Author: Rabindra

Prashant Verma Joins CoinDCX as Chief Growth and Marketing Officer

Bengaluru, September 05, 2024: CoinDCX, India’s largest crypto exchange, is pleased to announce the appointment of Prashant Verma as the Chief Growth and Marketing Officer (CGMO) of the DCX Group. Prashant will play a pivotal role in driving user growth, revenue, and marketing initiatives, as well as strengthening the CoinDCX brand across India. His leadership will extend to overseeing teams across brand, digital, growth, categories, insights, and customer lifecycle management.

Additionally, Prashant will be responsible for marketing strategies for BitOasis, a DCX Group company in the Middle East. He will also focus on geographical expansion and new market launches.

Minal Thukral, who has been managing CoinDCX’s Growth mandate for over five years, will now take the responsibility of driving Growth of DeFi initiatives and be part of the core leadership team at Okto.

Mridul Gupta, Founding Partner of CoinDCX, commented on the appointment, “At this critical juncture, as CoinDCX accelerates its mission to onboard 50 million people into the crypto space by 2025, Prashant’s extensive experience as a full-funnel marketer and business leader in the consumer tech sector will be invaluable. He has a proven track record of building marquee consumer tech unicorns in India, and we are excited to have him lead our growth and marketing efforts.”

Prashant Verma brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles as the Head of Growth & Marketing at Blinkit and Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer at Licious. His strategic acumen and leadership in driving growth in fast-paced, competitive markets will be instrumental in taking CoinDCX to new heights.

Prashant Verma, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer, CoinDCX, “I am thrilled to join CoinDCX at such a pivotal moment in the crypto industry. With immense growth potential in both the Indian market and beyond, I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive user engagement, expand our geographical presence, and strengthen the CoinDCX brand. There is a tremendous opportunity to contribute to our mission of making Web3 and crypto mainstream, and I’m eager to lead the charge in realizing that vision.”

CoinDCX remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation and growth, ensuring the company stays at the forefront of the rapidly evolving crypto and Web3 landscapes.

KLK Ventures Private Limited Signs First Power Purchase Agreement Under UP RESCO Project

Delhi, September 2024 – KLK Ventures Private Limited is proud to announce the signing of its first Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) under the Uttar Pradesh Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) project. This significant milestone is part of a broader initiative led by the Uttar Pradesh New & Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) aimed at increasing the state’s renewable energy capacity.

The PPA has been signed for a 600 kW plant at Deoria Medical College. The total work order allotted to KLK Ventures under this project is 5 MW, which will be distributed across various government and semi-government buildings throughout Uttar Pradesh. This marks a vital step in promoting sustainable energy solutions within the state.

As part of UPNEDA’s ambitious plan, a Request for Selection (RfS) was issued on December 15, 2023, inviting bids for the development of 500 MW of Grid Connected Rooftop Solar PV Systems. KLK Ventures, a leading energy partner specialising in energy storage, efficient lighting, and innovative solar solutions, has been allocated this 5 MW project. With over 30 years of experience and manufacturing units in Noida and Bihar, KLK is committed to reducing energy consumption through cutting-edge technologies and advancing green initiatives.

Akshat Jain, CEO of KLK Ventures, stated, “We are thrilled to sign our first Power Purchase Agreement under the UP RESCO project. This initiative not only showcases our commitment to renewable energy but also demonstrates our dedication to supporting the state of Uttar Pradesh in achieving its ambitious sustainability goals. By leveraging our expertise in solar solutions, we aim to provide efficient and cost-effective energy options that will benefit government buildings and the community as a whole. Together, we can pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future.”

The rooftop solar PV project will be implemented under the RESCO model, wherein KLK Ventures will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of the solar PV systems. This includes financing, design, installation, operation, and maintenance, ensuring long-term cost savings for the government through lower electricity rates compared to grid electricity. The RESCO model promotes solar energy adoption by eliminating upfront costs, providing predictable energy costs, and allowing for scalable solutions tailored to the diverse needs of government buildings.

The installation of the 5 MW rooftop solar PV system will facilitate decentralised energy generation, reduce transmission losses, and enhance energy security within the state. This project not only aligns with India’s commitment to renewable energy but also reinforces Uttar Pradesh’s ambitious targets for solar power adoption. KLK Ventures remains dedicated to advancing sustainable energy practices, contributing to the state’s renewable energy goals, and fostering a greener future for all.

City of Brownsville, Texas Taps NTT DATA to Build Connected City with Smart Solutions Powered by Private 5G

PLANO and BROWNSVILLE, Texas – September 5, 2024 – NTT DATA, a global digital business and IT services leader, has been selected by the City of Brownsville, Texas, to deploy NTT DATA’s Smart Solutions and Private 5G (P5G) wireless connectivity. The city seeks to enhance citizen services, increase public safety, achieve sustainability and effectively manage growth by leveraging real-time data analytics and AI empowered by a seamless and secure wireless network.

“The future is coming to life in Brownsville today as we partner with NTT DATA to set a new standard for smart, connected and sustainable cities,” said John Cowen, Jr., Brownsville City Mayor. “Ultimately, we’re seeking to reinvent human-to-digital interactions in ways that deliver amazing citizen services and an outstanding quality of life.”

“The partnership between the City of Brownsville and NTT DATA to implement a Private 5G network is a crucial step towards transforming our city into a technology hub,” said Helen Ramirez, ICMA-CP, AICP, Brownsville City Manager. “This advanced infrastructure will enhance connectivity for our residents and businesses, while resolving pain points for the city. It will attract new opportunities and innovations to Brownsville.”

Brownsville continues to experience significant growth driven by high quality of life, the nearby SpaceX Starbase complex, the Texas LNG export facility and the deep-water Port of Brownsville as well as Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport. Providing advanced digital capabilities and secure wireless connectivity will help the city deliver optimal benefits to citizens and businesses while effectively shaping sustainable future growth.

“As Brownsville continues to emerge as a leading tech hub, the implementation of a Private 5G network is not just beneficial—it’s essential,” said Jorge Cardenas, Brownsville Chief Information Officer. “This advanced network infrastructure will enable faster connectivity and support innovative technologies. By investing in Private 5G, we’re ensuring that Brownsville remains at the forefront of technological advancement and economic development.”

“Brownsville’s leaders have demonstrated a remarkable vision for using data-driven insights to improve the citizen experience and lay the foundation for a sustainable future,” said Eric Clark, Chief Executive Officer, NTT DATA North America. “NTT DATA’s Smart Solutions and Private 5G connectivity are game changers for communities and industries seeking digital transformation. We look forward to partnering with the city on further innovations that create a bright and prosperous future.”

The first phase of NTT DATA’s fully managed solutions will concentrate on the city’s downtown core including four public parks, the Department of Public Works Yard and the airport. Initial use cases include:

· Smart Infrastructure: In phases, NTT DATA will leverage new and existing data-collection devices to establish an Internet of Things (IoT) throughout the city.

· Connected City: NTT DATA will deploy a P5G network in phases to create blanket coverage that supports IoT assets and high bandwidth use cases throughout the city. P5G creates the connective mesh in which Smart Solutions are deployed.

· Safety and security: Smart Solutions will deliver data analysis, predictions and recommendations in real-time. These insights will help city officials monitor and manage public areas, parks and streets in addition to identifying and addressing public safety issues.

The installment of a Private 5G Network marks a significant advancement in enhancing public safety and security across key community areas. By establishing robust 5G coverage at Dean Porter Park, Linear Park, St. Charles Park, and the Downtown Recreational Center, the city ensures the operation of advanced security analytic cameras. These cameras will monitor occupancy levels, streamline crowd management, and employ predictive analytics to foresee and mitigate potential safety risks. This technology will enhance real-time response capabilities and aid in long-term safety planning and resource allocation, making public spaces safer for all residents and visitors.

NTT DATA’s Smart Solutions will collect actionable data from thousands of new and existing city assets such as live-streaming 4K security cameras, wireless access points, and optical, audio and motion sensors. Smart Solutions will use machine learning and AI analytics to assess real-time and historical data to help city officials address diverse issues and achieve the broadly beneficial goals of becoming a Smart and Connected City.

In addition, NTT DATA is tasked with building and managing a turnkey Private 5G network that creates seamless connectivity across the city and underpins Smart Solutions. The high-speed, high-bandwidth, ultra-low latency wireless highway will quickly deliver data at the edge. By using this private network, the city will avoid data charges assessed by traditional wireless carriers. NTT DATA’s P5G network also can flex and scale to future demand and use cases.

OML Entertainment Elevates Tusharr Kumar to Chief Executive Officer

Nationwide Release: 5th September 2024 : OML Entertainment, a cultural and creative powerhouse in branded content, advertising and entertainment, has elevated Tusharr Kumar as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Tusharr brings over 15 years of experience across new-media, automotive and FMCG industries. He has been associated with OML Entertainment since 2012 in various capacities across different businesses.

After a successful nine-year tenure with OML Entertainment including the last five years as CEO, Gunjan Arya is moving on from the company. Gunjan, outgoing CEO of OML Entertainment, said, “I couldn’t be more proud to announce Tusharr as our CEO. It has been an incredible journey at OML Entertainment, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such talented and passionate individuals. Together, we’ve pioneered new forms of entertainment, expanded globally, and driven cultural change through innovative content. While moving on is a bittersweet decision, I am confident in the bright future that lies ahead for OML Entertainment with Tusharr at the helm. Tusharr has been a driving force at OML Entertainment, and I couldn’t be more confident in his ability to lead the company as the next CEO. His deep understanding of the content and creator landscape, and our revenue ecosystems, combined with his strategic vision and acumen, make him the ideal leader to steer OML Entertainment during the company’s next phase of growth. ”

Under Gunjan’s leadership, OML Entertainment has transformed into a leading global player in digital media and entertainment; seen two successful businesses spun out to merge with strategic partners; expanded the company’s international footprint to 20 countries; and launched Hypothesis the global influencer marketing tech platform, among significant growth milestones. She focused on expanding the company’s key leadership across branded services verticals, original content studio and tech-enabled influencer marketing, resulting in the creation of successful shows, new IPs and partnerships with top artists and brands.

As CEO, Tusharr will ensure the company’s growth across businesses and markets. In his most recent role as COO since 2021, he oversaw the company’s operations and successfully spearheaded initiatives that have further strengthened the company’s position as one of India’s largest independent branded content, advertising and entertainment companies. With diverse experience across new media, automotive and FMCG industries, Tusharr has worked at brands like Ducati, Royal Enfield and Parle-Agro.

Speaking about his new role, Tusharr said, “I’m really excited about what the future holds for OML Entertainment and am confident that the upward trajectory we’ve been on will continue. This confidence comes from our biggest asset, our incredible teams along with trusted partnerships with artists, clients and investors. We have always been at the forefront of creativity and cultural innovation. I’m looking forward to leading OML Entertainment as we push boundaries and build on the solid foundation laid by Gunjan. As we build what we’ve dreamed of, we will continue to ask ourselves – are we shaping culture? Are we bringing voices to life? Most importantly, are we creating and not just following? ”

Over the last few years, OML Entertainment has strategically streamlined and consolidated various businesses to arrive at the company’s focus areas of creator tech, artist representation, advertising, and long-form content production. This flywheel is the perfect mix of independent yet symbiotic businesses that feed into each other’s growth.

Rajesh Kamat, Managing Director of Emerald Media and investor in OML Entertainment added, “Tusharr’s elevation to CEO is a testament to his exceptional leadership and his unwavering commitment to excellence. Under his guidance, OML Entertainment has achieved remarkable milestones, and I have no doubt that he will continue to build on this momentum. Tusharr’s vision for OML Entertainment aligns perfectly with our goals as investors, and we are thrilled to support him as he leads the company to new heights.”

OML Entertainment’s key focus areas will include expanding its fast-growing advertising and branded content businesses, doubling down on its long-form original content productions, and driving the global growth of its influencer marketing platform, Hypothesis. These initiatives will continue to build on OML’s mission of bringing creators’ stories to life and innovating at the intersection of entertainment and technology.

Citi Appoints Achintya Mangla as Head of Financing for Investment Banking

Citi announced that Achintya Mangla will join the bank as Head of Financing for Investment Banking, effective today September 4.

In this newly created role, which will report to Viswas Raghavan, Head of Banking and Executive Vice Chair at Citi, Achintya will assume responsibility for Global Debt Capital Markets (DCM), Equity Capital Markets (ECM), Syndicate and Private Capital Markets to ensure the seamless delivery of capital markets advisory and financing strategies for Citi’s public and private clients.

Current Head of Global DCM Rich Zogheb and Co-Heads of Global ECM, Doug Adams and James Fleming, will continue in their respective roles and report to Achintya. Together they will coordinate across the three pillars of the Banking franchise- Corporate Banking, Investment Banking and Commercial banking- to ensure Citi is providing strategic financial advisory services and seamless execution to clients looking to access the capital markets.

Achintya will also partner closely with other parts of Citi, including Markets, Wealth and Risk to help drive Citi’s firm-wide Private Credit strategy and to generate cross-asset class incremental alpha opportunities that leverage the full power of Citi’s platform.

Welcoming Achintya to this important role reinforces Citi’s ongoing ability to attract and retain top industry talent in positions of leadership across the firm, the bank statement said. Achintya brings deep global experience and joins after more than 22 years at J.P. Morgan where he most recently served as Head of Global ECM. Throughout his two decades with J.P. Morgan, Achintya held roles of increasing responsibility across multiple asset classes and has worked in Asia, EMEA and the U.S. He is a proven leader with a track record of building and leading high-performing teams that deliver innovative, globally-minded solutions to clients.

ii Music’s ‘Arziyaan’: A Deep Dive into Hopeless Romance with Goldie Sohel and Bibhuti Gogoi

What do you do when your love is no longer with you? What do you do when their memories keep flashing in your mind? ii Music has the perfect track to capture these feelings with its latest release, “Arziyaan,” featuring the soulful vocals of Goldie Sohel and beautiful melody by Bibhuti Gogoi.

‘Arziyaan’, as the name suggests, is a heartfelt plea to bring back that special someone in our life. While ruminating on romantic memories of the past, it takes us on a pain filled journey of how a loving relationship came to a bitter end. The quaint and touching lyrics introduce a ray of hope, that someday, everything will be back to what they were, with the love of our life beside us again.

Poetic lines such as ‘Tera haath na ruka mere haath pe’ pierce right into our soul, while verses such as ‘Tum raho mere, toh har gham door ho jaaye’ serve as a balm to broken hearts. Written by Rahul Mishra, composed by Bibhuti Gogoi and sung by Goldie Sohel, ‘Arziyaan’ is a poignant melody that will stay with us for a long time.

A versatile bundle of talent, Goldie Sohel is a gifted musician who brings an air of freshness to any and every tune he sings. With superhit tracks like ‘Aaj Sajeya’ and ‘Roki Na’ already under his belt, Goldie is growing a fan following that swears by his smoldering voice.

‘Arziyaan’s’ official music video shot by Oun Mehdi and starring Yamin Khan, acts as the visual soul of the track. Every theme expressed in the lyrics is brought to life on screen in the video. From heartbreak to harmony and hope, the music video takes us through a rollercoaster of emotions, just like the song.

Talking about his latest track, Goldie Sohel said, “Art is often said to heal broken hearts, and that was one of the intentions behind Arziyaan. The song talks about heartbreak in a very artistic and poetic manner. It will take every listener on a nostalgic journey, and by the end, maybe put a bittersweet smile on their face. I’m really excited to see how fans react to my latest release”.

With ‘Arziyaan,’ we wanted to create something that really connects with people on a deep, emotional level. The song is all about those moments of love and loss that stay with us, and Goldie Sohel’s voice, along with Rahul Mishra’s beautiful lyrics, captures that feeling perfectly. This track is a way to reach out to anyone who has ever loved and lost, reminding them that those memories, though bittersweet, are part of what makes us who we are.” said Bibhuti Gogoi, Composer of ‘Arziyaan’

Sharing her thoughts on the song, Garishma Gandhi, Head of Marketing & Strategies from II Music, said, “Some songs have a unique ability to touch hearts across all boundaries, and ‘Arziyaan’ is one of those exceptional tracks. Goldie’s expressive voice has infused a raw, heartfelt quality into Rahul’s lyrics. Bibhuti’s music provides a moving backdrop, while the video further amplifies the song’s emotional depth. It’s already a cherished part of my playlist, and I highly recommend adding ‘Arziyaan’ to yours.”

13th Annual JBG Satara Hill Half Marathon: Record-Breaking Success Celebrates Fighting Spirit

Kolkata, 5th September, 2024: The 13th edition of the JBG Satara Hill Half Marathon, organised by the Satara Runners Foundation, concluded on September 1st, 2024, with resounding success. This non-profit organization once again brought together running enthusiasts nationwide for a thrilling and challenging experience. The event featured an “Out & Back” course and was flagged off from Police Ground Satara at 6:30 am on Sunday by dignitaries like Chhatrapati Udayan Raje Bhonsale – MP of Satara, Samir Sheikh- SP of Satara, Santosh Rokade – Superintendent Engineer of PWD, Gaurav Jajodia, Director, Jai Balaji Group, Hussain Mala, Director, MALA’S Fruit Products and Nitin Taralkar – District Sports Officer of Satara. This year’s marathon embraced the theme of “Aham Yoddhāsmi!” or “I am a Fighter”, serving as a powerful reminder that each person possesses an indomitable spirit, a warrior capable of overcoming any obstacle.

As one of India’s biggest marathons, the event attracted over 8000+ registrations and 6500 participants, from across the nation. The 13th JBG Satara Hill Half Marathon was proudly presented by the Jai Balaji Group as the Title sponsor and Powered by Mala’s.

The event showcased outstanding athletes, with 66 participants earning accolades in various age categories across gold, silver, and bronze. Uttam Patil emerged as the winner in the marathon in the open male category, clocking a remarkable finishing time of 1 hour, 13 minutes, and 32 seconds. Meanwhile, Tejaswini Lamekane claimed the top spot in the Open female category, completing the race in 1 hour, 26 minutes, and 18 seconds. Anant Gaonkar secured the second position in the open male category, and Sakshi Jadyal achieved the same feat in the open female category, with finishing times of 1 hour, 13 minutes, and 41 seconds, and 1 hour, 31 minutes, and 26 seconds, respectively. Prathamesh Paramkar and Vaishnavi More both earned the third position in their respective categories, finishing the race in 1 hour, 13 minutes, and 50 seconds, and 1 hour, 31 minutes, and 40 seconds, respectively. A prize of ₹50,000, ₹30,000, and ₹20,000, along with a winner’s trophy and certificates, was awarded to the first, second, and third-place finishers in both the male and female categories.

Dr. Sandeep Kate, Founder of Satara Runners Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude, saying, “The 13th edition of the JBG Satara Hill Half Marathon has been a resounding success, and the theme ‘I am a Fighter’ truly resonated with every participant. This event is a powerful reminder that each of us possesses an indomitable spirit, capable of overcoming any challenge. We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from our volunteers, sponsors, and the entire Satara community. Together, we have not only celebrated fitness but also the warrior within each of us, creating a legacy that will inspire generations to come.”

Gaurav Jajodia, Director of Jai Balaji Group the Title Sponsor, also shared his joy in being a major part of this event, stating, “Jai Balaji Group is immensely proud to be part of this incredible journey. This event embodies resilience and determination. Witnessing the dedication and courage of each participant has been truly uplifting. We are committed to continuing our support for this event, as we believe – together, we will keep pushing boundaries and inspire others to embrace their inner warriors. Congratulations to all participants for a great race.”

Hussain Mala, Director of MALA‘S Fruit Products and The Powered By partner expressed his pride in supporting the JBG Satara Hill Half Marathon, stating, “This event not only celebrates athleticism but also embodies the spirit of community and resilience. We are thrilled to contribute to an initiative that inspires individuals to push their limits and embrace a healthier lifestyle, especially to the Satara community that has given us so much in the last 65+ years.”

Punit Balan, Chairman of the Punit Balan Group, Expo & Lounge Partner, remarked on the significance of the marathon, saying, “The JBG Satara Hill Half Marathon is a testament to the power of determination and teamwork. We are honoured to be part of an event encouraging participants to discover their strength and fostering a culture of fitness in the community.”

All 19 pacers successfully achieved their target timings, showcasing their extensive experience of over five years in pacing. For the past four months, these dedicated pacers provided free training to participants, running the half marathon course themselves 5 to 6 times in the last two months. The highlight is that every individual they trained reached their desired finish time, a testament to their commitment and expertise. In addition, the Satara Runners Foundation hosted a pre-event Punit Balan Group Fitness Expo for JBG Satara Hill Half Marathon 2024 on 30th and 31st August 2024 (spanning 2 days), providing a platform for Local Runners and Outstation Runners to collect their Race Kit/BIB. The event also contributes to the community by establishing open gyms and street workout stations in Satara, promoting a culture of fitness and well-being.