Author: Rabindra

Aviation Most Promising Sector in the Indo-French Business Landscape at the Indo-French Business Awards 2024

29th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) in partnership with Business France, organized the sixth edition of its flagship event, the Indo-French Business Awards (IFBA) and Grand Prix VIE, under the patronage of H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India. The award ceremony brought together close to 150 CEOs, business leaders, and CXOs of leading French and Indian companies representing diverse and important business sectors such as Aerospace & Defence, Mobility, Energy, Consumer Goods, Agro, and Luxury, among others at the Residence of France in New Delhi.

Speaking at the event, H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, said, “There has been a dynamic momentum in Indo-French economic ties these past years, with many success stories contributing to making the Indo-French strategic partnership stronger. This truly unique relationship between our two nations has created a framework for French and Indian companies to invent, produce and create flourishing businesses together. The Indo-French Business Awards and Grand Prix VIE, instituted by Team France Export in India, annually recognises their accomplishments. My heartfelt congratulations to the winners of this year’s edition!”

The Indo-French Business Awards had announced 11 categories for which more than 100 applications were received from across India and France. The maximum number of applications received was for the ‘Most Innovative Product/Service of the Year’ category, showcasing France’s prolific innovation sector.

Before the award ceremony, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, special guest of the evening, addressed the IFCCI CEO Committee and highlighted the importance of the aviation industry in India. Mr Elbers presented the key figures of the booming aviation industry in India and how India is set to become the leading country in civil aviation in the coming years. He also reiterated IndiGo’s commitment to the Indian aviation industry and its aim of doubling the size of international routes and destinations by 2030.

The winners of the 11 categories were awarded by Ambassador Thierry Mathou. The awards jury comprised highly recognized Indo-French business leaders, Embassy of France officials, and CEOs of IFCCI’s member companies.

Ms Payal S. Kanwar, Director General, the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI), said, “The Indo-French Business Awards and Grand Prix VIE enables and recognises the efforts of Indo-French businesses and their most significant accomplishments. IFCCI is proud to witness French companies focussing on innovation and sustainable business approach while doing business in India.”

The event was addressed virtually from France by Mr Guillaume Faury, CEO, of Airbus, who was awarded the ‘Personality of the Year’ for his outstanding contribution to the Indo-French business ecosystem.

The award ceremony also highlighted the VIE programme of the French Trade Commission. VIE is a programme enabling young French and European talents from 18 to 28 years of age to do a 6 – to 24-month assignment in South Asia, working for a company registered in France. Business France organizes a Grand Prix VIE every year to distinguish and reward the best talents posted at French companies on VIE assignments in this region.

Winners – Indo-French Business Awards 2024

Winners – Grand Prix VIE Awards 2024

Prix VIE – Talent 2024 Large Enterprise – Ms Audrey Collignon, VIE at Dassault Aviation, based in Delhi

Prix VIE – Talent 2024 Small/Medium Enterprise – Mr Raphaël de Villeneuve, VIE at Nereides, based in Mumbai

Prix VIE – Enterprise 2024 – SAFRAN represented by Mr Jetendra Gavankar, CEO Safran India

Prix VIE – Jury Special – Sarah Bernard, VIE at CEVA Logistics

Amid Rising Gold Prices Get Gold Loans on Bajaj Markets

29th July 2024  Pune, Maharashtra, India  Those looking to apply for a gold loan from the comfort of their homes can get started with Bajaj Markets, one of India’s leading digital financial marketplaces. Get a gold loan at interest rates starting from just 8.88% p.a. with a flexible tenure of up to 3 years.

Usually, one can borrow up to 75% of the current market value of their gold. Individuals can get a higher loan amount, as gold prices have increased by approximately 15% since January 2024, a report by The Economic Times (ET) revealed.

The report further revealed that people are queuing up for gold loans amid rising gold prices. Bajaj Markets offers easy access to a range of gold loan options. One can choose the solution that best suits their needs.

Data from GoodReturns shows that the price of 24-karat gold in India on April 19, 2024, stood at Rs. 74,340 per 10 grams. The price increased by Rs. 540 as compared to April 18, 2024, when the price was Rs. 73,800.

This surge in rates can help individuals gain access to a higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratio and thus, borrow higher amounts. For instance, consider that the weight of the gold pledged is 10 grams and the LTV offered is 75%. With the rise in gold prices from Rs. 69,380 on April 1, 2024, to Rs. 74,340 on April 19, 2024, one can now borrow an additional amount of Rs. 3,562.50.

To unlock the potential of the rising value of gold, one can easily apply for a gold loan on Bajaj Markets. The process is seamless and comes with minimal documentation requirements. Furthermore, customers can consider applying for gold-related investment options like Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) through the website or app.

Kopiko Candy Launches ‘Kopiko Chaba Moment’ Starring MS Dhoni

29th July 2024  Hyderabad, Telangana, India  Kopiko, the World’s No.1 coffee candy, proudly announces the launch of an exciting new series of snackable creatives starring cricket legend MS Dhoni. Aptly titled the ‘Kopiko-Chaba-Moment’ this series amplifies the Kopiko ‘Chaba’ campaign, which was launched earlier this year.

The ‘Kopiko Chaba Moment’ comprises of a series of five short format videos highlighting the versatility of Kopiko in energizing and inspiring us throughout the day. Each moment presented by MS Dhoni in his signature style is a delight to watch as he illustrates how the invigorating taste of Kopiko candy, infused with real coffee, enhances his focus and inspiration.

Expressing his enthusiasm on the launch of ‘Kopiko Chaba Moment’ series, MS Dhoni remarked, “Kopiko has been my favourite candy and its real coffee keeps me energised and focused throughout my hectic day. I’m confident that these engaging short videos, which are inspired from my real life, will resonate with my fans. In one of these, I will be seen as a biker giving riding tips and in another, I am giving survival strategies for endless work-from-home calls.”

Sonal Dabral, Founder of Tribha and the creative mind behind this campaign, stated, “I truly enjoyed crafting these bite-sized videos to showcase everyday occasions of Kopiko’s consumption and emphasize its core benefits. It was a pleasure working with MS Dhoni. His disarming charm means the audience attention and engagement with Kopiko is guaranteed.”

Rituraj, Head of Marketing at Mayora India, explained the rationale behind adopting this format, stating, “We have seen consumers shift towards digital platforms and their attention span has also reduced. We have devised these reel-format videos to adapt to this change. This campaign leverages the expansive reach of YouTube and aims to connect with our diverse audience, particularly the younger demographic.”

The ‘Kopiko Chaba Moments’ will be promoted extensively on digital platforms to captivate a broader audience across states. Be sure to subscribe to the Kopiko YouTube channel and witness these captivating ‘Kopiko Chaba Moments’ here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2zXDxIMJHnkRItomw99z_cToRj4DZO8Z&feature=shared

Technology Initiatives to Manage Solid Waste in Bengaluru SWDs

29th July 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  Mechanical devices have been installed in stormwater drains at three locations in East Bengaluru to deal with solid waste in stormwater drains. The project has been facilitated by BBMP SWD department. CGI, one of the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world, has supported the project with funds under its CSR and sustainability program. The installations have been implemented by NGO That’s Eco Foundation and technology has been provided by AlphaMERS.

Being floating devices, these barriers adjust to water levels during the dry season and in monsoons. This helps prevent the choking of stormwater drains.

Bengaluru has been facing flooding issues every year and this measure will help minimize the compounding effect of clogging and reduction in drainage capacity.

Indian Consumers Express High Concern for Water Scarcity: Ecolab Watermark™ Study

29th July 2024  Pune, Maharashtra, India  Data from a global study commissioned by Ecolab, a global sustainability leader offering water solutions and services conducted in partnership with Morning Consult, has revealed significant insights into the attitudes of Indian consumers toward water scarcity. Across all age groups, the concern regarding water scarcity emerges as a prevalent issue, highlighting the acute awareness of environmental challenges among Indian citizens. Within the Indian demographic landscape, this study sheds light on the specific dynamics of water scarcity perception, providing valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders alike.

The findings from the Ecolab Watermark™ Study in India specifically uncovered the following insights:

• Nearly 90% of Indian adults worry significantly about environmental issues, ranking highest among India/MENA regions.
• Four in five people across all generations are concerned about clean and safe water—with more Baby Boomers wanting immediate change now.
• Millennials and Gen Z consumers in India/MENA are more concerned about clean and safe water than their peers in other parts of the world.
• While concerned, younger generations in India/MENA expressed less concern about taking direct action on clean and safe water today.
• Clean and safe water emerges as a primary environmental concern, and there is a strong consensus on its importance for sustainability.
• Most Indian consumers already opt for more environmentally friendly products, indicating a shift towards sustainability.
• Indians consider water conservation critical and feel a broad sense of urgency to address clean and safe water issues.
• While the government is seen as primarily responsible for water conservation, there’s a perception that manufacturers contribute the least.
• Indian consumers, more than any other group, are willing to pay a premium for sustainably made products.
• Over 70% of consumers recognize a shared concern among government, non-profits, and businesses about their climate impact, with a call for more action from business leaders.

“Understanding the profound concerns of Indian consumers towards environmental sustainability and water conservation, Ecolab is committed to pioneering innovative solutions that not only address these urgent needs but also set a new standard for corporate responsibility in water stewardship. We at Ecolab are dedicated to collaborating with communities, governments, and businesses to secure a sustainable future for all,” said Geetha Srinivasa, Managing Director for Ecolab India.

As a global leader in water management and solutions, Ecolab recognizes businesses’ role in forging a safer, more prosperous future. The company has worked with its customers for generations to advance a more water-secure future.

Accelerating change through the power of water is core to Ecolab’s purpose to improve the health of people, the planet, and businesses worldwide. The company shares its expertise in smart water use with customers to help them reduce, reuse, and recycle water in their operations. In addition to supporting effective water use, Ecolab’s solutions help customers use energy more efficiently, reduce waste, and cut greenhouse gas emissions to advance a more sustainable future.

TREVOC Bags the Emerging Real Estate Brand Award at the Big Impact 2024 Awards

29th July 2024  Gurugram, Haryana, India  TREVOC, a leading Gurugram-based real estate developer, achieved another milestone by winning the “Emerging Real Estate Brand” at Big FM’s “Big Impact 2024” award. The award ceremony was held at the Eros Hotel, Delhi, and was graced by the presence of renowned personalities and dignitaries.

Mr. Gurpal Singh Chawla, Managing Director, TREVOC, commented, “We are thrilled to receive the Big Impact Award from Big FM. This award not only underscores our brand’s rich legacy but also acknowledges our recent strides, including the introduction of our brand ambassadors Saif and Kareena, which has become the talk of the town.” Mr. Sehaj Chawla, Managing Director, TREVOC, added, “We are a brand with years of legacy and are striving to define luxury in its true essence. This recognition inspires us to continue our journey of setting new standards and delivering exceptional quality and comfort to our buyers.”

The Big Impact Award facilitates entrepreneurs, business leaders, and visionaries from various industries who showcase their commendable achievements. TREVOC aspires to create unparalleled architecture, state-of-the-art facilities, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, setting new benchmarks and redefining the industry.

Greater Faridabad: An Upcoming Hub for Retail Excellence

29th July 2024  Faridabad, Haryana, India  Greater Faridabad emerges as a rising beacon of opportunity and prosperity for the retail sector, poised to become a central hub for retail excellence shortly. Nestled within the National Capital Region (NCR), this dynamic urban enclave is experiencing a surge in development and growth, paving the way for a thriving retail landscape.

Central to Greater Faridabad’s burgeoning potential is its rapidly expanding population. As the area continues to attract migrants seeking better prospects and improved lifestyles, the demand for retail goods and services escalates correspondingly. This demographic influx presents a ripe opportunity for retailers to establish their presence and cater to the diverse needs of the local populace.

Jatin Goel, Executive Director of Omaxe Group said, “The strategic positioning of Greater Faridabad further augments its appeal to retailers. With seamless connectivity to major highways, railways, and airports, the region serves as a vital transportation nexus, drawing in shoppers from surrounding areas and facilitating the seamless movement of goods. Moreover, ongoing infrastructural initiatives, including the expansion of metro lines and road networks, are enhancing accessibility and connectivity, bolstering the retail ecosystem.”

Jatin Goel further added, “Greater Faridabad boasts a robust commercial infrastructure, characterized by modern shopping malls, commercial complexes, and retail outlets. These contemporary facilities provide retailers with an ideal platform to showcase their products and services in a dynamic and vibrant setting. Additionally, the presence of renowned brands and anchor tenants in these retail destinations adds to their allure, attracting shoppers and driving foot traffic.”

Rohit Mohan, Senior Vice President of BPTP Group said, “With the booming real estate market, Greater Faridabad is poised to become a hub for retail excellence, bringing an upward trajectory in the industry. With its growing consumer dynamics, favorable business ecosystem, and surging retail scenes, the region presents abundant prospects for retailers to excel. By tapping into the expansive opportunities within this burgeoning urban centre and prioritizing innovation and customer-centric strategies, retailers can pave the way for unprecedented growth and cement Greater Faridabad’s position as a leading retail destination in the NCR region.”

Uddhav Poddar – Managing Director of Bhumika Group said, “The retail sector in Greater Faridabad is at the forefront of a major transformation, driven by the shift towards experiential retailing and innovation in shopping experiences. Retailers are strategically investing in environments that not only engage but also enhance the customer journey through the integration of cutting-edge technology and personalized services. From interactive displays and virtual reality to exclusive pop-up shops and distinctive culinary events, these initiatives are designed to captivate shoppers and secure a competitive advantage in a dynamic market. In a significant development underscoring this trend, Bhumika Group has announced a robust investment of over 300 crore INR in the next few years in a pioneering high street project located in the Mathura Road Micro Market of Faridabad, poised to further energize and transform the local retail scene.”

In conclusion, Greater Faridabad stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the retail sector, poised to ascend to new heights of excellence and innovation. With its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and dynamic consumer base, the region presents an ideal environment for retailers to establish their presence, engage customers, and drive growth. As Greater Faridabad continues on its trajectory of progress and development, it holds immense promise as an upcoming hub for retail excellence in the NCR and beyond.

Tiger Cup 2024 by Cycle Pure Agarbathi Returns for its 12th Edition

29th July 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  Cycle Pure Agarbathi is set to host the 12th edition of the Tiger Cup 2024, taking place from April 22 to May 13 in Bengaluru. This cricket tournament, catering to under-12, under-14, and under-16 categories, will be held across four venues: Global Academy of Technology in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, JSS Academy of Technical Education in Channasandra, Sattva Global City in Pattanagere, and B K Grounds in Bommasandra. Teams from Hubli, Mysore, and Kerala will participate, to nurture young cricketing talent and promote the sport in the region. Many budding cricketers who have participated in the Tiger Cup Tournament over the years have represented Karnataka U14, U16 and U19 tournaments.

Created by renowned cricket players, Sandeep Patil, Harbhajan Singh and Yusuf Pathan, the Tiger Cup Tournament is one of the most coveted events that brings 56 talented teams together, including over 900 players from all around India. The 12th edition of the Tiger Cup 2024 will be dedicated to raising awareness on the importance of conserving wildlife, with the proceeds of the event donated towards forest foot soldiers for their commendable service in protecting the forests and wildlife in the country.

Held annually, the event will not only commemorate and celebrate the talents of young players, but through the partnership with Cycle Pure Agarbathi, will also facilitate forest staff. 2 forest staff from Karnataka, 1 from Kerala, and 1 from Tamil Nadu will receive Rs. 1 lakh cash prize each, for their endless commitment to wildlife.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Arjun Ranga, Managing Director of Cycle Pure Agarbathi says, “Cycle Pure Agarbathi is proud to play a pivotal role at the 12th edition of the Tiger Cup 2024, affirming our steadfast commitment to fostering opportunities for budding sports enthusiasts. Our main objective is to emphasise the role sports plays in shaping the lives of young talents. In alignment with our dedication towards environmental conservation, this year’s cricket tournament will provide a special platform, where we pay tribute to the invaluable forest foot soldiers for their service in protecting forests.”

Cricket Expert, Mr Joseph Hoover said, “The Tiger Cup 2024 is a celebration of all the budding talents. Having covered national and international cricket, it was a delight to watch the youth participate and showcase their talents and work on their aspirations to make their dreams come true. We have a promising pool of talent and wish them all the best for their future. It was an enjoyable experience to watch young talents participate and display their skills to the best of their abilities.”

The legacy brand Cycle Pure Agarbathi is committed in its stance to providing a platform for young talents to discover and compete in one of the largely celebrated sports around India. Cycle Pure Agarbathi has supported multiple formats of cricket tournaments throughout the years, and are delighted to have partnered with the 12th edition of the Tiger Cup 2024, to highlight aspiring talents, thanking the KSCA, especially Shri. Brijesh Patel, for their endless support throughout the tournament and ensuring its smooth running.

Brixton Motorcycles Accelerates Into India with Strategic Expansion and New Manufacturing Hub

29th July 2024  Delhi, India  Brixton Motorcycles, an emblem of Austrian heritage renowned for blending timeless design with modern technology, proudly announces its entry into the Indian market. The brand has partnered with KAW Veloce Motors Pvt. Ltd. for manufacturing and distribution, preparing to launch an exclusive range of motorcycles tailored for the Indian audience. Brixton’s move into India is fueled by a strategic vision to introduce its European elegance to the Indian riders.

After nearly two years of meticulous planning with KAW Veloce Motors, the company aims to leverage India’s significant position in the global motorcycle sphere, thereby reinforcing Brixton’s growing reputation in Europe and Southeast Asia.

The company is set to launch four distinct motorcycle models in India this year, each exemplifying Brixton’s dedication to elegance, performance, and innovation. These models are being developed at Brixton’s Austrian design center, with production centered in a new state-of-the-art facility in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, benefiting from KAW Group’s extensive manufacturing expertise.

Further elevating their collaborative efforts, Brixton and KVMPL plan to set up a research and development center in India. This initiative aims at crafting models specifically for the Indian market and marks a significant step towards establishing India as a strategic export hub to Southeast Asian and African markets.

Brixton Motorcycles also intends to build a comprehensive dealer network across major Indian cities. The plan includes launching 15 dealerships by the end of 2024 and expanding to 50 by the following year, ensuring accessibility and convenience for customers nationwide.

Mr. Tushar Shelke, Managing Director at KVMPL, expressed his excitement about the launch, hinting at more thrilling developments to come. “We are thrilled to bring this esteemed brand to the Indian motorcycling community,” said Shelke. “With the launch confirmed, stay tuned for more exciting news soon! As Brixton Motorcycles gears up for a dynamic future in India, it promises not only to meet but exceed expectations, setting new benchmarks in the motorcycle industry with a commitment to excellence and innovation.”

The brand’s entry is distinguished by a focus on catering to a diverse range of consumers—from novices to veteran riders seeking premium experiences. This approach is complemented by an upcoming ADV motorcycle global launch, positioning Brixton to uniquely appeal to Indian motorcycling enthusiasts. To engage with Indian consumers effectively, Brixton will initiate an extensive marketing campaign leading up to a festive brand launch in 2024.

Nyun AI Launches Nyun Zero to Revolutionize AI Model Efficiency

29th July 2024 Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving at an unprecedented rate, the cost and resource demand for developing and deploying highly sophisticated AI models remain a significant barrier. Addressing this challenge, Nyun AI, a pioneering tech startup founded in 2022, backed by TEXMiN IIT(ISM) and Tenity Singapore, has introduced Nyun Zero-a state-of-the-art web app and SDK designed to streamline the development of deep learning models while dramatically reducing associated costs and latencies.

A Seamless Integration for Enhanced Model Efficiency
Nyun Zero is engineered to connect effortlessly with a user’s existing infrastructure, whether it be AWS, Google Cloud Platform, or local systems, thus prioritizing data privacy. This innovative tool harnesses advanced scientific algorithms like network pruning, quantization, distillation, and low-rank approximations. These technologies are renowned for their ability to compress deep models of traditional CNNs to the latest large language models (LLMs)-reducing compute requirements by up to 90%. This not only leads to significant cost savings due to decreased hardware needs but also ensures faster and more efficient task-specific models.

The Technology Behind Nyun Zero
The platform supports a vast array of models readily available on hubs like Hugging Face and GitHub, thanks to its compatibility with various model architectures. Nyun Zero incorporates several in-house and academically derived methods for efficient training and compression of models. Training methods like LoRA, SSF, GLoRA, and QLoRA, alongside compression techniques such as pruning and quantization, are part of the robust toolkit Nyun Zero offers. This toolkit allows models to be directly exported and optimized for the hardware of choice, be it GPUs, edge devices, or CPUs.

Addressing Core Industry Challenges
Prakhar Joshi, the CEO of Nyun AI, highlights the timely intervention of Nyun Zero in the market, “While generative AI continues to fascinate and expand, its practical applications have been hindered by hallucinations, high operational costs and significant latencies. Nyun Zero is crafted to mitigate these issues effectively, enabling fine-tuning of large models on industry-specific data which preserves model intelligence and reduces operational inefficiencies.”

This tool is particularly beneficial for organizations struggling with the deployment of AI models due to the high costs of computation and the latency in model training and inference phases. By enabling data-aware model compression, Nyun Zero ensures that AI implementations are not only feasible but also economically and operationally efficient.

Practical Benefits and Industry Application
Nyun Zero’s benefits extend beyond just cost and time savings. It empowers data science and machine learning teams to deploy models that are not only efficient but also robust and scalable. By reducing the model size and computation needs, teams can deploy AI solutions on a wider range of hardware, including edge devices, enhancing the model’s applicability and accessibility.

CTO Arnav Chavan emphasizes the practicality of Nyun Zero, stating, “The AI landscape is rapidly evolving with continual research on enhancing speed and efficiency. At Nyun AI, we synthesize the latest compression techniques and integrate proven methods rapidly after publication. This allows our users to focus more on implementing and scaling their AI solutions, rather than navigating through the complexity of optimization research.”

Launch Details
Available now, Nyun Zero offers free access to the first few design partners for six months, with subsequent users encouraged to contact the sales team.

To sign up for a design partner fill out this form.

Engaging with Nyun Zero
For tech journalists and consumers eager to explore Nyun Zero, a demo is available on YouTube, and further inquiries can be directed to the founders via mail or the company’s LinkedIn page.

With Nyun Zero, Nyun AI not only upholds its mission to make AI accessible, affordable, and fast but also sets a new benchmark in the AI industry for efficiency and performance optimization, ensuring that AI technologies are within reach for developers and businesses across the globe.