Author: Rabindra

Apple’s Success Highlights Manufacturing as Key to India’s Jobs Challenge: Ashish Dhawan

New Delhi, 13th September 2024: Ashish Dhawan, Founder-CEO of The Convergence Foundation (TCF), stated India’s success in boosting electronics manufacturing should convince all stakeholders of the country’s capabilities. “Many people said we can’t do manufacturing in India. We can never be as productive. Well, here’s someone who’s shown you! The fact that the 29th factory to serve Apple is coming up in India, all within 2-3 years, is incredible. We now have this faith that in electronics, we can make it happen.” Pointing out that India hasn’t claimed its rightful market share in labour-intensive exports, Dhawan added that the country’s demographic advantage, and labour costs that are lower than China’s, tell us that “we have every right to succeed, if we can get rid of our regulatory cholesterol, improve ease of doing business (EODB), create the right incentives, take care of the infrastructure needs, and really prioritise this.” Dhawan made the observations during a conversation with Rahul Ahluwalia, Founder-Director at the Foundation for Economic Development (FED.

Dhawan added that growth in manufacturing must be tied to the larger goal of generating employment, a very salient issue today. Going on to explain why automobile manufacturing may not create many jobs because OEMs have moved up the value-chain over the years to more capital-intensive production, the TCF CEO explained that we must prioritise sectors such as electronics assembly and apparel that are more labour-intensive and can create jobs. He also credited the government for being serious about improving competitiveness. “If the government was saying, we don’t care about private business coming in, it would not have happened. All credit to whether it’s the Centre or state governments that are saying: I really want to improve my labour, land, all the factors of production. Business is telling me that I’m not competitive and I need to be competitive. So they want good ideas. And they want you to work with them.”

On setting targets for manufacturing, Dhawan stressed the need to treat the East Asian ‘Tigers’ (South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and now Vietnam) as our benchmarks for success. “A state like Uttar Pradesh, which has two and a half times the population of Vietnam, does $20 Bn in exports, whereas Vietnam does $400 Bn in exports. UP is landlocked. But even if you take Odisha, it has no labour-intensive exports. All its exports are related to minerals and metals. And it’s a state right on the coast, has lots of cheap labour, and yet has not been able to make a push. Even Tamil Nadu, which is very successful in an Indian context, is one-tenth of Vietnam’s exports, although it’s 70% of the size of Vietnam from a population standpoint. So, our benchmarks must be the East Asian Tigers, and we have to go after the world market.”

Besides labour-intensive manufacturing, Dhawan argued that India must aim to become the skills capital of the world, the third lever of future economic growth according to him, besides manufacturing and services. “We already have the largest remittances of any country in the world. We have 15 plus million people who are abroad and sending checks every month back home; $120 Bn is now coming back. We think that can go to $300 Bn. And we can have another 15 million Indians going abroad. If you look at the OECD, the demographics are such that they will need people. Though there is a backlash against immigration, I think what they need is not full-time immigrants, but people who come on a 3–5-year contract work visa. That’s what the Middle East does. The Middle East doesn’t want people forever. Japan and Korea are doing the same. Germany is now pushing in that direction. We think the EU will start to do that. America will come last because it has its illegal immigration problem. But generally, in the OECD, 50 Mn jobs will open up in the next 20 years at a minimum. India needs to fill those.” Dhawan added that government-to-government or G2G arrangements, where India assures the return of its migrant workers, and accreditation of skill providers, are needed to do this on a much larger scale “because the western world needs everyone from drivers to cooks, to nannies, to care workers, to nurses, to doctors, you name it. We’ve mapped out 20-30 professions and are doing a very detailed study to look at the frictions in each of these areas.”

Binance Enhances Trading Experience with First-in-Market Token Unlock and Vesting Schedule

13th September, 2024 – Binance, the leading global blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, today introduced the first-in-market Token Unlock and Vesting Schedule feature for a crypto exchange.

Binance has integrated CoinMarketCap data directly, enabling users to conveniently view each token’s unlocking and vesting schedule information without having to leave the Binance platform.

Token unlocking and vesting refers to the planned supply of a specific volume of tokens over a predefined period onto the open market. This provides predictability and transparency for market participants. Token unlocking is a key component of ‘tokenomics,’ which is the economic analysis of cryptocurrency projects and tokens. Binance is enhancing the user experience by making more accessible material information that can help users make informed decisions and optimize their trading strategies.

Binance will display each token’s circulating supply, its unlocked and locked quantities and percentages, the next upcoming scheduled unlock and a countdown timer. The feature will be first available on the Binance website and will be introduced on the Binance app progressively.

Binance’s first-in-market Token Unlock and Vesting Schedule feature integrates CoinMarketCap data to display each token’s circulating supply, its unlocked and locked quantities and percentages, the next upcoming scheduled unlock and a countdown timer. The data in the image above is for illustration only.

Vishal Sacheendran, Head of Regional Markets at Binance, commented, “We are always improving the user experience and helping our users optimize their trading strategies. Our Token Unlock and Vesting Schedule is the first for a crypto exchange and it is a highly intuitive feature that provides our users with more information that can enhance their experience on our platform.”

Vedang Raina Opens Up on His Journey from Business School to Bollywood Stardom on In The Ring with Filmfare

Vedang Raina, the 24-year-old heartthrob known for his striking looks and undeniable charm, stars in the latest episode of In The Ring with Filmfare, now streaming on Filmfare’s YouTube channel. Hosted by Editor-in-Chief Jitesh Pillai, Filmfare, this engaging talk show offers fans an exclusive glimpse into the lives and careers of some of the most sought-after talents in the film and OTT industries, all set against the backdrop of a live audience that heightens the immersive experience.

In this captivating conversation, Vedang reflects on his debut role in The Archies and shares details about his upcoming project with Alia Bhatt in Jigra. He talks about his experiences working with acclaimed directors Zoya Akhtar and Vasan Bala, highlighting their distinct filmmaking styles. Vedang also opens up about his personal struggles with anxiety and offers insights into the key “don’ts” in relationships. He also touches on his journey from business school to acting, revealing how this transition has shaped both his career as an actor and as an individual.

Sharing his journey to venturing into acting, Vedang reveals, “I wasn’t sure about acting at first. I was in business school; I was auditioning on the side but didn’t think this was my – ‘be all and end all.’ It all started with music. Then, acting just clicked, I thought if I can sing, I can act too. Music has always been my passion; I even used to impress girls with my guitar (laughs). I’ve been listening to Rafi Saab and Kishore Kumar for as long as I can remember.”

Reflecting on the evolving nature of the industry, he adds, “A casting director once asked me how many followers I had, and I thought, ‘What does that have to do with my acting skills?’ But I’m glad things have changed now. Today, casting teams focus more on talent than follower count.”

Comparing directors Zoya Akhtar and Vasan Bala, he notes, “Vasan is more of a ‘go with the flow’ type of person, he’s spontaneous and likes to create in the moment. Zoya, on the other hand, is incredibly precise. She knows exactly what she wants. Both are brilliant in their own ways.”

Recalling his early audition experiences, Vedang shares, “One of my first auditions was for a shampoo commercial, where I had to play a guy with dandruff. It was horrible, but somehow, I got hooked on the process.”

Speaking about his family’s influence, he says, “My family keeps me grounded. When I scored 97% in my board exams, their reaction was just ‘okay, move on.’ But I know they’re always proud of me, even if they don’t show it, they like to keep me humble.”

On the challenges of being an actor, Vedang highlights, “You have to be the best version of yourself and give 100 percent in every scene. There’s no room for compromise, you have to distance yourself from emotions and focus solely on the role. Auditions are definitely the hardest part; it’s a constant grind.”

When it comes to female attention, Vedang blushes, “Luckily, I’ve never had to turn anyone down. I’ve made the first move a couple of times, but I’m not really that daring. Though, I’ve definitely noticed some eyes on me!”

On his dream character to date, he confesses, “I’d love to date someone like Medha from 12th Fail. That’s the kind of character I’d be drawn to.”

Sharing his thoughts on red flags in relationships, Vedang is clear, “Don’t check your partner’s phone, and being unkind to people around you, that’s a huge no for me.”

Covestro Strengthens ‘Make in India’ Vision with Inauguration of State-of-the-Art Trimer Production Facility in Ankleshwar

Gujarat, India, 13th September 2024: Covestro (India) Private Limited, one of the leading manufacturers of high-performance polymers, today announced the inauguration of a state-of-the-art production facility at its Ankleshwar site in the state of Gujarat, India. The facility is the first of its kind in India and is a testament to Covestro India’s commitment to the “Make in India” initiative, bolstering local manufacturing capabilities and contributing to India’s position as a global manufacturing hub. It will manufacture a comprehensive range of Desmodur® ultra trimer products, used in automotive, construction, wooden furniture, consumer electronics and more. With it, Covestro aims at meeting the growing demand for high-performance and sustainable solutions in the Coatings & Adhesives industry across the Asia Pacific region. The first batch of Desmodur® ultra trimer product is slated for production in Q4 of 2024.

Desmodur® ultra trimer products are essential in the production of coatings and adhesives that offer exceptional durability and resistance to environmental factors like UV light, chemicals, and physical wear.

“This is great news for our local team and for our customers in the region. We are continuously investing in production capabilites in Asia to fortify our leading position in the Aliphatic Isocyanates business and provide high-quality products to our customers wherever they operate in the region”, said Thomas Roemer, Global Head of the Coatings and Adhesives Business Entity at Covestro.

“This new investment aims to enhance the localization of differentiated Desmodur® ultra trimer products, aligning with market trends for low VOC emissions, high performance, and improved efficiency in the coatings and adhesives industry”, said Anand Khot, Head of Coatings and Adhesives APAC at Covestro.

By establishing this production facility in India, Covestro not only strengthens its global supply chain but also reinforces its commitment to supporting the Indian government’s “Make in India” vision by creating jobs, promoting technology transfer, and contributing to the local economy.

This plant is the fourth dedicated Trimer facility of the company worldwide, now producing in China, Germany, the USA and India – underscoring the company’s dedication to serve customers wherever they are.

The project also demonstrates Covestro’s commitment to sustainable development. The technology selected for trimer production in Ankleshwar is designed to support sustainable manufacturing practices, significantly reducing carbon emissions. This aligns with the company’s goals on circularity and becoming climate neutral, contributing to making the chemical industry a driving factor of an ever more circular world.

Celebrating Engineer’s Day: Honoring Innovation and Excellence

Engineer’s Day, observed on September 15 in India, commemorates the birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, a distinguished engineer whose transformative contributions to infrastructure and development have left a lasting legacy. His pioneering work on projects such as the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam exemplifies his vision and impact on modern engineering, setting a high standard for the profession.

 The day highlights the crucial role engineers play in advancing technology and improving infrastructure, addressing complex global challenges. By organizing events like seminars and workshops, Engineer’s Day not only celebrates the achievements of current professionals but also inspires the next generation of engineers to continue driving innovation and progress.

 Sandesh Kaup, Director, Luxriot India Private Limited

 As the nation strives to achieve efficient and sustainable development of its cities, engineers are the foundation on which this vision is built. It is their creativity, hard work, and determination that enable the creation of the new e-cities to be built in the future. Engineers have found a way of interconnecting IoT, AI, and renewable energy in ways that are enabled by the latest VMS and AI analysis technologies. Such improvements not only enhance the efficiency of services being offered to citizens but also help conserve resources, increase public safety, and diminish effects on the environment. Thus, as we continue to define the future of our cities, engineers should be ready to take up the mantle of advancing technology and be in a position to identify possible difficulties and develop techniques for how the growth of our cities can be fostered in a sustainable manner and how the quality of life of the people in the cities can be enhanced.

 Sagar PV, CTO, Mindsprint

 I believe that sustainable innovations in clean energy, smart infrastructure, and advanced materials are already transforming technologies with mechanisms to optimize energy efficiency. However, moving forward into 2025, it is imperative that we promote data-driven sustainability by focusing on innovative and scalable engineered solutions. Sustainable management platforms have been the essences of all of our engineers’ work as they are the trailblazers of ensuring that our technological efforts align with preserving the planet. Engineering has long been at the forefront of tackling world’s toughest problems, its time it’s put at the centre of sustainability as well.

Mr. Amit Sharma, Managing Director & CEO, Tata Consulting Engineers

“On this National Engineers Day, we reflect on the legacy of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, whose visionary contributions to infrastructure and society continue to inspire generations of engineers. At Tata Consulting Engineers, we proudly carry forward this tradition of excellence and innovation, striving to build a sustainable future. Our engineers, as role models, embody the values of commitment, integrity, and ingenuity, setting new benchmarks and driving progress. Together, we engineer solutions that not only shape industries but also contribute to the growth and prosperity of our nation.”

 Nayan Naidu, Head Agile and DevOps at Altimetrik

“As the global demand for innovative and eco-friendly solutions grows, engineers are taking charge of integrating sustainable practices into every facet of technology operations. Engineers are now tasked with the responsibility of crafting solutions that tread lightly, prioritize regeneration, and unlock new frontiers of environmental stewardship. From advancing energy-efficient systems and renewable energy integration to developing cutting-edge green technologies, the industry’s effort is crucial in addressing pressing environmental challenges and driving groundbreaking progress.

We are witnessing a pivotal shift in engineering, characterized by the adoption of circular economy principles, the utilization of AI for sustainability assessments, and a holistic approach to resource optimization. These trends represent a significant movement towards solutions that not only support sustainable development but also foster a harmonious coexistence between technology and nature.

Productivity improvements are equally vital, as engineers adopt automation, AI, and data-driven approaches to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. These technologies empower engineers to focus more on strategic, sustainable solutions, making their work not only faster but also smarter. Engineers are now able to automate repetitive tasks, allowing more time for creativity and problem-solving, ultimately improving both the quality and speed of sustainable innovations.

Our goal is to redefine engineering as a driver of sustainability and resilience. Engineers are setting new standards, advancing both environmental and productivity gains, and creating a future where technology and sustainability seamlessly coexist.”

 Ranga Jagannath, Senior Director, Growth, Agora

“In today’s world, where real-time engagement is transforming how we connect and collaborate, engineers are pivotal in creating technologies that bring people together across distances. At Agora, we are proud to work with these visionaries, who develop seamless, low-latency solutions powering immersive and interactive experiences. From live streaming to real-time communication, our engineers push the boundaries of connectivity, ensuring quality even in remote areas. Their technical expertise, creativity, and commitment drive the evolution of the digital landscape. Today, we honor not only their skills but their dedication to collaboration and problem-solving. As we look to the future, engineers will continue to be the architects of tomorrow’s innovations, advancing digital transformation and enhancing the way we communicate, work, and live.”

Ram Meenakshisundaram, Chief Technology Officer, Virtusa Corporation

“On Engineers’ Day, we celebrate the brilliant minds whose creativity and logic fuel the innovations shaping our world. At Virtusa, engineering is not just a profession but a guiding philosophy behind everything we do. AI is transforming the engineering landscape, driving breakthroughs, and redefining traditional methods. Whether it is to optimize productivity, enhance automation and to stay competitive and innovative in a changing industry landscape, our engineering first approach helps deploy streamlined solutions that work in the real world. Our Engineering First approach empowers these visionaries, recognizing their ability to blend curiosity, creativity, and expertise to shape the future. By enabling them to tackle the toughest challenges, we are laying the foundation for tomorrow’s game-changing innovations.” Ram Meenakshisundaram, Chief Technology Officer, Virtusa Corporation.

Sandeep Agarwal, MD & Global CTO of Visionet

“On this National Engineer’s Day, let’s celebrate the tremendous role engineers play at the front of the AI revolution. With Visionet’s recent rebrand to ‘Engineering Simplified,’ we genuinely believe that it is engineers that lead the future.

AI ranges from predictive maintenance in manufacturing to creating adaptive, energy-efficient smart cities. However, despite these advancements, there is an ever-growing demand for expertise in AI, and it is imperative that engineers learn to keep up with these advancements.

At Visionet, we are reducing this skill gap through initiatives like tech fests, in which we engage with startups, industry leaders, and academia to enable the re-skilling of engineers and empower them to drive innovation. These tech fests include internships and upskilling programs designed to help young engineers learn and integrate AI into their workflows, enabling them to address challenges like process optimization, sustainability, and cost efficiency. We are together simplifying engineering and enabling the full potential of AI for a brighter, tech-driven tomorrow.”

Sanjay Koppikar, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer, EvoluteIQ

Today, engineering is more data-driven, intelligent, and future-ready. India’s push towards digital transformation is further accelerating AI and machine learning adoption in engineering. These technologies are not only driving innovation but also addressing complex challenges across industries including manufacturing, banking & finance, insurance, and healthcare among others. The shape of ‘Engineering’ and ‘Engineers’ is changing fast. It is morphing into the role of AI-powered Engineer – who would be able to work at 10x speed, 100x efficiency, at least at 20-30% of the cost of the team otherwise needed. As Jensen Huang said once, “AI will not take away your job; an AI-powered person will”.

 Simple usage of LLMs will soon be commoditized and the focus will be on custom-specific SLMs (Small Language Models). However, GenAI is fast approaching beyond LLM/SLMs and towards Large Action Models. These “Actions” will play a critical role in the overall impact across all industries. In the manufacturing sector, predictive maintenance is a standout application, using AI algorithms and digital twins to monitor equipment in real-time, analyze data, and predict potential failures before they occur.

 Smart infrastructure, powered by machine learning, enables better energy management, optimized traffic systems, and efficient resource distribution. In civil engineering, machine learning models are being used to predict the structural integrity of bridges and buildings, ensuring safety and reducing maintenance costs.
In short, the 4th Industrial Revolution is here to change and move into GenAI Powered 5th Industrial Revolution sooner than anyone anticipated.

Vikram Subburaj, CEO, Giottus Crypto Platform

As we celebrate Engineers’ Day, it is essential to acknowledge the transformative impact AI and machine learning are having across engineering disciplines. From enhancing predictive maintenance protocols in manufacturing to enabling the creation of smart, adaptive infrastructure, these technologies are redefining our capabilities. At Giottus, we harness the power of AI and machine learning to elevate the crypto trading experience – optimising trade execution, ensuring robust security, and offering personalised insights to our users.

 In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, engineers are not just building structures or systems; they are crafting the future of technology itself. By embracing these advancements, we’re driving innovation and ensuring that India remains at the forefront of the global tech revolution. The future is intelligent, and our engineers are its architects.

 Mr. Mohanraj Selvaraj, Head – Engineering, Protectt.ai

As India remains at the forefront of technological innovation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are reshaping the engineering landscape, serving as crucial catalysts for the nation’s growth. AI and ML are set to play a vital role in creating the infrastructure and technologies that drive economic progress, from smarter cities to advanced manufacturing, sustainable energy, and state-of-the-art cybersecurity solutions. With a growing emphasis on harnessing AI/ML for futuristic advancements, cybersecurity engineering complements this progress by ensuring secure and sustainable growth. Indian engineering communities are leading the development of solutions that strengthen the resilience and safety of our digital ecosystems. This blend of “revolutionary technologies” and “engineering excellence” is critical in positioning India as a global leader in innovation, driving economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for millions. Together, we are building a future where technology not only drives progress but safeguards it.

Vishal Gautam , Vice President, Engineering & Site Managing Director at Zscaler

“Engineers are the unsung heroes of the digital age. While the headlines often focus on technology and innovation, it’s the engineers behind the scenes who are quietly shaping the future of entire industries. Today, as we face increasingly complex cybersecurity threats—AI-driven attacks, data vulnerabilities, and more—it’s these brilliant minds that are holding the line and ensuring that businesses and economies can continue to thrive. At Zscaler, we see engineers not just as problem-solvers but as architects of a secure, digital future. Their ability to anticipate challenges, push boundaries, and build solutions that protect industries is nothing short of remarkable.

This Engineers’ Day, we celebrate the engineers whose passion and commitment are not only keeping us secure today but also shaping the future of cybersecurity for industries worldwide. Their contributions are fundamental to building a safer, more resilient digital world.”

 Piyush Agarwal. SE Leader, Cloudera

“On this National Engineer’s Day, Cloudera proudly celebrates the exceptional contributions of our engineering teams in India and across the globe. Over the past decade, our Bangalore Center of Excellence (CoE) has grown into a robust hub with engineers driving product innovation and delivering unparalleled customer support. Their passion for open-source developments has accelerated enterprise AI and machine learning, powering hundreds of use cases—from applications on our lakehouse to co-pilots boosting productivity and large-scale text summarization. This commitment is instrumental to Cloudera’s leadership in machine learning and data management solutions,” . “As we honor engineers today, we look forward to a future where they continue to push the frontiers of big data and AI.”

Pratik Shah, Managing Director – India and SAARC, F5

“Today’s engineers are not just tech creators—they’re architects of digital experiences in a rapidly evolving, AI-driven, automated, and multi-cloud world. At F5, we don’t just see engineers as a key part of this journey—we’re empowering them to lead it. Whether it’s optimizing critical applications or securing every step of the digital journey, we offer the tools and support engineers need to innovate with confidence.

India’s engineering community, known for its creativity and deep expertise, is uniquely positioned to lead this digital transformation. At F5, we recognize the immense potential here—not only in tackling complex challenges but also in ensuring technology is used responsibly and inclusively. Our own engineering team in India exemplifies this. Their contributions are the backbone of our success, and I am deeply thankful for everything they do to deliver innovation, security, and excellence in today’s fast-evolving technological landscape.”

Mr Prasenjit Ghoshal, Head of Engineering, Ennoventure,Inc. 

“Technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with engineers at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging cutting-edge tools to reshape industries on a global scale. The brilliance of engineers lies in their ability to not only adapt but to pioneer innovative solutions that redefine the future. In today’s landscape, their role is more pivotal than ever. As they navigate the complexities of modern engineering, these experts are spearheading the integration of advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, and blockchain, revolutionizing the way we design, build, and maintain systems across diverse industries.

At Ennoventure, Inc., we celebrate the creativity, dedication, and technical mastery of engineers who are pushing the boundaries of innovation. These professionals are not merely utilizing new tools but are driving the development of highly scalable event-driven architectures, microservices-based modular systems, and fault-tolerant, concurrent distributed architectures that underpin today’s digital economy. They are solving complex, real-world problems with cutting-edge research and development, while designing global multi-region, low-latency cloud infrastructures that ensure optimal performance, security, and scalability.

As we continue to support and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in engineering, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment where their talents thrive. Together, we are building a future powered by smarter, more efficient, and resilient technologies—advancements that safeguard brand integrity, enhance consumer trust, and ensure safety across an increasingly complex global marketplace.”
Pantherun Technologies

Mr. Srinivas Shekar, CEO and Co-Founder, Pantherun Technologies

“Engineers are often regarded as the backbone of innovation, and in today’s world, their significance is beyond measure. Their relentless drive to push boundaries has shaped the way we live, work, and connect. With the rise of AI and machine learning, we are witnessing a transformation in engineering practices across India and globally. These technologies are revolutionizing industries—from predictive maintenance in manufacturing that reduces downtime, to smart infrastructure that enhances urban living to advanced cybersecurity measures that protect valuable data.

As we embrace this new era of intelligent solutions, engineers must adapt to both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI’s predictive and generative capabilities. To navigate this evolving landscape, continuous learning, curiosity, and a strong foundation in subject matter expertise are indispensable. A multi-faceted approach to skill development—combining formal education, online resources, mentorship, and hands-on experience—is key to staying ahead. This Engineer’s Day, at Pantherun Technologies, we celebrate the ingenuity and dedication of engineers who are not only driving technological change but also integrating sustainable practices to build a better, more secure world for all.”

Moneyview forays into Earned Wage Access with the acquisition of Jify

Mumbai, Sept 13th, 2024 – Moneyview, a leading financial services platform, today announced the acquisition of Jify.co, a cutting-edge platform that enables employees to access their earnings on demand, fostering financial independence and security. This strategic acquisition is set to strengthen Moneyview’s comprehensive suite of financial services while enabling Jify to scale its offerings to a wider network of employees and organizations. The acquisition also marks a significant milestone in Moneyview’s ongoing expansion into a diverse range of financial products ranging from credit to savings & investment products catering to every Indian with a smartphone.

Jify’s core mission has been to provide India’s salaried workforce – 70% of whom live paycheck-to-paycheck – with real-time access to their salary. This helps reduce their dependence on high-cost credit options and informal loans, which often leads to significant financial and mental stress. With the strategic support of Moneyview, Jify is now positioned to scale more efficiently, and enable a larger set of employers to deliver holistic solutions to employees across the country.

The coming together of powerhouse Moneyview, with a decade of experience in financial services and strong economic fundamentals, with Jify.co that services over 250+ blue-chip corporate with millions of employees, will deepen inclusion for the financially-underserved Indian consumer, through a suite of products like personal credit, UPI, insurance, savings, home loans and loans against property, amongst others. The acquisition involved share swap whereby Accel and Nexus the existing investors of Jify were allotted shares of Moneyview.

Puneet Agarwal, Co-founder & CEO, Moneyview stated, “We are committed to providing solutions that empower Indians not only to access personal finance but also to manage their income and investments more effectively. The acquisition of Jify is a significant step in this journey. We are eager to use this collaboration as a way to strengthen and grow the strong customer base that Jify caters to and take it to new heights. As we move ahead, we will continue to bring more such solutions that will enable our current and prospective users to manage all their financial needs under one roof. We are excited to welcome Anisha, Anusha, Aditya and the entire Jify team to the Moneyview family”.

Anisha Dossa, Co-founder & CEO, Jify.co stated, “Moneyview, with it’s range of financial solutions spanning credit, personal finance, insurance, and savings products, will enable Jify to serve over 10 million employees within the next two years and establish ourselves as the premier employee financial wellness platform for salaried individuals. We are thrilled to partner with Moneyview and look forward to creating a tremendous impact on financial inclusion.”

CREDAI-MCHI urges for GST framework overhaul to ease burden on the real estate sector

Mumbai…September 13, 2024…CREDAI-MCHI, the apex body representing the real estate industry in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), has called for a comprehensive review of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework affecting the real estate sector. In a formal submission to the Shri Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa and a member of the GST Council, the organization outlined concerns surrounding the impact of GST on redevelopment, affordable housing, and rehabilitation projects.

Mumbai, with over 14,000 dilapidated buildings and 70 lakh residents living in slums, faces significant housing challenges. Redevelopment is crucial for addressing these issues by creating additional housing stock and improving living conditions. However, CREDAI-MCHI has raised concerns over the GST imposed on these projects, arguing that it adversely affects both developers and homebuyers. The non-availability of Input Tax Credit (ITC) has increased costs for homebuyers and slowed demand in an already sluggish market.

Mr. Domnic Romell, President of CREDAI-MCHI, emphasized the financial strain caused by current GST regulations, stating, “The GST implications on redevelopment and rehabilitation projects have placed an undue burden on both developers and homebuyers. We urge the government to reconsider these charges, particularly for projects involving the rehabilitation of slum dwellers and residents of unsafe, dilapidated buildings. The real estate sector, one of the largest employers in both organized and unorganized sectors, is crucial for economic revival. As Mumbai attracts top talent and faces rising housing demand, the city’s geographic constraints hinder its ability to accommodate the growing population effectively.”

CREDAI-MCHI also highlights other pressing issues, including GST on Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and the Rs 45 lakh limit for Affordable Housing benefits. Additionally, developers face costs for constructing both rehabilitation and sale buildings, paying GST at rates of 18% or 12% without ITC. Despite these costs, GST authorities have levied GST on the rehabilitation component of schemes, resulting in slum and dilapidated building occupants being required to pay GST on flats they already own. This levy is seen as anti-poor and contrary to the spirit of the GST regime, amounting to double taxation.

The organization advocates for greater flexibility, proposing that developers should have the option to choose between the 12% GST rate with ITC or the 5% rate without ITC. This flexibility would help ensure ITC cost savings are passed on to homebuyers while allowing developers to continue delivering large-scale affordable housing projects.

CREDAI-MCHI remains committed to working with the government to address these issues and drive growth in the real estate sector while ensuring the availability of affordable and safe housing for Mumbai’s residents.

AGS Transact Launches Prepaid Card Platform for IndianOil’s XtraPower Fuel Program

Hyderabad, September 13, 2024……Malleeswari Sunkara, a homemaker, a talented athlete from Sunkarapalem, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, and currently residing in Secunderabad, has made Telangana proud by excelling at the just concluded World Masters Athletics Championships held in Gothenburg, Sweden.

A sprinter, she competed in the 45 to 49 years age category.

Malleewari and Kruti Kadakia are the only two athletes from Telangana out of 129 represented India and they competed in the 45 to 49 years age category.

The World Masters Athletics Championships are the biennial championships for masters’ athletics events held for athletes 35 years of age or older. Its mission is to promote premier athletic events for athletes thirty-five and over, of all abilities and encourage their passion for active healthy competition, global camaraderie, and celebratory spirit. The event had 8,000 participants from 118 nations. Among them were 129 athletes from India, ranging in age from 35 to 102. Some of the participants were former Olympians and spoke about the level of the competition.

The competition included various athletic events and the heptathlon, distributed across three stadiums, each suited to its respective events. Notably, one of these venues was the historic New Ullevi Olympic Stadium. However, all the events were ultimately held at the Slottsskogsvallen Stadium.

The event also saw several former Olympians participating show the level of competition.

Malleeswari, who has won numerous gold medals in national competitions, marked her international debut with an impressive performance. She competed in the 100m, 200m, and 400m events, securing 42nd, 46th, and 30th world ranks, respectively. Additionally, she was part of the 4×100 relay team that secured 7th rank and the 4×400 relay team that finished 6th.

Malleeswari credits her success to her coach, Shefil, who has been instrumental in her training and preparation. “Coach Shefil has been a constant source of guidance and support throughout my journey,”

She also expressed her gratitude to her co-athlete and friend, Kruti, who has been a pillar of support throughout her journey. “Kruti has been with me every step of the way, from travelling to Sweden to competing in the events,” and I’m grateful for her presence in my life.”

“I’m thrilled to have represented India on the global stage and achieved these remarkable rankings,” said Malleeswari, beaming with pride. “This was my first international competition, and I’m eager to continue pushing myself to new heights.”

Malleeswari’s achievement is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and the support of her coach and fellow athletes.

Kruti Kadakia, a freelance interior designer and resident of Hyderabad says that it was her first World Masters Championship. My first event was the 800 meters at the New Ullevi Olympic Stadium. To my surprise, I saved 12 seconds off my previous time, finishing in 3:02 minutes for 800 meters and ranking 28th in the world. Next, I had the 1500 meters at Björlanda Stadium. The 1500 meters turned out to be my best race yet—I overcame all the challenges I’d faced during practice, from fatigue at 1000 meters to breathing difficulties, and finished strong in the last 100 meters, shaving 17 seconds off my time and ranking 19th in the world.

I also had the honour of competing in the 4×400 meters relay with Team India at Slottsskogsvallen Stadium. Having raced in all three stadiums, this one felt different—the surface required more effort to run and accelerate. Our fabulous Team India finished 6th in the world, completing the race in just under 4 minutes and 47 seconds, she shares.

Kruti says it is an excellent forum to engage elder athletes. The government must also encourage Indians of all age categories to lead a very active lifestyle.

Immerse Yourself in the World of Film, Media & Creative Arts at Celebrate Cinema 2024

Whistling Woods International (WWI), proudly presents Celebrate Cinema 2024, an exclusive event designed to offer a hands-on experience in the world of film, media and creative arts. This year’s event is set to be an exciting two-day celebration, offering participants the opportunity to dive deep into the creative, technical, and business facets of the Media & Entertainment industry.

Film enthusiasts, aspiring media and creative arts professionals, are invited to explore WWI’s expansive campus, celebrated for its state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant, hands-on learning environment. The event will feature engaging celebrity panel discussions, exhibits, and screenings, offering a unique opportunity to gain invaluable insights and experiences from leading industry experts.

In addition, a diverse range of workshops is scheduled, covering topics from Screenwriting, VFX Compositing, and Film Editing to unique sessions on Mobile Filmmaking, Instagram Engagement, Podcasting, and Public Speaking. Whether you’re interested in the art of storytelling, the nuances of acting, or the latest trends in digital media, there’s something for everyone at Celebrate Cinema 2024.

Model and Actor Richa Mehta ties the Knot with Debashish Kalita in a Private Ceremony

New Delhi, September 13, 2024 : Renowned model and actor Richa Mehta, known for her substantial social media presence, exchanged vows with Debashish Kalita in a private ceremony on September 12, 2024. The intimate wedding, held at The Roseate in New Delhi, set a new trend that prioritises meaningful celebration over extravagance.

The couple chose to keep their special day private surrounded by close family members. This decision allowed them to focus on the essence of their union and the people who matter most in their lives. The ceremony beautifully blended tradition with personal touches. One of the most poignant moments was Richa’s entrance holding a cherished photo of her late father, honouring his memory in this significant life event. She was accompanied by her brother on the left.

The celebration included a traditional Milni ceremony, a ring exchange and garland ceremony at the lake deck, and the sacred Pheras. The evening concluded with indoor performances, featuring a special dance by the bride.

Richa Mehta shared her thoughts on the celebration “Our wedding day was a beautiful reminder of what truly matters – love, family, and building a future together. It’s about the love you share and the promises you make. Debashish and I are excited to start this new chapter of our lives, focusing on our bond and the values we hold dear.”

Richa Mehta and Debashish Kalita’s union is a testament to love transcending societal norms. As an inter-caste couple with a six-year age difference where the bride is older, they have shown that a relationship knows no boundaries.

The newlyweds chose to keep their celebration private, with no social media influencers or celebrities in attendance beyond their immediate family. They shared their first post as a married couple on September 12th, revealing their journey to their fans and followers.

Richa Mehta, a successful model and actor, has captured the hearts of many through her work and social media presence. Debashish Kalita, employed at Ernst & Young, is known for his professional excellence and sporting achievements. The couple’s wedding hashtag, #DEBGOTRICH, encapsulates their union and the joy of their celebration.

This intimate wedding serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and well-being, especially in the context of social pressures surrounding weddings. Richa and Debashish’s wedding celebration emphasises that the true essence of a wedding lies in the love shared between the couple and their closest family members.