Visionary Entrepreneur Mr. Vinod Dugar’s Ambitious Quest to Revolutionize Football in India Gains Momentum

By

-

October 18, 2023

In a bold and visionary move that promises to reshape the Indian sports landscape, Mr. Vinod Dugar, Co-Promoter of RDB Group and the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Malawi in Kolkata, has embarked on an extraordinary journey by establishing the Inter Kashi Football Club (Inter Kashi FC). His mission is to breathe new life into Indian sports, particularly football, by developing grassroots talent and enhancing the quality of life for youth.

Inter Kashi FC

Inter Kashi FC represents more than a football club; it embodies a commitment, a promise, and a vision for the future of Indian football. It stands as the first National-Level Football Club in Uttar Pradesh, setting new standards for football development in the region. Under Mr. Dugars dynamic leadership, Inter Kashi FC focuses on world-class infrastructure development, strategic global collaborations, and substantial investments aimed at creating a thriving football ecosystem. The vision extends to providing opportunities for aspiring players and ensuring top-class facilities for grassroots programs, with the long-term goal of elevating the sports overall quality.

Inter Kashi Coach Carlos Santamarina and RDB Owner Mr. Vinod Dugar

Mr. Dugars vision goes beyond on-field success; its about nurturing and incubating new and young talent. A groundbreaking collaboration with Atletico de Madrid has positioned Inter Kashi FC as a hub for talent development in India, offering its players access to world-class training facilities and expertise, raising their game to international standards.

“Indias passion for football is undeniable. With its inclusivity and surging popularity, exemplified by Indias ascent into the Top 100 FIFA rankings, football became an irresistible choice,” saidMr. Vinod Dugar, adding that sports have the capacity to not only improve the quality of life for youth by providing a viable career option but also through enhancing overall physical and mental health.

Inter Kashi FCs ambition extends to building a highly competitive squad capable of excelling at the highest level. They have scouted talent not only from grassroots but also internationally, creating a melting pot of diverse abilities. Collaborations with top coaches and the implementation of sports science ensure that players not only win matches but also realize their full potential.

Looking ahead, Mr. Dugar envisions Inter Kashis participation in this years I league – Premier 2 tournament and the establishment of Grassroot Football Academies across Uttar Pradesh in partnership with Atletico de Madrid, known as Atletico de Bharat. Their goal is to produce the countrys best footballing talents within a tentative five-year timeline, marking a lasting legacy in the state and the nations footballing history.

Mr. Dugars contributions to Indian sports extend beyond football. Through Avimukta Sports, he aims to revolutionize the sporting landscape further. He affirmed,“We want the youth of India, and more particularly Uttar Pradesh, to consider football as a career option. We at Avimukta are not limiting ourselves to football but also in the coming days shall focus on Beach Soccer, Futsal, amongst other sports.”

Beyond sports, Mr. Dugar is dedicated to creating a positive impact on society. He focuses on education, healthcare, and community development through institutions like Kusum Devi Sunderlal Dugar Jain Dental College and Hospital, Stem World School, and The Aryans School, ensuring that education reaches marginalized sections of society.

As Inter Kashi continues to evolve, Mr. Dugars goals remain clear – to strengthen the clubs position as a league leader, push boundaries, and strive for excellence. The journey ahead promises to transform the football landscape in Uttar Pradesh and across India, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of football lovers.

Max Life PFM, PFRDA Mark NPS Diwas with a Discussion on Financial Empowerment of Women

By

-

October 18, 2023

0

Max Life Pension Fund Management Ltd. (Max Life PFM), a wholly owned subsidiary of Max Life Insurance Company Ltd. (“Max Life”/”Company”), organized a panel discussion on the theme of “Building Bridges to Financial Confidence: Empowering Women in Finance” to mark the National Pension System (NPS) Diwas. The panel focused on the importance of financial planning, especially pension and retirement, for women in India.

L to R: Ranbheer Singh Dhariwal, CEO, Max Life PFM; Sumeet Kaur Kapoor, Executive Director, PFRDA; K. Ratna Prabha, Retd. IAS Officer, Founder & President, Ubuntu Consortium; Preeti Chandrashekhar, Business Leader – Health & Wealth, Mercer; Priyanka Mitra, EVP & Head – Distribution HR, Diversity & Inclusion, Max Life & Santosh Agarwal, Chief Business Officer, Policybazaar.com

The discussion drew inspiration from this year’s NPS Diwas theme, ‘NPS Zaroori Hai‘, and encouraged every Indian, especially women, to build a financial corpus to secure their own financial future. The discussion underscored the low participation of women in financial decision-making while focusing on the challenges faced by them in planning their financial goals. Women business leaders from diverse backgrounds shared experiences on their relationship with money.

The panel was moderated by Mr. Ranbheer Singh Dhariwal, CEO, Max Life PFM, and the panelists included – Ms. Sumeet Kaur Kapoor, Executive Director, PFRDA; Ms. Santosh Agarwal, Chief Business Officer, PolicyBazaar.com; Ms. Priyanka Mitra, EVP & Head – Distribution HR, Diversity and Inclusion, Max Life; Ms. K. Ratna Prabha, Retd. IAS officer, Founder and President, Ubuntu Consortium; and Ms. Preeti Chandrashekhar, Business Leader – Health and Wealth, Mercer.

Mr. Ranbheer Singh Dhariwal, Chief Executive Officer, Max Life Pension Fund Management Ltd. said, “Women have unique financial journeys, and they often face distinct challenges. Max Life PFM understands the critical role financial confidence plays in overall well-being, and this panel was aimed at providing an impetus to the involvement of women in financial planning. Empowering women is vital for achieving a financially inclusive society, and their full participation in decision-making is essential for gender equality. Women face unique challenges during retirement like longevity, break in career and hence all the more reason to plan for retirement once they understand and have the financial confidence. I thank all the esteemed panelists for sharing their personal experiences and their vision on the financial empowerment of women, and I believe that such platforms will enable equality of rights in financial decision-making in society.”

Ms. Sumeet Kaur Kapoor, Executive Director, PFRDA said, “Awareness is the key starting point of retirement planning; however, irrespective of gender, it is inadequate. Today, due to advancements in medical technology, the life expectancy of humans, especially women, has gone up. Hence, as an economy, if feminization of old age is happening and women don’t have incomes in their hands, the spending power of the entire nation goes down. In light of this, it becomes important to tap the womens segment at a macro level. At the individual level, as women are expected to outlive their spouses by 5 to 7 years on account of the age differential at the time of marriage and longer longevity, retirement planning for women is imperative, with which one can have a regular, life-long income stream for themselves. This is something that the panel strongly feels and hence aims to drive awareness across the society.”

The panelists drew on their own experiences to provide guidance and financial tips to a keen audience. Key topics that were discussed included ways and means of empowering women economically, the challenges they face in financial planning, and impediments to awareness. The outcomes and suggestions of the panel discussion were that there needs to be a disproportionate focus on educating women on why and how they can take charge of their finances. Shedding light on strategies and initiatives that can bridge the gap by providing women with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in the finance sector, the discussion underlined that empowering women in this field is not just a matter of equity but also a catalyst for economic growth and societal progress.

About Max Life Pension Fund Management Ltd.

Max Life Pension Fund Management Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Max Life Insurance Company Limited which is India’s leading private life insurance company managing Asset Under Management (AUM) of Rs. 1 lakh+ Crore. Max Life Pension Fund Management Ltd. is registered as a Pension Fund Manager (PFM) under Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) to manage pension corpus for the subscribers of NPS.

For more information, please visit www.maxlifepensionfund.com.

Device intelligence platform Fingerprint raises $33mn in Series C funding

By

BRL Editor

-

October 18, 2023

0

Fingerprint, a startup that helps developers craft security solutions through device intelligence APIs, has secured $33 million in a Series C funding round. Nexus Venture Partners spearheaded this funding, increasing their total investment to $77 million. Uncorrelated Ventures also joined in.

The Chicago-based company emphasizes that this funding arrives as cookies dwindle and VPN usage surges, making precise device identification more critical. They claim to identify over 99.5% of returning users in under 500 milliseconds.

“With the gradual death of cookies and proliferation of VPNs, high-accuracy device identification has never been more important. Companies battle sophisticated attacks from online fraudsters while needing to ensure their trusted customers have a frictionless experience,” Dan Pinto, cofounder of Fingerprint, said in a news release.

Globally, over 6,000 companies use Fingerprint’s services to safeguard their login pages from phishing and tackle various other issues. Payment processors and e-commerce retailers use these services to combat payment fraud.

Fingerprint has also entered the Indian market, with enterprises like Tata Digital, Zee5, Junglee, and Park+ integrating its solutions to combat fraud and abuse on their platforms.

“Fingerprint solves this challenge for thousands of companies by enabling accurate device identification and by providing additional signals to inform (them of) visitor intent without inconveniencing legitimate users,” Pinto added.

This new funding will bolster the company’s expansion among large enterprise customers and help in developing tools to address complex device identification challenges.

“We’re impressed by the product’s ability to deliver 10x+ return on investment (ROI) for its customers consistently,” Abhishek Sharma, managing director of Nexus Ventures, said in the release. “The company has commercially grown 20x over the past three years. It has a resounding product-market fit, from small businesses to large public companies. We’re thrilled to triple down and further strengthen our partnership with Fingerprint.”

Crompton Announces New Board Appointments

By

-

October 18, 2023

0

As Mr. Hemant Nerurkar is superannuating, Crompton announces the appointment of Mr. D Sundaram as Chairman of the Board.

Further, Crompton has inducted Mr. Anil Chaudhry and Mr. Sanjiv Kakkar as Additional Directors

Mr. Hemant Nerurkar, Chairman of the Board is retiring on October 20, 2023 upon the expiry of his second term. The Board of Directors at its meeting held on October 17, 2023, decided to appoint Mr. Sundaram as Chairman succeeding Mr. Nerurkar. Mr. Sundaram has been on the Board of the Company since 2015 and has served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee and Risk Management Committee since inception. The Board acknowledged the extensive contribution of Mr. Nerurkar in helping shape Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd.

The Board also inducted two noted industry veterans, Mr. Anil Chaudhry and Mr. Sanjiv Kakkar, formerly with Schneider Electric and Unilever respectively, as Non-Executive Independent Directors, with effect from October 17, 2023, for a first term of five years. This is subject to the approval of the shareholders.

Brief Profiles:

Mr. Sundaram has been serving as a Non-Executive & Independent Director at Crompton since 2015. With over 34 years of invaluable experience at one of the country’s top FMCG companies – Hindustan Unilever Limited, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the organization. He currently holds the position of Non-Executive Vice Chairman at TVS Capital Funds Ltd. He also currently serves as an independent director on the boards of Infosys, GSK Pharma India and Schneider Electric. Mr. Sundaram’s outstanding contributions has also earned him prestigious accolades, including the “CFO of the Year for FMCG Sector” award by CNBC TV18 in 2006 and 2008. In addition, he was honored as the “Best Independent Director in 2019” by the Asian Centre for Corporate Governance and Sustainability in December 2020.

Mr. Anil Chaudhry is the former CEO & Managing Director of Schneider Electric India Pvt. Ltd (“SEIPL”) and President of Schneider’s India Business. Schneider Electric is a global leader in digital automation and energy management. Mr. Chaudhry was instrumental in the acquisition of L&T Electrical & Automation Division by SEIPL making the combined entity as India’s largest Low Voltage Switchgear company. With over 40 years of global leadership experience in management, operations, sales, strategy, and business development, he has a strong commitment to energy efficiency, sustainability, climate change, access to energy, and skill development. Mr. Chaudhry is dedicated to implementing innovative techniques to provide top-tier solutions and services to customers. He is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, championing related initiatives throughout his career.

Mr. Sanjiv Kakkar, former Executive Vice President of Unilever, heading North Africa, Middle East, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the Central Asia Region. He is a distinguished leader with 38 years of experience. Sanjiv’s career began in India with Sales and Marketing assignments and he joined the Board of Hindustan Unilever Ltd., India, as Executive Director – Foods, followed by Executive Director – Customer Development. He thereafter moved on to head Unilever’s business for Russia, Ukraine and Belarus followed by regional assignments as EVP – Unilever. He has transformed one of Unilevers largest clusters into one of its fastest-growing and most profitable regions. He was the Founder Chairman of the Advertising Business Group, Middle East, Dubai, and a Board Member for the International Chamber of Commerce, Dubai, nominated by the Ruler of Dubai. Moreover, Forbes recognized him as the top Indian business leader in the Middle East in 2018. Currently, Mr. Sanjiv Kakkar runs an Advisory Service to help founders and CEOs to unlock their business potential.

Promeet Ghosh, Managing Director & CEO, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. said, “I would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Hemant Nerurkar, Chairman, for his immense contributions on the Board. He has been instrumental not only in providing strategic direction but also in moulding Crompton into a Board led & professionally managed Company. I am thrilled with Mr. Sundaram succeeding Mr. Nerurkar as the Chairman of the Board. He has played a pivotal role on the Board of the Company since inception. I am also excited to welcome our two new Directors, Mr. Anil Chaudhry and Mr. Sanjiv Kakkar, to the Crompton family. Their wealth of experience and exceptional track records in industry will add tremendous value to our organization.”

About Crompton

With a brand legacy of 80+ years, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. is India’s market leader in the category of fans and residential pumps. Over the years, the organization has continuously strived to produce a range of innovative products that cater to the modern consumer including superior quality and high-performance water heaters, anti-dust fans, antibacterial LED bulbs and a range of other categories like air coolers, food processors like mixer grinders, electric kettles and garment care like irons. The company has further invested in brand and innovation to not only better understand and meet consumer needs, but to also help drive energy efficiency. The consumer business also has a well-established and organized distribution network driven by a strong dealer base across the country offering a wide service network and robust after sales service to its customers.

Having consistently worked towards the development of energy efficient products, the company bagged two prestigious National Energy Consumer Awards (NECA) for the Most Energy Efficient Appliances of the Year 2019 organized by the Bureau of Energy efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power – one for Ceiling Fans for its HS plus model and the other one in the LED Bulb category for its 9-Watt LED bulb. The company has also been featured in Brand Top 75 most valuable Indian brands list for 2020 released by WPP and Kantar. Furthermore, Crompton was also recognized as the Brand of the Decade 2021 by Herald Global and BARC Asia in the Consumer Electrical category.

Share of Real Estate in Recoveries Under IBC Rises to 18.8 percent – Report

By

BRL Editor

-

October 18, 2023

0

Large number of vacancies in National Company Law Tribunal had contributed to significantly delayed resolution of insolvencies

Updates on Jaypee Infratech, Unitech, Supertech, Lavasa Corporation, Amrapali, D S Kulkarni, Three C Homes, Radius Estates, and others undergoing or having completed CIRP

Real estate sector on a reported basis accounted for more than 50% of the total realizations under IBC. However subsequent to release of data by IBBI, a large key case went sub-judice following admission of an appeal before the Hon’ble NCLAT resulting in real estate sector accounting for 18.8% of total realizations under IBC. This compares very well to total realizations of 1.2% in the period between its inception in FY17 to September 2022 as indicated in an earlier report*, finds a joint report by property consultants ANAROCK and leading law firm, Khaitan & Co.

Update on IBC in Indian Real Estate – Report

Shobhit Agarwal, MD & CEO, ANAROCK Capital says, “The total number of corporate insolvency resolution process (“CIRP”) cases filed has risen from an average of ~208 in FY22 to average of ~313 in FY23. FY24 however has commenced on a weak note with 238 cases admitted overall in the first quarter. Real estate cases have averaged about 18-20 in each quarter between October 2021 and December 2022. However, this jumped sharply in March 2023 to 44 corporate debtors being admitted into CIRP.”

Sudip Mullick, Partner, Khaitan & Co, says “While CIRPs of real estate companies have increased in the last few quarters, it would be interesting to see how effectively these cases are resolved. Positive outcomes in the ongoing CIRPs of real estate companies would be the key to drive confidence of homebuyers and give a boost to the sector.”

Kumar Saurabh Singh, Partner, Khaitan & Co, adds, “One of the key reasons for prolonged delay in resolution of insolvencies has been the large number of vacancies in the NCLTs. With a view to strengthen the bench, the government has recently appointed 21 members, which will take the bench strength closer to the sanctioned number of 63. This is expected to reduce the delays faced in the resolution of insolvent companies. However, it will be critical for the government to continue this momentum and ensure that vacancies are filled on time.”

Proposed Amendments to IBC

With a view to further streamline the CIR process, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has invited comments on changes being considered to the IBC. The report covers the several key changes that are being considered. Significantly, these also include the increased use of technology in the IBC eco-system to make it more efficient and effective.

Kumar Saurabh Singh, Partner, Khaitan & Co, says, “Currently, the MCA, the Adjudicating Authority, the IBBI, information utilities and service providers operate on separate technological platforms.”

“There is now a proposal to bring all of them on the same platform which will lead to enhanced transparency, minimisation of delays, and facilitate more effective decision making,” says Singh. “This calls for the development of a state-of-the-art electronic platform that can handle several processes under the Code, with minimum human interface.”

The National E-Governance Services Ltd., India’s first Information Utility, has also unveiled an insolvency case management system that assist insolvency professionals in seamlessly executing all CIRP and liquidation process-related tasks in a time-bound manner.

Aashiesh Agarwaal, SVP – Research & Investment Advisory, ANAROCK Capital, says, “A Committee constituted by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs recommended the project-wise CIRP of real estate companies as opposed to company-wise CIRP. Further, it was recommended that necessary amendments be made to the enabling RPs to transfer the ownership and possession of sale units to the allottees while the CIR process is underway. Finally, the report recommended creation of 5 additional fast-track benches at the NCLT, to expedite the cases including real estate cases.”

The report details the proposed amendments by MCA and the recommendations by MHUA, and also examines updates on several real estate companies undergoing CIRP or having completed CIRP. These include Jaypee Infratech, Unitech, Supertech, Lavasa Corporation, Amrapali, D S Kulkarni, Three C Homes, Radius Estates, and others.

Download the report: bit.ly/KhaitanANAROCK_IBCReport_Sep2023

* (Previous report ‘IBC – Fresh hope for India’s Real Estate Stakeholders’)

About ANAROCK

ANAROCK is India’s leading independent real estate services company with a presence across India and the Middle East. The Company has diversified interests across the real estate lifecycle and deploys its proprietary technology platform to accelerate marketing and sales across Residential, Retail (with Vindico), Commercial, Investment Banking, Hospitality (with HVS), Land, Industrial and Logistics & Data Centers (with Binswanger), Investment Management, Research, Strategic Advisory & Valuations, Flexi Spaces (myHQ & Upflex) and Society Management (acquisition of ApnaComplex-India/ANACITY-EMEA), Technology (ASTRA, ACRM, ACP) and is aggressively expanding to newer geographies and real estate business verticals. ANAROCK has a team of over 2200+ certified and experienced real estate professionals who operate across all major Indian and Middle East markets. ANAROCK also manages over 35,000 established channel partners to ensure global business coverage.

Please visit www.anarock.com

About Khaitan & Co

Khaitan & Co is a top tier and full-service law firm with over 1000 legal professionals, including 220 Partners and Counsel, and presence in India and Singapore. With more than a century of experience in practicing law, we offer end-to-end legal solutions in diverse practice areas to our clients across the world. We have a team of highly motivated and dynamic professionals delivering outstanding client service and expert legal advice across a wide gamut of sectors and industries.

To know more about our Firm, visit www.khaitanco.com

Rapid Revolutionizes India’s Tech Landscape, Empowering Global Enterprises to Tap into Booming Talent Pool

By

-

October 18, 2023

0

India, the burgeoning economic powerhouse, poised to reach a staggering GDP of $5 trillion by 2025 and $8.4 trillion by 2030, is capturing the worlds attention. Within its diverse business sectors, the tech industry shines as one of the most promising talent reservoirs globally. In this dynamic landscape, Rapid, an avant-garde Employer of Record (EOR) platform, is orchestrating a seismic shift, propelling Indias tech evolution forward while providing global enterprises unprecedented access to this treasure trove of talent.

Navin Rungta, Founder of Rapid

Founded by the visionary serial entrepreneur Navin Rungta, Rapid is redefining the paradigm for Global startups to scaleups tech giants alike. Its mission: to streamline and amplify access to Indias unparalleled talent pool while eliminating the burdensome need for establishing a local legal entity.

Indias tech industry is undeniably a global hotspot, attracting businesses across the spectrum – from AI and ML innovators to SaaS disruptors, Fintech trailblazers, and pioneers of Web 3 and emerging technologies. They all seek to harness Indias high-caliber, cost-effective talent, world-class infrastructure, and strategic time zone advantages.

Amid this tech renaissance, EOR platforms like Rapid have emerged as the linchpin in this transformative narrative. Rapid liberates global enterprises from the complexities of local legal intricacies and compliance, allowing them to channel their energies towards innovation and expansion. The company takes on the responsibility of HR, payroll, local benefits, legal compliance, and more, granting businesses the agility to scale rapidly and expedite fundraising due diligence.

The global Employer of Record market is poised for a meteoric rise, set to reach USD 3,745.43 million by 2030, boasting a remarkable CAGR of 12.07% from 2023. Navin Rungta, Founder of Rapid, remarked “Indias multifaceted legal landscape poses significant challenges for global corporations seeking to seamlessly tap into its talent pool. Rapids cutting-edge digital onboarding, rigorous eKYC procedures, and meticulous background checks create a secure work environment. With options for customizable HR policies, a service marketplace brimming with innovation, and a focus on privacy, Rapid offers a replication of a companys own entity experience without the need for a local presence. Rapid is your passport to Indias tech future.”

Rapids arsenal of unique value propositions encompasses Compliant Office Spaces, Equipment Procurement, Tax Benefits, Customized HR Policies, and an Innovative Services Marketplace. These offerings position Rapid as the trusted guide navigating Indias ever-evolving tech terrain.

Rapids commitment to unlocking innovation and sculpting a profitable tech landscape for global enterprises is unwavering. As it leads the charge in reshaping the future, Rapid stands as a beacon of transformation in Indias thriving tech ecosystem.

Aptech Launches India’s First Holistic end-end Virtual Production Academy in Mumbai

By

-

October 18, 2023

0

Aptech Limited, a pioneer in the non-formal vocational training business in the country for over 37 years, is proud to announce the launch of Indias first holistic end-end virtual production academy in Mumbai. Christened as, ‘The Virtual Production Academy by Aptech’, the brand intends to create a talent pool of skilled professionals harnessing the power of new-age virtual production techniques that is revolutionizing the process of film-making and content creation in India today. The academy commenced its operations today, at Suvidha Square, S V Road, Andheri (West) and will offer to teach all the stages of virtual production, namely – Visualisation, Motion/Performance Capture, Hybrid Green Screen, LED Wall-ICVFX.

The Launch of The Virtual Production Academy by Aptech

The Virtual Production Academy by Aptech sets itself apart with a compelling array of unique selling points (USPs) that distinguish us in the realm of education and training. It features cutting-edge technology, including an LED volume wall for immersive virtual environments, a hybrid virtual production floor, live broadcasting and event production capabilities. With a strong focus on in-camera visual effects, the academy provides hands-on experience with DMX-controlled studio lighting setups, 12K film camera workflows and motion tracking solutions. The students will also benefit experiencing the performance capture suits, VR scouting, and state-of-the-art workstations in dedicated labs. The commitment to innovation extends to Artificial Intelligence (AI) content creation tools, while industry professionals serve as mentors, ensuring students are well-prepared to excel in the dynamic field of virtual production.

In addition to offering a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses all aspects of virtual production, from pre-production planning to post-production techniques, students will also acquire expertise in real-time rendering, virtual set design, and digital cinematography.

The Virtual Production Academy by Aptech will be offering specialized certificate courses that has the potential to transform a novice into a pro; introducing them to a suite of software tools such as RealityScan, Performance Capture with Rokoko, Aximmetry, Ultimatte, Unreal Engine, Adobe Substance Painter and Quixel Mixer. Through collaborative projects, students will get the opportunity to put their skills to use in real-world scenarios, working on their own virtual production projects. Upon completion of the specialized course, the students will receive a micro-credential (recognizing achievement in the AVGC industry) and have direct access to employment opportunities.

As per the market analysis report by Grandview Research, the India virtual production market size was estimated at USD 105.9 million in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.0% from 2023 to 2030.

As per the report by AVGC Promotion Taskforce 2022 titled “Realising AVGC-XR Sector Potential in India”, it is estimated that by 2025, ~50% of Indian animation and VFX studios will embrace real-time technology, encompassing core technologies for perceptual interactions through extended reality (XR) devices and the surging demand for 3D modelling, among other innovations.

Virtual production has rapidly transformed the entertainment industry, blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds. With the advent of ground-breaking technologies, such as LED walls and real-time rendering engines,filmmakers can now create immersive, realistic environments without the need for traditional, on-location shooting.

Dr. Anuj Kacker, Whole-time Director and Interim CEO, Aptech Ltd. said, “Aptech has a history of recognizing opportunities in emerging industries, a pattern we established initially with IT training and later with animation, VFX, and gaming in the AVGC sector. Now, we are strategically positioning ourselves in the field of virtual production, which offers immense promise both within India and on the global entertainment stage. This is precisely the right moment to craft a comprehensive curriculum and prepare the youth/aspirants for the opportunities that are readily available to them.”

He continued, “I am genuinely excited about our new venture and it’s potential to play a pivotal role in nurturing talent and fostering innovation within Indias entertainment industry, particularly within the AVGC segment. Our commitment remains unwavering in equipping the next wave of new-age filmmakers and content creators with the advanced skills and knowledge essential to excel in this dynamic field of virtual production.”

The Launch of The Virtual Production Academy by Aptech

Watch the launch of The Virtual Production Academy by Aptech www.youtube.com/watchv=sWg5o2LuuKg

While initially launching this academy in Mumbai, Aptechs plans for expansion will be driven by the response and demand from aspiring students and industry enthusiasts.

For more information about ‘The Virtual Production Academy’ by Aptech Ltd., please visit thevirtualproductionacademy.com.

About Aptech Limited

With over three decades of strong experience in the vocational skill training and non-formal academic curriculum-based training programs, Aptech Limited is a pioneer in the non-formal vocational training business in the country with a significant global presence. Ever since its commencement in 1986 and with a current presence of over 800 centres globally, Aptech Limited has effectively ventured into diverse sectors ranging from IT training, media & entertainment, retail & aviation, beauty & wellness, banking & finance, pre-school segment amongst others. Aptech Limited has successfully trained students, professionals, universities & corporates through its two main streams of business-Individual training and Enterprise Business Group.

Under Individual Training, Aptech offers career and professional training through its multi brands – Aptech Computer Education, Arena Animation & Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (both in Animation & Multimedia), Lakme Academy powered by Aptech (beauty & grooming), Aptech Hardware & Networking Academy, Aptech Aviation & Hospitality Academy, Aptech English Learning Academy, Aptech International Pre-school amongst others.

Enterprise business includes Training and Assessment Solutions for Corporates & Institutions (Aptech Training Solutions, Aptech Assessment & Testing Solutions). Aptech Limited has been recognized as a Great Place to Work (2017 & 2019) won the Golden Peacock National Training Award (2019) and appraised at Maturity Level 5 of People Capability Maturity Model (PCMM) in the year 2020.

For further information please visit www.aptech-worldwide.com.

Celebrating the Spirit of Halloween, the NCPA Announces New Shows of its Latest Theatre Production, St. Nicholas

By

-

October 18, 2023

0

Following the success of the opening weekend at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA), of Irish playwright Conor McPhersons acclaimed monologue, St. Nicholas, the production has announced new shows in the upcoming weekends. Performed by Zafar Karachiwala and directed by Bruce Guthrie, Head of Theatre & Films at the NCPA, the opening shows witnessed packed rooms. On popular demand, new shows have been scheduled on the 21st and the 22nd of October at the Little Theatre. The production will also travel to the G5A in the city for two more shows closer to Halloween on the 28th of October.

Zafar Karachiwala performing the monologue St. Nicholas at the NCPA

St. Nicholas is a story about a jaded theatre critic who falls under the clutches of bloodthirsty vampires in his desperate search for true love. Set in Dubin, the show takes the audience through the eerie journey and establishes facts on vampires that have never been heard before.

Speaking on the announcement on new shows in Mumbai, Mr. Bruce Guthrie, Head, Theatre and Films, NCPA, expresses, “It has been a delight to see a full house over the weekend for St. Nicholas. The audiences reaction to the play has been special and it gives us great joy to introduce new shows. The play is distinct in its offering as a supernatural script and the story is unlike most folklores we have grown up listening to. We are certain that the audience will enjoy watching it and the timing couldnt have been better for the show than the Halloween season.”

Actress Aahana Kumra, who watched the show at its premiere weekend sharing her thoughts, said, “Zafar has done such a powerful performance, it takes skill to do a monologue and hold the audiences attention for the entire duration. There were many things in the play which are relatable and its definitely a must-watch for everybody.“

The tickets are now available on Book My Show and at the Box office.

St. Nicholas By Conor McPherson
What: Drama
Language: English
Duration: 1 hr 20 mins

When: Saturday, 21st Oct & Sunday 22nd Oct – 5.00 pm & 7.30 pm

Where: Little Theatre, NCPA

When: 28th October – 6 p.m and 8:30 p.m
Where: G5A, Mahalaxmi

Age Suitability: 16yrs+

Tickets: BookMyShow

About the Play: “When I was a boy, I was afraid of the dark… What was there. And maybe one of the things I thought was there was vampires.”

When a jaded and cynical Dublin Drama critic comes under the spell of a beautiful young actress and pursues her into a coven of vampires in modern-day London, storytelling at its spooky best comes to vivid life. Is it all a drunken lie A tantalizing fairy tale Or is it his own version of a higher truth

Written by Conor McPherson, this play was first performed at the Bush Theatre in 1997. The NCPA’s version has been directed by Bruce Guthrie and stars Zafar Karachiwala.

Navratri Deals in 2023 – Get Heavy Discounts and Cashback Offers on Latest Mobile Phones on Bajaj Mall

By

-

October 18, 2023

0

With the festive season knocking at the door, your wait for mega discounts and offers on mobile phones is over. From capturing picture-perfect moments in style to staying connected with your loved ones, a new mobile phone is just what you need to prepare for the Navratri celebrations. This festive season, Bajaj Mall brings you exciting Navratri deals on new mobil e phones, adding even more festive cheer to this season of celebration.

You can find everything from cutting-edge flagship smartphones to budget-friendly secondary devices on Bajaj Mall. Moreover, you can filter your options by colour, RAM, storage, processor, battery, and screen size to choose one that best meets your budget and preferences. Before upgrading to a new mobile phone, you can explore a range of comprehensive Navratri offers on top brands like Samsung, vivo, OPPO, and Mi. You can even compare models to choose the best option.

The latest 5G smartphones let you enjoy low-latency video and voice calls with your loved ones and feel the distance melt away this Navratri. The pro-grade nightscape lenses on these smartphones capture your dazzling Garba performance with high-definition clarity and impeccable contrast. These smartphones are equipped with smooth AMOLED screens and Dolby Audio-enabled speakers, adding a cinematic feel to all the latest festive releases you stream. Moreover, their long-lasting and fast-charging batteries allow you to enjoy nine days of carefree Navratri festivities without worrying about the battery life.

So, what are you waiting for This Navratri, treat yourself or your loved ones with a brand-new smartphone at market-best prices. Begin this auspicious festive season by hopping for a mobile phone from Bajaj Mall and enjoy cashback of up to Rs. 5,000 until 23 October 2023.

Benefits of purchasing the latest mobile phones from Bajaj Mall

Visit Bajaj Mall today and make your festive shopping even more lucrative with exclusive discounts and attractive cashbacks on new mobile phones. Both new and registered users can use the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card to unlock No Cost EMI deals on the latest smartphones. With this deferred payment plan, you can convert the festive shopping expense into pocket-friendly EMIs and repay the amount conveniently over 1-60 months. You can even score zero down payment benefits on select new mobile phone models, making the festive celebrations even more joyous. Besides interest-free EMIs, convenient tenures, and exclusive cashbacks, shopping on Bajaj Mall guarantees 100% genuine products and free home delivery on select models.

Here is how to shop for new mobile phones from Bajaj Mall

Log in to Bajaj Mall using your registered mobile number

Browse the list of new mobile phones

Add the shortlisted model to your shopping cart

Select your preferred repayment tenure and EMI plan

Enter your Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card details, name, phone number, and delivery address

Click on the ‘Generate OTP‘ option and enter the OTP sent to your registered phone number

You will receive a confirmation message on your registered phone number outlining the date and time of delivery

*Terms and Conditions Apply

About Bajaj Mall

Bajaj Mall is an online digital marketplace that assists consumers to compare and choose from a wide range of products. It offers customers abundant choices in providing the required products on No Cost EMI and zero down payment options on select products. Bajaj Mall has partnered with leading electronics, home appliances, lifestyle, etc., brands to provide a guided buying experience.

For further information, visit www.bajajmall.in or download the Bajaj Finserv app on the Google Play Store or App Store.

Dive into the Cricket World Cup 2023 with Bajaj Mall’s Premium TV Collection

By

-

October 18, 2023

0

As the excitement surrounding the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 intensifies, you can now have a front-row seat to all the action. This World Cup season, witness the cricketing giants lock horns on the pitch like never before with state-of-the-art TVs from Bajaj Mall. The digital platform offers an exquisite selection of high-definition TVs, from OLEDs to QLEDs, to elevate your viewing experience.

The TVs, manufactured by top-tier brands like LG, Sony, and Samsung, are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology. The striking displays and dynamic sound offer an immersive experience, capturing the passion and emotions of the stadium. This ensures that you do not miss the finer details, from the faintest of nicks to the crowd’s exuberant reactions.

Beyond incredible picture quality and audio clarity, these TVs pack innovative smart features that can transform your living room into a mini theatre. High-end, premium models come with powerful processors that upscale content to deliver crystal-clear images. On the other hand, the picture engines of these TVs provide accurate colours and bring visuals to life. You can also pair the TV with a speaker system to enhance viewing pleasure and immerse yourself in pristine soundscapes.

As the Men in Blue embark on their journey for glory, you can make each match a spectacle. Visit Bajaj Mall to shop for a new TV and earn cashback of up to Rs. 2,500.

Benefits of purchasing the latest TV from Bajaj Mall

Bajaj Mall is the one-stop destination for your consumer electronics and home appliance needs. Here, you can find the latest and best-selling TVs from various brands, including Samsung, LG, Sony, and Xiaomi. By shopping on the digital platform, you can also enjoy exclusive deals and discounts. With the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, you can buy your favourite TV on No Cost EMI and divide the TV’s price into small, affordable monthly payments. With tenures ranging from 1-60 months, you can choose a convenient repayment period that won’t strain your finances. Besides cashback offers and discounts, select models come with zero down payment and free home delivery benefits.

Here is how to shop for your favourite TV from Bajaj Mall

Visit Bajaj Mall and use your registered mobile number to log in

Browse the available TVs

Select your desired model and add it to your cart

Choose your preferred EMI plan and tenure

Provide your personal information, such as the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card details, your address, and your registered phone number

Click on the ‘Generate OTP‘ option and provide the OTP sent to your registered mobile number to complete the purchase

A confirmation message will be sent to your registered phone number with time and date of delivery

*Terms and Conditions Apply

About Bajaj Mall
Bajaj Mall is an online digital marketplace that assists consumers to compare and choose from a wide range of products. It offers customers abundant choices in providing the required products on No Cost EMI and zero down payment options on select products. Bajaj Mall has partnered with leading electronics, home appliances, lifestyle, etc., brands to provide a guided buying experience.

For further information, visit www.bajajmall.in or download the Bajaj Finserv app on the Google Play Store or App Store.

CONNECT WITH US