Archive: November 29, 2022

Metaverse Education Alliance Announced During MetaExpo Singapore

Learnoverse and BitDegree announce during MetaExpo Singapore a global initiative to federate Web3 and Metaverse industry leaders.

At the official education side event of MetaExpo Singapore, the Web3 and Metaverse Education, Danielius Stasiulis, CEO of Learnoverse and BitDegree, inaugurated the Metaverse Education Alliance (MEA), a global initiative aimed at promoting cooperation among leading Web3 and Metaverse EdTech operators and related stakeholders.

The Forum included panels and addresses by prominent Web3 and Metaverse ecosystem developers, investors and educators. Danielius Stasiulis shared a panel discussion with Taizo Son, CEO of Mistletoe Inc., one of the most prolific investors in Asia. Their talk focused on repositioning the Asian market as the next global hotspot for Web3 and Metaverse education. Darius Gaidys, Ambassador of Lithuania to Singapore, celebrated the stronger ties that Asia and the Baltic States are establishing thanks to increasing collaboration activity in the tech sector.

“The conference was overflowing with energy,” said Stasiulis following the event. “The potential for Web3 and the Metaverse is huge, and it is very clear what we need in order to actuate that potential: Talent. The Metaverse Education Alliance is a crucial step that the ecosystem must take in educating the next generation of Web3 and Metaverse builders. The next chapter in the Metaverse is being written at moments like these, when people say ‘I’m in’”.

According to projections reported at the Forum, 70 to 150 million talents are required to realize the Metaverse by 2030. Web3 education being a key prerequisite to the construction of the Metaverse, some 7 million educators are needed to train the next generation of Metaverse builders. Forum participants agreed that at this stage of market development, the Web3 and Metaverse ecosystem should take collective action in creating educational programs for talent production with initiatives such as MEA.

As part of the MEA Pledge, members pledge to uphold common goals such as ensuring equal-opportunity learning, making education accessible globally and constructing mechanisms for accountable accreditation of educational content. At the time of writing, the following companies have joined the alliance: Crypto Guilds, FIO Protocol, Pax World, Agora and Unstoppable Domains.

For more information on the Metaverse Education Alliance, visit http://metaed3.com/.

MoU Inked between SIDBI and AfD

MoU Inked between SMALL INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT BANK OF INDIA (SIDBI) and AGENCE FRANÇAISE DE DÉVELOPPEMENT (AfD)

for

Greening the Finance for Net Zero 2070

On 29th November 2022, SIDBI, and AGENCE FRANÇAISE DE DÉVELOPPEMENT (AfD) joined in partnership with the aim of strengthening the cooperation on climate change and greening finance.

AFD is a public development finance institution which objective is to support both India’s international commitments on reducing greenhouse gases emissions and to ensure economic and social development of the country. AFD is a member of IDFC.

SIDBI a public development bank which promotes the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in India, providing green finance and tools to its beneficiaries. SIDBI is a member of IDFC and heading the climate-working group of IBA.

This Partnership will explore the potential sustainable finance facility towards green finance and other projects related to greening SIDBI financial system, and in turn aiming to strengthen the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the Net Zero 2070 objectives.

A steppingstone arrangement used in seeking the cooperation opportunities between AfD and SIDBI to support and encourage programs and projects that are in line with green strategies.

The signatories will define potential areas of cooperation and business development related to the Green Indian Financial System aka the GIFS Initiative, develop projects whose objective is to green the financial system in India and other projects related to sustainable finance, and provide consultancy services for technical assistance.

Micelio Mobility’s First ‘Micelio Global Clean Mobility Summit 2022’ Concluded in Bengaluru.

Bengaluru, 28th November 2022 – Micelio Mobility’s first ‘Micelio Global Clean Mobility Summit 2022’ concluded in Bengaluru today. The flagship Global Clean Mobility Summit brought together founders, investors & policymakers from across the globe to one platform to ideate, connect and collaborate on clean mobility solutions in India and abroad.

The summit was graced by many renowned personalities from the government as well as the clean mobility and investment sectors, including Mr. Randheer Singh, Director of Electric Mobility and ACC Program, NITI Aayog, Ms Gunjan Krishna, IAS, Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director, Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Karnataka, Dr Reji Mathai, Director, Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI); Ms Ujjwala Karle, Dy. Director, ARAI, Akshima Ghate, Managing Director, RMI Foundation (India); Vishesh Rajaram, Managing Partner, Speciale Invest; Arpit Agarwal, Director, Blume Ventures; Niraj Rajmohan, CTO, Ultraviolette; Avinash Sharma, Founder, ElectricPe; Anand Sri Ganesh, COO, NSRCEL, IIMB; Madhumita Agrawal, Co-Founder & CEO Oben Electric and others.

Mr Randheer Singh, Director, Electric Mobility and ACC Program, NITI Aayog, along with Ms. Gunjan Krishna, IAS, announced the launch of the Policy Report, ‘Catalysing E-Mobility:: Solutions to Support India’s Startups and Innovators’’. The report is created and designed by Micilio Mobility in association with RMI India Foundation & NSRCEL, IIM Bengaluru, with the goal of providing support to clean mobility startups and innovators in India. The report was the outcome of the Catalysing E-Mobility: India Innovators Forum, a forum conducted by Micelio Mobility, NSRCEL, and RMI India Foundation in September 2022 to solicit open dialogue among relevant stakeholders in the clean mobility sector, such as startups, venture funds and representatives from academia. The report goes into extensive detail about the current state of the clean mobility ecosystem, emerging challenges and possible solutions.

Furthermore, Micelio Mobility also announced a collaboration with ARAI and the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) to establish Digital Twin Centres for Emerging Automotive Systems. The Digital Twin Centres will act as a virtual representation of up-to-date, real-life scenarios to facilitate and enhance simulations, testing, monitoring, and integration of clean mobility solutions. This will lead to reductions in cost and an increase in efficiency. The Centres will be utilized by startups, MSMEs, researchers, and academia for the development of indigenous automotive solutions with reduced costs and increased efficiencies. Micelio will serve as an industry partner for the initiative and help catalyse the clean mobility ecosystem for startups by facilitating the use of high-end, expensive, and emerging technologies like AI & ML technologies, HIL systems, and an integrated computational materials engineering simulation platform. The Centres have been set up, and customers can begin using them by March 2023; the joint facilities will be available at Pune, Bangalore, and IIT Guwahati.

Shreyas Shibulal, Founder & Director Micelio Mobility, says, “Micelio Mobility’s aim is to create a sustainable mobility ecosystem and enable EV adoption in India. With the first Micelio Clean Mobility Summit, we succeeded in bringing together founders, investors & policymakers from the clean mobility sector across the globe to ideate, connect and collaborate on future solutions. We are grateful to Mr. Randheer Singh for launching the policy report ‘Catalysing E-Mobility’, which Micelio created in association with RMI India Foundation & NSRCEL, IIM Bengaluru. And we are also excited to announce a collaboration with ARAI and MHI to establish Digital Twin Centres for Emerging Automotive Systems”.

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Inaugurates BigWing in Hubbali

Hubbali, November 29, 2022: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) today elevated the #GoRidin spirit with the inauguration of premium big bike business vertical – Honda BigWing in Hubbali. [CTS No.4872 B Ward No. 34 B, S.V. Limbikai Building, Opposite Bannigida Stop, Gokul Road Hubbali- 580030]

Speaking on the inauguration of BigWing in Hubbali, Mr. Atsushi Ogata, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India said “Our focus is on expansion of Honda BigWing (Honda’s exclusive premium motorcycle network) to deliver a truly differentiated immersive experience closer to customer. Today, we are delighted to inaugurate BigWing in Hubbali. Through this new premium outlet, we aim to take Honda’s fun motorcycles closer to customers in Hubbali and bring to experience our mid-size range of premium motorcycles.”
Further strengthening its penetration across the country, customers can now experience the differentiated Silver Wings at over 100 operational touchpoints.

Diverse Product Portfolio

Honda’s premium motorcycle retail format is led by the BigWing Topline in top metros and BigWing in other demand centers. While the marquee Honda BigWing Topline houses Honda’s complete premium motorcycle range starting from the newly launched CB300F, CB300R, H’ness-CB350 and its Anniversary Edition, CB350RS, CB500X, CBR650R, CB650R, CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, adventure tourer Africa

Twin Adventure Sports and flagship model Gold Wing Tour, the BigWing delights mid-size motorcycle fans of Honda.

Premium Experience

Adorned with the black & white monochromatic theme, BigWing showcases the displayed vehicles in their full glory. Resolving customer’s product related queries or accessories are the well-trained knowledgeable professionals at BigWing. Easing the journey from search to purchase, the dedicated website (www.HondaBigWing.in) is available for all detailed information. The online booking option on the website ensures a quick, seamless and transparent booking experience for customers at their fingertips. Capturing real time customer feedback, Honda BigWing is also actively available across all social media platforms.

Ensuring safety and convenience of customers, Honda BigWing brings Immersive Digital Experience. The virtual platform allows customers to experience the complete fun motorcycle line-up, riding gear and accessories in granular detail while sitting in the comforts of their home.

Reach us at:

Honda BigWing Hubbali Central

Showroom – CTS No.4872 B Ward No. 34 B, S.V. Limbikai Building, Opposite Bannigida Stop, Gokul Road Hubbali- 580030
Workshop – No. 4847, Behind Shantesha Honda, Gokul Road, Industrial Area, Hubbali-580030

Cummins India recognized as a “Gold” employer in the India Workplace Equality Index (IWEI) 2022

New Delhi: Cummins India has been recognized as a “Gold” employer in the India Workplace Equality Index (IWEI) Top Employer 2022. The award was conferred to recognize the company’s efforts in fostering a safe and inclusive workplace for the LGBT+ individuals through organization policies, diversity initiatives, external communication, and demonstrating transformation and impact over time. IWEI is India’s only comprehensive benchmarking study to measure and enable organization efforts for LGBT+ inclusion.

Padmashree Dr. Manjamma Jogathi and Co-founder of Pride Circle Srini Ramaswamy presented the award to Annapurna Vishwanathan, Chief Information Officer and Sponsor of India Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG), Cummins India, and Neema Nair, Technical Director- Engine Business and Inclusion Champion for India Pride ERG, Cummins India at the award ceremony held on November 24, in Bengaluru in the presence of LGBT+ leaders, changemakers, organization leaders, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Neema Nair also moderated a panel discussion on “What’s Next? The Future of LGBT+ Inclusion at the Workplace”.

On receiving the honor, Anupama Kaul, Human Resources Leader, Cummins India, said “Cummins’ mission is making people’s lives better by powering a more prosperous world, a world where everyone is included and treated with respect. Our methods are designed to cultivate a deep-rooted commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) by creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable space for all including the LGBTQ+ talent. Celebrating 60 years of our remarkable presence in India this year, we are thrilled to be recognized as a “Gold” employer in the India Workplace Equality Index (IWEI) 2022. This award is a testimony to the strides achieved by Cummins India in advancing our strategic goals to make our DE&I vision a reality.”

Since its inception in early 2018, Cummins India Pride ERG has made continuous efforts and progress to create a safe, equal, and inclusive work environment to support and empower LGBTQ+ individuals through employee and organization policies, medical benefits, gender-neutral restrooms, trainings on LGBTQ+ 101, Pride Ally program and more. The dimensions of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression are included globally in our Non-Discrimination Policy, Treatment of Each Other at Work. This year in June, the Pride ERG actioned a special campaign – ‘#PoweringPride – For A World That’s Always On’ to celebrate the pride month and power its vision of building LGBTQ+ friendly and inclusive workplace and communities through insightful sessions, inspiring leadership messages, engaging conversations, and fun activities at Cummins.

Annapurna Vishwanathan, Chief Information Officer and Sponsor of India Pride ERG, Cummins India said, “Cummins strongly believes that with a diverse and inclusive workforce, we can bring the ideal combination of perspectives, insights, and skills to help solve problems and power innovation for customers; and create sustainable long-term success.The India Pride ERG champions LGBTQ+ causes and has played an instrumental role in sensitizing employees, shifting mindsets, addressing bias and stereotypes, and ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment for LGBTQ+ talent by actioning a multitude of impactful initiatives, policy changes, and leadership reinforcement.”

In its third year, IWEI 2022 witnessed participation from 105 organizations – a 62% increase from its first edition and a 46% increase from the 72 Organizations in IWEI 2021. India Workplace Equality Index (IWEI) is a benchmarking tool for employers to measure progress on LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) equality and inclusion in the workplace. This tool is based on the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, which was launched in the United Kingdom in 2005. IWEI was introduced in India by diversity and inclusion organizations such as Pride Circle, Keshav Suri Foundation and Stonewall (UK). It is also the first of its type in India and the only definitive study on workplace LGBT+ inclusion in the subcontinent and it has assisted organizations in creating an inclusive and safe environment for its LGBT+ workforce.

CNBC-TV18 Marquee Nights Brings An Unplugged Conversation On The Future Of Media & Entertainment

29th November 2022: CNBC-TV 18, the No. 1 English business news channel in India, embarked yet again on fascinating conversations with top leaders across industries with CNBC-TV18 Marquee Nights. The event held at Masala Bay, Taj Lands End, Mumbai, on 21st November’22, featured Yannick Bolloré, Chairman, Vivendi and Chairman & CEO, Havas Group, in an exclusive conversation with CNBC-TV18’s Anuradha SenGupta.

The discussion revolved around Vivendi and Havas Groups’ spectrum of stronghold over cinema, television, publishing, gaming, advertising, and even Metaverse. Commenting on the importance of India as one of the fastest growing Asian economies, Bolloré said, “Growth opportunities in India are immense, which is why the country is a top priority for Vivendi. China has slowed down its growth strategy now, which is good for India in terms of talents and manufacturers. As of now, we have a 1200-people workforce in India, and hope to reach the 1500 mark before spring.”

Harping on the collaborative spirit of the Havas village group that commenced 8 years ago, Bolloré instilled inter-team collaboration and cultural specificity at the forefront, helping the brand expand its focus on content, data, brand’s future, teamwork, and recommendations to prospective employees.

He also discussed the prospects of Vivendi’s premium video content distribution platform, Dailymotion, in a price-sensitive market such as, India. “We became premium five years back because of a flurry of user-generated content creating unsafe environment. Now, the environment is safe. We have a strong presence in India. There is going to be a new version of Dailymotion to be launched in March 2023. It will be about freedom of speech, but in a safe and positive environment.”

When asked about the shifting strategies of Gameloft as a mobile game pioneer, the CEO remarked that the high-quality mobile games by the brand have been giving a strong impetus to the steady year-on-year growth of Gameloft since the last 15 years. Bolloré added that with behemoths such as Netflix and other OTT platforms showing interest in video games, Gameloft has a bright future in the mobile gaming vertical.

On that note, he added that Vivendi’s OTT streaming service, Canal, has gone overseas with 70% of its subscribers hailing from outside France. “High-quality entertainment is the foundation of Canal Group. People are willing to pay for high-quality content because 83% of the respondents of our research reveal that global entertainment is a vital need. It shapes culture. So, we need to strike a balance between subscription and advertising to maintain local, cultural specificity, and become a future game-changer in entertainment.”

The ‘CNBC-TV18 Marquee Nights’ event saw in attendance over 100 top Indian and global CMOs and CEOs from across sectors comprising of technology, consumer products, media & entertainment, banking, and e-commerce, amongst others.

The stellar event was organized in partnership with remarkable brands – Vivendi, Havas Group and IFCCI (Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry).

Smriti Mehra, CEO – Business News, Network18, said, “CNBC-TV18 Marquee Nights offers glimpses of the previously unseen side of the top entrepreneurs, global icons, policymakers, business promoters and trendsetters across various sectors – where we see them engage in candid conversations.

The event with Yannick Bolloré, who brought in thought-provoking insights about the future of media and entertainment, won immense appreciation from the audience in attendance. Bolloré’s keen interest in Indian entertainment diaspora has signaled the immense growth opportunities the country has as a rising economic superpower. We endeavor to bring in more such insightful discussions on CNBC-TV18 Marquee Nights.”

Tune in to CNBC-TV18 to catch this special conversation on 30th November’22, at 10PM, and 2nd December’22, at 10PM.

Arvind SmartSpaces Launches and Sells Entire 1st Phase of Arvind Greatlands in 10 Hours

Bangalore, November 29, 2022: Arvind SmartSpaces Limited (ASL), one of India’s leading real estate development companies today announced that it’s 100% wholly owned subsidiary Arvind Homes Pvt. Ltd. has launched and sold the entire 1st phase of its residential plotting project, Arvind Greatlands in Devanahalli, Bengaluru on November 26, 2022. The first phase of this project, comprising 400 plots with a saleable area of ~0.57 million sq. ft. amounting to a booking value of more than Rs. 200 Crore, was sold out in 10 hours.

This project marked ASL’s entry into the plotted development segment in Bengaluru. 50 acres of the project was originally acquired under HDFC Platform 1 wherein HDFC has invested INR 50 crore. Further, ASL has acquired 18 acres on an outright basis adjacent to this project with the potential to expand the same further. Arvind Greatlands offers excellent infrastructure with RCC roads in the entire development and also houses an executive Golf Course. Arvind Greatlands customers will also get a membership of Monogram Resort – Devenahalli offering various amenities including gymnasium, rooftop infinity pool, indoor games room, table tennis, jogging track, badminton court, spa, library, restaurant, executive business center, multimedia theatre, discotheque, and yoga pavilion.

Devanahalli is an established residential plotting location which is near the Bengaluru Airport. The micro-market is also home to major economic hubs such as Aerospace SEZ and KIADB IT Park. This location enjoys excellent infrastructure connectivity which will be further enhanced by the upcoming Metro.

Arvind SmartSpaces entered the Bengaluru market in 2013 and has until now added 10 projects across the region with 4 projects having already been delivered and 6 in various stages of development/launches.

Commenting on successful launch, Mr. Kamal Singal, Managing Director, and CEO, of Arvind SmartSpaces commented, “We are thrilled to have received this strong vote of confidence from our customers in Bengaluru. Our focus is to live up to their expectations by successfully delivering an outstanding project. This overwhelming response from customers is a testament to the brand equity of Arvind, the powerful sales ecosystem of ASL, and its execution track record. The runway success of Arvind Greatlands gains further significance as the Bengaluru market is a critical part of our growth strategy and we look forward to creating further milestones in the city.”