30, Jul 2023
“OPay” intends to apply for a license to establish a digital bank in Egypt
Cairo, Egypt – 30th July 2023 – “OPay”, a leading and rapidly growing provider of financial technology and electronic payments solutions, has announced its intention to apply for a license to establish a digital bank in Egypt with a capital of $60 million, according to the rules for licensing and registration of digital banks, and control and supervision recently issued by the Central Bank of Egypt.
This step is within the framework of OPay’s commitment to its role in developing the Egyptian digital economy, supporting the Egyptian state’s plans towards digital transformation, strengthening the principles of financial inclusion, and building a society less dependent on cash transactions, using the best, fastest and safest financial technology solutions in the Egyptian market provided by OPay, along with its experience in the field of digital transformation in the countries of the Middle East and North Africa, Nigeria and Pakistan.
“OPay” aims to enhance its services with innovation and the latest technological solutions to meet the needs of the Egyptian market, and facilitate the conduct of financial and banking transactions for customers, as the company will work through the digital bank to provide lending, savings and card services via the Internet without the need for customers to go to branches, in addition to OPay services to accept payments Such as points of sale, digital payment gateway, and electronic wallets.
Mahmoud Khedr, Director of Business Development & Partnership at OPay, said: We are excited to obtain a license to establish a digital bank in Egypt, and to work hand in hand with the Central Bank of Egypt and all concerned authorities to start this step, which represents a new beginning to keep pace with global developments in the field of financial technology”.
He also explained that “OPay” is qualified to make a breakthrough in this industry as it has 5 years of experience in the financial technology sector in the countries in which we operate, which represents a real impetus towards achieving success and achievement in Egypt.”
Khedr added, “We achieved great successes last year, as the value of our sales in the region amounted to more than 50 billion dollars, while the number of users of the “OPay” application in all countries reached about 30 million users, and we aspire to exceed these numbers in the current year and achieve unprecedented record rates.”
He added: “We thank the leaders of the Central Bank for the initiatives it is launching to create a supportive climate for the financial technology industry, and for the unlimited support for the financial technology sector and the directives of its leaders towards advancing the digital economy and the great role it plays in developing and developing this sector.”
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- By Neel Achary
29, Jul 2023
TECNO to enter the LED back panelled smartphone trend with an RGB Spin
New Delhi, 29th July 2023– It’s almost been two weeks with brands revealing their upcoming phone flaunting LED light design patterns over social media. That has stirred quite a discussion around who’s doing better?TECNO too caught the attention of the consumers when it dropped its latest teaser for the POVA 5 Pro 5G donning a multi-coloured LED light back panel and is set to give a tough competition to Nothing Phone (2).
Even though the light design resembles to the Nothing Phone, TECNO has an advantage over here as, unlike Nothing’s single white LED light, POVA 5 Pro seems to support RGB colours at the back. As per the teasers circulated on the internet, the brand has named light design as Arc interface and the same offers multiple functionalities with respect to incoming calls, music, and more.
Earlier in June 2022, the company launched POVA 3 with a single RGB LED light strip at the back panel, which received much praise among users. Taking the innovation one step ahead, the company is ready to announce its POVA 5 Pro 5G with the Arc Interface multi-coloured back panel, expected to launch in August 2023 on Amazon.
TECNO is known for launching best-in-segment features at competitive pricing. Considering the disruptive pricing of its Phantom V Fold, making it the most affordable fold phone in India, it is expected that POVA 5 Pro 5G will be launched at an aggressive pricing too. Looking at the teasers, POVA 5 Pro 5G seems to be positioned towards fuelling the aspirations of GenZ and seeing the consistent innovation from TECNO, the smartphone likely feature some best-in-segment attributes coupled with a premium 3D textured design. The exact specs are not known as of now but considering the specs of the previous POVA series smartphone, it is expected that the phone will boast a powerful processor, a big battery, and fast charging speed.
29, Jul 2023
VMC to conduct NAT test on 30th July 2023
Vidyamandir Classes (VMC), the nation’s leading institution and a hub for JEE (Main & Advanced), NEET preparation, is gearing to conduct its flagship test for Admission & Scholarships, National Admission Tests (NAT) on the 30th July 2023 through both offline and online modes in order to reward and encourage good students worldwide and elevating them towards academic growth.
This Test will give a significant boost to the preparation of JEE and NEET aspirants with Mentorship, Free Doubt Resolution, Motivational sessions from Founders & Top Faculty, and Free mock tests and practice school / board exams for current class final exams.
Students currently in Classes V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, & XI have the chance to take this test as a way to enroll in one of the many programs offered at Vidyamandir Classes, giving them a head start, access to scientifically designed Free Practice Tests, Mock Board Tests, a wide variety of E-study Material for the current class, and the chance to receive scholarships of up to 100%. Extra 10% concession will be provided on Tuition Fee to Girl students and to the children of school teachers.
“Building a solid foundation of scientific and technical knowledge and thus to prepare competent and motivated engineers and doctors is the primary motto of Vidyamandir Classes. The National Admission Test is targeted to provide an early start advantage for students to get more time to adapt to the quantum leap in the level of difficulty with ease. The emphasis is given on our programs which will enable students to imbibe the fundamental concepts of Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics/ Biology and on sharpening their analytical skills and parallel thinking process, making them capable to creatively solve complex and tricky problems by mere application of basic concepts.” Said Saurabh Kumar, Chief Academics Officer (CAO), Vidyamandir Classes
Students in grades V, VI, VII, and VIII will benefit from the National Admission Test’s Early Start advantage and help develop strong fundamentals that will give them an edge on other competitive tests like the IIT-JEE (Main & Advanced), NEET, NTSE, INSPIRE -KVPY, and Olympiads. Students will be prepared for scholastic and competitive assessments with early exposure to competitive exams, top-notch staff, and an all-encompassing teaching technique.
“Understanding students’ needs at different stages of their preparation has been the guiding force behind the teaching methodology at VMC. It is also the secret behind the success of our students in various National and International Level exams. VMC facilitates classes from highly experienced faculty with minimum experience of 10 years in the field of preparing students for competitive exams like JEE and NEET.” Said Mr. Abhishek Sharma, CBO, Vidyamandir Classes.
Candidates for the JEE and NEET who wish to attend the nation’s top engineering and medical schools should not miss this test. The top faculty members, including the VMC Founders, will participate in these classes and seminars.
29, Jul 2023
HostBooks expands Executive Team; onboards Yogesh Singhania as new Chief Business Officer
Gurugram, 29 July 2023: HostBooks – a SaaS-based and one of the fastest-growing Business Management Solution platforms is continuing to move on its expansion spree. The platform has recently onboarded Yogesh Singhania as the new Chief Business Officer who will drive the company’s broader vision and ambition and chalk out a robust growth strategy.
With almost 20 years of experience in the industry, Yogesh demonstrates exceptional leadership skills and has delivered growth to the business across all the GTM like Distribution, TeleSales, FOS and alliances. His strategic vision and leadership will play an instrumental role in driving revenue growth, exploring new opportunities for expansion, and establishing strategic partnerships.
Commenting on the appointment, Kapil Rana & Biswajit Mishra Founders of HostBooks said, “Yogesh is a seasoned industry leader and his expertise will add immense value to our overall growth efforts. We are delighted to have him onboard and confident that his appointment will further strengthen our leadership position in the market while steering the company towards its next stage of growth.”
Delighted about the appointment, Yogesh Singhania, new CBO of HostBooks said, “I am thrilled to be a part of such a fast-growing platform. The role of finance departments and accountants has turned inefficient with the implementation and complexities of new tax regimes. HostBooks is definitely a revolutionary product for the market and we look forward to bolstering its business development efforts in the near future.”
Prior to his new role at HostBooks, Yogesh was associated with Airtel, Vodafone, Hello Verify, Rico and Idea in a leadership position. His role was pivotal in ensuring customer satisfaction, territory expansion and overall organization growth. His appointment with HostBooks will help the company streamline and scale-up business operations and enhance the overall customer experience.
As a comprehensive platform, HostBooks has revolutionized manual and resource-intensive book-keeping, banking, MIS, reporting, compliances, audits, etc. In a short span, the platform has recorded exponential growth, including the hiring of 60+ team members in the ongoing fiscal and also has attained profitability.
29, Jul 2023
AHUTI: A Convergence of Dance Traditions Takes Center Stage at NCPA Mumbai
Mumbai/Hyderabad, 29th July, 2023 – Get ready to be captivated by the spellbinding collaboration of Nrityagram Dance Ensemble and Chitrasena Dance Company as the NCPA and Sahachari Foundation proudly present AHUTI, an extraordinary dance performance that merges the traditional beauty of Odissi and Sri Lanka’s Kandyan Dance with contemporary flair. Set against a backdrop of exquisite rhythms from both countries, AHUTI takes the stage at the renowned Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, NCPA on Thursday, 10th August, at 6.30 pm.
AHUTI is a breathtaking exploration of the meeting point between Kandyan and Odissi dance traditions. These vibrant dance forms engage in a rhythmic dialogue, challenging, combining, and embracing each other in a musical conversation like never before. Prepare to be swept away by the artistry and skill of the exceptional performers who will take you on a journey of cultural fusion and artistic expression.
According to Swapnokalpa Dasgupta, Head of Dance Programming at NCPA, “AHUTI is a groundbreaking collaboration showcasing dance’s true essence. It celebrates the diverse dance traditions from India and Sri Lanka, blending the ancient and the contemporary. This performance promises to be a feast for the senses, leaving the audience inspired.”
Supported by Deepak Fertilizers & Petrochemicals Corp. Ltd. And KERF, AHUTI is a testament to its unwavering commitment to the arts and cultural exchange. The collaboration between Nrityagram and Chitrasena Dance Company exemplifies the power of artistic collaboration in fostering harmony and mutual appreciation.
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind dance experience that transcends borders, unites cultures and communities. Immerse yourself in the magic of AHUTI and witness the beauty of dance come alive on the stage.
Nrityagram:
Nrityagram is India’s first modern Gurukul (residential school) for Indian classical dances and an intentional community as a dance village. Founded in 1990 by Odissi dancer Protima Gauri, Nrityagram offers training in various Indian classical dance forms, including Odissi, Mohiniattam, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, and Manipuri. Situated near Bengaluru’s Hesaraghatta Lake, Nrityagram is renowned for its immersive training, following the ancient Guru-shishya tradition. The Nrityagram Dance Ensemble, comprised of exceptionally talented dancers, has performed extensively in India and across the globe, captivating audiences with their exquisite performances.
Chitrasena Dance Company:
Chitrasena Dance Company, led by the late Deshamanya Chitrasena, is internationally recognized for its significant contributions to establishing a modern Sri Lankan dance tradition. The company has gained widespread acclaim and popularity worldwide, focusing on promoting traditional Sri Lankan dance forms, including Kandyan Dance. Chitrasena’s pioneering efforts revolutionized the dance landscape in Sri Lanka, infusing it with new dynamism and extending its reach to contemporary audiences. Known for their artistic excellence, the Chitrasena Dance Company continues to inspire and captivate with their compelling performances.
Swapnokalpa Dasgupta:
Swapnokalpa Dasgupta is an accomplished professional in the field of dance. As Head of Dance Programming at NCPA, Mumbai, she showcases her expertise as a Classical Odissi Dance Performer, Teacher, Dance Curator, Choreographer, and Arts Administrator. With a keen eye for artistic excellence and a passion for promoting cultural exchange, Swapnokalpa has curated numerous exceptional dance productions. Her extensive experience in program conceptualization and execution, arts education, and arts marketing and audience development has contributed significantly to the growth and enrichment of the dance community. Her commitment to promoting diverse dance forms and nurturing talent has made her a respected figure in the dance world.
29, Jul 2023
Apollo Hospitals in Bengaluru successfully removed a 7.0+ cm kidney stone from a patient with “Moses technology” (Moses2.0)
Bengaluru, July 29, 2023: Doctors at Apollo Hospitals in Seshadripuram, Bengaluru, successfully removed a 7.2 cm kidney stone using an innovative new minimally invasive Holmium laser with ‘Moses Technology (Moses2.0). According to doctors at Apollo Hospitals, it is the most unusual case in which a large kidney stone has been removed using RIRS and Moses technology.
The patient, a 65 + year-old lady, used to have recurrent flank pain for 1 year, and on evaluation, she was found to have large kidney stones measuring 7.0 + cm, producing a staghorn pattern calculus. Her case was a challenging one, as she had four other co-morbid conditions like Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, hypertension, and a cardiac condition with a post TAVI procedure (cardiac procedure) and was on blood thinners (Antiplatelet agents: ecosprin and clopilet). Her condition was challenging in that the stone was large (occupying 2/3 of the kidney and upper ureter) and associated with comorbidity as mentioned above, and moreover, the patient was taking blood thinners (which makes the invasive surgery next to impossible).
Dr. T. Manohar, Chief Urologist & Transplant surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Seshadripuram said, “We took up this challenging case at our hospital and promised her a ray of hope. With our team and technical experts, we have decided to go ahead with the procedure using the new Moses 2.0 technology. The huge kidney stone was cleared with only minimal incisions and minimal blood loss. The patient is doing well after the operation and is on the path to recovery.”
The currently available treatment for such large stones is PCNL (where the kidney is punctured and stones are removed through 2-3 holes), which might lead to severe bleeding and incomplete clearance. She was advised to undergo conservative management by several other specialists. Also, it requires multiple staged procedures if done via conventional methods. On seeing the success rates and benefits of “Moses technology” (Moses 2.0), Dr. T. Manohar added, “The new stone age era has arrived for Uro Sciences.”
Speaking on the success of this urology case, Mr. Uday Davda, COO, Apollo Hospitals, Seshadripuram, said, “The doctors at Apollo Hospitals, Seshadripuram, Bengaluru, have been at the forefront in using advanced technologies in medical science. Till date, we have successfully removed more than 1200 kidney stones, and among them, more than 500 were large kidney stones, varying in size from 2.5 cm to 6.2 cm. This large stone (7.0 + cm) is treated by RIRS and Moses technology.”
29, Jul 2023
“Nothing Phone (2) Launch: TVA.Group’s Masterful Touch Ensures a Stellar Success of Flipkart’s Nothing Phone (2)Launch”
29th July 2023, Mumbai: An outstanding campaign for the exclusive launch of Nothing Phone (2) on Flipkart has resulted in an incredible 200 million+ impressions. The promotional event featured a grand unboxing of the innovative device and was marked by the participation of celebrated personalities from across the country. In a strategic masterstroke, TVA.Group, curated a groundbreaking product launch campaign for the much-anticipated release of the Nothing Phone (2), exclusively on Flipkart.
The campaign was inspired by iconic cities across India and boasted a lineup of luminaries like Shruti Hasan, Saba Azad, Arjun Kapoor, Vijay Verma, Babil Khan, KING, and Yash Dasgupta. Over 50 celebs and creators joined hands to unbox the phone at 2 PM on 14th July across 30+ cities, contributing to a momentous launch, one of the biggest unboxings in the country, and the campaign’s monumental success.
“Nothing Phone (2),” a distinctive Android smartphone that debuted in the market earlier this month. The device boasts remarkable specifications that have garnered considerable attention. Notably, it has demonstrated superior performance by outpacing even the esteemed iPhone 14 Plus in a rigorous speed test. The combination of its cutting-edge features and impressive results in real-world comparisons position the Nothing Phone (2) as a compelling option for discerning smartphone users seeking a premium experience.
The grand launch of the Nothing Phone (2) in partnership with Flipkart marks an exciting milestone in the world of smartphones. With its transparent design, powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, and UI/UX innovations, the Nothing Phone (2) is set to captivate tech enthusiasts and redefine the smartphone experience.
Experiencing a sense of relief and accomplishment after a triumphant campaign, Tarika Gulabani, co-founder of TVA.Group,(www.tva.group), joyfully expressed, “After the incredible success of NOTHING Phone (1) launch mounted by TVA last year, this year our collaboration with Flipkart for this revolutionary launch has been a source of immense pride for TVA.group, and we eagerly anticipate the prospect of engaging in further exciting endeavors with Flipkart.”
29, Jul 2023
IESA Launches SemiconIndia FutureSkills by IESA™ Program to Foster Self-Reliance in Electronics and Semiconductor Sectors
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, July 29, 2023 – India Electronics & Semiconductor Association (IESA) proudly announces the launch of the SemiconIndia FutureSkills by IESA™ program, a transformative initiative aimed at empowering students and fostering a self-reliant future for the Electronics and Semiconductor sectors in India.
With a membership base of over 300, IESA is the premier industry body and Knowledge Partner for India’s Electronics & Semiconductor ecosystem. The association through its members significantly contributes to the USD 250 billion Electronics market and the domestic production of Electronics, valued at USD 100 billion.
Empowering Self-Reliance in Electronics and Semiconductor Sectors
Inspired by the Honourable Prime Minister’s vision for India’s self-reliance (“AatmaNirbhar”) in electronics and semiconductors, the SemiconIndia FutureSkills by IESA™ program is fully committed to supporting this vision and building a skilled workforce. The program represents an extensive outreach, offering diverse opportunities and benefits to academia by enabling students and faculty to transform the technical education to build the right ESDM talent as well as empowering the graduates to build successful careers in the Electronics and Semiconductor sector thereby paving the way for building an Electronics and Semiconductor Nation.
Fostering Collaboration between Industry and Academia.
At the core of the SemiconIndia FutureSkills by IESA™ program lies a three-fold approach: Direct IESA action, partnerships with stakeholders, and collaborations through trusted partners. Within this three fold approach, the program is designed with seven distinct layers to enable talent creation and up-skilling practising engineers.
Layer 1: Semiconductor Nation – Campus Connect Launched on 15th August 2022, Semiconductor Nation – Campus Connect engages academic institutions and industry mentors to empower undergraduate students in the Electronics and Semiconductor sectors, providing resources, guidance, and industry exposure.
Layer 2: Improving the Basics This layer enhances the learning experience for students, ensuring industry-relevant education by providing direct teaching, curriculum review for the university, and faculty development through international collaborations.
Layer 3: Specialized PG Diploma in VLSI DesignThe program aims to conduct a specialized Post Graduate Diploma/Certificate program in VLSI Design for BTech students to meet the industry’s demands for skilled professionals.
Layer 4: Empowering Remote LearningThis layer enables remote learning to support BTech VLSI design deliveries by universities, ensuring students gain exposure to industry tools and methodologies.
Layer 5: Creating Awareness and Support for Startups The program organizes partially funded boot camps and offers policy-level support to campus startups in the Electronics and Semiconductor sectors, nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.
Layer 6: Supporting Tier 2 and Tier 3 Colleges Dedicated to improving the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings of tier 2 and tier 3 colleges through guidance and support.
Layer 7: Center of Excellence for Diploma Programs This layer aims to establish a Center of Excellence (CoE) for Diploma programs, offering specialized manufacturing-level training to students.
Semicon India Conference and Roadshow. IESA is excited to announce the first immersive student experience in a hands on designing of a chip in a 4-hour chip design and Microprocessor roadshow from the 25th to the 26th of July. This roadshow is supported by Directorate of Technical Education, Education Department, Government of Gujarat, and Gujarat State Electronics Mission (GSEM), eInfochips, and VLSI System Design (VSD), will present an immersive 4-hour chip design and Microprocessor session covering about 200 students each at Nirma University and also at e info chips on the 25th to the 26th of July. This roadshow will feature cutting-edge educational boards and serve as a curtain raiser to the Semicon India Conference, scheduled from the 28th to the 30th of July at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.
Taking it across the nation: The SemiconIndia FutureSkills by IESA™ program will be rolled out in almost all states in India with the active support by MeitY and the respective state governments in the months to come and a dedicated team is at the helm from both academia and industry in the electronics and semiconductor sector and establishing strong connections with academia and state governments.
Join the Journey towards Self-Reliance IESA invites stakeholders from the semiconductor industry, academia, research institutions, and government bodies to actively participate in the SemiconIndia FutureSkills by IESA™ program. Together, we can build a strong chip design and manufacturing ecosystem, contributing to India’s self-reliance and global leadership in the Electronics and Semiconductor sectors.
29, Jul 2023
Motherson Sumi Wiring India Limited (MSWIL) reports Q1FY24 Revenues
Mumbai, 29th July 2023 – Motherson Sumi Wiring India Limited (MSWIL) today announced its financial results for the fiscal 2023-24 first quarter, which ended on 30th June 2023.
Commenting on the results, Mr. Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Chairman, Motherson Sumi Wiring India Ltd. said,
“The company continues to deliver good and consistent performance. The additional capacities which were created over the past few quarters have started to contribute towards revenue growth. Operational improvements continue to support the performance despite inflationary headwinds and supply chain issues at the customer’s end. With cost reduction initiatives in place coupled with the continued support of the customers, we believe that we will continue to deliver value to our stakeholders in the upcoming quarters as well.”
Key Highlights
- Growth in revenue is aided by increasing content per vehicle and product mix
- Significant traction for EV (PV and CV), with YoY growth of 3x in Q1FY24 as compared to corresponding quarter previous year
- Initiated supplies to 2 leading players in EV commercial segment
- The quarter also had block closure at some of our major customers
Financial Performance
| Q1FY24 | INR Crores |
| Revenues | 1,859 |
| EBITDA | 207 |
| EBITDA Margin | 11.1% |
| PAT | 123 |
29, Jul 2023
Damroo Strikes Groundbreaking Deal with Horus Music, Unleashing lakhs of new songs for its Audiences Worldwide
29.07.2023, New Delhi – India’s first regional and independent music streaming platform Damroo has announced partnership with global music distribution and label services company Horus Music. The collaboration between the two major music-oriented entities aims to amplify the visibility of independent and regional artists while growing their fan base as well as listenership in an organic manner. The association would see the platforms work in close coordination as they actively pursuing multiple marketing opportunities, including playlist cover mounts, genre page banners and editorial playlist placements etc.
Elaborating upon the homegrown independent music-oriented ecosystem’s collaboration with a global name like Horus Music, Damroo Founder and MD Ram Mishra said, “We are elated to join forces with Horus Music, and our partnership is a landmark feat especially with regards to regional and independent music ecosystem. The collaboration widens our content offering across languages and genres while offering listeners with an array of music, podcasts and stories. It assumes even more significance as both Damroo and Horus Music share a joint vision of empowering independent artists, progressing their career, and we are confident that together we would amplify their reach manifold.”
“We are excited to be a part of the initial release of the Damroo App and look forward to our close collaboration spreading the wonderful music created by independent artists and labels” added Nick Dunn, founder and Managing Director of Horus Music, while echoing the sentiments.
Notably, this comes just weeks after Damroo India announced securing seed funding from marquee investors such as Marwari Catalysts and Poet-litterateur Dr Kumar Vishvas, among others. While Damroo is a one-stop solution for regional & independent artists, audience as well as localized brands, from even the remotest parts of the country, Horus Music is a UK-headquartered award-winning music distribution, artist and label services company with global presence, across the globe including India.
