“Vedanta Aluminium leads theway to build awareness on cancer prevention”

New Delhi;06 th February 2023:On World Cancer Day, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer reaffirmed its commitment to providing the best healthcare facilities and support to cancer patients, particularly those hailing from rural areas. On the occasion, Vedanta Group’s Raipur-based state-of-the-art cancer facility and one of India’s leading cancer care hospitals, BALCO Medical Centre (BMC), organised a series of cancer awareness activities in Chhattisgarh, focused on promoting prevention, detection, and treatment of the disease.BMC’s efforts were aligned with the theme ‘Closing the Care Gap’ by bringing cancer care to people’s doorsteps through a mammography van equipped with screenings for breast, cervix, and head & neck cancers – the 3 most common cancers in India as well as opening a chemotherapy daycare centre in the heart of Raipur so patients don’t have to travel far for chemotherapy.Similar activities and awareness camps were organised by BALCO in Korba, in collaboration with the NGO Help Age India.

BALCO MEDICAL CENTRE

 World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4th, is a global initiative dedicated to
raising awareness about cancer and acknowledging the tenacity demonstrated daily by
cancer fighters and survivors. As part of the activities, BMCalso organised awareness sessions in schools and societiesand a cancer awareness walk in the Raipur city. Along with this, BMC also announced a special offer on preventive cancer screening packages and pharmacy and a free second opinion for cancer patients.

 Since its inception in 2018, BMC has served the needs of over 35,000 patients, addressing existing gaps in domestic cancer awareness and treatment. It is the most preferred oncology hospital in central India for advanced radiation therapy, brachytherapy, nuclear medicine, surgeries, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, blood-related disorders, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and pain & palliative care. This cutting-edge medical facility features 170 beds and state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. BALCO Medical Centre is bridging the gaps in domestic cancer treatment, awareness, infrastructure, and expertise. Furthermore, the centre has formed alliances with prestigious institutions in the field, including the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) in Mumbai and Anuva, a transnational research company specializing in genomics biotech.

 On the occasion, Ms Jyoti Agarwal, Chairperson of BALCO Medical Centre,said, “World Cancer Day serves as a reminder that the battle against cancer is fought not only in clinics and laboratories but also in the hearts and minds of those affected. At BALCO Medical Centre, we are committed to providing people in rural areas with access to quality healthcare and bridge the universal healthcare gap, promoting awareness, and eliminating the stigma associated with cancer and promoting early detection and care, thereby fostering an environment of empathy and resilience.”

 Speaking about BALCO Medical Centre’s role in creating awareness around the illness, Dr
Bhawna Sirohi, Medical Director of BMC, “The delay in cancer diagnosis means patients are not cured, suffer from financial & time toxicity, and the catastrophic expenditure pushes them more into poverty – this is counterproductive for our country’s heath. On this World Cancer Day, BALCO Medical Centre organized a series of cancer awareness camps to promote early diagnosis of the disease which will lead to higher cure rates, elevate quality of life, and reduce the cost and duration of treatment,thereby contributing to a healthier nation. Destigmatizing cancer was at the heart of all the initiatives conducted on that day.”

 Established by the Vedanta Medical Research Foundation (VMRF) and backed by the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), BALCO Medical Centreis making a difference in the lives of
lakhs of people through increased access to quality medical care. BMC’s extensive roster of renowned cancer specialists regularly organises efforts to educate individuals on the cruciality of timely preventive screening and mitigation measures against various forms of cancer. Dedicated medical experts from the centre reach out to students, working professionals and other community members through several platforms such as awareness talks, health camps, and webinars. Along with cancer treatment, all patients at BALCO Medical Centre also receive robust psychological, nutritional and physical therapy, in addition to membership in patient support groups for emotional support during their care period.

Aurionpro Continues High Growth Trajectory with Strong Q3 FY24 Results

Mumbai, February 06th, 2024: Aurionpro Solutions Limited (BSE: 532668) (NSE: AURIONPRO), announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended 31st December, 2023. Building on this robust Year-over-Year performance, the Company stands firmly positioned to achieve the guided performance expectations for the fiscal year 2024.

Consolidated Financial Performance for Q3FY24 v/s Q3FY23 (Corresponding Year)

·         Revenue of Rs. 231 crore v/s. Rs. 168 crore [á 37%]

·         EBITDA of Rs. 51 crore v/s. Rs. 37 crore [á 38%]

·         PAT of Rs. 38 crore v/s. Rs. 26 crore [á 45%]

Consolidated Financial Performance for 9MFY24 v/s 9MFY23 (Corresponding Year)

·         Revenue of Rs. 641 crore v/s. Rs. 469 crore [á 37%]

·         EBITDA of Rs. 141 crore v/s. Rs. 105 crore [á35%]

·         PAT of Rs. 103 crore v/s. Rs. 75 crore [á37%]

 

Results Highlights:

  • Revenue for the quarter stood at INR 231 Cr, a growth of 37% on a YoY basis
  • EBITDA for Q3FY24 stood at INR 51 Cr as compared to INR 37 Cr in Q3FY23, a growth of 38% on a YoY basis. EBITDA margins for the quarter stood at 22%
  • PAT for Q3FY24 stood at INR 38 Cr, which is a growth of 45% on a YoY basis. PAT margins for the quarter stood at 16%

Operational Highlights:

Banking & Fintech

  • Integro Technologies Wins Chartis RiskTech 100 – 2024 Award for Best Limits Management Software, in the category of Lending Operations
  • Aurionpro wins Best Transaction Banking Implementation: Most Impactful Project award at the 5th IBS Intelligence Global FinTech Innovation Awards
  • Aurionpro wins new order from one of the largest Public Sector Banks in India to supply, install, implement, customize and maintain iCashpro+, our Cash Management Solution
  • India’s leading private sector bank, successfully implements Aurionpro’s AuroFX, an advanced FX automation tool covering the full range of branch FX operations
  • Aurionpro completes strategic acquisition of Omnifin®, loan management system, from  A S Software Services Pvt. Ltd to complement and enhance its portfolio of industry leading Lending Solutions

Technology Innovation Group

  • Aurionpro Transit, an Aurionpro subsidiary in transit business, announces partnership with MasterCard to provide commuters with a next-generation contactless payment method for public transport
  • Aurionpro Transit and Vix Technology announces partnership to launch Next-Gen Mobility Solutions. As part of this collaboration, Aurionpro Transit will design and develop state-of-the-art All-in-One Driver Console and Mobile Data Terminal, innovative in-bus solutions which will streamline transit operations by providing a central on-vehicle hub for various functions from ticketing to communications
  • Aurionpro signs multiple new wins in Data Centre segment which includes orders from the leading telecom company in Bhutan, a premier public research university and technical institute in India and expansion of an existing data center in Odisha
  • Aurionpro Transit expands in Australian market, wins further orders from the leading transport agency in Canberra, the existing client in the market
  • Aurionpro Transit expands in Mexican market with a new order for the automated gates for the transport agency in the city of Merida, Mexico

Management Commentary

Mr. Ashish Rai, Vice-Chairman & CEO said

“We are pleased to see continuing strong growth across both our major segments in Q3 and 9M FY 2024. Our 9M results showcase robust performance, with revenue reaching INR 641 crores and PAT at INR 103 crores—both increasing by 37% compared to the corresponding period last year. These results highlight the sustained strong growth momentum in the business, reinforcing the achievability of our long-term growth ambitions. As we approach the end of FY 24, we feel confident in meeting or exceeding our guided performance target for the year.

The recent quarter saw a significant uptick in deal activity, marked by the acquisition of substantial orders across our key segments. This significant win momentum will not only power our future growth but it also enhances our market position and credibility with global clients. The ongoing strong demand environment across our major offerings, reinforces our confidence in sustaining this growth trajectory and our immediate focus will be on continuing to scale our execution capabilities to capitalise on this demand.

The impressive performance in Q3 and over the years is a testament to the capability and dedication of our product and delivery teams across the globe. We remain committed to strengthening our sales, delivery, and R&D capabilities to sustain current growth momentum and ensure continued success.

Our expansion strategy adopts a multi-pronged approach, focusing on building a robust direct sales channel and forming strategic partnerships to maximise the market reach and impact for our continuously expanding portfolio of industry leading offerings. Recent key partnerships in the Transit segment and the acquisitions of Omnifin and Interact DX in the banking segment underline the strong execution of our growth strategy, emphasizing both organic and inorganic growth to penetrate our chosen markets.

Our capability to achieve the long term growth ambitions that we outlined in Vision 2030 is driven by strong and disciplined execution in building industry leading offerings through cutting edge ground up R&D as well as through proactive M&A and strategic partnerships where appropriate. Our order book now exceeds INR 900 crores and with the demand environment remaining exceptionally strong for our key offerings, we feel we are well positioned to sustain our strong growth trajectory in the upcoming quarter.”

Marquee Equity assists biotech company Econophy LLC with fundraising

Marquee Equity, a SaaS platform that aids startups in securing funding, has recently onboarded The Econophy Group LLC, a US-based biotech independent sponsor private equity firm that is based out of Florida and focused on the biotech space. In 2024, it is developing a life sciences-oriented holding company that will feature a patented, Phase III, first-in-class, safe, non-invasive nuclear medicine and molecular imaging (NMMI) diagnostic detection and monitoring technology that will exceed US and worldwide efficacy standards by 5x. The outgrowth of an industry pulmonary vascular disease vertical will evolve into a 7-NMMI disease-oriented product pipeline, in addition to related therapeutics and a COPD-patented device. The multi-country teams consist of MDs, PhDs, industry CEOs, and other experts in global patient healthcare.

In 2Q, it will integrate AI into its pulmonary vascular disease focus to evolve into a general industry AI focusing upon and featuring an automated diagnosis tool and a predictive epidemiology data platform.

Primary end-users will be medical doctors to simplify disease diagnosis and increase its accuracy. It will also provide international governments, NGOs, insurance companies, healthcare providers, public and private research facilities, and pharma companies with data analytics to mitigate diagnostic errors, disease spread, and unnecessary treatment costs and help solve other large-scale health industry problems.

For years, diagnostic delays and errors have been tolerated and often ignored, although they have been reported as a leading cause of patient harm. The National Academy of Medicine estimates that $750 billion, or 30% of annual healthcare spending, is wasted on unnecessary services and other inefficiencies. At least once in a person’s lifetime, they will receive a diagnostic error. Estimated resulting deaths range from 40,000 to 80,000

Marquee acts as a bridge between the startups looking for funding and investors/venture capitalists/angel investors thus making the process of fundraising swift and convenient. Marquee’s team collects and curates relevant data and projections to create a pitch deck that serves as a critical document in carrying forward the procedure. Once the pitch deck is approved, the AI-backed tech platform performs an investors-finding algorithm and connects the businesses to a suitable set of investors, VCs etc., thus making the process of fundraising convenient and effective. As opposed to marketplaces and digital listings that publicly display fundraising details, Marquee matched their clients with their personalized list of investors who would be the best fit for their mutual goals.

With a team of over 100 employees, Marquee Equity helps 1,500 businesses raise money effectively each year. Ash Narain, Founder & CEO of Marquee Equity comments, “We are very excited to have Econophy LLC on board with us and render our services. They are bringing in a positive impact through their work and we are very happy to work with them and help them in this endeavor. Marquee has curated the campaign to their requirements and helped them prepare their pitch deck and schedule calls with potential investors. We have a firm belief in their work and are witnessing some immense responses to the campaign, which just makes us work harder for the next phase of the campaign”.

M. Damian Billy, Managing Partner, and Founder of The Econophy Group LLC, appreciated the work of the fintech platform and said,

“Our relationship with Marquee Equity has been exceptional. Inclusive of all team members engaged, their attention to detail, promptness in responding to queries, willingness to accept input for changes, and document preparation exceeded our expectations for delivery and outcome. Throughout our interaction, professionalism and dedication remained constant.”

Marquee Equity’s success in raising funds for early-stage startups and SMEs comes from their time-tested methods, which are optimized by leveraging the power of technology. Marquee believes in using technology not to change the dynamic between investors and businesses, but rather to be the appropriate bridge between them.

By matching each entrepreneur with the ideal investors, Marquee Equity seeks to maximize the company’s fundraising efforts. The fintech platform works with businesses of all sizes, from conception to pre-IPO, with check amounts ranging from $100,000 to multibillion-dollar private equity firms that raise money from limited partners. For Ginik, Marquee also lent its support in the documentation and the startup’s founder also looks forward to dipping into Marquee’s network of investors for future rounds again someday.

PEGGY LILLIS FOUNDATION APPOINTS LEADING C. DIFF EXPERTS AND CLINICIANS TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NEW YORK, NY (February 6, 2024)Peggy Lillis Foundation (PLF), a national non-profit organization advocating for awareness and education for Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), announces the appointment of three new members to join its board of directors: Paul Feuerstadt, MD, Debbie Trinker, BA, JD and David Shlaes Ph.D., MD.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Feuerstadt, Dr. Shlaes and Mrs. Trinker to our board of directors. They each bring a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the fight against C. diff,” said PLF President Dr. Gerard Honig.

Paul Feuerstadt, MD, joins PLF’s board of directors, bringing with him a deep medical knowledge of C. difficile infection and other infections of the small and large bowel. Dr. Feuerstadt received his M.D. from Weill Medical College of Cornell University. From there, he completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. After completing his Internal Medicine residency, Dr. Feuerstadt joined the Montefiore Medical Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York where he completed his Gastroenterology fellowship. Dr. Feuerstadt began with the PACT Gastroenterology Center, a partner of Hartford Healthcare Medical Group, in 2011. His special interests include C. difficile infection and other infections of the small and large bowel, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), ischemic diseases of the gut, and other diseases of the colon and small bowel, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Previous Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at Rexall Sundown, Inc. and Kemin Health, L.C, Debbie Trinker also joins the board of directors at PLF—bringing with her over 26 years of domestic, international legal, and regulatory experience with FDA-regulated products. These positions included transactional and IP experience, and submissions to FDA, FTC, USDA and international and state regulatory bodies on e.g., safety, claims substantiation, clinical trial data, labeling, adverse events, recalls, inspections and Warning Letters. She has served as an officer and member of the Executive Board and Board of Directors of the Council for Responsible Nutrition and has published and made presentations in areas of FDA-regulated products. Debbie has a B.A. from Northwestern University and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.

Dr. David Shlaes, Ph.D., MD, has had a 40-year career in anti-infectives, spanning academia and industry with a long-standing scientific interest in antimicrobial resistance. Dr. Shlaes trained in infectious diseases at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. He then joined the faculty and ultimately became a Professor of Medicine. Dr. Shlaes left academia to become Vice President for Infectious Diseases at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in 1996. He was a member of the Forum for Emerging Infections of the National Academy of Sciences for seven years. In 2002, Dr. Shlaes became Executive Vice President, Research and Development for Idenix, Pharmaceuticals, a company focused on the discovery and development of antivirals. In 2005, he established a consulting company. During his career, he contributed significantly to the discovery and development of tigecycline, avibactam, eravacycline and lefamulin. Dr. Shlaes is the author of three books focusing on his scientific interest and extensive research on antimicrobial resistance. Since his retirement from Anti-infectives Consulting, he has authored a blog—Antibiotics the Perfect Storm—on Substack. Dr. Shlaes will bring methodical insight into antibiotic policy areas in his new board member position with PLF.

“We have made great progress in raising C. diff awareness, educating and supporting patients, and advocating for better policies, said PLF Chief Executive Officer Christian John Lillis. “These three new board members bring new insights and strengths to PLF as we look toward taking the fight against C. diff and drug-resistant infections to the next level.”

The new additions to PLF’s board of directors signal the beginning of another productive and impactful year of progress in C. diff education, advocacy and legislation. The additions come on the heels of PLF’s most successful C. diff Awareness Campaign to date. The 2023 “See C. diff” campaign achieved its goal of reaching 23 million people with C. diff facts and preventative information. Additional milestones reached this year include PLF organizing the first-ever FDA patient-led C. diff Listening Session, and the approval of new therapeutics to treat recurrent C. diff. The three new board members are expected to bring innovative ideas for PLF to continue spreading awareness and advocacy for C. diff.

News18 India Chaupal: ‘Prime Minister Modi’s Hat-Trick Victory Assured in Upcoming Elections’,

New Delhi, February 6 2024: In a dazzling spectacle of intellect and insight, India’s leading Hindi news channel, News18 India, orchestrated its prestigious flagship summit, News18 India Chaupal, at ITC Maurya in Delhi on Monday. The eighth edition of this marquee initiative brought together a constellation of the nation’s luminaries, featuring thought leaders, policy strategists, news makers, industry experts, and youth icons. Against the backdrop of the impending Lok Sabha elections, this summit served as a pivotal arena for shaping the agenda that could propel India towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

The session commenced with an insightful discussion featuring Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju. Subsequently, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Mohan Yadav, and Union Railways Minister, Ashwini Vaishnav, actively participated in the discourse

ASHWINI YADAV

During his session at News18 India Chaupal, Minister Vaishnav provided a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of the Railways and Telecom sector. He emphasized the changing face of these sectors, showcasing a progressive transformation.

Expressing confidence, Vaishnav said, “The promise of Prime Minister Modi’s hat-trick victory would be fulfilled in the upcoming elections.”

During the presentation on the accomplishments under his ministries, Vaishnav highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been true to his commitments, delivering on promises made. He shared details about the ongoing initiatives, showcasing the expansion of Ayodhya Railway Station’s capacity to accommodate three crore devotees annually. The station exemplifies modern infrastructure while encapsulating the cultural essence of Ayodhya.

The Union Minister for Railways, a former IAS officer, provided insights into the swift progress of the Bullet Train project. Vaishnav announced that the work on the Bullet Train, including a groundbreaking 21-km undersea tunnel, is underway. He emphasized the significant increase in the Indian railway budget for 2024-25, reaching Rs 2,52,000 crore compared to Rs 15,674 crore during 2004-14. India is now the second-largest electrified network globally.

Vaishnav highlighted the ongoing transformation of railway stations nationwide, incorporating modern facilities that reflect the cultural ethos of their respective regions. He underscored the design excellence of Vande Bharat Sleeper, featuring world-class interiors.

The discussion also delved into the rapid development of digital infrastructure in India, with the imminent rollout of 5G. Vaishnav shared that over 4,15,000 towers have been installed to support this digital revolution.

In a significant development, Vaishnav emphasized India’s foray into semiconductor production, with the country now set to export Made-in-India chips. He highlighted the remarkable achievement of commencing semiconductor production within 90 days, showcasing India’s prowess in the global technology landscape.

As the political and intellectual luminaries convened, the event witnessed an illustrious conclave that could potentially shape India’s trajectory towards development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047 became the focal point, aligning with the nation’s aspiration to become the third-largest economy by 2030 and overshadowing the US GDP by 2060.

News18 India Chaupal strategically unfolded as India, the fastest-growing economy, showcased its prowess on the world stage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to join the league of developed nations by 2047 echoed through the summit. Projections envision India as the third-largest economy by 2030, poised to surpass the US GDP by 2060.

As the summit unfolded, it became a platform for thought leaders to deliberate on critical themes and topics, setting the stage for the 2024 general elections. News18 India Chaupal engaged forward-looking speakers, discussing a progressing, growing country, and exploring how the abundant energy in the nation can be channeled to drive development, growth, and prosperity.

In essence, News18 India Chaupal emerged not just as an event but as a amalgamation of ideas, a convergence of intellect and insight that could potentially chart the course for India’s evolution into a developed nation by 2047. The summit’s strategic timing ahead of the elections added layers of significance, making it a catalyst for shaping India’s future.

5 Timeless Filmmaking Lessons from Dadasaheb Phalke- Dr Prachetan Potadar

Dadasaheb Phalke, the visionary “Father of Indian Cinema,” left an indelible mark as a filmmaker by incorporating unique effects that revolutionized storytelling. His influence transcends borders, inspiring filmmakers globally. In this exploration, we unravel the distinctive qualities of Dadasaheb Phalke as a filmmaker, spotlighting key scenes and the pioneering effects he employed in his groundbreaking approach.

DADA SAHEB

 1. The Power of Compelling Storytelling:
– Film Reference: “Raja Harishchandra” (1913) – The Transformational Vow
Details: Phalke’s unique touch in “Raja Harishchandra” is amplified by the transformational vow scene, where he employed an innovative use of intertitles and visual cues to convey the protagonist’s inner journey. This subtle yet impactful use of cinematic language set a new standard for narrative storytelling, emphasizing the power of visuals in conveying emotion and character development.

 2. Mastering Visual Aesthetics and Cinematography:
Film Reference: “Setubandhan” (1932) – The Palette of Emotions
Details: In “Setubandhan,” Phalke introduced tinting and toning techniques to convey different emotions within a scene. The changing color palette serves as a visual metaphor for the protagonist’s emotional states. This innovative use of color in cinematography elevated the narrative, showcasing Phalke’s mastery in creating a visually immersive experience.

 3. Embracing Innovation:
– Film Reference: “Kaliya Mardan” (1919) – The Spectacle of Special Effects
Details:”Kaliya Mardan” features groundbreaking special effects, including the use of double exposure to create a supernatural confrontation. This pioneering technique allowed Phalke to depict otherworldly events, pushing the boundaries of what was previously thought possible in cinema. The scene stands as a testament to Phalke’s fearless embrace of innovation in storytelling.

 4. The Devil Lies in the Detail:
– Film Reference: “Lanka Dahan” (1917) – The Mythical Realism
**Details: Phalke’s commitment to detail in “Lanka Dahan” is exemplified through the use of meticulously designed sets and authentic costumes. Every detail, from the intricate set pieces to historically accurate attire, contributes to the film’s immersive quality. This attention to detail enhances the authenticity of the mythical setting, showcasing Phalke’s dedication to creating a realistic cinematic experience.

 5. Persistence and Passion:
– Film Reference: “Shri Krishna Janma” (1918) – The Divine Animation
Details: In “Shri Krishna Janma,” Phalke showcased unparalleled persistence and passion. The standout scene portraying the divine birth utilized stop-motion animation, a technique uncommon at the time. This ambitious experiment required exhaustive effort, with Phalke meticulously orchestrating frame by frame to bring the scene to life. His passion for storytelling and relentless pursuit of excellence in experimentation shine through in this labour-intensive yet groundbreaking cinematic achievement.

 For Film Lovers:
Filmmaking students or aspiring film lovers can draw invaluable lessons from Dadasaheb Phalke’s innovative techniques. The intricacies of intertitles, colour palettes, special effects, attention to detail, and experimental animation offer a rich tapestry for students to explore. These lessons underscore the importance of pushing boundaries, embracing new technologies, and infusing passion into every frame. Phalke’s legacy serves as a guiding light for aspiring filmmakers navigating the dynamic landscape of cinema.

Federal Bank launches RuPay backed NCMC wallet Debit Cards

6th February 2024, Chennai:  Federal Bank becomes one of the earliest private sector banks to launch NCMC integrated Debit cards. National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) is a feature introduced on RuPay Contactless Debit Card which allows cardholders to make payments across NCMC-enabled terminals at metro stations, buses, etc in an offline mode within fraction of second, just by tapping the card on the card reader. NCMC is equipped with multiple functions, including stored value payments (currently up to Rs.2000/- and subject to change as prescribed by RBI from time to time) to simplify travel across different modes by digitizing payment.

Federal Bank

 For activating the NCMC functionality and to start using the card for offline transactions, the cardholder is required to enable “contactless feature” either through Mobile banking, Internet banking or through IVR. Post enablement, visit the customer care desk of Metro station and initiate the activation and money load transaction. Money can be loaded in the card through cash or through the existing savings account at the metro counter itself. After loading money, the customer can just tap the card at the entry and exit of the terminal and unveil the convenience of travelling without purchasing a ticket separately. The amount debited/available will be displayed on the metro terminal screen at the time of tapping the card.

  ‘We are thrilled to unveil a new and ambitious project for Federal Bank RuPay Debit Card holders who can now use their debit cards for offline payments at transit operators. The NCMC is poised to revolutionize the way citizens navigate urban transportation networks across the country. With the goal of enhancing convenience and efficiency, the NCMC introduces a unified approach to travel, simplifying the commuting experience for millions. We feel that this step taken by Federal Bank and RuPay would empower the ustomers and give them the flexibility to travel and pay on the go’- said Chitrabhanu KG, SVP and Country Head- Retail Assets and cards- Federal Bank.

Livguard Unveils India’s first indigenously developed Lithium-ion phosphate cell

6th Feb 2023, New Delhi: Livguard, a pioneer in the energy transition sector, is showcasing a spectrum of groundbreaking products and solutions at the ongoing Bharat Mobility Expo in New Delhi at Pragati Maidan. With a strategic focus on electromobility and battery storage solutions, Livguard is driving the transition from traditional energy paradigms to cutting-edge technologies.

Livguard’s exhibition spotlights a range of products designed and manufactured in India, each representing the latest in technology, having either been recently launched or scheduled for launch in the coming months. The core emphasis is around accelerated energy transition, with a key emphasis on electromobility and battery storage solutions.

Livguard

Livguard presents a comprehensive display of batteries, featuring the safest chemistry available in India. Among the highlights is the unveiling of Livguard’s indigenously designed lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) cell technology, the first Made-in-India LFP cell certified by ARAI. Additionally, the company is set to launch new batteries in the coming days, reinforcing its commitment to advancing battery technology domestically. The company boasts a robust R&D team of 200+ engineers dedicated to designing and engineering solutions within the country. Livguard’s commitment goes beyond “Made in India” to “Designed in India.”

Gurpreet Bhatia, CEO of Livguard said, “Livguard is not merely introducing products, we are revolutionising the entire ecosystem of electromobility in India. Our integrated solutions, from batteries to drivetrain, coupled with advanced analytics, represent a leap towards a greener and more efficient future that is Conceptualised, Designed and Manufactured in India.”

Livguard takes pride in its fully homegrown Battery Management System, developed over the past four years in India. It offers state-of-the-art battery health monitoring and enhances battery life and safety.

The focus of the exhibit is to present solutions beyond physical products to Battery Intelligence. The new-age batteries showcase real-time analytics and AI-driven insights. The platform predicts the remaining charge, monitors battery health, and detects potential abuse conditions, ensuring optimal performance and safety for users with features to remotely disable battery in case of abuse situations. Livguard’s cloud-based solutions have been instrumental in managing a deployed base of over 50,000 batteries, generating invaluable intelligence about usage patterns and optimizing performance.

Addressing the need for rapid adoption of electric mobility, Livguard has also developed battery-swapping stations. These stations facilitate quick turnarounds for fleet-based applications, ensuring efficient use of assets. Livguard’s customers plan to install over 500 swapping stations in the next year, initially in Delhi, Pune and nearby areas, with plans for further expansion post the pilot phase.

The exhibition is also witnessing Livguard’s drivetrain solutions, representing a shift from traditional combustion engines to motors and electronics. The portfolio includes drivetrain solutions in e-Rickshaws, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers. Livguard’s focus on sustainability extends to its drivetrain solutions, featuring motors with reduced magnet usage. The company is actively developing motors that eliminate the need for rare earth magnets. This commitment aligns with Livguard’s overarching goal of providing efficient, sustainable, and environmentally conscious electromobility solutions.

Aquaconnect Secures $4M (INR 33Cr) in Pre-Series B Funding Round Led by S2G Ventures

Chennai, February 06, 2024: Aquaconnect, a full-stack aquaculture platform with embedded fintech that leverages satellite remote sensing and artificial intelligence to improve the efficiency of stakeholders in the fish and shrimp farming industry, completed a $4 million (INR 33 Cr) Pre-Series B funding round led by S2G Ventures.

Aquaconnect will utilize the new capital to continue scaling its operations and enhance its coverage of the major aquaculture production states in India. The company has recently expanded its footprint in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam, and achieved 4x revenue growth in the last fiscal year

rajamanohar.

With this new funding, Aquaconnect also seeks to double its Aqua Partner network in the next 6 months, strengthening post-harvest linkage solutions and expanding its product portfolio with farmer-focused innovations, formal credit services, and new products to amplify its reach and impact. Aqua Partners are rural entrepreneurs who provide last-mile assistance to farmers while delivering the company’s services, including farm advisory, access to feed and other farm inputs, and post-harvest market linkage to domestic and international buyers.

Commenting on the Pre-Series B funding round, Rajamanohar Somasundaram, Founder & CEO of Aquaconnect, said, “The investment from S2G reinforces our mission of transforming the Indian aquaculture landscape through a phygital approach. The funds come at a critical juncture as we gear up for our next phase of growth to capture new opportunities, with an intense focus on expanding our operations in major markets. This expansion is more than just scaling. It’s about deepening our impact within the farming communities by strengthening our Aqua Partners and seafood buyer network, thus creating a more sustainable ecosystem while simultaneously enhancing the service offerings and innovative tech-driven solutions to strengthen our position in the aquaculture sector.”

“Aquaconnect’s full-stack solution is revolutionizing aquaculture in India through reliable access to a diverse set of farming input products, working capital financing, marketplace commerce, and streamlined logistics,” said Kate Danaher, Managing Director at S2G Ventures. “Aquaculture is the fastest growing method of food production in the world, and a critical solution for long-term food security. Platforms that contribute to the viability of the sector through sustainable farming practices and trade are paramount. As a leading organization in the second largest aquaculture market in the world, we believe Aquaconnect is ideally positioned to capture meaningful market share and contribute to a future of sustainable growth across the sector.”

Aquaconnect raised $15 million in a Series A funding round last year from Lok Capital, Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) Ventures, Suneight Investments, AgFunder, Omnivore, Rebright Partners, Flourish Ventures, and Hatch Blue.

Genpact Teams with Advantage Solutions, Leveraging AI

NEW DELHI, February 06, 2024 – Genpact (NYSE: G), a global professional services firm focused on delivering outcomes that transform businesses, announced a new multi-year engagement with Advantage Solutions (NASDAQ: ADV), a leading provider of sales and marketing services to consumer goods manufacturers and retailers. Combining Genpact’s domain, process, and technology expertise, with Advantage Solutions’ extensive industry experience, and leading technology platforms like Salesforce, provides solutions to foster competitive advantages and growth for global consumer goods companies.

 Genpact will lead the implementation of a suite of industry-leading platforms, including Salesforce Order Management, Esker for order automation, HighRadius for Cash App automation, collections, and smart deduction management, and Genpact’s digital business platform Genpact Cora, to rapidly scale Advantage’s commerce operations to drive fast, smart business decisions with AI-enabled and experience-led digital transformation capabilities. These platforms will unlock value through scalability, flexibility, and adaptability to streamline processes, reduce complexities and expenses, as well as enhance collaboration and efficiency across organizations.

 “Consumer goods and retail companies that embrace data, AI, and digital transformation in their operations are better equipped to respond swiftly to market changes,” said BK Kalra, President and CEO-Designate, Genpact. “Genpact’s AI-first posture, coupled with our focus on leveraging industry-leading technology partnerships, is poised to transform the Advantage Solutions consumer goods-retail ecosystem, delivering deeper value and empowering their customers to outcompete in their markets.”

 In this transformative alliance, Genpact will build an advanced, custom digital platform to automate various back-office processes for Advantage, including order-to-cash services, contract management, trade-program management, vendor-managed inventory support, call-center services, electronic data interchange, and data synchronization. This platform is designed to heighten speed and accuracy in supporting clients with these services.​

 “Leveraging technology and data for real-time insights is vital for competitive agility, and this agreement enables us to provide our clients improved, state-of-the art services without disruption,” said Dave Peacock, CEO, Advantage Solutions. “We recognize the need for an advanced digital infrastructure to help drive efficiencies and create capacity to reinvest in our core capabilities and accelerate growth. Through the work we’ll do together, we will offer clients and customers an improved overall experience as we strive to be more proactive and agile in exceeding their expectations in this dynamic environment.”

 “Our ongoing collaboration with Genpact enhances Salesforce’s ability to deliver impactful and transformational solutions for our customers, like Advantage Solutions,” said Matt DeTroia, Senior Vice President, Alliances and Channel Revenue, Salesforce. “Genpact’s expertise in technology, strategy, and process efficiency, driven by a results-oriented mindset, differentiates their capabilities to empower long-standing customer success.”