Category business

22 February 2024: Gillette India, the country’s leading grooming brand has ventured into a new segment of super premium category of razors with Gillette Labs. Driven by advanced technology, this razor is set to elevate the shaving experience from routine to sensational.

The latest innovation combines shaving and gentle exfoliation technology into one efficient stroke and offers a unique gadget-like unboxing experience. The razor crafted with design in mind, features:

• Gillette’s most advanced five anti-friction blades for less tug and pull.
• 2D FlexDisc™ technology that contours to the face for optimal contact with each stroke. This precision allows for evenly distributed pressure from the exfoliating bar and blades promising a smooth shave.
• A first of its kind lifetime warranty on razor handle
• Combining style and functionality, the metallic handle provides a better grip so you can best shave yourself.
• A magnetic stand that securely holds the razor standing tall, keeping it dry and clean.

Commenting on the new launch, Abhishek Desai, Vice President – Marketing Operations and Category Lead- Grooming, P&G India, said, ‘At Gillette India, we believe in consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation. Reflecting on our journey spanning over a decade with iconic products like Mach 3 and Fusion, we have been persistent in our endeavor to create and innovate to offer the best to our consumers. The launch of Gillette Labs represents a leap into a new era of premium shaving experience. For over 115 years, we have constantly challenged ourselves to advance shaving technology and provide men with the best shave they deserve, and this new launch is a step forward towards this commitment.”

The razor is priced at INR 1499 and will be available in stores as well as E-commerce platforms like Amazon, bringing superior shaving experience within reach.

Bengaluru, February 22, 2024: HFCL Limited (HFCL), a leading technology enterprise and integrated next-gen communications product including optical fiber cable (OFC) and solutions provider, announced its strategic expansion into Europe with the setting up of a state-of-the-art OFC manufacturing plant in Poland. This move marks a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy, aimed at addressing the increasing demand for OFC in European markets such as UK, Germany, Belgium, France, Poland, etc.

With an ambitious vision to capitalize on burgeoning market opportunities and fortify its position as a key player in the OFC domain, HFCL aims to ramp up share of exports in its  OFC vertical revenue from the current 30% to 70% within the next 4-5 years. Europe, with its promising growth prospects, particularly stands out as a focal point for HFCL’s strategic initiatives.

Europe’s OFC market is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 4.5% over the next five years with expected demand of 90 mn fkm p.a. by 2028. The FTTH council estimates around 308 million homes in the EU region to have FTTH connectivity by 2028, speeding up deployment by 3-5 years. This signals a rapid expansion of FTTH networks in these areas which will lead to increased demand of OFC.

Factors such as bandwidth limitations of traditional cable and copper networks, regulatory imperatives driving fiber deployment and escalating traffic demands further underscore the critical need for full fiber solutions. Furthermore, recent geopolitical developments and regulatory shifts like possible imposition of anti-dumping duties underline the necessity for localized manufacturing to mitigate risks and ensure seamlessly enhanced access to target markets. HFCL’s decision to establish a manufacturing footprint in Europe aligns perfectly with this imperative, safeguarding from potential regulatory shifts and enhancing competitiveness in the region. This proposed expansion will enable HFCL to enjoy a significant increase in purchases by existing customers.

Poland has become the favoured European nation, primarily due to its attractive market access to other European nations for incentive programs and cost competitiveness. The country’s strong connectivity is further enhanced through its well-developed ports. The availability of specialized skills at relatively lower labour cost than other European nations further enhances its attractiveness of being a premier manufacturing destination.

HFCL’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Poland will begin with a capacity of 3.25 mn fkm and scalable up to 7 mn fkm, with initial capital outlay up to ~INR144 Crores, fulfilling increasing OFC demand. This strategic move will not only enhance HFCL’s agility but also reduce transit times by approximately six weeks, thereby enabling increase in order fulfilment capacity. The establishment of the manufacturing facility in Poland will be facilitated through the incorporation of a new stepdown subsidiary in Poland under HFCL B.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company in the Netherlands.

Mr. Mahendra Nahata, Managing Director, HFCL, emphasized, “Our decision to set up a manufacturing unit in Poland underscores our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers. With Europe expected to remain a key market for optical fiber cable led communication, our foray into Poland not only ensures unfettered access to this growing European market but also helps improve the agility and responsiveness in catering to increasing optical fiber cable demands of our customers. With this strategic expansion, we are poised to align with Europe’s vision, which anticipates gigabit connectivity as a cornerstone of its future. Our commitment to Europe’s digital future is based on the unique approach of superior quality, customised solutions and innovative solutions in fastest turnaround time.”

The establishment of HFCL’s OFC manufacturing plant in Poland marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey toward global leadership in telecommunication solutions. Harnessing its technological expertise, operational efficiency and strategic foresight, HFCL is set to not only create employment opportunities but also spur industrial advancement in Poland.

HFCL including its subsidiary HTL Limited has three cutting-edge manufacturing plants in India with a 25 mn fKm p.a. capacity, manufacturing the highest quality OFC for customers across the world. With this facility, HFCL is on a journey to expanding their international market reach, while continuing to offer the same level of high quality to their European customers.

Dr Abhilasha Gaur, Chief Operating Officer, Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) 

A circuitous future awaits in India’s electronics sector! This vibrant industry is at the cusp of a major growth phase – poised to rise like voltage through a resistor. Demand for electronics products is surging as rapidly as current through a superconductor. Smartphones, laptops, tablets, and gadgets are energizing the Global and Indian market. At the same time, the push for Make in India and Digital India is catalysing growth – like doping silicon with atoms.

From appliances to automation, electronics have become ingrained into every facet of our lives. The PCBs, chips and sensors form the nervous system that powers our gadgets, devices and machines. The electronics industry is currently in the midst of a significant growth spurt, with rising revenues, innovations, and opportunities creating a high demand for qualified workers. Electrifying opportunities lie ahead for skilled professionals. So, charge your enthusiasm, expand your knowledge, and get set to launch into an electronics career that will shine like a supernova. The only thing stopping the brightest paths from being discovered are your creative ideas. The outlook for 2024 is sparky and bright. Are you ready to switch careers and become part of India’s electronics growth story?Here are 5 career roles that are expected to be in high demand in 2024:

Embedded Systems Engineer

With electronics and internet-connected devices becoming more compact yet sophisticated, there has been a rising demand for qualified embedded systems engineers who can design and program the complex integrated circuits and small microprocessors that go into smart devices. From home appliances and wearable gadgets to automotive systems and industrial equipment, embedded technology runs the show behind the scenes. They are the backbone of modern electronics found in consumer devices, automobiles, industrial equipment, and more.

The complexity and demand for embedded devices have surged with rising automation, IoT and focus on localization of electronics manufacturing in India. This has created increased demand for skilled embedded systems engineers who can design, develop and maintain embedded firmware, hardware and software. As per a LinkedIn Emerging Jobs report, embedded software development is one of the top emerging jobs.

Key skills required are expertise in languages like RTOS, working with various SoC architectures, interface protocols like UART, SPI, I2C, CAN etc. and tools such as Visual Studio, Eclipse IDE. Electronics engineers with relevant embedded training and certification have a strong advantage. Testing, debugging and analysing the software are an integral part of the role.

According to NASSCOM, India’s embedded engineer workforce will need to grow 6X from 180,000 in 2018 to 1.2 million by 2025 to meet domestic demand. The average salary of embedded engineers in India ranges from ₹5 lakhs to ₹12 lakhs per annum for freshers, going up to ₹25 lakhs for mid to senior roles. 

Mechatronics Engineer

Modern automobiles employ a wide array of electronics to enhance performance, safety, comfort, and passenger experience. Foundational electrical systems have now advanced into much more complex domains like smart infotainment, driver assistance technologies, electric powertrain systems and autonomous driving capabilities. This evolution within automotive electronics is creating promising avenues for qualified engineering professionals. In manufacturing, you could design automated systems and robots using PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), sensors, actuators, and drives. You may also work on SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems to remotely monitor equipment and processes through HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces).

As per McKinsey & Co estimates, electronics systems already account for 40% of automotive costs and their share is expected to grow over 50% by 2030. Disruptive trends like vehicle electrification, connected mobility and self-driving will further accelerate electronics innovation in the automotive sector.

Automotive electronics engineers require specialised knowledge spanning computer engineering, electrical/electronic circuits, software programming as well as vehicle design and mechanics. Key focus areas include designing ECUs (engine control unit), ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems), infotainment systems, telematics, lighting systems etc. Automotive communications protocols like CAN bus and FlexRay are also covered. Engineers in this field must stay updated with the latest breakthroughs in AI, sensors, battery technology to excel.

The automotive sector in India has witnessed steady growth with domestic sales projected to reach $300 billion and exports to $80 billion by 2026. Automotive electronics engineers earn attractive pay packages ranging from ₹5 lakhs per annum for freshers to over ₹18 lakhs for engineers with over 6 years of experience.

VLSI Design Engineer

VLSI refers to the integration of millions of transistors onto a single silicon chip to build complex integrated circuits and microprocessors. VLSI design engineers are responsible for designing, testing and developing VLSI chips and electronic components.Increased focus on electronics manufacturing and applications across automotive, consumer electronics, telecom, and other sectors has amplified the demand for skilled VLSI design engineers in India.

Engineers proficient in tools like Cadence, Mentor Graphics, programming languages such as Verilog, VHDL and key concepts of digital logic design and semiconductor fabrication are highly valued. Hands-on experience with FPGA prototyping is an added advantage.

Aspiring VLSI engineers must gain expertise in areas like VLSI circuits, semiconductor physics, design verification, signal processing, chip design and layout. Knowledge of hardware description languages like Verilog and VHDL along with simulation tools is imperative. VLSI engineers collaborate closely with design teams to deliver optimized chip architectures. With scaling of device geometries, design complexities are increasing. Adaptability to evolving standards and tools will be key.VLSI is one of the highest-paying engineering specializations in India, with average salaries ranging from ₹7 lakhs per annum for freshers going up to ₹25 lakhs for experienced roles.

PCB Design and Manufacturing

Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design and manufacturing is a key field in electronics engineering dealing with the design, testing and fabrication of PCBs that provide the foundation for almost all electronic devices and systems.As a PCB design engineer, you would use CAD software tools like Altium, OrCAD, Eagle etc to design the layout of a PCB including the components, connections, layers, footprints as per the circuit schematics and requirements. You need strong skills in schematic capture, component library management, routing, signal integrity, electromagnetic compatibility and PCB fabrication processes. You would work closely with circuit designers and electronics engineers to create the gerber files needed for PCB production.

In PCB manufacturing, you would work in positions like process engineering, equipment engineering, quality control etc. This involves knowledge of PCB fabrication techniques like photolithography, etching, drilling, plating, soldermasking, automated optical and x-ray inspection. You would monitor the PCB production process flow and maintain, optimize, and troubleshoot the equipment. You would also be responsible for testing the fabricated PCBs against specifications and ensuring quality standards.

With the growth in consumer electronics, IoT, defence systems and industrial automation, there is increasing demand for more compact, efficient and reliable PCBs. As a PCB design and manufacturing engineer, you get to work on cutting-edge electronics products in fields like automotive, aerospace, consumer appliances, medical devices etc. It provides opportunities to travel and work in fabrication facilities worldwide. With your expertise in both design and manufacturing, you can build a rewarding career in the electronics industry.

The Indian PCB design and manufacturing market is growing rapidly. According to a report by IMARC Group, the Indian PCB market is expected to reach US$ 11.8 billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 16.6% during 2023-2028. Several factors are fuelling the expansion of the Indian PCB market, including the burgeoning Indian electronics sector, heightened consumer demand for electronics products, and the widespread adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT). If you are interested in becoming a PCB designer, there are several steps you can take to get started. First, you should consider pursuing a degree in electronics engineering or a related field. You can also gain experience by working as an intern or apprentice in a PCB design and manufacturing company.

Drone Specialist

The drone ecosystem in India is poised for massive growth, with the sector projected to grow at 30% CAGR through 2025. Liberalized drone policies and increased adoption of drone technology across agriculture, mining, defence, logistics, entertainment and other sectors has opened up numerous opportunities for drone specialists.

Drone specialists are essentially electronics engineers who conceptualize, design, develop, assemble, program and maintain unmanned aerial vehicles. They need strong expertise in embedded systems to build flight controllers, expertise in electronics hardware design to create reliable power systems, motors and batteries, knowledge of sensors, wireless communication systems, materials science and autonomous flight control algorithms using robotics and computer vision.

Drone specialists find roles in UAV/drone technology startups that are mushrooming in India, service providers that operate drone fleets, drone consultancies that advise enterprises on drone adoption as well as companies from end-user sectors like mining, agriculture, surveillance, mapping etc that leverage drones extensively. The average salary for drone specialists in India ranges from ₹4-7 lakhs per annum for freshers and can go up to ₹15-18 lakhs per annum for engineers with more than 5 years of experience. With strong growth anticipated in the Indian drone landscape, there are rich opportunities for electronics engineers who specialized in this futuristic domain. 

Conclusion:

The electronics sector is experiencing significant growth, with the government’s commitment to the sector and the increasing demand for electronic products driving the growth. The sector offers a wide range of career opportunities, from electronic and electrical engineers to product safety engineers and semiconductor engineers. As new technologies continue to emerge, the demand for skilled electronics professionals will grow, and the industry will need innovative thinkers and problem-solvers to drive its forward. By exploring these career opportunities and the various industries they serve, individuals can make informed decisions about their educational and career paths in the electronics sector.

The new store was inaugurated amidst huge fanfare today in the presence of Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao – MLA, Kothagudem, Vijay Subramaniam – Chairman, Royaloak Furniture, Mathan Subramaniam- Managing Director, Kiran Chhabria-Franchise Head, Angara Nagendra Babu- State Head- AP &TS regions, Thammaiah Koter, NSO & VM Head, Rajendra Prasad Agarwal & Premlatha Agarwal.

Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Vijai Subramaniam, Chairman, Royaloak Furniture said, “We are thrilled to launch our store in Kothagudem, which represents Royaloak‘s commitment to offering the best furniture at affordable prices to our customers. Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that this store provides a truly exceptional shopping experience, with a wide selection of high-quality furniture that is both stylish and functional. We look forward to welcoming customers and helping them find the perfect pieces to complete their dream homes.

New Delhi, India, February 22, 2024: Udemy, a leading online skills marketplace and learning platform, recently announced a series of generative AI (gen AI)-enabled offerings designed to support personalized learning and enhanced skills development. The comprehensive Udemy Intelligent Skills Platform will include Udemy AI Learning Assistant, Udemy AI Skills Mapping and several new enhancements for content creators/instructors, such as a gen AI-assisted Q&A feature.

“We believe gen AI is radically revolutionizing the way we work and how professionals are developing new skills,” said Greg Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer at Udemy. “As the world transitions to a skills-based economy, our gen AI-powered Intelligent Skills Platform will transform personalized learning and how skills are acquired and verified. Udemy is committed to providing high-quality learning experiences, ensuring learners and organizations can easily identify and develop the skills they need today and in the future.”

Scheduled to launch throughout 2024, the Udemy gen AI-powered ecosystem will empower organisations with personalized learning solutions for professionals by facilitating the discovery, development and validation of competitive skills crucial to accomplishing business objectives. Udemy’s AI-oriented offerings, as well as its overall Intelligent Skills Platform, will support employee training and development, enabling faster real-world application of new skills and integrating learning into existing workflows.

Supporting Top Tech Talent in India

Udemy is continuing to invest in learning and development solutions for Indian organisations and professionals to help them upskill in emerging skills such as gen AI. At the Tamil Nadu Global Investor Meet in January, Udemy committed to establishing a new Research and Development (R&D) center in Chennai that will aim to employ software and product development experts, helping local talent build emerging technical skills. In partnership with the Government of Tamil Nadu, Udemy intends to hire more than 200 tech professionals in Chennai.

The establishment of the cutting-edge R&D center aligns with Udemy and Tamil Nadu’s commitment to driving technological excellence and bridging the skills gap in the rapidly evolving landscape of gen AI.

To learn more about how organizations can leverage the Udemy Intelligent Skills Platform, visit bit.ly/udemy-gen-ai. For more details on gen AI learning trends, visit bit.ly/gen-ai-learning-trends.

Preview the new gen AI features Udemy is building here.

Udemy AI Learning Assistant

Focused on helping learners easily identify courses among the wealth of knowledge on the Udemy platform and optimize in-course learning, the Udemy AI Learning Assistant will take a multifaceted approach to strengthen the learning experience by:

• Helping learners discover the right content for them among the thousands of courses on the platform before they get started. The Udemy AI Learning Assistant will aim to surface the most relevant learning content based on learner search terms and desired objectives as captured in the chat. Learners can articulate their needs using natural language and the Udemy AI Learning Assistant will identify the content that best matches the desired skills.
• Summarizing course content for easier consumption and recollection to accelerate learning.
• Offering personalized feedback via the intelligent chat-based assistant to speed up learning, comprehension and subject mastery. When learners raise questions pertinent to the course content, the Udemy AI Learning Assistant can provide concise responses along with links to relevant lectures for constructive guidance.

Udemy AI Skills Mapping & Guidance

Knowing which skills will drive business and learning outcomes, and subsequently, which learning content maps to those skills to upskill internal talent can be a difficult, manual and time-intensive challenge. However, this is the challenge in front of every company that wants to become a skills-based organization. The Udemy AI Skills Mapping tool will make it easy for any organization to transition to a skills-based approach by reducing the effort and time required to translate loosely defined, high-level needs to the detailed list of skills required.

Udemy AI Skills Mapping will help organisations with the development of personalized and scalable custom learning paths (often referred to as guidance) that map skills to learning content. For example, an admin will be able to say that they would like to develop expertise for their team in a particular domain and Udemy AI Skills Mapping will be able to generate the right learning paths based on the desired end skill set and business outcome.

Gen AI-powered Q&A

Building on the success of the gen AI-powered tools launched in 2023 for creating coding exercises in Java, Python and C++ courses, Udemy will further enhance and deliver new capabilities for instructors to more efficiently meet learner needs through a gen AI-powered Q&A Assistant.

This offering will allow learners to receive faster responses to the questions they post in discussion forums while ensuring the instructors will be given the opportunity to review and vet the answers, maintaining quality and alignment with their educational materials. Learners will benefit from accurate and clear responses delivered at speed and instructors utilizing this tool will save valuable time, allowing them to focus on what they do best – teaching.

Gen AI-powered Thematic Analysis for Cohort Learning

Udemy has also launched a thematic analysis feature to facilitate cohort learning experiences in the Udemy Business Leadership Academy. Udemy’s gen AI capabilities summarize and highlight emerging themes from discussions and other group activities to facilitate collaboration, share knowledge and enhance cross-functional understanding for admins and learners.

“Personalized, practical and efficient learning solutions on the Udemy Intelligent Skills Platform will drive greater adoption and engagement for millions of professionals, helping learners find the right part of the right course for the learning outcome that best meets their needs,” said Prasad Raje, Chief Product Officer at Udemy. “Udemy AI Learning Assistant and AI Skills Mapping will enable learners and leaders within organizations to access the collective expertise of thousands of Udemy instructors to personalize learning on an entirely new level. Additionally, it will empower instructors to scale their connections with learners.”

New Delhi, 22nd February 2024 : Beyond Key, a leading global technology solutions provider announced the recognition of its Founder and CEO, Mr. Piyush Goel, as a dignified member of the “2024 Chicago Titan 100” by the Titan CEO. This prestigious accolade honors the top 100 CEOs and C-level executives in Chicago, representing companies with a collective employment of over 325,000 individuals and an annual revenue surpassing $42 billion.

The Titan 100 program, is an internationally recognized initiative, that celebrates exemplary leaders from the industry. These Titans of Industry are chosen for their exceptional leadership, vision, passion, and influence within their respective fields. Launched by the think tank President and CEO of Titan, Mr. Jaime Zawmon, the program aims to acknowledge visionary leaders who inspire the business community.

Piyush Goel’s induction into the 2024 Chicago Titan 100 celebrated his exceptional leadership and highlighted his significant contributions to Beyond Key’s unparalleled growth and success. With a global impact on the IT industry, his leadership propelled the company and its workforce toward sustained success which showcased his ability to inspire and drive efficient development in a rapidly evolving landscape. Goel’s recognition underscores his instrumental role in shaping the trajectory of Beyond Key and solidifying its position as a leader in the technology sector.

Under Piyush Goel’s leadership, Beyond Key has achieved remarkable growth and garnered numerous accolades, showcasing the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence, professional development with strategic expansions, and the integration of cutting-edge services like Modern BI, Snowflake, and Microsoft 365. Embracing a remote work culture, Beyond Key expanded its team to 325 domain experts. Over the past three years, Beyond Key has garnered multiple accolades, including the title of Software Company of the Year by Stevie International Business and IT Service Provider of the Year by Titan in Business Awards. Moreover, the attainment of ISO certification (ISO 27001:2013) underscored the company’s dedication to compliance and governance.

Profiles of the 2024 honorees were exclusively showcased online and featured in a limited-edition Titan 100 book, highlighting their achievements and impact on the business landscape.

In response to his induction, Mr. Piyush Goel, CEO and Founder at Beyond Key expressed, “I am deeply honored to be inducted into the 2024 Chicago Titan 100. This accomplishment reflects the commitment and diligence of the entire Beyond Key team. We aim to sustain our position at the forefront of the IT industry as well as positively impact the entire business community. This recognition further motivates me and the entire team to continue the pursuit of professional excellence and success. We are excited to be a part of such recognition, Beyond Key extends its heartfelt gratitude to all its clients worldwide. “

The highly anticipated annual Titan 100 awards ceremony took place at the Aon Grand Ballroom in Chicago’s Navy Pier, where distinguished executives from across the region gathered to celebrate their contributions to the dynamic business landscape.

Bangalore, February 22, 2024: The CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) is gearing up for its grand finale, marking the culmination of a historic inaugural season that has captivated motorsports enthusiasts across the nation. The third and final round is set to take place in the vibrant city of Bangalore on the 25th of February, promising a thrilling spectacle that will conclude the first-ever franchise-based Supercross league in the world. The race will be held at the Open Grounds, Survey No. 95-110, Behind Floating Walls, opposite Dash Square, Airport Road, Chikkajala.

After the adrenaline-fueled races in Pune and Ahmedabad, where the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex and EKA Arena witnessed high-octane action, the CEAT ISRL has left an indelible mark on the motorsports landscape in India. The inaugural season has not only showcased the skill and prowess of the riders but has also established India as a global hub for Supercross.

The leading teams like Bigrock Motorsports, BB Racing and Mohite’s Racing Team, having battled it out in the first two rounds, will bring their A-game to Bangalore for the ultimate showdown. With six franchise teams and 48 riders from around the world, the competition is fierce, promising an exhilarating display of speed, skill, and determination. The categories—450cc international riders, 250cc international riders, 250cc India-Asia mix, and the highly competitive 85cc junior class—will witness the best of the best competing for the coveted podium.

Mr. Veer Patel, Co-founder & Director of the CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League, expressed his anticipation for the grand finale, stating, “As we approach the final round of our inaugural season in Bangalore, the journey of the CEAT ISRL has been nothing short of phenomenal. The passion, talent, and sportsmanship displayed by the riders in Pune and Ahmedabad have set the stage for an unforgettable finale. We have witnessed India emerge as a force in the world of Supercross, and the grand finale in Bangalore is poised to be a celebration of this remarkable journey.”

The league, accredited by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), has garnered global attention with its unique franchise-based format, attracting over 100 riders from different corners of the world. The CEAT ISRL has not only focused on delivering high-octane racing excitement but has also integrated star-studded music extravaganzas, creating a cultural phenomenon that extends beyond the racetrack.

The city of Bangalore, known for its vibrant culture and enthusiastic sporting community, is all set to host the grand finale with open arms and promises to be the perfect stage for the climax of the inaugural season.

As the CEAT ISRL gears up for the final showdown, it reaffirms its commitment to community engagement, talent development, and environmental sustainability. The league is not just about races; it’s a movement that aims to inspire and nurture the passion for Supercross in India.

For more information on the CEAT ISRL Season One Grand Finale, please visit the official website at https://indiansupercrossleague.com/.

Mumbai, 22 February 2024: Dvara KGFS, a leading rural fintech, dedicated to fostering financial inclusion in deep rural villages across India, has successfully raised $27 million in debt funds. This financial boost will play a crucial role in augmenting the company’s liquidity and accelerating its growth plans. Additionally, Dvara KGFS recently achieved a significant milestone, crossing the INR 2000 crore mark in Assets Under Management (AUM). This milestone underscores the company’s strong performance and commitment to providing comprehensive financial services to underserved rural communities.

Speaking about the funding, Mr. LVLN Murty, Managing Director and CEO, Dvara KGFS, said, “Dvara KGFS, being a rural fintech, aims to provide holistic financial services to its customers, empowering them to enhance their financial well-being and lifetime value. The funds raised will enable us to expand our reach and impact, driving financial inclusion in rural India.”

The company secured $20 million in the form of External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) from NEDERLANDSE FINANCIERINGS-MAATSCHAPPIJ VOOR ONTWIKKELINGSLANDEN N.V (FMO), a Dutch entrepreneurial development bank committed to creating development impact and $7 million was raised from ENABLING QAPITAL Luxembourg SA, a leading Impact Investment Advisory Company dedicated to achieving financial and social returns. This funding from large global impact investors is a testament to the impact that Dvara KGFS is creating in the financial inclusion space in India and will open more avenues for global partnerships.

Commenting on the same, Ms. Shilpa Bhatter, CFO, Dvara KGFS, added, “This fundraising not only diversifies our lender profile but also strengthens our presence in the foreign debt market, unlocking access to lower-cost debt and ensuring a sustainable growth path for Dvara KGFS.”

The company aims to utilize the proceeds of the ECBs towards its onward lending program, focusing on supporting microfinance and microbusiness loans for customers in regions with limited access to formal credit channels. This initiative further fortifies the company’s mission to extend comprehensive financial services to underserved rural communities.

Utilizing an omnichannel approach, Dvara KGFS provides an array of loans and third-party products tailored to meet its customers’ diverse financial needs. The company remains steadfast in its commitment to bridging the financial gap and empowering individuals and communities through financial services. With the success of this fundraise, Dvara KGFS is positioned to significantly enhance its impact on the lives of underserved individuals in rural India.

Sensors are everywhere – turning off highway lights when roads are empty, monitoring the health of bridges, and monitoring the intricate dance of telecommunications networks and electrical grids. Every flicker of these sensors is a byte of data, meticulously logged and stored. With the costs of data storage plummeting over the past decade, we’re talking about an avalanche worth of data digitally warehoused.

Much of this data has been resting in the dark, unanalyzed and unseen. This is what experts call dark data. And now, as AI steps into the infrastructure arena, this dormant data is about to step into the spotlight.

“Indeed, there appears to be an enormous amount of data collected on infrastructure operations that could be better used to improve their effectiveness,” said IEEE Life Senior Member Raul Colcher.

AI thrives on data – the more, the better. And when it comes to training sophisticated AI models, this dark data, collected over years from myriad sensors and systems, may be extremely valuable.

So, what’s the big deal about bringing this dark data to light? For starters, it’s a game-changer for infrastructure operations. With AI algorithms churning through mountains of previously unused data, we can expect leaps in efficiency and new ways to design and use our infrastructure for a future where data moves more frequently than people.

BYTES BUILD BETTER

Much of the time, dark data isn’t used because it isn’t properly tagged, and is therefore difficult to analyze. Some research suggests that the machine learning algorithms that allocate resources within mobile phone networks could be greatly improved with the use of dark data. In another case, data scientists at an oil and gas plant were able to use dark data to improve a digital model of the plant without disrupting operations.

WHERE WILL THE IMPACT BE FELT THE MOST?

The benefits of analyzing and modeling this data are vast and varied. From planning to operations, maintenance, and beyond, every facet of infrastructure could see a transformation. Picture more accurate models, better automation, and a deeper understanding of how our systems truly work.

CHALLENGES ON THE HORIZON

But, it’s not all smooth sailing. Dark data, while abundant, isn’t always clean or error-free. Questions of bias, data provenance, and security loom large. How we address these challenges will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of AI in infrastructure.

“The surge in data quantity doesn’t guarantee better results,” said IEEE Member Qi Qi Wang. “Filtering out disruptive or poor-quality data presents a substantial challenge.”

Learn more: 2023 was a landmark year in AI, as broad swaths of the public became more aware of AI thanks to the power of generative AI tools. IEEE Spectrum covered developments in-depth. Check out their run-down of the top AI stories in 2023.