Archives August 2024

The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University is excited to announce the launch of its inaugural MSIS Global Case Competition in August 2024. This high-stakes competition aims to identify and attract top-tier talent for the Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program, while elevating the program’s global visibility.

The competition will challenge undergraduate students from top universities across India to showcase their problem-solving, leadership and innovation skills. By engaging with a diverse pool of participants, the Kelley School aims to build a strong pipeline of qualified candidates for its MSIS program.

The competition will consist of two rounds. Round one will involve a case analysis and video presentation, with finalists advancing to the second round. The final round will be held in New Delhi itself on September 22nd, 2024, where participants will present their solutions to a panel of industry experts.

To incentivize participation and recognize outstanding performance, the competition offers substantial prizes. Winning teams will receive cash prizes, and individual participants can earn scholarships towards the MSIS program.

• First Place: $1,500 team prize and $5,000 scholarship per person
•  Second Place: $1,000 team prize and $4,000 scholarship per person
•  Third Place: $500 team prize and $3,000 scholarship per person
• All Finalists: $1,000 scholarship per person

By offering substantial scholarships and an immersive experience in Delhi, the Kelley School aims to create a compelling opportunity for students to showcase their talent and explore the MSIS program.

“We believe that this competition will not only attract exceptional students but also position the Kelley School of Business as a global leader in information systems education,” said Professor Bipin Prabhakar, Faculty Chairperson, Information Systems Graduate Programs, Kelley School of Business. “We are excited to offer this platform for students to demonstrate their potential and to connect with our esteemed faculty.”

3rd August 2024: Good friends help paint the canvas of our good days and hold our hair back through our worst. Friendship Day celebrates these omnipresent friendships and values the special bond between friends, reminding us to cherish and appreciate them despite our busy lives. Stemming from simple gestures like friendship bracelets, exchanged as tokens of affection among friends, it’s now a special day to express our love and care even when things keep us busy in our separate lives. Serving as a modern replacement for the yearly exchange of friendship bracelets, Friendship Day gifts symbolize and value our enduring friendships.

This curated gift guide for Friendship Day offers a selection of practical and thoughtful gifts, ensuring every modern shopper finds the perfect token for their friends; from practical accessories to a digital gift card, we’ve ensured there’s a special something to mirror your appreciation for the close friends in your life. Celebrate Friendship Day with Flipkart and find the perfect gift to honor the friendships that enrich your life.

Brooklyn Bag by Miraggio

The perfect tote for a person on the go: a sturdy and spacious bag to hold their laptop, journal, notes and everything else they need for a busy day. The contrasting beige and tan tones make it classy and versatile to style with both Western and Indian outfits – the perfect practical gift for your best friend.

Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Wallet

A foolproof product for your male friends when you’re confused about picking the perfect gift: wallets. A always practical and masculine staple of leather goods, it makes for an ideal gift. This classic black leather wallet from Tommy Hilfigher adds the perfect touch of sophistication and style.

Flipkart Gift Cards

This Friendship Day, give the gift of freedom and flexibility with gift cards! Choose from a range of Flipkart gift cards that cater to every interest and budget. Treat your friends to something special of their choice, whether it’s a delicious meal, a shopping spree, or an exciting movie day. With Flipkart gift cards, show your friends you care without the hassle of guessing games or returns!

Calvin Klein Sweatshirt

Cozy, effortless and cool. This sweatshirt, in a warm neutral color, serves as the perfect clothing staple that adds a touch of modern classic to a wardrobe. A minimal, unisex product that’ll easily blend into every person’s style.

boAt Stone 1200F

The boAt Stone 1200F Bluetooth speaker is your ideal companion for any celebration. With vibrant sound and colorful RGB lights, it sets the perfect mood for fun gatherings. Enjoy music together and create unforgettable memories with friends.

boAt Smart Ring Active

The boAt Smart Ring Active combines fashion-forward design with smart functionality. Keep track of your heart rate and sleep patterns effortlessly. Crafted with a lightweight stainless-steel design and complemented by a charging case, this sleek wearable seamlessly blends style with functionality.

GIVA Sterling Silver Tennis Bracelet

An grown up version of our childhood friendship bracelets – the tennis bracelet. A riveting and dazzling stack of Zirconia studs makes this the perfect arm candy for a special friend, whether they’re fans of jewelry or fashion! A versatile jewelry piece that can be worn as is, or stacked with your favourite watch.

Bengaluru, 3rd Aug 2024: Acculi Labs, a deep-tech life growth solution provider and multidimensional conscious AI company has recently raised $1.5 million funds led by Sabi Holding India Ltd, an investment and development company dedicated towards sustainable living. The investment came at a base valuation of $ 25 million and the raised amount will be utilised to accelerate the development of Lyra, the conscious AI insights systems and Lyfas Udyam project including a sustainable agriculture JV by the two companies.

With the allocation of 50% of funds towards the JV and the rest towards Acculi’s diverse offerings, the company is striving to enhance its manpower, operational efficiency, infrastructure development, and manufacturing and production capacity.

Talking about the fundraise, Sweta U., head of Lyfas Udyam and Riyasree, convenor and coordinator of PAIO commented, “We are excited about this funding as it will help drive growth and innovation to our current solutions. With a focus on solving complex problems, this capital will enable us to expand our offerings. Backed by our shared vision, we are looking forward to extending our data power for helping Sabi make informed decisions, while leveraging their financial tools to strengthen our PAIO.”

This funding round is to enable Acculi Labs to also focus on serving a fast growing customer segment of growth-oriented solopreneurs and GenZs. Previously, these groups faced a nuanced set of challenges, including solitude, deep questioning of life, self-care, emotional regulation, and financial and creative freedom which created a pressing need for solutions tailor-made for them.

Having recognised the surging interests of India’s youth in prioritising self-care over traditional healthcare methods, Acculi Labs, incepted in 2017 pioneered a revolutionary solution. The company expanded its offerings from an initial cardiac health assessment system to a comprehensive suite of health solutions with the launch of Lyfas.This mobile application is capable of non-invasively capturing psychophysiological biomarkers and delivering a detailed health report within three minutes.

Building on this success, Acculi Labs went on to develop Lyra, a cutting-edge, conscious AI that bridges the gap between carbon and silicon life forms. In addition, the company also launched its Lyfas Udyam initiative which enabled it to extend its vision to Health, Wealth, and Environment. The Lyfas Udyam initiative, which provides a microentrepreneurial circular economy for small entrepreneurs to start and run their businesses, leveraging the ecosystem, processes, and finance is also backed by Sabi.

The collaboration between the companies on the Lyfas Udyam initiative has spanned over a year, culminating in this investment, which represents a first in India’s investment landscape. Here, the investor and the company have partnered prior to the fundraising, establishing a new benchmark. This development encourages a trend where venture capitalists and startups evolve from mere investor-investee relationships to becoming true partners in mutual growth.

Continuing on this trajectory of shared growth and ventures Kuldeep, an army veteran and co-founder of Sabi Holding India said, “Our partnership with Acculi Labs has been instrumental in our growth. Our shared values and vision align perfectly, thereby making this investment a strategic move. We believe in Acculi’s potential and are excited about the future of our joint ventures.”

Besides the recent fundraise, both companies have also collaborated over a joint venture that is poised to accelerate R&D and productivity in natural farming and fertiliser JV the investment company and the technology company have undertaken together over a land of 10 acres in Delhi Jaipur highway.

Tamil Nadu – Salem, 02nd August,2024 – Muthoot Exim (P) Ltd., the precious metal arm of business conglomerate Muthoot Pappachan Group (also known as Muthoot Blue), is excited to announce the opening of its latest Gold Point Centre in Salem. This is the fifth centre in Tamil Nadu and the 25th in India. Conveniently located at Muthoot Gold Point, Door no. 89, Shop no. 9 & 10, Ground Floor, Maruthi shopping plaza, AVR Nagar, Salem – 636004, Tamil Nadu, the new centre is designed to provide a trustworthy place for customers to sell their gold, ensuring a smooth and transparent process.

Since opening its first Gold Point Centre in Coimbatore in 2015, Muthoot Exim has steadily grown, expanding to major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Madurai, Vijayawada, Ernakulam, Pune, and Hyderabad and now Salem.

With the addition of the Salem branch, Muthoot Exim now operates 25 Gold Point centres across India, including two mobile units in Mumbai and Bengaluru that offer door-to-door gold collection. At these centres, Muthoot Exim buys old and used gold items directly from customers, which are then reprocessed, refined, and made available for domestic use.

At Gold Point, customers have a unique and efficient way to sell their gold, with the assurance of fair and accurate valuations. The entire valuation process is transparent, and customers can witness it firsthand. They receive instant cash payments for gold valued up to Rs 10,000, with higher amounts paid via IMPS, NEFT, or RTGS.

Keyur Shah, CEO of Muthoot Exim, shared his thoughts on the new centre: “Salem has seen remarkable growth in recent years, becoming a key growth centre in the state of Tamil Nadu. Expanding our presence here with more Gold Point Centres is a crucial part of our strategy. The new Salem branch brings us closer to our customers, offering them a unique and reliable process for transparent gold testing and fair valuation.”

Thomas Muthoot, Executive Director of Muthoot Pappachan Group & Managing Director of Muthoot Exim, added: “Opening in Salem is a significant milestone for Muthoot Exim as we continue to grow in Tamil Nadu’s gold recycling market. Our goal is to expand nationwide, opening more centres to meet the rising demand for retail gold and providing exceptional service through our Gold Point Centres.”

BIRKENSTOCK proudly announces the launch of its revolutionary shoe care range, designed to maintain the quality, craftsmanship, and longevity of your beloved BIRKENSTOCK classics.

Rooted in function, quality, and tradition since 1774, BIRKENSTOCK continues to enhance customers’ lives with unparalleled comfort and quality. This new range exemplifies our commitment to preserving the integrity of our products, from the ARIZONA to the BOSTON and MADRID.

Our footwear, whether sandals, clogs, boots, or shoes, is built on the anatomically contoured cork-latex footbed, made from natural materials. The new shoe care range includes practical tools to protect the delicate cork edges and care for the uppers and footbeds, ensuring your BIRKENSTOCKS remain lifelong companions. The product line comprises nine offerings that enhance the durability of your BIRKENSTOCKS, along with four curated shoe care kits perfect for enthusiasts.

All products and kits are crafted from natural materials and proudly made in Germany.

Mumbai, 2nd August 2024: Supriya Lifescience Ltd., a global leader in the manufacturing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), is embarking on an exciting new chapter with a major leadership reshuffle. The company is delighted to announce the appointment of the Wagh family’s next generation to key leadership positions. Dr. Saloni Wagh takes over as Managing Director, offering a fresh and innovative viewpoint. Ms. Shivani Satish Wagh takes on the role of Joint Managing Director, ready to drive strategic growth. Meanwhile, Dr. Satish Waman Wagh takes on the role of Whole-Time Director and Executive Chairman, combining considerable experience with imaginative leadership. This strategic shift demonstrates Supriya Life science’s dedication to moving forward with new enthusiasm and quality.

Dr. Saloni Wagh holds a master’s degree in science from the University of Mumbai and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Faculty of Science, Pacific University, Udaipur, India. With over 10 years of experience in business operations and marketing, Dr. Saloni has played an integral role in Supriya Lifescience’s success and growth, particularly in terms of revenue. Her dynamic leadership and strategic vision have been pivotal in propelling Supriya Lifescience to new heights.

Reflecting on her new role, Dr. Saloni Wagh stated, “Taking on the role of Managing Director is both a privilege and a significant responsibility. My vision is to leverage our scientific expertise and operational excellence to drive innovation and create value for our stakeholders. In a rapidly evolving pharmaceutical landscape, we must remain agile and forward-thinking, ensuring our solutions continue to meet global healthcare needs. “

Ms. Shivani Wagh joined Supriya Lifescience Ltd. in 2014, bringing with her an impressive educational background and a lot of experience. Shivani specializes in marketing and global commerce, having earned a Bachelor of Management Studies from Mumbai University and dual master’s degrees in commerce and international business management from the University of Manchester, UK. Her strategic thoughts and thorough awareness of the pharmaceutical landscape have been critical in improving organizational success.

Ms. Shivani Wagh commented on her appointment, saying, “As Joint Managing Director, I am eager to advance our commitment to sustainability and innovation. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, we aim to enhance our product offerings and expand our global reach. Our focus will be on developing strategic partnerships and exploring new markets to drive our long-term growth ambitions.”

Dr. Satish Wagh, Founder of Supriya Lifescience Ltd., has been appointed as the Executive Chairman. His vast experience and visionary leadership have been instrumental in establishing Supriya Lifescience as a prominent name in the pharmaceutical industry. As Executive Chairman, Dr. Satish Wagh will continue to provide strategic direction and mentorship to the leadership team.

Dr. Satish Wagh, said, “Reflecting on our journey, I am filled with pride in the achievements of Supriya Lifescience and the strong foundation we have built. As I transition to Executive Chairman, my focus will be on empowering our leaders to take bold steps towards a sustainable future. I have immense confidence in Saloni and Shivani’s ability to lead us into our next era of growth, maintaining our commitment to excellence and innovation.”

The leadership changes are effective immediately i.e. from 1st August 2024 and mark a significant step forward in Supriya Lifescience’s journey towards sustained growth and innovation. The company remains committed to delivering high-quality pharmaceutical products and expanding its presence in key markets worldwide.

Mumbai, India – August 2, 2024 – Akshayakalpa Organic, a pioneering organic dairy and food brand, launches its new video podcast series under the title ‘Good Food Talks’. Through this series, the brand intends to increase awareness among consumers about the source and quality of food and its future, as well as the fast-growing health and fitness awareness in modern society.

‘Good Food Talks’ is envisioned as a podcast series where thought leaders, industry experts, and health enthusiasts can express their opinions on the changing world of food and wellness. Each episode will bring viewers closer to home with regard to the importance of organic and healthy eating habits, the journey of food from farm to table, and the broader implications of our food choices on health.

The first episode features Nithin Kamath, an established entrepreneur and the co-founder of Zerodha. The conversation touches upon many various aspects of food and health. These include knowing the origin of our food, the benefits of choosing organic and understanding good food and its impact on our health. It also features topics like the public shift in consciousness over the last 10 to 20 years to healthier living and fitness. Nithin Kamath further shares his personal journey and thoughts on the importance of making informed food choices and how these choices contribute to overall well-being.

Nithin Kamath, Founder and CEO of Zerodha remarked, “The entire Rainmatter Health team keep questioning the source of the food we all consume which led us to investing in startups across various food categories like milk, eggs, vegetables and cereals. With this initiative, Akshayakalpa will nudge more Indians to think about what they consume and how it affects their health.”

Shashi Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of Akshayakalpa Organic, stated, “We are excited to bring out a series on the Good Food Movement as part of our continuous initiatives to educate and engage the community on the importance of organic and healthy eating. We want to empower consumers to question the source of their food through such conversations, further raising awareness around what they consume.”

The video also discusses the importance of soil health in producing high-quality, more nutritious food. The soil in which food is grown plays an important role in determining its nutrient content and overall health benefits. Healthy soil supports rich plant growth, enhances the flavor of produce, and reduces the need for additional chemical additives, ultimately leading to better food quality.

Akshayakalpa Organic is a company committed to changing the way people eat through healthy organic dairy and food products. In pursuit of the vision ‘Healthy World, Happy World’, Akshayakalpa Organic closely associates with farmers to ensure the highest standards of organic farming and animal welfare.

The first episode of “Good Food Talks” featuring Nithin Kamath is now live on the official YouTube channel and website of Akshayakalpa Organic.

New Delhi, August 2, 2024: India’s digital revolution will likely lead to 1 billion UPI transactions in the next few years. Currently, India is emerging as a world leader in digital payments by accounting for 46% of all digital payments in the world. Leveraging digital payments is an unmissable strategy for businesses in India’s growing digital economy.

However, the rise in digital payments has also led to a rise in online fraud. In the past three years alone, online scams have caused a collective loss of Rs. 1.25 lakh crore. In response, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has established various committees focused on protecting individuals and businesses, and the financial sector is increasingly turning to cutting-edge technology to tackle these threats.

Technology plays a crucial role in safeguarding businesses from online fraud while enabling them to benefit from the country’s growing digital economy.

Akash Sinha, CEO & Co-Founder, Cashfree Payments said, “In today’s digital landscape, prioritizing safety and security against fraudulent transactions is crucial for businesses to avoid financial losses and protect their reputation. Leveraging technology-driven innovations that use AI and ML algorithms can significantly enhance defenses against fraud. These advanced solutions are transforming the security framework for online transactions in India, providing merchants with unmatched protection and peace of mind.”

Today, secure payment solutions are required to protect businesses from fraud-related losses and build trust with customers.

“Many businesses either overlook the importance of fraud and risk detection tools or use ones that can’t stop fraudulent transactions in real-time. Additionally, creating effective fraud solutions often requires special certifications. However, it’s crucial to recognize that when customers feel secure about their transactions, they’re more likely to make repeat purchases and recommend the business to others, which drives growth.” , Akash said.

Payment solutions that are technology-driven have complete risk management capabilities. Data security measures like encryption and tokenization ensure that all customer data is protected, reducing the chances of data breaches. Furthermore, robust risk management systems can assist companies in meeting regulatory obligations, thereby reducing additional risks.

Sinha added, “At Cashfree Payments, we have built ‘RiskShield’ through extensive research to provide businesses with a comprehensive risk management solution to combat cybercrime. Designed to address issues such as high chargebacks and fraud, RiskShield is effective across various sectors including financial services, e-commerce, and travel. Utilizing advanced AI and ML algorithms, RiskShield helps businesses reduce fraudulent activities by up to 40%.”

In the modern business world, companies can only succeed if they begin to invest in sophisticated fraud detection systems, secure payment gateway technologies, and extensive customer verification procedures.

August 2, 2024: BlackSoil, a leading alternative credit platform, disbursed more than INR 220 Crores ($28 million) in Q1FY25. The Company invested in 7 new businesses, bringing its total transactions to 10, and successfully exited from 5 companies during this period. BlackSoil’s Assets Under Management (AUM) demonstrated impressive growth, surging by 40% year-on-year.

Key highlights:

• AUM grew 40% YoY
•  7 new investments, 5 successful exits
•  Notable new investments: Celebal Technologies, Leverage Edu, JCB Salons
•  Notable exits: Cashe, PlayShifu, WEGoT
•  Top sector investments: Consumer (36%), FIs (34%) & SaaS / DeepTech / IoT (29%)
•  70% EBITDA positive portfolio

BlackSoil continues to emphasise portfolio diversification as a key strategy. In Q1FY25, investments were strategically allocated across high-growth sectors – 36% in Consumer, 34% in Financial Institutions (FI), and 29% in SaaS / DeepTech / IoT.

On the Company’s performance, Ankur Bansal, Co-Founder and Director of BlackSoil, highlighted, “Our Q1 FY25 results underscore BlackSoil’s strategic vision and adaptability, as we continue to identify and capitalize on emerging market opportunities. The 40% year-on-year growth in our AUM is a testament to the strength of our investment strategy and the quality of our portfolio companies. We are dedicated to fuelling innovation and growth across diverse sectors, while maintaining a balanced approach to risk and return. Our success in executing strategic exits alongside new investments demonstrates our agility in navigating market dynamics”.

BlackSoil’s notable new investments in Q1 FY25 included Celebal Technologies, a rapidly growing IT services provider, Leverage Edu, an AI-enabled student counselling platform, and JCB Salons, a premium consumer service brand in the beauty and wellness sector. The Company also successfully exited from five investments, including Cashe, PlayShifu, WEGoT, Mahaveer Finance, realising significant returns.

The strength of BlackSoil’s portfolio was further evidenced by the achievements of its investee companies. In Q1FY25, BlackSoil’s portfolio companies collectively raised INR 541 Crores ($67 million), with 70% of the portfolio maintaining EBITDA positive status. This robust performance across the portfolio reinforces BlackSoil’s reputation as a discerning investor in high-potential ventures.

Looking ahead, BlackSoil remains positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities in the alternative credit space, leveraging its expertise in identifying and nurturing high-growth companies across diverse sectors.

2nd August 2024: The month of August is poised to be a cinematic treat for audiences, with multiple exciting titles lined up for release in both theatres and on OTT. Be it a fantasy-fueled spectacle inspired by Tolkien’s world of Elves and Dwarves, or the thrilling adventures of apes in the reboot of a multi-billion dollar film franchise, watch out for these unmissable titles this month!

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season Two sets the stage for the arrival of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary villain, Sauron, as he casts a dark shadow over Middle-earth’s Second Age. Building on Season One’s epic scope and ambition, the new season plunges even its most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging each to find their place in a world that is increasingly on the brink of calamity.Elves and dwarves, orcs and men, wizards and Harfoots… as friendships are strained and kingdoms begin to fracture, the forces of good will unite and fight fiercely to hold on to what matters to them the most: each other. The second season of this acclaimed fantasy drama premieres on August 29, exclusively on Prime Video, in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and English, alongside multiple other international languages, reaching audiences in 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli – August 02 on Netflix

The engrossing documentary highlights visionary film director SS Rajamouli’s remarkable contributions to Indian cinema, including his revolutionary work on award-winning films like Baahubali and RRR. By integrating interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and personal anecdotes from his family and celebrity friends, it paints a vivid picture of the director’s influence in the world of filmmaking, which extends to a global scale. Directed by Raghav Khanna and produced by Anupama Chopra, Modern Masters arrives on Netflix on August 2.

Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes – August 02 on Disney+Hotstar

Set a few hundred years after the events depicted in its 2017 predecessor, Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes follows a young chimpanzee named Noa (Teague), who joins forces with a speaking human he named Nova (Allan) to rescue his clan from the clutches of a ruthless clan led by Proximus Caesar (Durand). As they embark on a harrowing journey, Noa is forced to question everything he has known about the past, making choices that will shape the future of apes and humans. Starring Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, and Peter Macon, among others, the latest installment in the Planet of the Apes reboot series is directed by Wes Ball, and it spans several generations after Caesar’s reign.

Stree 2 – August 15 in Theatres

Featuring RajKummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor in lead role, the horror-comedy is amongst the highly anticipated films of 2024. Boasting a stellar supporting cast such as Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana and Abhishek Banerjee, the film marks the much-awaited return of the spooky yet hilarious world, as the small town of Chanderi is being haunted again, this time by a headless entity. Directed by Amar Kaushik and produced by Dinesh Vijan and Jyoti Deshpande under the banners of Maddock Films and Jio Studios, this sequel to the 2018 blockbuster Stree is the fifth instalment in the Maddock Supernatural Universe, set to hit the theatres on 15th August.

JACKPOT! – August 15 on Prime Video

In the near future, a ‘Grand Lottery’ has been newly established in California – the catch: kill the winner before sundown to legally claim their multi-billion dollar jackpot. When Katie Kim (Awkwafina) moves to Los Angeles, she mistakenly finds herself with the winning ticket. Desperate to survive the hordes of jackpot hunters, she reluctantly teams up with amateur lottery protection agent Noel Cassidy (John Cena), who will do everything in his power to get her to sundown in exchange for a piece of her prize. However, Noel must lock horns with his slick rival Louis Lewis (Simu Liu), who also seeks to collect Katie’s commission at all costs. JACKPOT! is directed by Paul Feig and written by Rob Yescombe, and it’s slated to premiere on Prime Video on August 15.