Category Archives: Business

ChatWise, a new social media platform is all set to be launched in India

12th April 2024, New Delhi: World’s first social media network, ChatWise is to be jointly launched in the UK and India on the 17th of April. It will introduce a paradigm shift in social media by offering users an unprecedented level of ownership and influence over the company. Developed in the tech hub of Cambridge, UK by British Indian promoters, ChatWise offers unique features that have consistently been requested by public personalities, parents, and politicians and are not yet available on any social network.

Many analysts believe that the ability to post anonymously is the main cause for the horrific abuse and disinformation seen online. ChatWise is designed to prioritize user safety by implementing strict measures to combat bots, misinformation, and malicious activity. All users join as ‘private’ accounts and only by submitting identification, can they post publicly. This will enhance online safety, disincentivize malicious behaviour, and eliminate the presence of bots commonly found on other social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and others.

“As a society, we are not ready for AI and deep-fakes with people posting anything hidden behind fake accounts. ChatWise is taking the world to a slightly different direction. With advancements in technology, it takes less than 1 minute to verify a user, then why not do it to protect our democracy and society? ChatWise will be a people-owned company and will do what is best for our children. We will only be satisfied when we can comfortably see our own children using ChatWise, that’s the bar we have set” said Gagan Gulati, Co-founder of ChatWise.

The platform also provides ownership which is one of the key features. First 10 lakh users will all receive shares in the company by undertaking basic tasks, allowing them to build wealth as the company’s market cap grows. In a future IPO, these early users will already have received free pre-allotted company shares. This ensures that users are directly invested in the success of the company.

“Facebook users in India create an immense amount of wealth by scrolling through social media pages. But that wealth is siphoned off to company shareholders in the US. Facebook/Meta shares are now collectively worth over Rs 100 lakh crores (nearly five times the value of Reliance industries!), but this wealth stays in the US, even though Indian users create much of it with India being Facebook’s biggest and fastest growing market. Chatwise aims to turn that tide by giving company shares back to people.” said Gagan Gulati, who is a Chartered Accountant.

Nina Nair Promoted as Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) for Global BPO Business at [24]7.ai

India, 12th April 2024 : [24]7.ai, a leading provider of digital business services and Customer Experience (CX) products and solutions, has promoted Nina Nair to the position of Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) for the Global BPO business. In her new role, Nina will effectively manage all people practices for the Global BPO Business. In her previous role, as the Senior Vice President and HRD Head for India & Americas, [24]7.ai, Nina played a pivotal role in shaping Human Resource Development strategies within the organization. In her new role, Nina’s strategic focus will be on driving HR technology enablement, identifying and mentoring high-potential talent, managing the succession pipeline, supporting Gen AI effectiveness projects, ensuring the governance of all HRD functional processes, and fostering a unified [24]7.ai culture.

Nina Nair is an established thought leader, she has been instrumental in achieving accolades such as the Great Place to Work, the United Nations WEP awards, Learning Excellence and Innovation awards, recognition for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, as well as commendations for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives for [24]7.ai. She has also won several individual awards.

Nina served as the Chief People Officer at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements, a national education, research, practice, and capacity development institution committed to the sustainable and efficient transformation of Indian settlements, between 2011 and 2015. She was also on the board of trustees for the Live Love Laugh Foundation, an NGO that aims to create awareness of mental health, from 2015 to 2018.

Before her corporate career, Nina dedicated thirteen years to education, enriching the lives of students as a teacher. Her academic background includes degrees in Economics and Education.

On this recent appointment, Animesh Jain, Chief Operating Officer, [24]7.ai said, “We are extremely happy with this new development. Nina’s new leadership role is closely aligned with our vision for the organization’s future, and I am confident that her experience will drive our company toward continued success in the area of HRD. Nina’s vision and expertise will no doubt help shape the future of our global workforce”.

Brillio Marks Decade of Growth, Expands AI Program for Enterprise Impact

Bangalore, India ─12th April 2024 ─ Brillio, one of the fastest growing digital technology service providers, today announced the launch of a Cloud and AI Studio to enable customers across industry sectors to drive the enterprise-wide impact of artificial intelligence (AI). This program commemorates Brillio’s tenth anniversary and marks a pivotal moment in the company’s commitment to client-centric solutions.

Equipped with state-of-the-art cloud, AI, and product engineering capabilities, Brillio’s Cloud and AI Studio (CAS) will help enterprises go beyond merely incorporating AI tools and technologies into existing systems, instead adopting a human-centric approach rooted in user needs and experiences.

Each industry vertical within Brillio will have a dedicated Chief Technology Officer (CTO) as part of the company’s vision to deliver industry-specific business expertise and technology solutions that foster greater collaboration, innovation, and strategic alignment across entire enterprises.

By the end of this year, Brillio will AI-enable its entire global workforce and augment its portfolio of industry solutions with 20 new solutions that will address a broad range of customer requirements, including automation of business processes, infusion of AI across digital initiatives, creation of new business models, hyper-personalization, and generation of new product ideas based on deeper analysis of market insights.

Brillio will help customers take AI beyond its traditional role in data analytics. By deploying AI to modernize every aspect of enterprise IT, including legacy systems, Brillio will help customers optimize workflows, costs, operational efficiency, and innovation.

Brillio was founded on April 11, 2014, as a digitally native technology services and advisory firm to empower enterprises to utilize “four superpowers of technology” to turn disruptions into competitive advantages. AI was one of these technologies and continues to be a major area of focus for the company.

“We are proud of our visionary and forward-thinking approach to customer success,” said Raj Mamodia, Founder and CEO of Brillio. “We had envisioned AI as one of the four catalysts of competitive advantage as early as 2014 when few were talking about it. From the outset, we acquired and invested in firms and talent that reinforced our AI capabilities. In our tenth year, we again find ourselves in an opportunity-rich environment just like it was when we began, driven by digitalization back then and by enterprise-wide AI now. At the heart of our industry-leading growth and net promoter scores is our tireless mission to grow by being relevant to our customers. That positions us uniquely to anticipate and quickly adapt to customer needs in the age of AI.”

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility and Shell partner to deliver superior EV charging experiences across India

Bangalore, 12th April 2024: Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. (TPEM), known for pioneering India’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution, has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Shell India Markets Private Limited (SIMPL) to collaborate in establishing public charging stations across India. The collaboration will leverage Shell’s widespread fuel station network and TPEM’s insights from over 1.4 lakh Tata EVs on Indian roads to set up chargers at locations frequently visited by Tata EV owners. Additionally, both companies will work towards delivering superior charging experiences.

To improve the experience of EV owners across India, this agreement between TPEM and Shell India Markets Private Limited (SIMPL) aims to explore synergies between the two companies to encourage more people to adopt electric vehicles in the country. The two companies are also exploring introducing convenient payment systems and loyalty programs, which will add significant value to TPEM’s customers.

TPEM is the market leader of EVs in India, commanding a market share of 71% in electric passenger vehicles with four products in its portfolio. TPEM has led the rise of the EV ecosystem in the country by introducing its first EV-exclusive store in Gurugram to working with various charge point operators to grow India’s charging infrastructure.

Shell EV Recharge locations provide reliable and ultra-fast charging, with a 98%-99% charger uptime. These locations also offer convenient retail, including fresh food and beverage options. All these factors help enhance the overall customer experience and provide added value and convenience.

Commenting on this partnership, Balaje Rajan, Chief Strategy Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. said, “As a part of our endeavour towards an open collaboration to advance India’s EV ecosystem, we are excited to partner with Shell. Through this partnership, we aim to grow the existing charging infrastructure, which is crucial for mainstream adoption of EVs in the country, particularly as the customer base continues to expand. By combining TPEM’s deep understanding of EV usage with Shell’s unparalleled customer experience, this strategic alliance will certainly bring a marked change in India’s charging behaviour, in turn driving up the EV adoption in the country.”

Commenting on this partnership, Sanjay Varkey, Director, Shell India Markets Private Limited, said, “Shell is committed to define the EV charging experience by offering integrated solutions that prioritize convenience, safety, and sustainability. Our dedication to using 100% certified renewable sources combined with our ultra-fast and reliable chargers ensures that our customers enjoy a sustainable, hassle free and efficient charging experience. Our strategic partnership with Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd aims to promote the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the country by leveraging digital integration and customer-centric initiatives.”

Case studies from across the world show that ubiquitous and convenient charging infrastructure is a prerequisite for driving EV adoption and that growth in charging infrastructure results in exponential growth in EV adoption. This collaboration between two leading companies in this space is expected to help catapult India’s EV growth to its next phase.

Super Bond Adhesives Pvt. Ltd Marks 50 Years of Excellence in Adhesive Manufacturing

12th April 2024 Mumbai- Super Bond Adhesives Pvt. Ltd, a pioneer in the adhesive manufacturing industry, celebrates 50 years of innovation and excellence. Established in 1972 by Mr. Pradeep Agarwal and Mr. Dileep Agarwal, Super Bond has emerged as a global leader, shaping the adhesive landscape with its cutting-edge solutions and unwavering commitment to quality.

Since its inception, Super Bond has been at the forefront of innovation, revolutionizing adhesive solutions from handcrafted rubber adhesives for the foam and footwear industry to pioneering products like Yellow 4 (Sprayable Rubber Adhesives), P Lock Polyresin (Paper to Paper Bonding), and Water-based membrane adhesives. With its first manufacturing plant established in Badlapur in 1974, Super Bond embarked on a journey marked by continuous growth and technological advancement. Superbond Adhesives is at the forefront of innovation due to its well-equipped R&D team.

“Super Bond’s journey speaks clearly about our dedication to innovation,” says Mr. Dileep Agarwal, Co-founder of Super Bond Adhesives Pvt. Ltd. “As we mark 50 years, we’re focused on bringing fresh changes to the industry. We aim to innovate continually, introducing new methods and products that make a real difference, making consumers’ lives easier with our adhesive solutions. Our goal is simple: to lead the way with adhesive solutions that are both effective and environmentally friendly, ensuring a brighter future for all. We endeavor to reduce plastic usage through innovative adhesive solutions, promoting sustainable choices for a better tomorrow.”

Super Bond’s extensive product range caters to a wide spectrum of industries, including Furniture Wood Works, Mattresses, Footwear, Automobiles, Paper & Packaging, and Flooring/Carpet, among others. With three state-of-the-art manufacturing plants covering over 14 acres in Badlapur and Wada, and a team strength of over 400 professionals, Super Bond’s products reach more than 30 countries and over 15,000 outlets in India, reducing the dependency on imports and contributing to India’s self-reliance.

Beyond business excellence, Super Bond remains committed to corporate social responsibility, with initiatives focused on community development, healthcare, education, and environmental conservation. The brand’s efforts aim to uplift disadvantaged communities, improve access to healthcare services, promote education, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

“At Super Bond, our mission extends, says Mr. Pradeep Agarwal, Co-founder of Super Bond Adhesives Pvt. Ltd. “We’re dedicated to creating lasting change in individuals and communities. Through healthcare initiatives, we improve access to essential services like ambulances, etc. In education, we empower individuals for brighter futures. Our commitment to environmental conservation ensures a sustainable planet. These efforts aim to positively impact lives and help develop a better world.”

Super Bond Adhesives focuses on manufacturing adhesive solutions within India, contributing to local production and job creation. With plants in Badlapur and Wada, they produce over 1000 different adhesive products domestically while also exporting to 30+ countries. This dual focus strengthens the economy and supports global trade while fostering local employment opportunities.

As Super Bond marks five decades of excellence in adhesive manufacturing, it reaffirms its commitment to driving innovation, sustainability, and value creation for all stakeholders. The brand looks forward to continuing its journey of growth and shaping the future of the adhesive industry with its pioneering solutions and unwavering integrity.

Nuberg EPC Spearheads India’s Largest Chlor-Alkali Project for Adani Group

Delhi, 12th  April 2024: Nuberg EPC, a preeminent Indian Global EPC and turnkey project management company, is proud to announce its latest undertaking: India’s largest Chlor-Alkali project, commissioned by Mundra Petrochemical Ltd. (MPL), a subsidiary of the esteemed Adani Enterprises. This pioneering project is poised to make a significant impact in the industry with a capacity of 2200 TPD, utilizing a 100% NaOH process.

Strategically located in the vibrant Mundra zone of Gujarat, the project stands as a testament to innovation and engineering excellence in providing Engineering, Procurement & Construction Management (EPCM) services including review of balance Basic Engineering Package (BEP) of technology.

The project was signed off with a high-profile meeting in Mumbai, graced by the presence of Adani Enterprises’ dignitaries, including Mr. Jeet Adani, Vice President, Mr. Jayant Parimal, CEO, Mr. Jagan Kishore, Project Director, Mr. Upendra Varmora, Techno-commercial Head, and Mr. Nimai Charan, VP Project Manager, as well as Nuberg EPC’s luminaries, Mr. Amit Tyagi, Director, and Mr. Rakesh Verma, Chief Business Development Officer.

Mr. A. K. Tyagi, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Nuberg EPC, expressed gratitude upon being awarded the project, highlighting the company’s commitment to delivering projects punctually and with unparalleled quality, notwithstanding industry challenges.

Mr. Tyagi underscored Gautam Adani, the founder and chairman of the Adani Group, as emblematic of entrepreneurial success, illustrating how dedication and strategic vision can lead to remarkable achievements. Adani’s journey, from modest beginnings to becoming a leading business magnate in India, exemplifies the transformative power of diligence and innovation. Adani’s legacy, characterized by significant milestones such as the establishment of Mundra Port in Gujarat, reflects his dedication to global expansion, innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility through the Adani Foundation.

Adani’s journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing perseverance, strategic vision, innovation, and social responsibility. His enduring commitment to growth and ethical practices serves as a testament to the importance of resilience and determination in achieving success, inspiring businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide.

Committed to a swift 15-month delivery timeline, Nuberg EPC’s project scope encompasses the entire spectrum of EPCM services. This encompasses meticulous Detail Engineering across all disciplines (Process & HSE, Piping, Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Civil & Structural, Rotatory & Static Equipment, etc.), Technical Assistant services for procurement, Supervision Services throughout Construction, erection, Pre-commissioning, Commissioning, Performance Guarantee Tests, and technical review services for Other Contractors’ documents and inspection. The project entails EPCM services for a 2200 TPD Caustic Soda (100% NaOH) Plant within the 1 MMTPA Green PVC Project in Mundra, Gujarat, India.

“As we undertake this monumental Chlor-Alkali project, our endeavor extends beyond mere construction; we are establishing the groundwork for a greener, more sustainable future. Our dedication to technological excellence and extensive global execution experience forms the cornerstone of our success, making this upcoming project India’s largest Chlor-Alkali Project upon completion. Executing the 250 TPD EPCM Caustic Soda Plant Project alongside Chemfab Alkalis Ltd., our participation in the 2200 TPD Caustic Soda Plant Project with Adani Group showcases our steadfast dedication to engineering excellence and our substantial role in propelling India’s industrial progress,” remarked Mr. AK Tyagi, CMD, Nuberg EPC.

Nuberg EPC boasts a distinguished track record, having completed over 25 Caustic Soda turnkey projects worldwide, showcasing robust in-house capabilities and a commitment to pioneering technology-driven endeavors. Recognized as the World’s No. 2 EPC Company for Chlor-Alkali, we uphold our responsibility as a global corporate citizen by leading innovation in top-tier technologies and processes.

Our contributions extend across various sectors, including the establishment and operationalization of multiple plants such as Sulfur Recovery Units (SRU) in chemicals & fertilizers, India’s 1st Hydrogen Fueling Station in energy & infrastructure, Den-sac Plant in nuclear & defense, and Sulphuric Acid Plant in steel industries. Leveraging our expertise, we actively engage in global projects promoting hydrogen-green, grey, and blue initiatives, 2G & 3G ethanol, water electrolysis, water-soluble fertilizers, and next-generation nutrients, solidifying our leadership in the international arena.

India’s first OEM of medium and heavy electric trucks Tresa Motors unveils the V0.2 model

Mumbai, 12th April 2024: Tresa Motors, India’s first OEM of medium and heavy electric trucks unveils the V0.2 model. With every model release, Tresa is inching closer to its engineering, efficiency, reliability, and manufacturing targets. With V0.2, Tresa is slated to test India’s first and global industry-leading, Centralized Computing Unit, Advanced Telemetry System, 800V (peak) modular battery packs with in-house BMS, new central steering system, in-house designed DRLs, and its first version of Heat Pump (for all cooling requirements including cabin air-conditioning).

Most modern vehicles, including EVs, use multiple (sometimes 100s) ECUs to control their sub-systems. Tresa is integrating these ECUs with its zonal architecture, where its NVIDIA GPU-driven Centralized Computing Unit takes most of the load. Tresa’s CCU is designed to take the load of the majority of its control, AI, and telematics requirements. The telematics systems will stream over 500 monitoring points to the cloud for constant performance, safety, and efficiency analytics.

Tresa’s V0.2 stands out as an eco-friendly logistics solution, designed to be durable, resilient, and reliable for Indian road conditions. Perfectly suited for E-commerce transportation, it promises a sustainable and efficient alternative. Through this endeavor, Tresa embarks on a journey to offer a compelling cost advantage per mile over traditional diesel trucks, demonstrating long-term economic value.

Rohan Shravan, Founding CEO, of Tresa Motors commented, “We are excited to announce the launch of Model V0.2. Built on our `Delta-Engineering` philosophy, V0.2 is a major internal release where we get to test and monitor all of our components on the road. Our dream is to become the most efficient EV in the world, and the capability to understand power consumption at the sub-system level is the key to achieving our goal. This is also where we feel that we can optimize our heat pump and make it our key IP along with our motor and battery. “

The latest V0.2 truck features a new central steering setup and a comfortable air-suspended seat with customizable body options. This powerhouse boasts a maximum torque of 24000Nm, reaching a top speed of 120kmph. Equipped with a 300KWH battery, the V0.2 offers a quick 20-minute charge time (10-80% SOC), ensuring efficiency on the go.

Tresa Motors’ futuristic electric trucks are built on the Axial Flux Motor Platform Flux 350™, and World’s first 800V 50 kWh truly immersive self-contained battery pack module – Meg50™. The Flux 350™ motor’s design and engineering offer higher power density, improved cooling capabilities, increased efficiency, a compact size, and flexibility. The Meg50™ comes in IP69 self-contained enclosures with embedded active-liquid cooling. The Meg50™ module enables customization with various ranges depending on the payload, offering cost flexibility to the customer.

PVR INOX Unveils Bengaluru’s Largest Cinema, Expands Footprint in South India

12th April 2024: PVR INOX, the largest and the most premium cinema exhibitor in India, today announced the launch of Bengaluru’s largest cinema at Phoenix Mall of Asia and its largest cinema in South. The 14-screen Megaplex located in the largest and one of the most premium malls in Bengaluru features three premium formats – MX4D, ScreenX, and Insignia. PVR INOX also introduces the first MX4D, the immersive 4D movie experience, and ScreenX, 270-degree cinema viewing in South India.

The new cinema will augment PVR INOX foothold in Bengaluru with 172 screens in 26 cinemas and in the state of Karnataka with 219 screens in 37 cinemas. The company consolidate its presence in South India to a total of 572 screens in 100 properties.

Located in the suburbs of Bangalore, the 14-screen Megaplex is the city’s most advanced cinema that includes the multi-sensory MX4D format, premium large screen format ScreenX, three auditoriums of PVR INOX’s luxury format, Insignia along with 9 premiere auditoriums with last row celebrity plush recliners. With a seating capacity of 1997 audiences, the new cinema is equipped with the best-in-class theatrical technology to offer an immersive and enhanced cinematic experience. This includes the 4K laser projection, advanced Dolby Atmos surround sound, and Volfoni 3D screen.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR INOX Limited, said, “The Southern region is a critical market for us with a steady supply of regional content and passionate consumer demand. We have received an overwhelming response for all our premium screen formats nationwide, prompting us to unveil our largest cinema in South with 14 screens including 3 superlative cinema formats – MX4D, Screen X, and Insignia. It has been PVR INOX’s strategy to make cinemas more experiential and this Megaplex at Phoenix Mall of Asia perfectly aligns with our vision.’’

The design harmoniously blends various shades of white, accented by a regal touch of Royal blue, imparting a luxurious ambiance. Strategic areas such as entrances and F&B spaces are elegantly emphasized using black accents amidst the whites, ensuring a delicate balance. Impressive video walls, signage, and ceiling features reflect the grandeur reminiscent of a Megaplex. By transitioning from whites to greys, the Insignia achieves a refined and opulent atmosphere. This timeless design promises a perpetually fresh appeal, welcoming customers to a comfortable and inviting environment.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, PVR INOX Limited, said, “We are delighted to launch our biggest property in South India, introducing the MX4D and Screen X formats to the region. Bengaluru is a fast changing and dynamic city in Southern region and one of India’s fast-growing economies. Leveraging on the immense potential of the city aided by proactive governance, it offers one of the most promising destinations for the expansion of multiplexes. We are excited to expand our presence in Karnataka with a world-class cinema.”

From remote villages to jobs with MNCs,these women are breaking barriers

Nisha Dahiya from Bhaiswahi, a remote village in Katni district of Madhya Pradesh, was forced to discontinue studies after the intermediate level because of financial constraints. But she did not lose hope.

In June 2023, she came to know about the Adani Skill Development Centre in Kymore and enrolled herself. After completing a course in the warehouse packers’ domain, where she learnt new skills, she bagged a job at multinational company Amazon India in September last year. Nisha, now 22, is a warehouse executive with a monthly salary of Rs 18,000. While supporting her family, she wants to save some money to be able to renovate the family home.

Like Nisha, Swati Patel, from Dithwara in Katni, also took up the same course at the Saksham centre in Kymore. Recently, she also landed a job with Amazon India,

Swati’s sister Priyanka is a beauty therapist and runs her own parlour. Priyanka had completed a beautician’s course from the same Saksham centre. “My sister and I are grateful to the Adani Foundation for training us to become financially independent and self-reliant,” Swati says.

Last year, 13 women from the warehouse packers’ batch, which had 16 women and 4 men trainees, got placed in Amazon India at Sanand, Gujarat.

Nisha, Swati, and Priyanka are setting a shining example for the multitude of women from remote villages who have limited opportunities. The time they spent at the skill development centre prepared them to secure their future and create a better life for their families.

More than 40 Skill Development Centres are run by the Adani Foundation across 15 states. As part of the Saksham initiative, these centres impart training to youth to make them job-ready. So far, the centres have trained around 1.4 lakh youth across the country.

Mr Vasant Gadhavi, Executive Director of Adani Foundation,says, “By investing in skill development, India can harness the potential of its young workforce, especially women, create employment opportunities, and drive innovation and economic growth. It brings immense joy when we witness women shattering the glass ceiling, expanding opportunities for themselves, and increasing their participation in the workforce. Our Saksham initiative spearheads change and aims to transcend boundaries, reaching youth in the remotest regions of India.”

The Adani Foundation operates in 5,753 villages across 19 states, positively impacting 7.3 million lives. Through initiatives like Saksham, the Foundation aims to empower the youth by making them economically independent. Adani’s Skill Development Centres train youth in over 70 job roles and skills, like domestic electrician, domestic wiring, tailoring, retail sales, digital literacy, patient care assistant, fire safety, welding and multipurpose crane operations. Fundamentals of artificial intelligence and aspects of Metaverse are also covered as part of these courses.

PhonePe partners with eSewa & Hotel Association of Nepal Pokhara for UPI Push at the Fewa New Year Festival

Bengaluru 12th April 2024: PhonePe today announced that it has partnered with e-Sewa and the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) Pokhara to popularize UPI on the Fonepay Network, as a part of the Fewa New Year Festival which will be held from April 11-14th. The New Year festival is not only popular among citizens all over Nepal but also very popular among Indian tourists who visit the country and enjoy the festivities. With food stalls serving traditional Nepali cuisine as well as international dishes, live music performances by local and international artists, cultural performances, including traditional Nepali dances and music and art exhibitions and workshops, the iconic event, offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of Nepalese culture and local culinary delights.

This year, in line with its vision of popularizing Digital payments via UPI, PhonePe will spearhead several activities during the Fewa New Year Festival. PhonePe will run on-ground activation aimed at raising awareness about digital payments among local merchants while demonstrating the convenience of digital payments for customers. With prominent on-ground and digital branding, kiosks showing how to use digital payments, and other interactive activities PhonePe along with eSewa and HAN Pokhara will showcase the ease of UPI payments. Over 3,000 merchants will be part of the festival with over 100,000 visitors expected.

Speaking on the partnership, Ritesh Pai, CEO of International Payments, PhonePe, said, “We are excited to partner with eSewa and the Hoteliers Association of Nepal to help popularize UPI as a part of the popular Fewa New Year Festival. Nepal attracts many Indian visitors annually who come to experience the music, food, and culture of this beautiful place. Our focus will be on creating merchant education and awareness to ensure the uptick of UPI on the Fonepay Network in Nepal. This partnership will revolutionize Nepal’s digital landscape, ensuring PhonePe customers can effortlessly conduct transactions at their convenience, regardless of location.’’

Mr. Jagdish Khadka, CEO, eSewa said “Partnering with PhonePe and the Hotel Association of Nepal for the Fewa New Year Festival is an exciting opportunity for eSewa to further promote digital payments in Nepal. As the country’s leading digital wallet, we are committed to enhancing the digital payment ecosystem and providing convenient solutions for both merchants and consumers. With Indian visitors being a major visitor for Nepal, this move aligns well to cater the needs of visitors and enhance their overall experience. Through this collaboration, we aim to showcase the benefits of using UPI and Fonepay network and empower merchants to embrace digital transactions, ultimately contributing to the growth of Nepal’s digital economy. Additionally, we believe such collaboration will foster greater financial inclusion and accessibility.”

Mr. Laxman Subedi, President HAN Pokhara Chapter said, “In the joyous spirit of Nepali New Year 2081, 19th Fewa New Year Festival aims to attract 300,000 visitors. Pokhara’s hotels, supported by the Hotel Association of Nepal, offer discounts of up to 20% to ensure comfortable stay for tourists traveling to Pokhara. Embracing our values of Tourism, Culture, and Food, Pokhara stands out as a beacon of Nepal’s tourism appeal. Together, let’s reveal the beauty of our region, preserve our cultural heritage, welcome visitors from far and wide, and breathe new life into our hospitality sector.”

Mr. Diwas Sapkota, CEO, Fonepay said, “It brings us a great pleasure to witness the strategic partnership with PhonePe India, eSewa Nepal, and the Hoteliers Association of Nepal to promote the integration of UPI capabilities onto the Fonepay Network. The New Year Festival serves as an ideal venue to highlight the impact of this collaboration. With its massive turnout, the festival brings people to the heart of Nepal’s cultural and economic center, offering everyone the chance to witness and experience the advancements in payment technology.”