Category: Business World

COAI Position on 5G Private Networks

1. Presently, the resources for operating such private network are made available from the resources of licensed service providers which include spectrum acquired through a transparent auction process.
2. We are of the firm opinion that notwithstanding any advancement of technologies, there is no justification whatsoever for allocating spectrum to industry verticals for operating private captive networks. The licensed Access Service Providers are fully capable of providing all customised solutions including M2M / Industrial 4.0 services in the most competitive and economic manner and are in fact providing such network configurations to private and public sector entities. Hence, there is no need to alienate spectrum directly to companies for captive private networks.
3. When a private network is part of a commercial network, it addresses the following issues for orderly growth of the sector:
   • Neither the legitimate revenue of licensed service provider is truncated nor there is any revenue loss to the Government exchequer in terms of payment for acquiring spectrum through auctions and payment of license fee and Spectrum Usage Charge (SUC). Thus, it is respectfully submitted that the requirement of industry verticals can be best met through operator-led private networks.
   • This approach also adheres to the principle of “Same Service Same Rules”. Any move such as setting aside/ allocation of 5G spectrum (via delicensed/ administrative basis) for catering to the connectivity needs of Industry 4.0 / M2M communication services by way of industry-led private captive networks, will not only truncate the revenues of the licensed service providers but also affect the revenues of the government. this will also create a non-level playing field, leading to arbitrariness in basic policies discouraging investment in the networks and leading to disorderly growth of the sector by back door entry with undue advantage to private commercial entities at the cost of the government exchequer.
   • A private network operated within the commercial network also fulfils the requirement of “law enforcement agencies” as necessary lawful interception and monitoring is provided by the service provider while no such facility is available to leas in private captive networks. the anti-social elements may exploit this facility to bypass interception and monitoring of messages which would be detrimental to national security.
   • It is pertinent to note that spectrum is a key finite resource with high economic value. The spectrum allocation in any spectrum band that can be used to deploy and provide communication services, irrespective of the entity desiring to use the spectrum or the technology deployed or the type of services offered, should be allocated only through a transparent and open auction process. Therefore, we do not support delicensing/ reserving any Spectrum bands for Private Captive Networks or any other services like M2M services in the guise of Industry 4.0.
4. We would also like to bring to your notice the GSMA Report on ‘Mobile Networks for Industry Verticals: Spectrum Best Practice’ vide which they have stated that great care needs to be taken to ensure verticals are fully supported without harming other wireless users – especially consumers and businesses who rely on 4G and 5G. Verticals can benefit from telco’s more extensive networks, more substantial spectrum assets, expertise and, typically, operators’ lower cost base. Use of dedicated set-asides for verticals poses significant risks to wider mobile services, most notably slower 5G networks and reduced coverage. The main highlights of the report are given below:
   • Commercial mobile operators support the needs of a wide variety of vertical sectors and will have added capabilities with 5G
   •  Spectrum leasing or, when carefully planned, other types of spectrum sharing can be viable options for supporting verticals who want to build private networks
   •  Spectrum that is set aside exclusively for verticals in core mobile bands risks being underused and can undermine fair spectrum awards
   • Spectrum set-aside in core mobile bands can also threaten the wider success of 5G – including slower rollouts, worse performance and reduced coverage
   • Policymakers should consider coexistence challenges when different use cases need to be supported in the same mobile band
   • Unlicensed spectrum is likely to play an important role for numerous verticals
   • Policymakers should carefully consider their options and consult stakeholders to ensure they most efficiently support the needs of verticals without undermining other spectrum user
5. With the digital transformation of industry and increased automation, telecom players are both able and willing to offer connectivity in terms of private networks or any other services like m2m services. such networks are part of their commercial operations and therefore, all resources should be procured in transparent commercial manner only. In a competitive market, the true value of resources can only be realized through a commercial process which ensures efficient allocation and best use of the resources.
6. We urge the Government not to reserve or de-license any spectrum which has been identified or likely to be identified for use of IMT/ commercial services for Private Captive Networks. Any de-licensing/reservation of IMT/commercial spectrum for captive industrial use/establishment of private networks, as demanded by few companies, would not only cause huge loss to the exchequer but will also lead to sub-optimal utilization of this scarce resource. Hence, such a move is also technically uncalled for. Sufficient unlicensed spectrum bands are available to cater these private network requirements for captive networks.
7. It is not out of context that in our country, Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has pronounced a judgment in CWP 423 of 2010 mandating the Government for the alienation of resources like spectrum through a transparent auction process only. Therefore, in our humble submission delicensing/ administrative allocation of spectrum for Captive Networks/ M2M services/ Industry 4.0 is legally untenable in our country.
8. Keeping in view the above, we submit that: 

• • In today’s scenario there is no need for separate private captive networks and same should be dispensed with given the availability of state-of-art telecommunication network.
  • Private Captive Networks can be detrimental to national security.
  • The licensed Access Service Providers are fully capable of providing these services in most competitive and economic manner compared to private companies looking for such solutions.
  • Request the Government not to reserve or de-license any spectrum which has been identified or likely to be identified for use of IMT/ commercial services for Private Captive Networks. It amounts to undue advantage to private commercial entities at the cost of government exchequer.
  • Any de-licensing/reservation of spectrum for Industrial use/establishment of private Captive networks, as demanded by few companies, would not only cause huge loss to the exchequer but will also lead to sub-optimal utilization of this scarce resource. Hence, such move is not only technically uncalled for but also legally untenable.

E42 Launches AI Co-workers Developed by Finance Tech Unlimited and MonAmI

India, 07 June 2022: E42, the world’s leading Natural Language Processing-based AI platform, in collaboration with Finance Tech Unlimited and MonAmI, launched AI workers developed by the two partners on the no-code AI platform.

Plutus, Moneta, and Jodi increase efficiency by up to 60% and reduce the processing time by up to 7.9 days. These AI co-workers can achieve up to 99% accuracy and ensure 100% business continuity by offering real-time accounting reports and dashboards that are key to making critical business decisions. Accounting AI co-workers are meant for enterprises that aim at transforming their accounting functions via automation.

Plutus scans invoices, reads and extracts the relevant data, and does a two, three, or n-way match with the PO and other documents before inputting the required data into a predefined file, folder, or accounting software. Purpose-built AI checks workflows and assigns GL codes based on the logic. The entire process happens in real-time and takes no more than a few microseconds. Plutus can be integrated with any accounting system via APIs. The invoice along with extracted data is then sent to the user(s) for further action and processing.

Plutus is trained to read and extract data from all types of invoices and can read structured, unstructured, and logical data. In case of exceptions, Plutus flags it for human intervention, allowing for the AP team to work on more value-added tasks. If the vendor is new, Plutus has the capability to create and set up a new account for the vendor, after verifying vendor credentials with a two-step process. Plutus can also be trained to follow up with users for approvals, send payment advice to vendors and also process payment if authorized.

Moneta’s expertise is in Accounts Receivable (AR) as it automates tasks such as setting up customer accounts, following up on payments, sending reminders, posting payments, etc. Jodi is developed as a combo AI worker for both AP and AR.

Built on E42, MonAmI is a conversational AI buddy that talks to every employee in an organization, understand issues, concerns and help CHROs and leadership to find cultural gaps, understand the pulse of employees, identify improvement areas, help in reducing attrition and disengagement, and analyze each factor that drives employee engagement. Besides, it automates Employee Engagement Activities, saving 50% of the time and reducing HR workload so they can focus more on strategic work. The various functionalities of this platform include employee engagement automation, milestone surveys and feedback (pre-onboarding to post off-boarding), employee wellbeing (mental, physical, and financial), and many more use cases.

Monami helps organizations to build a healthy work culture and make their employees aware of the need for total well-being in their personal and professional life and then work together with the organizations to help the employees get that complete wellness.

E42 being a no-code platform powers all members of our partner network to build and deploy AI workers in their area of expertise through basic API integrations and a simple drag and drop interface. The AI co-workers are designed to assist humans by simplifying and easing their respective job functions, thereby focusing on strategic and pressing issues.

“These AI co-workers developed by our partners MonAmI and Finance Tech Private Limited are helping enterprises to identify gaps in processes and automate the repetitive and mundane tasks that allow for the human workforce to invest their efforts in more strategic tasks, which in turn results in an enhanced productivity and output”, said Animesh Samuel, Co-Founder & CEO, E42.

“Our AI co-workers fuel digital transformation in accounting and cause a measurable increase in productivity. Up to 80% of rote and voluminous tasks within an accounting process can be automated thus saving up to 30.27 hours per week approximately”, said Aloysius Deepak, Chief Revenue Officer, Finance Tech Unlimited.

“In today’s disconnected and hybrid world, connecting every employee and retaining top talent, has proven to be a difficult task. According to a Gallup study, attrition and disengagement can cause business loss of up to 80M for an organization with 15K employees. In such cases, MonAmI assists HR leaders by measuring employee experience with the critical analytics that they need to identify culture gaps, disengagement, employee problems, and attrition. MonAmI also empowers people to attain their full emotional, professional, and financial potential. MonAmI-AI buddy is here to assist leaders in thinking ‘beyond work’ and creating a positive working environment for their employees”, said Priyanka Goswami, Co-Founder, MonAmI.

AVEVA’s Enterprise Visualization Drives Sustainability Initiatives For Water And Renewable Power Customers

Mumbai, India, June 2022: AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software driving digital transformation and sustainability, has announced two new industry templates for customers to accelerate the deployment of enterprise visualization. The AVEVA™ Unified Operations Center for Water and AVEVA™ Unified Operations Center for Renewables solutions underline the company’s continuous efforts in supporting global customers’ sustainability initiatives and objectives.

The adverse effects of climate change are demanding greater industrial sustainability and compelling organizations to reimagine and align operations towards environmental, social and governance (ESG) frameworks. Recent AVEVA research reveals that 89% of industrial companies are investing in digital solutions to achieve their sustainability goals, with a focus on collaboration tools, real-time data, and predictive analytics.

Digital tools have a significant role to play in today’s dynamic business environment. They offer the potential to drive 20-30% productivity gains and can unlock more than $100 billion in value, according to McKinsey estimates. In addition, digital tools support customers in making the complex decisions required in today’s business environment. Gartner data shows that 65% of decisions are more complex today than just two years ago. AVEVA’s software for enterprise visualization responds to this growing need.

Contextual information for informed decision-making support 

AVEVA™ Unified Operations Center solutions for water and renewable power enable customers to leverage deep insight and operational guidance from many geographically dispersed assets, delivering enterprise visualization that accelerates their business goals and contributes to their net-zero targets.

Rashesh Mody, Senior Vice President, Monitoring and Control Business Unit, AVEVA, said, “Our enterprise visualization category offerings will enable ESG strategies for industrial companies and empower them to reduce their carbon footprint through real-time insights. AVEVA Unified.

Operations Center provides enhanced awareness and guides enterprise users in better understanding their global operations and responding to internal and external events that can promote sustainable outcomes. Depending on the industry, customers can unearth value from their data that was previously inaccessible, by improving visibility at higher decision-making levels, while providing organization-wide context alongside other types of information within a single application.”

Enterprise visualization solutions such as AVEVA Unified Operations Center help teams and users tasked with organization-wide responsibilities. They make content available through a single pane-of-glass environment, where data from Operations Technology (OT), Information Technology (IT), and Engineering Technology (ET) converge to provide actionable information in context for industrial operations.

Frequently deployed as intelligent operations centers, these systems promote greater operational awareness and improved crisis response, integration, and collaboration across functional departments, and enable the sharing of information and coordination of daily activities and processes.

AVEVA Unified Operations Center is unique in offering a centralized view to improve decision making, thanks to established capabilities in collecting, visualizing and analyzing data, and providing action-centric information within a system-of-systems approach. The solution connects people, assets, systems and sites, empowering customers with contextual data to make key decisions.

With the new integrations, companies in the water and renewable power sectors can now enjoy the benefits of integrated and enhanced visibility, enabling deeper insights for quick and accurate decision-making to drive sustainability. The solutions enable increased agility allowing teams to make decisions in parallel to each other, expediting responses to performance events and drive reductions in energy consumption and production through optimization opportunities.

FLO’s National Initiative for Financial Literacy for Women launched at Hyderabad

Hyderabad…  June 2022: Financial literacy is the need of the hour for women. Money management is a life skill. Financial well-being is the right of every individual said Ms. Palki Sharma Upadhyay, Managing Editor, WION channel at a talk on Financial Literacy addressing members of FICCI Ladies Organisation – Hyderabad Chapter. Speaking on the occasion of the national launch of Financial Literacy initiative of FICCI Ladies Organisation here at Hyderabad today, Ms. Palki Sharma said that we educate our kids, we teach them how to make money but we forget to teach money management, she opined. In a tete-e-tete with Ms. Shubhraa Maheshwari, Chairperson, FICCI Ladies Organisation, Hyderabad Chapter and Head of the National Initiative for Financial Literacy for Women, Ms. Palki spoke on a women, money management and financial empowerment. The Financial Literacy for Women initiative will have a series of learning sessions and workshops across India, informed Ms. Shubhraa Maheshwari. Mr. Subodh Kaistha, National Head – HNI Acquisitions, ICICI Securities was also present on the occasion and briefed the gathering of women industrialists and professionals on their i-Mentorship program, a tailor made mentorship program to help in investment journey.

Speaking further, Ms. Palki said reminisced how mothers and grandmothers secretly save money. During demonetization stashes came out of money that womenfolk saved for a rainy day. Budgeting and saving come naturally to women. They don’t have excel sheets, they are naturally good at it. Imaging what will happen when we teach them investment and their money will grow. It will be a game-changer, Palki declared.

Palki said that in Jan Dhan accounts it is seen that the average balance maintained by women 30% more compared to accounts owned by men. Women need to know her financial rights. She must save, invest and roll her money, Palki said. Only 33 per cent of Indian women take independent financial decisions compared to 64 percent of men, she said. This 33 percent must be doubled, she said. Digitization has made the process easier, she opined. Women must learn what to do and how to do it, financial independence is empowerment, Palki declared. Studies show that women who are financial independent are ready to face challenges, she said.

62 percent of Indian women don’t have a bank account. If women have a bank account it is often controlled by men. Financial literacy needs to be taught especially to rural women in India. Financial literacy is a national asset and we have the potential to double it. We need to make women financially literate, financially skilled and financially wise, she added.

Answering a question on gender-neutral laws, Palki said that gender-neutral laws are needed, we need parity at every level and we must accept it. Replying to a query on financial education in schools, Palki said that we are seeing changes, but we have a long way to go. We in India have a conflicting relationship with money. Money is seen as bad or taboo. It should change, money is a tool, she said. Schools should teach money management to kids. They need to change their approach. Things even need to change at home, Palki said. Education has to evolve and it is evolving, there is a scope for immense change, she said.

Women need to stand up for themselves. Education just give you financial tool and social standing. Change is needed in society not only in men but women too, Palki said replying to a question on women empowerment. Women professionals are seen as women first then only as professionals, but things are changing now, she said. It is a welcome change, she opined.

Earlier, Madhulika Chaudhury, Chief Manager – ICICI Bank gave a presentation of their banks offerings especially for women. Speaking in her welcome address FLO Hyderabad Chairperson Shubhraa Maheshwari said that the single biggest difference between financial success and financial failure is how well you manage your money. It’s simple: to master money, you must manage money. Money earned should earn further for you. She called on women to take their finances in their own hands and learn to deal with them rather than being the victim of ignorance. Be the heroine of your own life. Look for help, learn….only an empowered woman can empower her children. Learn how to save, learn how to make your savings earn for you, learn internet banking, learn investment opportunities, Shubhraa urged women.

The Financial Literacy Team has curated meaningful programs throughout the year with the aim of empowering women from all walks of life to become more financially independent and secure. For FLO members we are organizing workshops, speaker series and opportunities to collaborate with Knowledge partners. At the grassroots level we will be facilitating courses to start early financial education, decision making, resource planning and management etc. This year at FLO our aim is to reach as many women as possible, through policy intervention as well, so that every woman right from young age starts to develop financial, Shubhraa informed.

Navajanãrdhana Pãrijãtham, A novel interpretation by Sunila Gollapudi

Hyderabad, June 2022: Nartanasala – an abode of ancient dance traditions of Andhra Natyam & Perini Sivatandavam founded by Ms Sunila Gollapudi to revive the rich art forms, is celebrating the centenary of the legendary Guru Bharata Kalaprapoorna Padmasri Late Dr Nataraja Ramakrishna, the doyen of Andhranatyam and recreator Perini Sivatandavam, by hosting a novel interpretation of Andhranãtyam’s traditional Navajanãrdhana Pãrijãtham, at Prasad Labs, today. Sunila Gollapudi, the Founder of Nartanasala and Managing Director, Accenture (India); presented the performance under the able guidance and choreography of her Guru, Abhinava Satyabhama ShriKala Krishna. The dance performance was followed by felicitation of ShriKala Krishna ceremony.

Dr Nataraja Ramakrishnagaru, with his diligent scholarly efforts revived Andhranatyam. Andhranatyam belongs to the Nattuva Mela tradition and is the ancient classical dance form of the Telugu regions (Telangana, Rayalaseema, and Andhra) that has been in vogue for the past 2000 years. Andhranatyam is a combination of Agama, Asthana, and Prabandha traditions, which a female artiste can showcase on the same stage and in the same performance. It is an Eka Patra Kelika, i.e., a solo performance.

Guru Shri Kala Krishna garu was the sole and the foremost disciple of Dr. Nataraja Ramakrishna who went through explicit training on the nuances of Navajanãrdhana Pãrijãtham from great dancers likeAnnabathula Satyabhama and others. Since then, he not only has done complete justice to playing the “Satyabhama”, being titled “Abhinava Satyabhama” himself but also further researched on the multiple interpretations documented his Guru and trained thousands of students.

Navajanãrdhana Pãrijãtham (Shringara Drishya Divya Prabandham) a shringara rasa predominant solo dance ballet depicting an episode of love story between Lord Shri Krishna and his beautiful 8th wife Satyabhama which is as ancient as Gita Govindam. It belongs to the Prabhanda tradition of Andhranatyam which used to be performed in the nine Janardana temples of East Godavari Dt of Andhra Pradesh. It used to be performed for nine continuous nights either at various places or at a place itself either by one dancer or nine different dancers and was patronized by Pithapuram Rajas. It is as Ancient as Gita Govindam and is believed that one need not explicitly study the Bharata’s Natya Sastra if trained in Navajanãrdhana Pãrijãtham. While there are many versions depicted by Kuchipudi and others, this particular version is in Daasi Bhagavatham style where one dancer narrates the story and plays all the characters (eka patra Kelika).

Sunila Gollapudi, IT leader, author, trained classical vocalist, a painting artist and Managing Director at Accenture, spent over three decades learning the nuances, building expertise, performing and teaching Andhranatyam under the able guidance of her Guru Shri Kala Krishna. She founded her nonprofit banner Nartanasala in 2012 and has been involved in spreading the dance form along with her guru and fellow Andhranatyam and Perini dancers. She is performed over 400 shows nationally and internationally and has been involved with several philanthropic activities in the field of dance.

On the 4th of June, Sunila Gollapudi will perform a newer compilation of Navajanãrdhana Pãrijãtham. It starts with the dancer explaining what she would be performing (the story line) followed by the actual performance. Guru Dr Nataraja Ramakrishna garu compiled a version of the pranaya kalaham that includes daruvus written by various poets and Andhranatyam dancers have traditionally been performing for years. Guru Shri Kala Krishna worked on alternative contexts mentioned by his Guru and recompiled a new version through his research and trained Sunila. The performance will be blessed and witnessed by prominent personalities in the field of art and dance as all come together to felicitate Guru Shri Kala Krishna garu.

Abhinava Satyabhama ShriKala Krishna speaking on the occasion said, when Sunila came to me to perform this Navajanãrdhana Pãrijãtham, though I had apprehensions of she finding time to practice due to her tight schedule because of her professional challenges. She was keen and determined to perform today, though she was busy till early morning today. She wanted to pay her tribute to Dr Nataraja Ramakrishna, by performing this.

Present at the event were Smt. Vijaya Ramam, Visual & Performing Art Connoisseur, Mgmt Consultant, LV Prasad Institute; Smt. Mahe Jabeen, Feminist Poet, Human Rights Advocacy Lawyer; Shri. Gandham Shankara Rao, Researcher, Annamayya Literature; Shri “Kuchi” Saisankar, SVBC Chithragaanam Artist & Nandi Award Winner and Dr. Anupama Kylash, Kuchipudi & Vilasini Natyam Artiste & Scholar.

Her Circle Paves the Way for Sustainability, With India’s First Carbon-Neutral Photoshoot

Features Sustainability Torchbearers Kirti Poonia, Rameshwari Seth and Elsie Gabriel Perfectly Timed to World Environment Day

India, June 5, 2022: Her Circle, a platform devoted wholly towards women, through engaging content in the digital world, hosts India’s First Carbon-Neutral Cover Photoshoot. With a larger goal to uplift, empower and provide a safe space for women, the team stands committed to building awareness for the cause of sustainability. Backed with the mantra ‘go minimal for maximum impact’, the team curated a sustainability-themed photoshoot, perfectly timed to World Environment Day.

The outcome of the shoot shines a light on sustainability solutions. From featuring sustainability trailblazers to the choice of location; and from styling–makeup-catering; to the mode of travel, each element was passed through the filters of sustainability.

The endeavour of the shoot was clear – make fashion a sustainability cause. In a world crippled by global warming and where fashion and lifestyle choices directly impact the environment, sustainability is not just a trend to join, but rather a personal responsibility through unconventional creative imaginations and executions.

Featuring in the very special edition are three trailblazing women on the digital cover, who walk the talk and lead by example. Kirti Poonia, the champion of circularity fashion; Rameshwari Seth, Vegan, a clean beauty entrepreneur, and Elsie Gabriel an award-winning environmentalist. Each of these ladies follows the three R’s – reduce, reuse, and recycle. Each, conscious to consume less than the planet can replenish.

Facts of the uniquely curated shoot:

• Keeping travel time minimal, the shoot was held in Mumbai at a beautiful eco-friendly home, made of brick and stone walls and energy-efficient design. From eco-friendly and biodegradable cutlery to reusable bottles and garbage segregation, responsible choices were made at every step
• Only certified cruelty-free, organic makeup products with no heating tools were used
• All outfits were sourced from sustainable fashion brands like The Right Cut, Okhai, Studio Maikai, Doodlage, The Summer House, Eka, Baka Jewelry, Noupelle, No Nasties, Saphed, and Angana Nanavaty
• Shoots were scheduled early morning ensuring optimal utilization of natural lights. No artificial lights are used by the photographer, Anai Bharucha who is an expert in natural and organic photography
• The catering was done by a home chef Mathilda Fernandes living within a kilometer’s radius, the menu was vegetarian, nutritious, and light
• The cover images have been kept raw and organic, without resorting to image-enhancing software and filters
• To ensure net-zero impact and balance out even the most minimal carbon footprint that the team may have generated during the process of this cover shoot, Her Circle has planted 100 trees through a tree plantation initiative via Sankalptaru

In the words of the feisty ladies:

Kirti Poonia, Co-Founder, Relove; Founder & Ex-CEO, Okhai said, “It is important to acknowledge circularity in fashion, the environmental impact of fast fashion, and how brands can opt for sustainability by repurposing and reusing fashion. In a very holistic manner, sustainability means we have to do something for the planet before it’s too late, and we must do every little thing we can do on a daily basis. The shoot was a unique opportunity to get up close to this beautiful ecosystem, without interfering with it.”

Rameshwari Seth, Co-Founder, Neemli Naturals said, “Sustainability is a priority, not an option. I’ve had a rewarding journey of building a sustainable business, transitioning from cinema to the sustainable skincare space. Taking care of our surroundings and flora and fauna is as important as taking care of our own home, and a responsibility each of us must take seriously. The shoot was a true reflection of what sustainability really is.” 

Elsie Gabriel, Environmental Activist; Founder, Young Environmentalists Programme Trust, says, “There is a need and urgency to build the next generation of planet saviours, while also focusing on the oceans and oceanic biodiversity.  I believe educating the next generation is the key to saving our planet for the future. Unless you know the value of the corals, the rainforests of the ocean, you will not know how important it is to conserve our oceans. The shoot wove in some beautiful elements which I am confident will leave a message for audiences.” 

Tanya Chaitanya, Chief Content Officer, Digital & Diversity Initiatives, Reliance said, “At Her Circle, sustainability and inclusivity sit at the heart of everything we do. We create things that have a purpose, to begin with, and do it as responsibly and consciously as possible.

For World Environment Day, we set out to achieve a sustainable shoot with zero waste, and I’m so proud of the team, to have created a first for India. We intended to tell a meaningful story through naturally-lit photography, featuring three feisty women who are trailblazers for the sustainability cause. The location, built with and filled with exceptional natural resources and locally sourced essentials complemented the purpose of the shoot. Our champions look exceptional in these real surroundings, truly exemplifying our joint commitment to building a sustainable future. And in order to offset any carbon footprint we may have generated even while being conscious, post the shoot we have planted 100 trees via a plantation initiative.”

The shoot was an amazing learning experience for the team, and the entire journey that led to the success of India’s first carbon-neutral cover shoot has been captured in a special video which can be viewed here: https://hercircle.in/exclusive/theme/spotlight/the-making-of-indias-first-carbon-neutral-covershoot-2829.html

40 International Investors, Entrepreneurs, and Innovators participated in India’s First-Ever Global Conference on Startups – ‘India Global Innovation Connect’ at Bengaluru

Bengaluru, June 03, 2022: India’s first ever global conference on Startups – India Global Innovation Connect (IGIC) 2022 organized by Smadja & Smadja, a Switzerland-based strategic advisory firm, in strategic partnership with Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), wrapped up on a high note with a strong commitment to bolster the start-up ecosystem in Karnataka through seamless support on policy, infrastructure and other required considerations.

The event was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri. Basavaraj Bommai on 2nd June 2022 along with Shri B V Naidu, Chairman, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, Claude Smadja, President, Smadja & Smadja, and more such industry stalwarts. The event also witnessed investors, private equity firms, and entrepreneurs from Singapore, Israel, Switzerland, the US, Japan, Korea, and Germany.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri. Basavaraj Bommai highlighted that Karnataka is the State as the leader in action for startups, and Bengaluru is home to 400 of the Fortune-500 companies. He also outlined that the state was the first to introduce a startup policy and the only competition for Karnataka is Silicon Valley in the US.

Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), involved as the strategic partner organization for IGIC, has played an integral role in the program by contributing to heightening the profile of Karnataka as a thriving, dynamic centre for technology innovation and entrepreneurship, both in India and at a global level.

With over 80 speakers from India and other countries the India Global Innovation Connect received more than 350+ participations. Apart from sessions on technological partnerships and ideas on E-mobility, Greentech, discussions on fintech, deep tech, Edtech, and Web 3.0 also drove a great engagement. The event further identified and assessed medium and long-term technology and business trends along with new opportunities for start-ups and corporates while acting as a platform for dialogue between technology innovators and business end-users.

Speaking on the association, Shri B V Naidu, Chairman, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, said, “Since its inception, KDEM has worked relentlessly to establish Karnataka as a global hub for innovation and technology. We focus to build a bridge between policymakers and the industry to create a robust platform for start-ups that can contribute to the nation’s development and digital economy. The India Global Innovation Connect (IGIC) is the next step in our vision to expand our horizons for a resilient entrepreneurship and innovation movement in Karnataka”.

Some of the key notable attendees and speakers included Dr. E V Ramana Reddy, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT & BT, Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, N.R. Narayana Murthy, Founder Infosys Limited, Founder & Chairman, Catamaran Venture, India; Mr. Ranganath M D, President, Catamaran Ventures, Prashanth Prakash, Accel Partners, India, and Hari Menon, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, Big Basket, India, and Mr. Harshil Mathur, CEO & Co-founder, Razorpay.

During one of the sessions, N.R. Narayana Murthy, Founder Infosys Limited, Founder & Chairman, Catamaran Venture, India appreciated the efforts by Indians from the Silicon Valley in the global scenario for easing the friction to access Indian Ideas. He said – “this is the best time to be an entrepreneur in India”.

The panelists in 22 sessions focused on technological partnerships, ideas on Greentech, Fintech, Deeptech, Edtech, Web 3.0, Super Apps, and Unicorn Growth stories and partnerships. The India Global Innovation Connect has etched its mark on the global map as a successful platform to build a network between the government and industry, thereby strengthening the position of Karnataka in the nation’s welfare and global start-up and innovation ecosystem.

Homegrown Sellers on Etsy to Support this Environment Day

Etsy Shop LabelRaasleela by Sonali Rastogi (New Delhi)

Sonali started out by getting outfits made by her local tailors. The motivation behind doing this was simple – she wanted cotton dresses for herself, with soft, flowy cotton made with soothing hues. Much to her disappointment, there was a dearth of such dresses in the market, as polyester and other synthetic fabrics had taken over the market. She realised that people wanted easy to wear and wash garments that were light on the pocket, and that’s all what the big retailers had to offer.

This led Sonali to design and create clothes for herself. Once she started wearing them, her relatives, friends, and extended social circle wanted the same designs. They couldn’t imagine a dress made of a traditional ikat or block print material, and were pleasantly surprised to see those on someone as young as Sonali, which looked beautiful! This led Sonali to launch LabelRaasleela in 2013, out of her mother’s basement. She slowly started selling to friends and family and, after setting up her shop on Etsy, Label Raasleela started to sell globally as well.

As a brand, LabelRaasleela’s prime focus in every new collection is to use Indian fabrics and crafts in each and every product. Through her Etsy shop, Sonali aims to provide natural handmade clothes, while empowering rural artisans from all over India. Presently she works with hand block printers, hand-dryers from Jaipur and hand-weavers of ikat from Andhra Pradesh. Sonali aims to find a global audience with the same values of slow fashion, and ‘less is more’. Label Raasleela is a team of dog lovers, and 25% of the revenue goes into rescuing, rehabilitating, and feeding dogs.

Etsy Shop NiraaIndia by Jyoti Jain (New Delhi) 

Jyoti is a fashion designer and stylist, as well as the creative head of Niraa. She has always had a keen interest in fashion and styling. During the first three years of college, Jyoti was encouraged to learn about the crafts of India and do projects on them. This is what led her to develop an admiration towards Indian handloom and craftsmanship. It was during her graduation project collection when she realised her love for weaving, after which her passion and desire to work in the Indian handloom, weaving, and craft designing became even more ardent. During her final semester, she presented her project called SOUL which focused on draping and its techniques. The mere admiration towards this project finally branched out in the form of Niraa.

Niraa is a sustainable contemporary-wear label whose garments mirror the (qualities borne by our Mother Earth) luscious pastel tones of blooming flowers and sparkling waters. Handcrafted and hand-woven, Niraa aspires to stay true to its rich Indian heritage along with unveiling its subtly well designed and timeless attire. Jyoti aspires to stay true to the rich heritage of India while unveiling minimal yet timeless designs. Chosen from a variety of ambient hues, these garments are an ultimate personification of relevance and utility, be it in our day dresses, tops, palazzos, jumpsuits or even capes. Not only do these garments radiate exuberance, but have also been crafted in a sustainable environment, ensuring to revive the Indian handloom and various textiles of India.

Etsy Shop LOVExLINENCO by Rupa Amna (Bangalore) 

Etsy seller Rupa Amna quit her 9-to-5 job to focus on her passion of creating garments where purpose & social good are woven into thoughtful design. LOVExLINENCO uses all natural fibres – linen, cottons, and khadi, which are hand woven into unique, expressive fabrics using centuries-old traditional methods of handloom weaving. Rupa’s aim is to create versatile, season-less pieces that serve more than just one function in a conscious closet. All products are designed, cut, and sewn by Rupa at her home studio based in Bengaluru. She realises that weaves, natural fabrics, and classic garments have all been done before, but is ardently motivated by her ability to talk through cloth.

Etsy Shop TheKaithariProject by Rasmi Poduval (Kerala) 

Rasmi Poduval, a graduate of IIM Bangalore, had worked with Coca-Cola and Saregama. However, over the years, observing and assisting her now late mother-in-law, Vimala Viswambharan, weaving and pattern making, she joined the family business full time. Vimala was a seamstress with over 30 years of experience in bespoke tailoring. She started her first unit in the 80’s called Ideal Cholis. Thereafter, she went on to establish units in Udupi, Trivandrum, and in Thrissur. Rasmi now works with weavers and craftsmen from all over the country, reviving ancient weaves and crafts. She is currently working with weavers across Kerala, designing and adapting age old weaving techniques to create new textile forms.

Rasmi describes TheKaithariProject as a richly rewarding experience and journey of discovery and learning, which is an ode to the rich weaving heritage of Kerala. ‘Kaithari’ is a word derived from Malayalam language meaning ‘handwoven’. Through this project, Rasmi has travelled the length of the state visiting weaving cooperatives and distinct weaving techniques of each region, creating textile designs that bring out unique traditions specific to each geographical region. While one is accustomed to associating Kerala handlooms with the kora (white) and gold, TheKaithariProject has attempted to infuse a riot of colours and textures, inspired by the lush vibrance of Kerala.

TheKaithariProject believes in handcrafted products using the finest natural fibres such as handwoven cotton fabric, and hand spun Khadi fabric, which are sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to machine made fabrics. The subtle variations in colour, texture, and finish is the signature of the human hand. The creation of each product is a lengthy process rooted in the craft-based traditions of hand spinning, dying, weaving, and embroidery.

Etsy Shop StudioNaach by Meenal Kaushik (Bangalore) 

It was during her college years, when Meenal Kaushik found herself utterly motivated to start something of her own. Upon observation of the unethical choices being made by fast fashion, she aspired to create something that leads a path towards a sustainable lifestyle. Born out of this notion, StudioNaach, a textile jewellery brand, came into being in 2019, and since has produced unique embroidered jewellery pieces using waste fabric sourced from local boutiques. This small business is on a mission to build a community of people who admire handcrafted products and follow a more sustainable and circular approach when it comes to fashion. StudioNaach celebrates an open world, with love and expression at its core, inspired by the beautiful colours and karigari of the Lambani Community of Karnataka.

Since 2019, StudioNaach has made its place in the community of sustainability. Meenal was featured as a budding entrepreneur in Candy Magazine with the Indian actress, Ridhima Pandit, wearing StudioNaach designs in the cover story. In April 2020, the label was recognized as one of the 20 brands from across the globe, chosen by the talents of Vogue Italy for a portfolio review. StudioNaach also ran a ‘Support Your Artisan’ campaign in the summer of 2020 to help artisans survive the unprecedented times during the pandemic, where it pledged to dedicate 50% of the monthly sales to the label’s own artisans.

ICICI Bank introduces a slew of new digital facilities on its ‘Money2World’ platform

Mumbai: ICICI Bank today announced the launch of an array of new facilities on its online outward remittances platform, ‘Money2World’ (M2W), to provide improved convenience to users including those who do not have accounts with the Bank.

One of the new services empower customers of other banks to complete the KYC (Know Your Customer) process via video conferencing to register themselves on M2W, an industry-first initiative. Another new facility enables customers, having account with any other bank, to remit upto USD 250,000 in a financial year under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), 10 times of their previous limit. Further, ICICI Bank has integrated its mobile banking app ‘iMobile Pay’ with the M2W platform. This integration enables its customers to send money overseas, choose and set their desired exchange rate, and enter a one-time instruction to schedule recurring payments through ‘iMobile Pay’.

Users of ‘Money2World’ can remit funds to 21 currencies for a host of purposes including education, maintenance of close relatives, gift and travel.

Mr. Sriram H. Iyer, Head – International Banking Group, ICICI Bank said, “We, at ICICI Bank, believe in leveraging the latest technology to bring in new and improved digital banking solutions to users of our products and services. As part of this philosophy, we are offering convenient and digital facilities on the ‘Money2World’ platform to our customers as well as customers of other banks. In an industry-first initiative, customers of any other bank in India can register on ‘Money2World’ through a secure, AI driven, video KYC facility and start sending money abroad. They can also remit up to USD 250,000 under LRS in a financial year. Further, the integration of ‘Money2World’ with ‘iMobile Pay’ app offers an enhanced convenience to our customers as it allows them to conduct transactions on the go, from their mobile phone. We believe that all the latest offerings will help customers to remit funds overseas 24×7 with confirmed exchange rates, in a completely contactless, digital and safe manner, even if they do not have an account with ICICI Bank.”

Below are some of the key benefits of ‘Money2World’ platform: 

· Video KYC facility: An official of the Bank helps an individual, who is eager to join the M2W platform but does not hold an account with ICICI Bank, to complete the KYC process through a video call. It brings forth the convenience of significant time-saving as it takes only a few minutes against the paper intensive, physical KYC verification process at a branch.

· Enhanced LRS limit: Customers of any other bank can now remit up to USD 250,000 under LRS through M2W platform and fulfill their need to send large amount overseas.

· Transact through ‘iMobile Pay’: The Bank’s customers can remit money via ‘iMobile Pay’. They can just log into the app, choose the ‘Send Money’ option and finally send money abroad by selecting ‘Transfer Overseas’.

· Rate alert: The Bank is first in the industry to provide customers with personalised forex rate alerts through SMS/e-mail so that they can automatically initiate transactions at their desired exchange rates.

· Standing instructions: This feature enables customers to enter a one-time instruction to schedule recurring payments. The payment will be executed automatically on the scheduled due date, as specified by customers.

Comment| Unified MCD decides to increase transfer duty by 1% on purchase of properties priced above Rs 25 lakh in Delhi

Ashutosh Kashyap, Director, Advisory Services, Colliers India

“The proposed increase in the transfer charges, will increase the incidence of transaction cost on transfer cases. This move would imply an additional landed cost for secondary purchase. This move will marginally add to the lucrativeness of property purchases in the primary market from the developer, which might slightly sweeten the purchase in the primary market.

On the other hand, the money collected on account will imply better funds with Urban local bodies to undertake betterment of infrastructure and civic services within the city.”