are helping to promote inclusive economic growth and social progress.

International Council for Circular Economy hosted a roundtable at WCEF2023 on “Role of Global South in enabling a global circular transition” in Helsinki on 31 May’23.

The roundtable would be the first of its kind of initiative that was led by the South for supporting the global circular transition. The roundtable was attended by 25 key global leaders in Circular Economy. Discussions highlighted the unique combination of traditional knowledge and the latest technology that is helping the global south to make a significant transition to become circular.

Ms Shalini Goyal Bhalla, Managing Director of the International Council for Circular Economy chaired the roundtable with Mr Chris Whyte of the African Circular Economy Network and Petar Ostojic of CIEC. Ms Shalini highlighted the importance of collective action and collaboration towards inclusionary pathways to ‘net neutrality’. “Efforts rooted in and trimmed for the needs of Global South nations are urgent if we aim to create truly equitable and inclusive communities for a global circular transition”, said Ms. Bhalla.

Chris Whyte, Director, ACEN discussed how intra-regional trade, especially in developing Asia, dominates South–South trade. This region consistently accounted for approximately 75 percent of the trade between developing countries over the 1995–2015 period. “Interregional South–South trade has increased from 14.1 percent in 1995 to 20.1 percent in 2015”, said Chris.

Mr Juhani Damski, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment of Finland said that traditional knowledge presents an opportunity for Global South to make a big leap to transform linear structure to more resilient, regenerative, and nature positive.

Ms. Astrid Schomaker, European Commission, Directorate -for Environment, EU Commission discussed the importance of Mission LiFE which has been initiated by our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi. She also said that the EU should change its inward-looking approach.

Ms. Valerie Hickey, Global Director of Environment, Natural Resources and the Blue Economy, World Bank highlighted that the Circular economy is a way we accelerate and leapfrog the slow growth to pull the countries out of poverty.

The roundtable saw active participation from leaders across the globe who actively participated in the discussions and worked on modeling a futuristic approach for the global circular roadmap and approach to 2050.

A cooperation document between 7 organizations was signed. The collaboration will contribute to increased value creation in local and regional business and industry by providing companies with knowledge and expertise on circular economy and assistance in implementing new solutions on both a pilot scale and an industrial scale. The parties see that the activities can be complementary and will help to strengthen the interactions between the environments.

At the global level, the cooperation would help bridge the Global South and the Global North, breaking cultural and lifestyle barriers through solutions and best practices of mapping circular policies, economic incentives and business models. It also proposes joint planning with North and South partners for a global dialogue.

India, 5th June 2023- iQOO’s quest for its first Chief Gaming Officer has taken over the gaming world, receiving an astounding 30,000+ applications within just 3 days of the announcement. An innovative initiative, presenting an extraordinary opportunity to aspiring gamers aged under 25, has struck a chord and generated a resounding yes from the young gamers in the country.

Over 30,000 gamers have expressed their desire to be a part of the process and this level of participation unveils an entirely fresh realm brimming with gaming enthusiasts in India. Applicants from over 500 cities applied for the first role of its kind, which will work with the iQOO team to tailor the best mobile gaming experience.

Excited about the response, Nipun Marya, CEO of iQOO said, “The enthusiasm and response to our search for iQOO’s first Gaming Officer is humbling and yet corroborates our decision to go to the huge community of young gamers in the country, for a role like this. At iQOO, our endeavor has always been to make phones that stand out for its performance and esports experience. And for the same, we envisioned this role that will further ignite the gaming community and foster a vibrant gaming ecosystem for the brand. On behalf of the brand iQOO, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the overwhelming response received from everyone who has applied.”

iQOO has set out this exciting adventure, for exceptional gamers, between the age of 18-25 years, for whom gaming runs through their veins and fuels their passion. iQOO’s first Chief Gaming Officer (CGO) will get a chance to earn a whopping INR 10 lakhs for an incredible six-month journey.

This role offers a unique opportunity for the CGO to collaborate closely with iQOO’s leadership team, and share groundbreaking insights and ideas that will define the future of gaming. As the CGO, young gaming enthusiasts will get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to work alongside top-notch gamers across India, connecting with gaming legends, forming alliances, and pushing the boundaries of gaming excellence to new heights.

To apply for the CGO role at iQOO, follow these simple steps:

• ● Visit the official website of iQOO.
  ● Look for the entry line for the CGO hunt.
  ● Fill out the required details in the application form.
  ● After completing the form, take a snapshot of it.
  ● Submit the application form and the snapshot as per the instructions provided on the website.

iQOO will welcome applications until June 11, 2023.

RIYADH,5th June 2023: The biggest names in the world of international gaming and esports will gather in Riyadh for the second edition of the Next World Forum, a major global industry gathering created to shape the future of the rapidly evolving sector through knowledge exchange, discourse and debate.

This year’s edition will build on 2022’s success through an agenda that will explore opportunities and drive evolution in the space, with high-profile guests leading discussions and deep analysis of a business that has a global worth of $170 billion, more than Hollywood and the music industry combined. The Next World Forum takes place at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Center from August 30-31.

His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “The Next World Forum is an important event on the global calendar for the gaming and esports industry. It provides a unique platform for leading industry figures to engage in challenging conversations and sessions, asking tough questions that contribute to shaping the future of the sector.

“By bringing together leaders and experts from around the world, the event is fostering a culture of enquiry, collaboration and knowledge sharing, and creating an environment where new models of working can be debated, discussed and developed to create a positive impact on the industry.

“It is evident that Esports and gaming are becoming valid career paths for many, not just in Saudi but globally. The Next World Forum will generate dialogue and offer insights that enable these individuals – from across the industry – to better understand the landscape as it grows and evolves.”

Scheduled main stage sessions at the Next World Forum in August include: From Pixels To Podiums: Examining The Relationship Between Esports And The Olympics; Creating The Gold Standard Of The Competitive Gaming Scene; Breaking The Code: The Challenges For Women In Gaming Leadership; Press The Pause Button: Analyzing Esports Players’ Mental And Physical Health; and many more.

Full details of session topics and attendees for the Next World Forum will be released in due course. Speakers will include ministers of sport from leading nations, investors, gamers, developers, tech providers, start-ups, public sector representatives, brands and advertisers, publishers, broadcasters, and federations and leagues.

Organized by the Saudi Esports Federation, this year’s Next World Forum will also launch the Gamers8 Club Awards, a new and innovative rewards format that will revolutionize the world of esports. The Forum additionally brings the curtain down on Gamers8: The Land of Heroes, the biggest gaming and esports festival worldwide, which begins on July 6 at Boulevard Riyadh City.

Hyderabad, 5th June 2023: Woods, a leading sustainable real estate company, brought in World Environment Day on June 04 2023 with its ‘Break Up With Plastic’ campaign.

A lifestyle initiative by UNEP, #BeatPlasticPollution 2023 aims to draw focus on the state of plastic pollution in the world. The dynamic team of Executive Junior Interns at Woods put together an event for the books. They planned activities to combat plastic pollution with eco-friendly reusable fabric bags made of used saris, metal straws and mugs, and bamboo toothbrushes. By promoting eco-friendly alternatives and encouraging individuals to adopt eco-friendly alternatives, they made change easily adaptable for adults and children alike.

The event also saw the guests plant over 100 native trees at Woods, and partake in pottery and painting workshops to emphasize the importance of art and individual actions in preserving the environment. An added bonus was the launch of the Break Up With Plastic! OR BUP! The store sold branded merchandise for a good cause.

A sustainable lifestyle was presented with recyclable alternatives, ending the fabulous event with the Internship Graduation and a keynote speech by Mrs. Rama who makes recyclable bags out of used saris.

Speaking about the event, a representative from Stone Craft Group said, “We believe that change starts with individuals, and together, we can make a significant impact on our environment.” Join Woods in breaking up with plastic for a better future.

Bengaluru,5th June 2023  Provident Housing, a leading real estate developer committed to sustainability, kickstarted its 1 tree per home commitment with a mass plantation drive at an upcoming project site in Bagalur, Bengaluru. Over the next month, such drives will be held across 4 more of its projects, where 10% of the committed number of trees would be planted. The campaign will coincide with World Environment Day, observed on June 5.

Under the 1 Tree per Home initiative, the company offers every Provident community resident family a tree within the campus. The campaign emphasizes Provident’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable practices. The month-long campaign will witness the planting of trees at various project sites, 4 of which are located in Bengaluru and the 5th in Kochi.

The campaign commenced on Sunday at Provident’s upcoming project site located in Bagalur. Noted 13-year-old ornithology expert Krish Anand participated in the event and also delivered a talk. Provident Housing will organise four more tree-planting events for one month on June 11th, 18th, 25th, and July 2nd. These events will be held at project sites that comprise of nearly 5,000 units. By earmarking space and planting 10% of the committed trees during the month, Provident Housing ensures a green and sustainable future for its customers.

To align with the local ecosystem, Provident Housing emphasizes planting local tree species such as Jackfruit, Gulmohar, Wood Apple, Neem, Guava, Mango, and others at each project site. By carefully selecting these trees, Provident Housing aims to foster their growth into robust and resilient entities by the time customers move into their new homes. The trees will also help create an ecosystem by attracting birds, bees, and butterflies.

Social impact organization Hasiru Dala (Green Force) also participated in the campaign. Its representatives will be present across Provident project sites to provide solutions for community members to dispose of plastic waste sustainably.

Mr. Mallanna Sasalu, the COO of Provident Housing, affirmed the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship, stating, “We believe in the saying ‘No tree, no life.’ At Provident, we commit to providing ‘1 tree per home’ to ensure sustainable development and a healthy future for all our customers. We have kickstarted a month-long campaign to prepare our projects for this commitment by planting local trees on-site. Green cover greatly enhances the quality of living as it improves air quality, absorbs noise, and avoids the creation of heat islands.”

LIC Of India is deeply saddened by the tragic train accident in Balasore, Odisha on 02.06.2023.LIC Of India is committed to supporting those affected and will expedite claim settlements to provide financial relief. Shri Siddhartha Mohanty, Chairperson LIC expressed grief and said that our hearts go out to the victims and their families.

Shri. Siddhartha Mohanty, Chairperson, LIC, announced many concessions to mitigate the hardships of the claimants of LIC Policies and also of Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana. In lieu of registered death certificates, a list of casualties published by Railway Authorities, Police or any State or Central Government Authorities will be accepted as proof of death. Special Help Desk has been set up at Divisional and Branch levels to respond to claim-related queries and for providing assistance to claimants.

New Delhi, 5th June 2023 – The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) launched Bharath Cycle Design Challenge (BCDC) . This initiative aligns with World Bicycle Day and aims to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity for human well-being and the environment.

The Bharath Cycle Design Challenge ( BCDC ) seeks to foster innovation and creativity in Cycle design and manufacturing. By promoting sustainable transportation and addressing the specific challenges faced by different groups of people in India, the competition aims to generate solutions that contribute to a greener and healthier society. Participants are invited to design affordable, eco-friendly cycles tailored to the needs of the Indian market.

Key Initiatives of the Bharath Cycle Design Challenge (BCDC) include:

Open to Teams: The competition welcomes participation from interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary teams. Participants are encouraged to collaborate with industry partners and experts to enhance their designs.

Commute & Cargo Cycle Themes: The competition revolves around two main themes, namely Commute Cycle and Cargo Cycle, each having subcategories of EV/Non-EV.

Four-Stage Workflow: The competition follows a four-stage process, comprising Concept Development (June 3 – July 15), Prototyping (August 1 to August 31), Testing and Evaluation (September 1 – September 30), and the Grand Finale, where prototypes will be showcased on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 at New Delhi

Focus on Sustainability, Ergonomics, Aesthetics, and Maintainability: The event will prioritize the sustainability, ergonomics, aesthetics, and maintainability aspects of rickshaws/bicycles, with subcategories of EV/Non-EV.

Additional details and the calendar of events are available on the AICTE homepage: www.aicte-india.org

Shri Ashwani Kumar assumed the office of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UCO Bank on 01.06.2023. Prior to joining UCO Bank as MD & CEO, he was the Executive Director of Indian Bank.

Shri Ashwani Kumar is a Chartered Accountant, Post Graduate in Commerce, and also a certified member of the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance. He has more than two decades of rich experience in banking.

Shri Ashwani Kumar rose through the ranks serving in various Public Sector Banks such as Bank of Baroda, Corporation Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Punjab National Bank, and Indian Bank. His experience includes the Wholesale Banking Division and Head of several Branches including Industrial Finance Branches and Large Corporate Branches. As a General Manager, he was heading Mid Corporate and Large Corporate verticals. He has served as a Zonal Manager, heading various Zones, and also as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

As an avid learner, he has attended various training programs in premier institutes in India and abroad including IIM and CAFRAL. He has also completed the Leadership Development Programme of IIM Bangalore, curated by the Banks Board Bureau in consultation with IBA and Egon Zehnder International Pvt. Ltd.

Thrissur: ESAF Small Finance Bank, one of the leading small finance banks in India, has crossed another milestone in its digital journey with the successful adoption of e-signature for microloan disbursals. As on March 31, 2023 (Fiscal Year 2022-23), ESAF Bank has disbursed over 5.27 lakh loans through e-signatures, showcasing ESAF Bank’s commitment to digital transformation. As per various online reports, approximately 10,000 trees are required to produce one tonne of paper. Through the adoption of e-signatures, ESAF Bank has effectively saved reams of paper, which would have been utilized for the purpose of loan disbursement, and documentation involving handwritten signatures, thereby reducing deforestation. Moreover, water productivity associated with paper production is notable, with 2,700 liters of water required to manufacture one tonne of paper. By reducing paper dependency, ESAF Bank has conserved a large quantity of water that would have been required for producing the paper.

ESAF Bank currently has a customer base of 65 lakh customers and a transition of 60% of its micro banking customers to using e-signatures, approximately 25 lakh micro banking loans, would have a positive impact on the environment through conservation of natural resources and reduction of carbon footprint. This initiative is in furtherance to the triple bottom line of ESAF Bank, especially when the relevance of environmental concerns is more visible with each passing year.

Commenting on the development, Kadambelil Paul Thomas, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, of ESAF Bank, said, “Our social business strategy is all about the 3 Ps – People, Planet and Prosperity. We are committed to reflecting the same in our processes and products. We have been implementing digital onboarding of our micro-banking customers through tabs. We aim to care for the future and are focused on building a culture that cares for a better tomorrow. I believe that the digitalization effort was a transition of our philosophy into practice.” He also added that the transition to e-signatures has improved productivity from an employee perspective and convenience from a customer perspective.

The Bank has also implemented solutions to automate and digitize internal processes. It has implemented an office automation tool that automates and digitizes all internal office notes sent for approval. Further, the Branch Operations department has devised a process to discontinue the printing of eight mandatory reports at branch locations. This measure saves thousands of sheets of paper per day across ESAF Bank’s extensive network of 700 branches. Additionally, the HR department of the bank has adopted digitization for e-on-boarding and Performance Management System (PMS) and has partnered with a technology company as well.

ESAF Bank has its corporate office Thrissur in Kerala. As of March 31, 2023, ESAF Bank has 700 branches, 777 customer service centers (which are operated by our business correspondents), 20 business correspondents, 2,023 banking agents, 481 business facilitators, and 528 ATMs.

5th June 2023  India’s homegrown Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) has launched the Paytm Summer Carnival through which users can win assured cashback on making select payments via Paytm UPI on the Paytm Super App from May 31-June 8. To win rewards, Paytm users need to make qualifying Paytm UPI transactions and collect stickers during the offer period.

Paytm Cashback Summer Special is an engaging, nostalgia-inducing summer-themed game that allows users to relish their summer moments by using Paytm UPI. To participate, users can pay via Paytm UPI by scanning & paying at shops, making household bill payments on Paytm App such as Electricity, Cable TV, DTH, Water, Rent, Gas, prepaid and postpaid mobile recharges, and adding money to Paytm Wallet. Users can win assured cashback upon collecting a set of stickers.

Paytm Payments Bank is the leader in UPI payments with the highest market share in merchant payments as the largest acquiring bank. It has remained the top UPI beneficiary bank for 22 months in a row, along with being one of the leading remitter banks.

Paytm Payments Bank Spokesperson said, “We continue to empower our users with superfast payments with Paytm UPI. With our successful Paytm UPI Lite feature which enables lightning-fast payments that never fail, we continue to promote greater mobile payments accessibility. Through the Paytm Cashback Summer Special, users get an opportunity to relish their summer moments and win guaranteed cashback upon making payments with Paytm UPI. The game is already a huge hit with an average of 12,000 stickers being issued every minute.”