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  • AIR INDIA GIFT CARDS – NRI News

    GURUGRAM: Air India, India’s leading global airline, has introduced Air India Gift Cards, offering travelers a convenient and flexible way to gift the joy of travel to their loved ones.

    Air India Gift Cards are e-cards that one can purchase online from INR 1,000 to INR 200,000 to gift to their loved ones or save for future use.

    Air India Gift Cards can be used to book domestic and international flights and buy ancillary services such as extra baggage, seat selection, etc. on Air India’s website and mobile app. The Air India Gift Cards, thus, offer unmatched flexibility, allowing recipients to choose their preferred destination, travel dates, cabin class of travel, and even add on extras, to design their trips the way they desire, making these the perfect present for any occasion.

    Air India Gift Cards are available on giftcards.airindia.com in four themes – Travel, Wedding Anniversary, Birthday, and Special Moments – and can be easily personalized.Other key features of Air India Gift Cards:

    Convenient delivery: Air India Gift Cards can be purchased for immediate use or be scheduled for delivery within 60 days of purchase.

    Transferability: They are transferable, so recipients of the Air India Gift Cards can even use them to book flights for someone else.

    Combination of Air India Gift Cards: Travellers can club up to three cards to use in one transaction. They can also be combined with a credit card as a form of payment to cover any remainder amount to pay.

    Multiple uses: Air India Gift Cards can be used for a single trip or spread across multiple bookings.

  • Quaker Launches The Findings Of ‘Bowl of Growth’ Program Addressing Malnutrition In India


    Quaker Launches the Findings of ‘Bowl of Growth’ Program Addressing Malnutrition in India

    98% of children consistently ate at least three-quarters of the ‘panjiri’ made with Quaker Multigrain & Millet-based recipe.

    89% of the children in the program experienced improved or stable growth parameters.

    95.6% of mothers & caregivers reported an increase in their children’s appetite.

    MUMBAI: The PepsiCo Foundation, in collaboration with PepsiCo R&D and Quaker, has released the ‘Building A Healthier Tomorrow’ report at an event in Mumbai, highlighting the success of the Quaker ‘Bowl of Growth’ program. Launched in 2023 with NGO MAMTA HIMC, the initiative aims to uplift community health by supporting 1,000 malnourished children aged 3-5 in Mawal & Mulshi Blocks, Pune District, Maharashtra.

    The program places the mother and child at the heart of its interventions. It has empowered parents and caregivers with knowledge and resources to provide balanced nutrition to children. A key focus of the program is to intervene during the early stages of malnutrition to prevent its progression to severe forms, ensuring a healthier future for children.

    Aligned with PepsiCo’s principle of ‘Partnership of Progress’, the Quaker ‘Bowl of Growth’ program strategically partnered with the Government of Maharashtra to ensure the scalability and sustainability of nutrition interventions. Building on the success of the first phase, Quaker will continue the program in Pune, reaching an additional 2,000 children, with further expansion plans for Mumbai, aiming to benefit 4,000 children.

    The event witnessed participation from Shri Kailash Pagare, Commissioner, ICDS, Government of Maharashtra; Dr. Muralidhar P. Tambe, Professor & Head, Department of Community Medicine, BJ Govt. Medical College, Pune; Dr. Pietro Antonio Tataranni, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President, Life Sciences, PepsiCo; Kareem Mohamed, International Programs Lead, PepsiCo Foundation; Mijanur Rahman, R&D Region Senior Director, PepsiCo India, and South Asia; Rinkesh Satija, Senior Director and Supply Chain Head, PepsiCo India; and Dr Sunil Mehra, Executive Director, MAMTA HIMC; Dr. Govind Chaudhary, Deputy Director & State Nodal Officer for Child Health, Govt of Maharashtra. Dr. Bhushan Gagrani (IAS), Municipal Commissioner, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) shared a video message as part of the event.

    Congratulating PepsiCo India, Shri Kailash Pagare, Commissioner, ICDS, Government of Maharashtra said, “The improvement in children’s nutritional health by the methodology of education, awareness and supplementation of nutrition is truly encouraging. These achievements highlight the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing malnutrition. The Government of Maharashtra fully supports and appreciates such initiatives as it aligns with our state’s vision for a healthier future.”

    Dr. Bhushan Gagrani (IAS), Municipal Commissioner, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in his video message about the program, praised PepsiCo India for its dedication and commitment in launching the impactful ‘Bowl of Growth program in Pune, which aligns seamlessly with the state government’s efforts to eradicate malnutrition. He emphasized that the success of this initiative underscores the strength of public-private partnerships and stressed the importance of scaling this program to reach more children across Maharashtra.

    C.D. Glin, President of the PepsiCo Foundation and Global Head of Philanthropy for PepsiCo, commented on the significance of the program, “At the PepsiCo Foundation, we combat food insecurity through initiatives like meal delivery, supporting food banks, and regenerative farming. Malnutrition is a global issue, and proactive intervention is crucial to address the unique challenges faced in different regions. The Quaker ‘Bowl of Growth report highlights our commitment to improving childhood nutrition, showing significant gains in nutritional intake and knowledge. Our partnership with MAMTA HIMC has positively impacted community health in Pune, Maharashtra. Additionally, the support received from the local administration at every step over the last year has been instrumental in the implementation of the program. By addressing food insecurity at a local level, we aim to help create sustainable and long-lasting change in the communities we serve.”

    Dr. Pietro Antonio Tataranni, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President, Life Sciences, PepsiCo added, “Through our pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) commitment, we are dedicated to offering positive choices that benefit people and our planet. The impact findings of the ‘Bowl of Growth program highlight PepsiCo’s efforts in supporting underserved communities in India.  The results are particularly encouraging, with 89% of the children in the program experiencing improved or stable growth parameters. Additionally, 95.6% of mothers & caregivers reported an increase in their children’s appetite. These numbers are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our teams over the past year. It’s heartening to see that the enrolled children loved the panjiri, with nearly every child consistently consuming at least three-quarters of the provided recipe.”

    Sravani Babu, Category Lead, Brand Quaker, PepsiCo India said, “At Quaker, our 145-year commitment to nutrition is embodied in the ‘Bowl of Growth’ program. The ‘Building A Healthier Tomorrow’ report highlights significant improvements in children’s nutritional intake and awareness among mothers and caregivers. The positive response to Quaker’s nutrient-rich panjiri recipe has been particularly inspiring. Through our partnership with MAMTA HIMC, we have made a substantial impact on community health in Maharashtra. Aligned with PepsiCo’s principle of Partnership of Progress, this program marks an important first step, with its expansion now reaching Mumbai.”

    Dr. Sunil Mehra, Executive Director, MAMTA HIMC commented, “We are delighted to partner with PepsiCo Foundation and PepsiCo R&D for the Quaker ‘Bowl of Growth’ program. With a strong focus on both mothers and children, the sessions conducted for parents and caregivers have empowered them to become strong advocates for the program. Their support has played a significant role in achieving the positive results we are witnessing among children, mothers, and the community. We aim to continue our efforts with a focus on community involvement, sustainable practices, and strategic partnerships, aiming to replicate this success across various regions.”

    Key Interventions of the Quaker ‘Bowl of Growth’ Program:

    Nutrition: Developed a local recipe ‘panjiri’, made with a specialized Quaker multigrain & millets -a based product with 18 vitamins & minerals.

    Awareness: Conducted thematic engagement sessions and released a program video on the importance of nutrition and millet.

    Education: Hosted daily workshops and introduced an illustrated comic book emphasizing balanced nutrition.

    Quaker’s ‘Bowl of Growth’ initiative aligns with PepsiCo’s pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) ambition and ‘Food for Good’ efforts, aiming to provide nutritious food to 50 million people by 2030.

    The report launch was complemented by ‘Fuel the Future,’ an educational initiative aimed at empowering community members. Through this national competition, Quaker, a brand that stands for nutrition, aims to empower students of India’s Nutrition and Allied Science College to be the changemakers, drive awareness, and educate communities about malnutrition.

  • Five Hidden Areas of Revenue Optimization For Startups


    Sharad Goyal, Founder of Entera.

    Startups need to optimize their revenue, as they often operate with limited resources and try to get the most out of each coin they earn. Startups generally encounter severe competition, rapidly changing market dynamics and the need for investors’ attraction through growth demonstration. An efficient strategy of revenue optimization can mean a business success or failure.Most startups tend to concentrate on conventional strategies, which include pricing adjustments and sales growth, but some hidden areas have been overlooked by many that can bring in significant amounts of revenue. These areas offer new opportunities for growth and profitability.The following are a few hidden areas of revenue optimization that should not be overlooked:

    Human Capital Optimization

    As a startup, every resource counts, making it essential to ensure that employee productivity is optimized to the fullest. To maximize the impact of human capital, it is crucial to efficiently delegate tasks and maintain a centralized view of what everyone in the organization is doing. Startups can also leverage data-driven approaches to optimize their sales force and capture the highest possible revenues. This involves customer segmentation, workload mapping, and task automation. In the fast-paced and resource-constrained environment of a startup, every employee’s contribution counts.

    Data-Driven Decision Making

    Another area that has gone unnoticed by many startups, resulting in a loss of potential revenues, is data-driven decision-making. Most startups rely heavily on intuition instead of using the wealth of information available while making key decisions about their business. Many startups also collect data but don’t know how to use it effectively to guide decision-making. Startups can rely on trusted third-party software to better manage costs while also using the data that is readily available to them. This can be seen as an investment, but a necessary one. According to the Big Data and Artificial Intelligence survey conducted in 2019 by NewVantage Partners, 92% of leading businesses are investing in big data and AI initiatives to drive innovation. By developing robust data models for analyzing customer potential, buying behavior, and market trends, startups can make better choices concerning target segments, pricing policies, and resource allocation.

    CRM Integration for Enhanced Customer Engagement-  

    Another way a startup can increase its income is by taking advantage of advanced Customer Relationship Management (CRM) strategies. CRM is a business strategy that manages a company’s interactions with current and potential customers. For startups, CRM is crucial because it helps them understand and profile their customers better. It enables startups to tailor their marketing efforts, sales strategies, and customer service to meet the specific needs and preferences of their target audience. By leveraging CRM, startups can gain a 360-degree view of customers, personalize marketing and sales, improve customer service, enhance sales forecasting, and streamline operations. CRM simplifies customer interaction and provides important data insights, enabling startups to streamline sales activities, improve client engagement, and generate untapped opportunities for revenue growth.

    Supply Chain Optimization

    Another hidden avenue of profit maximization for startups is the optimization of their supply chain. Inefficient management of the supply chain can lead to stock-outs, late deliveries, and increased costs which impact directly revenue. Startups must carry out a thorough analysis of their supply chain, identify bottleneck areas, and implement measures to enhance efficiencies such as just-in-time inventory management, supplier diversification, and process automation among others. Through optimizing its supply chain, a startup will cut down on costs, develop better customer relationships, and ultimately boost its revenues.

    Sourcing and Procurement

    How start-ups source or procure materials, services or other resources could make a significant difference in their incomes. Poor sourcing practices may result in higher costs and poor quality products being delivered late thus eating into profitability margins. New businesses should carefully evaluate their sourcing strategies using data analytics and market intelligence tools to find out about the most economical and dependable suppliers. By doing this, start-ups can optimize their sourcing processes and decrease operational expenses thus improving overall financial performance.

    Pricing and Monetization

    The last thing that needs to be considered by a start-up is the way it prices its products or services. Many startups face the challenge of striking a balance between pricing that attracts customers and pricing that maximizes the potential for revenue generation. Startups can leverage data analytics and specialized tools to develop sophisticated pricing strategies. By analyzing customer data, startups can gain insights into willingness to pay, price sensitivity, and perceived value. Web analytics and surveys provide behavioral data to segment customers and tailor pricing. Pricing optimization software can analyze sales, trends, and factors to recommend the optimal approach.

    To sum up, while startups focus on traditional revenue optimization strategies, many hidden areas affect their financial viability in large measures. Start-ups can generate growth in revenues and long-term sustainability through human capital optimization, data-driven decision-making, CRM integration, supply chain efficiency sourcing and procurement, and pricing and monetization.

  • NABARD Celebrates Their 43rd Foundation Day With A Strong Focus On Advancing Rural Finance Digitalization And Promoting Climate Resilience


    Left to right G.S. Rawat_ Shaji K.V._ Satish B. Rao_ A.K. Sood

    MUMBAI: NABARD commemorated its 43rd Foundation Day with a grand celebration at its Headquarters in Mumbai. The occasion was honored by eminent guests, stakeholders, and well-wishers who have played a critical role in NABARD’s developmental journey.

    The highlight of the celebration was a Panel Discussion on “Climate Risk Management and Banking.” The panel featured esteemed experts including Dr. Trupti Mishra, Professor at IIT Bombay, Shri Santosh Kumar Singh, MD of Intellecap, and Dr. Sat Singh Tomer, CEO of Satyukt (Start-up). The discussion was adeptly moderated by Shri Vivek Adhia from BCG. In addition, several significant publications were released, and a short film was launched to mark the occasion.

    Laying out a brief timeline of the organization, NABARD Chairman Shri Shaji K. V. discussed NABARD’s journey over the past 4 decades. He said, “Over the past four decades, NABARD has been a cornerstone of rural development in India. From pioneering the SHG-Bank Linkage Program to supporting JLGs and FPOs, our initiatives have empowered millions of rural households and farmers. Our interventions have fostered financial inclusion, enhanced productivity, and driven sustainable development. Embracing digital transformation, we are helping GOI in computerizing 65,000 PACS and integrated Core Banking Solutions in numerous rural cooperative banks. As we continue to innovate and adapt, our mission remains the same: to uplift the rural economy, ensuring prosperity and resilience for all rural communities.”

    Mr G.S. Rawat, DMD of NABARD, emphasized on the need to address the issues related to the agri and rural sectors of the country. “Despite the geographical and infrastructural limitations, our country is among the top 5 producers of agri-commodity in the world. There is still a credit gap in the northeastern regions of the country that needs to be addressed. NABARD is dedicated to working towards finding solutions to the challenges and bridging the gap by leveraging technology. We need innovations to ensure the credit flow to small farmers from remote areas of the country. Innovation will be a catalyst in enhancing the efficiency of the existing agri value chain”

    Highlighting NABARD’s key role in the development and prosperity of rural India, Dr. A.K. Sood, DMD of NABARD, said, “Nothing delivers results like success, and we have consistently increased our credit flow to agriculture, delivering impactful results and touching the lives of millions of farmers over two-and-a-half decades. We are also embracing technology to explore new frontiers in financial inclusion, leveraging fintech for underserved rural India. Our challenges now are new—climate change, water scarcity, and an unceasing spiral of indebtedness among farmers. But shoulder-to-shoulder with all stakeholders, we will continue to strive to build a more inclusive and resilient rural India.“

    Concluding the event, Shri Shaji K.V. reiterated the pivotal NABARD has to play in realizing the dream of ‘Vikasit Bharat’ by 2047. “We are also looking forward to strengthening the other sectors like fisheries and we believe that our initiatives will help in the growth of rural GDP to support the growth of our country. NABARD has an important role to play in strengthening the foundation of the vision of ‘Vikasit Bharat’ by 2047”.

    The 43rd Foundation Day celebration of NABARD was a resounding success, reflecting its enduring legacy and future aspirations.

  • Devotees Observed The 6th Punyatithi Of Beloved Dada J.P. Vaswani With Utmost Devotion


    Revered Dada J.P. Vaswani’s 6th Punyatithi

    PUNE: Dada J.P. Vaswani’s 6th Punyatithi (death anniversary) was observed on July 12th at the Sadhu Vaswani Mission (SVM) in Pune and its centers worldwide.

    In Pune, the day began with a Prabhat Pheri, an early morning procession from 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM. Devotees, led by Didi Krishna, Head of Sadhu Vaswani Mission, sang devotional songs as they walked through the streets of Pune, Camp. Various sevas (service activities) were conducted throughout the day. Afternoon and evening satsangs featured recorded talks by Sadhu Vaswani and Dada J.P. Vaswani.

    Lina, a devotee from Hyderabad shared, “I feel Dada’s presence more strongly than ever. It’s a unique connection, one that can only be felt and experienced.” The day’s observances concluded with Midnight Kirtan from 10:30 PM to 12:00 AM, drawing devotees from around the world to pay homage to the saint.

    The Punyatithi celebrations will continue on July 13th with an afternoon Satsang featuring a LIVE talk by Didi Krishna, followed by a Langar (fellowship meal) for all. The day will conclude with an evening satsang from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, highlighting the teachings of Dada J.P. Vaswani.

    Major sessions of the Punyatithi are being broadcast live on the Sadhu Vaswani Mission’s official YouTube channel. All programs are open to the public.

    Dada J.P. Vaswani, a revered Indian saint and distinguished philosopher, inspired the establishment of numerous schools, hospitals, and service programs for the needy, leaving a profound legacy as a spiritual leader and educationist.

  • VIT-Ap University Has Provided Free Admission To 48 Underprivileged Students From 26 Districts Of Andhra Pradesh Under The Stars Scheme


    Dr. S.V. Kota Reddy, Vice-Chancellor of VIT-AP University, is presenting the admission letter to the STAR student. Dr. Jagadish Chandra Mudiganti, Registrar, is also present in the picture

    AMARAVATI, AP: VIT AP University has taken a significant step towards promoting inclusive education by admitting 48 talented students who are district toppers in IPE (Intermediate Public Exam – AP) from 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh under its STARS (Support the Advancement of Rural Students) scheme. This initiative aims to provide a transformative opportunity to students from underprivileged backgrounds by offering them a 100% fee waiver for academic and hostel facilities.

    Speaking on the occasion Dr.S.V.Kota Reddy –Vice-Chancellor at VIT AP University, said The STARS scheme, which began in 2008 in Vellore Tamilnadu is the brainchild of Dr. G. Viswanathan – Hon’ble Chancellor of VIT University. The STARS scheme underscores VIT’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for rural students. Originally launched for rural students in Tamil Nadu, the scheme has now expanded its reach to benefit academically bright students from economically challenged backgrounds in Andhra Pradesh from 2017 onwards.VIT-AP University offers free admission to 52 students each year, selecting one boy and one girl from each of the 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh. These students are district toppers who have studied in government colleges located in remote villages of the state. Today, 48 out of these 52 students received their admission letters.

    Dr.S.V.Kota Reddy –Vice-Chancellor at VIT AP University and Dr. Jagadish Chandra Mudiganti – Registrar with 48 STARS Students who received free admissions under (STARS) Support the Advancement of Rural Students scheme

    Many of these students come from families surviving on daily wages or working as domestic helpers, or as poor farmers where the dream of higher education often remains a distant reality. Through the STARS scheme, we are not only providing them with an opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations but also empowering them to contribute meaningfully to society.”

    “At VIT AP, we believe that every deserving student should have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams,” added Dr. Jagadish Chandra Mudiganti – Registrar. “The STARS scheme at VIT AP University not only covers tuition fees but also extends support for free hostel accommodation. This comprehensive support ensures that financial constraints do not hinder the educational ambitions of talented students. The STARS scheme exemplifies our commitment to fostering talent and creating a more equitable society.“

    “The university’s initiative has garnered praise for its proactive approach to addressing socio-economic disparities through education. By offering a pathway to higher education, VIT AP University is paving the way for a brighter future for these students,” added Dr. Jagadish Chandra Mudiganti

    Dr. John Pradeep – Deputy Director of Admissions, Dr.Manoj Kumar Mishra – Assistant Director of Admissions, Venkanta Laxmi – STAR Scheme Coordinator, and Dayanand Gunti – Chief Public Relations Officer were also present on the occasion.

  • Get Ready For World Youth Skills Day 2024 Young Innovators Leading The Way To Empower Indian Youth

    INDIA: On World Youth Skills Day 2024, we celebrate the innovators driving youth empowerment in India. Through pioneering initiatives in education, financial inclusion, and skill development, organizations like mPokket, Hero Vired, SMSGHM, and BMU are equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving world.

    BMU’s Impactful Experiential Learning on World Youth Skill Day

    Founded by the Hero Group, BML Munjal University (BMU) stands as a beacon of innovation and skill development in higher education. On World Youth Skill Day, BMU reaffirms its commitment to nurturing future leaders through pioneering educational initiatives. Emphasizing hands-on learning and entrepreneurial spirit, BMU equips students with practical skills essential for global competitiveness. Initiatives like ACIC-BMU empower rural women entrepreneurs, while Sankalp engages MBA students in transformative community projects nationwide. With a focus on experiential learning and holistic development, BMU continues to redefine education by fostering a dynamic environment where knowledge meets real-world application, preparing youth to excel in a rapidly evolving world.

    Hero Vired – Equipping Young Learners with cutting-edge skills

    Hero Vired is passionate about empowering young learners and equipping them with cutting-edge skills to be globally relevant in the fields of emerging technologies. To cope with the fast-paced industry, they focus on industry partnerships to form strong alliances with leading organizations across the Gaming, Esports, and other innovative sectors. This ensures that their programs are aligned with real-world industry requirements and provide learners with up-to-date, relevant skills. Additionally, they have incorporated the latest technological advancements into their programs. They enhance their learning modules with AI and customize learning paths for each student. This personalized approach ensures that learners become proficient with cutting-edge tools and techniques. Their program offerings emphasize skill-based learning, focusing on developing technical and soft skills.’

    Sri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission

    Sri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission (SMSGHM) exemplifies a pioneering approach to education, embodying the motto ‘One World One Family.’ Spearheaded by visionary humanitarian Sri Madhusudan Sai, the mission has established a completely free system of values-based education to nurture dedicated servants of society. This initiative includes the Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Gurukulam Group of Institutions, the Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, and the Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, India’s first free residential private rural medical college. Through 28 educational campuses in India and one in Nigeria, SMSGHM provides free education from grade 6 to doctorate studies, emphasizing the holistic development of over 3,600 boys and girls.

    Leading digital lender mPokket pioneers youth empowerment

    mPokket stands out as one of India’s fastest-growing digital lending platforms, dedicated to uplifting the youth through financial empowerment and skill development. Founded by Gaurav Jalan in 2026 with a vision to bridge the credit gap among young adults, mPokket offers accessible loans via its mobile app, supporting everyday needs from educational expenses to personal finances. Beyond lending, the platform is also focusing on career advancement products reflecting mPokket’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion among India’s burgeoning youth population. Additionally, through impactful CSR initiatives, such as partnerships with Swapnopuron Welfare Society and Adhigam Bhoomi, mPokket extends its commitment to providing quality education and holistic development opportunities to underserved and underprivileged children.

  • Get Ready For The Groundbreaking Technology Showcase At BTS 2024


    BTS 2024

    A 3-day event celebrating Innovation and Global Collaboration

    Event to be held from 19-21 November 2024

    Chief Minister Hosts Interactive Breakfast Meet with 200+ CEOs and Leaders from Prominent Tech Sectors

    BENGALURU: Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and RDPR, Government of Karnataka, announced the 27th edition of Asia’s largest Technology Show, Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2024, at a Press Conference held in Bengaluru today. Scheduled from November 19-21 2024 at the iconic Bangalore Palace, BTS 2024 will once again position Bengaluru at the forefront of global tech innovation & collaboration.

    Ahead of this press conference, a Breakfast meeting was held where Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, engaged in an interactive session with over 200 CEOs from India’s leading IT, Semiconductor & Electronics, AVGC, Biotech and Startup organizations. This 2-hour interactive meeting also saw the presence of Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka; Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and RDPR, Government of Karnataka, Shri Prashanth Prakash, Chairman, Vision Group on Startups, Govt. of Karnataka and Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government, Dept. of E, IT, Bt and S&T, Govt. of Karnataka. The goal of this meeting was to foster an open dialogue between government officials and tech leadership, centered on Karnataka’s vibrant tech ecosystem and prospects. The discussions were facilitated by prominent industry associations including NASSCOM, IESA, TiE Bangalore, and ABLE.  The Department of Electronics, Information Technology & Biotechnology Govt. of Karnataka, also presented an ‘Action Taken Report’ addressing the industry representatives’ feedback from the 2023 Breakfast Meeting.

    An overview of the upcoming BTS 2024 was presented, with the continued event theme “Breaking Boundaries,” highlighting how technology transcends traditional sector, country, culture, and industry boundaries. Karnataka, with Bengaluru at its heart, is a global technology hub known for its vibrant ecosystem fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. BTS 2024 takes forward this vision, creating unbound opportunities for idea exchange, business growth, and international collaborations. The unique feature of BTS is that all the leading industry associations like NASSCOM, IESA, ABLE, TiE Bangalore, and ABAI as well as USIBC and AMCHAM partner with the event.

    The multi-stage Conference at BTS 2024 will serve as a vibrant hub for the exchange of new ideas. Spanning six focused tracks over 3 days, the Conference will cover IT & Deep Tech, Biotech & Health, Startup Ecosystem, Global Innovation Alliance, India-USA Tech Conclave, and the newly added Electro-Semicon track. The Conference will host over 85 sessions featuring 460+ speakers. Each of these tracks is curated by a committee of experts from the industry, research, and academia. Special programs like the CEO Conclave, Startup Conclave, and Fireside Chats with renowned personalities will also be featured.

    The newly introduced Electro-Semicon track will spotlight cutting-edge advancements in sectors such as Telecom, Mobility, Manufacturing, Consumer Electronics, and Semiconductors. This track will emphasize breakthroughs in electronic components, semiconductor technologies, and integrated circuits, showcasing innovations that are driving the future of these pivotal industries.

    This year, there will be an increased focus on B2B meetings, allowing delegates and companies to engage in more structured and productive sessions. Attendees can schedule meetings with the prospects well in advance and connect with participants seamlessly during the event. The exciting lineup for BTS will be conveniently accessible through a dedicated Event App. The app will also provide real-time updates and personalized recommendations to enhance the overall event experience.

    In addition, BTS2024 will also feature a Hackathon where problem statements from various government departments will be presented. Industry partners will provide the necessary infrastructure, support, and mentorship to startups pitching solutions. The selected startups will have the opportunity to present their innovative solutions at BTS2024.

    Strategic Roundtables with GCCs, investors, startup ecosystem, Beyond Bengaluru and more will be held to create a roadmap for Karnataka’s continued leadership

    The International Exhibition with over 700 Exhibitors at BTS2024 will be a major highlight with focused pavilions on Corporate & Industry, Global Innovation Alliance, Startup Zone, STPI National Showcase, MSME Pavilion, R&D Pavilion (Lab to Market), Leading States of India, Karnataka Showcase and Technology Parks. This year there is a special emphasis on the sectorial pavilions such as Biotech & Healthtech, Electro & Semicon, Telecom, Spacetech, Mobility, Greentech, Edutech, BFSI & Fintech, and Animation & Gaming.

    BTS 2024 will honor achievement and excellence at a prestigious Awards Ceremony, featuring accolades such as the STPI IT Export Awards, Smart Bio Awards, Startup & Investor Awards, and more.

    This edition marks a milestone for one of its key show elements- the TCS Rural IT Quiz– as it celebrates its silver jubilee. The Finale of the BioQuiz will also be held during the event. These national-level quiz competitions are aimed at creating a talent pool in IT and Biotech Sectors. Another initiative, the Bio Posters- Walkway of Discovery, provides a platform for research students and graduates to showcase their innovative concepts and ideas, fostering recognition of young talent.

    Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and RDPR, Government of Karnataka said, “Karnataka serves as the headquarters for major tech giants, GCCs, and leading unicorns. This success stems not only from the State’s industry-friendly policies and programs but also from our active engagement and collaboration with the complete tech ecosystem. We also deeply value our close association with Global Innovation Alliance Partners and with them, BTS attracts the world’s foremost leaders, innovators, and disruptors, drawing over 50,000 tech enthusiasts from India and more than 40 nations.”

    BTS 2024 anticipates hosting several international delegates from Global Innovation Alliance Partner Nations. The Global Collaborations Track in the Conference will feature sessions curated by these GIA Partner Countries. Tech nations worldwide will showcase their technological prowess in the International pavilion of the Exhibition.

    BTS 2024 is expected to have participation from 40+ Countries, with 460+ Speakers in over 85 Sessions, 5000+ Delegates, 500+ start-ups, and 700+ Exhibitors,  with an overall expo footfall of 50,000+.

    The Press Conference was also addressed by Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government, Department of E, IT, Bt and S&T, Govt. of Karnataka; Shri B.V. Naidu, Chairman, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission; Shri Shailendra Tyagi, Director, Software Technology Parks of India- Bengaluru, Shri Darshan H.V, IAS, Director, Dept. of E, IT, Bt and Managing Director, KITS, Govt. of Karnataka and Ms. Ruchi Bindal, IAS, Deputy Secretary, Dept. of E, IT, Bt, and S&T, Govt. of Karnataka.

  • India’s Push For Homegrown Credit Rating Agencies Highlighted At CareEdge Ratings Conference 2024″


    CareEdge Ratings event

    PUNE: In a thought-provoking event hosted by CareEdge Ratings, key industry leaders and experts gathered to discuss the importance of promoting homegrown credit rating agencies in India. The conference, titled “Conversations 2024”, saw Shri Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa and Former CEO of Niti Aayog, Government of India, emphasize the critical role of appropriate sovereign credit ratings in driving economic growth in emerging economies.

    Mr. Kant highlighted the need for global credit rating agencies to address biases and lack of transparency in assessing countries like India. He called for a more objective approach to evaluating economic fundamentals, stressing that developing countries should not be unfairly labeled as risky investments based on subjective assessments.

    The event also featured insightful discussions on global capital flow and risk in changing world order, with experts emphasizing the importance of transparent and professional credit rating agencies in today’s complex financial landscape. Mr. Mehul Pandya, MD & Group CEO of CareEdge Ratings, underscored the need for a transparent assessment methodology to support the growth potential of emerging economies.

    Mehul Pandya, MD & Group CEO of CareEdge Ratings said “The panel discussion addresses the context of global capital flow, growth drivers, and challenges with the perspective of the impact of sovereign rating. The debt levels of advanced economies and emerging economies are indeed different. The growth potential of emerging economies and the investment it necessitates need to be looked at in the sovereign ratings methodology. These aspects need to be addressed transparently. We believe, that both the assessor need to be transparent so that the entity being assessed knows about the methodology and how it’s being done.”

    Shri Babasaheb Neelkanth Kalyani, Chairman of Kalyani Group, echoed Mr. Kant’s sentiments on India’s growth potential, emphasizing the importance of focusing on manufacturing to drive economic expansion. Shri Gulshan Malik, Deputy Managing Director of State Bank of India, highlighted the banking sector’s readiness to support India’s next phase of growth.

    Overall, the CareEdge Ratings conference shed light on the crucial role of credit rating agencies in shaping India’s economic future and the need for international cooperation to ensure fair and transparent assessments. As India strives to become a developed country by 2047, the push for homegrown credit rating agencies is more important than ever.

  • Sunteck Realty Ltd Reports Strong Operational Performance in Q1 FY25 with Pre-Sales and Collections on the Rise


    Sunteck Realty Ltd

    MUMBAI: Sunteck Realty Ltd has disclosed its key operational updates for the first quarter of the financial year 2025, showcasing impressive growth in pre-sales and collections. According to the report, pre-sales for Q1 FY25 stood at approximately Rs 502 crores, marking a significant 29.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Similarly, collections for the quarter amounted to around Rs 342 crores, reflecting a notable 18.8% growth year-on-year.

    The performance summary provided by Sunteck Realty Ltd further highlights the positive trend, with pre-sales and collections figures for Q1 FY25 surpassing those of the previous quarter and the entire fiscal year 2024. Sunteck Realty Ltd emphasized that the disclosed numbers are provisional and subject to change.

    Sunteck Realty Ltd’s strong operational performance in Q1 FY25 signals a promising start to the financial year, indicating potential growth and stability in the coming months. Investors and stakeholders are likely to view these results positively, as Sunteck Realty Ltd continues to demonstrate resilience and efficiency in its operations.