Category business

New Delhi,21st June 2023 Nasscom Foundation is proud to announce the 15th Edition of Nasscom’s Global Inclusion Summit scheduled on June 27-28, 2023 at Radisson Blu, Marathalli, Bengaluru. This summit has been conceptualized as an immersive experience to dive deeper in understanding inclusion in tandem with real-world actions.

Under the theme ‘Real-World Actions for Mainstreaming Inclusion’, the summit will feature expert keynote speakers and action-oriented discussions, industry awards, experience zones, and interactive workshops and masterclasses. The event will also convene top industry leaders to address challenges, and biases, and chart a course toward building an equitable and inclusive society. The agenda encompasses crucial topics including Dimensions of Diversity including Disability, Gender, Neurodiversity, LGBTQ+, Racial ethnicity, Culture, Socio-Economic status and more; Tools and processes for an inclusive workplace like Assistive technology, Diversity & Inclusion data (metrics and analytics), Sustaining Engagement and Accountability in D&I Initiatives and much more.

The summit will feature distinguished speakers who will set the agenda for #InclusionforAll, providing actionable insights, strategies, and best practices to drive progress. The opening keynote will be delivered by Nidhi Bhasin, CEO, of Nasscom Foundation, and Rostow Ravanan, Chairman and CEO, of Alfahive Inc., who will share insights on mainstreaming inclusion through real-world actions. Other notable speakers include Mr. Rajesh Nambiar, Chairman & MD of Cognizant India & Vice Chairperson of nasscom; Ms. Ritu Anand, Independent Director; Mr. Shekar Naik, Ex-Captain of the Indian Cricket Team for the Blind; and Ms. Priya Ajmera, Chief Evangelist, Societal Thinking, among others.

The event will take place from 10:00 AM to 6 PM on both days. Detailed agenda along with details on the keynote speaker and panel discussion is also attached.

Mumbai, 21st June 2023: Amazon miniTV’s popular romantic drama series ‘Badtameez Dil’ premiered last week, and has been on everyone’s mind since then. This exquisitely crafted series, full of passion and romance showcases a head-turning lead performance by Barun Sobti. A complete emotional roller-coaster, the series leaves audiences wanting for more, making us laugh, brim with emotions and fall in love with all the characters and extremely relatable storyline.

Talking about what makes this show different from the other romantic dramas, Barun Sobti shared how he was waiting to do something like this. He said, “It was in my sub-conscience that it was getting a little intense so there should be something light-hearted. Badtameez Dil is a light-hearted show and I think the novelty of the idea itself in current times because everything else is so intense makes it special. Apart from that the writing also sets it apart.” Throwing light on his character, he shared “Karan believes in compartmentalization, he thinks that we can’t find everything in just one person. There should be a friend, a girlfriend, everything compartmentalised basically. He thinks that’s the way of modern love.”

He further commented about his bond with Ridhi and how they had a blast on the set along with the other cast members. “Ridhi and me had a ball shooting this show. On and Off set both. We have a very healthy friendship. Everyone has a different kind of bond right and in our case we have an equal amount of love and respect for each other. It was creatively satisfying, and it was fun. Not only me and Ridhi but the whole cast. The whole cast hung out till sunrise most of the nights”, he shared. When asked about the shooting scenes and improvisation them, he mentioned, “It was our director’s idea basically. He was always like – bring on whatever suggestion you have, and he used to listen and consider them too. It wasn’t like he just asked for the ideas and never considered.”

New Delhi, 21st June 2023 Matrimony.com, India’s No1 matrimonial site, has curated a special skill development program for its executives, in association with one of the oldest varsities of Tamil Nadu, Bharathidasan Institute of Management, Trichy, with the aim to develop future leaders for the organization.

The MoU between the two institutions was signed on June 15th, 2023.

Dr Asit Barma, Director, BIM, and Mr Rajesh Balaji, CHRO, Matrimony.com signed the Memorandum of Understanding in the presence of senior leaders of Matrimony.com at their corporate office in Chennai.

Sharing his details about the same, Mr Rajesh Balaji, Chief Human Resources Officer of Matrimony.com said, “We are excited to partner with BIM to impart a curated programme to our future leaders to provide skills and knowledge they need to be successful. This programme will be delivered in a blended format, with both in campus to learn the concepts in the areas of deeper analytics, efficiencies, data driven decisions and management principles and apply the same in the special projects allocated to them to solve the organisation challenges for accelerated growth. I am confident that this will be possible with the vast experience and credibility of the institution and the able faculty of BIM.”

Expressing happiness over the signing of the MoU, Dr Asit K Barma, Director, BIM, said, “BIM sees an emerging space of multi-disciplinary projects and consulting for companies in new age applications. We bring an eclectic mix of faculty with outstanding academic and industry backgrounds. Our faculty and various centers of excellence make BIM a perfect platform to learn new-age leadership skill that involves looking at data and insights as a critical resource in a non-linear growth paradigm instead of traditional modes of driving competitive advantage through productivity and efficiency alone. We are excited to have this MoU with Matrimony.com, where both parties can experiment, learn and unleash the power of data and build nonlinear business models.”

The six-month long comprehensive and immersive experience of the Emerging Leaders Programme would be a right mix of theory and practice with experiential learning as its core focus. The methodology would include case studies, simulation tools, activities, real-time projects, mentoring, role plays, and lectures around the themes of big picture thinking, execution excellence, nurturing high-performance teams and data-driven decision making.

Ahmedabad,21st June 2023: Dev Information Technology Limited (DEV IT), one of the India’s growing IT companies, today announced that LT1, Inc, a wholly owned step down subsidiary of Lilikoi Holdings, Inc (USA), has acquired a controlling stake in DEV IT in an all cash deal. It is a win-win strategic collaboration between Lilikoi and DEV IT which aims to integrate the vision of Lilikoi, to become a unique IoT and AI wireless ecosystem providers, with the software service capabilities of DEV IT.

Through acquisitions and in-house expertise, Lilikoi is creating a unique ecosystem to design, engineer, manufacture, and support their IoT devices, edge devices, base stations, repeaters, and seamlessly integrate various technologies and solutions. Their software engineering capabilities include skill sets in Managed Cloud Services, Business Intelligence, Digital Transformation, Mobile ecosystem, etc. to name a few. This perfectly aligns with DEV IT’s core expertise and thus, will be strengthened further through this strategic acquisition.

DEV IT, an India-based ITeS company, founded in 1997 and also having its presence in Canada, has since established itself as a reputable player in the IT industry as Technology Solutions Provider delivering Digital Transformation leveraging Cloud, Automation and Data technologies. Listed on NSE and BSE, DEV IT is a CMMi Level 3 appraised company, certified with ISO 27001, ISO 20000, ISO 9001 and providing broad range of IT solutions and services to the clients across the globe as well as esteem public sector clientele across India.

Lilikoi’s vision is to become a unique AI enabled IoT wireless ecosystem provider, delivering mission-critical, actionable intelligence of the targeted assets using its private, secure, and exclusive IoT wireless infrastructure. The leadership team at Lilikoi has over 300+ man years of entrepreneurial experience, excellence, and expertise in managing disruptive technology businesses in different industry disciplines including in telecom, mission-critical communication, wireless infrastructure and ecosystem solution services, exclusive IoT / AI technologies, commercial real estate / smart building technology platform and managed services, agriculture technologies, healthcare application services, hardware / software and network engineering, cloud infrastructure managed services, electronic manufacturing, data center driven digital transformation with full life cycle enterprise managed IT services.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Pranav Pandya, Chairman said

“We are excited at this development with Lilikoi. This alliance is going to benefit DEV IT in many ways which shall include an increase in our technology spectrum, entry into new businesses via access to Lilikoi group companies’ clientele, and shall provide strong opportunity to DEV IT to expand its presence in USA, Canada, Australia and many other developed geographies in addition to maintaining its strong presence in India. We expect that this development and systemic changes stemming from this alliance shall help us in improving our revenue mix and profitability as we grow.”

Mr. Sanjay Patel, Founder & CEO of Lilikoi said, “In DEV IT, we find a perfect blend of technical skills with service capabilities to deploy our solutions in North America and other developed geographies. We are excited to share our vision, of being unique AI enabled IoT wireless ecosystem provider, with the promoters of DEV IT and leverage their ITeS capabilities to provide efficient and expeditious solutions to our target clientele.”.

This transaction envisages a transformation of DEV IT from a conventional software development and ITeS company into a diversified, IoT / AI driven software engineering company meeting the next-gen turnkey system integration requirements of the global clientele.

As part of the agreement signed with Lilikoi, there shall be no material changes to the management framework of DEV IT and the current promoters and senior management of DEV IT shall retain their managerial and Board positions. This strategic acquisition will ensure benefits to all four dimensions of the company – shareholders, employees, customers & aligned stakeholders and promoters.

Vivro Financial Services Private Limited is the Advisor and Merchant Banker to the Transaction and Dhinal Shah Associates is appointed as the Legal and Tax Advisor to the Transaction.

Mumbai,21st June 2023: Unacademy, India’s largest learning platform*, is proud to announce the outstanding performance of its Learners in the highly competitive JEE Advanced 2023. Unacademy Centres, within just a year of launch, has produced stellar results.

The results reflect Unacademy’s dedication to offering top-notch education and comprehensive guidance to aspiring engineering professionals. With an achievement of 11 All India Ranks (AIR) in the coveted Top 100, Unacademy has demonstrated its excellence in preparing learners for the most challenging engineering entrance examination.

5 Unacademy Learner also shine as Zonal Toppers in JEE Advanced 2023. Unacademy Learner Deshank Pratap through remarkable performance has secured an outstanding All India Rank 22 and a zonal rank 5 in the IIT Delhi zone. Among other notable achievers from Unacademy are Dhruv Jain who attained an All India Rank of 36, and a zonal rank 1 in the IIT Kharagpur zone, Shivanshu Kumar who secured an All India Rank of 42 and a zonal Rank 3 in the same zone, Nipun Goel who secured an All India Rank of 40, and Abhi Jain who secured an All India Rank 58. The stellar results also include Vivswan Savyasachi with an All India Rank 80 and a zonal rank 1 in the IIT Guwahati zone, and Vaibhav Singh with an All India Rank 100 with a zonal rank 2 in the IIT Kanpur zone.

More than 3000 learners under Unacademy’s guidance have qualified in JEE Advanced 2023, further highlighting the effectiveness of the comprehensive learning programs offered by Unacademy.

With its innovative teaching methodologies, expert Educators, and personalized learning approach, Unacademy has consistently empowered Learners to unlock their true potential and excel in competitive examinations. The remarkable performance in JEE Advanced 2023 reinforces Unacademy’s position as a trusted partner for quality education and comprehensive exam preparation.

New Delhi, 21st June 2023 Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon. Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Govt. of India and Mahindra Logistics, one of India’s largest integrated logistics solutions providers, unveiled a stirring book titled ‘Desh Chaalak’ at an event in New Delhi today. Authored by Ramesh Kumar, a prominent journalist and an industry veteran with a deep understanding of the driver community, the book serves as a tribute to the unsung hero community – the drivers of India.

‘Desh Chaalak’ acknowledges and honors the silent contribution of India’s drivers to the growth of the country. The book also highlights the life on the road for these drivers, and their trials and tribulations that they overcome in the multitude of journeys they undertake. Comprising a collection of 30 stories based on real-life experiences, ‘Desh Chaalak’ is a captivating account of their journey on the road.

Speaking at the book launch, Hon. Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Shri Nitin Gadkari, expressed his admiration for the drivers of India and the vital role they play in the country’s economic progress. He stated, “As we gather today to launch the book ‘Desh Chaalak,’ I commend Mahindra Logistics for taking this initiative to honour these silent warriors of India. These tireless drivers are the true backbone of our nation, steering the country towards growth. With world-class roads and accompanying infrastructure, we are attempting to make the lives of these drivers better. ‘Desh Chaalak’ is a step in the right direction to make more people aware of the contributions made by the driver community for India”.

Mr. Ramesh Kumar, Author of the book ‘Desh Chaalak’ said, “This book touches upon an aspect of our nation that often remains overlooked. It is an attempt to direct this spotlight on the extraordinary working lives of India’s drivers and their untold stories. I am deeply grateful to Mahindra Logistics for their support in this endeavor, to bring these inspiring and emotional stories to life, and help bring attention to a community that deserves its due recognition”.

Mr. Rampraveen Swaminathan, Managing Director & CEO, Mahindra Logistics, said, “At Mahindra Logistics, we firmly believe that our drivers are not just the backbone of our operations but also the driving force behind the entire logistics industry. In recognition of their remarkable contribution, the book ‘Desh Chaalak’ serves as a heartfelt tribute to our drivers highlighting their resilience that keeps the wheels of the industry turning. The book stands as a symbol of our deep admiration and gratitude and aims to bring greater recognition to the drivers’ tireless efforts, ensuring that their indispensable contributions are acknowledged and valued by all “.

The launch event also witnessed Mahindra Logistics awarding scholarships to the children of drivers, further emphasizing their commitment to the welfare of the driver community.

Mahindra Logistics is dedicated to empowering communities by enhancing the livelihoods of their driver-partners, improving access to essential resources, and promoting hygiene and safety awareness. It consistently strives to exceed expectations in fostering equitable development within societies.

GIFT IFSC, 21st June 2023, NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) today unveiled a new and refreshed brand identity of GIFT Nifty as a part of full-scale transition of SGX Nifty to Gift Nifty from July 3, 2023. The new identity of Gift Nifty signifies the unique opportunity and new direction for the international investors to participate in India’s growth story to access Nifty products through NSE IX at GIFT City. The new look of Gift Nifty is aligned with the flagship index NIFTY 50, which reflects the growth story of Indian equity markets.

The unveiling of the new logo follows the recent announcement of full-scale operations of NSE IX-SGX Connect to start from July 3, 2023. This strategic initiative between NSE IX and SGX, enables Gift Nifty orders from SGX members to be routed to NSE IFSC for trading and execution with clearing and settlement through SGX Derivatives Clearing.

To begin with, market participants can access Gift Nifty 50, Gift Nifty Bank, Gift Nifty Financial Services and Gift Nifty IT derivative contracts on NSE IX and gradually other indices will be rolled out under Gift Nifty suite. These contracts are accessible for almost 21 hours, which overlaps Asia, Europe, and US trading hours. Gift Nifty offers a single pool of liquidity and venue to access USD denominated Nifty derivatives at NSE IX under the regulatory framework of International Financial Services Center Authority (IFSCA).

In addition, NSE IX also unveiled its new corporate brand identity evolving distinctly designed IX along with NSE to signify the ambition and vision of NSE International Exchange to be a leader in global capital market landscape.

Commenting on the occasion:

Shri Injeti Srinivas, Chairperson, IFSCA, said: “IFSCA aims to develop IFSC as global gateway for inbound and outbound requirement of the international financial services. Given the growing influence of international investors in India’s growth story, Gift Nifty plays a catalytic role to access broad representation of Indian equities. I take this opportunity to complement NSE IX on unveiling Gift Nifty brand identity and corporate identity.”

Mr. Tapan Ray, MD & Group CEO, GIFT City said: “GIFT City is becoming a leading Global Finance hub and destination of choice for investors across the world, with competitive tax structures, ease of business and world class infrastructure. Gift Nifty will help India to become a net exporter of financial services and achieve our Hon’ble prime minister’s vision to onshore the offshore. We congratulate NSE IX on this occasion and wish them a great success.

Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD and CEO, NSE said: “The new identity of Gift Nifty signifies the unique opportunity and new direction for the international investors to participate in India’s growth story to access Nifty products through NSE International Exchange at GIFT City. This brings us one step closer to the full-scale transition of SGX Nifty to Gift Nifty from July 3, 2023. Gift Nifty will be a catalyst in achieving Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision for GIFT City to become a price setter for largest traded instruments in the world.”

Shri V. Balasubramaniam, MD and CEO, NSE IX said: “GIFT Nifty offers global investors a single venue for the trading of USD denominated Nifty derivatives. This is an important milestone to begin the transformation of GIFT City financial landscape and make this a truly global IFSC. NSE IX also unveils its new corporate brand identity which signifies the ambition and vision of NSE International Exchange to be a leader in global capital market landscape.”

itel, a prominent mobile phone brand in India, is gearing up to unveil its highly anticipated feature phone series, itel Super Guru. This remarkable new line-up is poised to revolutionize the market by offering disruptive features that guarantee users unparalleled connectivity experiences and resilient, durable devices.

While the detailed specifications of the itel Super Guru are yet to be revealed, sources suggest that it will introduce an innovative feature in the form of UPI payments. Yes, you heard it right! Consumers will now be able to conveniently send and receive money through UPI123 Pay using their itel feature phones, even without the need for internet connection and GPRS.

Additionally, the device is expected to have a super strong build with a high metallic finish. As per the information available, The series will set a new standard for feature phones by showcasing exceptional durability in a sleek 9.8mm ultra-slim body with a large display. The series is going to excel in battery performance, boasting a 1900 mAh battery and a Super Battery mode that extends battery life for prolonged usage in his higher variant.

This latest addition to itel’s portfolio is designed to cater to the needs of consumers in the real Bharat, promising unmatched features and a premium user experience.

itel has already established itself as a preferred brand in the sub 8,000 segment by reporting the biggest proportion of repeat users among first-time handset buyers in the segment, according to a consumer survey conducted by Counterpoint Research. In the feature phone segment, itel is undisputed leader for three consecutive years and captures 38% market share in 1st quarter.

21st June 2023: PNB MetLife, one of India’s leading life insurance companies, has set a milestone by declaring the highest-ever bonus of INR 768.6 crore for eligible policyholders. This bonus is 29% higher than that of the previous year and is set to benefit 5.52 lakh policyholders. The announcement reaffirms PNB MetLife’s commitment to delivering financial security for its policyholders.

PNB MetLife has a strong track record of delivering bonuses to policyholders of participating products over the past 19 years, demonstrating its disciplined approach to investing for sustainable returns. PNB MetLife’s strong fund management capabilities and experience along with its rigorous risk management practices have made PMLI a preferred choice for those seeking long-term wealth creation.

Ashish Kumar Srivastava, MD & CEO, PNB MetLife, said, “The INR 768.6 crore bonus is the highest we have given out till date, and this is a testament to PNB MetLife’s robust financial performance, sound investment strategies, and efficient risk management practices. It highlights the company’s strong position and our ability to generate sustainable returns for our policyholders. This bonus will benefit approximately 5.5 lakh PNB MetLife policyholders and enable us to assist our clients in building a more secure and confident future.”

PNB MetLife continues to drive innovation in the insurance industry, leveraging advanced technologies and customer-centric solutions to meet the evolving needs of policyholders. The company remains committed to maintaining its leadership position, forging strong relationships with its customers, and creating a secure future for all its stakeholders.

NTT DATA, a digital business and IT services leader, and NLB Services, a leading technology and digital talent solutions provider, have recently released a comprehensive research report titled “Bridging the Skills Gap – Towards an Equal Workplace” that talks about women in STEM. In India, 62% of employers plan to hire more women working in STEM sectors in the upcoming fiscal year 2023–2024, according to the report. The report also highlights the expectations of women employees enrolled in STEM, highlighting the preferences of both married and unmarried women in each category.

The study surveyed 250 employers from various companies of 12 different sectors in 15 Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities. The study also surveyed 500 female employees from businesses across a range of sizes, industries, and cities.

As per the report, here are the top five expectations of women employees in STEM:

1. Flexible/Remote Work Policies: In today’s fast-paced world, offering flexible work options can enhance employee satisfaction, boost productivity, and attract a diverse talent pool.
   58% of married women prioritize flexibility in their work arrangements, allowing them to balance personal and professional commitments effectively. 43% of unmarried women consider flexible or remote work policies as a crucial factor when deciding to join a STEM organization.
2. Maternity/Paternity Policies: By implementing comprehensive maternity and paternity policies, STEM organizations can foster an inclusive and supportive environment for employees, allowing them to thrive both personally and professionally. 61% of married women value maternity and paternity policies that provide adequate support during the crucial stages of building a family and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 30% of unmarried women see maternity benefits as a critical consideration when evaluating potential employers.
3. Learning and Development: Employers that invest in training programs, mentorship opportunities, and professional development resources can attract and retain top female talent while nurturing their employees’ potential. 41% of married women choose continuous learning and development opportunities to enhance their skills and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in their field. 42% of unmarried women value ongoing learning and development initiatives for their career growth and job satisfaction.
4. Innovation: Creating an environment that encourages experimentation, rewards innovative ideas, and promotes collaboration can help companies harness the full potential of their female employees in STEM fields. 33% of married women seek workplaces that prioritize innovation, allowing them to contribute to groundbreaking projects and stay engaged in their work. 47% of unmarried women highly value organizations that foster an innovative culture, encouraging creative thinking and innovation.
5. Leadership Role Opportunities: To empower women in STEM, employers should provide clear pathways for advancement, mentorship programs, and leadership training to support their professional growth aspirations. 32% of married women aspire to participate in leadership roles within their organizations, seeking opportunities for growth, influence, and impact. While 17% of unmarried women express their interest in leadership positions, showing their ambition and desire for career advancement.

Understanding and meeting the expectations of women enrolled in STEM is crucial for organizations looking to attract, retain, and nurture top female talent. By offering flexible work policies, comprehensive maternity/paternity benefits, and learning and development initiatives while fostering innovation and creating leadership opportunities, employers can create an inclusive and supportive environment that benefits women employees and contributes to the overall success of the organization in the ever-evolving STEM landscape.