Akshayakalpa Organic signs MoU to finance smallholder organic dairy farmers

Akshayakalpa Organic signs MoU to finance smallholder organic dairy farmersBengaluru, 23 February 2024: Akshayakalpa Organic has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with British International Investment plc (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, and Samunnati Financial Intermediation & Services Private Limited (Samunnati) to provide financing to up to 1,500 smallholder dairy farmers in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. 

The partnership will see BII extend guarantees for new and existing Akshayakalpa Organic smallholder farmers, who are typically outside of the formal lending ecosystem, to enable them to access formal financing in order to scale up their organic dairy business. This commitment is made through BII’s £200 million Climate Innovation Facility, announced by the UK Government at COP26 to provide finance for the most pioneering climate solutions in developing countries. 

The MoU underscores Akshayakalpa Organic’s commitment to foster sustainable agricultural practices and empower local farming communities. The company, which is renowned for its dedication to organic and ethical dairy farming, will leverage this partnership to enhance the betterment of the farmers. This will be achieved through the provision of infrastructure, advanced technologies, and comprehensive support to the farmers in its network. 

Through Akshayakalpa Organic’s engagement, farmers are supported to transition to organic and sustainable and regenerative farming practices to diversify their income streams, which increases milk production per cow by 2.3 times and increases crop productivity per acre while obtaining organic certification. Transitioning to this organic model is expected to decrease the greenhouse gas emissions per litre of milk produced by Akshayakalpa Organic’s farmers and contribute to climate change mitigation and sustainability of the dairy industry in India.  

The MoU was signed in the presence of Mr. Shashi Kumar, CEO & Co-founder, Akshayakalpa OrganicMr. Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner – Karnataka & Kerala and HM Deputy Trade Commissioner for South Asia, Mr. Anil Kumar SG, Founder and CEO of Samunnati and Mr. Srini Nagarajan, Managing Director and Head of Asia at BII. 

Mr. Shashi Kumar, CEO, & Co-founder, Akshayakalpa Organic, in expressing his enthusiasm on signing the MoU, stated: “This association with British International Investment and Samunnati’s Agri Commerce and Finance Solutions marks a significant milestone for Akshayakalpa. It not only validates our mission to promote sustainable and organic farming but also amplifies our ability to make a positive impact on the lives of our dedicated farmers. This will help us accelerate our plans of providing consumers with the finest organic dairy products while promoting ethical and sustainable farming practices across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. We are excited about the possibilities that this collaboration opens up for the future of agriculture in India.” 

Mr. Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner – Karnataka & Kerala and HM Deputy Trade Commissioner for South Asia, said: “The UK is committed to supporting environment-resilient farming initiatives in India through British International Investment. We look forward to working with organisations such as Akshayakalpa that are closely working with smallholder farmers to ensure sustainable farming practices that will help to improve food security in India.”  

Mr. Srini Nagarajan, Managing Director and Head of Asia at BII, said: “Promoting inclusion and sustainable practices are key pillars of BII’s strategy in India. As the UK’s DFI, BII is well placed to provide guarantees through this partnership to improve access to finance for smallholder farmers which will help to sustainably increase their productivity and improve their livelihoods, while helping to mitigate climate impact of the dairy industry in India.” 

Mr. Anil Kumar SG, Founder and CEO of Samunnati, emphasized the significance of the occasion, stating: “The signing of this MoU marks a pivotal moment in our mission at Samunnati. We are privileged to partner with British International Investment and Akshayakalpa Organic in this endeavor. This collaboration not only acknowledges Akshayakalpa Organic’s impactful work in the agricultural sector but also signifies a shared commitment to positive transformation. Together, we aim to benefit both the farmers associated with Akshayakalpa Organic and the broader agricultural landscape. 

Mr. Anil Kumar SG further highlighted the broader mission, stating: “Samunnati’s commitment extends beyond financial partnership. The company is dedicated to fostering sustainable practices and empowering local farming communities.” 

The MoU not only serves as a testament to Akshayakalpa Organic‘s impactful work in the agricultural sector but also signifies a shared commitment to fostering sustainable practices and supporting local farming communities. This collaboration is poised to bring about positive transformation, benefiting both the farmers associated with Akshayakalpa Organic and the broader agricultural landscape.

Ghost Kitchens India Secures 5 Million USD in Series A Funding

Ghost Kitchens India Secures 5 Million USD in Series A FundingIndia, 23rd February 2024: Food-tech platform Ghost Kitchens India has raised 5 million USD in Series A funding, a mix of equity and debt. The round was led by GVFL Limited with participation from NB Ventures, LetsVenture, and Lead Angels. Existing investors Yuj Ventures, Dholakia Ventures, and actor Rana Daggubati also participated in this round.

The fund raised by Ghost Kitchens from this round will be utilized to scale business operations and foray into retail stores of its existing hero brands and new celebrity brands. Simultaneously, it will also help to upgrade the partner program and increase the footprint of company owned and operated cloud kitchens and QSR stores.

Mr. Karan Tanna, Founder and CEO, Ghost Kitchens, said, “We are happy that investors have appreciated and backed our plans to build a profitable F&B company led by innovation in technology. We have created 10X value for our earlier investors and we are sure to continue with this performance for new backers. We are excited for coming years where we will focus on building iconic brands through customer loyalty and love for our food.”

Earlier in 2022, Ghost Kitchens India had acquired a technology company-WTF which helped Ghost Kitchens to create its proprietary technology, helping them to manage their business end-to-end and to make it more efficient to generate organic revenue, better customer experience and more profitability. Leveraging this in-house SaaS built, Ghost Kitchens plans to be profitable in the next 12-15 months by doubling down on its hero brands and new celebrity brand partnerships.

Mr. Kamal Bansal, MD, Gujarat Venture Finance Limited said, “We have closely observed Ghost Kitchens’ journey for over three quarters before partnering with them. Their execution is focused and frugal with a clear path of profitability. We were particularly excited about repeat customers of their brands and the in-house tech that they have which helps to optimise the aggregator algorithm better for organic growth. We are looking forward to launch of celebrity brands as well. We are looking forward to what the future has for Ghost Kitchens in terms of growing a profitable sustainable business”.

Last year in February 2023, Ghost Kitchens India acquired SpeakBurgers by celebrity Chef Vicky Ratnani and it plans to grow the partnership through 25 offline retail stores in next 18-24 months.

Chef Vicky Ratnani said, “I joined hands with Ghost Kitchens a year ago and their infrastructure to scale brands has helped SpeakBurgers to evolve tremendously. I wish Ghost Kitchens and all its backers a huge congratulations and with the new capital in place, Ghost kitchens can realise its dream of an IPO in next 5 years. Most importantly, I am glad that we will be able to spread love to more customers through good food.”

Founded in 2019, Ghost Kitchens India operates through 15+ company owned and operated cloud kitchens in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, and 1200 internet restaurants across 40 cities in India. With the focus of growing its own company owned and operated footprint, launching celebrity brands and foraying into retail stores, the company aims to achieve annualised revenue of approximately 200 crores in the next 2 years.

India’s first venture studio Fashion Entrepreneur Fund starts pre-registrations for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs

India’s first venture studio Fashion Entrepreneur Fund starts pre-registrations for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs Chennai, February 23rd 2024: The Fashion Entrepreneur Fund (FEF), an initiative by India Fashion Awards, a venture studio that supports entrepreneurial ideas of the fashion industry and fosters a collaborative fashion ecosystem, is inviting fashion entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas and grab the opportunity to transform their dreams into reality. The pre-registration is now open on the official website of theFashion Entrepreneur Fund.

The Fashion Entrepreneur Fund (FEF) is set to launch a web series that will allow promising fashion entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas and get an investment of Rs.20 crore to build their business and achieve success in the fashion industry.

A panel of experts comprising stalwarts connected with the fashion and entertainment industry will review the ideas and shortlist applicants for auditions that will be held in Mumbai on 7th March.

Talking about the registrations, Mr. Sanjay Nigam, Founder of Fashion Entrepreneur Fund, said, “We’ve launched FEF to create a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures talent, offers mentorship, and provides networking opportunities for budding fashion entrepreneurs. FEF is more than a platform; it’s a dedicated commitment to shaping the future of fashion entrepreneurship. If you’re someone with talent seeking support to showcase your creativity to the world, we’re here to help you do that and more.”

Some of the prominent business minds driving the force along with Mr. Nigam’s vision as part of our board include Karan Johar, Indian Film Director,  Vinod Dugar, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Malawi, Co-Promoter of RDB Group; Robin Raina, Chairman of Ebix Cash & Founder of Robin Raina Foundation; Naveen Jindal, Indian Industrialist & Philanthropist Chairman of Jindal Steel & Power Limited; and Sandeep Jain, Director of Vega Industries Pvt. Ltd. & Mr. Gaurav Dalmia, Chairman of Dalmia Group Holdings. Mr. Vagish Pathak, Chairman of Fashion Entrepreneur Fund, is deeply committed to fostering a supportive ecosystem for the industry. Together, this powerhouse of support is committed to mentoring fashion startups to victory.

REHAU Celebrates 75th Anniversary with Acquisition of Red Star, an Indigenous Edgeband manufacturer

REHAU Celebrates 75th Anniversary with Acquisition of Red Star, an Indigenous Edgeband manufacturer Bengaluru, 23rd February 2024: REHAU, the global leader and pioneer in polymer products for furniture and industrial solutions, is celebrating its 75th anniversary worldwide this year. Renowned for its innovative Edgeband solutions, REHAU stands as a leader, offering the widest and most advanced range of products. REHAU proudly announces the acquisition of the local Edgeband manufacturer Red Star, as a strategic decision aimed at further strengthening its market presence in India. With this acquisition, REHAU is expanding its retail footprint and will add to its kitty an  economic range of edgeband solutions. Renowned globally for its emphasis upon innovation and quality, REHAU has long been synonymous with German engineering and technologically advanced solutions. Retail consumers and small to medium furniture manufacturers will thus greatly benefit from this move as they will gain access to more matured product offerings at their doorstep.

The acquisition of Red Star marks a significant milestone in REHAU’s journey, further affirming the company’s commitment to the fast growing Indian market and to keep delivering on its customers’ expectations.

Mr. Faiz Ahmed, MD of REHAU India, further stated, “A feather in the hat of REHAU’s 75 year journey globally has been the market leadership in Edgeband market in India for over 25 years now. We have also continuously expanded our product portfolio during this time to serve our customers better. Indian furniture market is ever evolving, and is poised for strong fundamental growth. Increasing share of the organized players in and fast growth of retail market are two key factors driving the growth of the industry.

The strategic acquisition of Red Star marks a significant milestone in our journey of taking the edgeband market in India to newer heights. The synergies stemming from this acquisition for both REHAU and Red Star are substantial and we are excited about the opportunities ahead. REHAU remains dedicated to providing unmatched quality, design, choice, price range and value to our current and prospective customers.”

“The acquisition of Red Star is not only a key strategic move for us but also is a first in the edgeband industry in India. With this acquisition, we will be widening our presence across all growing customer segments. All of this is in addition to our efforts to fortify our existing facilities. Recently, we setup the Edgeband manufacturing Center of Excellence at Vadodara which is now operating India’s largest manufacturing capacity. We are also in the process of building a new Design Center at Vadodara which will improve the pace of new offerings to our customers. These are just a few examples demonstrating our commitment towards our customers and there’s a lot more to come.”, said Mr. Manish Arora, VP – Furniture Solutions, REHAU South Asia. 

“This is an exciting moment for us at REHAU as we progress with the strategic acquisition of Red Star. Edgeband as a product is yet to reach the maturity in Indian market and is growing robustly. We are committed to serve this market across all segments nation-wide. The partnership with Red Star is a testament of this commitment as we expand our range of offerings for the Indian market enabling us to offer a wider range of products and develop the markets across the growing Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.”, said Mr. Lakshmi Pacha, VP – Strategic Projects, REHAU.

“I am thrilled with our partnership with REHAU, this strategic move not only validates the hard work and dedication of our team but also opens up new avenues for growth and innovation. We are excited to join forces with REHAU and leverage our combined expertise to further strengthen our presence in the market. Together, we will continue to deliver exceptional products and drive the industry forward. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Red Star, and we look forward to the promising journey ahead.”, said S Karthikeyan, Promoter, Red Star Polymers. 

Looking ahead, REHAU envisions a future with continued growth and expansion in India. Plans are underway to establish Experience Centers across major cities of India, offering consumers and industry experts such as architects, interior designers and furniture manufacturers, an opportunity to experience the REHAU way when it comes to furniture solutions and innovation.

In essence, REHAU’s acquisition of Red Star, coupled with its strategic growth initiatives, epitomizes the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership in the Indian market. As REHAU charts its course towards becoming one of the top brands for furniture products in India, the future holds limitless opportunities for growth and transformation in the Indian furniture industry.

 

Mahindra Expands Its Premium Z8 Range with the introduction of New ‘Scorpio-N Z8 Select’ Variant

Mahindra Expands Its Premium Z8 Range with the introduction of New ‘Scorpio-N Z8 Select’ VariantBengaluru, February 23, 2024: Mahindra & Mahindra, India’s leading SUV manufacturer, today launched the ‘ScorpioN Z8 Select variant, a significant addition to its acclaimed ScorpioN Z8 premium range. The SUV combines design, performance, and technology, thereby redefining excellence within the ScorpioN lineage. Alongside the Z8 and Z8L variants, each known for their unique features, the Z8 Select’ variant stands out in the segment, starting at an attractive price of INR 16.99 Lakh.

The ‘ScorpioN Z8 Select is meticulously crafted with key premium features like Adrenox Connect, Built-in Alexa, signature dual barrel LED headlamps, LED Projector Foglamps & Sting-like LED DRLsR17 Diamond cut Alloy wheelsrich coffee-black leatherette interiors at an attractive price point. Available in both petrol and diesel engine options, as well as Automatic (AT) and Manual Transmission (MT) configurations, the ‘ScorpioN Z8 Select is designed to cater to a wide array of driving preferences and requirements, making it a versatile choice for SUV enthusiasts.

With the introduction of the ‘ScorpioN Z8 Select variantMahindra continues to dominate the SUV market by providing a feature-rich, accessible and versatile SUV that prioritizes customer satisfaction and value.

Unmissable Design

The ‘ScorpioN Z8 Select is poised to rule the hearts of SUV lovers, blending Mahindra‘s legacy of automotive excellence with modern & contemporary design and technology, offering an authentic SUV experience.

The ‘Z8 Select stands out with its exclusive Midnight Black colour, enhancing the ScorpioN‘s commanding presence. This new colour adds to the SUV’s bold design, complemented by diamond-cut alloy wheels and signature LED headlamps. The LED Daytime Running Lamps, LED Projector Fog Lamps, and LED Sequential Turn Indicators on the ORVMs further define this new pinnacle of SUV design.

Premium Interiors

The ‘Z8 Select’ boasts rich coffee-black leatherette interiors, creating an oasis of grandeur and comfort. Also featuring soft touch IP the interiors of the ‘ScorpioN Z8 Select are designed and fettled to offer a highly sophisticated sensation, delighting the driver and passengers alike.

Thrilling Performance

At the heart of the ‘Z8 Select lies the robust TGDi mStallion Petrol engine, delivering 149.14 kW (200 PS) of power and 380 Nm of torque, and the efficient mHawk Diesel engine, offering 128.6 kW (175 PS) of power and 400 Nm of torque. These powerhouses ensure a thrilling driving experience across all terrains, bolstered by both 6-speed Manual and Automatic transmission options, providing a perfect blend of performance and control suitable for any adventure.

Advanced Tech & Intuitive Features

This variant is equipped with a 20.32 cm Infotainment screen & 17.78 cm colour TFT cluster, featuring Adrenox Connect with 60+ Connected Car functionalities, built-in Alexa, sunroof, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This seamless integration of technology and comfort ensures a truly interactive and enjoyable journey for both the driver and passengers.

Sophisticated Dynamics and Impeccable Ride Comfort

The SUV introduces exemplary ride comfort with Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD) and Multi-tuned Valve Central Land (MTV-CL) technologies. Coupled with an agile and responsive steering system and all 4 Disc Brakes, the Z8 Select guarantees a smooth, comfortable ride experience.

High Standards of Safety

Safety is core to Mahindra‘s philosophy, and this commitment is evidenced by the ScorpioN’s remarkable achievement of being the first body-on-frame SUV to secure a 5-star rating in the Global New Car Assessment Programme’s (GNCAP) new crash-test protocols, setting a new benchmark for vehicle safety.

Equipped with an array of advanced safety features, the ‘ScorpioN Z8 Select offers unparalleled protection. Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and 6 airbags are just the beginning of its comprehensive safety suite, designed to ensure top-tier safety for all occupants.

The ex-showroom prices for the ‘ScorpioN Z8 Select variants are:

Engine Type

Petrol

Diesel

Transmission

MT

AT

MT

AT

ScorpioN Z8 Select

(INR in Lakh)

16.99

18.49

17.99

18.99

 The ‘ScorpioN Z8 Select variant will be available at dealerships from March 1, 2024.

To ensure enhanced customer experience, Mahindra has enhanced its production capacity and customers can expect faster deliveries of their ScorpioN.

Social Media Addresses for Mahindra ScorpioN:

·         Brand website: https://auto.mahindra.com/suv/scorpioN

·         X (Formerly Twitter): @MahindraScorpio

·         YouTube: youtube.com/mahindrascorpio

·         Instagram: @mahindra.scorpio.official

·         Facebook: @MahindraScorpio

·         Hashtag: #MahindraScorpioN

Free Lift Systems by Hafele

Free Lift Systems by HafeleThe fittings of the Free family give flaps new freedom in movement. This opens up more opportunities in the visual and technical design of furniture and has tangible benefits compared to hinged doors. But above all, it gives the furniture and the room undreamt elegance and lightness. It doesn’t matter whether a flap is lifted, tilted, swivelled, or folded – it immediately provides added value and more efficiency when working.

Almost 100 years of experience with furniture fittings, engineering expertise, and a close connection to the market and the people who work with furniture fittings on a daily basis led to the development of this product family. Inspired by the requirements of the market of tomorrow, the Free family, which consists of Free Flap, Free Fold, Free Swing, Free Up and Free Space, fulfils the demands for creative freedom, choice of material, design, ease of installation and convenient operation on a whole new level. Having cycle tested for 80,000 times, these systems meet and even exceed the LGA certification requirements. To put it simply: They are slimmer (with regard to design), lighter (to operate) and simpler (to install).

Xoriant acquires MapleLabs, expanding its Platform Engineering capabilities

Sunnyvale, CA, Mumbai, India, February 23, 2024: Xoriant a ChrysCapital company that engineers modern platforms, leveraging the latest developments in AI today announced MapleLabs Inc. as a Xoriant company. MapleLabs started a decade ago as a specialized product engineering firm serving Fortune 500 clients in the hi-tech industry. The company, with over 300 consultants, brings a strong focus on Hybrid cloud infrastructure and cloud native engineering, including SRE and observability, leveraging its expertise in platforms and cutting-edge technologies.

This strategic acquisition will augment Xoriant’s core strengths in the areas of platform engineering, and add to its capabilities in product ideation, design and development and maintenance of complex, cloud native applications. Xoriant’s customers will now be able to leverage MapleLabs IPs – SnappyFlow, an observability platform and Cloud/Datacenter sizing tools to optimize their cloud performance and deliver better customer experience.

The synergy between Xoriant’s product engineering DNA and MapleLabs’ specialized skills will deliver a new level of innovation and efficiency to clients, particularly in the development of cutting edge, high performance digital engineering solutions.

Sukamal Banerjee, CEO of Xoriant, said, “Integrating MapleLabs into Xoriant represents a significant step in our mission to lead the digital engineering space. This expansion adds to our talented engineering team with highly skilled and experienced engineers, further strengthening our ability to deliver innovative solutions for complex engineering demands of our global clients.”

Sreeni Potluri, Co-Founder, Head of Sales and Business Development, MapleLabs added, “This is a landmark moment for MapleLabs and joining forces with Xoriant will provide a larger global platform for MapleLabs IPs to grow and scale.”  Pramod Murthy, Co-Founder, Head of Products and Solutions added,” We are excited to embark on this journey together, and our focus on innovation and our ability to solve complex engineering problems solutions will help drive the digital engineering agenda of our clients.”

Honda India Foundation (HIF) organised the ‘Valedictory Ceremony’ under Project Pragati (One Step towards Growth) Training Completion of GDA (General Duty Assistant) in Uttar Pradesh

Honda India Foundation (HIF) organised the ‘Valedictory Ceremony’ under Project Pragati (One Step towards Growth) Training Completion of GDA (General Duty Assistant) in Uttar Pradesh   Uttar Pradesh, 23 February, 2024: Demonstrating a commendable commitment to bolstering the community by offering skill building programs for the vulnerable demographics with the aim of equipping them for their livelihoods, Honda India Foundation (HIF), completed a training under its flagship program Project Pragati (One Step towards Growth) in Uttar Pradesh.

In India, the role of General Duty Assistants holds significant importance across healthcare sector. However, the country is currently facing a shortfall of GDAs which poses challenges to the effective functioning of this sector and hampers the overall development of the society. The shortage of GDA’s can be attributed to various factors such as limited awareness and inadequate training facilities. To address these obstacles, Honda India Foundation (HIF) has taken the inaugural move. By providing targeted training programs coupled with simulators and practical training for new General Duty Assistants (GDA’s), Project Pragati not only meets the demand for skilled workers but also empowers young people to pursue fulfilling careers.

Since inception in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Project Pragati has reached 9 locations namely Agra, Aligarh Prayagraj, Azamgarh, Bareilly, Deoria, Jaunpur, Kanpur and Moradabad and has trained 450 students from the underprivileged sections of the society. These students are placed today as GDA’S in some of the prestigious hospitals of the country.

Honda’s corporate philosophy is founded on the fundamental principles of “Respect for the Individual” and the “Three Joys” to support Honda’s universal passion: to improve the quality of people’s daily lives. This project aligns with Honda’s fundamental principles and harmonises its long-term mission of becoming a ‘Company that Society wants to Exist’.

This initiative of Honda India Foundation will help in building skilled and confident youth. This program under Project Pragati will be expanded to PAN India across 60 locations, in future.

Goa Tourism’s Participation at SATTE 2024 To Showcase Innovation in Regenerative Tourism

Goa Tourism’s Participation at SATTE 2024 To Showcase Innovation in Regenerative TourismPanjim, 23rd February 2024:  Goa Tourism is proud to announce its participation in SATTE 2024, where the state will spotlight its groundbreaking Regenerative Tourism initiatives. As the first state in India to embrace Regenerative TourismGoa is leading the way in sustainable and responsible travel practices, setting a new standard for the industry. The pavilion will be led by Mr. Rajesh Kale, Deputy Director Tourism, Mr. Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager, Marketing GTDC, and Mr. Laxmikant Vaigankar, General Manager GTDC.

At SATTE 2024, the Goa Tourism Pavilion will showcase a range of diverse programs aimed at fostering responsible tourism practices. The setup will aim to underscore Goa‘s unwavering commitment to sustainable development, by its adherence to the principles of Regenerative TourismGoa Tourism will also unveil new tourism services tailored to cater to the diverse interests of travelers. These initiatives that will be launched aims to deliver distinctive and unforgettable experiences while advancing sustainable practices.

Officials from Goa Tourism will actively engage with hosted buyers during the exhibition, fostering meaningful interactions and facilitating B2B meetings to explore potential collaborations. Moreover, the Goa Tourism pavilion at SATTE will be enriched by the presence of over 50 esteemed hoteliers and tour operators from Goa. Together with the Department of Tourism, they will collectively showcase their diverse range of products and services, offering attendees a comprehensive glimpse into the vibrant tourism offerings of the state.

“We are pleased to showcase Goa‘s pioneering Regenerative Tourism initiatives at SATTE 2024,” said Mr. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Deputy Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Goa. “As the first state in India to embrace this transformative approach to tourismGoa is setting a new standard for sustainability and responsible travel. We invite attendees to visit our pavilion and join us in our journey towards creating a more resilient, equitable, and regenerative tourism industry.”

Goa‘s participation in SATTE 2024 underscores its commitment to driving positive change in the tourism sector and inspiring others to adopt Regenerative Tourism principles. Visit the Goa Tourism Pavilion to experience the future of sustainable travel and be part of the movement towards a more regenerative world.

Uber CEO says India’s Digital Public Infrastructure holds incredible  promise as company signs MoU with ONDC

Uber CEO says India’s Digital Public Infrastructure holds incredible  promise as company signs MoU with ONDCMumbai, February 23, 2024: Uber, India’s leading ridesharing platform, today signed an MoU with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to explore an integration with the network to expand the range of mobility offerings on the Uber app. The agreement with ONDC, a private non-profit organization established by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade of Government of India, stands to strengthen Uber’s mission of bringing safe, affordable and reliable rides to all Indians.

At an event in Bengaluru, Uber’s global CEO Dara Khosrowshahi spoke with Infosys Chairman, Nandan Nilekani on the subject of ‘Building Population Scale Technology.’ Dara said companies and governments around the world can learn from the scale and ambition of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure. He added that as a technology company, Uber views open source tech stacks with a lot of interest and recognizes the opportunities they bring for everyone.

Speaking on the MoU signing, Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia, said, “Our vision for Uber in India is to serve the mobility needs of all Indians. This is in line with ONDC’s objective of democratizing digital commerce. We are excited to take our first step through this MoU with ONDC to explore how we can accelerate our ambition to make Uber a platform for every Indian’s daily mobility needs. We are committed to play our part in helping speed up and strengthen India’s digital transformation.”

T Koshy, MD & CEO of ONDC, Said, “As the Open Network is continuously evolving, MTT (Mobility, Transport and Travel) is certainly a critical sector for us. Different players together on the Network foster innovation and newer business models. Today’s MoU is a major step forward, and one we hope will enable a diverse range of mobility solutions to benefit every Indian.”

Over the past 10 years, Uber’s technological innovation has helped revolutionize mobility for millions. The app has reshaped India’s transportation landscape, offering safe, reliable and affordable rides to people across 125 cities across a range of different vehicle types. And we are proud to help more than 900,000 Indians earn a living each month by driving with Uber.