Archive: January 23, 2023

Pre Budget Quote by Mamta Binani, President of MSME Development Forum – West Bengal

 

Kolkata, 23rd January 2023: CS (Dr.) Adv. Mamta Binani, Past President of ICSI & President of MSME Development Forum WB said, “Micro, small and medium enterprises are among the most important pillars of India’s economy and the government should work to make the sector stronger and more developed. The expectation from the upcoming budget is to bring some relief to the MSME sector which has been reeling under challenges since the pandemic. We look forward to a budget that offers a roadmap for heightened economic revival, with greater spending on infrastructure and enhanced incentives for corporate CAPEX. We believe that the country is still on track to achieve the $ 5 trillion vision by 2025 and expect a host of reforms aimed at empowering the start-up and entrepreneurial culture while augmenting healthcare and allied sectors. Technology, manufacturing, and R&D comprise the future of India and we look forward to initiatives aimed at making India a global super-power in these frontiers. Access to finance has always been a growth barrier for the MSME sector, as small business entrepreneurs do not have enough assets to offer as collateral. Lastly, I believe that the upcoming Union Budget will help with the overall GDP and creates more demand and job opportunities in the wires and cables industry.”

Mamta Binani is the President of the MSME Development Forum – West Bengal. Ms. Binani has served as a jury member of the ICSI National Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance and CSR, 2016, the Golden Peacock Award of The Institute of Directors for the year 2016, ASSOCHAM Award for Commendable CSR Activity for the year 2016. She is the Vice President of the Kolkata National Company Law Tribunal Bar Association, the Chairperson of the Merchant Chamber of Commerce-Legal Affairs Council, and also an executive committee member of INSOL India. She is a Board Member of the International Women’s Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC) and is presently the Co-Chair of the India Network.

Ms. Binani is an Independent Director in some of the reputed Boards of the Country viz. Century Ply, Balrampur Chini Mills, Emami Limited, and others. Ms. Binani feels that the government is the engine and that as a member of that machinery, it is her responsibility to highlight the government’s efforts by bringing them to the masses and classes.

Pre Budget quote by FMC India (Agriculture & Agrochemicals)

“2022 was a challenging year for agriculture and food industry globally with factors such as climate change, supply chain, inflation, and geopolitical issues disrupting every economy and triggering a possible global slowdown, apart from the food crisis. This year’s budget outlay must be directed towards not only cushioning but also adding resilience to Indian agriculture. As India is likely to become the most populous country this year and has ambitions to be a major food supplier to the world, the need of the hour is to ensure higher productivity with minimal environmental impact. The investment made in agricultural research and development (R&D) pays back many times over in the form of increased production or mitigated losses, as well as higher incomes for farmers. The private sector players are dedicating a significant share of resources & investment in research, promoting sustainable agricultural practices in rural India, and must be incentivized or allowed tax exemptions basis the impact created by their initiatives. In the upcoming Union Budget. It will also be critical to focus on creating an enabling ecosystem, with a faster registration process to introduce newer technologies and molecules for better productivity. This will be vital for an inspiring India.

Innovations in agriculture are being seen as a great enabler in revamping the sector and will be key to ensuring food and nutritional security while enhancing input use efficiency over the next decade. The introduction of drones in farming has been a great step in this direction. Further, defining clear guidelines to facilitate the introduction of biological and microbial pesticide formulations will support integrated pest management & organic farming in the country. Additionally, the rationalizing GST on agrochemicals to be at par with other agri-inputs will reduce cost pressures on the farmer. There are already a host of agri-tech companies determined to serve the farming community, especially smallholder farmers. Policies that enable the hassle-free introduction of new global technologies, practices, and molecules, while improving the ease of doing business will yield more efficient and sustainable farming practices in India. The availability of support and speedy access to new-age technologies to farmers will be a game-changer in fulfilling India’s aspirations of being a global food supplier while boosting farmer incomes.”-Mr. Ravi Annavarapu, President, FMC India

FTCCI Pokarna Skill Centre begins its maiden skill development program in newly built centre

Hyderabad, January 2022…. The recently opened FTCCI Pokarna Skill Centre, at Red Hills in the city began on Saturday its maiden skill development program Export and Import Management Certified Course.

It is a six full day program, held once every Saturday till March. A total of 40 participants enrolled for the program.

Mr. Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt of India was the Chief Guest. Building capacity for exporters is very crucial. It will go a long way, he said while addressing the gathering.

We are going through a remarkable phase in our external trade. Every passing day we are scaling new heights. We have crossed US $ 670 bn in merchandise and services in the previous financial year. That is a jump of 35% Exports.

To give a split of these exports US $420 bn was merchandise and 250 bn services sector. This was achieved despite adversely affecting many service sectors such as Hospitality, Tourism, Aviation, transport, logistics due to pandemic

We have set an exports target of 2 trillion US $ of exports of goods and services by 2030. How do we reach by building capacity? Because of that reason this training program is very crucial, he said. We will handhold you to enable you to export more. It is a main growth engine for our economy. We are a trusted global Partner in value chain, he said

We have concluded free grace treaties with many countries to increase competitiveness of our industry.

Mr. Bharani V, Asst. Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)

The Govt of India was the guest of honour. The central government has a lofty goal of 2 trillion US $, one trillion each for goods and services. The key to achieve this is to build capacity and programs like this are very key. We need to bring new people into the export fold. Second is to impart training to those who are already in exports so that they can increase their exports. And this skill building is the need of the hour.

This is the third program. Earlier we have done tow-one each in

Nizambad and Warangal where 35 participants took part and the feedback was very good, said Anil Agarwal, President of FTCCI.

Mr Saurabh Kumar, CEO, GMR Air Cargo, Hyderabad delivered a special address. FTCCI has many commits and it is the most vibrant regional chamber in India.

Expectations of Web3 sector from Budget 2023 Inputs by: Vikram R Singh, Founder and CEO, Antier

By Mr. Vikram R Singh, Founder, and  CEO, of Antier Solutions 

The Union Budget should take decisive steps to drive India into the next phase of the Web3 economy by promoting Internet-enabled disruptive technologies like blockchain, metaverse, NFTs, and Defi. The answer lies in encouraging the mass adoption of new-age digital technologies and attracting investments for startups in these domains by incentivising innovation through tax concessions.

The government should promote the growth of a digital ecosystem in India by launching more accelerator programs in partnership with leading companies, introducing web3 technologies as mainstream subjects in academic institutions, and setting aside ample funds to enhance technological capabilities to support, for instance, creator-led campaigns within the metaverse. We expect the Budget to make the most of the decentralisation of technology by creating a regulatory framework that supports tech startups and extending grants for cross-disciplinary research so as to commercialise disruptive technologies, minus the associated risks.

The Indian blockchain industry is also expecting the government to drive the growth of this niche sector by setting up incubation centers for blockchain startups and allocating funds to boost R&D in blockchain technologies. The government should lay the groundwork for establishing India as the blockchain capital of the world by devising a legal and regulatory mechanism for the utilization of blockchain technologies across various industries to enhance the efficiencies of businesses and spur the growth of Indian blockchain companies in the long term. Going a step ahead, it should also adopt blockchain in the policymaking process.

Last but not the least, the government should ensure fast-track implementation of the regulatory framework for crypto exchanges, raise the TDS exemption limit on virtual digital assets and offer relief on crypto taxation. Currently, cryptocurrencies and the recently launched CBDC by the Reserve Bank of India appear to be on opposite sides of the blockchain spectrum. However, there is massive scope for coexistence and interdependence. CBDC can be a great way to bridge the gap between multiple cryptocurrencies, and both can coexist. Being the central bank, the RBI has every reason to play safe and do its due diligence before adopting technologies like Defi lending, but we look forward to positive announcements in this regard.

All these measures will create a plethora of opportunities for Indian tech companies in global services and new product development cutting across diverse sectors, besides attracting FDI and generating more jobs in the tech domain. On their part, tech companies should focus on solving real-world problems using blockchain and produce actionable proofs of concept, to help the Web3 ecosystem flourish.

JUSTDOGS focuses on community building initiatives to connect with pet parents across India

India, January 23: JUSTDOGS, India’s leading omni-channel pet care retailer and service provider, is based on a vision of a community where pet parents can come to get expert advice, discuss pet behaviour and seek guidance. The brand is firm in its vision to make a healthier and happier world of furry companions. As a part of this, one of the major focus areas for the brand has been to create opportunities for pets and pet parents to socialise and connect. JUSTDOGS strongly believes that stronger ties within the community is beneficial for both pets and pet parents.

As part of their social initiatives, JUSTDOGS has participated in and organised various events to involve the pet community. Their participation in Pet Fed India has been a major success with ardent love and support from pet parents. JUSTDOGS is also the title sponsor for Pet Fed, one of the largest pet carnivals in the world. The 2022 Pet Fed began in Bangalore where the brand launched their new app, the next leg was in Delhi and ended the season in Mumbai over the weekend. The Mumbai Pet Fed saw various events to engage both fur babies and their families. Some of the most popular ones were the ‘wall of unconditional love’ and the 360 degree photo booth. There was also a caricature artist drawing memories to last a lifetime. The event was also attended by Dino Morea who is a pet parent and an ardent supporter of Pet Fed.

Speaking about their social connect, Poorvi Anthony, Founder, JUSTDOGS said, ”Having spent 12 years building JUSTDOGS and many more years being a pet parent, we understand how important it is to take the time and spend it with our fur babies. We continuously strive to create enriching experiences for the pet community through our in-store and on-ground events. These events are a great opportunity for pet parents to understand their pets better and for us to build a strong connection with them both. We wish to continue building our initiative ‘Pet Social’ with more events and activities to serve and strengthen the community of pet parents”

In addition to this, JUSTDOGS regularly organises in-store activities where fur babies and their parents can enjoy spending quality time with each other and socialise with other members of the community. One of the most notable in store events has been the Peanut Butter Painting activity that was organised in 3 stores in Ahmedabad where they welcomed 100+ pets and their families to participate in a fun painting activity. A simple activity made possible with just a canvas, few paint splashes, a zip lock bag and smeared peanut butter was enough to channelise the artistic side of all participating pets and encourage pet parents to explore more of their pet’s fun side. Additionally, JUSTDOGS hosted a photoshoot at their Vadodara store, a behavioural workshop at Gurugram store and treasure hunt at their Kankariya store. For Christmas, JUSTDOGS planned activities across their stores in India to get the pets and pet parents in the festive mood. The brand also has various events lined up for the 2023 calendar.

JUSTDOGS offers a wide catalogue of pet care products ranging from food, toys, accessories, training and grooming. The brand aims to bring pet families together and create a one stop solution for all their pet care needs.

Express Avenue celebrates Christmas, New Year and Pongal festive seasons the grand way

Chennai,: Express Avenue- “The Destination Mall of India”, one of the leading malls in Chennai announced that their 2022 Christmas and 2023 New Year and Pongal festive seasonsbusiness saw a strong performance and record sales. The announcement also marks the entertainment avenue’s step into the 13th year of successful operation.

The mall housing close to 80 apparel retail outlets and the largest gaming arcade in South India and successful business season surrounding the Christmas, New Year, and Pongal celebrations.

Speaking on the announcement, Mr.Suraj Das, Sr Vice President Finance of Express Infrastructure Pvt Ltd said, “The recovery is rebooted back in EA Mall and the performance remains strong. This is evident from EA mall rental revenue which has gone up by 13% compared to the Pre-Covid level. The pace of recovery is laggard categories, such as food and beverage, cinema, grocery, apparel, footwear, cosmetics, electronics, luxury, and family entertainment centers have picked up as well. Retail space in EA mall is running at 97% occupancy of which 45% is occupied by anchor retailers. On commercial space, it is occupied at 86%. Our E Residence – Luxury home segment has picked up the sales velocity and our E Hotel, the hospitality sector is showing consistent growth at 85% occupancy with good ADR and banquet revenue. Under the leadership of MD Ms. Kavita Singhania, the company is in expansion mode and foraying into buying the land for the solar project & exploring various other projects in other cities/States.”

The mall apart from the largest gaming arcade in South India also accommodates The Escape Cinemas, the branch of PVR Cinemas, the city’s largest Cineplex, stand-alone stores like Bath & Body Works, Montblanc, Armani Exchange, Pantaloon, Smart Bazaar, H&M and Forever 21 and a food court that includes food chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut.

Ministry of Defence sets splendid example for strengthening Telecom Infrastructure in the Nation

23rd January 2023, New Delhi: COAI, the apex industry body for the Digital Communications ecosystem in the country, warmly compliments the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for coming out with the new progressive Right of Way (RoW) rules for rolling out mobile towers, optical fiber and other telecom infrastructure i.e., ‘Policy on Shared Communication Tower and Other Telecom Infrastructure to Extend Communication Network in Military Stations/Cantonments’, which has been long awaited. COAI also thanks the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for playing an instrumental role in helping bring about this forward-looking measure through close inter-ministerial and inter-departmental coordination with the Ministry of Defence.

The Department of Telecommunications, along with COAI, have worked cohesively with the Ministry of Defence towards the introduction of these enabling rules. The Ministry of Defence constituted a committee in 2021 at the request of COAI, to examine the issues impacting the deployment of telecom infrastructure in defense lands/cantonment areas and suggest suitable modifications in the existing RoW Policy of the MoD to address the same. The Committee was constituted under the Chairmanship of DG (DGDE), with participation from officers of DGDE, DoT, and COAI as part of the same. The committee underwent extensive deliberations wherein the industry, represented by COAI, had requested that the MoD policy/rules be aligned in letter and spirit to the DoT RoW Rules of 2016, and any amendment made to the same thereafter, besides recommending simplification of processes through the web-based single-window application system, deemed approval mechanism for the application, permission for laying OFC, among others.

Based on the recommendations of the Committee, MoD has, most commendably, revised its policy to align it with the Central RoW guidelines of the DoT of 2016 and its amendments, thereby creating the path for faster and efficient deployment of telecom infrastructure in defense-owned land and establishments across the country, including the newly arrived 5G.

Some of the favorable amendments made in the policy basis alignment with the DoT’s RoW Rules are briefly as follows:

a) Online portal for electronic application processing, which will be integrated with the national portal of DoT, having a deemed approval mechanism of 60 days.

b) Process for OFC laying in Military Stations/Cantonments.

c) Deemed sanction will be provided only if the application is also on the ‘Gati Shakti Sanchar’ portal and an alert will be sounded to the DGDE/Army Headquarter if there is no response from the cantonment board or station headquarter to an application after 45 days have passed.

d) Now that the MoD policy is aligned with the RoW Rules 2016 and its amendment dated Oct 2021, it is understood that the provisions w.r.t. use of street furniture for the deployment of small cells and aerial fiber will be accordingly applicable.

The new framework has simplified the existing regime, making it less tedious and time-consuming. With these facilitative steps and enabling rules, the proliferation of telecom infrastructure in areas inside cantonments and the other areas under the defense will have far-reaching benefits for the residents and users who have been facing challenges in getting basic telecom connectivity. Besides access to telecom connectivity and data services, the advent of the much-anticipated 5G technology will also additionally bring about improved quality of experience and faster data speeds for the users. Given that defense-owned land and establishments comprise a considerable and important part of the country’s citizenry, the expansive rollout of telecom infrastructure will bring about betterment and gains for the people.

This collaborative work between MoD, DoT, and industry (COAI) is a splendid example of overcoming hurdles with the joint involvement and efforts of vital stakeholders. This sets a brilliant precedent for more such productive collaborations to come in the future. Given that 5G will transcend beyond traditional telecom and be an enabler for various other verticals in terms of enhancing efficiencies and outputs for the industries, this also sets an excellent example that can be enumerated by other central ministries/agencies like Road Transport and Highways, Power, Civil Aviation, Housing and Urban Development, Metros, etc. to work towards enhancing the digital prowess of their respective sectors through greater proliferation and penetration of telecom, and towards overall progress to achieve the collective “Digital India” vision of the nation.

Research should benefit the society: Prof. P.J. Narayanan, Director, IIIT-H

January 2023, Hyderabad: IIIT Hyderabad’s Silver Jubilee annual R&D Showcase this year on campus was a big draw. As this year coincides with the institute’s silver jubilee, the Showcase was themed Tech Alchemy, from Ag > Au representing completion of 25 years of the institute, now moving forward to its next milestone.

The inaugural session of the Showcase marked with keynote talks by Mr Pramod Varma, Chief Architect Aadhaar & India Stack, CTO EkStep Foundation, Architect sunbird.org and becknprotocol.io and Prof Guy Brown, Head of Department of Computer Science, University of Sheffield.

Dr. Pramod Varma is a Chief Architect of Aadhaar, India’s digital identity program, that has successfully covered more than 1.3 billion people. He is also the chief architect for various India Stack layers such as eSign, Digital Locker, and Unified Payment Interface (UPI), and Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA), and all of which are now working at population scale in India. He also played an integral role in architecting India’s digital health infrastructure (ABDM), vaccination & immunization infrastructure (Co-WIN and DIVOC), and Unified Health Interface (UHI). Speaking on the occasion , the industry keynote speaker said

No matter how small you are, but you must make a large impact. We commenced work on vaccination & immunization infrastructure (Co-WIN and DIVOC) two months before the Prime Minister launched the Vaccination program. We were a small people, just four, but we made sure we impacted a billion people. We knew a systematic approach to the vaccination was important. Vaccinating myself was very important to open up the economy. It was very important to get people back to work.

He gave a broad umbrella view of India’s Digital transformation. There are more students studying India’s work and writing papers at Harvard, New York University than Indian students doing. That is not acceptable. We need more Indian students studying Architectural Patterns Digital platforms, how the program is rolled out, because we are one billion people. How did we achieve that? Write papers on these things. We can’t do, we are not good at writing papers, he told students.

Speaking on the occasion Prof P J Narayanan, Director IIITH said, It’s always a pleasure to share our research with the public. As a research-focussed institution, the enthusiasm of the students and the results of their research are what we cherish most and present to the world. The Showcase celebrates the spirit of Research & Development where faculty and students share their work with the public in keeping with our endeavour to promote applied research that benefits society”.

The Showcase also included 300+ research posters, demos and models from IIITH’s 28 research centres, confluences, research reflections and a research startup showcase by Centre for Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). There was also a showcase of seminal research works from 1998 – 2023.

It provided a unique opportunity for viewers to interact with faculty and students to understand their work in more tangible forms through demos, prototypes and presentations in keeping with the institute’s endeavour to promote applied research that benefits society.

Budget Expectation Quote from Mr. Rajiv Bansal, Director-Operations, GIIS India

“Budget 2023 should focus on digitization and internationalization of education. Concepts like smart classrooms, modern teaching techniques, and online education should be at the forefront. The government should allocate more funds and greater support to building public libraries, world-class research facilities, and vocational training institutions. In schools and colleges, the curriculum should be made skill based leading to employment and innovative concepts of learning should be incorporated into the syllabus for better learning outcomes. The government should also allocate a special budget for improving internet connectivity infrastructure and access to affordable 5G devices.

Lastly, educational loans and scholarships should become more accessible so that education becomes more inclusive and can be accessed by deserving candidates irrespective of economic or social barriers”.-Rajiv Bansal, Director-Operations, GIIS India