Hack-O-NiT by Narula Institute of Technology Culminated in a Spectacular Closing Ceremony

Kolkata, 16th May 2024: The inaugural edition of Hack-O-NiT, the first ever overnight Hackathon by Narula Institute of Technology, concluded with a flourish, marking the beginning of a new era in technological innovation. The event was graced by dignitaries including Mr. Soujit Das, Senior Manager, Incubation & Portfolio Management, IIM – Calcutta, Prof (Dr) N.R. Bandyopadhyay, Professor & Former Head, Dr M.N. Dastur School of Materials Science IIEST, Shibpur and Former Chairman, Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Division Board, The Institution of Engineers (India) Council Member, Materials Research Society of India; Mr. Prateek Chaudhary, FCA, DISA (ICAI) Chairman, Council of Start Ups Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Mr. Abhay Agarwal, Chartered Accountant; Mr. Arijit Das, Co-Founder and Director at Aeonix Research & Innovations LLP; Mr. Sambhu Nath Surai, ITA (Information Technology Analyst) in TCS and Co-founder of ATX Extention, Robotics Technology.

Hack-O-NiT, the first-ever overnight Hackathon hosted by Narula Institute of Technology, witnessed enthusiastic participation from budding technocrats. With problem statements spanning across diverse domains such as Health Care, Automation & IoT, Cloud Computing, Knowledge Management, New Gen Games, Infrastructure, Telecom, and Open Innovation, the event provided a fertile ground for innovation and collaboration in a realistic environment.

The Hack-O-NiT covered both hardware and software Tracks. Some of the remarkable products developed in this Hackathon are Various Health Care solutions like Identification of Brain Cancer from Images, AI based Diabetic detection Online Learning management systems, Robots for Mining Application etc.

More than 90 teams submitted their Ideas and Prototypes. Out of which 70 teams were screened in the second round and total 18 teams competed in the Grand Finale. Student Teams from different college across West Bengal like Adamas University, Techno Main Salt Lake, Government College of engineering and Textile Technology, Serampore, Techno International, NewTown, JIS College of Engineering, Gurunanak Institute of Technology, Asansol Engineering College and Narula Institute of Technology registered for the event.

In addition to the Hack-O-NiT, Kritanj 2024 featured an array of competitions based on robotics, coding, elektron, Apt Venture, mechanical, civil engineering, and management games. These competitions showcased the ingenuity and technical acumen of participants, attracting some of the brightest minds from across the state.

The closing ceremony served as a fitting finale to the two-day extravaganza, featuring inspiring addresses from esteemed guests, recognition of outstanding projects and teams across all events, and a captivating showcase of cutting-edge technologies developed during the hackathon and other competitions.

Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Simarpreet Singh, Director, JIS Group, said, “We are immensely proud of the achievements of our students and the innovative solutions presented during Kritanj 2024 and Hack-O-NiT. This kind of event not only brings forth creativity and technical excellence but also facilitates meaningful collaboration among participants from diverse backgrounds.”

BLS E-Services Limited Q4 & FY24 Financial & Operational Performance

Mumbai, 16th May 2024: BLS E-Services Limited (BLSe), a technology-enabled digital service provider, announced its audited consolidated financial results for the quarter and financial year ended 31st March 2024.

Speaking about the performance and recent updates, Mr. Shikhar Aggarwal, Chairman, BLS E-Services Ltd. said: “We are pleased to announce the financial performance in FY24, marked by a significant growth in Total Revenue and PAT, which increased strongly by 25.7% and 65.0% respectively. During the year, we have also increased our reach and network to over 100,000 Touchpoints and more than 1,000 BLS Stores. We are ushering in an era of unparalleled financial inclusion and digital empowerment, as evidenced by our transformative initiatives across various sectors. Our collaboration with the National Health Authority for the Ayushman Bharat Quality Check (QC) in Uttar Pradesh, under the visionary National Digital Health Mission, heralds a new chapter in healthcare accessibility.

Similarly, our partnership with Public and Private Sector Banks through initiatives like ‘Har Ghar Suraksha,’ a social security campaign by the Department of Financial Services and PSU banks, and the ‘DSB Dastak’ campaign, part of the EASE 2.0 guidelines, is a testament to our commitment to bringing banking services to every doorstep.

From facilitating over 133 million transactions worth more than Rs. 72,700 Crores this year through our 21,000+ BC Centers, we have generated leads of over Rs. 580 Crores of loans & deposits in a quarter for our partners in the private sector banking space through our Business Facilitator model, a testament to our competitive edge.

As we forge ahead, our focus remains on expanding our network and reach through our BCs and digital stores, invest in building an advanced digital infrastructure which can withstand the quantum of transactions being envisaged given the trajectory of our economy. We would like to set new industry benchmarks and create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.”

FY24

· Total Revenue increased by 25.7% YoY to Rs. 309.6 Crores as against Rs. 246.3 Crores in FY23

· EBITDA at Rs. 49.9 Crores as against Rs. 36.3 Crores in FY23, up by 37.6%; EBITDA margin at 16.1% in FY24 as against 14.7% in FY23, expanded by 139 bps

· PBT before exceptional items in FY24 grew robustly by 54.5%, at Rs. 45.7 Crores, as compared to Rs. 29.6 Crores

· PAT in FY24 grew by 65.0%, at Rs. 33.5 Crores, as compared to Rs. 20.3 Crores; PAT Margin at 10.8% in FY24, expanded by 258 bps, from 8.3% in FY23

Q4FY24

· Total Revenue grew by 6.9% YoY, to Rs. 78.7 Crores, as compared to Rs. 73.6 Crores in Q4FY23

· EBITDA at Rs. 16.0 Crores, as against Rs. 13.1 Crores in Q4FY23; up by 21.8% YoY; EBITDA Margin stood at 20.3% as compared to 17.8% in Q4FY23, an expansion of 248 bps

· PBT before exceptional items stood at Rs. 14.4 Crores, up 24.6% from Rs. 11.6 Crores in Q4FY23

Other Highlights

· In February 2024, the company successfully completed its listing on BSE & NSE, with a ~ Rs. 300 Crores IPO. The net proceeds from the IPO will be deployed to strengthen the technology infrastructure, consolidate the existing platform, funding for setting up BLS Stores and also for inorganic opportunities.

· Commencement of door-step-banking services for elderly population in 25 states/UT

· Business facilitation agreements with private banks HDFC, Kotak and Karur Vysya Bank

· Business correspondent RFPs wins with Indian Overseas Bank, Indian Bank, Baroda Gujarat Gramin Bank and Baroda Rajasthan Kshetriya Gramin Bank

· Penetrating in rural region through various initiatives including CSP+ project covering 200+ gram panchayats in Orrisa, Ayushman Bharat Quality Check and initiation of Aadhaar demographic update service in Karnataka

· Expansion of assisted e-services with Hospicash & Wellness drive with over 22,000 customer enrolments

· Launch of BLS Store mobile application

· Tie up with India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) through the Directorate of Electronic Delivery of Citizen Services (EDCS), E-Governance Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), Govt of Karnataka (GoK)

Swiss Beauty Unveils CRAZE – GenZ-focused makeup collection

New Delhi, 16th May, 2024: Swiss Beauty, one of India’s leading makeup brands, has launched its GenZ makeup collection – CRAZE. It includes an array of versatile beauty products for the multi-tasker gen-next populace and their on-the-go makeup needs. With its trendy packaging and formulas, product names infusing GenZ slangs, and multifunctional products, CRAZE celebrates the passion and self-expression of the youth. It offers a bold palette of colours and innovative makeup formulations for the face, lips, and eyes.

From multi-dimensional beauty essentials to vibrant and expressive cosmetics, CRAZE by Swiss Beauty is the ultimate companion for those who live life on the go and wish to make a statement with their looks.

The CRAZE collection showcases an array of captivating makeup products across all categories. From eye makeup like eyeshadow and blush palette to mascara, and in the lip category encompassing lip balms to 12-hour stay lip crayons, and in the face category including primer and fixer, there’s a diverse range to explore.

All beauty products in the collection are multi-functional and high performing. This makes the CRAZE accessible to all, ensuring that the latest beauty trends are within reach of the young, on-the-go consumer.

Mr. Saahil Nayar, CEO, Swiss Beauty, stated, “Our Craze makeup range is catering to the vibrant and dynamic Gen Z, who are making their mark in the world, whether they’re stepping into college, graduating, or entering the workforce. It reflects the free spirit of Gen Z with its vibrant colours, versatile formulas, and quirky personality. The collection lets young women experiment, explore, and express their individuality through makeup. With 11 years of formidable presence in the Indian beauty industry, Swiss Beauty is attuned to the pulse of the Indian market and now aims to cater to the unmet needs of GenZs for colour cosmetics with CRAZE. The versatile, multifunctional, and trendy makeup products are especially designed to speak to and for the GenZ.”

“Gen Z is the fastest-growing segment for beauty and personal care in India. As a youth-focused brand, we want to build authentic connections with these consumers through our quality, innovation, and trendiness,” he added.

Swiss Beauty CRAZE has a network of retail touch points across 550+ cities and boasts a robust presence in more than 120+ beauty assisted outlets PAN India. All products by CRAZE are now available at leading marketplaces, including Nykaa, Amazon, Myntra, Purplle, etc. The recently launched dedicated micro website is the one-stop shop for trending makeup products that hit it off the park with their unique and spectacular formulations.

Immerse Yourself in Brilliance with DAEWOO’s Smart LED TVs, Setting New Standards in Home Entertainment

New Delhi, 16th May 2024: Looking to upgrade your home entertainment setup? Look no further than DAEWOO Smart LED TVs. With their sleek design, exceptional resolution, and seamless connectivity options, DAEWOO TVs offer a cinematic experience right in your living room. Whether you are watching your favorite shows, movies, or gaming, you can count on DAEWOO Smart LED TVs to deliver a top-notch viewing experience with the latest technology at your fingertips.

Known for its Korean craftsmanship, DAEWOO brings decades of expertise and excellence to every product, ensuring reliability, durability, and superior performance. DAEWOO TVs boast high-quality resolution, LED display screens, superior sound quality, and effortless connectivity options. Additionally, each DAEWOO TV comes packed with a range of advanced features tailored to meet your needs, including light sensor technology, easy setup, web browsing, and more.

With a wide selection of DAEWOO Smart LED TVs available, finding the right one for your home is easier than ever. Explore DAEWOO Smart TVs, designed to meet the demands of modern entertainment seekers, offering cutting-edge technology and features packaged in a stylish design that adds elegance to your living space.

DAEWOO Smart LED TVs offer a diverse range of options, including the SMART ANDROID LED TV Range with models like the DW60S (152 cm), DW43S (108 cm), DW32S (80 cm), and KW24S (60 cm). These TVs provide advanced features such as panoramic viewing, anti-glare screens, slimline designs, and mobile-to-TV screen mirroring, catering to different preferences and spaces.

Mr. H. S. Bhatia, Managing Director of Kelwon Electronics & Appliances, Manufacturing Partner, DAEWOO’s India. “The webOS HUB SMART LED TV Range represents a new era of innovation in television technology. With its advanced features and intuitive design, DAEWOO continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, making life simpler for consumers everywhere.”

Additionally, the DAEWOO webOS HUB SMART LED TV Range, including models like DW75S (190 CM), DW65S (165 CM), DW55S (139 CM), and DW50S (120 CM), offers unparalleled performance with features like webOSU, 4K UHD Premium Series, panoramic viewing, and in-built picture boosters. With a wide selection of DAEWOO Smart TVs available, finding the right one for your home is easier than ever. Discover the DAEWOO Smart LED TV that meets your needs and transforms your viewing experience today.

NXTDIGITAL’s broadband vertical inks strategic alliance with Delhi-based Triple Play Broadband

ONEOTT Intertainment Ltd. (OIL), India’s 4th largest private Internet Service Provider (ISP) and Triple Play Broadband, a Class A regional ISP with a strong presence in Delhi & the national capital region have announced a strategic alliance. OIL, a part of NXTDIGITAL Media Group and a subsidiary of Hinduja Global Solutions Ltd. (HGS), will work with Triple Play to leverage its vast expanse of fiber and direct broadband customers across the predominantly commercial regions of the national capital region, especially Gurugram. The alliance comes close on the heels of agreeing with leading Mumbai-based ISP Seven Star – to acquire a majority stake.

OIL has been on an aggressive growth drive and the alliance with Triple Play and acquisition of a majority in Seven Star’s broadband business in quick succession reflects the focus, adding over 100,000 subscribers in high ARPU markets. Triple Play is a well-established broadband player, with strong customer relationships in Delhi and NCR regions. The alliance is looking to focus on increasing broadband penetration in these markets whilst in parallel offering IPTV and OTT services to its customers.

Said Vynsley Fernandes, Whole-time Director at HGS and MD and CEO of OIL “Triple Play is an exceptional ISP in terms of market reach and quality of service and we’re delighted to welcome them into the Hinduja fold. We’re committed to working together to deliver value to our customers; a commitment which is also solidly reflected in us acquiring a majority stake in Seven Star’s broadband business, with whom we entered into an alliance earlier this year.”

Triple Play Broadband Chairman and Managing Director, Navneet Sethi added “We have established a very strong business in Triple Play across Delhi and the NCR, built on significant investments in infrastructure. We believe it is the right time to align with what is easily one of India’s most agile ISPs, viz. OIL – where together we will not only expand the customer base but also offer a wider portfolio of solutions”.

Limca Book of Records recognizes the remarkable achievements of Indian sportspersons on World Athletics Day

Bengaluru, 16th May 2024: Within the vast landscape of human endeavor, there exists a realm of athletics, where ordinary individuals transcend the constraints of the mundane to become extraordinary champions of motion. Athletics, in its purest form, is not merely a collection of sports or a series of events, it is a testament to the boundless potential inherent within the human form. It is the sprinter who races against the wind, the high jumper who defies gravity’s pull, and the marathon runner who conquers the limits of endurance. Each athlete, a living embodiment of dedication and discipline, dares to challenge the impossible and redefine the boundaries of human achievement. But beyond the world of competition and medals, athletics is a journey of self-discovery and self-mastery.

On this World Athletics Day, Limca Book of Records proudly honors the extraordinary triumphs of athletes etched in its pages of sports history. Since its inception, the Limca Book of Records has been a beacon of human aspiration and accomplishment, capturing the essence of unparalleled dedication and grit. Within its pages lie tales of remarkable feats, showcasing the rich history of talent across diverse athletic domains.

Among the many incredible achievements recorded in the Limca Book of Records, here are just a few noteworthy examples that exemplify the pinnacle of athletic excellence:

In 2023, Neeraj Chopra etched his name in history as the first Indian gold medalist at the World Athletics Championship, achieving a monumental throw of 88.17 meters in the men’s javelin final.

Jyothi Yarraji scripted history by clinching India’s first-ever gold in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok, in July 2023. Her remarkable performance, clocking 13.09 seconds, marked a significant milestone in Indian athletics.

Dutee Chand continues to break barriers and redefine norms in Indian athletics. As the current national champion in the women’s 100m event, she became the first Indian sprinter to win gold at the Universiade in 2019. Her courageous stance as an LGBTQ+ athlete sets a powerful example of inclusivity and resilience.

Rambai’s remarkable feat at 105 years of age stands as a testament to the timeless spirit of athletics, making her the oldest gold medallist. Securing gold in the 100m race at the National Open Masters Athletics Championships in Vadodara, Gujarat, she proved that age is no barrier to achieving greatness.

Anju Bobby George remains an icon in Indian athletics, she is India’s only medalist at the IAAF World Championships and continues to inspire generations. Her remarkable long jump prowess has solidified her status as a role model in the athletic community. Recognizing her contributions, she was honored among other notable women achievers during the launch of the Malayalam edition of the Limca Book of Records in 2014, themed ‘Empowering Women’.

“World Athletics Day serves as a symbolic reminder of the unwavering commitment athletes exhibit in their pursuit of excellence. For the Limca Book of Records, it represents an opportunity to celebrate and honor the extraordinary accomplishments of athletes from diverse backgrounds and disciplines across the globe,” said Vatsala Kaul Banerjee, Consulting Editor of the Limca Book of Records and Publisher at Hachette India.

Ruchira Bhattacharya, Senior Director, Marketing for Hydration, Sports, and Tea at The Coca-Cola Company’s India and South-West Asia Operating Unit, remarked, “At Coca-Cola India, we believe in the transformative power of sports to inspire, empower, and create real positive impact. To celebrate the accomplishments of Indian Athletes and continue to build pride amongst audiences, we pay homage to their feats through the Limca book of Records.”

The 33rd edition of Limca Book of Records upholds its theme of ‘India at her Best’. Remaining true to its legacy of chronicling Indian accomplishments, it presents a wide spectrum of other extraordinary achievements, stories of exceptional performances, and the victories of relentless achievers. Moreover, Coca-Cola India has recently partnered with the Anju Bobby Sports Foundation as part of #SheTheDifference. This collaboration signifies Coca-Cola’s commitment to empowering women athletes by offering crucial support and infrastructure.

IN-SPACe honored with prestigious Geospatial World Forum Leadership Award

Ahmedabad,16th May 2024: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has been honored with the prestigious Geospatial World Forum (GWF) Leadership Award for “Public Policy: Enabling Industry Development.” The award was presented at the 2024 Geospatial World Forum in Rotterdam in a special ceremony on May 14, 2024. On behalf of IN-SPACe, the award was received by Sh. Rajeev Jyoti, Director, Technical Directorate, and Ms. Kriti Khatri, Dy. Director, (PMAD). The award recognizes IN-SPACe’s significant contributions to the global geospatial industry through is ground-breaking work in fostering the growth and development of India’s space sector and support to non-government entities working in the space economy.

The GWF Leadership Awards, presented annually at the Geospatial World Forum, acknowledge individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to the geospatial field and demonstrated innovation in addressing global challenges. Since 2007, the awards have celebrated the achievements of over 200 organizations, highlighting their dedication to advancing geospatial technologies and applications.

IN-SPACe’s selection as this year’s recipient in the “Public Policy: Enabling Industry Development” category underscores its pivotal role in transforming India’s space landscape. Established with the mandate to revolutionize space activities and encourage and support non-government entities to participate in the space economy, IN-SPACe has been instrumental in implementing policies that have significantly enhanced India’s capabilities in space exploration, research, and technology development.

Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe said, “We are honored to be recognized by the Geospatial World Forum for our efforts in fostering innovation and enabling the growth of the space industry. By pioneering initiatives that leverage space-based solutions to address critical societal challenges, IN-SPACe is harnessing the power of space for the betterment of humanity. This award recognizes IN-SPACe’s unwavering commitment to creating a thriving and internationally competitive space ecosystem in India.”

The impact of recent space reforms and policy initiatives by the Government of India extends beyond national borders, serving as a model for integrating space technology with global development agendas. The recent liberalization of the Foreign Direct Investment policy for the space sector will empower entrepreneurial endeavors, stimulate widespread adoption of downstream space applications, and build a robust, indigenous, and resilient space economy. The transformative potential of forward-thinking space policies will encourage international collaboration and development in space technology.

Infurnia Raises 1.2 mn Funding From Interior Industry Leaders

New Delhi, 16th May 2024: Infurnia is thrilled to announce yet another successful closure of a $1.2 million funding round from a host of individuals and companies. This brings Infurnia’s total angel fundraising to $4.9 million, accumulated across multiple rounds since its inception.

Infurnia is the world’s first all-in-one cloud-native design software startup for the architecture and interior design industry. This investment round includes significant contributions from esteemed backers such as industry-leading veneer company – Coast to Coast, plyboard company – Greenply, architectural hardware company – Ozone, EyeQ Dezigns founded by promoters of leading interior industry media organizations Ply Reporter and Surfaces Reporter, etc. The funding round also saw investments from the promoter group of leading Interior design unicorn – Livspace. The round was led by Yogesh Chaudhary, an existing investor and owner of Jaipur Rugs.

Infurnia was started by IIT graduates Nikhil Kumar and Lovepreet Mann in 2014. It has grown through the years with the help of a series of angel investments. This angel round marks a pivotal milestone in the startup’s ambitious expansion strategy with the onboarding of many market leaders in the interior industry. The startup plans to utilize the funds to expand its market presence in newer geographies besides continued product development of its flagship design product and the upcoming manufacturing solution.

Infurnia’s groundbreaking cloud-based platform is revolutionizing the $10 billion design and construction technology industry, long dominated by outdated desktop solutions from firms like Autodesk. As the premier cloud-native suite, Infurnia offers cloud-based integrated tools for design, documentation, and visualization, addressing the full spectrum of needs for architecture and interior design firms globally. Available on a subscription basis, the software ensures accessibility and scalability.

Over the past year, Infurnia, the pioneering cloud-native design software company for the architecture and interior design industry, has significantly expanded its client base, adding over 600 clients and reaching $1 million in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR). The company’s operations span India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The startup has plans to slowly expand into Western nations in the next few quarters.

Infurnia is now gearing up to launch a new product line, the MES (Manufacturing Execution System) solution. ‘Infurnia MES’ would complement Infurnia’s design software for the panel processing industry. While companies would be able to create designs with the help of Infurnia design software, they would be able to manufacture and assemble seamlessly with the help of Infurnia MES solution. Infurnia is on a revenue-driven journey and the startup is looking forward to becoming cash-flow positive in the current financial year. Infurnia boasts a roster of marquee clients including LivSpace, Hometown, Purvankara, and Urban Ladder, demonstrating the platform’s broad appeal and adaptability.