The Plastics Export Promotion Council unveils 5-year plan to target USD 25 bn of plastics exports by 2025

Mr. Ravish Kamath, Chairman, PLEXCONCIL

 Focuses on 18 plastic parks, 50 value-added products and identified products for Atmanirbhar Bharat and the champion sectors  

National, 30 October 2020 (TGN): The Plastics Export Promotion Council of India (PLEXCONCIL), the apex trade body for plastics exports sponsored by the Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, has unveiled plans to target plastics’ exports of USD 25 billion by calendar year 2025 – while posting 20% growth in plastics exports during FY21 and FY22. 

Backed by strong government support-planned investment of USD 6.2 mn and 18 plastic parks being set up to boost domestic production, employment and achieve environmentally sustainable growth. PLEXCONCIL has mapped out 50 value-added plastic products in which India has a good standing and can easily expand its presence to other geographies. PLEXCONCIL identified products for Atmanirbhar Bharat are: PVC Films; Petrochemicals - Styrene Monomer, Maleic Anhydride, Propylene Glycol Titanium Dioxide; Plastic films Nylon High Tenacity UV Yarn. PLEXCONCIL is in the process of identifying the champion sectors.

 

PLEXCONCIL has been organising virtual Interactive Sessions, Seminars, etc., with the manufacturers / exporters / related associations & organisations along with the State Governments to create awareness and to provide necessary assistance to exporters/manufacturers. The PLEXCONCIL mobile app has been unveiled for plastic exporter members and trade fraternity. 

Mr. Arvind Goenka, Vice Chairman, PLEXCONCIL,

Mr. Ravish Kamath, Chairman, PLEXCONCIL, said, “India is well positioned as a key plastic manufacturing base for corporations relying on global value chains in a dynamically evolving world trade scenario. Recent policy announcements during the lockdown and unlock phases underscore Indian Government’s focus on domestic manufacturing and opening up of new opportunities. India has undertaken several business-friendly reforms in recent years to enhance ease of doing business. Various alternatives for leveraging India as a part of the supply chain are available --- 100% owned Manufacturing; Manufacturing through JVs; and Contract Manufacturing. India needs to boost domestic production of polymers, so much so that surplus quantity is available within the country thereby making availability of polymers at competitive rates.” 

Talking about further support needed from Government, Mr. Kamath adds, “Plastic exporters have to be given the option to continue with MEIS or with RoDTEP and the RoDTEP rates should be fixed liberally to help them complete internationally. PLEXCONCIL has been requesting Govt to appoint a Shipping Regulator body since a long time. Free Trade Agreements need to be Renegotiated for Plastic goods especially with major export destinations such as Europe (which accounts for 24% of India’s plastics exports), North America (16%) and WANA region (14%) amongst others.”

Mr. Arvind Goenka, Vice Chairman, PLEXCONCIL, added, “PLEXCONCIL is in the advanced stages of holding a B2B meeting with buyers based in the leading international markets such as the US, Egypt, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Our plan is to have at least 10 virtual B2B meetings with overseas buyers by December 2020. PLEXCONCIL has also written to Indian embassies and High Commissions. The PLEXCONCIL has approached three organisations to help build an export strategy for plastics with an objective to increase exports namely IIFT, New Delhi, IIM Ahmedabad and EXIM Bank of India.”

PLEXCONCIL is targeting higher exports to Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Turkey with details of potential products.

Mr. Sribash Dasmohapatra, ED, PLEXCONCIL, said, “During the first half of 2020-21, India exported plastics worth USD 4.77 billion witnessed a fast recovery post lockdown and recorded a positive growth of 7.9% in September 2020.  During the first half of 2020-21, certain product panels like Raw materials; Polyester films; and Human hair witnessed a positive growth in exports. We are hoping that the remaining panels, particularly, Consumer & house ware; Writing instruments; Woven sacks / FIBCs; Floor coverings, leather cloth & laminates; will pick up in the second half of FY21.” 

India has 2,000+ exporters across the country - 15 large industrial groups in polymer manufacturing, 30,000 plastic processors, 7,500 units in recycling, Packaging, infrastructure, industrial sectors agriculture, textile fibers, electronics and automotive amongst others. PLEXCONCIL Members suggested that the Government should reduce the lead time for refunds (MEIS / GST) for exporters and also reinstate GSP. They have also sought availability of containers in order to avoid expiry of LC’s and breaching of delivery schedules. As India is import dependent on polymers, import shipments are not getting loaded at ports in Europe, USA & NEA for India leading to an unprecedented hike in polymer prices -specially for PVC Resin wherein India produces only 45% of its mammoth consumption of more than 3 MTPA.

About PLEXCONCIL

The Plastics Export Promotion Council (popularly known as PLEXCONCIL) sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Department of Commerce, Government of India, represents the exporting community in the Indian Plastics industry. The export promotion strategies evolved since 1955, the year when PLEXCONCIL was born, have fetched rich dividends, which is exhibited in the form of high export growth rates. These achievements represent the dedicated efforts of the about 2500-strong PLEXCONCIL members who are always in the process of creating a niche for themselves in the world markets by virtue of their determination to achieve technological excellence, a sense of commitment to satisfy their customers’ requirements and their inherent entrepreneurial qualities. The PLEXCONCIL on its part is committed to support the efforts of its members to achieve export excellence and service the overseas buyers to find appropriate trade partners in the Indian plastic industry. In its pursuit to achieve export excellence, various export promotional activities are undertaken by PLEXCONCIL. These include participation in international trade fairs; sponsoring delegations to target markets; inviting business delegations from the overseas to India; organising buyer-seller meets both in India and the overseas etc. and servicing the needs of its members. The Council also routinely undertakes research and surveys, organizes the Annual Awards to recognize top performing exporters, monitors the development of new technology and shares the same with members, facilitates joint ventures and collaboration with foreign companies and trade associations as well as represents the issues and concerns to the relevant Government bodies. Products from the Indian plastic industry are exported to over 150 countries round the globe with the major trading partners being the European Union, United States, China, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Nigeria, Indonesia, Egypt, etc.  For more information: http://www.plexconcil.co.in/

Indo-Canadian Businessman, Hemant M Shah: To boost country economy and employment government should reopen Aviation, Tourism and other badly effected MSME sectors

NATIONAL, 29 OCTOBER, 2020 (TGN): Recently DGCA Govt of India announced that International Flights Operations in India will not be not allowed until November and the uncertainties in this industry looms at large post unlock 5.0. The Airline/Aviation industry as well travel business~Toursim industry is very badly effected in the whole world. Most of Govt in respective country have extended its support to the Airline industry as the tourism and employment depends on it to a larger extent.Indo-Canadian Business man, Hemant M Shah says, My question to Govt of India and Various State Govt. is, What are you doing with badly effected Travel /Tourism and Aviation industry?, How many person and their family does this industry supports?…It’s very dis heartning in this pandemic situation that the Govt. and opposition party is busy playing politics. (Rajniti)…In this election not a single manifesto sencentence mentioned how govt will improve economy ,How government will give lift to industry in crisis….Whole Europe and North America in 2nd wave of Corona .People are scared. .How about in our Bharat…We are busy with election..And Election Rally.. Not a single protocol were followed as per Govt of India announced rules…I am taken back PM of India and Senior cabinet ministers Election meetings (No Health Rules Followed).. Ruling party Senior ministers were campaigning at rally effected and tested Corona positive.This is our Bharat ka Vikas…Wait and watch .India get 2 nd wave. I am.scared. How Govt if india will handle this panademic situation. It’s my humble request to ruling party and opposition polticial party, It’s high time look at india Aam Janata and their problems such as Jobs, Observing via social media/TV channels BJP senior leaders and Cabinet minister put 200% efforts on Bihar election.(Our Loved PM Modiji is very well liked in Bihar since 2015).My suggestion same efforts BJP has to put on Indian economy /Small and medium buisnesses and Jobs for youth and migrant workers.Shri Modiji can do it, Why not this time, May be Modiji is not getting Right Advise or Opportunity. Buisness Specially Small buisness has effected.I understand Mumbai and other City lots of Retail Buisness have been effected very badly.They have listed their buisness for sale or Lease.Why not State govt and Central Govt Talk about this instead of Playing Rajniti and Blame game on each other, It’s High time all the political parties comes together on 1 platform work with Big corporate house and NGO to discuss how we can Revive indian economy and MSME.I will add as I stated earlier take help of our NRI brothers and sisters… Matrubhoomi and Your fellow brothers needs you…NRI family supports 51$ every month up to 6 months…356$ ..This money can used along with repauted NGO to establish new opportunity in buisness and carrier path for the un employed.Govt of India MEA mission High commissioner all around globe.As well most of poltical parties have NRI cell network. They can send appeal through this platform…. Last but not least…I will humbly urge all the poltical party and Poltician…”It’s not time for Rajniti Leave Rajniti Behind Stop blaming game.Bharat and Janata needs you.Its time to show Your Responsibility towards bhartiya janata..Vande Matram. ENDS

This article is authored by Indo-Canadian Business man, Hemant M Shah who strongly appeals to all the political parties to join hands with the NRI to Re-boost Aviation, Tourism and MSME sectors.

Satin Creditcare Network Limited disburses first loan under the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi Scheme (PM SVANidhi)

 

India, October 28, 2020 (TGN): Satin Creditcare Network Limited (SCNL) (NSE: SATIN, BSE: 539404), one of the leading microfinance companies in the country, has announced that it has disbursed its first loan under the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi Scheme (PM SVANidhi) with an aim to financially empower street vendors by relieving their financial stress as well as contribute to their holistic development and economic upliftment. The loan of Rs 10,000/- was disbursed to Mr. Munna Lal from Rambagh, Agra who is a blacksmith who wishes to expand his small business.

 

In line with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the scheme was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in June 2020 to provide affordable loans to street vendors to resume their livelihood, adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. With this social initiative, Satin Creditcare Network Limited continues to remain focused on driving financial inclusion, underlined by the strong commitment to extend the company’sreach and achieve socio economic progress for the vast number of people who are excluded by the mainstream financial providers..

 

Mr. HP Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, Satin Creditcare Network Limited said, “Given the dynamically evolving nature of today’s credit culture, keeping pace with customers’ unique needs and aspirations can be quite challenging. Satin has always championed the cause of deeply understanding the customer in the remotest pocket of India and providing product/ service offerings that ease financial stress and promote the spirit of entrepreneurship among small vendors and business owners. As an entity that has enabled financial inclusion and liberation for countless vulnerable and underprivileged communities in India, we are elated to take on the PM’s noble vision for a truly self-reliant Bharat forward through the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi Scheme (PM SVANidhi).”

 

Satin Creditcare Network Limited aims to continue to expand the vistas of their business and maximize its reach to the financially excluded population at the bottom of the pyramid to help them enhance their livelihood. ENDS

 

About Satin Creditcare Network Limited

Satin Creditcare Network Limited (SCNL or Satin) is a leading microfinance  institution  (MFI)  in  the  country  with presence  in  23  states & union territories and around  85,313 villages. The company’s mission is to be a one stop solution for excluded households at the bottom of the pyramid for all their financial requirements. The company also offers a bouquet of financial products in the Non‐MFI segment (comprising of loans to MSMEs), a housing finance subsidiary, and business correspondent services and similar services to other financial Institutions  through Taraashna Financial Services Limited, a business correspondent company and a 100% subsidiary of SCNL.  In April  2017,  SCNL  incorporated  a  wholly  owned  housing  finance  subsidiary  (Satin  Housing  Finance  Limited  or  “SHFL”) for providing loans to the affordable housing segment. In January 2019, received separate NBFC license to commence MSME business, Satin FinServ Limited. SCNL forayed in digital lending “Loan Dost” to target millennials. As of June 2020, SCNL had 1,355 branches and a headcount of 11,700 across 23 states and union territories serving 33.2 lakh clients. A pan‐India player with a strong presence  throughout Uttar  Pradesh,  Bihar, North East, Madhya  Pradesh and is a dominant player in its other states of operations.

The Finch: Blockbuster reopening as the New Mixology Culture club of Mumbai

 

Magician of Spirits Ron Ramirez

The only ‘Mixology Culture Halloween Party’ in town on Sat 31^st Oct and New Mixology Culture Club hosted by Magician of Spirits Ron Ramirez @30^th Oct.-1st Nov.

Mumbai, 26^th October 2020 (TGN): The Finch will have a blockbuster reopening on the weekend of 30^thOctober (Friday) to 1^st November (Sunday) in a totally new never-before avatar as the New Mixology Culture Club (#NewMixology@Finch) hosted by the world-renowned Magician of Spirits Ron Ramirez (Creative Director of Mixology and Beverage, Bangkok) flying down to the megapolis for the first-time ever! Alchemist & Artiste Ron Ramirez will conjure up an eclectic Mixology Mix along with Culinary Discovery experiential menu and the one-of-its-kind Finch Sub-Zero Ice Series, featuring four seasons of microbrewery - Summer in Bavaria; Spring in Brussels; Fall in New York and Winter in London - all available here in Mumbai. The Finch Ice Series infusion denotes a scale of temperature on which flavored water freezes at 32° to capture the essence of ice.

#NewMixologyCulture@Finch urges people - “Don’t be afraid of being different! Be afraid of being the same as everyone else!” As a responsible and socially conscious citizen of the City, The New Mixology Culture 2020 consists of the Art Series (a Michelin Star collection) comprising a serial collection of award-winning cocktails such as the Bird Cage, Box of Desire, The Cure, etc., from around the world from mixologists. The Finch signature dining comprises a premiere private and custom menu, focused on upscale designs of dining experience unlike any other menu with the emphasis on guest experience and the open setting coupled with guest interactions with classy chefs. And yes, Our (Finch) Way of a progressive Indian food menu with an adorable twist!

The Finch will host the only ‘Mixology Culture Halloween Party’ on Saturday, 31^st October to ward off/ spook/ shoo away the ghosts of COVID-19 pandemic and usher in Mission Begin Again to welcome a new era of Peace, Prosperity and Popularity for the People of the Maximum City. Connoisseurs and aesthetes can experience spooky, scary, horror, hulky, groovy and gory themes (from Frankenstein to the Joker) while sampling a daringly different creative interpretations of a mesmerizing mix of speciality Mixology Bartending, Bespoke Beverages, Fantabulous Food and Microbrewery Mixology series capturing the true essence of ice. Experience the world’s most freaky mixology cocktails and sub-zero ice series mocktails!     

The Finch pledges to maintain all rules and regulations of social distancing as prescribed by the Central & State Government in order to arrest the spread of COVID-19 global pandemic.   

Alchemist of Asia Ron Ramirez, a pioneer and culinary mixologost, will unveil the New Mixology Culture 2025 Beverage Art Prediction uncorking a series of latest innovations, trends and future mixology scene for India known for its spices and its intriguing and exotic flavours.

International bar aficionado Ron Ramirez is considered to be an artiste whose concoctions are revered and respected by extravagant hotels across South East Asia and the notable Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower in Bangkok (immortalised in the Hollywood superhit film 'The Hangover'). He happens to be a member of the Committee of the World's Best Bar, which nurtures the art and science of the finest mixology clubs across the globe. Ron will unleash his technique of culinary mixology, using gastronomy and science to experiment with cocktails on a molecular level. The Finch will tap and leverage the pioneering, innovative and thought-leadership touch of the Magician of Spirits to raise not just Mumbai but also India's culinary and mixology scene.

Celebrities, socialites and fashionistas are already making a beeline for the New Mixology Culture Club of Mumbai. Watch this space as the action unfolds from now to the new year.

The Finch, Shah Industrial Estate, Opposite to Huntsman Building, Saki Vihar Rd, next to John Baker, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400072 Website: thefinch.in Call: Phone: 02228578300/9920910619 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefinchmumbai/ Instagram & Twitter: @thefinchmumbai Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-finch/about/ ENDS

PPFAS Mutual Fund to hold virtual 7th AGM on 24th October management to focus on Fund's Schemes and the road ahead

Neil Parag Parikh, Chairman and CEO, PPFAS Mutual Fund

India, 23 October 2020 (TGN): PPFAS Mutual Fund will be conducting its 7th Unitholders' Meet on Saturday, 24th October 2020, at 4:00 PM. As public gatherings are prohibited owing to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, it will be conducted online via Zoom and live-streamed on YouTube.

 

While usually, only Unitholders and our Distribution Partners are eligible to attend, the Meet will be open to all this year, and they can watch it live here.

 

Over the years, the Meet has served as a Forum for the management to freely answer questions about the Fund's Schemes and the road ahead.

 

Neil Parag Parikh, Chairman and CEO, PPFAS Mutual Fund said "Due to the current environment, we will not be able to have physical meetings with our unitholders and partners this year. However, we will have one big online meeting on 24th October. I have no doubt that the event will be as engaging and helpful as the previous editions. The purpose of this meeting is to put ourselves up for the scrutiny of our unitholders. We have always believed that investors and partners have the right to know everything about the schemes, the management and other issues related to their investment, and this is a platform where we can freely and transparently interact. At the same time, we get to understand what is on our investors' minds through their feedback and queries at the event. It allows two-way communication which I hope will help build trust and forge a community of like-minded investors."

Since its inception, PPFAS Mutual Fund offers only three schemes. The flagship scheme Parag Parikh Long Term Equity Fund invests in both the Indian and overseas market. Parag Parikh Liquid Fund enables our investors to transact and invest in equity scheme through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan) route". Last year, the fund house added Parag Parikh Tax Saver Fund, an ELSS with Statutory 3-year lock-in to the product's basket. ENDS

 

About PPFAS Mutual Fund:

PPFAS Mutual Fund (PPFAS MF) sponsored by Parag Parikh Financial Advisory Services Ltd. (PPFAS Ltd.), a boutique investment advisory firm incorporated in 1992. The Sponsor was among India's earliest SEBI Registered Portfolio Management Service (PMS) providers, having secured a license in 1996. PPFAS Asset Management Private Limited (Investment Manager to PPFAS Mutual Fund) is led by Mr. Neil Parag Parikh, the Chairman and CEO, since May 2015. Before that, it was led by the Founder, (Late) Mr. Parag S. Parikh.

V. N. Finance opens new branch office in Kalamboli Navi Mumbai

 

Mr. Mohit Kakkad charts ambitious growth plans for Tech-enabled NBFC including insurance broking, digital/mobile personal and business loans

MUMBAI, 22 October 2020 (TGN): V. N. Finance, the tech-enabled NBFC, opened its new branch office in Kalamboli (Navi Mumbai) for giving secured and unsecured loans as well as gold loans to address the financial services needs of the mid-bottom of the pyramid. By expanding its network, V. N. Finance is getting closer to its target customers comprising MSMEs, entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, small businessmen and women, start-ups, contract/ migrant workers, financially challenged, etc., and get them financially included. The new branch is located at Shree Apartments, Shop No. 17/18, Plot No 05, Sector 1, Kalamboli.

Mr. Mohit Kakkad, Founder-MD, V. N. Finance, says, “We have grown exponentially in the last two years and now it’s time to expand our network to get closer to our customers. We have a unique asset light-business model. We leverage technology to develop proprietary credit evaluation algorithms, which enable us to serve our target segment quickly with the right balance of managing risks.” He adds, “Our next frontier is insurance broking. We shall soon unveil other loan related services by leveraging technology and digital tech.  Of course, AUM will increase by multi-fold in the gold and personal loan segments.”

“We are transforming the financial sector by reaching hitherto unbanked section of society. Currently we are targeting business and personal finance. Our unique value proposition for our target segments --- who are less educated/ have less access in/ to financial services --- is to provide comfort to the client and quick decision,” says Mr. Vijay Kakkad, Chairman, V. N. Finance, “We have made our processes so customer friendly that even the uneducated customers can navigate through our system with utmost ease. Moreover, we are extremely fast in credit assessment and disbursal. More than 90% cases take less than 24 hours for final decision and disbursement.”

Mr. Vijay Kakkad, the key guiding force of the Company, is a sharp entrepreneur with unparalleled business acumen. He has more than 30 years of experience of running different businesses. Mr. Mohit Kakkad is a young dynamic entrepreneur with a vision to reach out to every person, who is not able to fulfil his/her dreams for lack of finance. He appreciates the power of technology and is an avid learner with a number of successful businesses under his belt. V. N. Finance seeks to deploy best-in-class cutting-edge technology and digital solutions to keep up with its mission of providing the best-possible customer experience and lightning fast decision making in loan appraisal and disbursal processes. It has created benchmarks for the processes, which are monitored religiously and constantly upgraded to the next level.

V. N. Finance recently announced Gold Loan to help people unlock their dreams instantly from anywhere anytime. It helps them to get the best and highest (possible) loan to value (LTV) ratio on a 24X7 basis and to sail through their urgent financial needs smoothly within a short period of time. Those people, who need unsecured loans and have no security or no existing assets, can directly (or through intermediaries) approach V. N. Finance and share their creditworthiness and repayment capacity. They will get the funds at the best of terms to achieve their dreams. V. N. Finance offers pre-payment option-without any penalty; optimal documentation; shorter response time; and safe custody for family jewels and gold jewellery. Just call 022-20877888…

VN Finance also offers secured loans such as Loan Against Property (LAP) and Loans against Inventories. V. N. Finance's professional team fully understands business needs and provides funding against the goods and inventories already lying in the shops/godown. The small business owner just needs to furnish the inventory list, its value and their needs. It is also taking its social responsibility seriously with an initiative to help NGOs and self-help groups in assisting migrant labour and other poor & needy. It recognised that every customer’s needs are different with different context --- so 'one-size fits all' approach doesn’t apply.

V. N. Finance Pvt. Ltd. (VNF) is an innovative financial company Incorporated in March 2019 as a Non-Deposit taking NBFC (ND). The company is founded by 31-year old Mohit Kakkad with a vision to use technology to provide finance to hitherto unbanked section of society. The Company is mainly engaged is providing the small and medium size ticket loans on secured and unsecured basis. Unsecured loans are being provided based on creditworthiness and repayment capacity of the borrowers. The senior management of the company consists of senior leaders from banking industry and mentored by some of the highly qualified professionals. V. N. Finance has put in place an interest rate policy, adopted by the Board, taking into account relevant factors such as, cost of funds, margin and risk premium, etc and determine the rate of interest to be charged for loans. It has a robust KYV Policy, Fair Practices Code and Corporate Governance Policy. Mr. Vijay Kakkad (Chairman) and Mr. Mohit Kakkad (MD) of V. N. Finance Pvt. Ltd. have been honoured with the prestigious Economic Times (ET) Industry Leaders West Award 2020 --- V. N. Finance has been recognised by ET as Emerging Firm in Tech-Enabled NBFC category. ENDS

TiE Mumbai continues to nurture the entrepreneurship ecosystem

 

TIE MUMBAI Chapter- FireSide Chat between Karan Bhagat and Dhanpal Jhaveri .  

Mumbai, 22 October 2020 (TGN): The coronavirus has proven to be the ultimate disruptor, stronger than any technology in the global economy. While we are adopting various ways and means to make businesses resilient, the pandemic presents a true test of our ability to find ways to survive and thrive in the face of adversity. 

“Through real life examples, case studies, experience sharing, masterclasses and development programs, TiE Mumbai is continuously striving to mentor Startups and drive business recovery from the impacts of COVID.” said Naveen Raju, Executive Director, TiE Mumbai. 

Some of the online sessions organized in the past month by TiE Mumbai were –

Chat with the Masters of Aggregation Food & Hospitality Industry- This session focused on tips on Scaling Up and Turnaround Strategies from Industry experts who were instrumental in creating noteworthy brands like Lemon tree Hotels and Uber in India. They spoke on how to build sustainable long-lasting brands, focused on Green shoots in co living space & hospitality & tourism industry, ways to scale up and what the future of the cloud kitchen industry may look like.

Venture Investing Masterclass with Sanjay Mehta- Running a business is very different from investing in one. So how do you make money from investing in early-stage startups? What sets successful startup investors apart? Should you pick your own investments, or rely on an angel network? This course helped the participants to learn to source quality deal flow, ask the right questions before making an investment, support portfolio companies through the lifecycle, and enable highly profitable liquidity events. In addition to the critical pre-investment topics of deal flow, due diligence and negotiation, this course covered post-investment topics including governance, fundraising and exit, as well as hands-on practice in evaluating opportunities. This was a professional development program aimed at helping one take the next step in their venture capital career.

Entrepreneurship through the eyes of Tanmay Bhat- Tanmay Bhat is an ace comedian and entrepreneur. This exclusive session detailed the Life and experiences of a creator, positioning & pitching oneself, starting Up again - Zero to 2 million on Youtube, how should brands create content and collaborate with creators?, Power of Community, performing artist in the tech enabled startup world and money & finance.

Rizwan Koita in conversation with Ganesh Natarajan- Rizwan Koita is the Co-founder & CEO, CitiusTech and he spoke on How to build, manage and succeed in multiple businesses, how to truly dominate in a business domain and gave valuable Insights for entrepreneurs on knowing the right time to sell your       stakes. 

Discover your untapped potential; Reinforce your leadership style with Resolving Problems through Sensitivity in Startups with Ragini Rao – Ragini is a Psychotherapist & Trainer- Training & Supervising Transactional Analyst. This program took the participants through a journey of introspection to evaluate where one stand vis-a-vis key personality traits seen in successful entrepreneurs; and what one would like to develop as their own unique style, to be successful. The program used the framework of Dr. Eric Berne's world-renowned theory of Transactional Analysis, taking the participants through some core concepts which helps understand one’s own personality. 

One on One Mentoring Session on Financial Growth Hacking – this session covered topics like Revenue Optimization, Business Model Review, Financial Management & Cash Flows, Scaling-Up & Growth, Partnership & Alliances, Organization Building - People & Process and Funding & Capital Management.

Emerging Opportunities for SMB's from IT & ITES- With the emergence of digital technologies, the IT&ITES industry has seen disruption in recent times. The industry is at the cusp of transition, with many companies creating enabling environments to harness productivity. Business leaders are looking at technological solutions and cranking up their innovation game to move ahead in a post-COVID 19 economy. This session explored how the IT & ITES industry can make use of innovative technologies to ensure continued business growth.ENDS

Macans Infotech prevents Cyber Frauds through Forensic Investigation & Data Theft & Restructuring of Data from Mobile Phone & Cloud

Mr. Makarand Wagh, Co-Founder and Director, Macans Cyber Clinic and Macans Infotech

MUMBAI, 22nd OCTOBER, 2020 (TGN): The soaring number of cases of cyber threats, cyber frauds and data theft targeting companies, entrepreneurs and individuals, has resulted in over 12+ crore Indians losing over Rs. 1.2 lakh crore in 2019. Macans Cyber Clinic now offers a one-stop full-fledged clinical remedy & cure to all problems related to cyber threats and cyber psychology known as Digital Detox – the ultimate guide for beating technology addiction. Macans Infotech prevents cyber frauds through forensic investigation and data theft and restructuring of data from mobile phone and cloud.

Co-founders & Directors Mr. Sagoon Wagh and Mrs. Sridevi Shetty Wagh (renowned for their work in the film industry as well as producers) incubated Macans Cyber Clinic Pvt. Ltd. & Macans Infotech Pvt. Ltd. along with Technocrat Cyber Security Expert Mr. Makarand Wagh, an ex-law Enforcement Officer and Digital Fraud Investigator. 

“We are proud to be associated with Makarand Wagh, who is one of the biggest names in India for Cyber Forensics as he consults for various State Governments and his investigative skills in the Techno Legal aspect are extremely rare in the country. Our Motto is to create a revolution in today’s society to provide tips to avoid being a victim of these scams and secure their data in this Digital era. This will be the fasting growing business in the coming years as all the companies will require our service and guidance to protect their data as well as be alert on Cyber Frauds,” saysMr. Sagoon Wagh, Co-Founder and Director, Macans Infotech & Macans Cyber Clinic.

Makarand Wagh, Sagoon Wagh and Sridevi Shetty Wagh, Co-founders & Directors, Macans Infotech & Macans Cyber Clinic

Macans Cyber Clinic constantly spreads awareness on Digital Cyber Crime through services such as Live Seminars, Workshops, Training Programmes, Live Webinars and Online Learning Programmes for all public and private enterprises in diverse business sectors. In the digital era, the firm helps tackle Digital Crimes, Social Media Frauds, Mobile App Frauds, Online Banking Frauds, Virus and Cyber Crime against Women & Harassment in Digital Space. 

Sridevi Shetty Wagh and Sagoon Wagh, Co-founders & Directors, Macans Infotech & Macans Cyber Clinic

Mr. Makarand Wagh, Co-Founder and Director, Macans Cyber Clinic and Macans Infotech, says, “National Cyber Security Strategy is the need of the hour along with adoption of regular cyber security audits and data protection initiatives and policies that shall protect the privacy and interests of individuals and companies. Macans aspires to solve problems of vulnerable people who are either victims and help them to avoid becoming a victim by taking adequate precautions. We are all about how to be safe & be alert before crime happens. Our intention is to educate people on digital Cyber Crime Risk and Fraud - which is need of an hour. Data, Ideas and IP are modern-day equivalent of gold and we work hard and smart to provide impenetrable cyber security at all times. We have Licensed Tools from Israel and any Investigation is done on Electronic Devices with the help of higher end Licensed Forensic Tools.”

Mr. Makarand Wagh is an Electronic Engineer after which he has been serving in Police Department as an Anti-Swat and Anti-Terrorist handling high profile clientele as an expert & Digital Cyber Crime Expert. He was in the Anti-Terrorist Squad, Confidential Unit, Crime Branch and a Special Unit Team tackling cyber–crimes and frauds. He also worked closely on the case of the “Terror Attacks in Mumbai”. Presently, he is working on Digital Forensic Investigation with many private and public companies in India and abroad. Mr. Wagh has trained officers of many agencies on digital fraud investigation and worked for many government agencies in investigation of high profile cases. He helped throw some light on the digital investigations being undertaken recently including high profile cases in association with the Central Agencies - Enforcement Directorate, Central Bureau of Investigation & Narcotics Control Bureau.

Macans tries to neutralize cybercrime, which is defined as a crime in which a computer/ mobile/ digital device is the object of the crime (hacking, phishing, spamming, etc.) or is used as a tool to commit an offence (child pornography, hate crimes) by criminals who perform these illegal activities (often referred to as hackers). The various types of cybercrimes include: Hacking, Salami Attack, Malware dissemination, Software Piracy, Obscene or Offensive Content, Pornography, Cyber Sex Fraud, Phishing, Spoofing, Spam, Denial of Service, Threatening, Net Extortion, Cyber Terrorism, Drug Trafficking, Cyber Warfare, Cyber Stalking, Cyber Defamation and IRC Crime. 

Macans Infotech works with leading companies such as NSE, TATA Motors, Aditya Birla Group, L&T Group, Kawasaki and Central-State bodies such as Maharashtra Police amongst others.

Macans Infotech is a specialist in Computer Forensics (otherwise known as "digital forensics"), which is a process of electronic discovery to acquire digital evidence, analyse facts and report on a case by examining digital devices such as computers, hard drives or any other storage media or network conducted by a suitably trained computer forensic analyst in order to investigate a claim or allegation. Forensic Investigation comprises Computer Forensics, Cyber Crime Investigation, Mobile Forensics, Forensics Data Recovery, Secure Data Eraser, E-Discovery, E-mail, Investigation, Digital Forensics Investigation, Information Security Audit Gap Analysis, Cloud Forensics, Robot Forensics, Drone Forensics, Mac Analysis, CCTV Analysis and Corporate Investigations amongst others. 

Macans Cyber Clinic is specialist into providing remedy for all problems by creating Awareness Programmes on Cyber Frauds and Cyber Psychology in Schools/Colleges/Companies/Banks/Parents/Teachers through Webinars, Seminars/Online Course/Workshops guiding on different types of Frauds increasing related to Cyber. Macans mission is to become the customer’s number one choice when it comes to building a software defined Datacenter. It provides consulting, professional services and Training of exceptional quality with speed, which help customers in meeting their business objectives. More info on website : www.macansinfotech.com/www.macanscyberclinic.com

R.S.V.P. SRIDEVI SHETTY - Co Founder & Director Macans Cyber Clinic Pvt. Ltd. Mobile No: 8779535511/9321879634; Email Id: info@macanscyberclinic.in ENDS

Tech Avant-Garde becomes the first company to partner with NPCI-BBPS for online payment of fees for schools, educational institutions during COVID-19; Partners with ICICI Bank & Axis Bank for school solutions

 

Ali Sait, CEO, Tech Avant-Garde

NATIONAL, 20 OCTOBER, 2020 (TGN): Tech Avant-Garde (TAG), technology powered Ed-Tech company, has become the first company in Indian education sector to partner with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) for the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conceptualized system, for online payment of fees in schools and other educational institutions. Due to the pandemic educational institutions are experiencing two issues - one is to transform their teaching learning process the other is the fee collection process. TAG fostered Efeeonline is collaborating with Bharat Bill Pay System (BBPS) to enable digital fee payments. Efeeonline is a bespoke management system, which helps educational institutions to transform their legacy manual fee collection system to a digital system. The fees can now be paid from anywhere, any place or on any device.

Today about 18,000 schools are uploaded on this platform for fees collections. TAG has an MOU with NISA (National Independent School Alliances), which has 55,000 school as its Members; and TRESMA (Telangana Private School Association), which has 9,000 Members Schools. The above associations have mandated TAG to transform their member schools into a Connected Learning Community (CLC) vision of UNESCO. TAG and ICICI Bank, Axis Bank are collaborating to give unique solutions to schools.

To mark this momentous occasion, TAG, a Global Training Partner of Microsoft in Education, announced FREE Digital Classroom training for school teachers anywhere in India. They want to go on this website and register on https://knowledgekey.foundation/knowledge-lavenir-conclave-registration/ or call 09483114422 or E-mail ping@knowledgekeyfoundation.com. All schools whose teachers who undergo Digital Transformation will get CARTE BLANCHE graduation certificate.

Ms. Roshini Kumar, Director, Lycee Corp 

TAG is helping the Government of India in its efforts to promote digital classrooms, digital payment mode throughout the country through the BBPS mechanism for enabling contactless and digital payments through NPCI’s integrated, accessible and interoperable recurring payments services to consumers and parents via digital bank channels as well as through a network of agents and bank branches. One single step of onboarding on BBPS makes any school discoverable and accessible on all BBPS enable channels, including BHIM, UMANG, Banks website, all major UPI enabled Apps and Wallets. This enables parents to pay education fee easily from their preferred Banks/Mobile Apps/Wallets.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) vide Circular no. CBSE/SECY/SPS/2016 has issued directions to the affiliated schools regarding collection of fees from students only online or through non-cash mode. Hence, all schools affiliated with the Board are advised to on-board on BBPS for to enable, safe easy and contactless digital payment of school fees.

Ali Sait, CEO, Tech Avant-Garde, says, “As a thought-leader, pioneer and leader, we have taken the lead in partnering with NPCI and leading banks such as ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and RBL Banks to give unique solutions to schools and parents. TAG fostered LYCEE as a Connected Learning Community (CLC) solution to empower different stakeholders of education such as schools, teachers, parents, students and community. We also fostered Efeeonline to give relief to the parent and the educational institution by delivering a multimode fee payment service. The educational institutions can subscribe to this service and extend the facility to the parents. These initiatives are part of our Digital Transformation & Holistic Learning program to make Indian schools and teachers future-ready and 21^st Century compliant.”

World record breaking feat: On 5th September, TAG started the record-breaking Knowledge L’avenir Conclave (KLC) webinars in association with Microsoft, Knowledge Key Foundation, LYCEE Corp, Efeeonline and Roshini Social Schooling. Th­e largest congregation of teachers (5,000) took a ‑first-of-its-kind test and 3,750 of them became Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) certified in a single day (27th September)! Till 30^thNovember, they will train 150,000 teachers from 72,000 schools with a student-teacher-parent population of 7.6 crore. Ali Sait-advocated ‘Carte Blanche’ schools are the new gold standard in delivery of virtual education and early adopters of the Digital Transformation and Holistic Learning Program. Th­e 4Cs of diamond equivalent of digital classroom teaching-learning in the future are the Change, Connected Learning Community, Conclave (Knowledge L’avenir Conclave) and Carte Blanche Graduation; and Certification for School teachers. TAG unveiled NEP-compliant Learning Management System (LMS) software called AZVASA, which helps teachers with STUDY, REVISE & ASSESSMENT modules. AZVASA Connect is a complete School Management Solution having Teacher - Student - Parent Connect in one platform. Schools undergoing Digital Training & Holistic Learning program to make the school & teachers future-ready, will be graduated in a ceremony is called Carte Blanche 2020 to a ‘Connected Learning Community’, which is a utopian concept and Shangri-La of education.

 

TAG fostered Lycee Corp to meet the needs of every educational institution to transform from the four walls of the classroom to a Connected Learning Community (CLC). In CLC, students, educators and parents have anytime, anyplace access to learning; Learning is relevant, individualized and personalized; Schools have information systems that support accountability and efficient management; Schools, campuses, homes, libraries, businesses and global resources are connected in a dynamic, collaborative learning environment. It’s 2020 Vision of UNESCO. The product Lycee- Cyber Academe was developed under the fostering program of Tech Avant-Garde. From the stable of Lycee Corp, Roshini launched Efeeonline-Bespoke Fee management system for educational institutions. Now, Efeeonline has a co-sell program with Microsoft called MASP Pro. Efeeonline has the following facilities: The ERP Platform: Using this facility the fees formats, receipts, dues and reports could be generated. Parents Dashboard: parents can pay the fees, get the fee receipts and can track the dues using this facility. Which is available online and as a mobile app on IOS and Android. E-Governance: Using this facility, the school administration can do realtime tracking of the online fee collection and settlements. Efeeonline is also available on Microsoft Aspire School Program offering as MASP PRO. This is a value-based offering, which has dual advantage - it enables digital teaching learning process and is also enables digital fee collections.

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Congratulates Sultan Productions on completing 50 years of cinematic journey

 

MUMBAI, 13 OCTOBER, 2020 (TGN): 

Honourable Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Union Minister of Minority Affairs ( Govt. of India ) congratulated  late  Sultan Ahmed's family on completing 50 years.

Sultan productions in direction of Sultan Ahmed has given us some unforgettable classic movies like Ganga ki saugandh, Daata, Heera, Jai Vikranta and many other super hit movies.

Mr. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi expressed his feelings by saying "Sultan Ahmed sahab was brilliant director his contribution to Hindi film industry has been outstanding, he worked very hard to give film industry a better position, I remember how passionate he was about and Art and culture, Huge contribution and hard work of Directors like Sultan Ahmed is the result of what Bollywood industry is today".

He also added "I'll also  congratulate Sultan Ahmeds both the son  Ali Abbas Sultan Ahmed  and Ali Akbar Sultab Ahmed, I wish great success for both of them and the production house  and I hope they will keep up with the good work of thier father and take the legacy ahead successfully". ENDS

Tech Avant-Garde is Global Training Partner of Microsoft in Education

Ali Sait (CEO) of Tech Avant-Garde and Roshini Kumar (Director, Lycee Corp.) 

Tech Avant-Garde recognised as ET Industry Leaders 2020 Awards winner for Software Innovation in Ed-Tech

Mumbai, 13 October, 2020 (TGN): Tech Avant-Garde (TAG), technology powered Ed-Tech company, is now a Global Training Partner of Microsoft in Education. TAG is undertaking Digital Transformation & Holistic Learning program to make Indian school principals and teachers future-ready. Every year, the Microsoft Global Training Partner (GTP) program connects Training Partners to thousands of education leaders, educators, and faculty throughout the world – helping them to best leverage technology for teaching and learning, no matter where they are. Tech Avant-Garde features on the Microsoft website on this specific url https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/partners/showpartnersdetails.aspx?id=2076473&i=false&t=1&p=1&ps=24

Tech Avant-Garde has been recognised as ET Industry Leaders 2020 Award Winner for Software Innovation in Ed-Tech. Ali Sait (CEO) of Tech Avant-Garde and Roshini Kumar (Director, Lycee Corp.) were felicitated for Software Innovation in Ed-Tech.

Ali Sait (CEO) of Tech Avant-Garde and Roshini Kumar (Director, Lycee Corp.) 

To ensure all professional development (PD) sessions are consistent, all Global Training Partners have undergone an official Microsoft training program enabling them to deliver in-depth learning experiences aligned to the Education Transformation Framework on behalf of Microsoft. This engagement is highly advisable for every school by upskilling teachers thereby ensuring that students and educators have everything they need to excel. The network of Global Training Partners offers professional development experiences several of the 5 following areas:  Education Transformation Framework; Modern Classroom Teacher Academies; Future-Ready Skills and Industry Certifications; Minecraft: Education Edition; and Hacking STEM.

Ali Sait, CEO, Tech Avant-Garde, says, “Research shows that innovation and technology in education are key factors that lead students to be future-ready. In April ‘20, UNICEF and Microsoft Corp. announced the expansion of a global learning platform to empower teachers/ educators to help children and youth affected by COVID-19 continue their education at home. The Government’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has also given a boost to making India a world leader in digitally imparted school education by 2022. As Microsoft’s Global Education partner, we shall strive make Indian schools 21^st century-ready with Connected Learning Community classrooms and digital devices as textbooks using Microsoft’s world-class digital training & teaching tools!”

TAG has already started the record-breaking Knowledge L’avenir Conclave (KLC) webinars in association with Microsoft, Knowledge Key Foundation, Lycee Corp, Efeeonline and Roshini Social Schooling. Over the next 12 weeks (till 30 November 2020), 3,100 professionally trained MIE (Microsoft Innovator Educator) certified school teachers are exhibiting their Digital Teaching Skills and train over 150,000 teachers from over 72,000 schools across India with a student-teacher population of 7.6 crore. This grand education showcase is part of Mr. Sait’s vision to transform 18 lakh schools and 2.6 crore teachers in India from four walls of the classroom to Connected Learning Community after the announcement of the National Education Policy (NEP). On the momentous occasion of the first-ever Black Friday event, TAG unveiled NEP-compliant Learning Management System (LMS) software called AZVASA, which helps teachers with STUDY, REVISE & ASSESSMENT modules. AZVASA Connect is a complete School Management Solution having Teacher - Student - Parent Connect in one platform.

 

TAG-Microsoft will deploy emerging tech-driven ideas such as Skype in Classroom and Virtual field trips instead of the traditional ‘chalk and talk’. As home schools become the new normal, Cognitive learning, Mixed Reality, Immersive Learning, IOT and AR-VR will eventually reach students at home. School teachers trained in Gen Extra Muros – Knowledge Beyond Walls pedagogy – will understand essential tools such as Microsoft Teams, One Note, Flipgrid, Padlet, Powerpoint and others that improve the quality of their teaching and lead to a holistic learning experience for students.

About Tech Avant-Garde (TAG): TAG is a technology services organization which focuses on “Product Fostering” which means Development, Nurturing and Promoting of the software products. To enhance customer support and user experience, TAG has innovated an App based “Help Desk called TAG” which is accessible to the user from anywhere, any place and on any device. Being a socially conscious organization, it has taken the cause of “women empowerment” in the digital age, it trains and employs women at its residential complexes called “Navy Campuses”. In these campuses, it provides boarding, lodging and continuum training, on software development and Help Desk management. For more info http://t-a-g.in/

Lycee Corp. was developed under the fostering program of Tech Avant-Garde and supported and partnered by Microsoft under the ISV program. Lycee Corp. effectively integrates technology in education. This is an exciting opportunity that requires thoughtful blending of infrastructure, access to knowledge, and empowerment of students, educators, schools, and communities. Integrating technology in education requires a complex balance between the best of traditional education and new insights about how people learn. It uses technology to promote and enrich, collaboration and communication between the stakeholders of education, and to enable new levels of learning in the classroom and for life.

From the stable of Lycee Corp, Roshini launched Efeeonline-Bespoke Fee management system for educational institutions. Now, Efeeonline has a co-sell program with Microsoft called MASP Pro. Her quest to make a difference in young India from all segments of society made her launch a program called Roshini Social Schooling which is an experiential learning program mainly for government schools to make their children 21st century ready and to remove the knowledge divide.  www.mylycee.com is a portal through which the information stored inside the educational institution can be easily made available to parents, students and other stakeholders. It offers a consolidated view of the student’s performance and effectively communicates the teacher’s feedback to the parent. It has a secure payment gateway that can connect to a banking institution, parents can safely and speedily make fee payments online.

To support the need to have cashless campuses Lycee Corp has created a robust, Microsoft Azure-based solution that enables digital transformation of the campus with Efeeonline. Efeeonline is a multimode fee payment services that helps to convert the campus to a digital payment campus. To find easy method of fee payment for the parent as well as the institution is the need of the hour. Efeeonline gives relief to the parent and the educational institution by delivering a multimode fee payment service, with the several payment modes. To make this all simple and easy to adopt, parents will be given a unique ID and PIN using which they can register and pay their wards’ fees and process hassle-free transactions.