SBI General Insurance enters into “bancassurance tie-up with IDFC FIRST Bank”

 Bengaluru, 25^th June 2021: SBI General Insurance, one of the leading General Insurance companies in India, has signed a Corporate Agency agreement with IDFC FIRST Bank, for distribution of non-life insurance solutions.  

Under this strategic agreement, SBI General Insurance will offer insurance products such as Health, Personal Accident, Home, Motor and Travel along with the commercial line of insurance products such as Property, Marine and Engineering Insurance, to the Bank’s customers. 

Amar Joshi, Head – Emerging Business Lines, SBI General Insurance, shares, “We are happy to further strengthen our distribution network through this partnership and look forward to achieve new milestones. This will help us extend our range of products to a larger customer base. Our overall aim continues to remain the same i.e. to enhance insurance penetration in the country by ensuring access to all.” 

Amit Kumar, Head – Retail Liabilities, IDFC FIRST Bank, said, “We are pleased to associate with SBI General Insurance and bring more value-added products and services to our customers. The expansion of our non-life insurance portfolio could not have come at a better time as it provides our customers both health and wealth protection and complements our existing wealth management offering.” 

IDFC FIRST Bank has a digital first approach and serves customers through its state-of-the-art netbanking platform and an intuitive, user-friendly mobile app, which complement its nationwide branches, ATMS and loan centers.  

  

About SBI General Insurance Company Limited:  

SBI General is one of the fastest growing private general insurance companies, with the strong parentage of SBI, we, at SBI General Insurance, are committed to carry forward the legacy of trust and security; and have a vision is to become the most trusted general insurer for a transforming India. Ever since our establishment in 2009, from 17 branches in 2011, we have expanded our presence to over 137 branches pan-India. Till date, we have served around 8.7 crore customers.  

We follow a robust multi-distribution model encompassing Bancassurance, Agency, Broking and Retail Direct Channels. On the distribution network front, we have strong distribution partners adding up our reach to every nook and corner of India, with SBI’s over 22000 branch network, Agents, other financial, OEM and digital partners. We currently serve three key customer segments viz. - Retail Segment (catering to Individual & Families), Corporate Segment (catering mid to large size companies) and SME Segment; and are future-ready to serve the growing needs of Indians with new age-processes and services at affordable prices.  

SBI General Insurance closed the financial year 2020-21 with a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of Rs. 8312 crore with a growth of 22% and net profit of the Company grew by 32%. The company has shown steady growth for the past 4 years, while maintaining positive track record of underwriting.  

QNET Funds Project CoHeal to Provide “Free Medical Care to Covid Patients” in Bangalore

 Bengaluru, 23^rdJune 2021: QNET, Asia’s leading direct selling company, through its CSR arm, RYTHM Foundation has joined hands with a group of young entrepreneurs in Bangalore to convert a non-operational hospital into a free Covid Care Health Centre through Project CoHeal. The funding from QNET has helped transform the disused Rajiv Gandhi Medical Hospital building in R.T Nagar into a 100-bed Covid Care facility that provides free, round-the-clock care to those who need it the most.  

 

Project CoHeal is the brainchild of the young entrepreneurs behind Bangalore based technology firm Globals Inc who joined hands with the Rotary Club Manyata and Presidency University to launch this as a joint CSR initiative.   

 

Amruta Desai, the Executive Director of Globals explains how the project came into being.  

 

“It was very unfortunate and sad to see people around us losing their lives simply due to a lack of oxygen. We reached out through our resources to import oxygen concentrators and put them to use. We realised just by doing this we were helping a lot of people who needed the oxygen” says Desai.  

 

What began as efforts to import and provide oxygen concentrators for patients, soon evolved into the idea of adding to the healthcare infrastructure within the area. Project CoHeal was born with the aim of creating a more sustainable solution for the future while also addressing the urgent need of the hour – a healthcare facility for the community with skilled manpower. 

 

The support from QNET’s Indian business facilitated by the company’s CSR arm, the RYTHM Foundation has helped equip the hospital with Oxygen Concentrators, HFNC ICU Ventilators, and also covers the payroll for the doctors and nurses of the hospital for the next 6 months.  

 

This 24-hour COVID care hospital has zero cash counters, assuring patients that treatment is 100% free. It is also in the process of incorporating a dedicated paediatric wing as well as building intensive care unit (ICU) capabilities. Other facilities in the hospital include a clinic, elevators for stretchers, oxygen flow meters, pharmacy, lobby, X-Ray, washroom, AC, parking zone, and doctor’s lounge. 

   

 “We are so thankful to RYTHM Foundation for this aid because one of the things we wanted to do was convert 15 high dependency units into ICUs. We are currently taking in mild to moderate cases of patients, but if these cases get critical, they may require ICU support and the use of ventilators. Now with this contribution, we have at least a minimum of 4 ICU beds that can be set up immediately.” 

 

The Project CoHeal facility opened its doors on May 24, 2021, and was set up at record speed in a space of barely 7 days through the joint efforts of the team at Globals, Presidency University, and the Rotary Club of Manyata. QNET stepped in to help in early June to support with scaling the facilities.  

 

Commenting on the initiative, Rishi Chandiok, Regional Director (South Asia) for QNET said, "Project CoHeal is a great example of organisations coming together to fight COVID. As the name of the project suggests, the objective is to redirect the fears of COVID and its consequences towards a more positive focus on ‘co-healing’ or healing together. Setting up a hospital, especially during this time, is not an easy task. But Project CoHeal is testament that if you have the will and the intention to do something good for the community, you will find the right partners and support to help you reach the goal. We commend the team at Globals for working tirelessly to pull this off in record time and help so many people in need.” 

 

Project CoHeal has also received the approval and support from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) which lists Project CoHeal as an option for people to avail of for its medical care services.  

 

 

About QNET - QNET is one of Asia's leading e-commerce enabled direct selling companies offering a wide range of health, wellness, and lifestyle products. QNET's business model pivoting upon technology and e-commerce has helped empower millions of entrepreneurs in more than 100 countries worldwide. QNET is headquartered in Hong Kong and has a presence in more than 25 countries around the world through subsidiaries, branch offices, agency partnerships, and franchisees.  

  

 

QNET is a member of the Direct Selling Association in several countries, as well as the Hong Kong Health Food Association and the Health Supplements Industry Association of Singapore, among others. In India, QNET operates through its sub-franchisee Vihaan Direct Selling (India) Pvt. Ltd. and is a member of the Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association (HADSA), ASSOCHAM, and CII. 

  

QNET is also active in sports sponsorships around the world. Some of the more prominent partnerships include being the Direct Selling Partner of Manchester City Football Club and the African Club League Championships of CAF.  

For media queries, email: media.india@qnet.net  

Paytm launches "iPhone Bonanza”, pay electricity bill on the app & get a "chance to win an iPhone 12"

Bengaluru, 21st June 2021 : India’s leading digital financial services platform Paytm today announced the launch of the ‘iPhone Bonanza’ offer on electricity bill payments. Users who pay their electricity bills through the Paytm app between June 8th and July 8th will stand a chance to win an iPhone 12.



Winners will be notified via email & phone calls by 31st July 2021, and upon successful verification will be given a Paytm Mall voucher. The winners can log on to Paytm Mall, enter the voucher code and order the iPhone 12 for free.

 

To bring more convenience Paytm has recently enhanced the electricity bill payments experience with features such as 2-step instant payments and timely reminders through SMS and in-app notifications. Users need to simply choose their state & service provider, enter their bill number or customer account number and then make the payment. Additionally, users paying the electricity bill for the first time on Paytm will get a guaranteed cashback of up to Rs. 50.



Paytm gives its users the flexibility to select their preferred payment mode from Paytm UPI, Paytm Wallet, Paytm Postpaid, debit and credit cards, or net banking.



Paytm spokesperson said, "It is our constant endeavour to enable users with seamless digital payments services that help in enhancing the ease of living. We have onboarded electricity boards from every corner of the country ranging from Karnataka, Delhi, AP, Telangana to Lakshadweep, Manipur, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, among others. With our new UI and exciting offers, we are trying to reach new users across the country.”



Paytm users can also do mobile, broadband & DTH recharges, pay their credit card bills, book cylinders, make rent payments, and many other utility bill payments from the comfort of their home.

Union Bank of India enters MOU with The National Small Industries Corporation Ltd

Bengaluru, 21^st June 2021 : Union Bank of India has entered into MOU with The National Small Industries Corporation Ltd (NSIC) under "NSIC Bank Credit Facilitation Scheme" to support MSMEs with credit requirements.  

 

Under the arrangement the MSME Unit can approach directly to any of NSIC branch offices which are also operating as Finance Facilitation Centre (FFC) and submit their request for loan requirement from Union Bank of India. The official sitting at the NSIC Branch will provide hand holding support to the MSME unit by assisting them in completing all documentation as required for further submission to the Bank. These documents are to be provided by the MSME unit based on the checklist of the Bank. No fee is charged from the MSME unit for applying for loan under this scheme.  

 

The agreement was signed by Shri P K Das, FGM on behalf of Union Bank of India and Shri P R Kumar CGM, NSIC. 

Sportz Village Organizes a Webinar on the Importance of Boosting Immunity among Children during Covid

 Bengaluru, 18^th June 2021: Covid-19 has forced all of us, including the children, to completely change our lifestyles. This change of lifestyle has affected the children the most with lesser amounts of physical activities and movement compared to the pre-covid times.  

According to UNICEF , since January 2020, over 7,100 children and adolescents died from Covid-19. Moreover, the recent National Family Health Survey, which was conducted in the pre-covid time, observed an increase in obesity among children in 20 out of the 22 states. Several healthcare experts believe that this trend of obesity among children is expected to worsen in the wake of the current pandemic due to the lack of adequate physical activities and unhealthy eating habits. Additionally, it has also been observed that children and adolescents are susceptible to stress and anxiety because of the disruptions brought upon in their daily lives due to Covid-19.  

The likely emergence of a possible third Covid wave along with the absence of vaccine for children in India has had the parents worried about their child’s health and safety for quite some time. 

Keeping in mind the importance of maintaining health and fitness among children, Sportz Village organized a webinar, titled, “Building Children’s Immunity to Fight Covid-19”, on June 17^th, 2021. The webinar focused on communicating the need for children to boost their immunity along with providing guidance to schools and parents on how they can help children in keeping active, healthy, and safe. The webinar was attended by 340 attendees.  

Keynote speakers of the webinar were Dr. Aruna Jagdish, MBBS, D.C.H. Pediatrician, Bangalore, Ms Anagha Pandit, Clinical Psychologist and Therapist, Bangalore, and KVS Seshasai, CEO EuroKids & Kangaroo Kids Pre-School. The webinar was moderated by Krish Iyengar, Head, Sportz Village Schools.  

In the webinar, Dr. Aruna shed light upon the importance of boosting immunity not only in children but in the entire family. She stressed upon the fact that consuming nutritious meals and aiming to become lean should be the mission of the entire family. She also emphasized on the importance on maintaining Covid safety protocols and urged parents and grandparents to get vaccinated and avoid getting infected. Parents should also take care of their child’s sleep cycle. Stating that children who play are happy and fit children, she also discussed the importance of physical activity, and suggested that children should focus on mindfulness activities.  

Ms. Anagha Pandit stressed upon the importance of mental health. Moreover, she elaborated on the psychological impact of lockdown in terms of isolation and social deprivation. She strongly recommended making home a child’s new playground and advised parents to involve their  

 

children in a few age-appropriate household chores as a means of family bonding and getting some physical activity in children. When children are involved in physical activity, they release happy hormones which further reduces stress in them. 

Mr. KVS Seshasai, an expert in the educational field, laid emphasis on maintaining the all-round development of children in the virtual way as well. He also mentioned the importance of taking this time to teach the children the fundamental sports skills and developing muscle strength in them. In his set of schools, they have been following age-appropriate physical education classes which are guided by professionals. He also called out that both teachers and children have adapted well to the digital medium now.  

The webinar was concluded by a thankyou note from Krish Iyengar, Sportz Village, wherein he acknowledged that nutritious diet, adequate sleep and regular physical activity are key elements for boosting a child’s immunity. Moreover, parents can be instrumental in helping children maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle. Lockdown does not mean that children adapt to a sedentary lifestyle, Covid or No Covid, children should be physically and mentally fit and healthy for their all-round development.   

 

About Sportz Village:  

World’s No. 1 youth sports organization on a mission to get 100 million kids to play. The vast reach, emotional connection, and foundation of positive values make sport one of the greatest inventions of mankind. Sport is a powerful tool that breaks down all the barriers and helps one truly unleash his/her potential, both physically and mentally. At Sportz Village, we believe in making sports an integral part of everyone’s lifestyle right from early years, thus building a healthier, happier and fitter generation. To achieve the same, we design-develop-execute physical education and training programs, grassroot sports programs, brand-led sports programs for consumer engagement and CSR through our vast network of schools, colleges, academies, brands, federations, and corporates. 

Edukemy Announces “All India Scholarship Tests for UPSC Aspirants”

Bengaluru, 18th June 2021: Edukemy, India’s first EdTech Company in the non-STEM segment today announced All India ScholarshipTests for UPSC aspirants. The aim of this scholarship exam is to offer financial support to merit students during the COVID pandemic.



These tests are designed to help evaluate students on merit giving a chance to avail upto 100% scholarship across courses offered by Edukemy. And the students scoring above 15 marks will receive Edukemy’s lifetime card to avail scholarship across all courses until clearing UPSC Exams - 2022 -2023.



The scholarship Tests will be conducted every weekend and students will get a single attempt to clear the test. The test schedule is as follows:
Week 1: 19th - 20th June
Week 2: 26th - 27th June
Week 3: 3rd - 4th July

Test Timings window(36 hrs.): Saturday 10am to Sunday 10 pm

The tests commence from 19th June and students can visit the website: https://www.edukemy.com to register.

About Edukemy

Edukemy is India’s first EdTech company in the non-stem segment that has developed an evaluation model based on cutting-edge technology and expert pedagogy. The priority is to scale the learning experience for every individual by offering an insightful and enriching environment for students with a focus on live classes, handwritten notes, and a personalized interactive platform. With more than 50 years of cumulative experience at teaching and mentoring students, Edukemy strives each day, with every single student, to make a difference. They intend to democratize education by delivering quality content, valuable mentorship and believe in disrupting the normal and bringing innovation in methods of teaching.

TVS Eurogrip celebrates “Father’s Day with a new social media campaign”

 Bengaluru, 18^th June 2021:TVS Srichakra Limited, India’s leading 2 & 3-wheeler Tyre Company, has rolled out a social media campaign #TurnItAround to celebrate Father’s Day 2021. Taking a simple, contextual situation that children are experiencing right now, due to the second wave of the pandemic, the campaign talks about how Fathers are our everyday heroes who can turn around any situation.  

Commenting on the campaign Mr. P Madhavan, EVP – Sales & Marketing, TVS Srichakra Limited, said, “The insight picked up for our Father’s Day campaign is extremely relatable to present day fathers of young children. It brings alive the bond cherished between a father and his daughter, through a simple act of ‘motorbike ride’ together. #TurnItAround is themed around how despite limitations presented by the pandemic, fathers have managed to engage and bring a smile on the face of their kids. We as a brand, stand by them.” 

The video is live across all social media platforms. 

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uzu5mOwivQs 

Sterlite Power secures INR 580 crore funding from REC for Udupi Kasargode Transmission Project

 Bengaluru, 16^th June 2021:Sterlite Power, a global developer of power transmission infrastructure, announced the successful financial closure of the project set up by Udupi-Kasargode Transmission Project Ltd (UKTL). It has secured the entire debt funding of INR 580 crores from one of India’s largest power sector lenders, REC Limited  (REC.).  

The project set up by UKTL is an Inter-State Transmission System project spanning across the southern states of Karnataka and Kerala.  It is made up of two critical elements including a 1000MVA 400/220 kV Gas Insulated Substation (GIS),  one of the first GIS substations to be built at Kasargode in Kerala. In accordance with the Letter of Award received from RECTPCL (REC Transmission Projects Company Ltd.), the project involves construction of a 400kV (Quad) D/c  transmission line, extending over ~240 ckm, from Udupi in Karnataka to Kasaragode in Kerala. The project scope also includes supply and installation of two 400kV line bays and bus bar extension at Udupi switchyard. 

Commenting on the development, Anuraag Srivastava, Group CFO, Sterlite Power said, “Sterlite Power has been successful in concluding a number of financial deals with global and national investors in the past. We are pleased to secure funding from REC - one of India’s largest financial institutions in the power sector, for this project.”  

Recently, the company announced an equal partnership with global investment manager AMP Capital, to develop greenfield power transmission projects in India which includes the UKTL project as well. It has also raised project finance from both private as well as public sector financial institutions like IndusInd Bank and PFC Ltd., for its transmission projects. In March 2021, Sterlite Power successfully completed its transmission project NER-II and subsequently sold it to IndiGrid. 

About Sterlite Power 

Sterlite Power is a global developer of power transmission infrastructure with projects of over 13,700 circuit kms and 26,100 MVA in India and Brazil. With a portfolio of power conductors, EHV cables and OPGW, Sterlite Power also offers solutions for upgrading, uprating and strengthening existing networks. Sterlite Power is the sponsor of IndiGrid, India’s first power sector Infrastructure Investment Trust (“InvIT”), listed on the BSE and NSE. Sterlite Power has been recognised with The Economic Times Innovation Awards 2020 and is a recipient of global awards from S&P Global Platts and International Project Management Association (IPMA).  

For more details, please visit https://www.sterlitepower.com/  

Paytm launches “Vaccine Appointment Booking on the app, to help Indians search, discover, and also book vaccination slot”

 

• Enables Paytm users to book vaccine slots based on location, age, dose number, vaccine type, and choose between free or paid vaccines 
• Helps users from across the country to seamlessly book slots at the nearest vaccination center
  
  Bengaluru, 15^th June 2021 : India's leading digital financial services platform Paytm today announced the launch of vaccination slot booking in addition to its Vaccine Finder service on the app. Paytm users can now search, discover & also book their vaccination slots for both Covaxin and Covishield at the nearest center through the Paytm app.
  
  The service would help Indians seamlessly book vaccination slots and gain immunity, helping in fighting the ongoing pandemic.
  
  In May as vaccination opened for all in India, the company had launched Vaccine Finder on the app, with advanced filtering options that helped the user generate leads for vaccine booking, including information such as the type of vaccine available and the fee charged for it. The company said that over the last several weeks Paytm users have checked for the availability of vaccination slots via Paytm.
  
  With the slot booking option now available on the app, users across the country can successfully complete their vaccination process.
  
  Paytm spokesperson said, "It is our endeavour to help India come out of this pandemic a lot stronger. Our vaccine finder will help citizens seamlessly book slots at the nearest center and get vaccinated.”
  
  The service is one of the many measures that Paytm has undertaken as part of its Covid-19 relief measures. Under its #OxygenForLife initiative, Paytm Foundation has donated Oxygen concentrators and is also setting up Oxygen Plants in government hospitals across the country. 

Paytm Insurance Broking strengthens its portfolio, offers “Private car and bike insurance to vehicle owners”

 Bengaluru, 15^th June 2021 : Paytm Insurance Broking Private Ltd, (PIBPL) a wholly-owned subsidiary of India’s leading digital financial services platform Paytm and a growing insurance distributor, has introduced car and bike insurance offerings. The company’s affordable vehicle insurance plans are being offered to users in partnership with 14 top insurers.

The platform offers seamless services to help vehicle owners to avail insurance without uploading any documents before purchasing the policy. They also don’t have to worry about being bothered by telecallers pushing them to buy insurance. Payments for these insurance products can be done through Paytm Wallet, Paytm Postpaid, Paytm UPI, net banking, debit & credit card. PIBPL also offers discounts on own damage cover of upto 80% on select vehicles.

PIBPL offers options to buy Comprehensive, Third-Party only, Own Damage only policies in a completely digital process. Along with the same, the company also offers 14 add-on options for cars and 6 add-on options for two-wheelers including zero depreciation, invoice cover, roadside assistance & engine protect available on the platform.

The company also provides claim support and post-policy purchase services to its customers through a dedicated service team so that users have a hassle-free experience. Motor insurance products are available on Paytm App (Android & iOS), Paytm website & mobile website as well as on www.paytminsurance.co.in

Paytm Insurance Broking Limited spokesperson said, "Insurance continues to be an underserved segment in India. Paytm hopes to change that by making accessibility and affordability a priority. We are focused on making the whole process of buying and renewing both car and bike insurance simple, seamless and completely digital. The journey takes  2 minutes and the policies are issued instantly. In order to provide the best experience to the customer, we have deliberately chosen not to have telecallers pushing them." 

Shyam Steel India becomes the Official Partner of "ICC World Test Championship Final"

Bengaluru, 14th June 2021 : Shyam Steel India one of leading producers and manufacturers of TMT Bars in India, today announced its association for ICC World Test Championship Final as the official partner for the event. The inaugural championship match will be played between India and New Zealand and is slated to take place from 18th to 22nd June 2021 plus a reserve day at Southampton, England.



Based on the association, Shyam Steel India will have its logo presence in the outfield and perimeter board. The brand’s logo will also be displayed in the backdrop for flash interviews and post-match presentation and in the ICC website and mobile app. The brand will have the right to use photograph and Audio-Visual clips of the match for internal use and promotional purposes. Shyam Steel India will leverage the association to enhance its brand awareness, build relevance and engage with the target audience. The partnership with ICC will help brand Shyam Steel to instantly connect with the millions of viewers watching the event across India and abroad.




“We are pleased to have Shyam Steel on board as our official partner for the inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final. We look forward to working with them for this prestigious event” said Mr Anurag Dahiya, Chief Commercial Officer, ICC.




“We are very proud to associate ourselves with this prestigious event. India is a cricket frenzy nation, and this partnership will help us build high brand recall amongst the cricket lovers of the country. On behalf of Shyam Steel Family, we wish our Indian cricket team all the very best for the championship match”, said Mr Lalit Beriwala, Director, Shyam Steel India.



Shyam Steel India has also planned a series of activations across digital platforms to grow stakeholder engagement and brand recall. The activation includes sharing interesting trivia and conducting gripping contest, wherein the audience can win exciting prizes. In alignment with the brand philosophy, Maksad Toh India Ko Banana Hai and Hamesha Ke Liye Strong, Shyam Steel India along with the millions of cricket lovers will be rooting for their Team India to bring the Test Championship home.



About Shyam Steel India:

Shyam Steel India is one of the leading TMT Bar manufacturers in India. Guided by a philosophy to produce safe and sustainable steel, it is a pioneer in quality production of steel. Starting its operation with a small factory in Howrah, Shyam Steel has created a legacy of 60 years and has emerged as a large, growing, competitive and multi-product steel organization by delivering quality material through innovation, excellence, and dedication.



Shyam Steel India has been associated with various government bodies such as National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), railways, military engineering services, Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCI) and various state governments. Shyam Steel believes that sustainable community development is essential for harmonious development of nation. They have always put forward and contributed towards various corporate social responsibilities for social development which have social, economic and environmental impacts. Their CSR are focused on education, poverty, gender equality, hunger and environment.

PAYBACK India Supports YouWeCan’ #Mission1000Beds Drive in India’s Fight against Covid-19

 Bengaluru, 14^th June 2021 : PAYBACK India, the country’s largest multi-brand loyalty program, has joined hands with ‘YouWeCan’ Foundation in their drive to strengthen the critical healthcare infrastructure to fight the ongoing Covid-19 battle. YouWeCan’s #Mission1000Beds drive has started with the delivery of the first set of medical equipment & ICU beds to the towns in Himachal Pradesh. 

The initiative termed as #Mission1000Beds has been launched at the beginning of this month and will equip several hospitals with BiPAP and Ventilator enabled beds, in addition to other essential equipment for the critical care of COVID-19 patients. 

Talking about the collaboration with ‘YouWeCan’ Foundation, Mr. Pramod Mahanta, MD, PAYBACK India, said, “We, as a company, are committed to contributing to the society. Like in the past, we have partnered with Yuvraj Singh & YouWeCan Foundation; this time to augment the healthcare infrastructure to fight Covid-19. We will continue to do the best we can towards the society.”  

On having PAYBACK India as partner supporting this initiative, Yuvraj Singh, Cricketer & Founder, YouWeCan Foundation, said, “I am very happy that PAYBACK India has extended their ongoing partnership with us towards supporting our initiative #Mission1000Beds, which is a hospital capacity expansion solution, to rapidly scale up the Covid-19 critical care facilities across India. I am certain that through this collaboration, we will be able to serve people who require critical care." 

This project was possible with the active coordination and support of Dr. Ravinder Mukhia, Medical Officer In-charge, Civil Hospital in Rohru and Dr, Dileep Tegta, Medical Officer In-charge, Civil Hospital in Theog, Dr. Pawan Sharma, Medical Officer in Theog and support staff.  

As part of the CSR initiatives, PAYBACK India had previously collaborated with YouWeCan Foundation in March 2020 to aid the treatment of children suffering from cancer. 

HCL continues to accelerate its #HCLCloudSmart journey; appoints Siki Giunta to lead its Cloud Consulting and Offerings Strategy

 Bengaluru, 14^th June 2021 : HCL Technologies, (HCL), a leading global technology company, today announced the appointment of Siki Giunta to further accelerate #HCLCloudSmart industry cloud offerings into client markets. 

 

#HCLCloudSmart is a comprehensive suite of industry-aligned Cloud offerings, solutions, services and products which help clients achieve business transformation according to their unique industry needs and market conditions. The portfolio is built on the core pillars of Industry Cloud Solutions, Hybrid Data & AI, CloudNative Application & Infrastructure capabilities and Integrated Intelligent Operations with AIOPS and Business Observability to enable faster business value from organizational Cloud investments along with our Cloud Ecosystem Partners.  

Siki brings to HCL a rich experience in leading the development of global cloud strategies for multi-national clients as well as strategy and implementation of Cloud with a specific focus on building vertical applications with Cloud providers and partners. She has successfully scaled enterprise grade Hybrid Cloud, Data Center & Hosting Businesses and has been a Software Products Business Leader.  

Siki joins HCL from Accenture. She has also led several other leadership positions in the industry, including the CEO of Managed Objects and Fortisphere. 

 

“I am excited to join HCL and look forward to driving further momentum to the #HCLCloudSmart journey” said Siki Giunta, Executive Vice President - #HCLCloudSmart, HCL Technologies. “Cloud has become the strategic pillar within any organization to build a responsive, scalable and resilient business model. Organizations today are facing an urgent need to ‘rethink cloud’ to accelerate digital transformation and maximize business value in alignment with customer needs, organizational goals and unique market conditions. I look forward to working with the amazing team at HCL Technologies on the journey to reimagine Cloud, the smart way.” 

 

“We are extremely delighted to have Siki on our team,” said Kalyan Kumar, Chief Technology Officer and Head Ecosystems, HCL Technologies. ”Her knowledge in Cloud and Agile software development with a unique lens of industry relevance and proven experience of leading global firms will be of tremendous benefit to #HCLCloudSmart. At HCL she will further strengthen the collective power of our Cloud Services, Frameworks and Products with a business-aligned narrative at the center.” he added. 

 

About HCL Technologies 

HCL Technologies (HCL) empowers global enterprises with technology for the next decade, today. HCL’s Mode 1- 2-3 strategy, based on its deep-domain industry expertise, customer-centricity and entrepreneurial culture of Ideapreneurship™, enables businesses to transform into next-gen enterprises.  

HCL offers its services and products through three business units: IT and Business Services (ITBS), Engineering and R&D Services (ERS) and Products & Platforms (P&P). ITBS enables global enterprises to transform their businesses through offerings in the areas of applications, infrastructure, digital process operations and next generational digital transformation solutions. ERS offers engineering services and solutions in all aspects of product development and platform engineering. P&P provides modernized software products to global clients for their technology and industry specific requirements. Through its cutting-edge co-innovation labs, global delivery capabilities and broad global network, HCL delivers holistic services in various industry verticals, categorized as Financial Services, Manufacturing, Technology & Services, Telecom & Media, Retail & CPG, Life Sciences & Healthcare and Public Services.  

As a leading global technology company, HCL takes pride in its diversity, social responsibility, sustainability, and education initiatives. For the 12 months ended March 31, 2021 HCL had consolidated revenue of nearly $10.2 billion. Its 168,977 Ideapreneurs operate out of 50 countries.  

For more information, visit www.hcltech.com   

Aakash Institute Student- Ridhi Aggarwal Secures Karnataka State Rank 1 in NTSE (Stage-I)

 

• Bengaluru, 14^th June 2021 : Ridhi Aggarwal, a student of Aakash Institute ‘s Whitefield branch in Bengaluru has bagged Rank 1 in the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) Stage-I across Karnataka. Ridhi, a resident of Bengaluru, emerged as a topper amongst students in the general category who cleared the renowned national-level scholarship exam that aims to identify and nurture talented students. She bagged a whopping score of 188 out of 200 marks and qualified for the next stage of the national exam. 
  
  A total of five students of Aakash Institute, including Ridhi, scored more than 170 marks in the NTSE Stage-I examination in the general category across Karnataka.  
  
  
  
  The following Aakashians who have also secured Top Ranks in NTSE Stage-I exam results in the general category are: 

• Hemang Dave from Bengaluru scored 176 
• Deepak Charan from Bengaluru scored 173 
• Vaibhav Raj from Bengaluru scored 171 
• Ananya Halgatti from Belgaum scored 170 
  
  Congratulating the students, Mr Aakash Chaudhry, Managing Director, Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), said, “We are proud that our students, Ridhi, Hemang, Deepak, Vaibhav and Ananya have secured top position in the state. It is the result of the hard work put by them, the support of their parents and the quality test preparation imparted at Aakash. Many congratulations to all the students for performing well in the examination. We are certain that after having secured impressive results in NTSE Stage- I, our students are ready for NTSE Stage- II. We wish them all the best.” 
  
  The NTSE scholarship under the present scheme is awarded to candidates for pursuing courses in science and social science up to doctoral level and in professional courses like medicine and engineering up to second-degree level. As on date, 2,000 scholarships are awarded in the country with reservation of 15 percent for SC, 7.5 percent for ST and 27 percent for other backward classes and 4 percent for a group of students with benchmark disabilities. 
  
   
  
  Identification of talent comprises a two-stage selection process. While the individual State/UT conducts the first stage selection, the second stage selection at the national level is carried out by the NCERT. 
  
  Aakash Institute aims to help students in their quest to achieve academic success. It has a centralized in-house process for curriculum and content development and faculty training and monitoring, led by its National Academic Team. Over the years, students from Aakash have shown a proven selection track record in various Medical & Engineering entrance exams and competitive exams such as NTSE, KVPY, and Olympiads. 
  
  
  About Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL) 
  
  Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL) provides comprehensive test preparatory services for students preparing for Medical and Engineering Entrance Examinations, School/Board Exams and Competitive Exams such as NTSE, KVPY, and Olympiads. AESL believes that the “Aakash” brand is associated with quality coaching and a proven student selection track record in various Medical and Engineering Entrance Examinations, Scholarship exams & Olympiads. 
  
  With over 32 years of operational experience in the test preparatory industry, the company has a large number of selections in Medical & Engineering Entrance Exams and several Foundation level Scholarship exams/Olympiads, a pan India network of 200+ Aakash Centers (including franchisee), and a student count of more than 250,000. 
  
  The Aakash group also owns famous K-12 EdTech brand, Meritnation.com as well. 
  
  www.aakash.ac.in 

Biotech Testing Services (BTS) laboratory certifies Livinguard Masks effective against “black fungus”

 Bengaluru, 11^th June 2021 : Biotech Testing Services (BTS) laboratory in Mumbai certifies Livinguard Masks as effective against black fungus (Mucormycosis). Switzerland based hygiene technology company, Livinguard AG launched its antiviral face masks in India in 2020 which is noted to be a one-of-a-kind mask that can destroy bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 /COVID-19 virus. 

  

With the surge of Covid cases in the country, Mucormycosis (Black Fungus) has quickly emerged as the next big threat to the country  with India reporting over 28,252 cases of black fungus (data on 7^th June); Out of the 28,252 Mucormycosis cases, the Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said 86% of infections have a history of Covid-19 and 62.3% a history of diabetes. In light of this, the Indian Government has also urged states to declare black fungus (Mucormycosis) an epidemic, thereby making it a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897. 

 

Mr. Sanjeev Swamy, Founder, Inventor & CEO, Livinguard AGstated, “Our mission has always been to provide hygiene suited for the modern world. Hence when we learnt about the rise of Mucormycosis cases in India, we quickly tested our Livinguard treated masks at the Biotech Testing Services (BTS) laboratory and the results showcased strong efficacy against the black fungus. We are happy with the results, and strongly believe in the unique characteristics of Livinguard masks that will provide users with an unprecedented level of security. People, having comorbidities and who have just recovered from COVID can wear the masks to keep themselves protected against the deadly fungus.” 

 

One of the most respected science leaders of India, Padma Vibhushan, Dr Raghunath Mashelkar stated, “It is a huge relief for immuno-compromised patients living with serious diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Cancer or those that have just recovered from COVID to wear a Livinguard mask and know that they will be protected from Mucormycosis. This scientific breakthrough of deactivating Mucormycosis on contact with the mask, is a global game changer; Wearing the Livinguard PRO or ULTRA mask can save lives, control prolonged infection in COVID patients and allow them to return to normalcy much quicker.” 

 

Dr S Nair, PhD Microbiology, Quality Manager at Biotech Testing Services (BTS) laboratory commented, “We have tested Livinguard’s masks in our laboratory and the results showed that the masks are effective against the black fungus.”  

It has been further confirmed by testing carried out by Mrs. Shradha Dongre from The Synthetic & Art Silk Mills' Research Association (SASMIRA laboratories), in Mumbai, that Livinguard mask is found to be very effective against Black fungus.The outer layer of the mask exhibited complete resistance against Mucor racemosus ATCC 42467  when tested as per a modified Antifungal test  AATCC-30. 

Livinguard products are ISO 9001:2015 certified for the scope of Design, Research & Development of Self Disinfecting Products like Face Masks, T-Shirts, Filtration Candles, Medical Clothes, Hand Gloves, Sanitary Pads. Livinguard’s current focus is to apply this Technology to solutions that lessen the health risk and economic impact of the crisis by enabling people to protect themselves, return to work, and take back their lives. Livinguard masks have been proven effective against a wide range of bacteria and viruses, and now with its proven efficacy against the black fungus, it is sure to be instrumental in the multifaceted fight against COVID-19 and related health problems. 

  

About Livinguard AG: 

Livinguard is an environmentally friendly hygiene technology platform based in Zug, Switzerland. It is the first company in the world to empower textiles and other materials with self-disinfecting properties, it licenses its patented technologies to companies from various industries to improve the health and wellbeing of consumers. Livinguard AG operates in Switzerland, Germany, USA, Singapore, Japan, India, and South Africa. The ever-increasing levels of pollution, global travel, shared mobility, and the prevalence of drug resistant microbes have led to growing threats of infectious disease. The 

 

 

 company sees its solutions as essential safeguards that can offer enhanced safety and better health to billions of people. Livinguard believes that our future is tied to sustainable solutions that treat our world kindly. Their commitment is to develop highly effective technologies that also minimize waste and use of resources. The company views personal and planetary health as inseparable imperatives and the foundational base of everything that they do. Livinguard is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Innovators Community.