Archives July 2023

IT hiring in Q2FY24 is expected to be cautious yet strategic: NLB Services

Q1FY24 results of IT giants shed light on the impact of economic uncertainty, on the overall profit and margin. As these companies strive to maintain financial stability and adapt to evolving market dynamics while focusing on business transformation and technological advancements, their subdued Q1 results have triggered a cautious approach toward talent acquisition, and the same is expected to continue. As a good sign, almost all major players witnessed a dip in attrition. However, on the other hand, the net addition of employees has dropped compared to the previous quarter. Given the subdued results and the prevailing environment, the IT sector is anticipated to adopt a cautious stance toward hiring in the upcoming quarter.

Sharing his views, Mr. Sachin Alug, CEO of NLB Services added, ‘The current scenario necessitates a prudent approach to recruitment, emphasizing quality over quantity. Organizations are likely to prioritize hiring for critical positions and specialized skill sets that align with their growth strategies and the evolving needs of their clients. The IT sector’s continued focus on transformation will require a skilled workforce proficient in emerging technologies such as Generative AI, machine learning, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics, among others. Despite muted sentiments, demand for these niche skills will continue to rise 10-12% Q-o-Q in this financial year.’

Overall, the hiring outlook in the IT sector for Q2 FY24 is expected to be cautious yet strategic. While hiring volumes may remain relatively muted, organizations will focus on optimizing existing talent, strategically acquiring specialized skill sets, and embracing emerging technologies.

Delta Electronics India Announces Appointment of Manjula Girish Business Head for EV Charging and Photovoltaic Inverter division

GURUGRAM, 15th July 2023—Delta Electronics India Pvt Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of Manjula Girish business head for the EV Charging and Photovoltaic Inverter division. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, making her an invaluable asset to our team. She will report directly to Niranjan Nayak, the Managing Director of Delta Electronics India.

With an impressive professional background, Manjula has held significant leadership positions in renowned companies. At Schneider Electric, she excelled as a Senior General Manager, overseeing commercial end-to-end operations. Her strategic prowess and business acumen were instrumental in driving sales and managing key accounts.

During her tenure at Mouser Electronics, a global distributor of electronic components, Manjula served as a Senior Manager of Sales and Service. Her exceptional sales strategies and dedication to customer satisfaction contributed to the company’s growth and market presence.

Manjula’s career also includes a successful stint as the Group Lead for Inside Sales and Customer Service at UL India Pvt Ltd, a leading safety science company. Her expertise in customer relationship management and service delivery played a vital role in enhancing UL India’s market position.

Manjula’s educational qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Bangalore University. She further honed her skills by completing an executive program in Sales and Marketing from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Calcutta.

Commenting on her new role, Manjula Manjulasaid, “I am thrilled to join Delta Electronics and lead the EV charging and Photovoltaic Inverter division. I look forward to working closely with the talented team here and driving innovative solutions that meet our customers’ needs in the ever-evolving energy sector.”

Niranjan Nayak, the Managing Director of Delta Electronics India, expressed his enthusiasm for Manjula’s appointment, stating, “We are delighted to have Manjula Girish join our team. Her extensive experience and expertise in sales, marketing, and project management make her the ideal leader. We are confident that her strategic vision and customer-centric approach will drive our growth and success.”

We extend a warm welcome to Manjula Girish as she embarks on this exciting journey with Delta Electronics. Her exceptional leadership skills, industry knowledge, and passion for excellence will undoubtedly make a significant impact on our organization. Together, we will continue to deliver outstanding solutions and services in the energy infrastructure sector, meeting the evolving needs of our valued customers.

Bajaj Allianz Life innovates savings plans with Bajaj Allianz Life ACE

Bajaj Allianz Life innovates

India, 15th July, 2023: Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, one of the leading private life insurers, launched the ace of savings plans, today. Bajaj Allianz Life ACE, a non-linked, participating, early-income life insurance plan, offers enhanced flexibility to customers to tailor-make the cash flows as per their unique financial requirements. Participating or savings life insurance plans are popular amongst customers as they offer three key features – safety, liquidity and returns. Bajaj Allianz Life’s existing savings plans not only come with these features but are backed by consistent high returns and bonuses declared by the Company, regularly. With its latest savings plan, Bajaj Allianz Life ACE, the Company has further strengthened the advantages offered by its savings plans.

Bajaj Allianz Life ACE is suitable for all those customers who are keen to create and control their income flow to plan for multiple life goals. Through this product, customers can now choose either a higher income to create an additional source of income, or a higher lumpsum to create a legacy or enjoy the balance of both regular income and lumpsum. All this in addition to the life cover the product offers. Never have participating or savings life insurance plans offered customers this kind of flexibility and given them the power of choice to design their income flow as per their needs.

Speaking at the launch of Bajaj Allianz Life ACE, Mr. Tarun Chugh, MD & CEO of Bajaj Allianz Life, said, “To make traditional savings products more beneficial for customers, I’m happy to introduce, for the first time ever, the component of enhanced flexibility in a participating plan. This feature will provide the customers the power of choice. Depending on their financial goal customers can choose the level of income, when & for how long they want the income, and how they want their cash flow. This wasn’t possible earlier. This flexibility backed by our consistent past performance gives me the confidence that our new savings plan will have a strong place in our customers’ financial portfolio.”

KEY FEATURES OF BAJAJ ALLIANZ LIFE ACE

Bajaj Allianz Life ACE offers flexibility with its key feature of dynamic income options. Here, customers can choose the desired income, income start year, income period, adjust maturity benefits as per their goals and much more at the start of the policy! This feature ensures that in addition to receiving a life cover, customers can fulfil their diverse financial requirements through just this one plan.

Other unique aspects of Bajaj Allianz Life ACE include early or deferred income option, which enables customers to receive income right from the start of the policy or defer the start of your income for up to 5 years. This can be from the end of first month of paying the premium or deferring it to a specific period to suit their financial needs. The product also allows customers to choose their income tenure, starting with a minimum of 10 years to up to the age of 100 years.

Additionally, Bajaj Allianz Life ACE also provides the Goal Protection Benefit as an option that ensures the policyholder’s family continues to get income through the policy term, even if the policyholder was to pass away during the policy term.

For women, Bajaj Allianz Life ACE comes with additional income benefit. So now they will not only enjoy the safety, liquidity, returns and flexibility of savings products but also get additional income as they plan for their many life goals with Bajaj Allianz Life ACE.

WHAT MAKES BAJAJ ALLIANZ LIFE ACE STAND OUT:

1. Dynamic adjustment of income and maturity benefit at policy start

2. Flexibility in choosing the term and amount of both premium payment and income
3. In addition to the life cover, offers life-long income up to the age of 100 years
4. Option to receive income as early as from the first month of the policy
5. Choice to defer income for a certain period, ranging from 1 to 5 years
6. Option of Goal Protection Benefit ensuring financial security to the nominee in the unfortunate event of the policyholder’s demise through death benefit, waiver on premium, along with continued income and maturity benefits
7. Additional income benefit for women policyholders

Introducing Boult Crown: Experience the Perfect Fusion of Style and Innovation

Boult Crown

New Delhi,15th July 2023 The trailblazer in consumer electronics innovation, home-grown brand Boult, unveils its latest smartwatch, ‘Crown’, an extension to the Crown series of smartwatches. Known for their exquisite designs, Boult’s newly launched smartwatches come in a zinc alloy metal frame with sleek silicone straps. As an extension of Boult’s esteemed Crown series, this smartwatch exemplifies the brand’s commitment to exquisite design and state-of-the-art features.

Designed to impress, the Crown smartwatch showcases a zinc alloy metal frame with a sleek silicone strap, combining elegance with durability. Its captivating design will undoubtedly make a fashion statement on any wrist. Customers can now purchase the Crown exclusively on Boult’s official website (www.boultaudio.com) and Flipkart, ensuring a convenient and secure online shopping experience.

What sets the Crown smartwatch apart is its crystal-clear resolution and unparalleled clarity. The grand XX 1.95″ HD display, coupled with 900 Nits brightness, creates a visual spectacle that captivates the wearer. Whether indoors or outdoors, users can expect stunning visuals that bring their watch face to life.

Embracing the latest in technological advancements, the Crown smartwatch features an impressive Voice Assistance feature, enabling seamless interaction through voice commands. Users can effortlessly control their smartwatch and access various functions using just their voice, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

Connectivity is never an issue with the Crown smartwatch. Equipped with single-chip 5.2 version Bluetooth technology, users can enjoy supreme connectivity with a simple tap. Additionally, the dedicated mic and speaker ensure uninterrupted Bluetooth calling, providing a seamless communication experience.

Personalization is key with the Crown smartwatch. With over 150 cloud-based watch face features, users can choose from a range of animated watch faces to suit their style and mood. Customization options allow users to express their individuality and make their Crown smartwatch truly their own.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the Crown smartwatch’s extensive tracking capabilities. With more than 120 workout modes, users can easily monitor and track their fitness routines, helping them stay motivated and reach their goals. The Crown smartwatch is a reliable companion that empowers users to lead a healthier lifestyle.

The Crown smartwatch is now available for purchase at an irresistible launch price of INR 1499, offering consumers an excellent opportunity to experience its exceptional features firsthand. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of innovation and luxury with Boult’s Crown smartwatch.

For more information, please visit Boult’s official website at www.boultaudio.com.

Speaking about the launch, Varun Gupta, Co-Founder & CEO, Boult, said, “Boult is always at the forefront of innovation in technology and aesthetics, whether hearables or wearables. And we are thrilled to announce our latest addition, Crown, in the same category, which exude a perfect combination of style and functionality. Boult smartwatches are meticulously designed to take you into a realm of futuristic wearables where users can always multitask and, most importantly, be in sync with their daily routine.”

Incorporating Boult Health technology, a Pedometer, the Find My Phone feature, a Weather tracker, and attractive mini-games like Flappy Bird, Hamster, Battleship, and Crown smartwatches serves all purposes. Powered by state-of-the-art innovation, from monitoring heart rate 24×7, blood pressure, SpO2 saturation, sleep, menstrual cycle, and the number of steps walked to staying in touch with smart notifications such as drink water reminders and sedentary reminders, they are capable of managing everything. Additionally, for those who have a habit of leaving their phones behind, both smartwatches are the ideal choice as they comprise the Find My Phone feature. Moreover, users don’t have to worry about water damage, as Crown are IP67 water and dust-resistant technology-enabled smartwatches, making them suitable for every terrain.

HCL Foundation and Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust announce partnership to unlock potential of young sports talent from grassroots

HCL Foundation and Abhinav Bindra Foundation

HYDERABAD and NOIDA, India, 15th July 2023 – HCL Foundation, which delivers the corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda for HCLTech in India, and the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT) have joined forces to identify young sports talent from underserved communities across India and provide them advanced training to help them compete in national and international sports championships.

Under the partnership, HCL Foundation and ABFT have selected 45 sportspersons in the 10-16 years age group. These athletes represent diverse sports that include football, athletics, basketball, kabaddi, cricket, rugby, boxing and volleyball. Of these, 10 athletes with significant potential will be part of ABFT’s one-year STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Analytics, Medicine) program, which provides high-performance training and development in coordination with their coaches at the ABFT centers in Bengaluru and Delhi. The program encompasses physiotherapy, mental health, injury management, rehabilitation, strength and conditioning. The remaining 35 athletes will be part of ABFT’s Scientific Assessment Program, which provides customized training plans for athletes and coaches. The ABFT team will also conduct regular capacity-building sessions for coaches on the importance of assessments, the use of data for talent identification, injury management and nutrition for athletes.

The partnership with ABFT is part of HCL Foundation’s Sports for Change initiative which focuses on balanced participation, excellence and holistic development for children and youth from disadvantaged communities. To date, 27,000+ children and young sportspersons have benefited from the program. While 13 sportspersons supported through this initiative have represented India at international championships, another 42 participated in national-level competitions. HCL Foundation Sports Scholar, Jerlin Anika, became India’s first woman Deaflympian to receive the Arjuna Award in 2022 for her achievements in badminton. Jerlin won three gold medals at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil while representing India. She also won six gold medals at the Asia Pacific Youth Badminton Championships and Asia Pacific Deaf Badminton Championships in Thailand.

“We are excited to join hands with the HCL Foundation on this groundbreaking initiative towards empowering the sports ecosystem in India. Our goal is to establish an enduring ecosystem that fosters the growth and empowerment of athletes, enabling them to achieve the highest levels of sporting success. With an inclusive approach, the program focuses on athletes from disadvantaged communities and provides a scientifically structured and holistic training and development program that is affordable and accessible to all,” said Abhinav Bindra, Olympic Champion & Founder, Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust. Bindra is the first Indian to win an individual Olympic gold medal.

“Our partnership with the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust will empower young athletes with the necessary resources and mentoring to unlock their full potential. Through the integration of high-performance training and technology-oriented scientific assessments within the framework of global best practices, we aim to establish an Olympics Development Program geared towards producing top-class international athletes. The collaboration underscores our unwavering dedication to sports development and belief in harnessing the transformative potential of sports,” said Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Vice President, Global CSR, HCL Foundation.

Eaton showcases substantial progress on 2030 sustainability goals, on track to meet several targets ahead of schedule

15th July 2023, Pune, India: Intelligent power management company Eaton (NYSE: ETN) released its 2022 Sustainability Report. The report features the company’s substantial progress toward its 2030 sustainability goals.

Eaton’s 2022 report showcases more transparency and reporting rigor than ever before, including the company’s forward-thinking approach to climate-related risks and opportunities, through its Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) section, embedded directly into the report.

The report shows that Eaton is ahead or on pace to meet several of its targets, including:

Carbon emissions: Reduced GHG emissions by 27% in its operations since 2018 through increased energy efficiency, energy conservation, and shifts to renewable energy.

Sustainable solutions: Solutions that enable electrification, energy transition, electric grid resilience, increase efficiency in ground and air transportation or improve air quality represented 71% of the company’s net sales in 2022, up from 65% in 2021.

Sustainable investments: Invested $900 million in research and development for sustainable solutions since 2020, up from $528 million in 2021.

Water: Certified 8% of manufacturing sites as zero water discharge, focusing on sites in water-stressed areas.
Waste: Certified 75% of manufacturing sites as zero waste to landfill, moving the company closer to its goal to certify 100% by 2030.

Employee development: Met company employee training hours goal.

Full results can be seen on the company’s 2022 Sustainability Dashboard.

“At Eaton, we embrace the tremendous responsibility we have to act now to address climate change,” said Craig Arnold, chairman and chief executive officer, Eaton. “We continue to push forward in our journey to pursue our bold environmental, social and governance goals—and we’re making significant progress.”

“Our 2022 Sustainability Report describes in more detail than ever how we’re helping the world decarbonize electricity and optimize energy usage,” said Harold Jones, chief sustainability officer and executive vice president, Eaton Business System, Eaton. “It’s critical we keep our momentum strong to reach our targets and make good on our mission to improve the quality of life and the environment.”

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment for people everywhere. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, operate sustainably, and help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy, helping solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges, and doing what’s best for our stakeholders and society.

Founded in 1911, Eaton is marking its 100th anniversary of being listed on the New York Stock Exchange. We reported revenues of $20.8 billion in 2022 and serve customers in more than 170 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram

ICICI Bank opens a new branch in Surat

ICICI Bank opens a new branch in Surat

Surat: ICICI Bank has set up a new branch at Lal Darwaja in Surat. This is the 52nd branch of the Bank in the city. Housed at Shubh Square, Patel Wadi, the branch has an ATM cum Cash Recycler Machine (CRM) to offer cash deposit and withdrawal services to customers. The machine is available round the clock.

Padma Shri Mathurbhai M. Savani, Chairman, of Kiran Hospital, inaugurated the branch.

The branch offers a comprehensive range of accounts, deposits, and loans including savings and current accounts, fixed and recurring deposits, business loan, home loan, personal loan, auto loan, gold loan, and forex services along with card services. It operates from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm Monday to Friday and on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month.

The Bank has a network of close to 450 branches and over 800 ATMs in Gujarat.

ICICI Bank services its large customer base through a multi-channel delivery network of branches, ATMs, call centres, internet banking (www.icicibank.com), and mobile banking.

VMRAY partners with BD Software for Indian Markets

Mumbai 14th July 2023: BD Software, a highly renowned value-added security distributor, and VMRay, a cybersecurity solutions provider, are excited to announce their strategic partnership to bring malware analysis and detection solutions to Indian Businesses & enterprises. VMRay specializes in providing cybersecurity solutions, particularly in the field of automated detection and analysis of advanced malware and phishing threats. By partnering with BD Software, VMRay will gain access to a broader customer base and benefit from the expertise and network of BD Software’s partners.

Zakir Hussain Rangwala,

“We included VMRay technologies in our portfolio after rigorous testing and evaluation. Cybersecurity is becoming a top priority for organizations, and they depend on our expertise to identify the best-of-breed solutions in the market. The sheer number of security alerts and the complexity of advanced malware and phishing attacks often overwhelms cybersecurity teams, making it difficult for them to respond promptly to incidents. VMRay’s solutions help improve the efficiency of security operations by assisting teams in filtering out false positives, identifying new strains of malware, extracting relevant threat intelligence, and prioritizing the most critical events. We see great potential in partnering with VMRay.” said Mr. Zakir Hussain Rangwala, CEO of BD Software

Simon Lowery,

Commenting on the association, Simon Lowery, Director of Sales APAC & EMEA at VMRay, said, “We are proud to partner with BD Software and their teams of security experts to provide leading-edge cybersecurity technologies to enterprises and organizations in India. It’s crucial that we find a partner who not only understands our unique value proposition but also possesses the technical expertise necessary to bring our solutions to the market as we continue to expand our international presence.”

BD Software is an exclusive country partner to Bitdefender, with several strategic partners, which include End Point Security, DLP, Risk Management, Activity Monitoring & Mobile Device Management, Web Application Firewall & Web Filtering, Security Operations Centre & MDR, Human Resource Management Solutions, OCR & New Age Document Solution Etc.

Saint Louis University Launches LevelUP ; Guarantees Work Experiences for International Students Upon Graduation

14th July 2023 | India – In the current landscape of the workplace in the United States, many companies are hesitant to hire international students, largely due to misconceptions that the process is time-consuming, expensive and inconvenient. These misconceptions create barriers that leave international students at a significant disadvantage in the American job market.

Recognizing this challenge, Saint Louis University (SLU) has boldly launched the LevelUP program for its international students. LevelUP is a career-orientated pathway guaranteeing work experience opportunities to students. It seeks to boost the employability of international students with an assurance of career preparedness.

Saint Louis University announced LevelUP during recent events in Mumbai and Hyderabad.

“I am elated to announce the launch of Saint Louis University’s LevelUP program, which revolutionizes the career trajectory of international students in the United States,” said Luchen Li, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Global Engagement and International Enrollment at SLU.

The program’s comprehensive support system not only prepares students for their chosen careers but also dispels the misconceptions surrounding the hiring process for international students. By doing so, LevelUP empowers international students to excel in their chosen fields, stand out in the job market and achieve their career aspirations.

LevelUP provides a journey map for professional success. With access to opportunities such as internships, career events, workshops, competitions and more, the program equips students with the tools they need to thrive at SLU and beyond.

This exceptional program is made possible through SLU’s unique partnership with Excelerate, the world’s first platform for gaining 21st-century skills through personalized experiences and internship opportunities from anywhere in the world. Through the Excelerate platform, students participating in LevelUP can map their journey to success, track their progress and will get a guaranteed work experience w upon completion of LevelUP.

Eric Armbrecht, Ph.D., Saint Louis University’s Associate Provost and Director of SLU’s Global Graduate Program, noted that modern universities must focus on supporting the achievement of students’ career goals and personal ambitions.

“Saint Louis University’s LevelUp program reaffirms our pledge to support international students by guaranteeing the experiences known to provide advantages, Armbrecht said. “LevelUp complements SLU’s long-standing excellence in teaching, research and healthcare, and the Excelerate platform enables us to connect with people all over the world in a new way.”

ICICI Bank opens a new branch in Aurangabad

ICICI Bank opens a new branch in Aurangabad

Aurangabad: ICICI Bank has set up a new branch at Mauli Tower in the city of Aurangabad. This is the eighth branch of the Bank in the city. Housed at Ladgaon Shendra MIDC, the branch has an ATM cum Cash Recycler Machine (CRM) to offer cash deposit and withdrawal services to the customers. The machine is available round the clock.

Dr. Bhagwat Karad, Minister of State for Finance, Government of India and Mr. Haribhau Bagade, MLA, Aurangabad inaugurated the branch.

The branch offers a comprehensive range of accounts, deposits, and loans including savings and current accounts, fixed and recurring deposits, business loan, home loan, personal loan, auto loan, gold loan, trade services, forex services along with card services. It operates from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm Monday to Friday and on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month.

The Bank has a network of over 700 branches and over 1300 ATMs in Maharashtra.

ICICI Bank services its large customer base through a multi-channel delivery network of branches, ATMs, call centres, internet banking (www.icicibank.com), and mobile banking.