Category Archives: Business

MTAR bags Rs. 226 Crs of orders in Clean Energy and Aerospace segments

Hyderabad, 20 December 2024:

 MTAR Technologies Ltd has received Rs. 226 Crs of orders in Clean Energy and Aerospace segments. This includes Rs. 191 Crs of orders for various products from Bloom Energy in Clean Energy sector and Rs. 35 Crs of orders from reputed customers in Aerospace including Rafael, IMI Systems, and IAI. Furthermore, Rs. 225 Crs of orders are expected to be executed within one year and balance orders shall be executed by April 2026. The order value reflects the Company’s increasing market share in Clean Energy and Aerospace sectors.

 Commenting on the orders, Mr. Parvat Srinivas Reddy, Managing Director & Promoter, MTAR Technologies Ltd, said, “We are optimistic about growth in Clean Energy and Aerospace verticals. The Company is expecting significant orders in both the segments going forward.”

Industry Veteran Anil Dua Joins SAR E-Mobility as Co-Founder to Shape Its Next Phase of Growth and Innovation

20th December, New Delhi: Mr Anil Dua has joined as a partner and co-founder of the SAR E-Mobility Division, which comprises Lectrix and Mooving businesses. A seasoned leader with a proven track record across diverse industries, Mr Dua brings the group over three decades of unparalleled expertise in strategic leadership, digital transformation, and brand-building.

 Most recently, Mr. Dua served as the Group CEO of Dish TV, where he steered the company through transformative milestones, including the merger with Videocon D2H. Before Dish TV, Mr Dua held pivotal roles at OTE Group in Oman, Hero MotoCorp, Unilever, and Gillette. At Hero MotoCorp, he was instrumental in the iconic rebranding from Hero Honda to Hero, doubling volumes and tripling turnover during his tenure. His strategic contributions have earned him numerous awards, including the IAA Marketer of the Year and recognition among India’s Top 50 Brand Leaders.

 As an IIT Delhi alumnus with an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad, Mr. Dua’s stellar academic background complements his professional journey. His leadership philosophy, marked by innovation and collaboration, aligns seamlessly with SAR Group’s mission to accelerate India’s transition to sustainable mobility.

 Commenting on the joining, Mr. Rakesh Malhotra, Founder of SAR Group, said, “Mr. Dua’s passion for operational excellence and brand building makes him a transformative force in any organisation. His remarkable ability to lead with clarity and purpose has set new benchmarks in every role he has undertaken. At SAR Group, we are excited to join hands as co-founders and leverage his strategic vision with unparalleled experience to redefine the future of electric mobility and propel us toward our goal of becoming a leader in sustainable transportation. His focus on driving growth, innovation, and operational rigour aligns perfectly with our mission.

 Commenting on his new role, Mr Anil Dua said, “I am thrilled to join hands with SAR Group, a group with a remarkable history of creating household brands and delivering customer-focused solutions. Electric mobility is still in its early stages, making this an exciting time to collaborate as the industry evolves. With its comprehensive ecosystem approach—Lectrix EV as the OEM and Mooving as the energy service provider—SAR Group is well-positioned to redefine mobility. I look forward to applying my experience to foster growth and drive innovation in this rapidly transforming industry.”

 With Mr Dua on board, Lectrix EV and Mooving will strengthen their market positions, expand their product portfolios, and make electric mobility more accessible and sustainable. His visionary leadership will undoubtedly steer both companies toward a future of transformative growth and industry leadership.

NueGo partners with CheckMyBus to offer premium sustainable intercity bus services to global customers

Mumbai, 20 December 2024: NueGo, India’s largest electric intercity bus service from GreenCell Mobility, has partnered with CheckMyBus, world’s leading bus travel metasearch platform, to revolutionize intercity bus travel for both international and domestic guests in India. This collaboration aims to provide an eco-friendly and sustainable travel experience, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions.

With a network connecting over 100 cities across India, NueGo’s electric buses offer a safe, cleaner & comfortable alternative to traditional bus services, promoting a future of pollution-free travel with focus on guest experience. This partnership will make NueGo’s extensive network easily accessible on the CheckMyBus platform, enabling global travelers to discover and explore India’s diverse destinations in an environmentally conscious manner.

Devndra Chawla, MD & CEO – GreenCell Mobility, shared, “Partnering with CheckMyBus allows NueGo to connect with global travelers from over 100 countries, offering them a premium intercity bus experience in India that prioritizes sustainability. Together, we are redefining travel by embracing greener alternatives and contributing to a better future. By combining zero-emission mobility with India’s rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, NueGo electric buses are making eco-friendly tourism a reality.”

Marc Hofmann, CEO of CheckMyBus, stated, “We are excited to partner with NueGo to bring a climate-friendly bus travel experience to our global travelers in India. As the world shifts towards greener alternatives, the NueGo and CheckMyBus partnership aligns perfectly with our mission make it simple for travelers to find sustainable mobility. This collaboration not only enhances the travel experience but also contributes to a cleaner and greener planet.”

Nuego’s fleet of electric buses is designed to offer comfort, safety, and convenience while minimizing the environmental impact. By choosing Nuego, travelers contribute to a significant reduction in carbon footprint, supporting India’s vision for a greener and more sustainable future.

NueGo has been a frontrunner in championing Women’s Safety in India’s intercity electric bus service sector. It is the first brand to launch a dedicated 24×7 helpline number for women travelers, introduce Pink Seat feature while ticket booking, providing clean and hygienic mid-points and buses equipped with advanced cutting-edge security measures such as CCTV Surveillance, GPS Live Tracking, Driver’s Breath Analyzer Tests, Speed lock at 80 km/hr and more.

ErgoSpace Inspires the Design Community at Acetech 2024 with Cutting-Edge Ergonomic Furniture

New Delhi, December 20th December, 2024 – Ergo Space made a bold statement at the recently held Acetech 2024, held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi by captivating architects, interior designers, and industry leaders with its innovative ergonomic furniture solutions. The event became a vibrant platform to showcase Ergo Space’s commitment to reimagining workspaces with products that seamlessly blend design, comfort, and functionality.

The Ergo Space booth attracted thousands of visitors, including prominent architects, interior decorators, and corporate procurement professionals, all eager to experience the debut of the revolutionary Cozy Chair and Maybach Chair. These flagship products, featuring electric recliners, massage-enabled lumbar support, and luxurious finishes, set new standards for ergonomic design.

Mr. Prashant Garg, Managing Director, ErgoSpace, shared his thoughts on the successful showcase, “AceTech 2024 was a remarkable opportunity for us to demonstrate how innovative design can transform workplace environments. The response from the architectural and design community reaffirms our mission to deliver furniture solutions that elevate both aesthetics and well-being.”

Event Highlights

• Product Launches: The unveiling of the Cozy Chair and Maybach Chair resonated with the design community, emphasising the importance of integrating advanced ergonomics into luxurious furniture.
• Interactive Demonstrations: Attendees explored Ergo Space’s adaptable furniture portfolio, which showcased versatility for various workspace needs, from executive cabins to collaborative areas.
• Collaborative Opportunities: The team engaged with leading architects, interior designers, and corporate decision-makers, fostering new partnerships and expanding its network in the design and architectural sectors.

 ErgoSpace’s ISO-certified manufacturing infrastructure and unwavering commitment to quality have solidified its reputation as a leader in the industry. The overwhelming success at Acetech 2024 underscores the brand’s influence in shaping workplace solutions that cater to the evolving needs of modern environments.

How to activate BharatPe Shield & safeguard your UPI transactions in five easy steps

Mumbai: BharatPe, a leader in digital payment solutions, has proudly launched BharatPe Shield, a robust fraud protection plan designed to ensure the safety and security of UPI transactions.

Known for its innovative approach, BharatPe enables seamless and secure digital transactions, helping drive financial inclusion and convenience.

What is BharatPe Shield?

BharatPe UPI Shield is a comprehensive fraud protection plan designed to secure UPI transactions. It ensures the safety of digital payments by protecting users against risks such as phishing attacks, unauthorized transactions, and device-related losses. With BharatPe UPI Shield, customers can enjoy a seamless and secure payment experience, knowing their transactions are safeguarded against evolving digital fraud threats.

How to Enable BharatPe UPI Shield
Activating BharatPe Shield is simple and user-friendly. Follow these steps:

1. Download the BharatPe UPI App: Available on the Play Store
2. Activate BharatPe UPI ID: Users will find the BharatPe Shield option on the app homepage.
3. Complete Your First Transaction: Once the first transaction using BharatPe UPI ID is complete, users become eligible for BharatPe Shield which is free for the first month.
4. Provide Your Email ID: Enter your email ID to activate the program.
5. Receive Plan Details: Plan details will be shared via email and can also be viewed on the BharatPe App.

 How BharatPe UPI Shield Works
● Program Duration: The protection plan remains active for 30 days from the date of activation. Following this free period, users can continue the service at an affordable fee of ₹19 per month.

● Activation Timeline: The plan activates immediately upon purchase.

● Raising a Claim: Users can raise a claim through the BharatPe App via call or chat.

Why Choose BharatPe Shield?

With BharatPe Shield, users can transact with confidence, knowing that their payments are protected by a reliable and hassle-free security program.

Prism Johnson Limited, Cement Business Division Goes Live with Ramco ERP

Mumbai / Chennai, INDIA – December 20, 2024: Prism Johnson Limited, one of India’s leading integrated building materials companies, has successfully gone live with the Ramco ERP Suite for its Cement Division. This milestone marks a significant step in Prism Johnson’s digital transformation journey, leveraging Ramco Systems’ advanced enterprise solutions and process control systems to streamline business processes, manufacturing operations and drive efficiency.

The implementation includes cutting-edge modules for Maintenance, Sales, Distribution, Finance, Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality, and HR Management (HRM). These solutions enable Prism Johnson to achieve seamless integration across its business and workforce operations, enhancing productivity and operational agility.

Industry-specific tools such as Ramco’s Contract Labour Management System, GIS-enabled applications, and an Interactive Business Intelligence System equip Prism Johnson with a 360-degree operational view, ensuring agility and on-the-go enterprise transactions.

Additionally, Ramco’s Process Suite Advanced Process Control Expert Optimizers for mills and kilns, coupled with its Real-Time Integrator module, enable seamless IT-OT integration, elevating operational efficiency to industry standards.

Mr. Raakesh Jain, Executive Director and CEO, Cement Division, Prism Johnson Limited, stated, “The completion of Project Nayi Disha Digital Transformation for our Cement Division is a pivotal achievement in our journey. Ramco’s comprehensive ERP and HRM suites, along with its industry expertise, have been instrumental in enabling this transformation, positioning us to unlock greater efficiency, workforce productivity, and agility.”

Balaji R, Head – Ramco Core ERP Software, Ramco Systems, commented, “The go-live of Ramco ERP at Prism Johnson reflects our commitment to delivering value-driven solutions tailored to the cement industry. Our integrated platform provides unparalleled data visibility and workforce management capabilities, empowering Prism Johnson to maintain its leadership in building materials.”

Real-Time Payments Projected to Boost India GDP by Dollar76.5 Billion, Bring Banking Access to 25.5 Million Indians by 2028 – ACI Worldwide Report

Mumbai, India—20th December 2024—Real-time payments boosted India’s GDP by $50 billion in 2023, making it the world’s largest market in terms of GDP growth, according to the Real-Time Payments: Economic Impact and Financial Inclusion report published by ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW), an original innovator in global payments technology, in collaboration with The Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr). This is equivalent to the output of approximately 6.8 million workers.

The report leverages data from 40 countries and reveals—for the first time—an empirical link between real-time payments and financial inclusion. According to the report, real-time payments are forecast to contribute $76.5 billion of additional GDP to India’s economy by 2028, equivalent to 1.5% of GDP, or the output of 8.0 million workers. India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030–31, according to S&P Global. Real-time payments play a pivotal role in supporting this trajectory, driving unparalleled economic efficiency and growth.

Real-time payments are driving unprecedented growth in enabling financial access for unbanked and underserved communities, accelerating remittance flows and creating opportunities for economic participation. The phenomenal surge in real-time payments and the resulting rise in financial inclusion present a significant growth opportunity for banks. The report reveals that by 2028, real-time payments are expected to add 25.5 million new bank account holders. The projected growth in new account holders presents a $24.6 billion profit opportunity for financial institutions, derived from the typical customer lifetime value estimated at $963.

“India dominates the global real-time payments market, with 129.3 billion transactions in 2023. The rise of real-time payments in India has revolutionized banking access, bringing millions of Indians into the formal financial system and empowering them with fast and seamless transactions. As India leads the charge in real-time payments adoption, banks and financial institutions have a unique opportunity to align profitability with purpose, fostering inclusion while capturing untapped growth,” said Santhosh Rao, Senior Vice President, Sales – MEASA, ACI Worldwide.

Globally, real-time payments are expected to contribute $285.8 billion in additional GDP growth—a 74.2% increase over five years—and create more than 167 million new bank account holders by 2028. The report highlights how real-time payments create a win-win scenario, driving benefits not only for the financial sector but also for the broader economy. India has emerged as a shining example of how real-time payments can drive global connectivity and inclusion, setting a benchmark for building a more integrated and empowered world.

Ziptrrip Partners with PeopleStrong to Revolutionize Corporate Travel and Expense Management

Mumbai, 20th December 2024: Ziptrrip, the innovative AI-powered corporate travel and expense management platform, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with PeopleStrong, Asia’s Choice of HR Tech to elevate employee experience and streamline HR processes. This strategic collaboration embeds Ziptrrip’s advanced capabilities into PeopleStrong’s HCM platform, simplifying travel and expense management while enabling enterprises to optimize processes, improve compliance, and achieve operational excellence.

By integrating Ziptrrip’s AI-powered travel and expense management solutions into PeopleStrong’s HRMS platform, the partnership empowers HR and finance leaders with real-time visibility, streamlined workflows, and actionable insights. Data from corporate travel and expenses will flow seamlessly between the two platforms, allowing HR teams to efficiently track, approve, and analyze travel-related costs in real-time, significantly simplifying the overall workflow. Together, Ziptrrip and PeopleStrong are setting a new benchmark for managing corporate travel, fostering a unified and tech-enabled approach that delivers greater value to businesses and employees alike.

Shan Prabhakaran, Co-founder and CEO of Ziptrrip, shared his thoughts on the partnership, stating, “At Ziptrrip, we are committed to transforming the way companies manage travel and expenses, and this partnership with PeopleStrong reinforces that commitment. Combining Ziptrrip’s travel management

tools with PeopleStrong’s HRMS platform offers a comprehensive solution that enhances efficiency and visibility into travel expenditures.

Beyond being a standalone product, the Ziptrrip integration will provide PeopleStrong users with a specialized, powerful solution. Travel and expense management will be directly linked to HRMS modules, resulting in enhanced functionality and greater control over expenses. Companies will benefit from automated expense tracking, real-time approvals, and detailed analytics—all within the PeopleStrong HR Tech 4.0 platform, which means more efficient management of corporate travel for businesses of any size.

Prakash Rao, President – Customer Success, PeopleStrong emphasized the value of the integration, noting, ” At PeopleStrong, our mission has always been to simplify work life through innovative HR technology. Corporate travel and expense management is often a significant administrative challenge for organizations, and by integrating Ziptrrip’s advanced capabilities into our HRMS platform, we are equipping our customers with a powerful solution to streamline these processes. This collaboration not only reduces the complexity of tracking and managing travel expenses but also provides deeper financial visibility and compliance. We are excited about how this integration will help businesses optimize their travel operations while enabling HR and finance teams to focus on more strategic initiatives.”

In addition to this partnership with PeopleStrong, Ziptrrip continues to expand its ecosystem. The company has already forged collaborations with experience package creators, offering corporate team engagement activities and personal leisure travel packages for employees through its platform. Moving forward, Ziptrrip is exploring potential partnerships with fintech companies to further enhance its corporate payment solutions, offering streamlined financial management for businesses and unlocking new market opportunities for fintech partners.

This transformative partnership between Ziptrrip and PeopleStrong revolutionizes corporate travel and expense management by seamlessly integrating cutting-edge solutions into PeopleStrong’s HRMS ecosystem. As corporate travel demand surges, this collaboration empowers PeopleStrong to deliver unparalleled value to its customers, optimizing operations and catalyzing new avenues for innovation and growth within the HR and finance landscape

YES BANK Partners with FICCI FLO to Launch YES PowherUp – to Support Women Entrepreneurs

Mumbai, December 20, 2024: YES BANK, the sixth-largest private sector bank in India, in collaboration with FICCI FLO, South East Asia’s largest women’s chamber of commerce, is pleased to announce the launch of YES PowherUp, a specialised MSME programme designed to empower women entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses.

YES PowherUp offers a comprehensive suite of financial solutions tailored to the unique needs of women-led enterprises. The programme includes specialised SME loans, premium business accounts, international trade and forex services, investment opportunities, credit card options, and insurance plans. By addressing the specific challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, YES PowherUp aims to provide the necessary support for businesses to establish, grow, and succeed sustainably.

Mr. Dhavan Shah, Head of SME Banking at YES BANK, shared his perspective on the initiative, “India’s MSME sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, with women entrepreneurs emerging as vital contributors to this dynamic ecosystem. Through our partnership with FICCI FLO, we are proud to launch YES PowherUp, a comprehensive and innovative MSME proposition tailored for women-led businesses. At YES BANK, we are deeply committed to enabling women entrepreneurs to thrive, offering them the tools and support needed to scale their ventures and shape India’s growth story. Together, we aim to empower women entrepreneurs, fostering their financial independence and enhancing their impact on the economy.”

Ms. Joyshree Das Verma, National President, FICCI FLO, shared her thoughts on the partnership, “At FICCI FLO, with 40 years of experience supporting women entrepreneurs, we understand their unique challenges. Many women-led businesses hesitate to borrow for growth, missing the transformative potential of financial support. Our partnership with YES BANK’s YES PowherUp initiative aims to change this narrative. Despite constituting 50% of the population, only a small percentage of women access loans to grow their businesses, highlighting untapped potential. This women-centric MSME solution empowers women-led businesses, nurtures financial independence, and encourages a shift in borrowing attitudes. Together, we strive to help women entrepreneurs realise their full potential and make significant economic contributions.”

At the launch event of YES PowherUp at the FICCI FLO Interstate Meet in Guwahati, YES BANK’s SME team engaged with women MSMEs from various sectors, including health, pharma, manufacturing, textiles, and startups, highlighting YES PowherUp and YES Business as key solutions for business growth and success.

Key features of YES PowherUp include:

• SME Loans: Comprehensive funding solutions, including a 50% processing fee waiver for FICCI FLO members
• YES First Business Account: Premium transactional accounts with exclusive benefits for women entrepreneurs
• Trade & Forex Solutions: Access to international markets with a variety of trade and forex solutions
• Investment Solutions: Trade up to ₹1.5 Cr at zero brokerage for 60 days with YES Securities
• Card Solutions: Business credit cards for domestic and international travel, featuring low foreign currency markups
• Insurance Plans: Specialized offerings for asset protection, cancer coverage, and discounted term plans

YES PowherUp is committed to supporting women entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey, fostering growth, and ensuring their success in a competitive marketplace.

Accor expands its footprint in Goa with new luxury hotel projects

DELHI, INDIA – Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with more than 1,000 properties across the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, is pleased to announce a partnership with Dangayach Group to develop two new luxury hotels in the booming tourism market of Goa, India. Raffles Hotels & Resorts will deliver its legendary service and spirit of enchanted glamour to Raffles Goa Shiroda, an extraordinary resort featuring 120 luxury villas set across 27+ acres. The hotel will share a beachfront club with the 56+ acre, 400-room Fairmont Goa Shiroda, featuring the heartfelt service, awe-inspiring public spaces, and locally inspired cuisine for which Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is known. Both destinations are planned to open by 2030.

“We are delighted to bring the elegant aesthetic of Raffles, and Fairmont’s passion for turning moments into special memories, to the vibrant shores of Goa, expanding our footprint in India and bolstering Accor’s position as one of the largest international hotel groups in the market,” said Omer Acar, CEO, Raffles and Fairmont. “This dual-branded project presents a wonderful opportunity to grow our luxury hospitality offerings in the region, and to work with Dangayach Group, an exceptional and well-established partner. Together, we are confident that these new luxury resorts will add excitement and new frontiers for travelers as well as locals.”

Raffles Goa Shiroda and Fairmont Goa Shiroda will each offer a distinct experience reflective of the individual brands. Both hotels will include a diverse and lively mix of restaurants, bars, and lounges, along with the very best in wellness, fitness, spa, pool, and retail diversions. For weddings, events, celebrations, and conferences, the properties will include multi-purpose ballrooms with elegant meeting rooms and bridal suites. Raffles Goa Shiroda will delight guests with many of the brand’s signature features, including gracious accommodations, a Long Bar, and culturally significant design in addition to Raffles’ unparalleled Butler Service. Fairmont Goa Shiroda will connect guests with the destination, offering an array of special moments and personalized experiences to mark guests’ celebratory occasions. The two hotels will share a private beachfront club, providing guests with a luxurious experience on the Arabian coast. The hotels will be developed in accordance with Accor’s stringent ESG guidelines, and once opened, will abide by Accor’s energy performance reporting tools, sustainability standards, and third-party eco-certification.

“We have long admired Accor’s leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit and we are thrilled to launch our partnership with two of its most celebrated brands – Raffles and Fairmont,” said Atul Dangayach, Managing Director, Dangayach Group. “We believe Goa presents a remarkable growth opportunity, and these two new properties are set to redefine luxury and establish Goa as a premier global destination for weddings, events and leisure travel. Goa’s rich culture and natural beauty provide the perfect setting for this new chapter in hospitality. The new Raffles and Fairmont resorts will bring cultural authenticity, world-class service, and their extraordinary guest experiences that will not only put an international spotlight on Goa but will infuse the community with a sense of prestige, purpose and excitement.”

Goa has a long history of enticing visitors to explore its fascinating culture, tropical rainforests, and 131 km coastline of untouched beaches. Known as the ‘sunshine state’ in the Western region of India, Goa’s history as a Portuguese colony and its quaint fishing villages contribute to a charming and relaxed mix of multicultural heritage and natural beauty. The tourism sector in Goa presents a significant growth opportunity, with a notable rise in festivals and cultural events, cruise ship visits, and eco-tours.

Accor’s commitment to market leadership and operational excellence remains steadfast, contributing significantly to the evolution of India’s hospitality landscape. The Group’s strategic approach to expansion across the country included the opening of several new hotels throughout India in 2024. This included the openings of Raffles Jaipur; Grand Mercure Goa Candolim; Mercure Chandigarh; ibis Styles Mysuru; and Novotel Goa.