Archive: November 23, 2022

Paytm Payments Bank Supports UPI Market Cap — Maintains Its Leadership as a PSP and Issuer Bank

India’s homegrown Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) today shared that it supports and welcomes the proposed implementation of the National Payments Council of India’s (NPCI) UPI market cap. With this, the UPI ecosystem in India will see further growth in a democratized manner, encouraging wider participation and ending the market concentration risk.

PPBL, which owns Paytm UPI, is NPCI certified PSP (Payment Service Provider) and Issuer Bank for UPI transactions, and not a Third Party Application Provider (TPAP) and won’t come under the purview of NPCI’s market cap. The Bank is an Issuer and PSP Bank in itself along with being an acquirer of UPI transactions on its own platform and serves the customer end-to-end in a transaction.

The Bank continues to lead UPI payments as the largest beneficiary bank and a leading remitter bank. According to the latest report by NPCI, as a beneficiary bank, PPBL has registered over 1,614 million transactions and as a remitter bank, it registered more than 362 million transactions in October 2022.

Paytm Payments Bank Spokesperson said, “We believe the proposed implementation of UPI market capping will be hugely beneficial for the UPI ecosystem. This move by the NPCI will bolster the growth of digital payments and democratize them for the citizens, ending market concentration risk. With this, UPI will become even more accessible and enable further digital adoption.”

The Bank is now enabling users to make transactions across all UPI payment apps with just the mobile number, and even if it is not registered with Paytm. With this, users can receive and send money instantly to any mobile number with a registered UPI ID across platforms using the Paytm app. This further deepens Unified Payments Interface (UPI) interoperability and roots for the adoption of mobile payments.

Carrier India’s United for Air Initiative Continues to Push for Cleaner Air in Gurugram

GURUGRAM, India, Nov 2022 — Carrier India continues to expand United for Air, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative designed to educate and bring the communities of Gurugram together to work for cleaner outdoor air. With the latest air monitor and LED display board installed in Huda City Centre Gurugram, United for Air provides real-time air quality information for 17 locations in Gurugram. Carrier India is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), the leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable, and intelligent building and cold chain solutions.

“We took on the challenge of getting people together to help create a healthier and more sustainable future for Gurugram,” said Chirag Baijal, Managing Director, of Carrier India. “Through United for Air, we are driving communities to take action, while increasing awareness that particulate matter (PM) levels of 2.5 and PM10 are the major contributors to air pollution in Gurugram. The goal is to provide meaningful information to the public about the effects of high PM levels on human health.”

Carrier works with United Way Delhi, which partners with other non-governmental organizations to organize events for schools, corporations, and resident welfare associations (RWAs) to increase awareness and facilitate change. United for Air has engaged more than 60 RWAs and 20,000 students through engagement activities involving street plays, musical mobs, and cyclotrons. At these events, garbage boxes for waste segregation are provided and plantation drives are conducted.

In collaboration with Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority, Carrier has installed air quality monitors across 17 different locations in Gurugram. The air quality monitors connect with LED boards that display real-time PM2.5 and PM10 levels, along with recommendations such as “Go for an evening walk” “Do yoga outdoors” when conditions are good, and “Wear masks” and “Avoid strenuous activities” when pollution levels are high.

Carrier ensures regular calibration of air monitors based on continuous comparisons with PM readings from government Beta Attenuation Monitoring (BAM) devices maintained by the Centre of Pollution Control Board. Carrier plans to install additional air monitors and LED display boards to continue to make real-time data accessible to more residents of Gurugram.

United for Air mobile apps for Android and iOS devices, which are free of cost, also provide real-time PM2.5 and PM10 levels, along with the temperature and relative humidity. The apps are a single source of weather and air quality information.

The United for Air program supports Carrier’s 2030 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals of positively impacting communities through continued investments in initiatives that promote sustainability through education, partnerships, and climate resiliency programs.

Kajal Aggarwal invests in T.A.C. – The Ayurveda Company

D2C Omnichannel Ayurveda brand, The Ayurveda Co. (T.A.C.) has launched its Series A Funding round with Kajal Aggarwal (leading Tollywood & Bollywood actor) as the first investor in this round.

Having delivered stellar growth with its first (seed) round led by Azim Premji’s Wipro Consumer Care Ventures & HNIs, T.A.C is now raising Series A of $15mn starting with Kajal’s investment, making her a long-term partner in T.A.C’s growth journey.

Talking about the relationship she shares with T.A.C, Actor & Investor Kajal Aggarwal explained her journey of discovering the brand. “When I was expecting my son, Neil, like most mothers-to-be, I wanted only the safest, purest and natural things for my baby, right from his clothes to his everyday care products. That’s when I learned about T.A.C.’s Dashapushpadi range and tried it on myself before using it on him. The brand stands out because of its honest, ethical & hand-picked Ayurvedic formulations. I truly believe that Ayurveda holds the power to transform this world, making it a better, kinder place, which is why I joined T.A.C.’s mission to heal the world with Ayurveda.”

Launched in 2021 as an online-first brand, T.A.C. claims a 500% growth in its top-line revenue from Mar to Oct ’22 and is set to grow 10x from Mar ’22 to ‘23. This growth results from a strong consumer pull generated across omnichannel sales.

Param Bhargava, Founder of The Ayurveda Co. quotes, “T.A.C. enjoys a robust online community with Ayurveda at the heart of it. Our eCommerce gets strong traction of sales through the Ayurvedic consultation-based purchase on the website (www.theayurvedaco.com) & 30+ marketplaces like Amazon, Myntra, Nykaa, Flipkart, First Cry, BlinkIt, among others.

Indians (& humans at large) rely on experiential and assisted purchases for their skin, health & wellness needs. At the cusp of aspiration, affordability & accessibility, within six months, T.A.C. has shown stellar retail seeding, expansion & growth pan India. From online-first, T.A.C. is now available at 20 EBO/ Kiosks in top malls of India. From Jammu to Trivandrum, Vapi to Dimapur, T.A.C. has 1000+ counters currently serviced via a robust retail network in India, which is projected to grow to about 10000+ touchpoints in the next six months.”

Within 15 months from inception (mid-2021), T.A.C. has amassed customer love, loyalty & growth across the face, body, health, baby, makeup & wellness categories.

Shreedha Singh, Co-founder & CEO., adds about Kajal’s association with T.A.C., “Growing up, we, the Millennials, have had a distant relationship with Ayurveda. It’s time to introduce the coming generations to the life-changing habits & benefits that Ayurveda imparts, both for their enhanced quality of life & to take this powerful traditional system to every household in India, and globally. We had to tell the story through someone who believed in our vision. Partnerships & relationships are important to us, and Kajal reciprocates this value system as an individual. She is an avid propagator of a natural and holistic lifestyle, so it only made sense to have more extensive synergies in the future in addition to having her on board for the range curated for the young ones.”

Entrepreneur & Investor Gautam Kitchlu added, “This is the first investment we’ve made in the start-up ecosystem & it is highly promising. The growth trajectory of T.A.C will be multi-fold and will disrupt the consumer goods market to become a leader of Ayurveda in the next 3-5 years, added Kajal’s husband.

Internal & Confidential, intended for served recipients only.

Param Bhargava added, “We are delighted to have Kajal & Gautam Kitchlu with T.A.C. Their belief system aligns with our mission to take Ayurveda to every home in the nation & the world. From here, the journey grows to higher curves. The funds raised will be deployed for deeper digital & retail penetration.”

Second Edition of Bharath Sangeeta Sammelan held at Karnataka

November 2022, Chikkaballapur: ‘Music as a unifying force was the theme which attracted musicians in the likes of Mrs. Aruna Sairam – the renowned Carnatic vocalist, Pandit Tejendra Narayan Majumdar – the celebrated Sarod Maestro and Dr. Tijan Bai – the unique Pandavani folk artist, to Sathya Sai Grama in the village of Muddenahalli, which is about 30 minutes from the Bengaluru International Airport. This conference – Bharath Sangeeta Sammelan is being organized for the second time as part of the 97th birthday celebrations of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, a humanitarian, philanthropist, and spiritual leader who has inspired various compassionate service activities globally in the fields of nutrition, education, and healthcare through his disciple, Sri Madhusudan Sai. The Sammelan was organized by the Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence.

Sri Sathya Sai Sangeeta Shiromani – a prestigious title for the many years of dedicated service to the field of music was conferred on Mrs. Aruna Sairam, the famous Carnatic vocalist, and Pandit Tejendra Narayan Majumdar, one of the greatest sarod maestros.

The Conference Chair, Dr. Mysore Manjunath, the famous Violinist, and a Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee said, “Music is not for entertainment, but is a tool for experiencing higher levels of consciousness. The essence of music consists in elevating the entire mankind into the feeling of oneness and unifying all.”

Padma Shri Awardee Mrs. Aruna Sairam is also the Vice Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi (India’s premier national institution for music and dance) set up by the Government of India. She spoke her heart out for the theme ‘Art is for Heart’, when she said, “Music is all about opening yourself to unlimitedness from self-centredness or ego-centredness. Music is sulabha sadhana because it speeds your journey to the ultimate destination. Music is not an intellectual activity, but rather a very natural activity that springs forth from your heart. Be open and free while singing. Accept yourself, and be happy while singing.”

Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai said, “Bharath Sangeeta Sammelan is organized by the Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence to help the next generation learn and appreciate all forms and genres of music. Bharata itself means bhava, raga, tala, out of which bhava is the most important—this reaches and touches the Divinity in all.

Pushing Boundaries in ID Document Innovations

High-contrast laser engraving, sophisticated designs, and integrated digital chips are among the enhanced security features used to prevent counterfeiting and alteration of modern identification (ID) documents. As one of the leading suppliers of specialty films for identity documents, Covestro continues its materials innovations to support the next generation of ID documents.

Covestro will showcase its comprehensive specialty films portfolio for producing highly secure ID documents, such as passports and e-ID cards, at Trustech 2022, in Paris, France from November 29 to December 1. The company’s polycarbonate (PC) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film solutions enable integrated security features, making ID documents highly difficult to replicate yet easy to authenticate.

Polycarbonate film addressing circular economy

Covestro is on a journey to become fully circular in the future. “We continue to innovate throughout different segments and applications, including ID documents, to increase circularity and realize our vision of becoming a fully circular company,” shares Dr. Aleta Richards, Head of the Specialty Films segment at Covestro. At Trustech 2022, Covestro will debut a partly mechanically recycled white PC film[1] that helps contribute to a circular economy in the ID market segment. Makrofol® ID357 white PC film offers properties, quality, and performance similar to the company’s renowned Makrofol® ID white PC film. ID document manufacturers can easily combine this new offering with Makrofol® ID clear and clear laser engravable films.

Linxens, a leading provider of secure component-based solutions for security and identification, will utilize Makrofol® ID357 in its newest document inlay solution. “Our

collaboration with Covestro is a win-win situation: Covestro has the first commercial application for its new film with partly recycled PC content and we have the material needed for our latest ID PC inlay solution,” adds Vincent Gourmelen, Government Marketing Director at Linxens.

”As counterfeiters become more sophisticated, the ID segment must be dynamic and constantly evolving,” explains Henry Leung, Global Segment Manager, Identification, Specialty Films at Covestro. “We are always pushing the boundaries of film material solutions in supporting the industry, partners, and customers. Our collaboration with Linxens is an excellent example of how working together, we’re able to help our customers take a more sustainable approach to bring their innovative solutions to the market.”

Integrated passport solution leveraging specialty films

Durable and secure travel documents are necessary for government issuing authorities, document manufacturers, travelers, and border control agencies. Covestro offers an innovative passport solution leveraging PC and TPU films with high design flexibility including the booklet cover, hinge, and data page.

Covestro offers a TPU film solution to enable flexible scratch and tear-resistant passport covers. For passport e-Covers, TPU films can also help better cushion and protect the embedded chips and antennas. These next-generation passport covers can be equipped with various security features and customized with different surface textures and colors. TPU films are also utilized in the passport hinge application, creating a flexible, strong passport hinge that bonds well with polycarbonate data page films.

For the ID document data page, Covestro continues to drive innovation with PC films that can enable multiple security features after lamination and laser personalization. Covestro will also showcase a clear polycarbonate film that can help minimize background UV fluorescence in polycarbonate documents. The film can enable a level 2 security feature for laser-engraved raised tactile characters.

Trustech 2022 attendees can visit the Covestro booth G025 in Pavilion 5.2 to learn more about the company’s material solutions and meet with our technical experts for ID documents. Additionally, Georgios Tziovaras, Global Business Development Manager Identification in the Specialty Films business, will give two talks on pushing boundaries in ID document innovations: a presentation in Room 1 on November 29 at 11:20 a.m. CET and on the Innovation Stage on November 30 at 11 a.m. CET.

Manchester City And Xylem Call On Football Fans To Vote For Young Water Heroes Tackling Global Water Issues

WASHINGTON, DC, (November  2022) – Manchester City Football Club’s global community program, Cityzens Giving, and global water technology leader, Xylem (NYSE: XYL) are calling on football fans to vote for their top project as the Water Heroes Academy returns for a second year. From November 22 to December 5, fans from around the world can vote for one of five new football and water projects from young leaders working to tackle global water issues in Buenos Aires, Cape Coast, Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne, and Mexico City.

Young leaders involved in this year’s program are using the power of football to provide essential education on water, sanitation, and hygiene in a bid to tackle water challenges specific to their communities. Projects include improving access to safe water in underserved communities in Buenos Aires and Cape Coast, building flood-resilient communities in Mexico City and Kuala Lumpur, and advancing water sustainability education in Melbourne.

The top-voted project will win the opportunity for young leaders to experience a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Etihad Stadium. There, they will learn more about water challenges and solutions, and receive further training on how they can help improve the health and well-being of young people in their communities. Each of the Water Heroes Academy projects will receive funding, educational tools, training, and mentoring from Xylem and Cityzens Giving, providing young leaders the resources needed to create their own unique programs going forward.

The Water Heroes Academy is a joint initiative by Cityzens Giving and Xylem that aims to positively impact 20,000 young people over the next four years. Last year, the program engaged more than 75 young water leaders and delivered vital education to more than 6,000 young people in São Paulo, Mumbai, Cape Town, New York City, and Shanghai. Mumbai was the winning project, having received thousands of fan votes. Delivered in collaboration with Magic Bus India Foundation, the project aimed to improve local access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.

“In my community, many children aren’t able to access clean water in school, which means they fall ill and can no longer attend class due to poor health,” said Varsha, a Young Leader from the Mumbai Team. “The opportunity to better the lives of people in my community through awareness and education motivates me. I’m incredibly proud to contribute to the development of my community and make a positive difference in the lives of young people through my experience with the Water Heroes Academy.”

“We’re thrilled to be working with Xylem to spotlight five more of our inspiring Water Heroes Academy projects around the world, celebrating our Cityzens Giving young leaders who are all making such an important impact in their local communities,” said Tom Pitchon, Global Foundation Director at City Football Group. “It was fantastic to welcome our Mumbai water heroes to Manchester last season, and we look forward to welcoming young leaders from the top-voted project this year, so vote now!”

“We are incredibly proud of our partnership with Manchester City and the global network of young water leaders created through the Water Heroes Academy program,” said Randolf Waters, Senior Director of Global Partnerships & Branding at Xylem. “In spotlighting the work these incredible water leaders are doing locally, we hope to inspire more young people to get involved in tackling water issues and drive positive change on a global level. I encourage football fans to get behind our water heroes and vote for their favorite project.”

Clean, Linear and Conscious Primal Gray is foraying into the Indian clothing market…

November, New Delhi: Clean, Linear and Conscious “Primal Gray” is foraying into the Indian clothing market with their ethically transparent garments for environmentally conscious individuals.

Fuelled by the desire to create contemporary luxury garments, “Primal Gray” is a high-fashion brand offering a range of relaxed and formal prêt-à-porter clothing with clean lines, and trendless fashion. The brand understands the hazardous effects of the Fashion industry on the environment and the burden it lays on employees, therefore is committed to an ethically transparent approach to its business model.

“While we acknowledge that no consumption can be 100% sustainable, we want to be part of the solution, we work towards educating and offering consumers a better choice of lower-impact garments. Looking at each layer of the impact that a garment can possibly have, we promote ethical transparency – honest, data-driven, inclusive solutions that prioritize people and the planet, with absolutely no greenwashing. “ Said Yuv Bharat Ram, Founder Primal Gray

Detail oriented brand ”Primal Gray” places great emphasis on simple yet high-quality tailoring coupled with responsible production practices, all premium fabrics are handpicked and are certified by globally recognized sustainable textile standards wherever possible. Trying to keep their products as ethically conscious as possible the company uses certified OEKO Tex and Fairtrade Cotton Twills, Organic Terry Cottons, Organic Cotton Fleece, Global Recycled Standard Cotton Twills, and Global Recycled Standard rPet Polyesters.

The brand offers carefully curated garments that can be integrated effortlessly into the consumer’s everyday wardrobe, their first collection was created with the intention to allow the customer to transition from work attire into an edgy post-work look.

Speaking on the collection Yuv Bharat Ram said “ The collection aims to make the wearer feel comfortable yet fashionable in work-appropriate clothing. We aim to make all our products like a second skin for our consumers. Well-tailored, clean lines and quality fabrics come together to make a product that will last you seasons, and make you feel better about the reduced environmental impact this purchase has had on the plant.”

The products are available on their websites and will soon be on popular online lifestyle channels, with plans to launch in domestic offline retail stores as well as on an international platform in the near future.

Minda Corporation announces Technology License Agreement with LocoNav India Private Limited for Telematics Software for both Web and Android/iOS Platform

Delhi/NCR, Nov 2022: Minda Corporation Limited (referred to as “Minda Corp” or the “Company”; NSE: MINDACORP, BSE: 538962), the flagship company of Spark Minda group announced a Technology License Agreement (TLA) with LocoNav for white-labeling of Telematics Software for both Web & Android/iOS platforms on November 21, 2022.

Spark Minda will integrate LocoNav-developed software with its in-house developed telematic devices to provide OEMs with a complete solution. This exclusive collaboration will enable Spark Minda to be ahead of the technology curve with customized solutions to suit Indian OEMs.

As part of the alliance, LocoNav will be the technology partner for telematic systems to Spark Minda and shall provide with white labeled software. LocoNav would also assist Spark Minda in software customizations and other support from time to time and provide a mobile application user interface.

Commenting on the TLA, Mr. Aakash Minda, Executive Director – of Minda Corporation said, Connectivity of vehicles is one of the major trends in the automotive industry and a complete telematics solution lies at the heart of this megatrend. We at Spark Minda have taken a step forward to provide Indian OEMs with locally developed telematics solutions (using locally made hardware and software), which would ensure 24*7 connectivity of the vehicles. We believe the partnership with LocoNav will help us strengthen our existing relationship with the leading OEMs by integrating LocoNav’s proprietary telematics software into Spark Minda devices making us “a complete mobility solution provider”. This will also help us expand our product portfolio with existing customers and acquire new customers.”

Founded in 2015, LocoNav is an AI-driven full-stack technology company of Indian origin that provides its customers with telematics software, subscriptions, and telematics devices including but not limited to global positioning system devices, dashcam devices, and fuel sensor devices. The company holds expertise in integrated vehicle management with the aim to make smooth fleet operations accessible to every business.

Commenting on the TLA, Mr. Shridhar Gupta, Co-founder of LocoNav said, “We firmly believe that LocoNav software solutions and Spark Minda’s expertise in manufacturing Telematics devices will bring in significant synergies for both the companies, making us a preferred choice for integrated Telematics services, especially suited for Indian markets. Spark Minda’s decades-long relationships with all the major OEMs and LocoNav’s deep software expertise, will help in quicker scale-up for the association. This partnership would be beneficial to all stakeholders in the Indian automotive industry”.

The partnership is an excellent example of the potential of collaborations to drive the connected mobility ecosystem in India.