The prestigious Merck Foundation of Germany, dedicated to advancing global health and wellbeing through science and technology, has officially designated the Clinical Embryology Centre at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal (KMC Manipal) as its “Centre of Excellence“.

Kasturba Medical College, Manipal’s Clinical Embryology Centre Recognized as a Centre of Excellence by Merck Foundation, Germany

The Merck Foundation is passionately committed to enhancing healthcare access in underserved communities. Their flagship initiative, Merck More Than a Mother, created in partnership with several African governments, is a testament to this commitment. It addresses the pivotal need for improved fertility care in regions that lack adequate resources.

Since 2017, the Clinical Embryology centre at KMC Manipal has been a crucial global collaborator in these capacity-building projects. Through the joint efforts of the Merck Foundation and KMC Manipal, approximately 100 clinicians and scientists spanning 27 countries have undergone top-tier embryology training in Manipal. These trained professionals are now at the forefront of infertility care in their respective nations.

The recognition was conferred during the Merck-Africa-Asia-luminary conference on October 18, 2023, in Mumbai. Distinguished attendees included Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, Prof. Dr Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Executive Board of E. Merck KG, and first ladies from fourteen African nations. Dr Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE, and Dr Satish Adiga, Head of Clinical Embryology programs at KMC Manipal, proudly received the accolade.

Regarded as one of the premier IVF-Embryology training hubs in Asia, KMC Manipals program boasts a notable record. It has equipped hundreds of doctors and scientists with the skills to assist infertile couples worldwide.

FSS Simply Payments is a Leadership Connect Conference for likeminded industry experts, thought leaders, and financial professionals

FSS organizes periodic events aimed at the financial sectors and payment technology

Financial Software & Systems Pvt. Ltd. (FSS), a globally leading provider of payments technology solutions, hosted its highly-anticipated leadership connect conference Simply Payments on 19th October in Mumbai.

FSS Simply Payments 2023

Simply Payments is a conference organized by FSS, where like-minded leaders of the banking and financial services sector get together to chart the future of the payments industry. The event witnessed the presence of Easwaran V from IPPB (India Post Payments Bank), Monisha Thakur from Mastercard, Bhavan Sonchhatra from HDFC and Ajay Kumar Singh from SBI, among other industry veterans.

Through this unique initiative, Financial Software & Systems Pvt. Ltd. (FSS) connected with CXOs from the finance ecosystem and its existing customers. The discussions were on innovations set to transform the world of digital payments by simplifying transactions, enhancing security, and improving the overall digital payments experience. The event also sought to identify opportunities for collaboration between industry players.

Key themes discussed during the sessions included the adoption of newer technologies such as microservices, domain-driven design, designed for the cloud, SaaS, AI & ML; need for enhanced security without creating additional friction in digital payments, how payment literacy can play a vital role in benefiting the entire spectrum from issuers to merchants to consumers and innovations on the back of payment rails such as real-time credit, physical-wallet less mobility, CBDC, NCMC etc.

V Balasubramanian, CEO – Cashtech of FSS, said, “We have witnessed substantial growth in transactions, driven by greater inclusivity. The number of transacting account holders has surged from 200 million to 600 million. This emphasizes the need for the digital payment space to keep pace with their increasing numbers. At FSS, we are developing our payment platform to address their challenges. And through our Simply Payments conclave, we connect with banking and financial services industry experts to facilitate meaningful discussions, exchange insights, and explore collaboration opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of digital payments.”

FSS is committed to empowering people, communities, and economies with digital transformations. FSS “Simply Payments” is a strategic relationship-building initiative, designed to engage CEOs, CTOs, and CDOs from the banking and financial services sector along with fostering deeper connections with valued customers of FSS. FSS also recently launched its SaaS platform BLAZE, an advanced payments technology platform, designed to meet the diverse needs of banks and financial institutions.

About Financial Software and Systems (FSS)

Financial Software and Systems (FSS) is a globally leading provider of payments technology and a transaction processor. The company offers an integrated portfolio of software products, hosted payment services, and software solutions built on over three decades of global experience. FSS’s end-to-product portfolio includes Card Issuance, Omni-channel Acquiring and Merchant Management, Payment Analytics, Digital Security, Reconciliation and Settlement, and ATM Monitoring and Management. Headquartered in Chennai, India, FSS is Indias largest on-demand processing facility – FSSNeT, processing 3 billion+ transactions annually. The company manages and operates 40,000+ ATMs nationwide and 600M+ Mobile Banking Transactions Annually. FSS is also a strategic payments partner for leading global banks, financial institutions, processors, central regulators, and governments across North America, UK, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and APAC and has 2,500 domain specialists on board. Being a payments innovation pioneer through the decades with World-Class Solutions, the company has been empowering 150+ Customers in more than 26 countries.

For more information, visit www.fsstech.com, www.fsstech.com/blaze.

Imagine a world in which you could stay in a luxurious but economical 3 star plus and, 2-star plus, good-quality hotel while being aware that your comfort comes with a commitment to sustainability. Eco Hotels and Resorts Ltd., a subsidiary of Eco Hotels UK PLC, is on a mission to transform the hospitality landscape in India with a keen focus on sustainability, innovative construction technology, and ambitious expansion strategies.

Mr. VK Tripathi, Executive Chairman of Eco Hotels India

With a core focus of operating and managing carbon net-zero hotels of its kind across India and operating 5000 rooms within the next five years, Eco Hotels and Resorts Ltd. is making significant strides toward its goal. VK Tripathi, Executive Chairman of Eco Hotels India, mentioned, “Our cutting-edge EBOT (Enterprise-Build-Operate-Transfer) model, which leverages state-of-the-art 3D Volumetric construction technology, is set to take off by the middle of the upcoming year.” It’s a groundbreaking innovation set to revolutionize the way hotels are constructed in the country.

Tripathi added, “The company has embarked on discussions with various hotel owners to secure hotels on lease, and the responses weve received are nothing short of encouraging. This approach allows us to swiftly expand our presence.” In parallel, Eco Hotels is strategically pursuing inorganic growth by actively engaging in discussions with hotel management companies that have approximately 1000 to 1,500 + hotel rooms under their operations. The primary aim is to secure full or substantial acquisitions of these companies and subsequently remodel the hotels under their management to match them with the renowned brands operating in the mid segment.

This strategic move positions the hotels to compete effectively with established mid-segment hotel brands operating in India. Eco Hotels is dedicated to introducing a new brand in three star plus and two-star plus segment, underscoring their robust loyalty to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

But Eco Hotels doesnt stop at the lease model and brand transformation. Tripathi said, “We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of UP under the Invest UP scheme. This collaboration aims us to construct and operate 10 hotels in various cities of UP within the next five years, with construction work expected to commence by the end of the upcoming year.”

Leveraging their technological prowess, Eco Hotels can construct a hundred-room hotel within one year, as opposed to the three to four years required by conventional construction technologies. This innovative approach not only promises better returns on investment for stakeholders but also reduces the need for extensive repairs and maintenance. Its noteworthy that the new built Eco Hotels to be operated under EBOT model associated with the development of 3D volumetric construction technology in India, a groundbreaking innovation set to revolutionize the way hotels are constructed in the country.

With their commitment to sustainability, cutting-edge construction methods, and ambitious expansion plans in partnership with the Government of UP, Eco Hotels and Resorts Ltd. is well on its way to redefining the hospitality industry in India, offering guests a greener, more sustainable, and luxurious experience.

VK Tripathi and his team are trailblazers, are set to redefine the industrys future.

OpalForce, a leading Semiconductor, Technology, and Process Solutions company, is thrilled to announce its recent achievement of CMMI Level 5 certification, a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. These certifications further solidify OpalForces reputation as a pioneering force in the industry.

OpalForce Attains CMMI Level 5 Certification

Founded in 2007 by industry pioneers with a track record of managing high-growth enterprises, OpalForce has consistently delivered rapid and efficient AI-driven Technology and Process Solutions and Services to the Semiconductor, Engineering, and Technology domains worldwide. Their journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, and these CMMI certifications are a significant milestone in its pursuit of operational excellence.

According to Aditya Joshi, CEO and MD of OpalForce, “Our journey at OpalForce has been marked by relentless commitment to innovation and excellence. The upcoming IPO later this year is a testament to our vision of pushing the boundaries of Semiconductor, AI technology and expanding our global footprint. Its a milestone that will fuel our growth and enable us to deliver cutting-edge solutions to clients worldwide. Were excited to embark on this new chapter, solidifying OpalForces position as a driving force in the industry.”

As OpalForce embarks on this new chapter in its journey, they remain committed to pushing the boundaries of technology, fostering Generative AI driven innovation, and expanding its horizons. OpalForce invites all the stakeholders, partners, and investors to join on this exciting path toward a future where cutting-edge technology and exceptional solutions know no bounds.

About OpalForce

OpalForce is an ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified semiconductor, technology, and process Solutions Company headquartered in the US, with operations in India, Canada, and Singapore. Founded in 2007, OpalForce has built a reputation for providing rapid and efficient AI-driven Technology and Process Solutions and Services to the Semiconductor, Engineering, and Technology domain across the globe. With the attainment of CMMI Level 5 certification, OpalForce is poised for dynamic growth and expansion through the upcoming IPO.

ApplyBoard, the global education technology platform for international student recruitment, is thrilled to announce that its India office has been certified as a Great Place to Work. This recognition is a testament to ApplyBoard Indias commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive culture where team members thrive and excel.

Women at ApplyBoard

At ApplyBoard India, inclusivity and diversity are at the heart of our corporate values. We believe that a great place to work is one where team members feel valued, appreciated, and respected, regardless of their background or experiences. Our team has worked diligently to create an environment that encourages collaboration, mutual respect, and a sense of belonging, making it possible for everyone to bring their unique perspectives and contributions to the table.

ApplyBoard India

Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting, and insights they need to make strategic people decisions. The Institute serves businesses, non-profits, and government agencies in more than 60 countries and has conducted pioneering research on the characteristics of great workplaces for over three decades.

“We are immensely proud of being certified as a Great Place to Work in India,” says Karunn Kandoi, Chief Experience Officer and Country Head, India, ApplyBoard. “This recognition reflects the dedication and passion of our talented team members in India, who have been instrumental in creating a workplace that is welcoming, inclusive, and supportive. It is their commitment that has enabled ApplyBoard to make a significant impact on students lives and revolutionize the education sector.”

ApplyBoard India invests in its team members by offering various learning and development programs, mentorship, coaching, and defined pathways for career progression. This commitment to growth empowers our team to achieve their full potential, leading to higher job satisfaction and overall success.

ApplyBoard’s global culture of innovation, support, ownership and fun is home to more than 1,500 team members from more than 30 countries. ApplyBoards core values serve as the foundation of our culture and guide every decision we make as an organization.

As we celebrate this significant achievement, ApplyBoard India remains committed to its vision of empowering education for all, and making students dreams come true. We are grateful to our Indian students, recruitment partners, and academic partner institutions for their unwavering support, and we look forward to continuing our mission to educate the world.

About Great Place To Work

Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting, and insights they need to make strategic people decisions. The Institute serves businesses, nonprofits and government agencies in more than 60 countries and has conducted pioneering research on the characteristics of great workplaces for over three decades.

In India, the institute partners with more than 1400 organizations annually across over 22 industries to help them build High-Trust, High-Performance Cultures designed to deliver sustained business results. Hundreds of CEOs and CXOs from India Inc. are part of the great place community that is committed to the vision of making India a great place to work for all.

The Institute’s research shows that great workplaces are characterized by great leadership, consistent employee experience, and sustainable financial performance. These organizations can deliver a consistent experience to all their employees irrespective of their role, gender, tenure, or level. Their leaders believe in the vision of creating and sustaining a great place to work for all and role models being for all leaders. Learn more at www.greatplacetowork.in and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About ApplyBoard
ApplyBoard empowers students around the world to access the best education by simplifying the study abroad search, application, and acceptance process to more than 1,750 institutions across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland. ApplyBoard, headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, has helped more than 600,000 students from more than 125 countries along their educational journeys since 2015.

To learn more, visit: www.applyboard.com.

In a remarkable achievement that underscores her talent and dedication to the world of music, Indias No. 1 Female DJ, DJ Rink, has secured the 5th position in the highly prestigious “2023 Top 50 Djanes of Asia” list by Djane Mag. Multi-talented singer, remixer, performer, and DJ, she has been on no 1 position in India since last 10 years and no 40 amongst top 100 DJs in the world. She was recently honoured with Best Wedding DJ award at WOW Awards 2023. DJ Rink has been setting the music scene on fire since 2005. She has garnered recognition and admiration for her outstanding skills and impressive contributions to the music industry. With a portfolio of over 2000 Bollywood remixes to her credit, DJ Rink has become a household name in India, celebrated for her extraordinary talent and her unique ability to set the dance floor on fire.

DJ Rink

What sets DJ Rink apart is not only her remarkable DJing skills but also her status as a certified sound engineer. Her dedication to perfecting the art of sound engineering has been pivotal in shaping her successful career. She goes a step further in contributing to the music industry by running her very own DJ school, record label, and web channel, all operating under the banner of Sound Factory.

DJ Rink shared her joy and said, “Securing a 5th place on the 2023 Top 50 Djanes of Asia list is an honour beyond words. Its a reward to the incredible journey Ive embarked upon, the countless hours of dedication, and the love I have for the art of music. This recognition is not just a win for me; its a win for every individual whos ever danced to my beats, for every student Ive mentored at my DJ school, and for everyone whos been a part of my musical journey. Its a reminder that with passion, hard work, and a deep connection to your craft, dreams can become reality. Im immensely grateful to all my supporters and the incredible music community that has embraced my work. This achievement is a source of inspiration, driving me to push my creative boundaries even further and continue my musical odyssey.”

DJ Rink has firmly established herself as the female face of the DJing business in India, and her performances have a unique power to transform any party into an unforgettable experience.

DJ Rink was in Dubai recently for a show and will soon be going on a world tour to perform. Her contribution to the music industry is undeniable, and she stands tall as a beacon of creativity and excellence in the world of DJing.

Follow DJ Rink on – www.instagram.com/djrinkindia/hl=en.

Getting rid of disease-causing insects, in a safe and effective manner, has always been a problem. Now, Midas Hygiene, reputed for manufacturing home and personal care products, has rolled out Laxman Rekhaa, an unique herbal insect repellent spray, in the market.

Laxman Rekhaa: A Unique Herbal Insect Repellent Spray

“We are proud to launch Laxman Rekhaa which is the result of years of research. It is a breakthrough natural solution, and provides 100% safety,” said Mr. Pranay Kapoor, Managing Director & CEO, Midas Hygiene Industries Pvt. Ltd.

Laxman Rekhaa, according to Mr. Kapoor, can be used with confidence to get rid of disease-causing flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches and bedbugs. The product is also effective in repelling spiders, ants and lizards.

Laxman Rekhaa, registered under Ayush, fills the home with a delightful herbal fragrance, and hence makes it comfortable to use at home. “So, it is safer than other poisonous products available in the market. It is also cost effective,” Mr. Kapoor added.

The herbal insect repellent has a unique formula, and it harnesses the power of natural ingredients. “Getting rid of insects in an environment-friendly manner, using no poison, has been a challenge. I think we have overcome this challenge with Laxman Rekhaa,” confided Mr. Kapoor.

Labelling Laxman Rekhaa as a promise of protection, not just another product, Mr. Kapoor said Indias insect repellent market is significantly growing. “With growing awareness among people about diseases which spread through mosquitoes and other insects, we can see that this market will grow further.“

Obviously, we also want to grow with the market, Mr. Kapoor said while elaborating on Midas’ growth plants.

Laxman Rekhaa has been introduced in a pack of 250 ml and is priced at Rs.250/-. The product is now available in the Indian market.

About Midas Hygiene Industries
Headquartered in Mumbai, Midas Hygiene Industries is one of leading home and personal care manufacturers of household products for home and personal care. The company has been in the market for more than 3 decades. Some of its top selling brands include Laxman Rekhaa Chalk, Khatnil Advanced Formula, Sanipic, Stainfree, Sanitt & Krazyline Chalk.

The Lip Balm Company, a trusted brand in the world of organic, plant-based lip care, is delighted to unveil their latest creations: Coral Red and Lava Vegan tinted lip balms. These exciting products come in two irresistible forms: Lip Jelly in an eco-friendly glass jar and Lip Gloss in an eco-friendly glass tube, staying true to their commitment to sustainable lip care.

Lava Vegan and Coral Red Launched at your favorite store, Buy Them Now!

Coral Red tinted lip balm, lovingly crafted with Polypodium and Annatto extracts, not only imparts a chic red-pink tint but also ensures your lips stay hydrated and beautiful while reducing lip pigmentation.

Lava Vegan tinted lip balm shines bright with its lively flame orange tint, thanks to the magic of Astaxanthin. It doesnt stop at a pop of colour; it deeply nourishes your lips, preventing lip darkening.

Both products are made with premium plant-derived ingredients and are 100% natural, vegan, lead-free, cochineal-free, and preservative-free. Dermatologically tested, they are suitable even for children and teens.

“The lip gloss has been eagerly awaited by our customers and is a valuable addition to our beloved lip care range,” said Ms Sowmiya Ravi, Social Media Strategist at The Lip Balm Company. “And the introduction of lip gloss marks an exciting milestone for us as we continue to cater to our customers evolving needs,” she added.

The Lip Balm Company remains dedicated to providing conscious, eco-friendly lip care that is both effective and safe for all. Dont miss the chance to enhance your lip care routine with these exceptional products. Explore the full range and experience the essence of guilt-free, organic lip care at www.thelipbalmco.in.

Legendary pace bowler Zaheer Khan was a surprise guest at the prestigious Axel Springer awards that honoured Microsoft Chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella’s visionary entrepreneurship. The non-monetary award is a recognition offered to outstanding personalities who demonstrate an exceptional talent for innovation, create and transform markets, shape culture, and also face their social responsibility.

Satya Nadella receives an autographed bat from Zaheer Khan at Axel Springer Awards

Hyderabad born Satya Nadella is well-known as a cricket fan, and Zaheer’s surprise appearance with his wife Sagarika, and his laudatory speech, clearly made the evening even more special for the global corporate leader.

“Cricket is a symphony, and every player is a note in that composition. Leadership in cricket is about being a guiding light and source of inspiration,” said Zaheer, no stranger to excellence himself, drawing a parallel between his sport and the corporate world. “In cricket we lead not with arrogance but with humility. In the journey of Satya Nadella, we see a reflection of these principles in the corporate world. Congratulations, you do India proud,” he concluded, as he presented Satya with an autographed bat.

A broadcast clip shared by the award organisers, showed Mr. Nadella‘s delighted reaction at meeting Zaheer, as he accepted the bat “I thought I was going to come in and get an award in a conference room and here it is I’m listening to Bollywood music and (here is) my cricket hero! Oh my god, it’s crazy… it’s great, thank you!”

The Axel Springer Awards honour outstanding personalities who are innovative in an extraordinary way, who create and change markets and who shape culture while at the same time shouldering their social responsibility. The award recognizes accomplishments so far and encourages further steps. At the same time, the award winners should be role models for others to bring their own ideas to fruition. Past awardees include the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the BioNTech founders zlem Treci and Uğur Şahin, Elon Musk, Founder and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, among others, the economist and author Shoshana Zuboff, Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon and owner of the Washington Post, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, as well as Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO of Meta.

Cyber safety training session conducted for citizens under Delhi Police’s Yuva program

Training session to encourage citizens to take action by reporting online scams, fraud and harassment to Delhi Police

Delhi Police, in collaboration with Truecaller, organized a cyber safety training session for citizens, as part of their ongoing partnership aimed at preventing cyber frauds, scams and raising cyber safety awareness among citizens. The CyberWise training session was conducted in Hindi, and focused on empowering individuals under the Delhi Polices Yuva program with essential digital safety skills. The training program included educating participants about fundamental digital hygiene practices, safeguarding personal information online, and tips to avoid cyber scams. Its primary goal is to reduce citizens exposure to online harm while fostering trust in digital communication.

Ms. Suman Nalwa, DCP & PRO, Delhi Police and Ms. Pragya Misra, Director of Public Affairs, at Truecaller

In addition to raising awareness, the cyber safety training sessions encourage citizens to take requisite action by reporting online scams, spam, fraud, and harassment to Delhi Police.

Sharing her thoughts on the initiative, Ms Suman Nalwa, DCP & PRO, Delhi Police said, “Delhi Police is actively dedicated to increasing cyber safety awareness and empowering citizens to stay safe online. Our collaborative efforts with Truecaller have successfully reduced the impersonation of Delhi Police officials by verifying official numbers through Truecaller’s Government Directory Services. Through the CyberWise training sessions, our mission is to provide citizens and young participants of the Yuva Programme with the essential knowledge and skills needed to make informed choices for their protection while harnessing the opportunities in the digital world.”

Sharing her thoughts on the partnership, Ms. Pragya Misra, Director of Public Affairs, at Truecaller, said, “We are truly delighted to continue our mission of fostering online safety, with the Delhi Police, in line with the Government of India’s aim of making the internet open and safe, trusted and accountable for its citizens. CyberWise has already benefited over 1.6 million citizens nationwide, and we remain committed to contribute towards creating a digitally resilient community that can harness the internets potential while staying safe from frauds and scams.”

CyberWise training being conducted in the local language to equip participants with online safety skills at the Saket Police Station

As part of the Truecaller & Delhi Police partnership, a variety of initiatives have been conducted to combat cybercrime. These initiatives include a range of capacity-building measures for the Delhi Police, online safety training sessions on emerging cybercrimes, and verifying all official numbers of Delhi Police personnel on Truecaller’s Government Directory Services to tackle impersonation.

About Truecaller

We enable safe and relevant conversations between people and make it efficient for businesses to connect with consumers. Fraud and unwanted communication are endemic to digital economies, especially in emerging markets. We are on a mission to build trust in communication. Truecaller is an essential part of everyday communication for over 356 million active users, with more than a billion downloads since launch and close to 50 billion unwanted calls identified and blocked in 2021. Headquartered in Stockholm since 2009, we are a co-founder-led, entrepreneurial company, with a highly experienced management team. Truecaller has been listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since October, 2021.

Visit truecaller.com for more information.