Archive: December 8, 2022

WinZO becomes India’s first interactive entertainment platform to be featured on mSeva

Mumbai,  December 2022: India’s largest interactive entertainment platform, WinZO, is selected to be featured on the government-owned and developed mobile app store mSeva. WinZO is the first gaming & interactive entertainment platform to be available on mSeva, India’s only indigenously built app store launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The partnership with mSeva is to further the government’s mission of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ as WinZO is available in 12 vernacular languages with over 100 million users from Tier 2 to Tier 5 parts of Bharat. 20% of users make their first-ever digital payment on WinZO.

Speaking about the partnership, Saumya Singh Rathore, Co-founder of WinZO said, “We are elated to partner with mSeva, an app store under the aegis of MeiTY, for the Indians by the Indians. This partnership is in sync with WinZO’s mission to build a world-class game tech product to serve every household in Bharat. mSeva will help us increase our reach multiple folds and give India the gaming experience it deserves.”

The move is also aimed at breaking Google’s monopoly over the selection and distribution of applications and high commission charges. Today, the Indian mobile market is heavily dominated by android with a 95% market share and this leaves developers with only Google Play Store as an option to publish and distribute their apps. It levies a commission in the range of 30% for in-app purchases. This negatively impacts the revenue of the developers and has long-term implications on IP/ content creation in the country because of the lack of viable revenue models.

mSeva, on other hand, does not have any distribution charge for not just delivering government and other public services but also for private players in health, education, agriculture, financial, online payments, social welfare, food, transport, and energy, among others. It has created the digital infrastructure to help businesses set up low-cost and quick-to-build apps that can be built using scalable technology. More than 1000 apps-based services including news, social media, payments, etc are available on mSeva app store. These include MyGov, Paytm, etc. WinZO is also among the early private adopters of the app store and plans to promote mSeva as a way to download the app among its potential users.

WinZO hosts over 100 games from third-party game developers from all across the country. It has a unique micro-transaction-based business model that lets game developers and studios generate 100X revenues through its 100 million user base clocking over 3.5 billion microtransactions per month. The social gaming pioneer also created employment opportunities for a diverse set of sections which includes over 500 translators who are mainly stay-at-home housewives, college students, retired government employees, and 75,000 regional micro-influencers who distribute the app in every corner of the country.

Year-End Real Estate Review and Outlook for 2023

Mr. Kaushal Agarwal – Chairman, The Guardians Real Estate Advisory

The surge in demand for housing in the Indian real estate sector despite the backdrop of uncertainty, looming global recession, and rising interest rates has given an indication that there is a genuine interest in housing and the momentum is expected to continue in 2023. The concept of owning a house, which gained importance in the post-COVID-19 scenario, has only seen a surge in the sale of houses across the country in 2022, especially in Mumbai, which registered record sales. We have every reason to believe that the performance of realty in the New Year is going to be rock steady and robust, especially with the government also stepping in and taking initiatives that support and enhance the growth in the sector.

Real estate developers are also expanding their operations in non-metro cities in 2023. The most recent example is the announcement of the Mumbai 3.0 project by the Government of Maharashtra (GoM). The government is committed to developing Neral-Karjat, Panvel, and the NAINA region in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) as part of the project. In fact, numerous infrastructure projects in the city that were stuck due to the pandemic are expected to resume and pick up pace in the New Year. This will change the entire dynamics of the reality here.

2023 will also see the remote working model, which gave way to a hybrid work structure in 2022, change completely with the full-fledged return to the pre-pandemic structure of work from an office (WFO). Therefore, CRE (commercial real estate), which has been on the rise last year, is expected to dominate with Grade-A offices in huge demand as big companies are seeking to expand their operations in the coming days.

One of the biggest game-changers in 2022 has been that of real estate’s re-emergence as the first choice for long-term investment gains; this spells exciting times for investors in 2023 as well.

JLNPhenix Energy to Invest More Than 200 Crore Towards Their Product Portfolio Expansion

New Delhi, December 2022: JLNPhenix Energy Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Singapore-based CLN Energy PTE Ltd. and India’s leading Green Energy Solutions provider is pleased to announce the expansion of its portfolio of products. The company plans to enter into manufacturing of EV Powertrain components at its new 3rd manufacturing unit in Hyderabad. The company will manufacture e-mobility powertrain components at the Hyderabad plant, such as hub motors, mid-drive motors, motor controllers, DC-DC converters, wiring harnesses, and vehicle display units. The company already has two lithium-ion battery manufacturing plants in Noida and Pune, and now the Hyderabad plant will complete the EV Powertrain component portfolio.

The company is at the forefront of the “Make in India” initiative. Hyderabad manufacturing facility, which has an expected investment outlay of approximately Rs. 200 Crores further cements its commitment to the Indian market and enhances the footprint in the EV component space. The company caters to major EV OEMs and the Hyderabad facility will further expand its market reach pan India.

The Company boasts of a strong as well as dependable supply chain and offers EV components that are specifically tailored to the customer’s needs. The Company has exclusive agreements with overseas supplier partners, and its technology has evolved from cylindrical to pouch cells.

Mr. Sunil Gandhi, CEO of JLNPhenix Energy, said, “Hyderabad manufacturing plant marks the dawn of a new era for JLNPhenix Energy as we gear up to introduce new products and features and integration of EV Batteries and Powertrain components for the EV industry. Last year, we clocked a revenue of Rs 122 cr, on the back of our exponential growth, we’re now well-equipped to launch a new plant in Hyderabad. Acting on our mission to provide adequate support and deliver on the Atmanirbhar & Green Energy Initiative in India, we are also coming up with new business-use cases and innovations to support the changing needs of brands.”

“We would like to extend our gratitude to the government of Telangana for supporting us with the market entry” he added.

At the behest of its rapid expansion, JLNPhenix Energy is anticipating an accelerated growth trajectory that is likely to increase both its consumer base and revenue as they strive to perform better in the next fiscal year. When it comes to the workforce, they’re also looking forward to expanding their employee strength, which currently stands at 300 plus.

Over the last year, JLNPhenix Energy has served more than 500 customers and helped develop lithium-ion batteries for their specific requirements. The company has established itself in the ever-competitive market on the back of its unique approach, innovative products, and proven dedication to comprehensively meeting customer expectations. Catering to a niche segment, its customized solutions also act as a value proposition for the new age brands alongside leading futuristic yet sustainable technological adoption requirements.

Forbes India 30 Under 30 Soirée concludes on an inspiring note by felicitating young pioneers

Making a mark for oneself in a dynamic economy such as India, that too under 30 years of age, is very challenging and courageous. Forbes India, India’s leading media brand for innovation and entrepreneurship, celebrated such disruptors and path-breakers under the age of 30 at the ForbesIndia 30 Under 30 Soirée- An Evening Celebrating The Young Disruptors And Game-changers Of India.

The grand event took place on 2^nd December at Taj Palace New Delhi.  The young team from Forbes India opened the gala evening on a fun note and shared, “To give you a sneek-peak into what is different this year, we have few of our past winners, who happen to be some of India’s top fashion designers, who have styled the class of 2022!”

The ceremony kick-started with a glamorous red-carpet event, followed by a keynote address, ‘Real talk with Ananth Narayanan, Founder, Mensa Brands & Former CEO, Myntra’, and a Q&A session with the audience. Sharing about his journey in Myntra, Ananth said, “When I decided to join Myntra, my fashion closet was like 4 grey suits, 4 black suits, and 1-2 jackets of different colours. E-commerce was here to stay and fashion, as an e-commerce category, was large and profitable. I worked at Myntra for 4 years and the most interesting thing was how to use fashion and technology together.” He added that the three most important things in life are reputation, being a lifelong learner, and always accompanying smarter people. Commenting on the event he further added, “It’s terrific to be at Forbes India 30 under 30 soiree and the fact that it is on-ground makes it more exciting. Love the energy in the room and the profiles that have made it to the list this year, which is a true testimonial to the potential of India.”

The evening went ahead with the second keynote address titled ‘Own your Identity’ by Dr Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, first openly transgender doctor, and an activist who spreads awareness about and advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community, who narrated struggles of not identifying with the male gender since childhood. “As the first-born son in my family, I couldn’t say I want to be a princess!” Gummaraju continued, congratulating Forbes India for the august gathering, “Despite us coming from such diverse backgrounds and identities, we are all here together because we have something in common. I think, at some point, we have all been told that our ideas are delusional and unrealistic. I have been told that I don’t belong in a room like this, but here we are!”

Furthermore, there was an enriching discussion consisting of prominent panellists such as Pooja Dhingra, Founder, of Le15 Patisserie; Dhruvil Sanghvi, Founder, LogiNext; and Roopa Kumar, Founder & CEO, of Purple Quarter who shared thoughts and opinions on ‘How Gen-Z and Millennials are Redefining Work Trends.’ Apart from the awardees, the evening was also graced by famous chef and actor Ranveer Brar, who has also been a prominent jury member for this year’s Forbes India 30 under 30 List. Commenting on the occasion he said, “I have been a part of Forbes India 30 under 30 lists jury for a while now and it is always so much fun to meet such young energetic people, the new India. The entries class of Forbes India 30 under 30, since its inception, has always broken barriers. Congratulations to all those who have made it to this year’s list!”

Raju Kendre, Founder & CEO, Eklavya India, said, “Around 700 people are studying in our university. After being featured in the Forbes India 30 under 30 lists- class of 2022, our work has gained momentum and we are expanding. We are thankful to Forbes India.”

Pooja Dhingra, Founder & CEO, Le15 Patisserie, commented, “I was part of the first Forbes India 30 under 30 list in 2014. It proved to be very beneficial for me in my career and now it has become the place for me to interact with like-minded people. Witnessing such amazing talents get featured year after year is an inspiring experience in itself.”

Shlok Srivastava, Tech Burner, said, “We make technology available to everyone in a layman and entertaining manner. I feel very energetic to be a part of the Forbes India 30 under 30 list this year.”

Akshay, Anuj & Aditya, Beco team, commented, “Humbled and grateful to the entire Forbes India team for featuring us in the 30 under 30 list this year. Being an entrepreneur is all about getting recognition from our customers, but getting it from such a prestigious platform motivates our brand.”

Bank of Baroda Named Best AI & ML Bank at IBA’s 18th Annual Banking Technology Awards 2022

New Delhi, December 8, 2022: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, has been awarded the “Best AI & ML Bank” among Large Banks at the prestigious Indian Banks’ Association’s 18th Annual Banking Technology Awards held in Mumbai recently. The Bank was also adjudged Runner-Up in the “Best IT Risk Management” and “Best Technology Talent” categories.

Shri Ajay Khurana, ED (3rd from left) and Shri Sanjay Mudaliar, CTO (extreme right), Bank of Baroda accept the Awards on behalf of the Bank. Shri Ajay K. Khurana, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “Over the last few years, Bank of Baroda has transformed itself. The Bank has, implemented a range of innovative technologies to deliver exceptional customer experience, make banking more secure and simple for customers as well as improve the operational efficiencies for the Bank. We are honoured and overwhelmed to receive these coveted awards from IBA.”

These awards are a recognition of the continuous efforts put in by the Bank towards its technological advancement. The Bank is using Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning across a range of use cases, while also deploying an effective risk management strategy to mitigate any threats.

Miss India 2023 will represent India at the Miss World 2023

 December 2022, Kolkata: Are you ready to create your legacy? Here is a chance to win an opportunity to represent India on the world stage and earn laurels for the country. The 59th edition of the VLCC & Trends co-present Femina Miss India 2023 hosted by Manipur Tourism co-powered by ORRA Fine Jewellery & Rajnigandha Pearls, is now accepting entries for participation.

Through strategic collaborations that help women to realize their full potential as role models and ambassadors, the Miss India Organization hopes to build an ecosystem of international influence and social effect, bringing honor to India on a global scale. The institution of Femina Miss India believes passionately in the power of beauty to change attitudes, project confidence & empower young women by instilling a sense of individuality, and uniqueness, encouraging self-expression, and creating significant & aspirational value among the youth.

To stage 30 state winners from all around the country, on the grand finale night, the pageant has kickstarted a national search to choose delegates from 29 states (including Delhi) and a collective representative for the Union Territories (including J&K). The selection structure for participation will require an online registration process followed by zonal auditions in five cities, namely, Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Guwahati, and Kolkata, to be held in January & February 2023.

The 30 state winners will participate in the pageant boot camp, which will offer a host of activities, including workshops, photo shoots, sub-title competitions, awards night gala event, and personal interviews, culminating into the grand finale extravaganza. Winning the title of Femina Miss India will not only catapult you to fame but also give you a chance to live in the Maximum city – Mumbai – known to be the hub of entertainment and glamour.

In addition, former Miss India and Bollywood star Neha Dhupia will mentor the state winners as they prepare for the grand finale. Talking of her association, Neha Dhupia said, ” Every year, the journey of Femina Miss India takes me back to learnings and experiences I’ve gained and will cherish for the rest of my life. Seeing these young state winners so motivated and ready to take on the world is always endearing. Their determination to succeed never ceases to inspire everyone, including me.”

The Times Group and the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur, enter into a landmark partnership to host Femina Miss India 2023’s Grand Finale in the state. The primary motive behind the association is to celebrate the beauty in diversity and inclusive Indian culture while fostering the competitive spirit of the talented participants. India’s most credible pageant, Femina Miss India has been giving our young women a platform that empowers them and makes their voices heard by millions. The state of Manipur also believes in empowering its women to be equal partners in development. Hence this partnership is a natural culmination of ideologies and vision.

VLCC, a leading brand in the beauty & wellness space, has come on board as a Co-Presenting partner for the third year to look for India’s next pride. This association compliments the brand’s objective of transforming lives thus making it a seamless fit.

Trends, India’s largest fashion retail brand has partnered with Miss India Organization to look for the next Miss India. The partnership is a celebration of Indian women who are confident & independent in their approach to life & fashion.

ORRA, India’s fine jewelry brand with diamonds that makes you outshine forever has partnered with the pageant as co-powered by the sponsor
The pageant is also co-powered by Rajnigandha Pearls, which beliefs achchai ki ek alag chamak hoti hain. This philosophy goes into the making of their product, which is made with the choicest cardamom seeds, blended with purest saffron & silver coated with goodness.

Here is some exciting news for all the Miss India pageant aspirants. The Ace Your Pageant course from The Grooming School – The House of Miss India is now available for all applicants at an attractive price as part of their registration process for the Femina Miss India 2023 pageant. Upskill your preparation for the audition and stand a chance to win the pageant by enrolling in the course.

The Pinwheel Project is back with its 10th edition, the Christmas Edit at Blue Sea, Worli on December 10

Mumbai: Mommies mark your calendars, as after a lot of back-breaking hard work backed by utmost dedication, Pinwheel Project is back with its annual Christmas edit! This year, it’s even more special as it is the 10th edit for Pinwheel. The Pinwheel Project is a one-stop-shop event for all kids and mommies. This exclusive exhibition showcases the best of clothing, bedding, accessories, toys, food and other premium goods and services for toddlers, mothers-to-be, as well as mothers with children in the age group of new born – 15 years from all over the country and abroad. After 5 years of successful events in Mumbai and Kolkata, and an overwhelming response from unwavering and loyal customers, Pinwheel Project is here to serve up the best in the mommy and child space.

“We celebrate our 10th edit this year and the thing that keeps people coming back to Pinwheel is our curation of brands. Our goal has always been to provide an aesthetic, trusted, and well-curated forum where people can shop knowing that these vendors are approved by three moms who are firmly entrenched in the space. And when its Christmas time, all of us love to shop for Christmas jammies, baubles and other knick knacks, so we are super excited to host the Christmas Edit this year,” says Aditi Kapur, co-founder.

With children’s essentials and accessories, all under one roof, get ready to shop to your heart’s content this month as this exhibition is every parent’s dream come true! What started in 2016 over some candid coffee shop conversations about the lack of availability for kids’ requirements, three passionate working mothers – Aditi Kapur, Ragini Vakil, and Shouger Merchant Doshi, decided to bridge the gap and make these resources more accessible. The idea was to gather the maximum information and commodities that a mom would require ranging from clothing, accessories, games, toys, and activity boxes to additional services such as schools and other institutions, photographers, food supplies etc. This lifestyle exhibition is the answer to anything, and everything related to your little darlings!

“Pinwheel Project is a community of wonderful established and undiscovered talented vendors who deliver excellent products and services in the mom and kids space. Our goal is to continue supporting brands in the children’s space by giving them this platform to showcase their versatility. With the holiday season upon us and an evergrowing need to shop gifts, clothes, toys and more for our kids, the Christmas edit is sure to be a great success for our brands,” says Shouger Merchant Doshi, co-founder.

With the happiest season just around the corner, The Pinwheel Project’s Christmas Edit is gearing up to spill the most calming, pleasant, and magical beans in the air by promising a mystical and festive event with 75+ brands on board with children and mothers- to- be participating where you can find everything under one roof. To top it all off, there will be a VIP lounge serving cocktails by Jerry’s and a mocktail bar by Sepoy & Co, and coffee by Grumpy Coffee for all the shopaholics.

“Parents look forward to attending Pinwheel Project’s Christmas edit because they can find everything under one roof. Due to Covid-19, as parents, we have all missed that touch-and-feel experience of actually being able to see offerings and that joy of impulse purchasing so Pinwheel Project is your chance to get hand-picked well-curated options for you and your child in one space,” says Ragini Vakil, co-founder.

True to their core, they have a wide selection of everything you need from bedding brands to clothing brands to nursery brands to furniture and home decor and educational games and toys. The lineup this year consists of promising brands such as Aria + Nica, Bonheur Kids, Namely Co, Puttisu, Gaea Botanique, Kiddoze, La dee da, Party A La Carte, The Forest Child, Love the World Today, Playbox India, Uptot, Greendigo and many more dedicated brands for children’s essentials and couture. And mommies, fear not – for there is plenty for you too from brands like Aww by Priyanka and Calico knots which includes a versatile collection of stunning pieces for every occasion, size, or budget such as comfy co-ords sets, fashionable shirts, and many more and cozy socks from Mint & Oak. Additionally, you can also explore beddings and intricate furnishings for your humble abode from Me Casa, and pamper your little ones with OMVED Therapies’ refreshing baby aroma care and personal care products and more. You will also find a wide array of interesting FMCG brands suitable for both parents and children such as Mezmo Candy’s organic, additive-free, and chemical-free candies, Terratots’ delectable but healthy snacks, and much more! And if you want to lounge and grab a bite, there is a spread by Blue Sea and coffee by Grumpy Coffee as well.

So get ready to brighten up your holidays with us and pick out some exciting presents for your cute little devils as this event is a must-attend for those looking to upgrade their wardrobes and explore new trends in the kid’s space ranging between 0-15! And believe us when we say this- you don’t want to miss this splendid event!

When: Saturday, December 10, 2020
What: Pinwheel Project – The Christmas Edit
Where: Blue Sea, Worli
Timings: 11 am to 8 pm, with an exclusive preview from 10-11 am
Entry: Free

IndiaFirst Life Appoints Bikash Choudhary to Spearhead its Actuarial, Governance, Product, and Strategy Functions

Mumbai, December 2022: IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Ltd (IndiaFirst Life), today announced the appointment of Bikash Choudhary as an Executive Vice President. He will be overseeing Actuarial, Governance, Product, and Strategy functions at IndiaFirst Life.

Announcing the appointment, Vishakha RM, Managing Director & CEO, IndiaFirst Life said, “As IndiaFirst Life shifts gears, Bikash Choudhary, with his extensive experience, will be instrumental in crystallizing the organization’s overall strategy and value creation objectives. He’ll support the product portfolio while ensuring the company’s risk management and governance framework become more robust. We are confident that Bikash will create immense value for IndiaFirst Life’s stakeholders, which will further accelerate our growth momentum.”

Bikash Choudhary, Executive Vice President, IndiaFirst Life said, “I am excited to be associated with one of India’s fastest-growing private life insurance companies, which believes in securing lives and creating value for all its stakeholders. With the need for protection and savings for the long term, insurance provides suitable products to meet the necessary requirements for every household. We will work towards fulfilling the principle of “Customer First” by providing simple, easy-to-understand, and affordable need-based solutions to our customers.”

An M.Tech from the Indian Statistical Institute, Bikash comes with over 20 years of experience in the life insurance sector, spread across actuarial consulting and industry. He joins IndiaFirst Life from Future Generali Life insurance, where he was the Appointed Actuary and Chief Risk Officer.