9, Oct 2023
Grip makes investing in Corporate Bonds and SDI as easy as investing in Stocks
New Delhi, October 9, 2023: Grip, an OBPP-licenced platform for fixed-income investment, has become the first to completely implement a full tech journey of the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) Request for Quote (RFQ) API. The RFQ integration on Grip now provides retail investors an opportunity to invest in India’s emerging and booming Corporate Bond and Structured Debt market as easily as investing in stocks, while ensuring all investments are securely settled through the NSE, with the clearing corporations handling fund and securities transfers directly. The integration also allows for more and more investors to explore Bonds and Securitised Debt Instruments offerings by investing small amounts, easily paid through more common methods of payment like UPI and NetBanking.
Grip’s RFQ implementation aligns with SEBI’s goal to boost liquidity in the debt securities market in India. SEBI’s RFQ mechanism effectively addresses challenges, including delayed securities transfers and large initial capital requirements, for debt securities allowing a secure and efficient means to invest in fixed-income instruments for investors.
Grip’s RFQ implementation enables investors to purchase bonds and SDIs at lower investment amounts, often 50% lower. The payment process is streamlined as users can directly transfer funds to the exchange via a payment gateway, eliminating the need to add beneficiaries and ensuring security. Additionally, the time required for securities to reflect in the Demat account has been reduced from two days to just one day, simplifying transaction tracking.
On integrating the RFQ interface, Aashish Jindal, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, stated, “From an investing lens, fixed-income investing provides a more predictable and secure income stream than stocks, and often a more attractive risk-reward. However, traditionally the lack of transparency, due to delays in transferring securities and large capital investments, has steered investors away from investing in debt securities. With the RFQ integration, retail investors can now enjoy all the protections and convenience of buying fixed-income instruments like corporate bonds and SDIs on Grip. With this integration, we’re empowering our users to take control of their investments with confidence, ensuring that they have the tools and resources they need to achieve their wealth creation goals.”
Retail investors can now purchase securities in multiples of just 1 unit, with no large minimum order quantities for SDI. Investors now also have the flexibility to make payments using UPI as a payment mode for transactions or Net Banking from a registered bank account such as HDFC, ICICI, Kotak, Axis, City Union, etc., via NSE’s payment gateway.
“The Indian debt market is poised for growth, and SEBI’s introduction of RFQ mechanism for retail fixed income transactions represents a noteworthy step in addressing investor concerns. Grip’s RFQ implementation has ushered in a new era for online investors, making investing in corporate bonds or SDI as easy, transparent and secure as investing in equities. With the RBI pausing interest rate hikes, market participants are now increasingly interested in investing in debt securities such as LeaseX, InvoiceX, LoanX and BondX to capitalize on high-interest rates,” said Nikhil Aggarwal, Founder and CEO.
Grip will go live with the RFQ integration on October 6, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. and will become the first OBPP-licensed Platform to Implement a full tech-based RFQ journey.
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- By Rabindra
9, Oct 2023
CII IWN Telangana organises the ‘Leadership Conclave 2023’ – UPLIFT: A Gender Equal DigitALL Future
Hyderabad: October 09, 2023: CII IWN Telangana organized the ‘Leadership Conclave 2023’ – UPLIFT: A Gender Equal DigitALL Future at The Westin, Hyderabad. Dr G Satheesh Reddy, former Scientific Adviser to Raksha Mantri and President of The Aeronautical Society of India inaugurated the Conclave and Mr Joe Schulz, Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer, of Carrier Digital delivered a Keynote address.
Dr Satheesh has mentioned that government departments are actively promoting gender parity across all their sectors and are witnessing growth in various dimensions as a result.

Mr Sai Prasad, Vice Chairman of CII Telangana and Executive Director of Bharat Biotech International Limited, called upon CII IWN to focus on supporting women in the informal sector by promoting digitalization. He articulated his aspiration for achieving 50% gender parity across all sectors by the year 2047.
Ms Srividya Reddy, Chairwoman, CII IWN Telangana & Vice Chairperson, GNITS Hyderabad extended a warm welcome to all the participants at the Conclave. She emphasized that digital transformation has the potential to narrow the gender equality divide.

Ms. Shobha Dixit, Immediate Past Chairwoman, CII IWN Southern Region and Director, Alpla; Ms. Tanuja Abburi, Vice Chairwoman, CII IWN Telangana & DEI Lead, Amazon; Ms. Shweta Kirkire, Sci/Engr- ‘SG’, Space Applications Centre (ISRO); Dr. Rashmi Pimpale, Chief Executive Officer – Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH), Government of Telangana; Mr. Sanjeev Deshpande, Convenor – CII Telangana Digital Transformation, IT & Startups Panel & Head of APAC Region, MD-India, NTT Data Business Solutions were the prominent speakers along with the others at the conclave.
The conclave witnessed 350 participants and explored themes such as Women in Design and Innovation, Digital Transformation in the Workplace, and the Role of Technology and Women in Policy and Governance.
9, Oct 2023
BenQ Introduces the V5000i: A Revolutionary 4K RGB Laser TV Projector for Elevating your Cinematic Experience
Bangalore, 9th October 2023: BenQ, a leading provider of advanced display technology solutions, proudly introduces the V5000i, a groundbreaking 4K RGB Laser TV Projector, poised to redefine the home entertainment experience. With a focus on delivering the pinnacle of innovation, unrivaled color precision, and exceptional audio quality, the V5000i is set to elevate the world of home cinema to unprecedented heights. It’s the perfect replacement for big-screen TVs, especially suited for well-lit spaces like expansive living areas. Featuring Google-certified Android TV, it effortlessly grants access to streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, rendering external devices obsolete. This intelligent projector also seamlessly supports voice assistants, mirror casting, and connectivity through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
The V5000i, proudly from BenQ, the No. 1 4K projector brand in India, marks its debut in the realm of RGB laser TV technology, ushering in a new era of visual excellence while ensuring a long-lasting and color-consistent home cinema experience. It achieves this by harnessing the power of CinematicColor technology, which masterfully covers an astounding 95% of the BT 2020 color spectrum and an impressive 98% of DCI-P3, delivering a display that immerses viewers in lifelike and vivid colors that breathe life into their favorite movies and shows.
However, the V5000i offers much more than exceptional visuals; it boasts an integrated 40W speaker system, featuring dual 5W tweeters and dual 15W woofers. This audio setup not only guarantees superior sound quality but also delivers deep and powerful bass, enveloping viewers in a truly cinematic audiovisual journey.

Mr. Rajeev Singh, Managing Director, BenQ India & South Asia, shared his thoughts on the occasion, stating, “We are thrilled to unveil the V5000i, a revolutionary milestone in home entertainment technology. BenQ remains steadfast in our mission to redefine visual excellence, and the V5000i represents our relentless pursuit of delivering unparalleled experiences. Our dedicated team has spared no effort in exceeding the expectations of our discerning customers. With the V5000i Laser TV projector, we are poised to transform home entertainment, bringing the enchantment of the silver screen directly to our customers’ homes. We have unwavering confidence that this latest addition to our lineup will revolutionize the industry.”
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
· Exceptional Color Accuracy: Achieving an impressive 95% BT 2020 and 98% DCI-P3 color gamut, the V5000i ensures every hue is faithfully reproduced. The integration of CinematicColor technology guarantees viewers will savor images with natural and true-to-life colors.
· High-Definition Immersion: Equipped with 2500 ANSI Lumens of RGB Laser brightness, the V5000i projector delivers breathtaking 4K Ultra HD resolution, resulting in vivid and razor-sharp picture quality. This projector is a game-changer for those seeking a cinematic experience within the comforts of their homes.
· Immersive Sound: Elevating the experience further, the V5000i comes with a built-in Hi-Fi audio system featuring 40W speakers, including 5Wx2 tweeters and 15Wx2 woofers. The 2300cc chamber design enhances sound output, delivering superior audio quality with deep, resounding bass.
· Smart Entertainment Hub: The V5000i serves as a comprehensive entertainment hub. With Google-certified Android TV, it offers effortless access to streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, eliminating the need for external devices. This smart projector also supports voice assistants, mirror casting, and connectivity through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
· Installation Flexibility: One of the unique selling points of the V5000i is its remarkable installation flexibility. With a throw ratio of 0.252 and options for auto screen fit, manual screen fit, and ceiling mounting (thanks to 2D keystone correction), it adapts effortlessly to diverse room layouts. HDMI eARC compatibility for external 5.1/7.1 speakers adds to its versatility.
AVAILABILITY
· Available through all leading Retail Home AV System Integration Partners and BenQ Brand online store
9, Oct 2023
MTR Foods creates water conservation capacity of 40 million litres in Karnataka in partnership with Myrada
Bengaluru, 9th October 2023 – MTR Foods, a pioneer in packaged foods, has created a water conservation capacity of 40 million liters in Karnataka, in collaboration with Myrada, a non-governmental organization, operating in underdeveloped and drought-prone regions. The initiative will improve water storage capacity and its supply in the local community through building and renovating village ponds to harvest rainwater and recharge groundwater. MTR Foods is investing Rs. 10.6 million towards this project to significantly benefit the region.

The project is situated in and around Bommasandra area. Improving local supply of water, created rooftop harvesting system and recharge pits in 3 schools in the region. Water ponds have been renovated and constructed in. Additionally, a new tank/ pond construction has been done in Anekal The capacity created will directly impact around 5000 lives and households and is expected to successfully replenish 40 million liters of water in the near future. This will positively influence the regional ecosystem and benefit the local community.

Commenting on the same, Sunay Bhasin, Chief Commercial Officer, MTR Foods Pvt. Ltd. said, “We believe it’s important to consistently support our community. The water conservation project in Karnataka is a part of our sustainability initiatives and aims to help improve water access in the area. It will benefit local households and the respective schools with more water now being made available. We hope that this improved access will enable better quality of life in the region and positively impact the ecosystem.”
Previously, on the occasion of World Environment Day 2023, MTR Foods reinforced its commitment towards the environment by initiating a comprehensive cleanup drive at Madiwala Lake. The initiative aimed not only to clean the area but also to raise awareness about responsible waste management and the importance of preserving natural water bodies.
9, Oct 2023
This Durga Pujo, Licious brings together the ghotis & bangals over an extensive spread of meaty delights
9th October 2023: The intra-community rivalry between the ghotis & bangals has made for some fun banter over the years. No family gathering in a traditional Bengali household is ever complete without members of each side striving to establish one-upmanship, be it on culture, language, sports, or food. As this contest of words and wit ensues, this Durga Pujo, Licious brings peacetime & festive fervour with an extensive spread of meaty delights.
In its latest film, the brand brings together the ghotis & bangals to celebrate the spirit of Pujo with Bengal’s best – Hilsa, Prawn, Mutton, and much more! The film now live on Licious’ Insta and YouTube pages, showcases a chapter from the book of ghotis v/s Bengals that ends at the dining table with a mouth-watering feast of kosha mangsho, malai curry, bhapa ilish, muitha, ilish bhaja and pabdar jhal.

Santosh Hegde, Vice President of the brand at Licious, says: “The Durga Pujo film underscores our belief that good food has the power to unite even the most spirited cultural rivalries. And there is no better way to celebrate the rich Bengali heritage than through its flavoursome cuisine. Armed with our expertise in meat & seafood, we have the leverage to offer specialized products & cuts to ensure our consumers have a memorable Pujo celebration. So whether you are a ghoti or a bangal, whether you prefer hilsa, prawn, or mutton – Licious has you covered this Pujo!”
The film is set in a bustling Bengali household, abuzz with vibrant decor and preps for Durga Pujo. The dinner table is set with the choicest of dishes and meaty delights, right from ilish macher bhaja, muita, pabdar jhal, kochi pathar jhol, and more. Just then the lady of the house gets teased by her ghoti relative on whether the spread today features bangal specialities or are there any ghoti delicacies as well.

For the uninitiated, people originating from East Bengal (now Bangladesh) are referred to as ‘Bangal’ and those hailing from West Bengal are called ‘Ghoti’. With witty banter and humourous rejoinder, the debate continues in true Kobir Lorai style (a poetic volley of words between 2 people, set to a tune & aimed at outsmarting each other) as the lady and her ‘opponent’ continue to take a dig at each other’s cooking styles, choice of fish and more.
The rhythmic beats of the dhak add to the tempo of this Lorai; onlooking family members cheer on, at times even singing along. Who wins, you wonder; of course, the meaty delights by Licious do! Young family members intervene to remind us that this isn’t the time to argue, but it’s the time to come together & enjoy the delightful spread that’s brought the family together, all thanks to Licious. Amidst laughter & marked by the festive spirit, the family rejoices with the delicious Pujor Mahabhoj made with Licious’ offerings for the season, forgetting all about their differences. After all, tasty meaty delights from Licious are what every ghoti and bangal would unanimously bond over this Pujo season.
9, Oct 2023
Optoma unveils dynamic 4K UHD laser projector UHZ50+ in Black colour at What Hi-Fi 2023 in Bangalore
Bangalore, 09th October 2023: Optoma, the world’s No.1 DLP projector brand and a leading designer of projection products is all set to enthral its customers with the launch of its dynamic true 4K UHD laser home cinema projector UHZ50+ in black colour on 6th October at What Hi-Fi 2023 Show in Bangalore. Featuring HDR capability, rich blacks, and multiple smart features to support today’s streaming and gaming requirements. The projector comes with a long-lasting Laser engine with a life span of up to 30,000 hours; and a certified optical design.
What Hi-Fi (WHF) is one of the most preferred shows in India for audio-video and its stakeholders including consumer tech manufacturers, industry professional, dealer, audiophile, and shoppers.

With DuraCore Laser technology, UHZ50+ is able to deliver longer-lasting and excellent performance at true 4K UHD resolution with high brightness at 3,000 lumens and 2,700,000:1 contrast. UHZ50+ also comes with upgraded Smart Home features including Optoma Marketplace, File Manager, Creative Cast, and connectivity with voice assistants, offering a comprehensive home entertainment experience. The Smart projector comes with a Google & Netflix certified Android TV dongle from Hako Mini.
The projector is capable of reproducing 125% Rec 709 colours, and PureMotion MEMC delivers judder-free motion videos. With the ability to implement 4-corner adjustment, 2D keystone correction, vertical lens shift, powered 1.3x zoom, and warping at 3*3 matrix, UHZ50 is also perfectly easy to install in any room at home or to create a simulation scenario.
Speaking about the launch of the most awaited innovative products, Mr. Vijay Sharma, Country Head-India, Optoma Corporation said, “We are thrilled to launch UHZ50+ the new version of the popular UHZ series. We decided to launch the projector at the What Hi-Fi Show 2023 because this is a perfect platform to unveil innovative products for tech enthusiasts. UHZ50+ is the new addition to our existing home cinema portfolio and with this projector, we aim to deliver astonishing content with high contrast, and perfect colour combination to our customers”.
9, Oct 2023
Empowering Dreams: Akshaya Patra Honored as India’s 2023 Top 20 Dream Workplace for Change-makers
Bengaluru, 9th October — The Akshaya Patra Foundation is proud to announce its recognition as one of India’s Top 20 Best NGOs to Work For in 2023. This prestigious accolade, awarded by the ‘Great Place to Work’ India, is a testament to the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to fostering an enriching and fulfilling work environment.
In a landscape where career choices for Millennials and Gen Z are evolving, the allure of NGO and NPO careers is on the rise, transcending traditional corporate paths. The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s recent report, “Working for Good,” highlights that employees in Non-Profit and Charity Organizations experience a workplace environment on par with those in other industries, with an overwhelming 94% expressing a profound sense of purpose in contributing to society.
Mr. Shridhar Venkat, CEO of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, expressed his gratitude, stating, “Being recognized as India’s 2023 Top 20 Dream Workplace for Change-makers is a testament to Akshaya Patra’s unwavering commitment to its core values and culture. Our success reflects the harmonious confluence of missionaries and professionals, leading to the well-being of our dedicated employees. Together, we continue to make a transformative impact on the lives of millions through our mission of nourishing children’s dreams.”
Mr. Mukesh Tiwari, CHRO of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, added, “We believe in providing an inclusive and supportive environment that enables our team members to thrive. This accolade reinforces our belief that a culture of compassion and excellence can drive positive change in Poshan nationwide.”
The Akshaya Patra Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to the Central and State Governments, partners, donors, and volunteers for their invaluable support in nourishing the future of our country. We are forging a path towards a brighter, more nourished tomorrow.
9, Oct 2023
World Champion & Under Armour Athlete Neeraj Chopra to open brand’s Flagship Store at Banjara Hills on 9th Oct
India, 09 October 2023: Hyderabad’s athletes, sports and fitness enthusiasts are in for a rare treat as Olympic and World Champion, Neeraj Chopra, is set to inaugurate Under Armour’s flagship store in Hyderabad at Banjara Hills Road number 2 on Monday, 9th October.

Arguably the greatest Indian athlete and an icon of excellence in the world of sports, Neeraj Chopra has reached the pinnacle of his sport and is the reigning Olympic Champion, World Champion, and Asian Games Champion. An Under Armour Athlete, Neeraj Chopra exemplifies Grit, Determination, and Perseverance and inspires young athletes to stay committed and pursue their goals.
Located in the city’s upscale and vibrant commercial and retail hub – Banjara Hills Road number 2, the store’s impressive façade, elevated design and expansive space enable a premium shopping experience for athletes, sports, and fitness enthusiasts. The store will carry the latest and widest international range of Under Armour’s innovative athletic performance merchandise including the very popular Phantom, Machina, and Velociti running shoes, mineral-infused apparel lines – IsoChill, and Rush, Golf range and the much-loved Curry and Project Rock collections.
9, Oct 2023
10th AHPS Mega Event: Bhaichung Bhutia Ignited the Spirit of Excellence on This Grandest of Platforms
09 October 2023: One of the leading K-12 school chains in India, Academic Heights Public School (AHPS) held its 10th Annual AHPS Mega Event with great splendor. It was a resounding success, with the chief guest Bhaichung Bhutia gracing the occasion with his presence. The event, which had been eagerly anticipated by students, teachers, and parents alike, saw an unprecedented level of enthusiasm and participation.
Bhaichung Bhutia, the legendary Indian footballer, added a touch of inspiration and motivation to the event as the chief guest. His inspirational presence motivated the students to strive for excellence not only in academics but also in extracurricular activities.
The Mega Event showcased the talents and achievements of 1000+ AHPS students in more than 100 contests, including academics, sports, cultural activities, and community service. AHPS’s commitment to holistic education was evident in the diverse range of activities and competitions that took place throughout the event.
The highlight of the event was the prize distribution ceremony, where Bhaichung Bhutia felicitated the top-performing students. His words of encouragement and wisdom resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of discipline, dedication, and hard work in achieving success.
The successful completion of the 10th AHPS Mega Event was a testament to the school’s dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals who excel in all aspects of life. The presence of Bhaichung Bhutia, a sports icon and role model, made the event even more memorable and inspiring for everyone in attendance. It was a day filled with celebration, achievement, and motivation, leaving a lasting impression on all those who participated.
9, Oct 2023
AIYD 2023 Successfully Concludes, Nurturing Bilateral Relations and Inspiring Innovation
India, 9th October 2023: The Australia-India Youth Dialogue (AIYD) 2023 successfully concluded after four vibrant days of stimulating discussions and meaningful interactions. Since its inception in 2012, AIYD has consistently served as a dedicated platform for empowering the next generation to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the dynamic relationship between Australia and India.
AIYD 2023, held from September 19th to 22nd, brought 30 young leaders from Australia and India together in New Delhi and Bengaluru. Participants explored the impact of global megatrends in a post-pandemic world, generating valuable insights. Distinguished representatives from various fields gathered to address shared challenges and opportunities, including notable individuals like Urvi Majumdar, Stephen Dziedzic, Aishwarya Manivannan, Aiyshwarya Mahadev, and Sayani Das.
The collaborative four-day event, hosted by OP Jindal Global University, HCLTech, Infosys, and other prestigious institutions, offered attendees enriching experiences and invaluable insights into the ever-evolving relationship between Australia and India. The discussions held during this event yielded several key takeaways, underlining the importance of bold leadership in today’s polarized world, the immediate empowerment of women, the necessity for technology to remain rooted in humanity, the evolution of ESG principles into mainstream business practices, and the pivotal role of data, especially within the context of Artificial Intelligence, in enhancing the human experience. These profound insights will be consolidated into a comprehensive white paper, which will be presented to both governments, thus influencing and shaping the future of Australia-India relations.

AIYD 2023 also saw the announcement of a new Co-Chair, Dr Bindu Subramaniam, taking over from Sandeep Chandra, who completed his term. Taking over from outgoing Co-Chair, Sandeep Chandra, this will be the first time in AIYD’s history that the organization has been led by women, and will have a chair in both countries.
Expressing her joy on a successful AIYD 2023, Dr Bodean Hedwards, Co-Chair, AIYD, stated, “AIYD 2023 is an exceptional assembly of young minds from Australia and India, collaborating to address common challenges facing our nations and the world. In this era of rapid change and uncertainty, youth engagement is paramount. AIYD amplifies youth voices, empowering emerging leaders to forge global positive change.”
Speaking on the successful conclusion of the event, Dr Bindu Subramaniam, new Co-Chair, AIYD, added, “I am thrilled to join Bodean as Co-Chair. AIYD showcases cross-cultural discourse and cooperation, fostering novel ideas and uniting young leaders from diverse backgrounds to shape a better future. Our alumni are committed to representing their generation and making a meaningful impact. AIYD sparks inventive thinking, and I firmly believe that this generation will play a pivotal role in shaping our nations and the global landscape.”
AIYD is honored to acknowledge the backing of its Founding Partner, the Victorian State Government, as well as its Distinguished Partners – Monash University, Deakin University, University of Sydney, and Macquarie University. We extend our gratitude to our Associate Partners, Bluescope Steel and the University of Western Sydney, whose pivotal contribution significantly contributed to the success of this event.