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Kerala Energy Tech Startup chargeMOD Expands EV Charging Network, Partners with A Plus Charge for 1000+ Solutions in North East

Kochi, 9th May 2024: Kerala-based energy tech startup and leading provider of electric vehicle charging solutions chargeMOD, and A Plus Charge, a Guwahati-based company at the forefront of EV charging infrastructure in Assam, announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the deployment of 1000 plus EV charging stations across North East India. With the incorporation of over 1000 new chargers, chargeMOD’s network will expand to a total of 4200 chargers across India. This encompasses 2000 chargers already in operation, along with 1200 recently announced charging stations.

This collaboration between chargeMOD and A Plus Charge will significantly expand EV charging accessibility in North East India. chargeMOD’s proven track record in network establishment and technological expertise will be combined with A Plus Charge’s local knowledge and experience in the North East market.

M. Ramanunni, CEO and Co-Founder of chargeMOD, echoed this sentiment. “We are excited to partner with A Plus Charge to make EV charging accessible and convenient for everyone in North East India. Our collaboration will not only benefit drivers but also contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future for the region. With A Plus bearing the torch for EV adoption in NE India, we are looking at a promising team-up between our organizations. Together we can replicate Kerala’s work in creating sustainable EV charging infrastructure in other parts of the country.” said M. Ramanunni, CEO and Co-Founder of chargeMOD.

chargeMOD, a startup company that is incubated under Kerala Startup Mission was established in 2019, and has a robust network of over 2,300 charging stations across 10 Indian states. With a strong presence in Kerala, it the state’s sole public EV charging provider for autos and the first to develop an indigenous mobile app for locating charging stations.

“North East India holds immense potential for EV adoption, and this partnership is a significant step forward in making it a reality,” said Samyak Jain, Founder & CEO of A Plus Charge. “By combining our expertise, we can ensure that EV drivers have access to reliable and efficient charging infrastructure throughout the region. In following Kerala’s model, we are sure to create a more robust EV environment in North-East India” said Samyak Jain, CEO, A Plus Charge.

A Plus Charge, a division of AlternatEV Solutions Private Limited, is spearheading Assam’s transition towards electric mobility. The company plays a pivotal role in installing EV charging stations across diverse locations, catering to electric cars, rickshaws, and buses. Their services extend to public transportation with charging solutions for EV cab fleets and electric buses.

Rossari Biotech Strengthens Leadership with Sunil Nair as CHRO

India, 9th May: Rossari Biotech Limited, a leading manufacturer of specialty chemicals, enzymes, and other products for various industries including home, personal care, and performance chemicals, textiles specialty chemicals, and animal health & nutrition products, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Sunil Nair as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for Rossari Biotech and its esteemed Group Companies.

Based in the dynamic hub of Mumbai, Mr. Nair steps into this pivotal role with a dedication not only to lead the Human Resources function but also to oversee corporate communications. With a strategic focus, he will be instrumental in aligning with organizational goals across Rossari and its Group’s diverse operational units and locations.

With a legacy spanning over two and a half decades, Rossari Biotech has emerged as a frontrunner in the specialty chemical sector in India. Its relentless pursuit of talent development aims to nurture an environment characterized by excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

Welcoming Mr. Nair to the team, Mr. Sunil Chari MD of Rossari Biotech said, “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Sunil Nair as our team’s Chief Human Resource Officer. With his wealth of experience and expertise in HR management, we are confident that he will be instrumental in shaping our people strategy and supporting our continued growth. We look forward to his leadership in enhancing our talent management initiatives and driving organizational development at Rossari.”

With a remarkable career spanning over 26 years, Mr. Nair brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Rossari Biotech. Having served as the Head of HR at Ashok Leyland Limited for eight years, he adeptly aligned HR strategies with the overarching objectives of the company. Mr. Nair’s professional journey includes diverse sectors, including automotive and garment manufacturing, immigration consultancy, and recruitment consultancy. His career trajectory has seen him undertake pivotal roles in both Dubai, UAE, and Chennai, showcasing his adaptability and expertise in navigating varied professional environments.

Mr. Nair’s proficiency in strategic HR management is exemplified by his achievements in talent acquisition, organizational design, performance management, compensation and benefits, career and succession planning, and employee engagement. His adeptness in crafting and executing HR processes and policies, combined with his capability to lead sizable teams, will play a central role in propelling Rossari Biotech’s growth trajectory.

Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Mr. Nair remarked, “As I assume the role of CHRO at Rossari Biotech, I am deeply honored to be part of such a prestigious organization. I look forward to leveraging my experience and enthusiasm to contribute to the company’s continued success. Together with the exceptional team here, I am eager to push boundaries, make a meaningful impact, and achieve remarkable accomplishments.”

Mr Nair is an alumnus of IIM Kolkata where he completed his Executive Program in Human Resources Management. He holds a degree in Bachelor of Science (Computer Science). He further expanded his skill set with a Professional Diploma in Software Technology & Systems Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in International Trade. He is a certified CII HR Excellence Assessor and is also certified in Thomas’s Psychometric Assessment and Harrison’s Psychometric Assessment.

As Rossari Biotech fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, prioritizing empowerment, creativity, and initiative among its employees, Nair’s appointment is a strategic cornerstone in developing open communication, mutual respect, and collaborative initiatives.

VISION IAS Conducts Seminar on UPSC Preparation in Bengaluru

Bengaluru 9th May 2024: The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a competitive nationwide examination held in India by the Union Public Service Commission. The exam is conducted to recruit candidates for higher Civil Services of the Government of India, such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS).

Vision IAS organized a seminar on UPSC preparation strategy. The event was led by one of our students, Mr. Kush Motwani, who secured All India Rank 11. The seminar was attended by numerous aspirants.

With mathematics as his optional subject, Kush paved his way to success with relentless dedication and unwavering focus. Despite numerous obstacles on his UPSC journey, he persevered with resilience and grit.

Completing his schooling at Delhi Public School, Nerul, followed by a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering and an M.Tech in Communication and Signal Processing from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Kush’s professional path reflects his versatile interests and capabilities, transitioning from a research engineer to the Indian Corporate Law Services, and later as a Data Scientist.

In this session, Mr. Kush Motwani shared his inspiring journey with the aspirants and offered them strategies for managing time effectively, developing practical study plans, and maintaining motivation throughout their preparation journey. The session was appraised by all the aspirants who reached the VisionAS Bengaluru center in Vijaynagar to attend the open session, leaving a mark on the future nation leaders.

Indian burgeoning e-commerce lowers discounts, focuses on profits, as funding declines

Mumbai, 9th May 2024: Indian e-commerce market is on the rise, but funding from private equity & venture capitalists has been on the decline leading to a profitability push led by high platform and delivery fees and lower discounts for customers, according to a report released at the inaugural session of Phygital Retail Convention here on Wednesday.

As per the India Phygital Report 2024, e-commerce now accounts for 8-10 percent of the total retail market and will reach 14 percent by 2026-27. The increase in share was led by an increased active user base between 275-312 million, which could go up to 439 million by 2026-27. The financial year 2024 saw PE & VC investments in India drop by 38 percent to less than USD 30 billion in FY2023 from USD 47.6 billion two years back in 2022.

Consumers’ rising comfort in online shopping became the backbone for quick commerce acceptance as convenience snowballed from occasional to daily purchases. In a subsequent session at the conference, Ravi Kapoor, Partner, Retail & Consumer Sector, PwC India pointed out that though the informed Indian consumer is cautious, he or she is now open to purchasing high-value items without inspection.

“While data privacy concerns remain, social media forms the core of brand engagement and purchases,” Kapoor said, adding that AI is trusted for simple tasks but human support and privacy are crucial for earning trust from companies. However, as per the India Phygital Report, which was derived by conducting surveys across 500 stores of 200 brands and analyzing 4.4 million e-commerce transactions across 350 brands, apparel & accessories accounted for 18.8 percent of e-commerce penetration, 6.1 percent for home furnishing, but remained dismal at 2.1 percent for jewelry.

Dwelling into India’s vibrant retail landscape, TRRAIN, Founder, B.S. Nagesh along with fellow panelists pointed out that the shopping ticket size between rural and urban India is increasingly becoming blurred, with the former showing encouraging signs for retailers. However, the rural consumer was also seen scouting about value for money and was willing to shift loyalty to a private label over an established brand, experts said.

The AI Reality: New Research from ISACA Identifies Gaps in AI Knowledge, Training and Policies

Bengaluru, India, 9th May 2024 —According to an ISACA pulse poll of 3,270 digital trust professionals, only 15% of organizations have AI policies, and 40% of organizations offer no AI training at all.

These gaps are concerning given that 70% of respondents say staff are using AI, and 60% say employees are using generative AI (e.g., Microsoft CoPilot, Google Gemini, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT).

The poll showed the most common uses of AI are:

• Increasing productivity (35%)
• Automating repetitive tasks (33%)
• Creating written content (33%)

A full 60% of respondents are worried or very worried that bad actors will exploit generative AI, with 81% saying the top AI risk is misinformation/disinformation. Yet only 35 percent say AI risks are an immediate priority for their organization.

Respondents believe jobs will be significantly impacted by AI, with 45% saying many jobs will be eliminated over the next five years and 80% saying many jobs will be modified. Yet digital trust professionals—those who work in fields such as information security, governance, risk, and privacy—are more optimistic about their own jobs. Seventy-eight percent say AI will have a neutral or positive impact on their careers.

To achieve that neutral or positive impact and retain or advance their careers, 85% say they will need to increase their AI skills and knowledge within two years.

“AI is moving at a speed we haven’t seen before, with its use in organizations outpacing the policies, training and skills that are critical for making sure it is used securely,” said Shannon Donahue, ISACA Chief Content and Publishing Officer. “AI is quickly becoming a business imperative, and ISACA is fully committed to providing the tools, resources and training to help individuals and enterprises thrive in an AI world.”

“While there are many unknowns when it comes to AI’s trajectory, one thing is clear—digital trust professionals must prioritize AI education and training to harness the technology’s value, enhance their own skillset, and evolve and advance their careers with the changing times,” says RV Raghu, Director at Versatilist Consulting India Pvt Ltd, and ISACA India Ambassador.

ISACA is addressing this knowledge gap by releasing a series of on-demand AI training, with three courses launching today:

• AI Essentials—Explores foundational principles and applications of AI and provides a comprehensive overview of core AI concepts, algorithms and application of AI
• Auditing Generative AI: Strategy, Analysis and Risk Mitigation—Explores generative AI, including considerations of usage, associated risks, and its impact on auditing processes, with emphasis on security, ethical considerations, data governance, and compliance with regulations
• AI Governance: Principles, Strategies and Business Alignment—Explores how governance practices apply throughout the AI lifecycle, from development and implementation to ongoing monitoring and maintenance, ensuring consistent and effective governance at every stage

These new courses join additional AI-focused resources from ISACA, including:

• A new book titled Artificial Intelligence: A Primer on Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Neural Networks
• Artificial Intelligence Audit Toolkit
• Using the Digital Trust Ecosystem Framework to Achieve Trustworthy AI white paper
• An AI-acceptable use policy template (one of 15 IS/IT policies available in ISACA’s Policy Template Library)

Thomas Cook India introduces Video KYC for retail Foreign Exchange customers

Mumbai, 9th May 2024: Thomas Cook (India) Limited – India’s leading omnichannel forex services company, has announced the launch of its Video KYC with paperless processes, to empower its retail customers. This transformative digital solution aims to bring customers ease and convenience, enabling seamless foreign exchange services from the comfort of their homes.

The initiative reiterates Thomas Cook’s position as India ka Forex Specialist (#IKFS) – highlighting the Company’s sustained focus on innovation, digital transformation, and elevated customer experience.

The Video KYC is a simple 2-step process:

1. Visit www.thomascook.in: Choose your currency and select Video KYC with Home Delivery option.

2. Upload your documents and verify your identity on video call

Post payment, Thomas Cook’s Ghar pe Forex ensures smooth doorstep delivery in 2 hours!

Benefits to Customers:

1. Convenience: Forex from the comfort of your home

2. Efficiency: No branch visits/paperwork. Complete your entire process online

3. Security: Video KYC is conducted securely and in compliance with regulatory standards

4. Doorstep Delivery in 2 hours!

Using the Video KYC, customers can now effortlessly load/top up their prepaid forex cards, transfer funds, buy and sell foreign exchange, etc.

Mr. Deepesh Varma, Executive Vice President – Foreign Exchange, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Our Video KYC coupled with paperless services was conceptualized to address the new-age Indian traveler’s increasing demand for digital solutions.

This meaningful initiative hence empowers our customers with remote access, while ensuring secure and seamless services. So, Ghar Baithe Forex indeed!

Our accelerated digital-first strategy combined with the personal touch of our Forex experts aims to provide a truly elevated customer experience.”

South Indian Bank and Northern Arc Capital Forge an Alliance for Joint Lending Initiatives Leveraging nPOS

Hyderabad, 9th May 2024: South Indian Bank has allied with Northern Arc Capital. This association has been formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) underscoring the commitment of both institutions to a mutually beneficial partnership. The partnership is aimed at exploring and maximizing business opportunities through combined efforts in the areas of loan origination, underwriting, disbursement, collection, and reconciliation processes. The alliance will focus on co-lending and partnership lending activities, as well as facilitate seamless loan transfers between banks and originators.

The partnership signifies a shared commitment to harnessing synergies, expertise, and resources to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of lending operations. By joining forces, South Indian Bank and Northern Arc Capital aims to capitalize on emerging market trends, diversify their portfolios, and provide innovative financial solutions to a broader customer base. The partnership will enable South Indian Bank to leverage nPOS, Northern Arc’s proprietary technology platform for co-origination, co-lending, and pool buyouts, and to seamlessly connect with multiple originators for loan origination, underwriting, disbursement, and reconciliation abilities.

Mr. P R Seshadri, MD and CEO, of South Indian Bank said, “This alliance with Northern Arc Capital serves as a compelling testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and sustained growth. As we unite our respective strengths, our collective aim is to forge a formidable presence in the financial sector. This collaboration is poised not only to drive enhanced value for our customers but also to create tangible benefits for our stakeholders. By leveraging the synergies inherent in this alliance, we look forward to pioneering innovative solutions and setting new benchmarks within the dynamic landscape of the financial industry.”

Mr. Ashish Mehrotra, MD & CEO, of Northern Arc Capital Ltd, shared his perspective on the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to partner with South Indian Bank in advancing their digital initiatives. nPOS is tailored to cover the full gamut of retail asset classes. With the ability to handle large number of loans, personalized offerings, and an intuitive user interface, nPOS aims to simplify the interactions amongst borrowers, originators, and lenders. The extensive reach of South Indian Bank coupled with Northern Arc’s experience in structured finance aims to create a powerful synergy. By joining forces, South Indian Bank and Northern Arc Capital aims to capitalize on emerging market trends, diversify their portfolios, and provide innovative financial solutions to a broader customer base.”

The other noteworthy attendees at the MOU signing ceremony included Mr. Ramesh U, DGM & Zonal Sales Head – Corporate, South Indian Bank, Mr Prashant George Tharakan, AGM & Head – Investor Relations, South Indian Bank, Mr. Prajin Varghese, AGM & Regional Head – Mumbai, South Indian Bank, Mr. Amit Mandhanya, EVP, Direct Origination, Northern Arc, Ms. Sandhya Dhawan, EVP- Markets, Northern Arc, Ms. Geetu Sehgal, Chief of Staff, Northern Arc, Mr. Sumant Paul, Sr. VP – Markets, Northern Arc reflecting the collective commitment to this association. The partnership between South Indian Bank and Northern Arc Capital is expected to foster an ecosystem that encourages innovation and facilitates the smooth flow of credit across various sectors. Both institutions are confident that this alliance will not only strengthen their market positions but also contribute significantly to the growth of the financial industry.

PVR INOX Launches Super-Premium Director’s Cut Cinema and Ice Theatres® at Kopa Mall, Pune

9th May 2024: PVR INOX, the largest and the most premium cinema exhibitor in India has today announced the opening of its 7-screen multiplex in Pune’s first luxury lifestyle destination at KOPA Mall, Koregaon Park. The cinema showcases the country’s leading luxury cinema formats, Director’s Cut and the immersive ICE Theatres®, both marking their debut in the West Region.

The most notable aspect of this cinema is that it brings with it 5 Director’s Cut auditoriums within PVR INOX’s ‘The Luxury Collection’ portfolio, known countrywide for offering sophisticated and immersive movie-viewing experiences. The cinema also houses the ICE Theatres® and a Premiere auditorium where modern splendor and redefining comfort meet cutting-edge cinema technologies such as 4K Laser projection, Dolby Atmos sound, and Next Generation 3D. Adjacent to it, the Gatsby restaurant bar adds to an exceptional experience through its unparalleled premium dining entwined with a lavish cinematic experience. Surrounding the theater are world-class culinary options including The Popcorn Bar with its wide array of flavored popcorn, La Cuisine serving contemporary continental cuisines, and Simply Sushi for its authentic sushi.

The new cinema, accommodating 751 guests, serving a high-end catchment area in Pune will augment PVR INOX foothold in the state of Maharashtra with 277 screens in 55 cinemas. The company consolidates its presence in West India to a total of 367 screens in 79 cinemas.

Commenting on the expansion plan, Mr. Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR INOX Limited, said “We are excited to bring the first ICE Theatres® and first Director’s Cut experience to the Western Region with Pune.

The city’s vibrant and dynamic culture, rich heritage, cosmopolitan charm, and rich understanding of cinematic artistry, make it the perfect backdrop for our newest venture at KOPA, the City’s esteemed lifestyle hub. Through the launch of our new out-of-home destination, we aspire to enrich Pune’s cultural panorama while offering audiences a unique blend of cinematic opulence and immersive entertainment.”

“At KOPA, we have created an unparalleled shopping and dining experience, curated with a unique collection of brands that provide an elevated lifestyle for Pune. We are grateful to our partners at PVR INOX, who have chosen KOPA as their home for the inaugural PVR Director’s Cut in the state. This marks another milestone in a deep relationship between our organizations as we collectively seek to provide incomparable experiences for our visitors, said Mr. Ashwin Puri, Managing Director and CEO, of Lake Shore, on the collaboration.

Directors’ Cut is the pinnacle of luxury at PVR INOX and sets the bar for sophisticated and high-end hospitality and entertainment. From its ultra-plush auditoriums, world-class projection and surround sound, completely reclaimable armchairs with pillows and blankets, a personal attendant call system, an intriguing in-seat food and beverage menu, and luxurious lounges, every detail is carefully engineered to deliver the ultimate comfort for the patrons.

“In a city that truly understands the richness of cinema, it is only natural that Pune inspires us to build large super premium auditoria through our exclusive Director’s Cut and ICE Theatres® adding to the immersive nature and escapism of the super-premium experience. With Gatsby’s, we aspire to introduce a sophisticated gourmet dining and resto-bar concept for discerning patrons, offering a perfect complement to their cinematic experience” said Mr. Renaud Palliere, Chief of The Luxury Collection and Innovation, PVR INOX Limited.

The state-of-the-art ICE IMMERSIVE® technology from France is a sensorial experience that features LED panels on each side of the auditorium. These fill the moviegoer’s peripheral vision with supplementary ambient colors and shapes while complementing the action on the main screen. While the ultimate visual experience is enhanced through 4K Projection, the optimal audio playback comes alive with the 3D Dolby Atmos®, and the ergonomic comfort is aided by custom-made 60cm-wide seats aligned in curved rows offering ideal orientation towards the screen.

With a visually stunning and refined interior characterized by modern elegance, the cinema is adorned with a sophisticated palette of white, black, and grey stone. Carefully crafted to elevate the movie-going experience, it welcomes visitors for an exceptional cinematic journey.