Archives January 2024

Kolte-Patil acquires two society re-development projects in Western Suburbs of Mumbai Metropolitan Region

Bengaluru, 24th January 2024 Kolte-Patil Developers Limited (BSE: 532924, NSE: KOLTEPATIL; KPDL), a leading Pune-based real estate player with a growing presence in Mumbai and Bengaluru, has signed two new society re-development projects in the western suburbs of Mumbai with total saleable area of ~3.06 lakh square feet translating into top-line potential of ~INR 545 crore. The two acquired projects are at strategic locations in prime residential areas, Dahisar and Versova, in line with the company’s growth and diversification goals of expanding its presence in Mumbai. With these additions, the company now has of a total of fifteen projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), addressing a wide spectrum of real estate demand in the city.

Project Details:

 

Sr. No. Mumbai Metropolitan Region Saleable Area Top-line Potential
1. Dahisar ~2.13 lakh sq. ft. ~INR 325 crore
2. Versova ~0.93 lakh sq. ft. ~INR 220 crore

Note: Based on current estimates

  1. The Dahisar project is well connected to the Western Express Highway. Further, the close proximity to the metro connecting via Andheri and its further expansion to the BKC add to the attractiveness of the project. The Company has demonstrated success in the Dahisar micro-market following the execution of its residential re-development project, Vaayu.
  2. The Versova project has strong demand potential and access to rapidly expanding public infrastructure including the metro lines and the proposed Versova-Virar Sea Link which will provide coastal road connectivity between South Mumbai and Western suburbs.

Commenting on this announcement, Mr. Rahul Talele, Group CEO, of Kolte-Patil Developers Ltd. said, “I am happy to announce the addition of two new society redevelopment projects in the western suburbs of Mumbai. This marks another significant milestone in our journey to strengthen our presence in Mumbai which represents the largest real estate market in the country. These projects align with our strategic goals and we are confident that our active initiatives and growing presence in society re-development space will continue to enhance our standing in the MMR market in a significant manner.

Our success comes from navigating the complexities of the real estate landscape and executing projects with speed in line with the preferences and requirements of our customers to deliver an elevated brand experience. The acquisition of these projects further demonstrates our commitment to growth and diversification beyond Pune. With a decade-long presence, we are well positioned to capitalize on the tremendous opportunity in Mumbai for trusted developers like Kolte-Patil.”

During the year FY24 till date, the Company has successfully acquired eight projects, comprising two in Pune and six in MMR, with a combined total development potential of 3.3 million square feet and a topline potential of ~INR 4,000 crore. The company remains committed to expanding on the back of innovative, capital-efficient opportunities for continued growth and expansion in its targeted markets.

Logic School of Management and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham to offer integrated MBA-ACCA and BCom-ACCA courses

CHENNAI, 24th January 2024: Logic School of Management, part of Veranda’s JK Shah Classes, is partnering with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham to introduce two integrated programs: BCom in Finance and Accounting with ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and MBA in Finance and Accounting with ACCA. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the field of finance and accounting education, combining the expertise of Logic School of Management in delivering industry-relevant programs with Amrita’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

Mr. Santhosh Kumar, Director of Logic School of Management, expressing his enthusiasm about the partnership said “The two programs we are introducing in partnership with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham will help students to integrate global perspectives with practical skills. The BCom and MBA courses in Finance and Accounting, coupled with ACCA accreditation, will provide students with a unique opportunity to excel in the dynamic world of finance.”

Dr. V S Somanath, Director of Amrita Ahead, added, “Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham collaborating with ACCA and Logic School of Management aligns with our commitment to delivering high-quality education that meets the evolving needs of the industry. The integrated courses we are launching will empower students with a comprehensive skill set, preparing them for successful careers in finance and accounting on a global scale.”

The B.Com Finance and Accounting Accredited by ACCA is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in finance principles, coupled with preparations for the prestigious ACCA qualification. Similarly, the MBA in Finance and Accounting Accredited by ACCA offers a holistic approach, combining advanced business knowledge with the globally recognized ACCA certification preparation. This partnership signifies a joint effort to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the finance and accounting profession.

DefSAT 2024 to Unveil Blueprint for Future-Ready Defence Space Capabilities

DefSAT

Embarking on the next frontier of India’s defence space capabilities, DefSat 2024 is set to unveil a strategic roadmap for future readiness. This prestigious conference, scheduled from 7th to 9th February 2024 at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, brings together an unparalleled convergence of visionaries, thought-leaders and key stakeholders, from government agencies, armed forces, and policymakers to space industry leaders, technology innovators, and diplomats.

The exclusive IndSpace Exercise, a simulated, scenario-based, interactive tabletop wargame conducted in collaboration with esteemed Defence Think Tanks and DefSat knowledge partners CENJOWS, CAPS, CLAWS, and NMF is the second in a series of many such exercises to be unfolded periodically, that scrutinizes the space industry’s capability to respond to contingencies and crises. With the active participation of the Services, MoD, ISRO, DRDO, INSPACe, NSIL, NDMA, Niti Aayog, Industry, Startups, and Academia, the conference aims to catalyze immediate actions and chart a strategic roadmap coordinated by clear policies, forward-looking planning, and an interdisciplinary approach. This initiative is dedicated to fostering a modern and future-ready sector, aligning with the vision set forth by the Prime Minister and the Defence Ministry, and safeguarding India’s aspirations and interests.

“DefSAT 2024 stands as a unique platform to address the transformative necessities outlined in the realm of defence space capabilities. It goes beyond being a mere intellectual exchange and emerges as a call to action, offering a unique opportunity to delve into discussions on decision-centric warfare, autonomous systems, and the integration of AI in the military domain, including the principles of Mosaic Warfare. Supported by top government departments, organizations, and industry leaders, DefSAT 2024 is poised to become a confluence of cutting-edge discussions, workshops, and wargames, propelling India’s defence space capabilities to new heights.” – Lt Gen PJS Pannu, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Chairman, Defence Space Committee, SIA-India

“DefSAT 2024 unfolds at a pivotal juncture as India propounds a visionary Space Policy and the New Telecom Bill, embracing a future with robust space capabilities and a thriving commercial presence. SIA-India is proud to have support from pivotal government entities and esteemed organizations such as Niti Aayog, ISRO, NSIL, IN-SPACe, DoT, DRDO, and Ministry of Defence. The agenda spanning three days, offers insightful deliberations in comprehensive sessions on diverse defence space topics, including interactive exercises and industry roundtables for practical insights and collaborative discussions.” Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, President, SIA-India.

The conference anticipates the presence of key govt and industry personalities such as Lt. Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd),) Honourable Governor of Uttarakhand, General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, Dr VK Saraswat, Honourable Member, NITI Aayog; Dr Shailesh Nayak, Director, NIAS; Lt Gen Vinod C Khandare, (Retd), Principal Adviser in the Ministry of Defence; Lt Gen PJS Pannu (Retd), PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Chairman, Defence Space Committee, SIA-India; Lt. Gen MU Nair, Head of the National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC); AVM Pawan Kumar, DG-DSA; Air Marshal Anil Chopra,(Retd) DG-CAPS; Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan, (Retd) DG-NMF; Air Vice Marshal D V Khot (Retd), Former DSA; Air Marshal GS Bedi (Retd), Former Director General(Inspection&Safety)IAF; Lt Gen Karanbir Brar, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Dr Radhakrishnan Durairaj, CMD/NSIL and many others.

Join us at DefSAT 2024 for an immersive experience, featuring cutting-edge solutions, collaborative discussions, and strategic insights that will shape the future of India’s defence space capabilities.

Inspira Enterprise Inc. appoints Gus Anagnos as its Strategic Advisor

Bengaluru, 24th January 2024 Inspira Enterprise, Inc. (“Inspira”), a global cybersecurity services organization is delighted to announce the addition of Gus Anagnos, the COO at Cyber Defense Group (CDG) as its Strategic Advisor. With an illustrious career spanning over twenty-five years, Gus brings a wealth of diverse and transformational leadership experience, successfully bridging the domains of technology and business to drive significant value.

Gus is widely known for his expertise in finance and business management and his distinguished reputation in the industry is reinforced by his educational credentials, which include a bachelor’s degree in finance from California State University, Long Beach, and an MBA from the prestigious USC Marshall School of Business. At Inspira, Gus will advise the executive team in strategic decision-making, providing valuable business insights in the cybersecurity services space, new business ideas, and supporting brand positioning and reputation. The organization will significantly benefit from Gus’ wealth of experience as it works towards revolutionizing cybersecurity to enhance safety and security on a global scale.

Gus recently held the position of Chief Information Security (CISO) at USC, where he played a pivotal role responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction on cybersecurity. He spearheaded significant security initiatives, leading a comprehensive six-year transformation of USC’s cybersecurity landscape.

Gus is an accomplished trailblazer in the space with two and a half decades of transformative leadership experience and the ability to convert technological progress into great business value. Having held key leadership positions such as CISO and CIO, Gus has made evident his expertise across various industry verticals including, Financial Services, FinTech, Education, Automotive, Oil & Gas, and Defense.

In his current role at CDG, he is responsible for corporate strategy, delivery operations, account management, and customer success.

Gus Anagnos Amit Gandre,

Welcoming Gus Anagnos Amit Gandre, CEO, Americas, Inspira Enterprise Inc, said, “We are excited to have Gus join Inspira Enterprise Inc. as our Strategic Advisor. His deep expertise in the cybersecurity domain, the wealth of experience across diverse industry verticals, and his remarkable leadership background will be invaluable as we accelerate our growth in US and globally.”

Gus Anagnos, Strategic Advisor, Inspira Enterprise, said, “It is an honor to be part of Inspira Enterprise at this exciting moment when cybersecurity is of paramount importance. The organization’s commitment to excellence aligns with my values and I eagerly look forward to contributing to its continued success.”

Inspira offers a range of cyber advisory, transformation, and operations services, enabling enterprises of all sizes to expedite the implementation and management of comprehensive cybersecurity solutions aligned with their digital transformation objectives.

Camping Bliss: Your Guide to a Cozy Republic Day Weekend Under the Stars

Bengaluru,24th January 2024 With Republic Day just around the corner, why not celebrate it uniquely, that is, under the stars, surrounded by nature? Going on a fantastic camping adventure is an excellent way to make the most of your extended weekend. However, it could become a less-than-memorable trip if you’re not equipped with the proper camping gear.. So to make your camping adventure unforgettable, we’ve got the ultimate guide for a cozy and memorable camping trip so that you don’t have to worry about other things except just enjoying the beauty of mother nature.

A Dynamic Torch

A Dynamic Torch

Gear up for camping adventure with the DL90 Unicorn Torch from Eveready – a compact, affordable, and rechargeable flashlight. Illuminate your adventures with its 1W beam and 2W emergency side light, offering up to 3 hours of torch lighting and 6 hours in dim mode for the side light. Fast-charge in just 3.5 hours, and enjoy overcharge protection, deep discharge protection, and ECT technology. Choose from stylish dark grey or yellow at Rs. 199/-, making it the go-to choice for a versatile and budget-friendly camping companion.

Trekking Shoes

Trekking Shoes

As a trekking essential, the Campus Nitroboost range is the ideal companion for your outdoor adventures. It not only epitomizes innovation and style but also embodies the essence of comfort and performance. What sets these shoes apart is the integration of Air Turbo Technology, a game-changer for long walks in the wilderness. This innovative tech maintains optimal foot freshness, keeping you comfortable during extended treks with its ingenious air circulation system embedded in the sole.

 

Sleeping Bag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sleeping Bag

An absolute essential when it comes to camping. A durable sleeping bag is the perfect fit for enjoying a cozy and comfortable camping adventure. Temperatures can drop significantly in the night while you’re gazing at the stars and trying to catch a cozy nap under the night sky. The sleeping bag will also help you keep away the unwanted insects which are mostly active during the night.

First Aid Kit

First Aid Kit

It is an absolute essential when it comes to undertaking any adventurous activity. A long day while camping can result in small cuts and scrapes that require bandaging and that is exactly why this is our absolute camping essential. Small cuts and scrapes can become infected if left untreated, therefore one must keep bandages and antiseptic in hand. Your first aid kit should include other necessities as well: scissors, adhesive, gauze, soap, a CPR mouth barrier and an emergency whistle.

Ex-Nvidia exec launches RagaAI with $4.7m funding to automatically test and fix AI

San Francisco, California – 24th January 2024 RagaAI, a pioneering AI-focused startup, has successfully closed a $4.7m seed funding round. The round was led by pi Ventures with participation from global investors including Anorak Ventures, TenOneTen Ventures, Arka Ventures, Mana Ventures, and Exfinity Venture Partners.

The sprawl of large language models (LLMs), computer vision and natural language processing (NLP) have created a new generation of applications that are reshaping industries and transforming how we engage with the world today. Ensuring the performance, safety and reliability of AI has become a key focus. Helping companies stay on top of this, RagaAI has launched from stealth with an automated and comprehensive AI testing platform.

RagaAI is establishing a robust framework for safe and reliable AI. RagaAI’s breakthrough Foundation Model called RagaAI DNA for testing uses automation to detect AI issues, and diagnose and fix them instantly. The platform already offers over 300 different tests to help users triage the issue down to its root cause. It can identify issues as varied as data drift, edge case detection, poor data labeling quality, bias in the data, lack of model robustness or adversarial attacks. RagaAI is a true multimodal platform that supports LLMs, images/videos, 3D, audio, NLP and structured data and reduces 90% of the risks while accelerating AI development by more than 3x.

RagaAI is working with a range of AI-first companies and identified two common challenges they face which RagaAI is addressing Firstly, they face a skill set constraint owing to the sparse availability of specialized AI engineers. As such AI Testing automation becomes a necessity to optimize the AI development process. Secondly, safety and security concerns loom large. AI testing will mitigate vulnerabilities and ensure the reliability and trustworthiness of AI systems

RagaAI was founded in January 2022 by tech veteran Gaurav Agarwal who spent the early part of his career at Texas Instruments before moving to mobility business Ola and computing giant NVIDIA. He and the founding team have over 50 years of collective AI expertise who want to unlock the potential of AI by bridging the gap between technological capabilities and business outcomes through AI testing. RagaAI advisors include AI leads at Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft and NVIDIA.

Gaurav Agarwal, CEO and founder of RagaAI commented: “At Ola & NVIDIA, I saw the significant consequences of AI failures due to lack of comprehensive testing. Our Foundation Models “RagaAI DNA” is already solving this problem across large fortune 500 companies. RagaAI is designed to detect AI issues, diagnose them and fix them seamlessly. Our vision is to liberate AI from the constraints of human interventions, and foster continuous improvement. In the era where AI dominates, our mission at RagaAI is to tackle the paramount challenge of ensuring the quality and consistency of AI applications. Focused on providing innovative testing solutions, we aim to unlock the full potential of the AI revolution, paving the way for a future where AI thrives with trust, reliability and excellence. Guided by our core values, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of automated AI issue detection, automated root cause analysis and fixing the issues, staying at the forefront of cutting-edge methods.”

The platform has already added value to various sectors with multiple use cases. An ecommerce client implementing a chatbot fine-tuned an open-source language model on their product catalog for customer support. RagaAI was instrumental in identifying and rectifying hallucinations, reducing errors in responses. Meanwhile, for an Automotive customer-facing challenges in detecting vehicles in low-light scenarios, RagaAI leveraged generative AI to simulate diverse lighting conditions, significantly enhancing model accuracy and potentially preventing accidents.

Research indicates that AI is poised to be a $2 trillion market by 2030. RagaAI believes that 25% of this spending will be targeted towards ensuring AI is safe and reliable and its proposition is well placed to service the demand in the time to come.

RagaAI’s funding round will primarily be used to advance research and development, with a focus on improving AI testing tools. Additionally, the company plans to expand its team and raise awareness in the AI community while forming strategic partnerships. This investment positions RagaAI for significant growth in AI innovation.

Manish Singhal, Founding Partner, pi Ventures, commented: “”In the rapidly expanding AI landscape, the importance of reliable and unbiased systems is crucial, with AI testing emerging as the linchpin for ensuring the safety, reliability, and ethicality of complex models.

Driven by their patent pending Drift detection technology, RagaAI, an AI testing platform, is well-suited to solve these massive problems for the AI deployments globally. At pi Ventures, we believe in backing founders who can create disruptive solutions for global impact. In our view, Gaurav and his stellar team at Raga are fulfilling that goal in a big way. We are pleased to be associated with them. “

RagaAI has a key focus on Enterprise and data privacy is at its core. It is the only AI & MLOPS product to have all of the SOC2 Type2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR & CCPA certifications. Additionally, RagaAI technology is deployed on customer’ private clouds or their on-prem infra. Designed for data scientists and ML engineers, RagaAI is offered through a fully featured UI and an easy-to-use python interface.

Understanding the Impact of Winter Season on Pregnancy and Essential Precautions

Dr Ritu Sethi, Director, the Aura Speciality Clinic, Gurgaon

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey, but each season brings its unique challenges. As winter blankets the world in frosty temperatures, expectant mothers may find themselves facing distinct considerations and potential risks. The impact of the winter season on pregnancy and outline essential precautions to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for both mother and baby.

The Impact of Winter on Pregnancy:
1-Cold and Immune Health: The winter season often brings an increased risk of respiratory infections, including the flu and common cold. Pregnant women may be more susceptible to these illnesses due to changes in their immune system. It’s crucial to maintain good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, to reduce the risk of infections.
2- Vitamin D Deficiency: Limited exposure to sunlight during winter can contribute to vitamin D deficiency. This essential vitamin plays a crucial role in the development of the baby’s bones and overall health. Pregnant women should consider vitamin D supplements, especially if their exposure to sunlight is minimal.
3- Dehydration: Cold weather can be deceiving, and pregnant women may not feel as thirsty as they do in warmer months. However, indoor heating systems and dry winter air can lead to dehydration. Staying well-hydrated is essential for the health of both the mother and the baby.
4- Physical Activity Challenges: Cold weather can discourage outdoor physical activities, which are beneficial for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Pregnant women should explore indoor exercise options, such as prenatal yoga or swimming, to stay active and relieve stress.

Precautions for a Healthy Winter Pregnancy:

1- Dress in Layers: To combat the cold, pregnant women should dress in layers to regulate body temperature. Thermal undergarments, a warm coat, and a hat are essential for staying warm during outdoor activities.

2- Stay Hydrated: Combat the drying effects of indoor heating by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Herbal teas and warm soups can also contribute to hydration while providing essential nutrients.

3- Boost Immune Health: Ensure a robust immune system by consuming a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Additionally, discuss the flu vaccine with your healthcare provider to protect against seasonal influenza.

4- Vitamin D Supplementation: Since sunlight exposure may be limited during the winter, consider vitamin D supplements to meet the recommended daily intake. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage.

5- Indoor Air Quality: Maintain good indoor air quality by regularly ventilating living spaces. Proper ventilation helps reduce the risk of respiratory infections and ensures a comfortable environment for the expecting mother.

6- Exercise Safely: Although outdoor activities may be limited, pregnant women can engage in safe indoor exercises like prenatal yoga or swimming. Consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine.

7- Moisturize and Protect Skin: Cold winter air can be harsh on the skin, leading to dryness and irritation. Use a gentle moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated, and don’t forget to apply sunscreen if spending time outdoors, as UV rays can still be harmful during winter.

LinkedIn shares list of Top Emerging Jobs in Bengaluru for professionals

Professionals in Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India, are willing to make bold career moves despite economic uncertainty. New research from LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, has revealed that nearly 9 in 10 (89%) of professionals in Bengaluru are considering a new job in 2024.

As AI accelerates the pace of skill change, LinkedIn data shows that skills for jobs in India have changed by 30% since 2015. By 2030, they are expected to change by 65%, globally. Amidst these shifts, job hunting can be challenging, but professionals in Bengaluru are determined. To stand apart from the crowd, 68% of professionals in the city are trying new ways to succeed in their job search. 75% are investing in personal branding by posting more content on LinkedIn, while 83% are becoming more active in growing their professional network. They are also keen on using AI with 77% of professionals saying it can help make their job search more efficient and productive.

To help professionals invest their energies in the right direction, LinkedIn has revealed the list of Jobs on the Rise in Bengaluru:

  1. Investment Associate
  2. Sales Development Representative
  3. Insights Analyst
  4. Growth Manager
  5. Public Relations Executive
  6. Delivery Consultant
  7. Tax Specialist
  8. Business Development Representative
  9. Affiliate Manager
  10. User Experience Researcher

With 95% of recruiters in India planning to welcome new talent this year, LinkedIn wants to help them find the right candidates and equip their workforce with skills of the future. To that end, LinkedIn has piloted new generative AI tools:

  • Recruiter 2024: LinkedIn’s new AI-assisted recruiting experience makes hiring more efficient and easy so talent leaders can focus on strategic, people-centric work. Hirers can use natural language search prompts like – “I want to hire a senior growth marketing leader” – and LinkedIn’s AI models, paired with unique insights from over 1 billion professionals, 67.1 million companies and 41,000 skills on LinkedIn can infer the type of candidate the hirer is looking for and provide higher-quality candidate recommendations from a much wider pool of candidates.
  • LinkedIn Learning’s AI-powered coaching: LinkedIn is testing out real-time advice in two of the most in-demand skills that apply across all types of jobs: leadership and management. Learners can pose a question like: How can I delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively? Instead of giving you a one-size-fits-all answer, it will ask you clarifying questions to more deeply understand your specific situation and experience and then offer advice, examples, and feedback based on hundreds of hours of content from LinkedIn Learning’s expert instructors.

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Methodology

  • Consumer research: This research was conducted by Censuswide, with 1097 professionals in full-time or part-time employment across India between 24 November 2023 to 12 December 2023. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles. Censuswide are members of the British Polling Council.
  • Jobs on the Rise: LinkedIn Economic Graph researchers examined millions of jobs started by LinkedIn members from January 1, 2019 to July 31, 2023 to calculate a growth rate for each job title. To be ranked, a job title needed to see consistent growth across our membership base, as well as have grown to a meaningful size by 2023. Identical job titles across different seniority levels were grouped and ranked together. Internships, volunteer positions, interim roles and student roles were excluded, and jobs where hiring was dominated by a small handful of companies in each country were also excluded. Additional data points for each of the job titles are based on LinkedIn profiles of members holding the title and/or open jobs for that title in the country.

Brawner Insurance Agency Joins Valley Insurance Agency Alliance

Owner Jared Brawner is seeking to expand his agency’s services with the alliance’s assistance.

(St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 23, 2024) Brawner Insurance Agency recently joined Valley Insurance Agency Alliance (VIAA), a cohesive family of more than 160 independent insurance agencies in Missouri and Illinois.

Jared BrawnerFounded in 1992, Brawner Insurance Agency is led by second generation owner Jared Brawner. The full-service agency is located at 2605 N. Baltimore St. in Kirksville, Mo. For more than 30 years, Brawner Insurance Agency has been providing protection for crop, Medicare, and personal insurance needs. By partnering with VIAA, the agency aims to expand its services to include employee benefits, farm, and commercial insurance, while remaining a family-owned and independent company.

“The alliance offers resources to help provide stronger market access, keep up with industry trends, and leverage the expertise of a proven leader in the insurance industry,” said Brawner Insurance Agency owner Jared Brawner. “VIAA is aligned with these objectives and, more importantly, understands our agency values. Their partnership and support have been a win-win with our staff and our clients as we navigate the ever-changing world of insurance.”

Brawner added that VIAA will enable “our agency to expand the number of carriers we offer, as well as better serve our community’s farmers, businesses, and individuals.”

Founded in 2006, Valley Insurance Agency Alliance generates more than $600 million in written premium and is the regional founding member SIAA – The Agent Alliance, a $12.5 billion national insurance network.

For more information about Brawner Insurance Agency, call (660) 665-1687 or visit www.brawnerinsurance.com.

Fintech major Kiya.ai expands global presence in the Middle East and Africa region through Strategic Partnership with Arab Financial Services

Fintech major Kiya.ai expands global presence in the Middle East and Africa region through Strategic Partnership with Arab Financial ServicesBengaluru, January 23, 2024: Kiya.ai, India’s leading Fintech company globally recognised for its AI-based omnichannel banking, core-banking tech, regtech, and metaverse solutions expands its global presence across the Middle East and Africa region through a strategic partnership with Arab Financial Services (AFS), MEA region’s principal digital payment solutions provider and fintech enabler, with a legacy spanning four decades.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both entities, as they join forces to enhance the technological landscape of the banking and financial services industry in the Middle East and Africa. Through this partnership, AFS’s diverse products and solutions portfolio will be further enhanced with Kiya.ai’s deep domain expertise and new-age banking technologies which include Core Banking, Digital Banking, Internet Banking, electronic Customer Onboarding (eCO) and Trade Finance solutions.

Kiya.ai has worked with 110+ financial institutions across the MEA region. With this partnership, both entities aim to offer comprehensive banking suite solutions and on-board financial institutions from the 20 countries of the MEA region.

Amit Sharma, President – Products, Kiya.ai said, “We are delighted and proud to announce a partnership between Kiya.ai and Arab Financial Services (AFS), which expands our addressable market and opens new opportunities for growth in the Middle East and Africa regions. This strategic partnership is more than just a collaboration; it’s a catalyst for growth, efficiency, and excellence. Our cutting-edge solutions and deep knowledge of global market practices and regulations coupled with expertise in modern architectures have enabled us to be the trusted partner for the region’s prominent fintech enabler. Together, we are poised to set new standards in the financial industry, leveraging our combined expertise to drive transformative change and propel the sector into a dynamic and technologically advanced era.”

Samer Soliman, Chief Executive Officer, Arab Financial Services, said, “AFS is honoured to lead the technological transformation in pioneering the expansion of technology within the financial sector. We are committed to supporting our many banking clients and partners and always keeping them ahead of the region’s rapid digital progress. Our partnership with Kiya.ai adds value to AFS’s diverse digital payments production and solution portfolio. This further highlights our commitment to augmenting our bank clients’ offerings, and expanding our spectrum of customer-centric solutions. This collaboration strengthens our position as the leading provider of innovative digital payment solutions in the Middle East and Africa.”

AFS is the Middle East and Africa region’s leading digital payment solutions provider and fintech enabler. Regulated by The Central Bank of Bahrain, and majority-owned by Bank ABC, AFS boasts numerous ground-breaking end-to-end digital payment services and solutions. These span debit, credit, and Islamic card processing, merchant acquiring, fintech, and a suite of state-of-the-art value-added services. Providing the highest quality payment solutions that are trusted by businesses, AFS has offices and data centers in Bahrain, Egypt, Oman, and the UAE. Its dedication to innovation has positioned AFS as a driving market force delivering a rich portfolio of payment solutions including its Open Banking hub, popular digital mobile wallets, market-leading merchant acquiring services, Bahrain’s leading digital payroll solution, global contact centers and more.