Archive: December 30, 2022

5 Agritech companies in India to watch out for in 2023

The agriculture industry is gradually transforming into the next high-tech sector. Technologies like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and computer vision are being leveraged to improve crop yields, supply chains, and sustainability. Due to its potential, total investments in the agtech sector for 2021 reached $10.5 billion. The global agricultural industry is ever-growing, with new seeds of innovation. From increased global food consumption to the climate crisis, there are numerous reasons why it is so essential for the world of agriculture to keep ahead of the climate crisis. Here is the list of the agritech startups to look out for 2023.

1. AgNext – Established in 2016 by Mr Taranjeet Singh Bhamra, CEO & Founder, AgNext aims to facilitate trust and transparency in food value chains. By using deep-tech solutions in the agriculture sector to solve persisting legacy issues, AgNext aims to facilitate trust and transparency in food value chains. Working in Deep technology, AgNext under Taranjeet’s leadership has pioneered computer vision, spectral and IoT based AI technologies, which today are employed at multiple transaction points enabling transparent and profitable trade in agriculture and food value chains.
2. Unnati – Unnati, conceptualized and co-founded by Mr Amit Sinha & Mr Ashok Prasad, is a fintech based Agri platform which aims to minimize the risks in farming and ensure much-needed transparency in the farming business. Unnati’s founders recognised the difficulties farmers experience as a result of farming’s lack of predictability and regular access to production inputs and information. Digital technology has the potential to play a key role and deliver immediate answers in this situation. Their objective to connect farmers to a single digital platform that supports farm entrepreneurship has been their driving force, resulting in the development of a complete ecosystem for farm entrepreneurs. From Unnati financial services to crop-specific consultancy, the brand works with farmers at every stage of the farming life cycle to ensure a sustainable future.
3. Agribazaar – Founded in 2016, the idea behind AgriBazaar is to deliver tech-enabled future-ready solutions to the farming community in a frictionless manner and revolutionize the way post-harvest management services are processed across the country. It is this vision that empowered AgriBazaar to facilitate INR 9000 crore (GMV) worth of transactions since its inception, making it one of India’s largest online agri-trading marketplace.
4. Aquaconnect – Founded by Rajamanohar Somasundaram, Aquaconnect is a full-stack aquaculture platform with embedded fintech that uses Satellite remote sensing and Artificial Intelligence to enable aquaculture farmers, retailers, and seafood buyers increase access to formal credit, farm inputs and post-harvest markets. Their unique tech solutions supercharge the entire aquaculture value chain and help build predictability and transparency into the value chain thereby making it efficient. Aquaconnect is funded by HATCH-Norway, India’s pioneer Agritech VC Omnivore, Japan’s Rebright Partners, Flourish ventures, AgFunder, 6G Capital, Trifecta Capital and Lok Capital.
5. Fasal – Fasal started with a simple idea – Removing guesswork from farming. 2018 was where Fasal started the journey with just four team members and now we are on our way to impact Indian Agriculture in a big way! Since its inception, Fasal has helped its numerous farmers reduce cost of cultivation and increased quality and yield, through our AI powered platform for horticulture, delivering farm specific, crop specific, crop-stage specific, actionable advisory. We propagate sustainable agriculture and our solution impacts the social, economical and environmental facets, hence making a big impact on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The Khaybar Volcano Camp Offers a One-of-a-kind Eco-lodge to Experience the Epic Lava Fields of Ancient Arabia

AlUla, Saudi Arabia – December 2022:
Khaybar Volcano Camp, a new luxury eco-lodge concept, will officially open to visitors on December 15, 2022 in the recently opened up region of Khaybar, Saudi Arabia. Built on the landscape of extinct volcanoes, the Khaybar Volcano Camp will operate for an initial limited duration closing in April 2023.
It is situated in one of the most spectacular and untouched places on earth. Now being excavated by the world’s leading archaeologists, the discoveries of the Khaybar Harrat region are helping to form new theories about ancient Arabia and civilisations of the past.

In the heart of one of the largest and rarest lava fields in the Kingdom, Khaybar Volcano Camp’s guests will tread where Arabia’s earliest human settlements left their mark. During a curated journey, guests will explore one of the most expansive and important archaeological projects in the world, full of prehistoric monuments, rare geological landmarks, lush oases, and lava caves that have existed for millions of years. With the opening of the Khaybar Volcano Camp, the region will be accessible to travellers who desire a full immersion in this awe-inspiring part of the world.

Located in Harrat Khaybar, the first-of-its-kind eco-lodge will offer guests a chance to experience the extraordinary by day, and the otherworldly by night in a cinematic landscape. Staying in stunning accommodations and enjoying meticulously prepared culinary fare, guests will be inspired by cultural activities, mythical storytelling, evening stargazing, wellness programming and superlative excursions like balloon flights, trekking to geological wonders and touring the ancient ruins. The unique Khaybar Volcano Campgifts travellers with an unparalleled adventure like no other.

The ten luxury tented suites feature exquisitely designed interiors, including modern furnishings and bespoke comforts. Khaybar Volcano Camp also offers guests upscale details such as supremely comfortable beds and luxe amenities. Built harmoniously into the dramatic landscape, the colour scheme compliments the surrounding stark black basalt and white volcanic craters. Each room features private wooden decks where guests can view the surrounding vistas, epic sunrises, and illuminated evening skies.

The camp will offer traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine, along with daring and delectable menus created by legendary restaurant and event group Shale Hill, a highly-respected restaurant and event group helming some of New York’s most distinguished and intriguing food venues. Additionally, the camp’s private fleet of cars will be available to transport guests to and from their airport and hotel, as well as on their various local excursions.

Rates will start at 1,200 SAR a night for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure where silence, stars and wonder reign supreme.

The opening of the Khaybar Volcano Camp is part of a sneak peek into the oasis regions of Tayma and Khaybar, which together with AlUla form part of a fascinating trilogy of ancient linked cities on the route of the famous Incense Road. The experience in Khaybar includes the opportunity to see intriguing prehistoric burial structures that dot the landscape from a tethered hot air balloons and/or helicopter. Also a visit to the AlRawan vantage point overlooking the old town and oasis, adventure trails through the Umm Jirsan lava tubes and caves, and the stories from The Skies, an aerial spectacular that brings together drones, narrative and landscape as night falls.

Be the show stealer this holiday season with the best street style and party outfits, accessories and fragrances just for you

Green Full Sleeve Puffer Jacket
Latin Quarters – www.latin-quarters.com

You are a “rock chick” kind of girl that likes to stand out in the crowd but really shines with your sense of style! We have your back. Grab this one-of-a-kind green full-sleeve puffer jacket and dress it up with a long skirt with a side slit, thigh-high boots, or heels. If you’re a gal with a keen sense of style, we have the perfect outfit to match your charm!

Brown Sleeveless High Low Dress
Latin Quarters – www.latin-quarters.com

If you’re looking for something elegant but subtle. You’re looking for a dress that will highlight your positive attributes, flaunt those beautiful curves, and make you stand out. We offer the ideal solid, brown, sleeveless high-low dress that gives your body a classic fit. The comfortable Polyester Crepe fabric makes it apt for all seasons. Layer it with an off-white furry jacket to save yourself from winter chills and put your best foot forward with the high heels in your closet. You’re all set to make a splash at the party, gal!

Green Solid Dress With Half Sleeve
Latin Quarters – www.latin-quarters.com

Green is one of the season’s favorite colors and Latin Quarter has just the best dress to match this trend and glam you up. This green dress is all you need to put on and with the right hair and accessories, you can rock this outfit at all parties. If you are worried about your night out with your friends and what to wear during the new year and Christmas parties, keep things classy with this beautiful Latin Quarter dress.

POLL-LOCK

Arnette (Essilor Luxottica) – Tatacliq and Amazon

Born to create, Zayn Malik knows exactly how to color-up smart with every tone of cool. Softening a retro square with unexpected angles and custom, color-flecked havanas or trendy crystal, this personality-packed optical shape gets smart ready to play. And it’s more than just hype – new sustainable bio-based acetates and packaging make sure it’s as easy on the eye as it is on the earth.

POLL-LOCK

Arnette (Essilor Luxottica) – Tatacliq and Amazon

Whichever way you look at it, creative is the new hype, and Poll-ock Whichever way you look at it, creative is the new hype, and Poll-ock has it framed. With its fresh angles and new pop-goes-street color concept, this retro-goes contemporary sun shape is anything but old-school. Pair up new custom bio-acetates, including four colorful reworks of classic havanas or super trendy crystal frames, with new blue-purple mirror, must have yellow and dark lens shades for a total ZAYN x ARNETTE look.

After Dark
Ustraa – Ustraa.com

After Dark is a must-try that is recommended for use at night or for your evening outings. It has a unique composition and is a strong, intense fragrance. If you want strong, lingering fragrances, After Dark is for you. It is a deep, seductive, and searing scent. This magic bottle will make you smell amazing for a longer period because it contains 3X more fragrance compared to any deodorant.

Ammunition Cologne
Ustraa – Ustraa.com

Explore this enchanted bottle of Ammunition Cologne, which has a rich and enigmatic scent. Men who like to work hard and party harder will benefit most from this long-lasting scent for men. This bottle has the perfect balance of cool and dark notes. Keep this perfume close to you in case you have last-minute plans for a party. You won’t regret it; we guarantee it!

What changes can performance marketing agencies bring in for better ROI

Krishal Mehta VP-Media BC Web Wise

A significant share of Digital marketing is now focusing on targeted-performance marketing: personalized messages, direct messages, Buy Now, and form fills with partial or zero branding support. The brands now think and feel everyone knows my brand is the best, with limited awareness or low awareness due to cluttered ad space. Brands want to drive ROI through sales, leads, walk-ins, or footfalls.

Marketers miss the entire consumer journey. The offline brand manager focuses on offline media channels, similar to the Digital brand manager concentrating on users’ digital journey. They need to take advantage of the consumers’ holistic journey.

Source: Red Crow Marketing

According to experts, the average person sees between 4,000 to 10,000 ads daily.

Just think about it for a second.

Every other post on social media is a sponsored ad, paid partnership, or subtle brand integration. A busy street will leave you exposed to dozens of billboards, shopping windows or ads on a wheel (car/bus branding)

Few categories focus on performance ads only. For example, automobile, Insurance, Banking, and now FMCG are moving in the same segment; everyone is now doing push ads vs pull ads or content-centric ads.

It leads to an unclear understanding of performance marketing campaigns. Just promoting sales-driven or offer-driven communication does not work anymore. Further, it worsens Upper and middle-funnel spending across media channels and affects the bottom conversion funnel. Today we are talking to SMART CONSUMER, who is curious, at the same time, meticulous and not necessarily a compulsive buyer on the other side; they research and are very well informed about the product or service.

I believe Data-driven plus “Performance Focused Branding” with disciplined will give marketers an edge when it comes to achieving TOFU (Top of Funnel) and balancing it with BOFU (Bottom of the funnel).

Existing models, cross-channel MROI or Marketing-Mix Modelling (MMM) or Multi-touch attribution (MTA) are more focused on late-funnel stages, not granular in terms of data, focused on past data and, more importantly, no real-time support for optimization.

Performance Branding with massive Data clubbed with machine learning, and deep tech enables brands to work on real-time optimization. In this, the first and most crucial stage is to track ever-changing consumer preference and map it correctly with Customer-Data-Platform (CDP). The CDP will incorporate data from internal, external, and third parties in alignment with GDPR policies.

The best example is Billy Beane (Former General Manager), who deployed data and analytics to field a competitive baseball team on a low budget in the movie Money Ball.

We’ve already implemented and are working closely with research agencies to identify CDP for categories like luggage, personal care, insurance, and automobile, and we’ve started deploying CDP with a single view platform which provides today’s marketers to effectively take the decision in real time with right-data touch points.

The Performance Branding Model

Earlier brands used to drive campaigns with set objectives, and even now, many brands have different branding and performance team. Just imagine a bike whose front and back are moving in a different direction. The brand won’t be able to reach its targeted destination.

The brand Building Team focuses on Awareness, Reach, Views, CTR, VTR etc., plus many other metrics. Performance Team focuses on sales, leads, and visits as per the brand objective. Even new D2C brands have suddenly taken up direct sales routes with only performance campaigns.

The model which we follow comprises four steps:

1. Crafting a Brand Strategy: Comprises multiple things, a few of which include competitive mapping, pain points, customer personas, unique value proposition, and brand DNA. It is more to identify the right audience which can be married to the brand.

2. Implementing System: Basis the brand DNA and audience behaviour, we need to understand the communication which will drive growth. This communication is not only copy but visual elements, classifying where the brand wants to be in the next three to five years.

3. Long & Short:

The long strategy here talks about owning a particular communication or channel example: Dove’s Real Beauty Campaign or Amul’s out-of-home strategy on the current issue. The short strategy will be deploying a small burst of performance campaign based on USP or functional benefits example: Dove’s ¼ moisturizing cream or skin test or half face test.

4. Learn & Repeat:

The above three steps deployed correctly with automation CDP with help the system to learn and provide trends/media insights which will push the performance to the next level. It’s an ever-growing loop of learning and repeating with the right data insights, which causes the brand towards long-term success.

The above four steps provide an essential structure for Performance Branding, and many things can be layered further in the process to make it more robust and derive better MROI (Marketing ROI). Additionally, layering with attribution modelling helps in understanding the role of each channel and its usage.

Be Aware, Be safe with these top Cyber Security Organisations

It is important to be aware of the potential threats to your online security and to take steps to protect yourself and your sensitive information. This can include using strong passwords, keeping your software and devices up to date, and being cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments.

There are many organizations that focus on cybersecurity and offer resources and tools to help individuals and businesses protect themselves from cyber threats. Here we have listed some of the organizations which can help us to remain cyber-safe in this world of threats

CyberPeace Foundation

CyberPeace Foundation is the world’s first non-profit civil society organization and thinks tank of cyber and policy experts with the vision of pioneering CyberPeace initiatives to build collective resilience against cybercrimes & global threats of cyber warfare. As a pioneer in CyberPeace advocacy, CPF is on a mission to promote “Technology for Good” beyond borders.

CyberPeace Foundation is involved in Policy Advocacy, Research, and Training related to all aspects of cyberspace and CyberSecurity. Key areas of CyberPeace Foundation work are in Technology Governance, Policy Review, Advocacy, Capacity and Capability creation, and building through partnerships with various government organizations, academic institutions, and civil society entities.

CyberVeer Foundation

The CyberVeer Foundation (Cyber Crime NGO) aims at creating a cyber-secure nation where each citizen is safeguarded against cybercrimes. We believe that security and welfare in today’s times need to be as much online as offline. The foundation aims to achieve social welfare using information technology. Through it, we aim to make all citizens cyber warriors who can successfully deal with the challenges that come with the advancement in technology. The Cyber Crime NGO CyberVeer Foundation is a comprehensive and rounded approach to the ever-evolving cyber world. It would not only help safeguard you from cybercrime but will also help you in using technology comprehensively for your benefit.

Cyber Safe India Alliance

Cyber Safe India is a government initiative launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs in India to promote cyber security and prevent cyber threats. The initiative aims to create awareness about cyber security among the general public and to encourage the adoption of safe and secure practices online. CSIA’s mission is also to enhance the online safety and security of business communities, by helping to deliver resources and expertise from the private sector to support both domestic and international law enforcement agencies and their governments, in their task of reducing harm from cyber & high-tech crimes.

CyberPeace Institute

The CyberPeace Institute is an independent and neutral nongovernmental organization whose mission is to ensure the rights of people to security, dignity, and equity in cyberspace. The Institute works in close collaboration with relevant partners to reduce the harms of cyberattacks on people’s lives worldwide. By analyzing cyberattacks, the Institute exposes their societal impact, how international laws and norms are being violated, and advances responsible behavior to enforce cyber peace.

CyberNGO

CyberNGO is an organization with the aim of helping Global Cyber Welfare by spreading Cyber Awareness and helping Cyber Crime victims to get Cyber Justice. CyberNGO’s volunteers help Cyber Victims in getting the right law-enforcement aid by utilizing and suggesting based on their years of work experience with various law agencies. The concept of CyberNGO was developed based on the Digital Movement ongoing in our Nation. While the world is advancing to a Digital era it has become a necessity to be aware of the fraud and Crimes which are carried out by taking advantage of it. A person has to be aware of Cyber Threats to avoid becoming a victim of it.

Furnitech Launches ‘Best Of Waste (Bow)’ Initiative

Furnitech, India’s leading manufacturer of upholstered furniture has been constantly improving its carbon footprint and is using eco-friendly and sustainable products to make a more viable impact on the environment. To attain this the company has now launched the Best of Waste (BOW) initiative that makes use of waste materials to the best of its advantage by converting them into amazing décor products to grace your homes. All the proceeds from this sale of these products will be given to the Furnitech Foundation which will use it for a charitable cause.

“We have been deeply conscious of the environment and have been constantly focusing on ensuring resource optimization and achieving zero wastage. The Best of Waste concept is a unique way to conserve resources and create eclectic home décor products from household waste materials. The collection is designed using sustainable elements. From wood to fabric, elements used in the making of the product have been consciously selected”, said Jinal Shah, Founder & Principal Designer, of Furnitech Seating Systems Pvt. Ltd.

Furnitech is an amalgamation of Premium Upholstery Products along with being a forerunner of advanced usage of technology to innovate and integrate technological solutions to meet global consumer needs. It is the only Indian company with Cedex certification and is a proud member of MSME India, Round Table, AFMT & AFMI India. With 24 years of expertise, cutting-edge technology including CRM, IVR software, automated manufacturing, an evolved Supply chain system, and High warranted products, Furnitech has created a world-class showcase to cater to Indian homes and establishments.

Aditya Birla World Academy and Aditya Birla Education Academy || Year-End Quote

Prodipta Hore, Director, Aditya Birla Education Academy

“We saw, first hand, in the last two years, how important it is to keep India’s educators up to date on new tools and techniques to achieve the best learning outcomes with their students. While schools have resumed physically, the ongoing COVID-19 situation indicates that we cannot be complacent. It is imperative to continue India’s push to teach the teachers, to ensure they are fully prepared for any eventuality. This push is not only necessary for teachers to impart education in newer and more effective ways, but also for their own professional growth into seasoned and wise leaders.
In 2023, we will continue to see teacher education being prioritised by the government, as well as educational institutions. The sector is being revolutionised globally, and India needs to leverage this to uplift our quality of education further. To be a global leader in all spheres, it is vital for our country to ensure our educators are well-equipped with all the knowledge and expertise necessary to develop students into able leaders of our future.”

-By Radhika Sinha, Principal, Aditya Birla World Academy

“As students came back to school in 2022, schools across witnessed the emergence of new challenges. While, earlier, they were struggling to cope with online learning and isolation from their social groups on resumption of physical classes, many felt the pressure of going back to a school schedule they were no longer used to. For some, online teaching learning had posed its own challenges thereby creating learning gaps that compounded the issue of getting ‘back to school’. It is the responsibility of all educators to continue to support them and guide them through the challenges they have been facing, and help them optimise their potential.

On the other hand, the two years gone by have taught us lessons in resilience and gratitude and whatever the challenges in the future, we would all be in a better position to handle change. There had been a significant paradigm shift in the nature of education. In keeping the best of both worlds, teachers will use e-games as well as other new pedagogical practices to engage students thereby making their learning contemporary and hence more meaningful. 2023 will take us onto new journeys and we are all geared up to take the strides towards excellence.”

Deendayal Port Authority crossed the landmark of handling 100 MMT cargo traffic

Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla has crossed the landmark of handling 100 MMT cargo traffic in the FY 2022-23, thereby becoming the first Major Port to cross the milestone in only 3 Quarters of a fiscal year with a growth of 6.96% over the corresponding period of the last fiscal. Incidentally, DPA achieved the milestone on 11-01-2022 in the last FY.

Shri S.K. Mehta, IFS, Chairman &ShriNandeeshShukla, IRTS, Dy. Chairman congratulated team DPA along with Employees, Workers, Trade Unions, Port Users & Stakeholders for their continuous support towards making DPA a MEGA PORT with State-of-the-Art handling facilities.