29, Jan 2024
Rajiv Aarogyasri, Telangana; & Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana; commend Apollo Medical College
Hyderabad, January 29th, 2024: Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad was commended for its exemplary services under Rajiv Aarogyasri, Telangana and Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY); Sri Anudeep Durishetty, IAS, District Collector, Hyderabad; presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Ms Aparna Reddy, COO, Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Hyderabad; at Hyderabad district Collector Office, today. Mr Venkata Deepak Chodipalli, Joint Executive Officer, Aarogyasri; Mr. Venkata Chary, District Revenue Officer; Mr Mahoob Pasha, District Manager, Arogyasri; Mr. Madhusudhan, Joint Collector; Dr. Rajesh, Senior Medical Administrator, AIMSR; Mr. Sunil, Admin Officer; graced the occasion.
Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad; over the last two decades has treated many patients under Rajiv Aarogyasri in the State of Telangana; and Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
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- By Rabindra
29, Jan 2024
Honorary Consulate of Kazakhstan in Hyderabad marks three years
Hyderabad, 28th January 2024: The Honorary Consulate of Kazakhstan in Hyderabad; proudly commemorated its third anniversary at ITC Kohenur, today. The program hosted by the Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Hyderabad H.E Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan was graced by Sri Ravi Gupta, IPS, Director General of Police, TS; H.E Mr Orhan Yalman Okan, Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey; H.E Mr. Aaref Alnuai, Consul General of UAE in Hyderabad; Sri Madhu Yaskhi Goud, Secretary & Spokesperson, AICC; Sri Allu Arvind, Film Producer; Jonnalagadda Snehaja, IFS, Regional Passport Officer Telangana, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA); Dr Jitender, IPS, Principal Secretary to Govt of Telangana; Sri Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Principal Secretary, I & C & IT, Govt of Telangana; Dr Anil Kumar, IPS, Director General, Telangana Special Protection Force; among others.
The Consulate has to its credit several remarkable milestones during the three years, including an MOU between Astana and T hub and Visa free visit for Indian citizens to Kazakhstan. The Consulate is striving to strengthen the bonding between the people of Telangana and Kazakhstan, by starting a direct flight to Kazakhstan from Hyderabad, besides many other initiatives in the pipeline, says Dr Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan.
The other dignitaries present on the occasion were Saleel Kader, U.S. Consulate General, Hyderabad and Strategic Public Engagement Advisor; Dr Mohan, Sri Manohar Reddy, Mr. Vikram Jain, Trade Commissioner, Consulate General of Canada, Government of Canada; Sri Sandeep, MD, JLL; Sri NVS Reddy, MD, Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd; WTC Vignesh; GMR Anindya; Sri Srinivasa Rao Mahankali, CEO, T-Hub; among others.
29, Jan 2024
Jammu Smart City drives towards a greener tomorrow with Tata Motors electric buses
Bengaluru, 28 January 2024: Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, announced that it has delivered state-of-the-art Ultra EV air-conditioned electric buses to Jammu Smart City Limited through TML Smart City Mobility Solutions (J&K) Pvt Ltd, a Tata Motors Group company. The initiative led by the Housing and Urban Development Department of the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, is aimed at establishing an environmentally sustainable public transportation system in Jammu. These emission-free Tata Motors electric buses are manufactured in India using cutting-edge technology, feature advanced amenities, and are powered by state-of-the-art electric power systems. Its design focusses on safety, comfort, and convenience, offering Jammu residents reliable and zero-emission intra-city commuting solutions. The delivery of the electric buses is a part of its larger order to supply, maintain and operate 100 electric buses in Srinagar and 100 electric buses in Jammu, for a period 12 years for Jammu and Srinagar Smart City projects.
The fleet was flagged off by Hon’ble Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Govt of India, Shri Amit Shah, in presence of the Hon’ble Minister of Heavy Industries, Govt of India, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey and Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha. The event was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri Jugal Kishore Sharma and Gulam Ali Khatana, Shri Ajay Bhalla (IAS), Home Secretary Govt of India, Shri Atal Dulloo (IAS), Chief Secretary Jammu and Kashmir, Ms. Mandeep Kaur (IAS), Commissioner Secretary H&UDD, J&K along with other Administrative Secretaries and delegates from the Government of J&K, Municipal Corporation Jammu, Jammu Smart City Ltd and representatives from Tata Motors.
Commenting on the occasion, Shri Rahul Yadav (IAS), CEO, Jammu Smart City Ltd, said, “Jammu Smart City Ltd is committed to improving transportation in Jammu with the introduction of electric buses. The goal is to enhance mass mobility, providing increased safety and sustainability, along with greater access and convenience for commuters. These advanced buses not only meet rigorous quality standards but also contribute to collective initiatives aimed at improving the city’s air quality. Flagging off the Tata Motors’ electric bus is in line with Jammu Smart City’s commitment to reducing the carbon footprint and improving citizens’ quality of life.”
Speaking at the momentous occasion, Mr. Asim Kumar Mukhopadhyay, Chairman, TML Smart City Mobility Solutions (J&K) Pvt Ltd, said, “I’m delighted to witness the flag off of the electric buses in Jammu, following the recent commencement of electric bus operations in Srinagar. Tata Motors has been at the forefront of the electric mobility sector, pioneering advanced innovations in public transportation specifically tailored to address India’s unique requirements. Our unparalleled knowledge of sustainable mobility solutions sets us apart, aligning with the government’s push for electric vehicles. Electric buses will be a vital addition to Jammu’s transportation system, providing numerous benefits that align with the city’s health, environmental and economic goals. We eagerly anticipate playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of public transport in Jammu.”
Tata Motors has established a strong presence in the Indian electric bus market, having delivered over 1,500 vehicles to various cities across the country. These buses have collectively clocked more than 10 crore kilometers, with an uptime of over 95%, showcasing their reliability and efficiency. The Tata Ultra EV stands out as a revolutionary e-bus that redefines urban commuting. Its fully electric powertrain optimises energy consumption, leading to significant savings in fuel costs and environmental impact. The bus provides a seamless commuting experience with features such as easy boarding, comfortable seating, and driver-friendly controls, all while maintaining zero emissions. For added safety, the Tata Ultra EV is equipped with advanced technologies like electronic stability control, electronic brake distribution, air suspension, Intelligent Transport System (ITS), and a panic button. This commitment to clean and sustainable public transportation makes the Tata Ultra EV an ideal solution for urban passenger needs.
29, Jan 2024
Outlook Retirement Planning Expo Sets New Benchmark
January 27, 2024: Pioneering a new era in post-retirement planning, a recent expo has set the stage for transformation for individuals and their families by addressing critical issues with a comprehensive and holistic approach. The two-day event featuring an impressive lineup of over 40 distinguished speakers, attracting more than 4000 attendees and hosting 50+ exhibitors offered insights and opportunities to help redefine how one can approach
financial considerations to make the right lifestyle choices in the context of retirement.
Outlook Money’s ‘40After40’ Premier Retirement Planning Expo emerged as a groundbreaking event, held recently at the esteemed Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, had participants engaging in insightful panel discussions, interactive chats, and enlightening masterclasses, connecting with seasoned planners and industry experts.
The event started with an impactful session by Bharat Shah, Executive Director of ASK Group, who emphasised the importance of early planning, addressed the lack of financial knowledge in academics, and highlighted growth opportunities in the finance and investment industry. Shah’s session underscored the sacred duty of building and nurturing money with care and dedication, touching on the holistic nature of wealth that includes intellectual ability, physical well-being, and the drive of the soul.
Speaking about securing the future, V. Vaidyanathan, MD & CEO, IDFC FIRST Bank said, “Embracing retirement planning is like stepping onto the cricket pitch. Start early, as delaying your financial innings can lead to unexpected challenges. Secure your future today, ensuring a stress-free retirement down the line.” As he delved into the gaps in the Indian pension landscape, Deepak Mohanty, Chairman of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), spoke of the risks of inflation, the power of compounding, and the need to expand literacy and awareness about the National Pension System (NPS). His session stressed the importance of pension planning as a necessity rather than a substitute.
Madan Sabnavis, Chief Economist at Bank of Baroda, provided valuable insights into India’s journey towards becoming a $5 trillion economy. He highlighted the contrast between the rich and the poor, emphasising the need for real GDP growth, lower inflation, and increased per capita income. Sabnavis discussed the challenges faced by the private sector, pointing tothe importance of creating more jobs and stimulating demand to achieve economic growth. “It’s clear that our pursuit of a $5 trillion economy requires a focus on the quality, not just speed, of our growth. With a per capita income of $2400, the key lies in fostering inclusivity and sustainability. A crucial aspect is the private sector’s role in generating more jobs, boosting consumption, and ensuring sustained income growth for all citizens,” Madan Sabnavis, Chief Economist, Bank of Baroda said.
To demystify the life insurance landscape, Anup Bagchi, MD & CEO of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, outlined three critical variables for investment. These variables were – the amount of money, time, and return on investment. He stressed the tax efficiency and discipline offered by life insurance and recommended strategies such as Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) and creating a corpus for medical expenses.
Ananth Narayan Gopalakrishnan, Whole Time Member of SEBI, shared insights on retirement planning and the role of proper advice. Gopalakrishnan urged attendees to view it as financial planning, emphasising that it occurs not at a later age but right now. He stressed the importance of understanding one’s risk appetite, diversifying investments, and seeking professional advice to avoid scams.
Vishal Kapoor, CEO, of Bandhan MF in his comments said Investing for retirement is about more than just chasing returns. “Future expenses, particularly medical costs, are often underestimated. Aligning investments with specific lifestyle goals and anticipating evolving expenses is crucial. Strategic planning ensures that investments not only beat inflation but also sustain the desired standard of living in retirement,” he said.
The panel discussion on wealth creation featured Sushant Bhansali, CEO of Ambit Asset Management, Deepak Shenoy, Founder and CEO of Capitalmind Financial Services, Anshul Arzare, MD & CEO of YES Securities (India) Limited, and Vasanth Kamath, Founder & CEO of Smallcase Technologies. The panel emphasised the importance of investing in India, choosing good companies, and diversifying portfolios across different industries.
In the session on post-retirement money, a panel consisting of Swarup Mohanty, Vice Chairman & CEO of Mirae Asset Managers (India), Vibha Padalkar, MD & CEO of HDFC Life Insurance, and Kamlesh Rao, MD & CEO of Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance, discussed the necessity of creating wealth post-retirement. They highlighted the increase in expenditure with age, not only for health but also due to inflation. Vibha Padalkar promoted living retirement with dignity, emphasising the cost associated with guarantees in financial products.
Sashi Krishnan, CEO of National Pension System Trust, addressed reforms in the National Pension System, emphasising the need for investing now. Krishnan outlined why people invest in NPS, including tax exemptions, tax reductions, and the product’s cost efficiency. He highlighted changes in the accumulation and post-retirement phases to enhance the investment experience for participants.
In a special address on investing in a bull market, Sankaran Naren, Executive Director & CIO of ICICI Prudential Asset Management, discussed the importance of asset allocation and hybrid products for a pleasant retirement. He emphasised the need to avoid extremes and adopt a diversified approach for a happy retirement.
Vijay Chandok, MD & CEO of ICICI Securities, explored the role of equity in retirement planning, acknowledging its complexity and risk. Chandok highlighted the dynamic nature of equities, the magic of compounding over the long term, and the importance of staying updated and seeking expert advice. The Financial Planners Panel, featuring Dhruv Mehta, Lovaii Navlakhi, Sadique Neelgund, and Sandeep Jethwani, moderated by Amit Trivedi, discussed the challenges and solutions in financial planning, providing valuable insights for attendees.
Rajit Mehta, MD of Max India & Antara Senior Care, delivered a special address on the next step in healthcare. He discussed the impact of ageing on physical, emotional, and mental well-being and emphasised the transformation of the healthcare system to promote holistic wellness. Mehta introduced Antara’s AGEasy initiative, empowering seniors to age easily and joyfully through health and wellness solutions.
Ira Trivedi, Author, Columnist, and yoga Acharya, conducted a spotlight session on the recipe for wellness. Trivedi emphasised the importance of proper exercise, diet, breath, relaxation, and positive thinking for overall wellness. In another special address, Tapan Singhel, MD & CEO of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, addressed the long-term roadmap for a healthier nation. Singhel discussed the need for mindfulness, meditation, yoga, exercise, a group of friends, annual checkups, and moderate income for a healthier life. He highlighted the role of wellness ingrained in Indian culture and advocated embedding health awareness in academic curriculums.
In a spotlight session, National Award Winner Actor Manoj Bajpayee shared insights into his acting career, emphasising the challenges and dedication required for role preparation. He highlighted the importance of simple living and the refugee state of mind that comes with leaving one’s place. The event also featured a spotlight session with Mithali Dorai Raj, former captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, discussing her life story, challenges, and retirement plans. Devdutt Pattanaik, Indian Mythologist, Speaker, Illustrator, and author, delivered a special address relating the Ramayana and Mahabharata to current life situations. He drew inspiration and solutions from mythological scriptures, emphasising the need to accept life for what it is.
Outlook Money’s ‘40After40’ succeeded in creating a unique platform for individuals to gain valuable insights into retirement planning, ensuring a brighter financial future. The event’s success is a testament to the importance of informed decision-making in securing one’s retirement.
25, Jan 2024
Ugro Capital Announces Financial Results
Mumbai, January 25, 2024: U GRO Capital, a DataTech NBFC and India’s largest Co-lender in the MSME segment, today announced its robust financial performance for the Quarter and Nine-month Period ended 31st December 2023, marking a historic achievement as the company enters the prestigious Billion Dollar AUM Club.
Brief Financial Snapshot
The Company continued its growth momentum in the third quarter of FY24 with AUM of INR 8,364 Cr (as on Dec’23), up 64% compared to Dec’22. This surge can be attributed to its strategic investments in distribution channels, expansive lender base, and a data-centric underwriting model, which together ensure consistent monthly disbursals of over INR 500 Cr.
Financially, U GRO Capital highlighted a Total Income of 751.3 for 9M’24 (up 61% compared to 9M’23), while the figure stood at INR 279.3 Cr for Q3’24, up 47% YoY and 10% QoQ. Furthermore, the PAT for 9M’24 scaled up to INR 86.7 Cr, up 237% YoY and was INR 32.5 Cr for Q3’24, indicating an increase of 148% YoY and 13% QoQ. The robust quarterly performance, alongside the optimal GNPA/NNPA metrics of 2.0%/1.1% on the total AUM, reiterates the sterling quality of UGRO’s portfolio, underscoring a well-structured risk management approach.
U GRO Capital’s distinctive co-lending approach combined with the strategic use of co-lending partnerships with off-book AUM accounting for 45% has significantly propelled this growth trajectory. Further solidifying its reputation in the sector, U GRO Capital’s proprietary underwriting model, GRO Score 3.0, has demonstrated its efficacy. This strategic model, along with collaborations with over 10 co-lending partners, 55 lenders, 40 fintechs, and 500 GRO partners, facilitates data-driven, tailored financial solutions for more than 67,000 MSMEs across India.
Mr. Shachindra Nath, Founder and Managing Director of U GRO Capital said, “At U GRO Capital, our journey is defined by continuous innovation, dedicated to reshaping financial sector standards. Today, we proudly announce surpassing INR 8300 crores in AUM, entering the Billion Dollar AUM Club. This accomplishment reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation and delivering unmatched financial solutions. Committed to boosting India’s economic growth, we aspire to build a significant institution for small business financing. With ambitious FY24 goals, we are strategically poised to achieve them through innovative strategies, collaborations, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable entrepreneurship. U GRO Capital offers an attractive opportunity for investors seeking enduring growth and robust returns.”
Key performance highlights for Q3’ and 9M’FY24
Growth, Expansion and Portfolio quality
- AUM of INR 8,364 Cr as on Dec’23 (up 64% YoY and 10% QoQ)
- INR 1,552 Cr of Net Loans originated in Q3’FY24 (up 33% YoY and 5% QoQ) and INR 4,311 Cr of Net Loans originated in 9M’FY24 (up 35% compared to 9M’FY23).
- Total Income stood at INR 279.3 Cr for Q3’FY24 (up 47% YoY and 10% QoQ) and INR 751.3 Cr in 9M’FY24 (up 61% compared to 9M’FY23)
- Net Total Income stood at INR 162.6 Cr for Q3’FY24 (up 51% YoY and 10% QoQ) and INR 436.5 Cr in 9M’FY24 (up 66% compared to 9M’FY23)
- PBT increased to INR 46.4 Cr in Q3’FY24 (up 109% YoY and 14% QoQ) and INR 122.8 Cr in 9M’FY24 (up 145% compared to 9M’FY23)
- PAT increased to INR 32.5 Cr in Q3’FY24 (up 148% YoY and 13% QoQ) and INR 86.7 Cr in 9M’FY24 (up 237% compared to 9M’FY23)
- GNPA / NNPA as on Dec’23 stood at 2.0% /1.1% (as a % of Total AUM)
- Over 67k customers as on Dec’23
- 104 branches (as on Dec’23)
Liability and Liquidity Position
- Total lender count stood at 58 as on Dec’23
- Total Debt stood at INR 4,173 Cr as on Dec’23, and overall debt-to-equity ratio was 3.0x
- Healthy capital position with CRAR of 22.3% (as on Dec’23)
25, Jan 2024
Tridhaatu Morya unleashes unprecedented Republic Day Flash Sale Offer
Mumbai, January 25, 2024: Tridhaatu Morya, a project of Tridhaatu Realty a leading real estate developer from Mumbai has come up with an exciting offer for home buyers, on the occasion of Republic Day. This offer is valid only for January 26, 2024, wherein home buyers buying an apartment at this project are entitled to a rebate of INR 26 lakh off. This flash offer is for a duration of 26 hours and valid only for the first 26 customers.
This revolutionary flash sale is designed to provide an incredible advantage to the first 26 homebuyers, with an opportunity to enjoy substantial savings when investing in their dream home. A 2 BHK home comes at a starting price of INR 2.09 crores and home buyers can leverage this unique offer to reduce their investment and enjoy significant savings.
“This flash sale is a testament to providing unmatched value to homebuyers. This limited-time offer is expected to generate significant interest, so prospective homebuyers are urged to act swiftly to secure their place among the first 26 customers” says, Mr. Pritam Chivukula, Co-Founder & Director, Tridhaatu Realty. Tridhaatu Morya Chembur welcomes all aspiring homeowners to join in this extraordinary celebration of Republic Day and embark on a journey towards luxury living, added Mr. Chivukula.
Tridhaatu Morya is divided into two phases. Phase 1 comprises 220 units, in configuration of 1 & 2 BHK apartments measuring in size from 477 sq ft to 724 sq ft. The second phase of the project will consist of larger 2 & 3 BHK configured apartments, with sizes ranging from 728 sq ft to 1008 sq ft, comprising a total of 105 units. This project is well designed with provisions for Jodi flats, which allow residents the flexibility to expand their living spaces as per their individual and family requirements.
Tridhaatu Morya is strategically located and just 5 minutes away from the Eastern Freeway; Santacruz Chembur Link Road (SCLR) is 4 kilometers away, and the Monorail Chembur Station is 2 minutes away. In addition, the Eastern Freeway connects to south Mumbai while the SCLR and the new BKC Connector offers connectivity to BKC and other areas across the western suburbs. The project is approximately 9 kilometers away from Navi Mumbai. Moreover, the Mumbai International Airport is about 13 kilometers from the project, making convenience the project’s hallmark.
25, Jan 2024
Projections Indicate that by 2030, at Least Half of Fortune 500 Companies May Have a Chief Impact Officer,
New Delhi, 25th January 2024: Aspire Impact, under the aegis of the Impact Future Project (IFP), a thought-leadership platform supported by global tech giant Capgemini, has launched a groundbreaking report on the evolving role of Chief Impact Officers and their potential influence on organizations. This research publication is a first-of-its kind effort to understand, define, and champion adoption of this crucial C-suite role.
As a comprehensive deep dive into the Chief Impact Officer’s role, the report features direct voices and opinions from 25 global ESG, Sustainability, and Impact leaders from varied organization types and sectors across 10 countries and 6 continents. The thorough inquiry offered 12+ insights and trends based on responses to an online survey and a series of in-depth interviews, which explored the need, readiness, role, skills, key performance indicators, and future prospect of the role.
As we approach pivotal milestones like 2030 and, subsequently, the 2050 goals, the role of a Chief Impact Officer emerges as crucial. As each Chief Impact Officer contributes to transformative solutions within their organizations, a network of socially conscious leadership should emerge that is collectively equipped to steer capitalism towards a more responsible and sustainable path.
Organizations must heed the following key implications: Firstly, there is an urgent need for organizations to recognize, prioritize, and formalize the Chief Impact Officer role—an imperative supported by 95% of survey respondents. Secondly, appointment of Chief Impact Officers are driven by an investor-led movement, with a growing demand for transparency and disclosures on ESG, Sustainability, and Impact data and its linkage to financial performance. Thirdly, above all else, this role demands collaboration and consensus-building, given the possibility of encountering opposition from other CXOs, an apprehension highlighted by as many as 67% of the participants. Many participants in the research believed in and pressed the necessity to derive authority from the CEO and the Board.
Delving further into the expectations and responsibilities associated with this position, the research reveals a notable transformative trend. 33% of respondents recognize the triple bottom line as a critical focus, with a substantial emphasis (52%) on integrating Impact into corporate values and culture. Chief Impact Officers play pivotal roles in developing long-term transformation plans for total impact performance, achieving net-zero/circularity/SDG targets, and measuring and managing overall impact.
The report underscores the imperative for CIOs to possess a profound understanding of the interplay between ESG, Sustainability, and Impact to formulate effective strategies that lead to positive organizational and societal outcomes. Additionally, the report emphasizes the need for extensive research, ample content, and pedagogy to prepare existing CSOs/ESG Heads, enabling them to confidently transition to the role of Chief Impact Officer and guide their boards and corporations into the era of Impact Capitalism and Impact Accounting.
Amit Bhatia, Founder & CEO, Aspire Impact, emphasized the urgency of creating the Chief Impact Officer role, stating, “While 42% of Fortune Global 500 companies have made commitments to reduce emissions by 2030 and 25% have adopted net-zero targets, only a handful have a Chief Impact Officer.
There cannot be a better time to push a stronger business case for creating this role and thus a new cadre of protagonists who can catalyze, inspire, integrate, and orchestrate impact.” Expressing contentment with the research findings, Corey Glickman, CEO of Ecostart and Founder of Greenman Black (formerly Partner, Head of Sustainability & Design (ESG) at Infosys), highlighted its particular significance for the Indian corporate landscape. “ The role of the Chief Impact Officer (CIO) is gaining prominence in the corporate world as companies increasingly recognize the importance of sustainability and social impact. The CIO is responsible for ensuring that the company’s operations align with its social and environmental goals. The evolving role of the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) is central to the integration of material ESG issues into corporate strategy. The rise of the CIO role is a natural progression of this trend, as companies seek to create long-term value by aligning their business practices with their social and environmental goals.”
Sangeeta Robinson, Chief Sustainability Officer, PVR Limited, expressed her delight at being part of this research and said “Sustainable Value Creation is a journey not a destination. It is a journey of continual improvement. The impact you create in year one becomes your baseline for the next. This is why I believe that leading Sustainability requires not just skills and qualification, but passion too.”
Harpreet Ghai, Director, Knowledge Development, Aspire Impact, and co-author of the publication said, “Those who can proactively negotiate these challenges and conjure up initiatives to create green pathways for their companies, won’t be wizards with magic wands, but 21st century transformation leaders, aka the new Corporate Sherpas, or Chief Impact Officers.”
ESG, Sustainability, and Impact leaders interviewed included Anirban Ghosh, Head, Centre for Sustainability, Mahindra University (formerly Chief Sustainability Officer, Mahindra Group); Kumar Anurag Pratap, Vice President, CSR, Capgemini Technology Services India Ltd.; Aradhana Lal, Senior Vice President, Sustainability & ESG, Lemon Tree Hotels; Dr. Arvind Bodhankar, Executive Director & Chief Risk Officer, Dalmia Bharat; Carlos Enrique Cavelier Lozano, Dream Coordinator & President, Alqueria; Carla Duprat, Director for Sustainability, Grupo Camargo; Corey Glickman, Co- Founder and Partner Strategy & Consulting, EcoStart Ventures Inc, and Founder, Greenman Black LLC (formerly Partner, Head of Sustainability & Design (ESG) at Infosys); Denise Hills, Board member, UN SDG Pioneer, ESG and Sustainability Advisor (formerly Global Sustainability Director, Natura&Co); Désirée Lucchese, Head of Ethics and Impact, U Ethical Investors; Ellen Martin, Chief Impact Officer, Circulate Capital; Fernando Cortes McAllister, Vice President, CSR, Grupo Bolivar; Giuliana Ortega, Sustainability Director, Raia Drogasil; Dr. James Robey, Executive VP, Global Head of Environmental Sustainability, Capgemini; Jill Weise, Vice Chair and Managing Director, Kroll; João Figueira, Chief Strategy Officer, Betterfly; Jyotin S Kutty, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Tata Motors Ltd.; Milind Mungale, Advisor, Information Security and Technology NSDL (formerly EVP & Chief Impact Officer, Protean eGov) ; Nana Yaa Ofori-Koree, Head of Partnerships, Sustainability and CSR, Fidelity Bank Ghana; Octavio Rocha, Chief Impact Officer, New Ventures; Prabodha Acharya, Chief Sustainability Officer, JSW Group; Pratyush Panda, Head ESG, LTIMindtree; Sabina Curatolo, Senior Director Impact, Breakthrough Victoria (formerly Partner & Head of Impact, Bridges Australia); Sangeeta Robinson, Chief Sustainability Officer, PVR INOX Limited; Viiveck Verma, Founder and CEO, Upsurge Global; and Zarmeen Pavri, Co-Founder and General Partner, SDGx. Guest Contributors included Swapnil Joshi, Director, Sustainability & Design (Smart Spaces), Infosys; and Radha Sule, Deputy Vice President, Corporate Sustainability, Tata Capital.
Prominent figures at the launch event who delivered keynote addresses included well-known names like Vineet Rai, Founder, Aavishkaar Capital; Kieron Boyle, Chief Executive, Impact Investing Institute, UK; Tatiana Glad, Executive Director, Impact Hub Network; and Kumar Anurag Pratap, Vice President & CSR Leader, Capgemini. Capgemini has been dedicated to supporting Aspire in conducting ground-breaking research within the impact economy ecosystem since 2020, showcasing their commitment to advancing research initiatives in this field.
25, Jan 2024
Hafele’s J34MCST Combi Microwave Steam Oven
When it comes to a healthy diet, steamed-cooked food is your best choice. Steam cooking preserves the nutrients, moisture, texture, and the natural flavours of the food, and when combined with other cooking methods, gives you meals that are both healthy and delicious and gets prepared in less time.
Combining the power of steam with convection oven, microwave, and grill, Häfele’s state-of-the-art combi microwave steam oven, the J34MCST, opens up the doors to cooking a variety of delicacies that are flavourful and healthy. This combi oven allows you to cook faster than the traditional cooking methods, uses less oil, and preserves the nutrients and moisture in the food. The various combi modes along with preprogrammed menus allow you to cook anything from vegetables, meats, poultry and seafood to rice, pasta and pastries, conveniently and quickly. With its versatility, efficiency and ability to help you create tasty, nutritious meals for your family, this built-in combi microwave steam oven is a great investment for any home, particularly those with limited kitchen space.
25, Jan 2024
Samsung India Ties Up with Blinkit to Deliver Galaxy S24 Series in 10 Minutes in Select Cities
Bengaluru, India – January 25, 2024 – Samsung, India’s largest electronics company, today announced a tie-up with quick-commerce platform Blinkit to deliver its recently launched Galaxy S24 series in India. Customers in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Mumbai can order Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 smartphones on Blinkit and get the phone delivered in less than 10 minutes.
Customers buying the Galaxy S24 series on Blinkit can avail an instant cashback of INR 5000 if the purchase is done through HDFC Bank credit card.
The tie-up with Blinkit will help Samsung cater to the huge demand for its flagship S24 series in India. Samsung has secured record pre-bookings for Galaxy S24 series, making it the most successful S series ever. More than 250,000 customers in India pre-booked a Galaxy S24 smartphone in just three days since January 18.
The ’Made in India’ Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 smartphones come with Live Translate, Interpreter, Chat Assist, Note Assist and Transcript Assist features. AI built into Samsung Keyboard can also translate messages in real-time in 13 languages, including Hindi. In the car, Android Auto will automatically summarize incoming messages and suggest relevant replies and actions.
Galaxy S24 comes with gesture-driven ‘Circle to Search feature’. Users can circle, highlight, scribble on, or tap anything on Galaxy S24’s screen to see helpful, high-quality search results. For certain searches, generative AI-powered overviews can provide helpful information and context pulled together from across the web.
Galaxy S24 series’ ProVisual Engine is a comprehensive suite of AI-powered tools that transform image capturing abilities and maximize creative freedom. The Quad Tele System on Galaxy S24 Ultra now comes with a new 5x optical zoom lens that works with the 50MP sensor to enable optical-quality performance at zoom levels from 2x, 3x, 5x to 10x.
The new Instant Slow-mo can generate additional frames based on movements to smoothly slow down action-packed moments for a more detailed look. Super HDR reveals lifelike previews before the shutter is ever pressed.
Galaxy S24 series continues Samsung’s commitment to extending the product lifecycle, offering seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates to help users reliably experience the optimized performance of their Galaxy devices for even longer.
25, Jan 2024
Godrej & Boyce enables automated calibration services for Anechoic Chamber
Bengaluru, 25th January 2024: Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group, announced that its business, Godrej Lawkim Motors introduced a fully automated setup for EMI/EMC (Electromagnetic Interference / Electromagnetic Compatibility) Anechoic Chamber Calibration, which reduces turnaround time by 50% compared to manual calibration. This cutting-edge technology enables recording values in a fraction of a second, setting the stage for efficiency and accuracy in calibration processes.
The implementation of automated calibration brings about a substantial elevation in measurement accuracy, especially vital in precision-focused sectors like telecommunications, aerospace, and automotive. The consistent performance of the chamber, guided by automated processes, not only streamlines various functions such as research, development, and quality control but also ensures seamless alignment with stringent compliance standards, surpassing industry-specific requisites. This innovation fosters confidence in data reliability and also translates to significant cost savings by preventing errors and rework, ultimately supporting advancements in research and development activities within the electromagnetic compatibility domain.
Xercsis Marker, Executive Vice President & Business Head, Godrej Lawkim Motors, says, “Anechoic chamber calibration is about leveraging technical accuracy to increase efficiency and minimize turn-around-time and embodies our commitment to elevate industry standards. Integration of this technology improves precision and reshapes the way in which customers can accelerate their supply chains. By ensuring meticulous setups, we are delivering quality services and setting a new standard of excellence across industries.”
The business is at the forefront of innovation by incorporating digitally signed web-based certificates, implementing automated calibration selectively, and exploring new frontiers in industries like solar panels and advanced battery technologies. With expertise extending to sectors such as aerospace, solar panels, and cutting-edge battery technologies, Godrej Lawkim Motors has leveraged strategic automation to achieve an impressive 300% reduction in turnaround times, enabling rapid calibration at a rate of 100 points per minute while eliminating typing errors. With over 32,000 medical instruments calibrated for hospitals across major metro cities, Tier 1 & Tier 2 cities, the company also extends its services to overseas customers in South Asia and the Middle East through Onsite Calibration.
