Archive: February 9, 2024

EverEnviro Empanelled by Indraprastha Gas Ltd to Set Up Compressed Biogas Plants

Mumbai, February 9, 2024 – EverEnviro Resource Management Pvt Ltd, India’s leading renewable energy company, today announced it has been impanelled by Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) to set up multiple compressed biogases (CBG) plants in India. The empanelment letter was officially handed over to the EverEnviro team during the ongoing India Energy Week 2024 in the presence of senior IGL officials.

This letter is signed under the CGD Synchronisation scheme and the compressed bio gas produced at EverEnviro’s plants will be directly fed into IGL’s city gas distribution network.

Mahesh Girdhar, MD and CEO, of EverEnviro Resource Management Pvt Ltd said, “We are honoured to be empanelled by IGL, a leading natural gas distribution company, to play a major role in increasing the availability of sustainable compressed biogas for India’s clean energy transition. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to turning waste into a valuable energy resource for the nation.”

The empanelment ceremony was presided over by Praveen Mal Khanooja, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, along with IGL Managing Director K.K. Chatiwal, Director (Commercial) Pawan Kumar, and other dignitaries.

In September 2023, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) sealed a joint venture with EverEnviro to form a 50:50 partnership for setting up additional CBG plants nationwide. EverEnviro is already executing about 20 CBG projects across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Punjab with a significant capital investment of nearly Rs 2,000 Crores which will result in a robust output of 320 metric tons expected per day of CBG.

Pratiti Rajpal Assumes Role as General Manager at Ronil Goa

Pratiti Rajpal has been appointed as the General Manager for Ronil Goa – a JdV by Hyatt Hotel. Located on the iconic Calangute Baga Road in North Goa, this boutique resort will be the first five-star hotel on this bustling stretch and is well connected to key tourist attractions as well as upscale shopping and entertainment areas.

True to the JdV by Hyatt brand promise, Ronil Goa, with its Indo-Portuguese-inspired architecture, will bring to life classic Goan hospitality through immersive experiences. The chic boutique resort will be an ideal destination for the ‘young at heart’ and for those who are open to embracing new and unique experiences.

Pratiti brings along 15 years of diverse experience across ITC, Marriott & Hyatt hotels in India, with almost 12 enriching years with the Hyatt family. Her Hyatt journey started with Hyatt Regency Chennai as a Marketing Communications Manager, followed by a cluster marketing role at Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa and Grand Hyatt Mumbai, post this she moved to Delhi NCR as Director of Marketing for Andaz Delhi and Grand Hyatt Gurgaon, where she was selected for the Hyatt General Manager Development Program. Subsequently, she was appointed pre-opening Director of Operations for Hyatt Regency Dehradun in 2021, till she moved to Goa to launch the first JdV by Hyatt in India Southwest Asia in 2023.

A passionate and committed leader, who lives by the Hyatt purpose – “We care for people, so they can be their best.” Pratiti is also a part of Hyatt’s Global Diversity Equity Inclusion Council and supports the Hyatt India Women@Hyatt chapter. In her role as General Manager, she will be leading the vibrant and free-spirited team at Ronil Goa, across all functions.

A quote she lives by – “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.” – Maya Angelou

Kyndryl Expands Partnership with Google Cloud to Deliver Enterprise-Ready Generative AI Solutions

India, February 9, 2024 – Kyndryl, the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, today announced an expanded partnership with Google Cloud to develop responsible generative AI solutions and accelerate adoption among customers.

Kyndryl and Google Cloud have worked together since 2021 to help global businesses transform with Google Cloud’s advanced AI capabilities and trusted infrastructure. The next phase of the partnership will focus on coupling Google Cloud’s in-house AI capabilities, including Gemini, Google’s most advanced Large Language Model (LLM), with Kyndryl’s expertise and managed services to develop and deploy generative AI solutions for customers. Key focus areas include:

• AI and Data Foundation Advisory and Implementation Services: Kyndryl’s comprehensive advisory, implementation, and Kyndryl Consult services will help customers identify the optimal generative AI use cases and data foundations that align with their business goals. Kyndryl will also use its extensive experience supporting businesses implementing Google Cloud’s existing and new technology – like Gemini – to continue enabling business transformation with AI and generative AI.
• Applying Cortex Framework to Enterprise Resource Planning: Kyndryl will leverage the Google Cloud Cortex Framework to increase business value from customers’ Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) data on Google Cloud to boost productivity, spur innovation, and provide better business insights that can drive new outcomes for customers.
• Kyndryl’s New LLM Operations Framework to Jumpstart Generative AI Adoption: Kyndryl intends to make its new custom LLM Operations (LLMOps) Framework available to Google Cloud customers to enable solutions that solve common challenges responsibly and more cost-effectively. Kyndryl will continue to support customers with its full suite of data modernization services to optimize their data foundations for generative AI solutions.
• Increasing Expertise to Boost Generative AI Development: Kyndryl will grow its AI and data analytics skills base by increasing the training and boot camps available to practitioners via the Google Cloud Academy for Kyndryl. With investments to increase AI expertise in Google Cloud generative AI, including Duet AI for Developers, across its workforce and its experience with Google’s Generative AI Initiative for Service Partners, Kyndryl is well positioned to address the demand for generative AI solutions and bring Google Cloud-powered solutions to customers.

“Given Kyndryl’s data services expertise, along with our more than 30 years of experience managing large enterprise environments, Kyndryl understands the complexities in moving a generative AI solution from an idea into production,” said Nicolas Sekkaki, Kyndryl’s Global Applications, Data and AI Practice Leader. “By combining this unique perspective and the Kyndryl Responsible AI Principles with Google’s AI history and in-house generative AI capabilities, we can quickly and responsibly bring this new generation of AI to customers and drive their business value.”

“Generative AI can fundamentally improve how businesses operate, helping large-scale organizations streamline complex processes and enable their workforces to be more productive,” said Yateendar Bollini, Director of Global Consulting Partnerships, at Google Cloud. “Through our expanded partnership, Kyndryl will provide enterprise customers with the services expertise and generative AI solutions needed to accelerate business transformation with Gemini on top of the security capabilities and trusted infrastructure of Google Cloud.”

As part of their early collaboration on generative AI solutions for customers, Kyndryl and Google Cloud have helped iHub Solutions, a Singapore-based smart warehouse, contract logistics, and e-commerce fulfillment services provider launch a generative AI pilot for customer service.

“Kyndryl provided the expertise and end-to-end services we needed to launch our first generative AI pilot – one that can advance iHub’s mission and vision for AI-driven transformation across the organization,” said Koh San Joo, Chief Executive Officer, of iHub Solutions. “This pilot is expected to serve as a stepping stone to building a full solution that can bring significant productivity and efficiency gains to our customer service function.”

redBus expands into urban transport, joins ONDC as the first independent mobility app

National, 09 February 2024 – redBus, the world’s largest online bus ticketing platform, has joined Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and now offers multi-modal transport booking services on its platform in various cities. By integrating with ONDC Network, redBus now offers metro ticket booking facilities in Kochi and Chennai. redBus has also unveiled auto rickshaw bookings in Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, and Hyderabad, making it easier than ever to navigate these cities. redBus is the first independent mobility app on the ONDC Network and has taken a major step in enhancing first and last-mile connectivity for its travelers.

Auto Rickshaw Booking Services:

In 2024, users in Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, and Hyderabad will have the convenience of booking auto rickshaws through the redBus Android app. The service is being facilitated through a technical collaboration with Juspay which provides the support to integrate with ONDC APIs. redBus is enhancing the overall travel experience by streamlining the auto-rickshaw booking process and providing more options for auto users. The initial rollout will take place in Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, with plans to extend the service to other cities in the future in collaboration with local apps.

Metro Ticket Booking:

redBus users in Chennai and soon Kochi will be able to seamlessly book metro tickets through its Android app. It can cater to the 2.6 lakh daily metro commuters in Chennai and 90 thousand daily metro users in Kochi. The tech integration for metro ticket booking ensures a smooth and user-friendly experience for commuters while making the travel experience for bus travelers more efficient as they can plan their entire commute seamlessly.

Through these initiatives, redBus is closer to providing comprehensive ground transport solutions and becoming a one-stop solution by integrating various modes of transportation.

“ONDC is a multi-force enabler in India and we are pleased to be working with them to provide user convenience while promoting a diverse range of choices. ONDC’s commitment to transforming the e-commerce network aligns seamlessly with redBus’ vision of a digital India. Together with ONDC, we are not merely providing mobility services; we’re delivering a reliable first and last-mile travel experience for our users, setting new benchmarks in convenience and choice for customers” said Prakash Sangam, CEO, of redBus.

“Our larger goal is to promote e-commerce adoption while simultaneously boosting the growth of start-ups, and creating a conducive environment for businesses to grow. We believe that redBus

joining the ONDC Network is a step further in this direction. Our work with redBus will not only reinforce our dedication to this ethos but also bring forth a shared vision of mobility that transcends traditional mobility solutions” said T Koshy, MD & CEO at ONDC.

Haier recognized as the No.1 Global Major Appliances Brand for the 15th Consecutive Year: Euromonitor International

National,9th February 2024: Haier, the global leader in Home Appliances & Consumer Electronics, has set an industry benchmark by earning the prestigious title of Global No. 1 major appliances for the 15th consecutive year by Euromonitor International. The brand has achieved this milestone with the help of its remarkable sales of refrigerators, washing machines, freezers, and electric wine coolers. Haier has continued with its mission to establish itself as a world-leading ecosystem brand, bringing premium-quality smart home technology to households around the world.

According to the annual report released by Euromonitor International, the world’s leading independent provider of strategic market research, Haier once again demonstrated an unparalleled ability to innovate and adapt to the changing consumer needs, anticipating their desires and meeting their expectations. Haier has reached an impressive feat in the worldwide major appliances sector, securing the top position in retail sales of large household appliances. Aligned with global expansion and in response to the rising demand for smart home solutions in the Indian market, Haier India has consistently upheld its commitment to manufacturing innovative products. This continued success stands as a testimony of Haier’s commitment to delivering innovative and tech-first product solutions across categories to customers worldwide.

Celebrating the achievement, Mr. NS Satish, President, of Haier Appliances India said, “We take immense pride in securing the No.1 position across multiple categories at AWE 2024, as recognized by Euromonitor. This accomplishment is a testament to Haier’s steadfast dedication to innovation, quality, and customer contentment. Looking ahead our commitment is unwavering as we strive to deliver cutting-edge, health-conscious, and intelligent solutions to our esteemed customers in India. We are determined to fortify our leadership in the industry, remaining resolute in our mission to furnish global consumers with smart solutions that elevate their overall well-being.”

According to the data released by Euromonitor in 2023, Haier is the:

• No.1 brand of refrigeration appliances in the world in volume sales for 16 consecutive years
• No.1 brand of home laundry appliances in the world in volume sales for 15 consecutive years
• No.1 brand of wine coolers in the world in volume sales for 14 consecutive years
• No.1 brand of freezers in the world in volume sales for 13 consecutive years

Haier commitment to producing innovative products for Indian consumers has remained at the core of the business, and the brand has constantly evolved to meet consumer demands for inspired living. Haier has been strengthening its focus on producing premium products through local manufacturing in India. Its state-of-the-art facility in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, has continued to evolve the brand to innovate for Indian customers, especially with premium and high-end products.

Fintech platform GroMo completes 5 years of empowering Bharat, distributes Rs. 100 Crore in Partner Earnings

New Delhi, 9th February 2024: GroMo, a FinTech platform facilitating the distribution of financial products, announced today the achievement of Rs.100 crores in payouts to its valued partners on the eve of completing a 5-year milestone. As part of this celebration, GroMo is distributing an additional Rs 100 crore to its partners. The company aims to achieve Rs. 1,000 crores in earnings for the GroMo Partners in the next 5 years. The accomplishment underlines GroMo’s unwavering dedication to empowering its extensive network of trusted agents and fostering financial well-being across Real Bharat.

GroMo is funded by marquee investors such as SIG, Y combinator, and angels such as Kunal Shah, Ramakant Sharma, Alok Mittal, Utsav Somani, Niraj Singh, and many others. The company has the vision to empower every household in India through financial inclusion with its two-pronged approach of technology and human trust. The company onboards partners across India and provides them with the necessary training to help people access the financial products of their choice. GroMo’s cutting-edge technology and in-built algorithms empower partners to recommend the best product based on the customer needs, thereby enabling faster & smarter decisions, avoiding any mis-selling and thus helping the financial companies to reach the relevant group of people.

Founded by IIT Delhi alumni Ankit Khandelwal and Darpan Khurana, GroMo is playing a crucial role in the development of ‘Real Bharat’ by driving financial inclusion and enhancing financial literacy in tier 2, 3 and smaller cities. GroMo provides access to financial products like bank accounts, insurance, credit cards, loans, and investment options from the leading banking and non-banking financial institutions. The company has expanded its product portfolio from 25 to over 160 in the last couple of years. The platform has successfully onboarded over 36 Lakh partners, doubling its numbers in just a year, and currently operates across 19,000+ pin codes in India. The company has been able to increase the partner’s earnings to four times from 2022 to 2023.

“We take immense pride in facilitating our partners to accumulate earnings surpassing Rs. 100 Crores, underscoring the significant impact of our platform. Our journey over the last five years has been characterized by substantial growth, aligning closely with the government’s vision for comprehensive financial inclusion. Our platform helps BFSI companies with an additional 36 Lakh sales members across India and targets customers based on demographics of their choice. As we extend our footprint across diverse regions of India, the presence in 28 states reflects GroMo’s commitment to integrating communities in remote areas of India into the formal financial framework”, said Darpan Khurana, Co-Founder, GroMo.

“As we celebrate this milestone, our steadfast commitment lies in constructing a robust financial ecosystem throughout the country. By harnessing cutting-edge technology, we have successfully extended our reach to every corner of the nation, complemented by comprehensive upskilling training for our valued partners. GroMo’s vision includes creating a significant positive impact, achieving Rs. 1,000 Crore earnings, and reaching more than 5 Crores customers by 2030. As a pivotal element of our expansion strategy, we aim to double our workforce size within the coming year and introduce innovative products to enhance the overall user experience”, added Ankit Khandelwal, CEO & Co-Founder, GroMo.

GroMo’s tech-enabled community-driven platform bridges the financial literacy gap by offering a diverse range of over 160 financial products, including Insurance, Investments, Credit Cards, Loans, and more, from renowned brands such as HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, InCred Finance, Tata Capital, m.Stock by Mirae Assets and more. The company also has a General and Life Insurance Broking License from IRDAI and offers products of insurance companies such as HDFC Ergo, ICICI LOMBARD, Digit Insurance, Tata AIG General Insurance, and many more. The platform’s positive impact is evident in the lives of more than 65 Lakh end customers who have received tailored advice on financial products through the GroMo Partner Network.

Puneet Bhatia, Head – AGENCY, SBI General Insurance expressed, “We are delighted to associate with GroMo, enabling us to effortlessly reach every corner of the country. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with our commitment to expanding distribution footprints and increasing insurance penetration in the country. This strategic tie-up is poised to reshape the digital distribution landscape in India.

On this milestone, Amit Gupta, Vice president-emerging market, ICICI Lombard commented “GroMo has been a trusted distribution channel, helping us reach our varied and widely spread customer base with ease. Through their dedicated focus on leveraging technology and their extensive partner network, they have been an asset in promoting insurance penetration across the country. GroMo is determined to solve distribution challenges and has been pivotal in changing the insurance distribution landscape. They are set to become one of the biggest players in the financial product distribution ecosystem while creating a significant nationwide impact on financial inclusion and literacy.”

Siddharth Bordoloy, Head-Prime Broking, Digit General Insurance stated, “Vitrak Insurance Brokers Private Limited (GroMo Insure) has been an invaluable distribution channel for us. Their POSP network has enabled us to reach all the corners of the country and their tech-enabled distribution network has aided in expanding our reach. They are playing a crucial role in changing the distribution landscape and have the potential of creating a huge impact on financial inclusion and financial literacy in the country.”

Leading fashion brand Canifa achieves 54percent higher app conversion rate with CleverTap

Mountain View, Calif, & Mumbai, India, Feb 8, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – CleverTap, the all-in-one engagement platform today announced that leading Vietnamese fashion brand Canifa, has achieved a 54% higher app conversion rate after deploying CleverTap.

Canifa has more than 100 physical outlets across Vietnam and a strong online presence. Canifa strives to create smooth and differentiated customer journeys and the same principle is extended to the shopping experience built on the mobile application. The tools previously used by Canifa had several limitations, leading to data silos, negatively impacting real-time personalization. This posed a significant challenge as they sought to win tech-savvy consumers within the Vietnamese fashion market, a fiercely competitive sector.

CleverTap’s integrated approach to customer engagement made it the perfect fit for Canifa. By unifying data from disparate sources, CleverTap helped Canifa build a detailed customer profile with granular insights on preferences, etc. Owing to the competitive nature of the fashion sector, it was essential to establish top-of-mind recall. For this, CleverTap leveraged various engagement channels – SMS, Push, In-App messages, Email, etc. to ensure consistent mindshare amongst users. Of these channels, Push Notifications and App channels played a pivotal role, ensuring timely and personalized interactions.

Benefits following CleverTap’s implementation:

•  7% boost in revenue per user (60-day period)
•  7% boost in retention (60-day period)
•  50% increase in conversion rate (MoM)
•  4% increase in stickiness (60-day period)
•  20% increase in retention rate
•  54% boost in-app conversion rate

Hoang Quoc Khanh, MarTech Expert, Canifa said, “CleverTap is a single, powerful tool that enables our marketers to independently design and deliver individualized experiences at speed and scale. We have seen our conversion rates increase by 54%, and our revenue per user by 7%. This level of unprecedented growth helped ensure we retain our position as leaders in the Vietnamese fashion market. We look forward to deploying CleverTap’s platform for the upcoming brands within our diverse portfolio, anticipating similarly stellar outcomes.”

Sidharth Pisharoti, Chief Revenue Officer, CleverTap said, “Partnering with a market leader such as Canifa within a hyper-competitive market was both a challenge and an opportunity for us. In today’s fast-paced fashion landscape, trends shift rapidly, and adaptability is key. Canifa’s impressive 7% increase in revenue per user demonstrates CleverTap’s ability to positively impact customer business. And we look forward to playing a pivotal role in Canifa’s future successes.”

Indian Chamber’s Strategic Footprint in the USA

Kolkata, 8th February 2024: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is excited to announce the appointment of Mr. Pradeep Nair as its Representative for the Western region of the United States of America. This significant role underscores the ICC’s commitment to deepening economic ties with the globe’s largest economy. Mr. Nair brings with him an impressive track record of over two decades of leadership across the dynamic environments of the US and India, embodying a dedicated effort to connect these two crucial economies through his vast professional network and engagements.

Mr. Nair’s distinguished career spans a variety of sectors, including technology, policy, and investments, with a notable focus on the US-India cross border. He has led initiatives in both the private and public sectors, from Silicon Valley’s tech-driven landscape to policy and investment roles that have had a transformative impact in India. His contributions to leading organizations such as Deloitte Consulting, the Clinton Foundation, and the Ford Foundation highlight his profound experience collaborating with government bodies and top-tier corporations in both nations, driving forward significant projects and initiatives.

In more recent years, Mr. Nair has dedicated himself to invigorating the startup ecosystem, particularly emphasizing the US-India corridor. His efforts have been instrumental in promoting innovative growth and fostering economic prosperity between these two markets. By taking on the role of Representative for the ICC in the USA, Mr. Nair is set to leverage his extensive expertise in management consulting, strategy, and operations to further enhance India-US economic relations.

Under Mr. Nair’s visionary leadership, the ICC anticipates reaching new milestones in innovative growth and mutual prosperity. His profound understanding of the nuances of both the US and Indian markets positions him perfectly to lead this venture, promising an era of strengthened economic partnerships and collaborative success.

Ameya Prabhu, President of ICC, expressed delight in the appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to have Mr. Pradeep Nair as ICC’s Representative to contribute towards robust bi-lateral to propel India-USA trade beyond the current milestone of $ 200 billion in the coming years.” We also hope to bolster ‘Invest in India’ through this office.

The ICC eagerly looks forward to Mr. Nair steering the India-US economic dialogue to unprecedented levels, capitalizing on his rich background and unique insights into the multifaceted global business landscape.

Unwrapping the Future: Bioplastics Packaging Market Set to Revolutionize the Global Packaging Industry

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainability and environmental consciousness, the global bioplastics packaging market stands as a beacon of hope, poised to reshape the way we package goods for generations to come. With a projected expansion at a remarkable CAGR of approximately 12.5%, the market is set to soar to unprecedented heights, reaching a staggering ~US$ 8,913.1 Mn by 2033, from its current valuation of ~US$ 7,678.7 Mn in 2022, according to Persistence Market Research Report

Driving Forces of Change

The surge in demand for bioplastics packaging is intricately woven into the fabric of sustainability trends sweeping across industries worldwide. From food and beverages to catering, the adoption of bioplastics is accelerating, fueled by a collective desire to reduce plastic pollution and embrace eco-friendly alternatives.

Riding the Wave of Sustainability

At the forefront of this revolution are the food and beverage sectors, recognizing the imperative need to transition away from conventional plastic packaging towards sustainable solutions. Consumers, increasingly conscious of the environmental footprint of their purchases, are steering the market towards bioplastics, driving innovation and demand in equal measure.

Unlocking Potential: Market Insights

Delving deeper into market dynamics, it’s evident that key players are not only focusing on enhancing the physical properties of bioplastics but also exploring emerging markets to broaden their footprint. With Europe leading the charge, followed closely by North America and Asia Pacific, the stage is set for a global paradigm shift towards bioplastics packaging.

Navigating Challenges, Embracing Growth

While challenges such as sourcing agricultural raw materials and concerns over chemical additives persist, the industry remains resilient, and poised for exponential growth. Innovations in bioplastics research and regulatory initiatives, such as the EU’s ban on single-use plastics, are propelling the market forward, driving sustainability at its core.

Charting the Course: Regional Insights

From the UK’s bold initiatives to curb plastic pollution to India’s ambitious plans to phase out single-use plastics, every region is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of bioplastic packaging. With China leading the charge in embracing biodegradable plastics and innovative solutions, the global market is witnessing a seismic shift towards sustainability.

Looking Ahead: The Path to a Greener Future

As we embark on this journey towards a greener, more sustainable future, the bioplastics packaging market stands as a testament to human ingenuity and resilience. With collaborative efforts, technological advancements, and a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, we have the power to transform the way we package goods, leaving a legacy of sustainability for generations to come. Join us in unwrapping the future of packaging, one bioplastic at a time.