Archive: August 3, 2022

News

Rising with Kindness Youth Summit and Concert is slated to be attended by over 10000 youth participants worldwide

Aug 3, 2022 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments

Hyderabad,  August 2022: Heartfulness in association with AICTE and UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) as its knowledge partner is bringing forth the International ‘Rising with Kindness’ Youth Summit at Kanha Shanti Vanam – Heartfulness Headquarters in the outskirts of Hyderabad between 12th -14th August 2022. The summit is already attracting over 10,000 attendees to be present onsite and several times more virtually in the three-day event at the Kanha Shanti Vanam as eminent international thought-leaders in Kindness, celebrity artists and performers, youth influencers and other inspirational figures join the summit and concert. The event is being organized in a hybrid mode with the goal to help the youth delegates aged between 18 and 35 develop a ‘Kindness Statement’, showcase their kindness projects and share their kindness stories. All delegates will be offered certificates of participation issued by the Heartfulness Institute and also have an opportunity to be a part of UNESCO MGIEP’s Kindness Matters Campaign, launched in 2018 with an aim to mobilize young people and organizations to carry out transformative acts of kindness to tackle the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and create a positive culture of kindness. So far 1.36 million acts of kindness have been reported by young people around the world.

Another highlight of this summit is the ‘Kindness Concert’ by double Grammy award winner, Ricky Kej and his band, to spread the message of kindness to the environment. The concert will be held on Saturday, August 13 at 6pm as part of this summit.

The ‘Rising with Kindness’ conference is supposed to bring about kindness practices for self, society, and environment. It is also designed to raise an awareness towards Indian culture and heritage through Yoga, Meditation and interfaith dialogues; and sustainable development network with other youth leaders and have more opportunities with Heartfulness and UNESCO MGIEP. The event has three focus-verticals: 1) Self: drawing inspiration for personal wellness 2) Society: opportunity to network with other like-minded youth; enabling empathetic leadership, communication, and social entrepreneurship 3) Nature: helping promote kindness towards nature through circular economy, zero waste, eco brick and climate activism.

Speaking about the conference, Shri Kamlesh Patel ‘Daaji’ – Guide of Heartfulness said, “Kindness does not always mean empathizing with the weak. Kindness has many layers to it. One must be kind to oneself just as much as one must be kind to others. The scriptures of the world have always taught us to treat others the way we want to be treated. The reason people fail at this is because they fail to recognize that inherently we all are one – we all have the same divinity within each of us. It is the same Divine force that connects us all. On the days of Bhandara or group meditation at Kanha, when practitioners gather here in large numbers for meditation, there is a collective consciousness at work. People get over their prejudices and anything that divides them. Kindness comes naturally when one is in a meditative state. Being closer to the Source helps us identify ourselves and mirror the world around us including nature and every sentient being. Kindness has the power to subdue arrogance, anger, frustration, and other negativities. A chain of kind acts can transform a whole society in positive ways. The youth of today can be the harbingers of this message. It is overwhelming to see such huge participation as this and it goes to show that the youth are awakening and embracing kindness as their motto to living well. I pray that these young people go and radiate kindness in the world and pass it on making the world a better place to live in.”

Dr. Anantha Duraiappah, Director – UNESCO MGIEP said, “In recent times, we see a crisis in civilization like never before where for its own sake and the sake of its fellow men and women, humanity needs to unite and contemplate on how to achieve a more sustainable future. Kindness, a selfless and helpful action motivated by the desire to help another person without the expectation of any reward or even an avoidance of punishment in return is actually a natural instinct in humans, which if practised can help create a society where peace and compassion takes center stage. The vibrant youth of today can be the brightest torchbearers of kindness around the world. UNESCO MGIEP is pleased to provide knowledge partnership to the International Rising with Kindness Youth Conference, and we hope together to mobilize young people to carry out transformative acts of kindness to tackle the SDGs and create a positive culture of kindness.”

Dr. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman – All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) said, “Education is never complete without kindness and empathy. Treating ourselves, our neighbours and Mother Nature well is the first step towards peace. The youth here are thrilled to come together to spread the message of kindness and peace. In the current times when there is chaos everywhere, it is good to see that our youth are being more responsible and wiser in their approach towards the world around them. We need to nurture their spirit and hope that more and more people may join them in spreading the message.”

The three-day event will comprise Experiential-Cerebral-Heartful modes of programme that include workshops by UNESCO MGIEP on Self-directed Emotional Learning for Empathy and Kindness (SEEK) as well as Social and Emotional Learning for Youth Waging Peace, Plantation, Yoga+Meditation, Heartful Communication, Green & Blue Innovation Breakouts, Youth Project Showcase, Keynote talks, Musical Interludes and Kindness Concert. Some of the eminent confirmed speakers at this event are: Pujya Daaji – Global Teacher, Heartfulness * Dr. Anantha Duraiappah – Director, UNESCO MGIEP * Dr. Anil Sahasrabudhe – Chairman, AICTE * Shri Anurag Thakur – Honourable Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports * Smt Meenakshi Lekhi – Union Minister of State of External Affairs & Culture * P V Sindhu – World Champion and Badminton Player *Shri Pullela Gopichand – Chief National Coach, Indian Badminton Team * Khatija Rahman – Indian Singer and Director & Trustee of A R Rahman Foundation. *Kiran Bir Sethi – Founder, Design for Change Foundation * Rickey Kej – Music Composer and Two Time Grammy Winner * Smt Vandana Shiva – Environmental Activist * Shri Rajendra Singh – Waterman of India * Shri Puneet Lalbhai – Executive Director, Arvind Ltd. * Smt Vani Kola – Venture Capitalist * Tanya Maniktala – Indian actor * Joshna Chinappa – India Professional Squash Champion * Dr. Tejaswini Manogna – Miss Earth 2019 * Rishabh Shah – President & Founder, IIMUN * Shri J D Lakshminarayana – IPS, Former CBI Director and Addnl. Director General of Police * Smt Radhika Ghai – Founder, Kindlife.in * Shri Shobhit Mathur – Founder & Dean, Rashtram School of Public Leadership *Alina Alam – Founder & CEO, Mitti Café * Smt Nirmala Mehendale – Founder Trustee, World Kindness Movement India * Shri M Srinivas Rao – CEO, T-Hub Telangana * Shri Venkatesh Murthy – Founder & Mentor, Youth for Seva * Shri Sadam Hanjabam – Founder & CEO, Ya_All * Kuany Kiir Kuany – Project Officer, UNESCO * Amaarah Martinus – Senior Program Officer, UNESCO MGIEP * Arudradev Rao – Director, Orient Blackswan * Mallika Reddy – Founder, Cancelled Plans.

Business

Ongo releases digital film #FirstDigitalPaymentExperience

Aug 3, 2022 by Neel Achary 0 Comments

Ongo, a fast-growing digital payment platform by AGS Transact Technologies Ltd., today released a digital film, #FirstDigitalPaymentExperience, on its Instagram handle. The film captures testimonials of four women support-staff who experienced digital payments for the first time with Ongo prepaid cards.

According to a MeiTY report, India recorded 7,422 crore digital payment transactions during FY 2021-22. Ongo’s digital film underlines that despite this stupendous growth of digital payments, certain sections of the society are still sceptical when it comes to making digital transactions fearing fraud or lack of knowledge/confidence of using a digital form factor.

Ongo’s digital film features four women housekeeping staff working with the company. These women were felicitated with Rupay-enabled Ongo Prepaid Cards on International Women’s Day, which also marked the beginning of their digital payment journey. Through this film, these women express how Ongo prepaid card has empowered them to make a purchase decision independently.

A prepaid card instrument can play an important role in driving the growth of digital payments in India as it offers the first time users a more convenient alternative to cash. Ongo prepaid cards can be used at over 5 million merchant touchpoints in India that have RuPay acceptance and on various e-commerce websites.
Link: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CgtQgOdl4gw/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Business

Indian companies shine at British Safety Council International Safety Awards 2022

Aug 3, 2022 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments

Mumbai, August 2022: Indian companies showed they are achieving success in health, safety, and wellbeing by winning a significant number of International Safety Awards this year. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, the International Safety Awards Gala Dinner on 24 June in London saw 123 Indian firms being presented with highly prized accolades for their health, safety, and wellbeing initiatives.

This year, 549 organisations of all sizes and sectors won an International Safety Award from 39 countries worldwide, including the UK, China, India, at the Middle East, and countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central America. Indian companies made up more than 20% of the winners’ list.

The winners include Panchshil Realty(7award) at a different location, Larsen & Toubro India(10), Gail India, JSW Steel, Reliance Industries Ltd,Tata Projects(7), Sembcorp Green Infra Limited, Godrej Properties(6) at a different location, Nokia Solutions & Networks India Pvt. Ltd, and NTPC, IOC Guwahati Refinery, Hindustan Petroleum Corp, and Ratnagiri Gas Ltd among others.

It shows how Indian companies have gradually taken up health and safety measures for their employees at par with global standards and they are globally recognised now.

Speaking of the ISA 2022 awards, Mike Robinson, CEO British Safety Council said, “The awards recognise and celebrate organisations from around the world which have shown true dedication in the last year to keeping their workers and workplaces healthy, safe, and well. It is very encouraging to see companies from India take the lead in setting new benchmarks for health safety and wellbeing. Our warmest congratulations to all the winners of this year’s International Safety Awards, they should be truly proud of their achievement”

The winners for ISA 2022 span numerous sectors with significant representation from the construction, manufacturing, oil, gas, mining, and power and utility sectors. They include companies from all over the world such as BAE Systems Maritime Services, ISS, Morrison Energy Services, Willmott Dixon Group (UK), The Second Construction Limited Company of China Construction Eighth Engineering Division (China), Larsen & Toubro Limited (Mauritius) and WSP Middle East (United Arab Emirates).

We can get comments explaining more about this award from the India Head of BSC or the CEO from London HQ.

Technology

Road to Using Drones and Rovers on Mars Begins on Active Volcano in Italy

Aug 3, 2022 by Neel Achary 0 Comments

Skypersonic – a division of Red Cat Holdings – has been hired by NASA to provide technology for simulated Mars mission

CATANIA, Italy, Aug. 3, 2022 – Skypersonic, which in 2021 signed a five-year contract with NASA to provide drone and rover software, hardware and support to NASA’s simulated Mars mission, has validated its software and hardware on Mt. Etna, an active volcano in Sicily where the landscape is similar to Martian geology.

Skypersonic’s “Skycopter” drone can be piloted virtually anywhere, from virtually anywhere, as the Skypersonic team demonstrated on Mt. Etna during a 15-day test. Using Skypersonic’s ground-breaking Long Range Real-Time Remote Piloting System, the drone and rover on the active volcano in Italy were controlled by personnel in Houston, Texas, in real time. Whereas most drones cannot be piloted without connecting to the GPS network, Skycopter uses technology that is able to control and track the drone in locations – such as Mars – where GPS is not available.

“This was a grueling test that we passed with flying colors,” said Skypersonic CEO Giuseppe Santangelo. “We look forward to the ultimate test – on Earth, at least – when our technology will be used during NASA’s upcoming yearlong simulated Mars mission. We are confident of also passing this test. During the simulated Mars mission, four crew members living and working in a 1,700-square-foot module on Earth, called Mars Dune Alpha, will carry out a series of missions – including remotely guided exploration and collection of specimens from rugged terrain elsewhere on Earth, up to thousands of miles away.”

The results of the successful test on Sicily’s active volcano – which included the collection of samples by the rover, an essential capability for Martian robotic exploration – were demonstrated to Italian media during a July press conference on Mt. Etna near the Catania Astrophysical Observatory. On hand for the demonstration were Santangelo and Dr. Salvatore Caffo, executive volcanologist at Etna Park. Once again, the pilot was in Houston. The project was a collaboration between Skypersonic, the University of Turin and Etna Park.

Business

St. Louis Area Diaper Bank Welcomes New Period Supply Partners

Aug 3, 2022 by Neel Achary 0 Comments

Four new organizations to work with nonprofit by providing period supplies throughout the community

(St. Louis, Mo., Aug. 3, 2022) — The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank recently welcomed four period supply partners to its St. Louis Alliance for Period Supplies (STL APS) program. New partners include Gateway Science Academy public charter school, Harris Stowe State University Community Impact Network Education Center, St. Augustine Catholic Church’s Wellness Center, and SistaKeeper’s “I Define Me Movement.”

The new period supply partners will distribute a total of 6,000-period kits annually. Each kit has 20 items, so a total of 120,000-period supplies will be shared with community residents. According to St. Louis Area Diaper Bank Executive Director Muriel Smith, “the additional partnerships are necessary since the demand for period supplies has increased by 20% since 2020. We rely on the support of organizations to help us serve those in need, and we appreciate our newest partner’s assistance in providing these basic necessities to those in need.”

The STL APS program collaborates with the Alliance for Period Supplies to ensure access to menstrual hygiene products. The program distributes period supplies through community partners, as well as advocates for the elimination of “period poverty”. To date, more than 800,000 period supplies have been distributed in St. Louis, with 10,800 period supplies allocated each week. Last year two-thirds of low-income women in St. Louis could not afford menstrual hygiene products, with 46% of low-income women having to choose between food and period supplies.

Founded in 2014, the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank provides diaper access to the region’s low-income families, as well as raises community awareness about the causes and consequences of diaper need. Located at 6141 Etzel Ave., the nonprofit is a member of the National Diaper Bank Network, a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to eliminating diaper need and “period poverty” in America. The St. Louis Alliance for Period Supplies ensures access to menstrual hygiene products, which allows full participation in daily life with dignity.

For more information about partnership opportunities, call (314) 624-0888 or visit their website at www.stldiaperbank.org.

Business

CCI approves Shriram City and Shriram Transport Finance merger

Aug 3, 2022 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments

Chennai, August 2022: Shriram Transport Finance Company has received approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for the merger of Shriram Transport Finance Company with Shriram City Union Finance Company on 1 August. The merged entity Shriram Finance will be India’s largest Retail NBFC with Assets Under Management of INR 1.65 lk cr as of Jun-22.

Commenting on the approval, Mr. Umesh Revankar, VC & MD, STFC said, “With this approval, we have now received approvals for the merger of Shriram City with Shriram Transport Finance from SEBI, BSE, NSE, shareholders, secured creditors, unsecured creditors, Competition Commission of India and Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority and Reserve Bank of India and now only await the final go-ahead from National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). In preparation to commence operations in the merged entity, we have launched the pilot business as a combined entity across 550+ branches in all five geographical units. This endeavour will be scaled up progressively until the merger day. The teams and systems integration is progressing well and we expect business stability to be maintained, while synergy would help us in building up future firm value for all stakeholders through the merger.”

Business

XION Finance Secures a $50 Million Investment Commitment from GEM Digital Limited

Aug 3, 2022 by Neel Achary 0 Comments

Xion Finance is a DEX aggregator, staking and multi-chain launchpad protocol. 

Leveraging industry-leading multi-chain bridging solutions for zero slippage swaps, high-yielding staking opportunities, and seamless investment allocations into top-tier metaverse and gaming IDOs.

TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, Aug. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Xion Finance, (XGT) a DeFi protocol, is honored to have secured an investment commitment of $50 Million from GEM Digital Limited (‘GEM ‘). This investment commitment will notably accelerate the product development roadmap and overall adoption of the Xion Finance application.

The investment commitment is led by Bahamas-based GEM Digital Limited, a digital asset investment firm that sources, structures and invests in utility tokens listed on over 30 CEXs and DEXs globally.

Xion Finance removes the manual process of investing into initial DEX offerings (IDOs) through effortless subscription plans. Utilizing one of four monthly IDO plans, investors’ allocations are automatically split into the top tier metaverse and gaming IDOs on a monthly basis.

With GEM’s recent financing commitment, Xion Finance will now expand their DeFi infrastructure across multiple blockchain networks to support their highly anticipated V2 platform.

Included in the new V2 platform release is a 1:1 swap solution that will enable users to perform zero slippage transfers, eliminating the hidden costs associated with AMMs making it easier to bridge assets between chains backed by their native XGT token.

XGT is primarily used as a staking, payments, loyalty and rewards token within both Xion Finance and the Xion Global Web3 payments gateway, bringing fundamental utility to DeFi and Web3 payments.

“We’re excited to continue to bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3 environments, providing everyday users with the ability to earn high yields, swap assets between multiple chains and the opportunity to invest into tier one projects. This strategic investment from GEM will expand our initiatives globally, enabling our advancement for the future vision of DeFi and Web3 payments,” Ronan Quarmby, Founder of Xion Finance and CEO of Xion Global.

Xion Global Token (XGT) is available on CEX exchange Lbank with more exchanges soon.

Business

WardWizard registers a YoY growth of over 160%

Aug 3, 2022 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments

Vadodara, August 2022: WardWizard Innovations and Mobility Ltd, manufacturer of country’s leading electric two-wheeler brand ‘Joy e-bike’, sold 2,458 units of electric two-wheelers in July 2022. With this, the company registered a year on year growth of 160% as compared to July 2021, when it had sold 945 units of electric two-wheelers.

Noteworthy, the company has already sold more than 10K (10,725) units of electric two wheelers in the first four months (April-July 2022) of this financial year, witnessing the growth of 263% as compared to same period (April-July 2021) of last financial year.

Speaking on the sales performance, Mr. Yatin Gupte, Chairman & Managing Director, Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd., said, “With the economy growing and with positive momentum in business operations, we are observing high engagement from the customers across all our touchpoints in the form of enquiries and bookings. In the first four months, we have already crossed the sales mark of 10k and with the festive season coming around, we are expecting the second quarter to grow at a much faster rate.”

Key Highlights of July 2022
New campaign launch, #BharatKaJoy

 

 Capturing the emotions of millions of Indians across different landscapes, Wardwizard unveiled its new brand campaign #BharatkaJoy with the anthem ‘Saath Chalein’.
Commencement of the deliveries of High-speed electric two-wheelers Wardwizard has also started the deliveries of its high-speed electric scooters Wolf+ and Gen Next Nanu+ in a phased manner and logged the sales of more than 500 units across the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, etc. in June 2022.