Category Archives: Business

edForce and SCRUMstudy Join Forces to Elevate Agile Training and Certification in India

Bengaluru, India, 18th May 2024 – edForce, a premier Workforce Upskilling Accelerator, is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with SCRUMstudy, a globally recognized accreditation body for Scrum and Agile training and certification, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

SCRUMstudy is renowned for providing comprehensive training and certification programs in Scrum and Agile methodologies, empowering professionals worldwide to excel in project management, IT operations, and DevOps practices. With a commitment to delivering high-quality education, SCRUMstudy offers a wide range of certifications, including Scrum Master, Scrum Developer, Scrum Product Owner, Agile Master, and Scaled Scrum certifications, among others.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Tridibesh, CEO of VMEdu Inc., the parent company of SCRUMstudy, stated, “We are excited to collaborate with edForce to bring our industry-leading training and certification programs to a broader audience. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to providing individuals and businesses with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.”

Ravi Kaklasaria, Co-founder & CEO of edForce, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “At edForce, we are dedicated to equipping professionals with cutting-edge skills to thrive in the modern workplace. Our partnership with SCRUMstudy further strengthens our ability to deliver world-class Agile training and certification programs, ensuring that our learners are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the industry.”

With this partnership, edForce will make SCRUMStudy’s AI-powered SaaS Platform accessible to its clients, enhancing the learning experience and providing hands-on exposure to project management tools. In addition, the partnership will also provide the industry-first Scrum certifications tailored for IT Operations and DevOps environments, ensuring relevance and applicability in today’s business contexts.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the journey of both edForce and SCRUMstudy, underscoring their commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in Agile training and certification

Unwind in Luxury: Fairmont Jaipur’s Exclusive Summer Escape

18th May 2024 – Fairmont Jaipur invites guests to indulge in the ultimate summer retreat with a unique staycation offer, where the guests can experience the cultural delights of their exclusive summer staycation experience. Immerse yourself in a world of comfort and indulgence with unlimited craft beers, rejuvenating spa treatments, and amenities designed to elevate your getaway.

With the scorching summer months approaching, the summer staycation experience offers a myriad of inclusions, ensuring a delightful escape for guests of all ages. Upon arrival, indulge your senses with their Five Senses Arrival Experience, followed by a delightful selection of welcome in-room amenities. Feast on scrumptious buffet breakfast and dinner, accompanied by two pints of beer per room per stay.

Throughout your stay, enjoy exclusive perks including a 20% discount on food and beverage, happy hours and unlimited craft beer at the Anjum Bar, buy one get one offers at Ruhab Spa. To elevate your dining experience, dine at Zarin Pan Asian Restaurant, promising a culinary journey like no other.

Guests can also experience the captivating Shaam-e-Khaas at Fairmont Jaipur, where traditional Rajasthani folk music sets the scene for an unforgettable evening. Enjoy a hi-tea amidst the soul-stirring melodies as the sun sets, indulging in delectable bites and refreshing beverages.

But it’s not just the adults who are catered to, Fairmont Jaipur understands the importance of ensuring every member of the family has a memorable stay. Kids can engage in summer cookout sessions with the Chef, adding a playful twist to their cultural immersion. Our little guests can enjoy complimentary access to Tingar Kid’s Club at Lobby level and enjoy a wide range of activities such as arts & crafts, board games, indoor movies, puppet shows, pottery making and badminton.

Book your summer staycation today and experience the epitome of luxury at Fairmont Jaipur! Don’t miss out on culinary delights, cultural experiences, and unparalleled hospitality. Discover the true essence of relaxation amidst Jaipur’s majestic landscape. Visit https://www.fairmont.com/jaipur/ to reserve your unforgettable getaway now

Leegality Partners with IFF to Cultivate Growth and Excellence in BFSI community

Mumbai: Indian Financial Forum, a hub for BFSI industry members and enthusiasts, and Leegality, a document infrastructure platform, (founded by Shivam Singla) hosted a BFSI community meetup at WeWork, BKC. The event, which saw participation from over 180 BFSI industry professionals, focussed on unlocking value from the network effect and helping community members towards growth and excellence. It featured participation from top BFSI companies such as Axis Bank Ltd, Tata AIA Life Insurance, Standard Chartered Bank, HDFC Life Insurance, Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Bank, Aditya Birla Capital, ICICI Bank Ltd, CRED, Paytm, along with many others.

The highlight of the event was the engaging panel discussion moderated by Hamsini Karthik (Deputy Editor of a leading business daily). The panel saw Atal Agarwal (Managing Director-Debt Advisory, Capwise Financial Services), Abhisheik Vishwakarma (President-Analytics, CareEdge Group), and Srikant Patil (CEO & Managing Director, DigiAlly) engage in discussing various insights on “How BFSI companies can differentiate themselves in a highly competitive space”.

The panel discussion focused on strategies for BFSI companies to navigate this rapidly growing industry. The dialogue addressed changes in the BFSI sector, the impact of technology, enhancing customer experience in the digital landscape, and the importance of uniform regulatory standards for all industry players.

Atal Agarwal shared “Over the past 15-20 years, the banking sector has undergone a remarkable transformation fueled by technology. Client onboarding processes have become more streamlined, and essential services are now delivered with greater efficiency. Notably, there is a strong emphasis on client education, empowering individuals to make informed financial decisions. However, a digitalization divide persists: while retail banks have embraced technological advancements, wholesale banks continue to rely on legacy systems, particularly in credit inventory management. Amidst these changes, a unified regulatory framework is essential to ensure fair competition and stability across the entire industry.”

Abhisheik Vishwakarma shared, “In the dynamic landscape of banking and corporate operations, technology investments play a pivotal role. Retail banking has harnessed digitalization, resulting in swift transactions with a remarkable 99% success rate. Simultaneously, corporate transactions are embracing automation, particularly in working capital processes and renewals. The integration of AI further streamlines data extraction, reducing paperwork burdens for companies. Overall, these strategic tech investments are reshaping the industry, enhancing efficiency, and propelling growth.”

Srikant Patil shared, “In the ever-evolving landscape of banking and technology, Indian banks and vendors face both challenges and opportunities. While countries globally focus on digital public infrastructure and witness the growth of digital consumer segments, India stands out. Unlike many developing nations that prioritize digital banks, Indian banks find themselves in need of substantial technology investments to compete effectively. In this context, enhancing customer experience becomes paramount, as it shapes success in the dynamic digital era.”

After the successful completion of the event, Shivam Singla, CEO and founder of Leegality said; “We decided to support IFF in their goal to create a community where BFSI professionals could convene, share insights, and establish meaningful connections. We are pleased to contribute to growth, learning, and collaboration, and to play a small part in connecting the finance community as they chart their shared future together.”

Legality also recognized Yes Bank, Federal Bank, and Axis Finance for their commitment to spearheading the digitization of the BFSI industry:

Digital Transformation Leader:
Dhairya Shah, COO, Axis Finance – leading several strategic digital initiatives at Axis Finance.

Innovation in Digital Banking:
Federal Bank – for their transition to paperless banking, which streamlined processes, enhanced customer experience, and contributed to environmental sustainability by reducing paper usage.

Digital Excellence in Corporate Banking:
Yes Bank – for switching to a 100% digital banking experience for their corporate customers.

UNIX Unveils ‘Made in India’ Smartwatches: Storm & Ember, with AMOLED Display, Hindi Support

Mumbai, 18th May 2024: UNIX, a rapidly growing brand in India’s mobile accessories and consumer electronics sector, proudly unveils its latest ‘Made in India’ smartwatches – Storm & Ember. These budget-friendly wearables promise an enriched smartwatch experience, boasting AMOLED screens, extended battery life, health and fitness tracking capabilities, and seamless connectivity options.

Storm features a 1.43-inch display, while Ember boasts a larger 1.96-inch AMOLED display, housed in round and rectangular dials respectively, each equipped with dual digital crown controls. Both Smartwatches offer a peak brightness of 650 nits and a resolution of 410×502 and 466×466 pixels, ensuring optimal visibility even in outdoor environments. Moreover, users get a complimentary metal strap with a replaceable silicon strap alongside access to over 500 sports modes enabling them to personalize style and experience of the smartwatches.

Featuring voice assistant integration and advanced health and fitness tracking features, Storm & Ember are designed to serve as personal wellness coaches. With 24*7 heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, SpO2 monitoring, calorie counting, and step tracking, these watches provide comprehensive insights into the user’s health. With over 120 sports modes, users can track vital metrics during workouts and various activities, while reminders for prolonged sitting and hydration ensure overall well-being.

Built to endure the elements, both Storm & Ember are shock-proof and IP67 water and dust resistant. The waterproof speaker ensures reliable performance during outdoor activities. With a 270mAh and 240mAh battery respectively, these smartwatches offer up to 6 days of battery life on a single charge, with quick charging taking just 2 hours for added convenience.

Featuring Bluetooth v5.2 connectivity, Storm & Ember seamlessly pair with both Android and iOS devices via the Unix Fitz App. These watches also support the Hindi language, with the user interface available in Hindi as an option, distinguishing them from other smartwatches in the market.

With BT Calling support, users can stay connected with calls, messages, and notifications directly from their wrist, in their preferred language. The full touchscreen interface allows for intuitive navigation, while the built-in microphone and speaker enable hands-free calling and voice assistant support.

With this launch, UNIX expands its portfolio to include over 4 budget-friendly smartwatches in India, with plans to introduce over 10 more models by the end of the year.

Mankind Pharma Launches ‘Limit White India’ Campaign to Raise Hypertension Awareness

New Delhi, 18th May 2024: Mankind Pharma, the No.1 Pharmaceutical company in the antihypertensive Segment in India, as per MAT April’ 24 volume sale (Source: IQVIA) has launched a nationwide campaign on the occasion of World Hypertension Day called ‘Limit White India’. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the dangers of excessive salt and sugar consumption which with other factors like a sedentary lifestyle and obesity can be a major risk factor for hypertension.

Studies have shown that 1 in 4 adults in India suffer from hypertension and 101 million people in India which is about 11.4% of the country’s population, are living with diabetes. Diabetes and hypertension are often referred together as “partners in crime” due to their closely linked impact on global health. It is common knowledge that these conditions not only coexist but exacerbate each other, creating a compounded risk of severe health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and kidney failure. The ‘Limit White India’ campaign focuses on educating Indians to limit their intake of ‘whites’ like salt and sugar. The campaign emphasizes the need for gradual lifestyle changes to improve cardiovascular health. To drive a three-year awareness program, Mankind Pharma aims to partner with healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the management of hypertension and diabetics across the country.

“Hypertension is a silent killer, and Mankind Pharma is committed to tackling it head-on through the ‘Limit White India’ campaign.” said Dr Sanjay Koul, Chief Marketing Officer, Mankind Pharma Ltd. “Excessive salt and sugar are significant contributors to uncontrolled blood pressure levels and blood sugar levels. Studies have shown Indians on average consume five times the WHO recommended quantity of sugar annually. By raising awareness and promoting lifestyle modifications, we aim to empower people to make informed choices for their well-being.”

As part of the campaign, Mankind Pharma will engage cardiologists, endocrinologists, diabetologists, general practitioners, and the public through educational initiatives. These include conducting journal clubs, distributing ‘Cardiac Cognizance’ newsletters, radio awareness programs with doctors, and blood pressure screening camps nationwide.

A Red Circle Holds Good Food Fridays

Nonprofit offers free drive-thru farm-fresh produce to the community.

(St. Louis, Mo., May 17, 2024) A Red Circle recently launched its third annual Good Food Friday’s program, a free weekly produce giveaway that runs from 3 to 5 p.m. every Friday through October. The initiative takes place at A Red Circle’s North County Agricultural Education Center (NCAEC) located at 4521 Hamilton Ave. in Pine Lawn, Mo.

Good Food Friday visitors receive a complimentary bag containing freshly harvested fruits, vegetables, herbs, and eggs from NCAEC’s collaborative growing space on a first-come, first-served basis. A Red Circle also provides recipes plus storage tips, and the nonprofit’s Food & Farm Teaching Specialist Chef Queenie Vesey conducts recipe demonstrations with food samples, weather permitting.

The NCAEC is an urban farm oasis established by A Red Circle in 2019 on five converted residential lots. The space features fruit trees, chickens, bee hives, and a hoop house that allows for year-round vegetable production. Visitors are invited to tour the farm where their produce has been grown.

Founded in 2017, A Red Circle is a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of racial equity in North St. Louis County, Mo. The organization creates economic and community betterment solutions through education, employment, and empowerment. A Red Circle has four Missouri locations – Healthy Flavor Community Garden in Riverview, North County Agricultural Education Center in Pine Lawn, The Creative Spot in Ferguson, and North County Community Nexus in Bellefontaine Neighbors – to best serve the community and improve wellness opportunities for its citizens who experience healthy food access disparities in the region.

Reservations are not required. For more information about Good Food Fridays, call (314) 328-2286 or visit www.aredcircle.org.

Elevating Bathroom Elegance to Timeless Sophistication

VitrA, the epitome of innovation in bathroom design, proudly introduces the VitrA Plural Collection, a collaboration between award-winning designer Terri Pecora and the esteemed VitrA Design Team. This collection transcends traditional boundaries, transforming the bathroom into a haven of vintage allure and contemporary sophistication.

Inspired by the iconic aesthetic of the mid-20th century, VitrA Plural seamlessly integrates light and airy furniture into the bathroom environment, evoking the warmth and familiarity of a vintage living room. Each element is thoughtfully curated to foster a sense of welcoming domesticity, inviting users to share moments of connection and relaxation with loved ones.

VitrA Plural is more than just a design statement; it represents a paradigm shift in modern bathroom innovation. By presenting novel solutions for plumbing components, this collection sets a new standard of functionality and elegance. Every piece within the collection boasts a diverse array of size options, harmonious forms, and an exquisite palette of colors, meticulously crafted from a sophisticated combination of solid wood and ceramic.

At the heart of VitrA Plural lies its refined design language, which creates an atmosphere of sensual luxury. Through an aesthetic mix and match of forms, finishes, and colors, this collection brings objects and people together in a delightfully harmonious bathroom environment. Whether you seek minimalist simplicity or opulent grandeur, Plural offers endless possibilities to customize your space and express your unique style.

Step into a world where luxury meets functionality, where every detail is a testament to craftsmanship and creativity. Experience the essence of modern living with VitrA’s Plural Collection, where timeless elegance and contemporary innovation converge to redefine the art of bathroom luxury.

SKF Empowers Commercial Vehicle Mechanics Nationwide with Innovative Campaign

Chennai: SKF India, a premier provider of automotive solutions, proudly announces the commencement of a comprehensive nationwide truck activation campaign, “Install Confidence, Install SKF”, tailored specifically for commercial vehicle mechanics. The truck will engage with the mechanic community in Chennai on 18 May 2024. Following which, the truck will engage with the mechanics in Tiruchirappalli and Madurai on 20 May and 21 May respectively. The primary objective of the initiative is to create awareness about SKF Commercial Vehicle (CV) products, demonstrating their pivotal role in streamlining the lives of mechanics while championing sustainability within the automotive sector.

Alagesan Thasari, Director of SKF Automotive India & Southeast Asia, stated: “At SKF, we acknowledge our responsibility to the industries we serve, the society we’re a part of, and the planet we inhabit. The SKF Truck Activation Campaign represents a significant step towards bridging the gap between manufacturers and mechanics, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change within the automotive aftermarket industry. Through these initiatives, we aspire not only to empower mechanics but also to propel our collective journey towards a circular society.”

Inside the uniquely designed truck, SKF will be showcasing offerings for CVs to the mechanics, educating them on the SKF Mechanic Partnership Program which offers them a unique opportunity to win exciting gifts. The truck will serve as a hub for knowledge exchange and skill enhancement, equipping mechanics with the latest trends and insights to excel in their profession.

An immersive VR (Virtual Reality) experience awaits the mechanics in the SKF truck, wherein they will be transported into a virtual world where they can explore the wide range of SKF products and their applications.

In line with its purpose – ‘Together, we re-imagine rotation for a better tomorrow’, SKF remains dedicated to developing intelligent and clean solutions that contribute to a sustainable and better tomorrow for both people and the planet. SKF continues to reaffirm its strong association with the mechanics community through this exclusive initiative and build a sustainable future.

Lectrix EV Partners with FuturElectra to Advance Electric Mobility

17th May 2024, Bengaluru : Lectrix EV, one of the top 10 players in the electric vehicle EV industry, has forged a strategic partnership with FuturElectra, a visionary player in the electric mobility sector. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a sustainable and accessible future for mobility India.

FuturElectra is committed to revolutionizing the electric mobility landscape by making it inclusive and optimized for all individuals and businesses. With a focus on providing end-to-end solutions, FuturElectra aims to accelerate the transition to electric transportation while contributing to a greener and more efficient tomorrow.

As part of this partnership, Lectrix EV, the electric mobility arm of SAR Group is renowned for its cutting-edge electric two-wheelers, will supply 2500 units of its cutting-edge electric two-wheelers to FuturElectra over the course of one year. These vehicles will play a crucial role in FuturElectra’s mission to expand the reach of electric mobility solutions and empower individuals and businesses to make sustainable choices.

One of the standout features of this partnership is the fact that all the vehicles provided by Lectrix EV will be 100% Made in India products. This commitment to domestic manufacturing reflects the companies’ shared vision to bolster the ‘Make in India’ initiative and promote self-reliance in the EV sector. It is expected to generate a positive ripple effect throughout the Indian EV ecosystem aiding in increased employment opportunities and technology advancement.

“We are thrilled to join forces with FuturElectra in our shared vision of advancing electric mobility,” said Pritesh Talwar, President, EV Business at Lectrix EV. “This partnership represents a significant step towards creating a more sustainable and accessible transportation ecosystem, and we are excited to contribute our expertise and innovative EV solutions to this endeavor.”

Akash deep, Founder at FuturElectra shares, “Our partnership with Lectrix signifies our shared commitment to revolutionizing urban mobility and reducing carbon footprint, one electric ride at a time.”

Through this collaboration, Lectrix EV and FuturElectra aim to drive adoption of electric vehicles, reduce carbon emissions, and pave the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Bajaj Allianz Opens New Raichur Office to Drive Insurance Reach in India

Raichur, 17 May 2024: Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, one of the leading private general insurers in India, has announced the inauguration of its new office in Raichur, Karnataka. This strategic expansion aims to boost insurance penetration across tier 2 and tier 3 cities in India and provide financial stability to our citizens.

India’s growing economy is fast evolving, but with that, the landscape of risk and uncertainties are also increasing. With their expertise, Bajaj Allianz aims to bring its innovative products and solutions closer to the people of Raichur. The Company will provide a wide range of services backed by technology to seamlessly cater to customers’ needs. The new office will serve as a strategic hub for Bajaj Allianz General Insurance to further strengthen its presence and reach its customers in the region.

Commenting on the inauguration of the new office, Mr. Amitesh Anand, National Head – Geo, at Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, said, “In today’s fast-growing economic landscape, insurance will play a pivotal role in providing a safety net of financial security amidst the uncertainties. However, there is a gap in understanding the benefits and significance of insurance, and hence, its penetration remains low. As a company dedicated to providing and reaching holistic insurance solutions to every citizen of our country, we are proactively making efforts to increase awareness of the importance of insurance across various regions in our country. Expanding our network through these office openings in tier 2 and tier 3 regions will bring us one step closer to bridging the gap between insurance awareness and accessibility, which will subsequently help in its increased adoption. With the inauguration of our new office in Raichur, we aim to provide a range of our insurance product solutions and services well within the reach of the people in these regions, catering to all their insurance needs.”

The newly inaugurated office will offer products across all lines of business and, at the same time, educate customers on the best products as per their requirements to ensure that they are adequately insured. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance is committed to extending its products and related services to every part of the country through its efficient and vast distribution channels with a mission to contribute to the noble cause of doing good for society at large.