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Policybazaar’s Claim Samadhaan Diwas Strengthens Customer Trust in Insurance Across India

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Policybazaar, one of Indias leading Insurance Platforms, has launched an innovative program – Claim Samadhaan Diwas – to assist customers struggling with unresolved Health Insurance claims. This flagship initiative by the brand allows insurance customers to interact with our insurer partners in person, alongside a Policybazaar Claims Expert, expediting the process of reopening and settling the stuck claim in real time.

In the past year, the Claim Samadhaan Diwas has been successfully organized in collaboration with five insurance companies, across Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. Additionally, multiple virtual events have been organized from time to time to solve stuck customer claims in real time. As part of the claim resolution efforts:

Overall, 200,000+ customers have been assisted, and claims worth INR 1200 Crores have been settled, further strengthening the faith of policyholders in the insurance ecosystem

On-ground claims teams made over 3000 visits in more than 200 cities, helping customers with documentation in hospitals or their homes

Effectively, 4,000 stuck claims have been reconsidered; and claims worth 24 crores have been settled

Policybazaars Claim Samadhaan Diwas: A customer-friendly claims experience

In most cases, claims get stuck because of a lack of understanding or documentation on the part of the policyholder. There is a panel of expert doctors and a dedicated claims assistance team that help bridge this gap.

Sarbvir Singh, Joint Group CEO, PB Fintech, expressed his thoughts on this initiative, stating, “Health Insurance is a fundamental necessity for both urban and rural populations across India. The idea behind Claim Samdhan Diwas is to improve customer trust in the efficacy of Health Insurance. If every happy customer tells their friends and family that their health claim experience was great, we are certain that we will eventually achieve our goal of Har Family Hogi Insured.”

Mohit Aggarwal, a 22-year-old Policybazaar customer from Gurgaon said, “My mother’s Health Insurance claim had been stuck for almost one year, and I was getting no help from anywhere. At the Claim Samadhaan Diwas, my relationship manager from Policybazaar helped me submit my documents in line with the protocol – and within 5 minutes, I had received an email saying that my claim was approved. This kind of support can really make a difference to a family’s financial affairs; I can’t be grateful enough.”

Since its inception in 2008, the brand has been at the forefront of transforming the insurance industry into a more customer-centric space. Recognizing that trust is a significant obstacle to the widespread adoption of insurance in India, the company has consistently striven to redefine industry norms. The Claim Samadhaan Diwas initiative is in the same direction.

About Policybazaar (www.policybazaar.com)

Policybazaar.com is one of Indias largest insurance marketplaces. It is the flagship platform of PB Fintech, which owns the fintech brand, Paisabazaar.com, and the lending & insurance marketplace in the UAE region, Policybazaar.ae. The Policybazaar.com Group has backing from a host of investors including the likes of PE funds and other family offices. Policybazaar.com started with the purpose to educate people on insurance products and with its offerings has addressed the large and highly underpenetrated online insurance markets.

Ramagya School Hosts Spectacular Krida Samman 2023 Event

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The District Olympic Association, an affiliate of the Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association, organized the prestigious Krida Samman 2023 event at Ramagya School in Sector 50, Gautam Buddha Nagar. Themed “Honouring Every Player Striving to Bring Pride to Our Nation”, this momentous occasion spotlighted the extraordinary achievements of athletes ranging from state to international levels.

Mrs. Rajni Gupta, Mr. Sanjay Gupta and Mr. Manish Kumar Verma (IAS), DM of Gautam Buddh Nagar along with winners

The event witnessed an impressive assembly of over 160 athletes, each serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration in the realm of sports. It featured a diverse array of sports, each weaving a unique narrative of dedication and triumph. From the precision of archery to the grace of gymnastics, these sports encapsulated the essence of athleticism in its vibrant forms.

The occasion was graced by the auspicious presence of Ramagya Groups honourable Director, Mrs. Rajni Gupta, and our Managing Director, Mr. Utkarsh Gupta. Their mentorship has played a pivotal role in inspiring young athletes and elevating sports at Ramagya School to new heights.

Sharing his thoughts on this important event, Mr. Utkarsh Gupta, Managing Director of Ramagya Group said, “Ramagya School is proud to host Krida Samman 2023. This event celebrates human potential, determination, and the constant pursuit of excellence, and we are committed to highlighting the importance of appreciating the efforts of the athletes who tirelessly work to bring honour to our district and our country.”

Krida Samman 2023

Krida Samman 2023 commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolizing hope and knowledge, accompanied by a soul-stirring motivational anthem that inspired athletes and spectators alike. Distinguished luminaries from various fields graced the event with their presence, including Mr. Surendra Nagar, an Honble Member of Parliament, and Mr. Manish Kumar Verma (IAS), the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddh Nagar. Notable figures from the sporting world, such as Mr. Asheesh Kumar Sharma, Chairman of the Kickboxing Sports Association of Uttar Pradesh, and Mrs. Richa Pandey, a highly regarded Advocate at the Supreme Court of India, also joined the gathering, emphasizing the events significance within the sports community. Coaches from various sports associations and other dignitaries from Gautam Budhh Nagar added to the events prestige with their presence.

The highlight of the event was the felicitation ceremony, where athletes from different categories were honoured for their exceptional achievements. For Ramagya School and the District Olympic Association Gautam Buddh Nagar, Krida Samman is a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship, unity, and pride in the sporting heritage of the country. This spectacular celebration instilled within all the athletes a renewed determination to achieve even greater heights.

About Ramagya Group

For over 36 years, Ramagya Group has been a beacon for expanding educational access and a leader in instructional innovation. It has pushed the envelope further, every year, with innovative learning techniques and a customised approach to maximise the absorption of knowledge because at Ramagya, it is not merely about success, it’s about preparing a student for the world, instilling willingness for learning and a discipline that will stay with the student for life. Today, the Ramagya Group comprises of Ramagya group of schools (three schools); Ramagya Sports Academy (one of the top 10 sports academies in India); Ramagya Institute (one of the top 15 institutes in India); Ramagya First Step (Day-Care); Ramagya Roots (Pre-Schools); SaveNishabd (India’s first crowdfunding platform for dogs); Sai Chhaya (Real-estate developer); SavLife (Health products brand); Nishabd (NGO for dogs); Knowledgevista (Online portal for IIT-JEE, NEET); Baal-Sathee (Student health-benefit programme); Ramagya Theatre lab (Acting school); Ramagya Fresh (food retail); Ruchika Sales Corp. (Trading Company); Market 369 (Indian Marketplace); The Great Sportz (sports academy); Ramagya Mart (eMarketplace platform); Citizen Post (Newspaper Company); Ramagya Digital (Digital marketing agency) and the Ramagya Foundation (12 Programmes) that works for the welfare of the society and animals.

For more information, please visit ramagyaschool.com.

Superstar Ranveer Singh, Leveraging Flair Writing Industries Limited Latest Campaign “Bas Flair aur Kuch nahi”, as the Brand Ambassador of “Flair”

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Flair Writing Industries Limited (FWIL), the largest player in the pens segment in India is proud to introduce its latest brand campaign, Bas Flair Aur Kuch Nahi with the charismatic and infectious Bollywood Superstar, Ranveer Singh. This creative and heartfelt campaign is designed to take you on a journey through time, rekindling the warmth and nostalgia associated with the art of writing.

Bollywood Superstar Ranveer Singh seen in Likh ke du kya TVC campaign by Flair Writing Industries Limited (FWIL)

In a fast-paced digital age, where technology often takes centre stage, Flair Writing Industries Limited (FWIL) believes that there is a timeless charm to putting pen to paper. The brand has also dropped another TVC ‘Likh Ke Du Kya’ which highlights the unique feature of Flair Writometer, emphasizing its ability to write for a long duration showing Ranveer Singh in his signature high-spirited style as the brand Flair Writometer can write up to 10,000 meters.

Flair x Ranveer: Bas Flair Aur Kuch Nahi. #FlairPens #RanveerSingh

Likh ke du kya TVCwww.youtube.com/watchv=Bgojy70hXI0

Bas Flair Aur Kuch Nahi TVCwww.youtube.com/watchv=lCmTZtVQU8U

Through these ads, FWIL is on a mission to remind people of the emotional power of handwritten words. This campaign will evoke cherished memories associated with writing by hand, from love letters exchanged in school to postcards from family vacations, to transport you to another time, to bring back fond memories, and to connect with your inner storyteller. Bas Flair Aur Kuch Nahi is a celebration of the rich history of writing instruments and the personal narratives they hold,” said Mr. Mohit Rathod – Director, Flair Writing Industries Limited.

For decades, FWIL’s brands have commanded credibility in the market due to their emphasis on innovation and design, which has further driven brand recognition and customer loyalty. The latest TVC campaign lays an emphasis on their commitment to delivering quality writing instruments that understand the needs of their customers.

Bollywood Superstar Ranveer Singh shared, “Flair Writing Industries Limited (FWIL)” is highlighting the celebration of nostalgia, which is a strong sentiment and inviting individuals of all generations to reconnect with the simple pleasure of using a pen. I am extremely happy to be associated with “Flair”, our homegrown writing instrument brand which has touched millions of hearts over the years with its wide range of offerings.

The TVC captures Ranveer Singh in his signature style, showcasing the innovation, design and quality of Flair pens in various settings, from the boardroom to the classroom, and from the office to the studio.

FWIL exports it’s various product ranges to over 97 countries around the world as of March 31, 2023. It also specializes in the OEM business with clients, including major global brands. A dynamic sales team of 900 sales professionals, 7750+ distributors & over 3,15,000 retailers and wholesalers across India are relentlessly conquering new markets, helping FWIL achieve a solid Pan-India presence. Innovative production facilities make Flair Writing Industries Limited (FWIL) a company to have capacity to produces more than 200 Crore pieces annually.

Flair Writing Industries Limited’s extensive product range comprises of Metal Pens, Ball Pens, Gel Pens, Fountain Pens, Roller Pens, and Stationery products such as Correction Pens, Markers, Hi-lighters, Mechanical Pencils & Calculators. The company also has launched creative range of products such as Gel Crayons, Wax Crayons, Plastic Crayons, Water Colour Pens, Oil Pastels, Fineliners, Erasers, Sharpeners, Geometry Boxes, and much more.

About Flair Writing Industries Limited

Flair Writing Industries Limited“, was established more than 4 decades back as a partnership firm, with Mr. Khubilal Jugraj Rathod as a partner, for the manufacturing of fountain pens, ball pens and refills. Over the years, the Promoters, which includes the Managing Director, Mr. Vimalchand Jugraj Rathod, together with the senior management team, have been instrumental in taking advantage of market opportunities, formulating sound business strategies and executing them in an effective manner.

FWIL has business associations with reputed international brands and distribution companies. Our Company was established with the intention of producing writing instruments with precision presently resulting into us becoming the largest player in pens segment in India, as of March 31, 2023, according to CRISIL Market Intelligence and Analytics (MI&A), a division of CRISIL Limited and with distributors in 97 countries, as of March 31, 2023. Flair Writing Industries Limited believes in producing products that evolve to meet the needs of the consumer, therefore all writing instruments have been made with an emphasis on innovation and design keeping in mind the needs of the user. FWIL is an ISO 9001: 2015; ISO 14001: 2015 certified company.

Disclaimer: Flair Writing Industries Limited is proposing, subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to undertake an initial public offering of its Equity Shares and has filed the DRHP dated July 14, 2023 with SEBI on July 15, 2023. The DRHP shall be available on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in, website of the BSE Limited at www.bseindia.com, the website of NSE at https://www.nseindia.com/, website of the Company at www.flairworld.in and the websites of the BRLMs, i.e. Nuvama Wealth Management Limited, (formerly known as Edelweiss Securities Limited) and Axis Capital Limited at www.nuvama.com and www.axiscapital.co. in, respectively. Any potential investors should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to such risk, please see the section entitled Risk Factors of the RHP, when available. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP filed with SEBI for making any investment decision.

The Equity Shares offered in the Offer have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act) or any state securities laws in the United States, and unless so registered, may not be offered or sold within the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and in accordance with any applicable U.S. state securities laws. Accordingly, the Equity Shares are being offered and sold only outside the United States in offshore transactions as defined in and in compliance with Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act and the applicable laws of the jurisdictions where such offers and sales.

Signzy Featured in the 2023 CB Insights’ Fintech 100 List

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Signzy, a digital banking infrastructure provider, has been featured in CB Insights’ latest report, ‘Fintech 100‘ for its fraud prevention and compliance solution. The study showcases the 100 most promising private fintech companies globally, with Signzy standing out as one of only two Indian fintech innovators included.

Signzy has been recognized for its robust No code low code technology and more than 240 APIs that help banks and financial institutions, apart from fintech, gaming, and e-commerce businesses to combat cyber threats and ensure regulatory compliance within the digital ecosystem.

India has a high-risk banking system. This creates a significant opportunity for building a ‘digital trust system‘. Leveraging statutory and customer signals helps us create risk profiles and reduce instances of fraud and mismanagement. Being named in CB Insights’ list of the top 100 fintech companies is not just an honor but a testament to the transformative impact were making in the BFSI sector,” said Ankit Ratan, CEO & Co-founder at Signzy.

The CB Insights research team sifted through over 19,000 private companies to select the final 100, evaluating them on a range of factors such as equity funding, market potential, and technological innovation, among others. The research team also reviewed thousands of Analyst Briefings submitted by applicants.

Signzy deploys APIs to detect and prevent digital frauds occuring in the digital ecosystem while ensuring the companies are in compliance with regulations.The company works with more than 250 financial institutions globally, including four largest banks in India, top three acquiring banks in the US as well as in partnership with Microsoft and Mastercard. The company has also filed eight patents in the US and nine in India so far.

About Signzy
Signzy is a no-code AI-and-blockchain powered digital onboarding solution for banks, NBFCs, and other Financial Institutions. Signzy offers complete banking workflow automation, algorithmic risk intelligence, open banking, and biometric-enabled digital contracts to help the financial corporations digitize their onboarding processes, such as identification, background checks, and video KYC across geographies such as India, Middle East and USA.

Founded in 2015 by IIT graduates Ankit Ratan, Ankur Pandey and a law graduate Arpit Ratan, Signzy is headquartered in Bengaluru and has operations in India, US and, UAE. The Series B startup is backed by Gaja Capital, Vertex Ventures, Kalaari Capital, Arkam Ventures and others along with host of prominent angels

Slice merges with North East Small Finance Bank 

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Credit card and payments unicorn Slice announced that it is merging with North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB), in line with the trend of fintechs seeking to expand into banking.

The fintech stated that it has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the merger and is currently awaiting shareholder consent and other necessary regulatory approvals.

Slice, which has operated as a non-banking finance company (NBFC) for the past four years, faced two choices. They could either transform themselves into a bank by seeking a new license or acquire one after completing five years as an NBFC.

In the past, commercial banks like Kotak Mahindra began their journey as non-bank finance companies. However, a recent directive from the RBI, which prohibits loading credit lines onto prepaid cards, has posed a significant setback for Slice, an eight-year-old fintech company.

“We’re grateful to the RBI for entrusting us with this immense responsibility. At Slice, our unyielding devotion to customers and robust risk management have set us apart. This approach allows us to serve a wider audience, including those often overlooked,” said Rajan Bajaj, founder & chief executive of Slice.

Palm Oil Awareness Program at Forum Mall, Kolkata an Initiative by Malaysian Palm Oil Council

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The palm oil industry has long stood as a cornerstone of global trade, owing to its substantial economic impact and affordability. In an effort to educate consumers about the genuine benefits of palm oil, the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) recently conducted a consumer awareness initiative at Forum Courtyard Mall, in Kolkata, India.

Consumer awareness initiative at Forum Courtyard Mall in Kolkata, India by Malaysian Palm Oil Council

Misconceptions surrounding palm oil have clouded its numerous nutritional benefits, leaving consumers unaware of the role it can play in maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. Prof. Pubali Dhar, a respected figure from University of Calcutta, emphasized that palm oil, like all other oils, is a healthy component of a balanced diet. Additionally, palm oil and its fraction, palm olein share similar digestibility characteristics with other commonly consumed edible oils and fats, used for cooking.

Palm oil and its fractions (palm olein and stearin) have been recognized as edible oil/fats suitable for human consumption, cited by Codex Alimentarius International Food Standards.’

The international community of experts has overwhelmingly confirmed the safety of palm oil and dispelled the unfounded fears associated with its consumption. Over 165 nutritional studies on palm oil have been conducted worldwide to comprehensively understand its impact on blood lipids and lipoproteins.

Mr. Angshu Mallick, CEO of Adani Wilmar Limited, stated, “Accurate information about palm oil is not only essential but also enlightening, helping consumers make informed and healthy choices while dispelling unfounded fears.”

Palm oil has long been an essential ingredient in various global cuisines, including Indian cuisine, due to its versatility, stability, and neutral flavour profile. It is also a vital component in many food products, such as baked goods, margarine, and snack foods, where its unique properties contribute to the desirable texture and taste.

Dr. Ketan Mehta, a well renowned Cardiologist and Vice President of the Indian Medical Association, Mumbai West added, “Palm oil is naturally rich in antioxidants and vitamins, including vitamin E and vitamin A, making it a valuable dietary source for these essential nutrients. Moreover, it is trans-fat-free and contains no artificial additives or preservatives, making it a wholesome choice for health-conscious consumers.”

Dr. Sanjit Kanjilal, Senior Principal Scientist – Department of Oils, Lipid Science and Technology, CSIR-IICT, stated, “Consumers need to be aware that palm oil is a nutritious and safe option for cooking and as a dietary component. It provides several essential vitamins and antioxidants while being free from trans fats and artificial additives.”

MPOCs consumer awareness initiative in Kolkata aimed to bridge the gap between misinformation and accurate knowledge regarding palm oil. The initiative provided consumers with valuable information about the nutritional benefits of palm oil, its safety for human consumption, and its significant contributions to the food industry.

The Malaysian Palm Oil Council emphasized that, “We are committed to fostering a better understanding of palm oil among consumers. Our goal is to dispel misconceptions and provide accurate information about palm oils role in a healthy and balanced diet.”

The event at Forum Courtyard Mall in Kolkata witnessed enthusiastic participation from consumers who were eager to learn about palm oils benefits and its place in their daily lives. Interactive sessions, fun quizzes, spot prizes, and expert talks were organized to engage and educate the attendees.

MPOC continues its mission to educate consumers and promote the benefits of palm oil across the globe. The organization is committed to transparency and welcomes inquiries from consumers and the media to address any concerns or questions related to palm oil production and consumption.

About the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC)

The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) is an agency dedicated to positioning Malaysia as the global leader in certified sustainable palm oil. Through dedicated efforts, MPOC prioritises the promotion of Malaysian palm oil as a healthy, sustainable, and ethical choice for consumers worldwide, achieved by actively engaging with stakeholders and improving market access and acceptance of the MSPO certification.

The Council has a network of regional offices in China (Shanghai), India (Mumbai), the Middle East (Jeddah and Istanbul), Europe (Brussels and Russia) and Africa (Cairo and Johannesburg). Through its head office in Kuala Lumpur and the regional offices, MPOC plays a vital role in facilitating the Malaysian palm oil industry’s trade expansion by constantly identifying and capitalising on the latest market trends and opportunities.

The plantation industry, particularly palm oil, is one of the main pillars of the Malaysian economy. The palm oil sector has significantly contributed to providing a continuous inflow of export earnings by exporting raw commodity and value-added products to the global market. In 2022, palm oil contributed 27.56 billion USD in export earnings for Malaysia and accounted for 23.4% of the world’s palm oil production and 31.1% of total palm oil exports.

For more information on MPOC and Malaysian palm oil, visit www.mpoc.org.my

BJP’s Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi and Gaurav Bhatia Among Top Names in e4m Party Spokesperson Ranking 2023

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The second edition of e4m Party Spokesperson’s 50, which ranks the top political party spokespersons in the country, was held at a glittering ceremony in New Delhi on Sunday 1st Oct 2023.

From Right: Shazia Ilmi, Charu Pragya, Dr Annurag Batra, Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi, Gaurav Bhatia, Anurag Bhadouria, Anil Antony and Sunil Kumar

BJP’s Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, Sr Advocate Gaurav Bhatia, Dr. Sambit Patra, Congress spokespersons Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Pawan Khera, Supriya Shrinate and AAP’s Raghav Chadha and Sanjay Singh featured among the top 10.

In a vibrant democracy like India, political spokespersons play a pivotal role in shaping public perception, influencing policy debates, and driving the narrative for their respective parties.

In the second edition of this prestigious list five spokespersons of the Bharatiya Janata Party, three from the Congress and two from AAP featured among the top ten.

e4m Party Spokesperson’s 50 initiative aims to recognize and honor the individuals who stand at the forefront of political communication, evaluate their effectiveness, and acknowledge their impact on the national discourse. By systematically assessing their articulation skills, credibility, and ability to engage with diverse audiences, we aim to shed light on the leaders who master the art of political representation.

The ranking process employs a comprehensive and unbiased approach. It considers various parameters such as communication style, media presence, knowledge of issues, and public influence. The assessment involves a thorough evaluation of their public statements, media interactions, and overall impact on shaping political narratives

“Today we celebrate the power of eloquence and the art of political representation. These spokespersons are not just voices; they are architects of national narratives, shaping our understanding of democracy. Their words echo in the corridors of power, influencing policies and public opinions. The e4m Party Spokesperson’s 50 is not just a list; it’s a tribute to those who wield words with impact, and tonight, we honor their exceptional contribution to our vibrant democracy,” Dr. Annurag Batra, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, BW Businessworld and Founder, exchange4media Group.

India must Adopt Zero-emissions Technology to Mitigate Methane Emanating from Transport Sector

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Even as CNG is gaining popularity and becoming the most preferred automobile fuels in India, primarily because of its low cost, and high calorific value, it is a concern due to its contribution to global warming and atmospheric pollution. Experts, therefore, have suggested faster adoption of zero-emissions technology to mitigate transport methane emissions.

Dr J S Sharma Head ICCSA, Prof. T.G Sitharam Chairman, AICTE, Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director IIT Delhi, Dr Rakesh Kumar Officer on Special Duty CSIR

Currently, Indias CNG penetration in the transport sector is about 10 percent to 12 percent. It should start shifting more towards 20-25 percent by 2030, CNG passenger vehicle sales in the just-ended FY2023 increased by 40.71% compared to FY2022, accounting for 8.80% of the overall retail sales of 36,20,039 PVs.

While CNG usage surge is expected to continue to grow in the transport sector, there are some challenges to be overcome, including leakage of methane. It contains 80 to 90 percent methane. Methane emissions from CNG-operated vehicles have become a growing concern due to their contribution to atmospheric pollution. CNG vehicles emit a significant amount of CH4 as a slip and CO and HCHO gases due to partial oxidation,” Dr J S Sharma Head of International Center for Climate and Sustainability Action Foundation (ICCSA) said.

Prof. T.G Sitharam Chairman of AICTE, said, “Developing Indias transportation sector is the backbone of its economic development, contributing significantly to GDP growth but emissions from the Transport sector are unavoidable and pose a significant challenge to Indias sustainability goals at the workshop Transformative Transport Non-CO Emissions and Climate Change,” jointly organised by ICCSA, IIT Delhi and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

Prof. Sitharam said that AICTE will look to inculcate greater training amongst the students on various environmental issues and said that greater emphasis should be given to hands-on learning and internships in this domain.

Dr Rakesh Kumar Officer on Special Duty at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) said, “Research and development for sustainable transportation alternatives, such as multi-modal transport and hydrogen-powered vehicles, can reduce methane emissions from the global transportation sector.”

The surge in CNG vehicle sales in India reflects a growing preference for cleaner and more sustainable transportation options despite higher methane emissions. This trend reflects a shift towards reducing carbon footprints and promoting environmental conservation in the automotive industry.

Prof. B. Sengupta, former member secretary, CPCB said, “Fugitive methane emissions from CNG vehicles and stations are a major environmental concern due to methanes impact, and strict technological measures can reduce it.”

Prof. Sengupta emphasized the need for regular audits of CNG stations to identify and address fugitive emissions. He also said that conventional kitchen burners previously used for LPG when used for PNG led to 25% CH4 leakage into atmosphere. Governments should educate the public regarding the need to change of these old burners.

Dr RR Sonde, Professor of the Department of Chemical Engineering IITD said that Zero Leakage design and monitoring system are necessary to control transport emissions and ensure environmental sustainability. These systems play a crucial role in reducing the release of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Implementing zero leakage design and monitoring systems can also contribute to meeting regulatory standards and improving overall air quality.

Reduction of Methane emissions is the most cost-effective method to fight global warming by switching the global transport sector to zero emissions technologies. This has the potential to reduce the impact of climate change. Developing these technologies can also help to reduce air pollution in cities. Moreover, they could create many job opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

AvinashKumarAgarwal,Professor,Dept of Mechanical Engineering,IITKanpur said that well maintained CNG cars were much better from an environmental footprint point as compared to EVs and tailpipe emissions from the properly maintained cars were overall much cleaner than the ambient air. But this statement was with riders as the poorly maintained CNG cars were an entirely different story and can be much more detrimental to the environment due to leakages.

Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, Shri Rajesh Gupta, Director at NITI Aayog, Mr. Alok Kumar, GM (T) of NHAI, representatives of various pollution control boards and other experts from the scientific institutes such as NEERI, CRRI, NPL, NITs were part of the brainstorming session on transformative transport non-CO2 emissions and climate change at IIT Delhi.

To mitigate methane emissions, the automobile industry must develop advanced zero-leakage designs and monitoring systems, which are critical to fuel efficiency, vehicle safety, and environmental protection, said Dr J S Sharma.

It’s crucial to ensure that CNG vehicles meet strict emission standards, Moreover, it is important to ensure that CNG stations are properly regulated and maintained to reduce fugitive emissions. This becomes more important when we realize that more than 5500 CNG filling stations are there in the country with more than 500 existing in NCR alone.

A pledge was made during a brainstorming session on transport emissions to formulate policy and a roadmap for methane mitigation using available technologies and also developing new technologies to capture fugitive methane. India is already in the process of transitioning to renewable energy sources, investing heavily in renewable energy to reduce its carbon intensity.

Krafton launches incubator programme for Indian startups 

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KRAFTON India has launched the KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) and is beginning the call-for-entries today.

KIGI plans to incubate 6-10 teams each year, with program durations ranging from six months to one year. It will offer selected startups guidance, mentorship, and access to KRAFTON’s resources. The incubator program will provide financial support ranging from USD 50,000 to USD 150,000, based on the needs of the incubated ventures.

Talking about the launch, Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON India, said, “At KRAFTON, we recognise the potential that India holds in the global gaming landscape. KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator is a testament to our commitment to fostering creativity and innovation within the Indian gaming industry. Through the program, we hope to further develop the country’s capabilities in game development. We are happy to nurture the next generation of gaming talent in the country as well as mentor them in line with the government’s ambition of skilling the Indian workforce and increasing employability.”

“Leveraging the Indian gaming industry’s potential, we’re happy to embark on this journey to discover and empower the next generation of gaming pioneers. Our program is designed to provide aspiring developers, designers and creators with the resources and mentorship they need to bring their ideas to life. Aligned with the Indian government’s vision of boosting the startup ecosystem, we are enthusiastic about witnessing the emergence of ideas and games from the program,” Anuj Sahani, head of the KRAFTON Incubator Program, added.

In addition, gaming industry executives, game developers, and industry experts from South Korea and India will provide mentorship to the selected participants in KIGI. Participants will also gain access to KRAFTON’s internal resources, such as data analytics and market research, among others.

Dave Curd, the creative director of PUBG Studios and formerly held the position of art director at Raven Software, along with Harns Kim, currently a game producer at KRAFTON, Inc. and former live service producer for TERA at Bluehole Studios, are some of the notable individuals who will be part of the mentoring and guidance teams at KIGI.

Edtech platform UNIVO to double its workforce

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Today, UNIVO, a leading online education provider, announced its plan to double its workforce during FY2023-24. The company’s dedication to revolutionizing online higher education has resulted in robust growth, increasing its employee count from 200 to 1,000 in the last fiscal year (2022-23). This expansion will cover various functions, including Technology, Marketing, and Sales, highlighting UNIVO’s commitment to expanding its presence and influence in the edtech landscape.

As part of its upward growth trajectory, UNIVO recently opened its second office in Bangalore. This cutting-edge facility serves as a hub for technology and sales operations, emphasizing the company’s ongoing dedication to democratizing higher education through advanced technology and support services while focusing on enhancing employability.

With over 60,000 registered learners spanning 115+ countries, UNIVO has solidified its position as a global leader in the edtech industry. Offering a comprehensive portfolio of more than 60 degree and certificate programs, the company also establishes Career Services partnerships with 500+ industry-leading organizations, thereby improving the employability prospects of its learners.

“We are excited to embark on this journey of growth and innovation as UNIVO expands its workforce by 100% in the current fiscal year. Our recent accomplishments, including a significant increase in registered learners and the opening of the Bengaluru office, underscore the company’s commitment to delivering world-class education through cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships,” said Abhishek Ajmera, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, UNIVO.