*SBI Card PAT Grows 67% to ₹345 Cr for Q2 FY22 Vs ₹206 Cr for Q2 FY21*

 New Delhi, 28 October 2021: The Board of Directors of SBI Cards and Payment Services Limited approved the Company’s results for the quarter and half year ended September 30, 2021, at their meeting held on Thursday, October 28, 2021.

Performance Highlights Q2 FY22

• Total Revenue increased by 7% YoY to ₹2,695 Cr for Q2 FY22 

• Profit after tax increased by 67% YoY to ₹345 Cr for Q2 FY22 

• ROAA at 4.9% for Q2 FY22 vs. 3.4% for Q2 FY21

• ROAE at 20.1% for Q2 FY22 vs. 14.1% for Q2 FY21

• Capital Adequacy Ratio at 25.0%; Tier 1 at 21.8% 

Key Metrics

• New accounts volume at 953k for Q2 FY22 up by 39% as compared to 688k for Q2 FY21

• Card-in-force grew by 14% to 1.26 Cr as of Q2 FY22 vs 1.10 Cr as of Q2 FY21

• Retail spends grew by 41% to ₹ 35,070 Cr in Q2 FY22 vs ₹ 24,863 Cr in Q2 FY21

• Corporate Spends grew by 80% to ₹ 8,491 Cr in Q2 FY22 vs ₹ 4,728 Cr in Q2 FY21

• Market share H1 FY22 (available till Aug’21) – Card-in-force at 19.4% (FY21: 19.1%); Spends at 19.0% (FY21: 19.4%); Transactions at 20.0% (FY21: 19.7%) 

• Receivables grew by 12% to ₹ 26,741 Cr as of Q2 FY22 vs ₹ 23,978 Cr as of Q2 FY21

• GNPA at 3.36% as of Q2 FY22 vs 7.46%* as of Q2 FY21; NNPA at 0.91% as of Q2 FY22 vs 2.70%* as of Q2 FY21.

• New RBI RE added at ₹ 105 Cr in Q2 FY22 as compared to ₹ 257 Cr in Q1 FY22. Total RBI RE book including RBI RE 2.0 assets at 4% in Q2 FY22 vs 9% in Q2 FY21. 

Profit & Loss Account for the Quarter ended September 30, 2021 

 Total revenue increased by ₹ 185 Cr, or 7% to ₹ 2,695 Cr for Q2 FY22 vs ₹ 2,510 Cr for Q2 FY21, increase is primarily due to higher Income from fees and services in Q2 FY22.

 Finance costs decreased by ₹ 10 Cr, or 4% to ₹ 254 Cr for Q2 FY22 from ₹ 264 Cr for Q2 FY21.

 Total Operating cost increased by ₹ 277 Cr, or 25% to ₹ 1,383 Cr for Q2 FY22 from ₹ 1,106 Cr for Q2 FY21, increase is due to higher business volumes in Q2 FY22.

 Earnings before credit costs at ₹ 1,058 Cr for Q2 FY22 vs ₹ 1,140 Cr for Q2 FY21.

 Total Management overlay provision at ₹ 231 Cr as on Sep’21. Impairment losses & bad debts expenses for Q2 FY22 at ₹ 594 Cr vs ₹ 862 Cr for Q2 FY21.

 Profit before tax increased by ₹ 186 Cr, or 67% to ₹ 464 Cr for Q2 FY22 vs ₹ 278 Cr for Q2 FY21

 Profit after tax increased by ₹ 139 Cr, or 67% to ₹ 345 Cr for Q2 FY22 vs ₹ 206 Cr for Q2 FY21 

Profit & Loss Account for the half year ended September 30, 2021 

 For the half year ended September 30, 2021 total revenue increased by ₹ 441 Cr, or 9% to ₹ 5,146 Cr for H1 FY22 vs ₹ 4,706 Cr for H1 FY21. Finance costs decreased by ₹ 56 Cr, or 10% to ₹ 483 Cr for H1 FY22 from ₹ 539 Cr for H1 FY21. Total Operating cost at ₹ 2,550 Cr for H1 FY22 from ₹ 2,013 Cr for H1 FY21, increase is primarily due to higher business volumes. Pre-provision earnings at ₹ 2,114 Cr for H1 FY22 from ₹ 2,154 Cr for H1 FY21. Impairment losses & bad debts expenses for the period at ₹ 1,239 Cr for H1 FY22 vs ₹ 1,347 Cr for H1 FY21. Resultant Profit before tax at ₹ 874 Cr for H1 FY22 vs ₹806 Cr for H1 FY21. Profit after tax increased by ₹ 50 Cr, or 8% to ₹ 650 Cr for H1 FY22 vs ₹ 599 Cr for H1 FY21.

Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2021

 Total Balance Sheet size as of September 30, 2021 was ₹ 29,167 Cr as against ₹ 27,013 Cr as of March 31, 2021.

 Total Gross Advances (Credit card receivables) as of September 30, 2021 were ₹ 26,741 Cr, as against ₹ 25,114 Cr as of March 31, 2021. 

 Net worth as of September 30, 2021 was ₹ 7,059 Cr as against ₹ 6,374 Cr as of March 31, 2021.

Asset Quality

The Gross non-performing assets were at 3.36% of gross advances as on September 30, 2021 as against 7.46%* as on September 30, 2020. Net non-performing assets were at 0.91% as against 2.70%* as on September 30, 2020.

Capital Adequacy

As per the capital adequacy norms issued by the RBI, Company’s capital to risk ratio consisting of tier I and tier II capital should not be less than 15% of its aggregate risk weighted assets on - balance sheet and of risk adjusted value of off-balance sheet items. As of September 30, 2021, Company’s CRAR was 25.0% compared to 25.3% as of September 30, 2020.

The tier I capital in respect of an NBFC-ND-SI, at any point of time, is required to be not be less than 10%. Company’s Tier I capital was 21.8.% as of September 30, 2021 compared to 21.0% as of September 30, 2020.

Rating

CRISIL Long Term - AAA/Stable

CRISIL Short Term - A1+

ICRA Long Term - AAA/Stable

ICRA Short Term - A1+

Summary Profit and Loss Statement

Rs Cr Q2 FY21 Q1 FY22 Q2 FY22 YoY H1 FY21 H1 FY22 YoY

Interest Income 1,277 1,153 1,173 -8.1% 2,691 2,327 -13.5%

Others 1,138 1,208 1,403 23.3% 1,878 2,612 39.1%

Total Revenue from operations 2,415 2,362 2,576 6.7% 4,569 4,938 8.1%

Total Other Income 95 89 119 25.6% 137 208 52.5%

Total Income/Revenue 2,510 2,451 2,695 7.4% 4,706 5,146 9.4%

Finance costs 264 229 254 -3.8% 539 483 -10.3%

Operating Costs 1,106 1,166 1,383 25.1% 2,013 2,550 26.6%

Earnings before credit costs 1,140 1,056 1,058 -7.2% 2,154 2,114 -1.8%

Impairment losses & bad debts 862 645 594 -31.1% 1,347 1,239 -8.0%

Profit before tax 278 410 464 66.8% 806 874 8.4%

Profit after tax 206 305 345 67.3% 599 650 8.4%

Summary Balance Sheet

Rs Cr Mar’21 Sep’21 Variance % Sep’20

Assets     

Loans (Net) 23,459 25,394 8% 21,925

Cash & Bank Balances 720 727 1% 690

Investments 958 958 0% 1

Other Financial Assets 276 490 77% 267

Total non-financial Assets 1,600 1,598 0% 1,435

Total Assets 27,013 29,167 8% 24,318

     

Liabilities and Equity    

Total Equity 6,302 6,987 11% 5,877

Borrowings 17,895 19,023 6% 15,743

Other financial liabilities 1,636 1,278 -22% 988

Total non-financial liabilities 1,180 1,879 59% 1,710

Total liabilities and equity 27,013 29,167 8% 24,318

* GNPA/NNPA for previous year on basis of proforma GNPA/NNPA.

About SBI Card

SBI Cards and Payment Services Limited is a non-banking financial company that offers extensive credit card portfolio to individual cardholders and corporate clients which includes lifestyle, rewards, travel & fuel and banking partnerships cards along with corporate cards covering all major cardholders’ segments in terms of income profile and lifestyle. The brand has a wide base of over 12 million cards in force as of Q2 FY22. It has diversified customer acquisition network that enables to engage prospective customers across multiple channels. SBI Card is a technology driven company.

P.S. The brand name of the company is ‘SBI Card’ and it is registered in the name of ‘SBI Cards and Payment Services Limited’. The company is trading under the entity name ‘SBICARD’ on stock exchanges.

*World Stroke Day*

 By Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia

The WHO South-East Asia Region is committed to strengthening health care services to prevent, treat and manage stroke, and to provide quality rehabilitative care for stroke-related disability. Globally, stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability. One in four people are in danger of stroke in their lifetime. Lifestyle risk factors for stroke include being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, tobacco use and alcohol abuse. Medical risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and a personal or family history of stroke or heart attack. An estimated 70% of strokes occur in low- and middle-income countries, which also account for 87% of stroke-related deaths and disability-adjusted life years. To help address this inequity, WHO continues to support all countries of the Region to identify and apply “best buy” interventions that reduce the risk of stroke, and which strengthen access for all to quality stroke services.

The Region has in recent years achieved significant progress on its Flagship Priorities on preventing and controlling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and achieving universal health coverage, both of which are critical to Region-wide efforts to prevent, treat and manage stroke, and to increase access to rehabilitative care. All countries of the Region continue to implement multi-sectoral NCD action plans, while also expanding the provision of NCD services at the primary level, in line with the 2016 Colombo Declaration. Several countries continue to lead globally on tobacco control efforts, with India, Nepal, Maldives Thailand and Timor-Leste among the world’s top 10 countries with the largest graphic warnings on tobacco packaging. Amid the pandemic response, the Region continues to promote healthy lifestyles, including by facilitating physical activity and healthy eating, and by tackling harmful use of alcohol and substance abuse. Increased taxation of unhealthy products will not only change unhealthy behaviours, but could also enhance budgetary allocations on health, including on services to prevent, detect, treat and manage stroke and other NCDs. 

   

By the end of this year, the Region will have completed the second year of its multi-country support for stroke care improvement initiative. The programme aims to support countries to strengthen stroke management and referrals through the development and training of multidisciplinary teams consisting of doctors, nurses and rehabilitation therapists. During the first year of implementation, which started in April 2021, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar and Timor-Leste participated in the care improvement programme, which has since been expanded to Nepal and Sri Lanka. 

In all countries of the Region, several interventions can be applied to achieve immediate progress in strengthening stroke care services. First, integrating stroke prevention and detection into preventive and promotive health interventions, especially at the primary level. Community intervention, e-health and appropriate medication and lifestyle modification can prevent at least 50% of stroke events. Alongside increased public literacy in the FAST method (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Timely emergency service) they can significantly reduce the incidence and impact of stroke. Second, strengthening existing pathways of care from the primary level up, and through to rehabilitation, ensuring that gaps are identified and addressed using a hub and spoke model. Specific focus is needed to improve fast-track referrals and enhance emergency stroke services. Third, making essential stroke medicines accessible to all. Thrombolytic medicines and other medicines for stroke are now included in WHO’s Essential Medicines List and should be integrated into national lists. Fourth, identifying and implementing high-impact innovations. Virtual capacity building in particular holds great promise, alongside tele-networking within and between countries to improve skills and share knowledge and resources.

 

Every opportunity must be grasped. Stroke is a leading source of disability and a major contributor to lost disability-adjusted life years, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It is a needless impediment to sustainable social and economic growth. Amid the ongoing COVID-19 response, countries of the Region must leverage every chance possible to improve health and well-being, increase health system efficiency, and promote social and economic empowerment and growth. On World Stroke Day, WHO reiterates its commitment to support countries of the Region to strengthen stroke care services to reduce incidence, enhance detection, improve treatment, and increase access to quality rehabilitative services. A fairer, healthier more sustainable Region is ours to achieve.

*26th edition of the European Union Film Festival to digitally kick-off from November 1*

 • 60 films in 37 languages from across Europe and India to be screened at the 26th European Union Film Festival; EUFF to pay homage to Indian cinema legend Satyajit Ray 

• The Festival begins from 1 November. Audiences can register through the Festival Scope and the EUFF website 

New Delhi, October 28, 2021: Cinema, in all its forms, continues to be a powerful medium, which binds us, helps us to stand united, beyond all borders. It provides a medium to share our feelings, our fears as well as our hopes, a window into our innermost selves. Providing a “Window To Europe”, the much-awaited 26th edition of the European Union Film Festival will be available in its virtual avatar from November 1st onwards– featuring outstanding, award-winning European cinema that bring forth inspiring stories, all from the comfort and safety of our homes. It celebrates the diversity and depth of European cinema and culture. Film aficionados can register free of cost for access to the film festival and related events. The Festival is organized by the Delegation of the European Union to India, Member States and associate countries, in collaboration with Indian and European partners. 

The month-long festival features an exciting line-up of 60 films, in 37 languages across 8 genres that explore unique stories, experiences, and histories with artistic storytelling from across 27 Member States and associate countries, celebrating the most recent cinematic triumphs at Cannes, Locarno, San Sebastian, Karlovy Vary, and Venice, amongst others. The festival will also pay homage to legendary Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray, on his 100th birth anniversary, with the projection of the seminal Pather Panchali. A special contemporary Indian section, curated by the Dharamshala International Film Festival, includes six films in four Indian official languages namely Hindi, Marathi, Malayalam and Bengali.

The festival has something for every kind of cinephile to enjoy. From Contemporary European Cinema, European Masters of Cinema, Co-productions, a short film selection, films on climate change, Film Education, Contemporary Indian Cinema to Indian masterpieces, the festival will have eight sections. EUFF will pay tribute to Europe’s extraordinary cinematic legacy, by hosting, in collaboration with Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival, a unique set of fabulous films, that have been digitally restored and remastered helping bring the continents t’s formative films to new audiences and generations.

Commenting on the significance of the EUFF, H.E. Ugo Astuto, Ambassador of the European Union to India, said “The 26th edition of the European Film Festival will provide viewers a window to Europe, taking them in a journey across the Continent through the eyes of our storytellers. The very positive feedback after our last edition has encouraged us to include again a section on classic masterpieces from both Europe and India. We hope you will enjoy the month-long festival.”

Bringing a slice of Europe to India, the Festival will showcase movies from European countries, including 27 Member States, comprising Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. Switzerland will be also represented at the Festival. 

Curated by the film curator and programmer Veronica Flora, with Valerio Caruso, Director of Cineuropa, EUFF India will take the Indian audience to a journey into the everyday life of people and countries, where the particular becomes universal, constantly poised between pain and joy, frustration and ecstasy, fear and courage. 

EUFF film curator Veronica Flora commented, "The screen is a window. Cinema is a journey. Thanks to this extraordinary form of art, we have the opportunity to look out over the theatre of the world into the abyss of the human soul. Cinema gives an insight into our generation and lets us glimpse into the future. Through the wide and multiform variety of films presented in this EUFF India 2021 edition, we'll get to know stories of people standing up together for their rights to equality and freedom; listen to the voices of children fighting to go to school and hear about our generation’s increasing awareness to defend our planet in the face of climate change.” 

EUFF curator Valerio Caruso added, “EUFF India offers again to its audiences a great multi-sensorial cinematographic experience, immersing it in the musical mosaic of different languages spoken in Europe: sounds and intonations resulting from the historical, mutual influences between cultures. In their amazing intertwining of similarities and differences, we can again find the reflection of the wealth and strength of our societies. We will also bring to the audience a series of online side events featuring directors, producers and experts to reflect on the nature of cinema, in the context of growing international cooperation. During these talks, we'll discover cinema’s interdependence with other arts - from painting to music, from theatre to literature, from poetry to photography - and the role of cinema as a fundamental tool for new generations.”

Kaleidoscope

Rich in genres, themes, influences and spread across generations, the films in this year’s line-up provide a distinctive window to Europe. The festival features eight specially curated sections: ‘Eurorama: European Cinema Today’, ‘Contemporary Indian Cinema’, ‘Poetry on Screen: Masterpieces of Indian Cinema’, ‘Masters of European Cinema’, ‘Film Education: Growing up with Cinema’, ‘Green Cinema: Addressing Climate Change”, ‘Cinema together: Co-production in and out of Europe’ and ‘In a Few Words: A Short Film Selection’. 

In collaboration with Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival, the line-up will explore the recent history of the continent as told by some of its most compelling chroniclers. From the pioneering Hungarian director Márta Mészáros’ The Girl, to Oscar-winning Closely Watched Trains by the Czech director Jiří Menzel, Roberto Rossellini’s neorealist drama Rome, Open City, and the essential The Last Stage by Wanda Jakubowska, this section provides a singular and in-depth look at Europe in the mid-20th century. 

Furthermore, in this section, in the perspective of the interrelation between different forms of art, in the bicentenary year of the birth of one of the most famous writers of all time, Gustave Flaubert, the European Union Film Festival in India in collaboration with the French Embassy in India will celebrate his most emblematic and immortal masterpiece, Madame Bovary, showing Claude Chabrol’s 1991 film adaptation, starring the sublime Isabelle Huppert, accompanied by a focus on the archetypal character of the masterpiece of French literature, curated by Institut Français and the French Book Office.

As a tribute to the enduring legacy of Indian cinematography and on the birth centenary of Satyajit Ray, in the section Poetry on Screen: Masterpieces of Indian Cinema, the Festival will offer viewers a deep dive into such classics as the seminal Pather Panchali and the revolutionary Kalpana by Uday Shankar. A contemporary Indian section has been especially curated by the Dharamshala International Film Festival, bringing to screens diverse in-depth stories from across the country. 

Socially relevant topics

Globally relevant issues such as climate change, gender equality, women’s empowerment, and LGBTQI rights are also addressed across the film selection. The climate emergency is addressed in a series of features and shorts, highlighting its widespread impact, and the solutions emerging from the crisis. Cinema doesn’t just tell us about climate change but can also directly act to contribute to combat it: during the linked side event we’ll enter the dimension of the increasingly widespread best practices of the “green shooting” protocol.

Co-production and Film Education 

The festival will also feature a series of co-productions as a tribute to the spirit of collaboration in European cinematography, while film literacy and the promotion of audio-visual works find mention in the special section for young audiences called Growing Up With Cinema, which will take an inside look at film education with the participation of European and Indian experts. 

Indo-European Cultural Exchanges

Rich in genres, themes, influences and spread across generations, the films in this year’s line-up provide a distinctive window to Europe. They will be complemented by a number of special side events featuring European and Indian cinema industry talent, and will discuss the most pressing issues raised in the selection. Among Indo-European Exchanges most intense will be a script development workshop for professional Indian scriptwriters – the culmination of the Journey to Europe call launched by the Delegation earlier this year, and a testament to the Festival’s support for enhancing EU-India creative and cultural exchanges. Thirty young talented Indian scriptwriters selected by a call will be involved and supported in training activities during the Festival and two of them will be awarded with a cultural journey to meet the film community in one of the most important European film festivals to continue developing their film projects in 2022. 

Access to the Film Festival 

Tickets for the Film Festival and related side events will be free for audiences. Audiences can register through the Delegation’s website and social media channels. The Film Festival will run till 30th November. Once registered, viewers can log in at their convenience. Register here: https://www.festivalscope.com/page/euff-india-a-window-to-europe/

For more information on the EUFF visit: https://euffindia.com/

About the European Union 

The EU, which consists of 27 countries, has the world's second largest economy and its third largest population, after China and India. Though richly diverse, the countries that make up the EU (its 'Member States') are all committed to the same basic values: peace, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights. By creating a frontier-free single market and a single currency (the euro) which has been adopted by 19 Member States, the EU has given a significant boost to trade and employment. 

EU-India relations: For over 55 years, the EU and India have worked together to reduce poverty, prevent disasters, expand trade, secure global public goods, enhance security around the world and promote joint research in energy, health, agriculture and many other fields of mutual interest. 

EURORAMA: EUROPEAN CINEMA TODAY

Country Film Title Production Details Genre

Austria Little Joe dir. Jessica Hausner, Austria, United Kingdom, Germany, 2019, 105' Sci-fi

Belgium Lola dir. Laurent Micheli, Belgium, France, 2019, 87' Drama

Bulgaria The Father dir. Kristina Grozeva, Petar Valchanov, Bulgaria, Greece, 2019, 87' Drama

Croatia The Staffroom dir. Sonja Tarokic, Croatia, 2021 Drama

Cyprus Patchwork dir. Petros Charalambous, Cyprus, Israel, Slovenia, 2021, 88' Drama

Czechia Bird Atlas dir. Olmo Omerzu, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia, 2021, 92' Drama

Denmark Shorta dir. Frederik Louis Hviid, Anders Ølholm, Denmark, 2020, 108' Drama

Estonia Goodbye Soviet Union dir. Lauri Randla, Estonia, 2020, 91' Comedy

Finland Ladies of Steel dir. Pamela Tola, Finland, 2020, 91' Comedy

France Red Soil dir. Farid Bentoumi, France, 2020, 86' Drama

Germany The Audition dir. Ina Weisse, Germany, France, 2019, 99' Drama

Greece Her Job dir. Nikos Labôt, Greece, France, Serbia, 2018, 90' Drama

Hungary Bad Poems dir. Gábor Reisz, Hungary, France, 2018, 97' Drama/Comedy

Ireland Dating Amber dir. David Freyne, Ireland, United Kingdom, 2020, 92' Comedy

Italy Small Body dir. Laura Samani, Italy, France, Slovenia, 2021, 89' Drama

Latvia Oleg dir. Juris Kursietis, Latvia, Belgium, Lithuania, France, 2019, 108' Drama

Lithuania Runner dir. Andrius Blazevicius, Lithuania, Czech Republic, 2021, 87' Drama

Luxembourg Hytte dir. Jean-Louis Schuller, Luxembourg, Belgium, 2019, 76' Drama

Malta Perpetual Child dir.Stephanie Sant, Malta, 2020, 10'41 Drama 

Malta Mister Teddy is Angry Fabrizio Ellul, Malta, 2021, 4'03 Animation

Malta Hallini Hanini Samira Damato, Malta, 1964, 14'10 Drama 

Netherlands Gold dir. Rogier Hesp, Netherlands, 2020, 90' Drama

Poland 25 Years of Innocence. The Case of Tomek Komenda dir. Jan Holoubek, Poland, 2020, 112' Drama

Portugal The Domain dir. Tiago Guedes, Portugal, France, 2019, 166' Drama

Romania Marona's Fantastic Tale dir. Anca Damian, Romania, France, Belgium, 2019, 92' Animation

Slovakia The Man with Hare Ears dir. Martin Šulík, Slovakia, Czech Republic, 2020, 104' Comedy

Slovenia Inventory dir. Darko Sinko, Slovenia, 2021, 106' Drama

Spain Schoolgirls dir. Pilar Palomero, Spain, 2020, 97' Drama

Sweden Charter dir. Amanda Kernell, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, 2020, 94' Drama

Switzerland Spagat dir. Christian Johannes Koch, Switzerland, 2020, 110' Drama

Contemporary Indian Cinema

India Yeh Freedom Life dir. Priya Sen, India, 2018, 70' Documentary

India About Love dir. Archana Atul Phadke, India, 91' Documentary

India, United Kingdom When Hari Got Married dir. Ritu Sarin, Tenzing Sonam, India, United Kingdom, 2012 Drama

India Chuskit dir. Priya Ramasubban, India, 2018, 89' Drama

India Ee. Ma. Yau. dir. Lijo Jose Pellissery, India, 2018, 120’ Drama

India Mukti Bhawan dir. Shubhashish Bhutiani, India, 2016, 99' Drama/Comedy

Poetry on Screen: Masterpieces of Indian Cinema

India Pather Panchali dir. Satyajit Ray, India, Drama

India Kalpana dir. Uday Shankar, India, 1948, 155' Dance/Musical

Environment and Climate Change

Switzerland Fifty Steps dir. Niccolò Aiazzi, Switzerland, 2020, 54' Documentary

Denmark Journey to Utopia dir. Erlend E. Mo, Denmark, 2020, 89' Documentary

Finland, France, Morocco School of Hope dir. Mohamed El Aboudi, Finland, France, Morocco, 2020, 78' Documentary

Cinema Together: Co-production in and out of Europe

France, Canada, Ivory Coast, Senegal Night of the Kings dir. Philippe Lacôte, France, Canada, Ivory Coast, Senegal, 2020, 90' Drama/Fantasy

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria, Germany, France, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Turkey Quo Vadis, Aida? dir. Jasmila Žbanić, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria, Germany, France, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Turkey, 2020, 102' Drama

Masterpieces of European Cinema: In collaboration with the Cinema Ritrovato Festival

Spain That Happy Couple dir. Juan Antonio Bardem, Luis García Berlanga, Spain, 1951, 82' Comedy

Hungary The Girl dir. Márta Mészáros, Hungary, 1968, 80 Drama

Poland The Last Stage dir. Wanda Jakubowska, Poland, 1948, 109' Drama

Bulgaria We Were Young dir. Binka Zhelyazkova, Bulgaria, 1961, 110' Drama

Italy Rome, Open City dir. Roberto Rossellini, Italy, 1945, 103' Drama

Czechoslovakia Closely Watched Trains dir. Jiří Menzel, Czechoslovakia, 1966, 88' Drama/Romance

France Madame Bovary dir. Claude Chabrol, France, 1991, 143' Drama/Romance

Film Education: Growing Up With Cinema

Italy My Brother Chases Dinosaurs dir. Stefano Cipani, Italy, 2019, 101’ Drama/Comedy

Romania, France, Belgium Marona's Fantastic Tale dir. Anca Damian, Romania, France, Belgium, 2019, 92' Animation

Germany Too Far Away dir. Sarah Winkenstette, Germany, 2020, 89' Drama

Spain Avalanche Children's Age- 16-17 years old, (Cinema en curs/A Bao A Qu) , 2018,16‘ Drama

France I have a Cabin Children's Age- 6-10 years old, (La Cinémathèque française

Cinéma, cent ans de jeunesse), 2018, 6:35 Adventure

Spain Through the Museo del Prado. Glances and Portraits of a Museum Children's Age- 6-17 years old, (Cinema en curs/A Bao A Qu) ,2018-19, 23‘ Drama 

India The Letter Children's Age- 10-17 years old, (La Cinémathèque française

Cinéma, cent ans de jeunesse), 2018, 7:51 Documentary

In A Few Words: A Short Film Selection

Canada Kokota: The Islet of Hope dir. Craig Norris, Canada, 2016, 29' Documentary

Germany Geo-Engineering dir. Yannick Stark, Germany, 2020, 2' Animation

France Thermostat 6 dir. Mylène Cominotti, Sixtine Dano, Marion Coudert, Maya Av-ron, France, 2018, 4:48' Animation

Belgium A Sister dir. Delphine Girard, Belgium, 2018, 17' Drama

*Journey of Growth and Discipline Continues*

 Q2FY22 Highlights

• Volume increased 6.2% YoY to 5.1 MnT  

• Commercialization of Cement capacity (Line 2) of 2.25 MnT near Cuttack, Odisha

• Total cement capacity increased to 33MnTPA 

• Commenced Trial Run production of 3Mnt plant at Maharashtra (erstwhile Murli Industries)

• Declared an interim dividend of Rs 4/- per share

• Became a Net Debt free company; Net Debt/EBITDA at (0.48x)

Dalmia Bharat Limited, (BSE: 542216, NSE: DALBHARAT), a leading cement manufacturing company, reported its consolidated financial results for the quarter ending September 30, 2021.

1. Highlights for the Quarter and Half Year ended September 30, 2021

 

   (Figures in Rs. Cr.)

Particulars (Rs. Cr) Q2FY22 Q2FY21 H1FY22 H1FY21

Sales Volume (MnT) 5.1 4.8 10.0 8.5

Income from Operations 2,577 2,313 5,164 4,214 

EBITDA 621 698 1,334 1,313

Profit Before Tax 307 367 693 666

Profit After Tax 214 231 502 422

PAT Margin (%) 8.3% 10.0% 9.7% 10.0%

EPS (Rs.) 10.90 12.24 23.03 22.27

Net Debt to EBITDA (x) (0.48) 0.87 (0.48) 0.87

Commenting on the results, Mr. Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director – Dalmia Bharat Limited, said, “We are pleased with our performance during the quarter. Inspite of unprecedented cost related headwinds across regions, our razor sharp focus on operation efficiencies and execution has helped us contain our costs and deliver industry leading performance. As India’s economy continues to rebound from the lows of last year, we expect demand and pricing environment for the sector to improve for the rest of year.” He further added, “We have made considerable progress on our immediate priorities, including expanding our capacity, driving organizational transformation, reinforcement of our brand and redefining our corporate governance framework. Looking ahead, we remain focused on further strengthening our momentum to drive sustainable and profitable growth and generate top-tier returns for our stakeholders.”

Mr. Mahendra Singhi, Managing Director and CEO – Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited said, “We are encouraged with higher volumes in a seasonally weak quarter. Our inbuilt operational flexibility along with continued effort & foresightedness of our people has helped us mitigate some of the inflationary impact of the input costs. He also mentioned that, “We have commercialized Line 2 of our cement plant near Cuttack, Odisha as well as began Trial Run production at our Murli plant in Maharashtra. With a larger capacity base, a proactive management team and robust operations, we remain confident to yet again deliver an industry leading performance for the rest of the year as well.” 

2. In line with its Capital Allocation framework, the company has declared an interim dividend of Rs 4 per share. 

3. Furthermore, with a vision to build a pure play cement company, the Board of Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited has also approved sale of Master wholesaler business for construction and building materials (Hippo Stores) of the Company as a going concern on a slump sale basis to Hippostores Technology Private Limited, a promoter group company. 

4. During the recently conducted AGM, the company has received approval for appointment of Walker Chandiok & Co LLP, Chartered Accountants (a member firm of Grant Thornton) as its statutory auditors.

Key Recognitions 

• Dalmia Cement Becomes India’s First Cement Manufacturer to Receive Green Accreditation from GRIHA - the national rating system for green buildings in India that was jointly set up by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India to combat climate change

• Dalmia Cement joined First Movers Coalition which is to be launched in COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland - First company from emerging economies in heavy-industry sector to join FMC as founding member 

• Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited represented by Mr. Mahendra Singhi, MD and CEO, delivered a session at first ever in-person climate conference in Scotland by TED

• Dalmia Bharat Foundation was awarded as Leader of Sustainable Change in ET SDGs Summit organized by ET Edge

• Dalmiapuram, Ariyalur, KCW, GCW, Belgaum plants were awarded as National Energy Leader in the 22nd National Award for Excellence in Energy Management by CII

• GCW plant was recognized for its efforts towards building safe workplace in Greentech Effective Culture Award by Greentech

About Dalmia Bharat Ltd.

Dalmia Bharat Limited (DBL) (BSE/NSE Symbol: DALBHARAT), is a pioneer in cement manufacturing since 1939. With a growing capacity, currently pegged at 33 MTPA, DBL has the fourth largest cement manufacturing capacity in the country prides itself at having one of the lowest carbon footprint in the cement world globally. Spread across 9 states and 13 manufacturing units, the company is a category leader in super-specialty cements used for oil well, railway sleepers and air strips and is the country’s largest producer of slag cement. It is the first cement company to commit to RE100, EP100 & EV100 – showing real business leadership in the clean energy transition by taking a joined-up approach. Visit us at http://www.dalmiabharat.com

*Union Bank of India is observing Vigilance Awareness Week from 26th October to 1st November*

 Mumbai – October 27, 2021: Union Bank of India is observing Vigilance Awareness Week from 26th October to 1st November on the theme, " Independent India@75: Self-reliance with integrity” as envisaged by the Central Vigilance Commission. Various programmes / webinars are scheduled by the Bank for creating awareness among youth, women, employees, their family members and the public at large, mostly through online channels. Extensive use of social media is also being made for wider dissemination of the theme.

On this occasion a Cartoon Book on PIDPI, Daily Alert Series “Dainik Satarkata” & Monthly Series on case studies on Frauds, “Satarkata Se Safalta” was also unveiled by Board of Directors, Executive Directors & CVO.

At Central Office of Union Bank of India, Board of Directors & Senior Executives of the Bank have adopted Integrity Pledge & committed to uphold highest standards of honesty & Integrity. MD & CEO Shri Rajkiran Rai G. through his message appealed all the unionites to follow probity, transparency & integrity in all walks of life.

The message of President, Vice-President, Prime Minister & Central Vigilance Commissioner on Vigilance Awareness Week-2021 was communicated to all the attendees.

*Shri Kalyan Kumar Appointed as Executive Director of Punjab National Bank*

 Delhi, October 26, 2021: Punjab National Bank (PNB), a leading public sector bank in India, announced the appointment of Shri Kalyan Kumar as Executive Director. The former Chief General Manager of Union Bank of India has over 26 years of experience in banking services.

Shri Kalyan Kumar is appointed on the Board of the Bank under Banking Companies Act, 1970 for a period of three years with effect from the date of assumption of office, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

Shri Kalyan Kumar, a Post-graduate in science from Rajendra Prasad Agriculture University, Pusa, is also a Certified Associate member of the Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB) and holds various certifications in Trade Finance, IT Security and KYC – AML from the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF). 

Kumar started his journey in Union Bank of India as a Rural Development officer in the year 1995 and has served the bank in various capacities as Branch Head of VLBs, as faculty at Staff Training Centres, Staff College Principal, a stint in Vigilance and Business Process Transformation and Amalgamation Management at Corporate Office and lastly headed as CGM HR of Union Bank of India.

 

His experience and contribution are spread across multiple domains of Branch Banking, Credit and MSME, Vigilance, Business Process Re-Engineering and Analytics, Amalgamation Management and Human Resource Management including Learning and Development and Talent Management, the statement said.

The successful amalgamation of Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank into Union Bank of India was steered under his supervision and control.

******

*Paytm Insuretech brings in Swiss Re as a strategic investor for its General Insurance business*

 - Swiss Re will invest (by way of equity shares and compulsorily convertible preference shares) approximately ₹ 9,200 million (₹ 3,973 million upfront, and the remaining in tranches, subject to fulfilment of certain milestones) in PIT for an aggregate stake of 23% on a fully diluted basis, subject to regulatory approval.

- Through an investment in PIT, Swiss Re and Paytm will work towards closing the insurance protection gap in the market.

Paytm, India's leading digital ecosystem for consumers and merchants(1), today announced that its associate, Paytm Insuretech Private Limited (PIT), has entered into a strategic partnership with Swiss Re, one of the world’s leading providers of reinsurance, insurance and other forms of insurance-based risk transfer. Swiss Re will invest (by way of equity shares and compulsorily convertible preference shares) approximately ₹9,200 million (₹3,973 million upfront, and the remaining in tranches, subject to fulfilment of certain milestones) in PIT for an aggregate stake of 23% on a fully diluted basis.

India’s insurance market presents a significant opportunity, given the market's protection gap and under-penetration compared to the global average. Gross written premium for non-life insurance is expected to increase from $27 billion as of FY2021 to US$ 50- 60 billion by FY 2026(1), as per RedSeer data.

Paytm Insuretech plans to leverage Paytm’s customer base and merchant ecosystem to develop innovative insurance products and offer best-in-class solutions. As part of Paytm's financial inclusion offering, this partnership is in furtherance of the company's mission to bring half a billion Indians into the mainstream economy.

Paytm’s Vijay Shekhar Sharma (Chairman, MD & CEO of One 97 Communications) said: “We are excited to partner with Swiss Re for our insurance foray as a key strategic investor. It is an important milestone in our financial services journey of taking general insurance products to the masses. We look forward to gaining from Swiss Re’s global insurance capabilities and building innovative products to tap into the Indian market.”

Swiss Re is investing alongside Paytm’s Vijay Shekhar Sharma. This follows the announcement of the acquisition of Raheja QBE by Paytm Insuretech Pvt. Ltd. The investment by Swiss Re and the acquisition of Raheja QBE by Paytm Insuretech Pvt. Ltd. are subject to regulatory approvals. 

About Swiss Re:

The Swiss Re Group is one of the world’s leading providers of reinsurance, insurance and other forms of insurance-based risk transfer, working to make the world more resilient. It anticipates and manages risk – from natural catastrophes to climate change, from ageing populations to cyber crime. The aim of the Swiss Re Group is to enable society to thrive and progress, creating new opportunities and solutions for its clients. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, where it was founded in 1863, the Swiss Re Group operates through a network of around 80 offices globally.

About Paytm:

Paytm is India’s leading digital ecosystem for consumers and merchants (1), and offers payment services, commerce and cloud services, and financial services to 333 million consumers and over 21 million merchants, as on March 31, 2021. Paytm is India’s largest payments platform (1) based on the number of consumers, number of merchants, number of consumer to merchant transactions and revenue, as on March 31, 2021, and with a FY21 GMV of ₹4,033 billion. 

Disclaimer:

“One97 Communications Limited is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to make an initial public offer of its equity shares and has filed the draft red herring prospectus dated July 15, 2021 (“DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”). The DRHP is available on the website of the SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in as well as on the websites of the book running lead managers, and the websites of the stock exchange(s) at ww.nseindia.com and www.bseindia.com, respectively. Any potential investor should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to such risk, see “Risk Factors” of the RHP / Prospectus, when available. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP for any investment decision.” 

(1) Source: Report titled “The Digital Transformation of Payments and Financial Services in India” dated July 15, 2021, prepared by RedSeer Management Consulting Private Limited.

*Health Ministers commit to renew, accelerate efforts to end TB in South-East Asia*

 New Delhi, 26 October 2021 – The Minsters of Health of countries in WHO South-East Asia Region today committed to renew and accelerate efforts to end tuberculosis, in view of the pandemic disrupting services and leading to increase in TB cases in the already high-burden Region.

 

“Despite being a preventable and treatable, TB kills more than a million people every year, almost half of them in the WHO South East-Asia Region. We must intensify effort towards ending TB,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom, Director-General, WHO, addressing a High-Level Meeting for Renewed TB Response.

 

Inaugurating the meeting, Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region, said, “Immediate steps are needed to scale-up preventive, diagnostic and treatment services for TB, and significantly bolster social protection measures while specifically addressing undernutrition among the vulnerable populations.”

 

At the day-long meeting held virtually, the Ministers of Health signed on a ‘Ministerial Statement of Commitment’ unanimously committing to actualize and intensify essential interventions. The meeting was organized by ministries of health of India, Indonesia, and Nepal and WHO South-East Asia Regional Office.

 

The Ministers committed to multi-sectoral and whole of society approach to end TB with national programs led by the highest possible political level, and closely monitored for targets.

 

They agreed to increase budgetary and human resource allocations including upfront investments required to catch-up on lost ground during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that US$ 3 billion may be needed annually to implement comprehensive set of interventions required to end TB in the Region.

 

The Ministerial statement called for ensuring the highest attainable standards of rights-based, stigma-free, quality-assured and people-centric services. It emphasized that preventive, diagnostic, treatment, rehabilitative and palliative care, should be accessible to all including migrants, prisoners, children, the aged and other high-risk populations such as people with TB/HIV co-infections.

 

The statement called for increasing outreach of care by strengthening services at all possible health centers and use of innovative care and delivery approaches such as digital health and efficient use of technology to reach the unreached.

 

The Ministers of Health committed to mainstream social and financial protection along with TB care services. Poverty and undernutrition are among the biggest contributor to TB disease. Systematic provision of socioeconomic support, adapted to country context, to the patient and family are essential and more relevant in the COVID-19 era, the statement said.

 

It called for social support to TB patients and their families from the time of development of symptoms, to diagnosis till the successful treatment completion and in some case beyond treatment to address the sequelae, to achieve the goal of eliminating catastrophic financial losses.

 

The Ministerial statement emphasized on empowerment and engagement of community and civil society representatives in planning, monitoring, organizing and providing for such support to ensure a people-centered response.

 

The Regional Director said, “While we continue to work together to mobilize political and financial commitment, we will also continue to provide rapid and relevant guidance and technical assistance to all countries in the Region.”

 

“Together, let us renew and reinvigorate our commitment to End TB, for a fairer, healthier, more health-secure and sustainable Region and world for all,” Dr Khetrapal Singh said.

 

Representatives of partner agencies – Global Fund, Stop TB Partnership, JICA, ADB, World Bank, US Embassy, among others, participated in the meeting.

 

TB and WHO South-East Asia Region –

 

Despite being a preventable and curable disease, TB is the world’s top infectious killer.

 

The WHO South-East Asia Region, home to a quarter of the world's population, bears 43% of the global TB burden and one third of the global burden of drug resistant TB.

 

Hence, in 2017 Regional Director Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh announced ‘Accelerated efforts to end TB’ as a regional flagship. At a high-level meeting, Ministers of Health and WHO adopted a ‘Call to Action’ committing to more resources and action to end the disease.

 

In 2018, the Region renewed its commitment to further intensify efforts and ensure rapid and concrete progress to end TB by 2030.

 

With concerted efforts and highest-level commitment, progress was being made to trace and treat the affected to curtail the TB epidemic. Notification of TB cases increased to ~3.6 million cases in 2019 from ~2.6 million cases in 2015. As a result, the total treatment coverage increased by about 30%. The treatment success rate among new drug-sensitive TB (DS-TB) patients increased from 79% among the 2014 cohort to 84% for the 2018 cohort. Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand were on track to achieve the 2020 End TB milestones for reduction in mortality while Myanmar was also on track to reach the milestone for reduction in incidence rate.

 

However, the pandemic reversed the progress by disrupting access to health services and exacerbating social factors like poverty and undernutrition. Over 4.3 million TB cases are estimated to have emerged in 2020 with the region accounting for 43% of all new TB cases globally. 

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पंकज आडवाणी ऊंचे स्थान पर, शीर्ष स्थान का दावा

 ऐस क्यूएस्ट पंकज आडवाणी ने एक सर्व-जीत रिकॉर्ड के साथ अपने वर्चस्व पर मुहर लगाई और जीएससी वर्ल्ड स्नूकर क्वालीफायर में एक उच्च स्थान पर रहे, टूर्नामेंट में शीर्ष स्थान हासिल किया। 36 वर्षीय पंकज, जिन्होंने कई बार विश्व और एशियाई स्नूकर का ताज जीता था, ने अपने उत्कृष्ट फॉर्म को बनाए रखा और सभी 12 मैच (वाई-कैंप और जेड-कैंप में 6 प्रत्येक) जीतने में सफल रहे। पंकज ने पोल पोजीशन लेने के लिए 10,760 अंक (3,560 राष्ट्रीय अंक, वाई और जेड कैंपों से 3,600 अंक प्रत्येक) जमा किए।

राष्ट्रीय चैंपियन आदित्य मेहता, जो 4 जीत और 2 हार के साथ समाप्त हुए, 10,156 अंकों (4000 राष्ट्रीय, 2916 वाई-कैंप और 3240 जेड-कैंप) के साथ दूसरे स्थान पर रहे, जबकि तीसरे स्थान पर लक्ष्मण रावत (पीएसपीबी) 9,396 अंकों के साथ थे। पंकज और आदित्य दोनों ने आगामी विश्व स्नूकर चैम्पियनशिप में भारत का प्रतिनिधित्व करने के लिए क्वालीफाई किया है, जो नवंबर या दिसंबर में दोहा में होने की संभावना है।

"मैं दोहा में आईबीएसएफ विश्व स्नूकर चैंपियनशिप में देश का प्रतिनिधित्व करने के लिए भारत के नंबर 1 के रूप में क्वालीफाई करने के लिए रोमांचित हूं। मैं दोहा में होने वाले मेगा इवेंट के लिए एक बार फिर से तिरंगा पहनकर और हरे रंग की बैज पर वापस आने के लिए सम्मानित महसूस कर रहा हूं। पंकज ने कहा। कई बार वर्ल्ड चैंपियन रह चुके पंकज के मुताबिक भारत का प्रतिनिधित्व करना हमेशा खास होता है। "आईबीएसएफ विश्व स्नूकर चैंपियनशिप टूर्नामेंट में भारत का प्रतिनिधित्व करने का मेरे दिल में हमेशा एक विशेष स्थान रहा है, इस दिन, 25 अक्टूबर, 2021, 18 साल पहले 2003 में एक 18 वर्षीय के रूप में, मैंने अपना पहला विश्व खिताब जीता था। चीन, प्रतिष्ठित पुरस्कार - भारत के लिए आईबीएसएफ विश्व स्नूकर चैम्पियनशिप।"

पंकज ने अंतिम दौर के जेड-कैंप मैच में मुंबई के क्यूइस्ट के खिलाफ 4-1 से जीत दर्ज करके भारत के नंबर 1 आदित्य पर अपना दबदबा कायम किया। पंकज, जिन्होंने पिछली आउटिंग 4-1 से भी जीती थी, ने लगातार खेला। वह मैच 80(63)-08, 32-70, 70-00, 86-15 और 68-49 के मैच को समाप्त करने से पहले शर्तों को निर्धारित करने में कामयाब रहे। पंकज ने इससे पहले एक दिलचस्प मुकाबले में छह फ्रेम में खींचकर लक्ष्मण रावत की चुनौती को खारिज कर दिया था। उन्होंने धमाकेदार शुरुआत की, पहले फ्रेम में 139 अंकों के ब्रेक में लुढ़कते हुए और 139-00, 22-61, 84-46, 93-07, 28-74 60-31 से जीत हासिल की। इससे पहले, आदित्य ने लक्ष्मण को 4-3 के कड़े अंतर से हराकर महत्वपूर्ण पांचवीं जीत हासिल की।

*InsuranceDekho registers staggering growth, grows business 2X in H1 FY22*

 ● Partner presence in 1100 + cities covering more than 85% pincodes across India

● Partner income has increased on average 4x within a year of coming onboard

● Health business grew 6 times faster than industry Sep 2021 YTD

New Delhi, October 25, 2021: India’s leading Insurtech startup, InsuranceDekho, grew at a staggering rate during one of the toughest business years in recent history. By building deep distribution across 1100+ cities and offering best-in-class products & customer service; the company has registered an impressive 2X growth year to date in FY22. 

At present, InsuranceDekho has a partner presence in 1100 + cities and covers more than 85% pincodes across India. Over the last few months, InsuranceDekho has built an impressive partner ecosystem with more than 35,000 advisors across the country. 

The width & depth of the partner ecosystem is a testimony to InsuranceDekho’s tech-driven & distribution focused business approach. InsuranceDekho's IDedge app offers an array of opportunities to help partners succeed. The support system spans from onboarding to last-mile sales enablement. It covers all aspects of training across all insurance products, demand generation support, policy issuance, post-policy support, and claims assistance. A direct benefit being reaped by the partners of InsuranceDekho, as a result, is that their monthly income has increased on average 4X within a year of coming onboard. It is a win-win for all - the customers who get exceptional service, the partner ecosystem and InsuranceDekho. 

InsuranceDekho.com, the B2C insurance platform grew 10X in H1 FY22 over the same period last year. The platform saw a 20X MoM spike in traffic in Sep’21 post the launch of its marketing campaign featuring Jeetendra Kumar of the ‘Kota Factory’ fame.

This clearly reflects the phenomenal business growth that InsuranceDekho has witnessed across all products. The Health portfolio is growing at 110% YoY and the Life portfolio, which was launched earlier this year grew 3X QoQ in Q2 FY22. InsuranceDekho's health business grew 6 times faster than industry Sep’21 YTD. The company plans to further accelerate this growth in the coming quarters and grow 3X YoY by the end of FY22. 

Talking about the growth, Mr. Ankit Agrawal, Co-founder and CEO, InsuranceDekho, said, “This growth is testimony to our strategy of putting our customers and partners at the core of everything. The pandemic has created significant awareness about and a need for insurance across the country especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. We believe that this growing interest in insurance will only increase in the future"

About InsuranceDekho

Launched in 2016, InsuranceDekho is an Insurtech startup by Girnar Insurance Brokers Private Limited. It enables its consumers to compare different insurance policies based on their requirements and offer them the best choices available as per their needs. In FY 2021, InsuranceDekho sourced 1 Million+ policies. The company currently has tie-ups with 40+ insurance companies and is expecting a business growth of over 3X in FY 2022. InsuranceDekho is headquartered in Jaipur and has offices in Gurgaon, Pune, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jaipur, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru as well as an offline presence in 1,100+ towns.

*FC Goa’s narrative driven social content looks to stretch the boundaries of Indian football*

 Goa, October 2021: Indian football Club FC Goa has seen a strategic shift in its social media narrative by weaving pop-culture into its storytelling approach.  

Clever intersections between pop-culture, lifestyle - movies, shows, music, dance, iconic characters in mass media, past, present and upcoming - and football (after all, football is at the heart of it all) have yielded some brilliant storytelling and moment marketing capsules. 

And these, in turn, have yielded exponentially high views and shares, laughter and conversation and notably a record high of new audiences and new perspectives to weigh in on a sport that can often seem inaccessible/ elusive to a "non-fan". Not to mention, a new sense about what Goa represents beyond the usual - a hope for Indian football.

Speaking on the same, FC Goa’s Vice President - Strategy, Ravi Puskur said, “We have always looked to innovate. We constantly look to push the boundaries and find out for ourselves, what works and what doesn’t. That now reflects in our communication as well. 

“What we have done now is, we have upped the ante as far as creating conversations beyond the realm of pure football, technicalities and football fans, is concerned. All in a bid to create mass appeal for a sport that more than deserves its due, not just in Goa where it is already a homegrown, culturally embedded sport, but in India at large where it needs to be platformed and represented as a viable prospect on the international stage.”

Being ‘social’ on social media

Everyone loves Goa. And Goa loves football. This is none the more evident than on FC Goa's social media which has always celebrated its players, coaches and attacking/ assertive brand of game play.

In the age of ‘all things content’, the Gaurs (as famously nicknamed after Goa’s state animal) have basically rediscovered this by doing the simplest thing - being ‘social’ on social media.

FC Goa’s new shift was evident in their recent ‘Durand Heist’ campaign, which turned out to be a winner as the team went on to win the coveted trophy taking down Kolkata based Mohammedan Sporting in a fiercely fought final.  

The campaign connected with fans with the team aligning its squad announcement with the launch of season 5 of the popular TV Series, ‘Money Heist.’ Juan Ferrando, the Spanish head coach was positioned as ‘El Professor’ masterminding their heist in Asia's oldest running tournament. The club went on to win the coveted trophy much to the delight of fans who celebrated the ‘heist’ on social media platforms.  

The successful Durand Heist campaign saw a series of teasers and reels in the inimitable ‘Money Heist’ style featuring the masks, whiteboards and a mood of mystery. 

Link: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=734155157425973

The Money Heist treatment continued for the kit launch with fans sparking conversations and jerseys being added to the e-cart on the club’s online store.

“The impact of the new shift is immediately visible,'' admits Puskur. “Eyeballs on the social media pages have increased dramatically with ‘reach’ and ‘interaction’ going up by 124% and 69% respectively on Instagram alone. Not just that but 70% of the reach on the platform was from outside the club’s follower base indicating a keen interest.”

On Twitter, compared to the previous season’s opening campaign, impressions and mentions increased by 2x, while the website saw an increase in profile visits by 6.5x. Overall, FC Goa’s shares on posts grew by 2.5x compared to previous months thanks to the change in approach.

FC Goa has started the journey to reposition Indian football from the state of Goa. Now, as they showcase their vision through proof of concept, their hope is to enlist more voices into the conversation, fans old and new, to make football a national prerogative and not just an FC Goa one.

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*GO FIRST BECOMES FIRST AIRLINE TO INTRODUCE DIRECT SERVICE FROM SRINAGAR TO SHARJAH*

 ~GO FIRST creates history once again with the first international flight from Srinagar~

~New service connects Jammu & Kashmir with UAE~

Mumbai/Srinagar/Dubai/Sharjah, October 23, 2021: GO FIRST (formerly known as GoAir), today achieved a milestone in Jammu & Kashmir by becoming the first airline to start direct international connection and direct international cargo operations from Srinagar, thus strengthening its expanding international network.  

Operated by an Airbus A320neo, the maiden GO FIRST flight G8 1595 departed Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar at 18:00 hours and arrived in Sharjah at 21:00 hours. GO FIRST will operate four flights every week between Srinagar and Sharjah.

The inaugural flight was flagged off by Hon’ble Home Minister, Respected Shri Amit Shah from the Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar with a full complement of passengers in presence of Hon’able Lt Governor Mr. Manoj Sinha and other dignitaries. Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation Mr. Jyotiraditya Scindia has conveyed his presence through online presence from New Delhi.

The introduction of direct flight to Sharjah will boost trade and tourism between Srinagar and the UAE. As an early bird offer passengers can book flights to Sharjah at just INR 5000/-. Booking passengers can log in to www.flygofirst.com or can use the mobile app. UAE and Srinagar are popular as holiday destinations, and GO FIRST flights will meet the demand for convenient travel options. The new services will also support growing trade and investment links with both Srinagar and Sharjah.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Kaushik Khona, Chief Executive Officer, GO FIRST said: “Having been in operation here for over 15 years, we at GO FIRST share a special relationship with the region and are committed to its growth. We are delighted to be the first airline to connect Jammu & Kashmir with UAE and it bears testimony to our commitment to the region. We believe that this connectivity will be pivotal in bilateral exchange of trade and tourism between the two regions.”

The direct flights from Sharjah will offer seamless connections to Srinagar and beyond to Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu, Leh and Mumbai and vice versa.

GO FIRST operated by Go Airlines (India) Limited has taken initiatives for the development of air travel and cargo movement from Srinagar, Jammu and Leh.

Recently, GO FIRST operated the first night flight from Jammu following its successful operations of the first night flight from Srinagar. GO FIRST is the only airline appointed for the cargo movement of 

Horticultural perishable and agricultural produce of J&K Horticulture Products – the state owned company.  

Earlier GO FIRST was the first LCC to operate flights into Leh by getting new aircraft modified to operate on high altitude airports.

GO FIRST recently announced the introduction of special packages in association with TripFactory for customers visiting EXPO 2020, one of the largest global events which got underway in Dubai. 

Customers can choose from two attractive packages – the GoHoliday package and Flight + Hotel Package. The GoHoliday package includes return tickets to and from Sharjah, accommodation with breakfast, Expo 2020 one day entry pass, half-day city tour, dhow cruise with dinner and will also include UAE entry tourist VISA and travel insurance. This package comes at a price of INR 51,999/- per person, while the Flight + Hotel package starts at INR 22,399/- per person and will include return air tickets to and from Sharjah and three star hotel accommodation for three night and four days.

Similarly, GoHoliday in association with TripFactory has unveiled exciting packages for the inbound travellers from Sharjah in UAE, willing to take a break and explore the paradise on earth.

Inbound package details for SHJ – SXR sector are as follows:- 

 Package Name (EX- SHJ) No of Nights 3 star 4 star

Trip to Srinagar with Srinagar Houseboat 3N/4D AED 1,495 AED 1,803

Trip to Srinagar Including Gulmarg &Pahalgam 6N/7D AED 1,866 AED 2,439

Romantic Kashmir 7N/8D AED 2,324 AED 2,642

 **Rates - mentioned rates are per person on twin share

 Interested customers can book on https://goholiday.tripfactory.com/cp/jammu-and-kashmir-723 

Holiday Package Includes, Return air travel (SHJ – SXR – SHJ), Airport transfers from Srinagar Airport, Hotel accommodation on twin share basis, Sightseeing, Breakfast and Dinner. 

Current offer:

20% discount on land bookings (excluding flights) over and above package rate.

To avail the same customers can use promo code “GHHIN1119” on link - https://goholiday.tripfactory.com/cp/jammu-and-kashmir-723

 

About GO FIRST:

Founded as GoAir, GO FIRST, which was recently rebranded from GO AIR, is the aviation foray of 285-year-old Wadia Group that comprises leading brands including 150-year-old Bombay Burmah, 140-year-old Bombay Dyeing, 102-year-old Britannia Ltd., 67-year-old National Peroxide Limited, a nine-year-old Bombay Realty. 

Disclaimer: Go Airlines (India) Limited is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, an initial public offering of its equity shares (the “Equity Shares”) and has filed a draft red herring prospectus (the “DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”). The DRHP is available on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in and the respective websites of the Global Coordinators and Book Running Lead Managers at www.icicisecurities.com; www.online.citibank.co.in/rhtm/citigroupglobalscreen1.htm; www.morganstanley.com, respectively. 

Any potential investor should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk. For details, potential investors should refer to the DRHP, including the section titled “Risk Factors”. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP for any investment decision. These materials are not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States (including its territories and possessions, any state of the United States and the District of Columbia). These materials are not an offer of, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, securities in or into the United States, Canada or Japan. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, except pursuant to an applicable exemption from registration. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States.

*Dalmia Cement Becomes India’s First Cement Manufacturer to Receive Green Accreditation from GRIHA*

 Green Accreditation Bolsters Dalmia Cement’s Pioneering Role in Making the Industry Carbon Negative

New Delhi, 22 October 2021: Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited, a leading Indian cement major and a subsidiary of Dalmia Bharat Limited, has become the first cement company in India to receive a green accreditation from the Green product rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) council. GRIHA is the national rating system for green buildings in India that was jointly set up by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India to combat climate change.

Dalmia Cement is India’s 4th largest cement company and a leading pioneer in Green cement manufacturing. The cement major received green enlistment for its blended cement in the GRIHA Green Catalogue under three categories GRIHA V.3 criterion:15, GRIHA V.2015 criterion:19, GRIHA V.2019 criterion19 & 21 and SVAGRIHA criterion:11.

Commenting on the prestigious accreditation, Mr. Sanjay Wali, Sr. Executive Director and Head – Sales, Marketing & Logistics, Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd, said, “It is a matter of immense pride to become India’s first-ever cement company to receive this Green accreditation from GRIHA. We see this as a big step in our journey towards creating positive environmental and social impact and furthering our business philosophy of ‘Clean & Green is Profitable and Sustainable.’ We will continue to lead by example and highlight the business relevance of sustainable practices in reducing carbon footprint and transitioning to a Grey to Green reality.”

Dalmia Cement’s blended cement products ‘Composite Cement (CC)’, ‘Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)’ and ‘Portland Slag Cement (PSC)’ were evaluated by the GRIHA Council and listed as a green product in the GRIHA Green Catalogue under the Sustainable Building Materials. Dalmia Cement’s brands DALMIA DSP CEMENT, DALMIA CEMENT, DALMIA INFRA PRO, KONARK CEMENT, DALMIA INFRAGREEN, and DALMIA INSTA PRO are covered under this enlistment.

Dalmia Cement is committed to becoming carbon negative by 2040 and was recently Ranked # 1 in the global cement sector by CDP on business readiness for a low-carbon economy transition.

About Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd. –    

Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited (DCBL), a subsidiary of Dalmia Bharat Limited (BSE Code: 542216|NSE Symbol: DALBHARAT and listed in MSE), is a leading player in the cement manufacturing segment and has been in existence since 1939. Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited prides itself on having one of the lowest carbon footprint in the cement world globally. It is the first cement company to commit to RE100, EP100 & EV100 – showing real business leadership in the clean energy transition by taking a joined-up approach. With a growing capacity, currently pegged at 33 million tonnes, Dalmia Cement also has the fourth-largest cement manufacturing capacity in India. Spread across nine states and thirteen manufacturing units, the company is a category leader in super-specialty cement used for oil well, railway sleepers, and airstrips and is the country’s largest producer of slag cement. Visit us at http://www.dalmiacement.com.  

About GRIHA Council

GRIHA Council is an independent, not-for-profit society jointly set up by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India to promote and administer GRIHA, the indigenous rating system developed by TERI, which was adopted by MNRE as the national rating system for green buildings in India. The tool measures the performance and environmental impact of a building based on a set of predefined criteria and assigns a rating between one and five stars. GRIHA is a part of the mitigation strategy for combating climate change in India's “Nationally Determined Contributions" submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Government of India.

*Paytm offer for India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match — flat 10% cashback on DTH recharges of Tata Sky, Airtel, Dish TV and others*

 - All DTH recharges done on October 24 will see users winning cashback of 10% of upto ₹40 

- Gives users the flexibility to select their preferred payment mode from Paytm UPI, Paytm Postpaid (buy now pay later), Paytm Wallet, debit and credit cards, or net banking. 

India's leading digital ecosystem for consumers and merchants (1) Paytm is celebrating the spirit of the India vs Pakistan cricket match by announcing an exciting offer for its users. For all DTH recharges done on 24th October 2021, users will receive a flat cashback of 10% up to ₹40. Users will be able to avail this cashback on DTH recharge of all major operators: TATA Sky, Airtel Digital TV, Dish TV, D2H, and Sun Direct. 

To avail of this offer, a user just needs to apply promo code "IndVsPak" before completing the payment for DTH recharge. In addition to the above offer, existing users can continue to avail of assured rewards of up to ₹500 from recharges of all major DTH Operators: TATA Sky, Airtel Digital TV, Dish TV, D2H, and Sun Direct. These offers are applicable on all match days for all subscription plans.

To bring more convenience to its users Paytm has recently enhanced its DTH Recharge payment experience with features such as 2-step instant recharges and timely reminders about plan expirations. Paytm gives its users the flexibility to select their preferred payment mode from Paytm UPI, Paytm Wallet, Paytm Postpaid (Buy Now, Pay Later), debit and credit cards, or net-banking. 

Paytm Spokesperson, "DTH recharge is one of our first offerings for users across India, where we remain focussed on providing a seamless recharge experience. The India vs Pakistan match during Cricket World Cup is always one of the most watched matches for cricket fans and we share the excitement with our users with our new cashback offer.”

Paytm users can make bill payments across various categories including electricity bills, mobile, broadband & DTH recharges, rent payments, credit card bills as well as access wealth management through mutual funds, stocks, digital gold, paying insurance premiums and even train/air ticketing, e-commerce, many more day-to-day needs from the comfort of their homes.

About Paytm: 

Paytm is India’s leading digital ecosystem for consumers and merchants (1), and offers payment services, commerce and cloud services, and financial services to 333 million consumers and over 21 million merchants, as on March 31, 2021. Paytm is India’s largest payments platform (1) based on the number of consumers, number of merchants, number of consumer to merchant transactions and revenue, as on March 31, 2021, and with a GMV of ₹4,033 billion of FY2021. One 97 Communications Limited (“Company”) is the largest payment gateway aggregator in India for FY2021 based on total transactions, with the widest ecosystem of payment instruments (1). The Company’s lending business (offered in collaboration with financial institution partners), includes personal loans, merchant loans, as well as its Buy Now, Pay Later product i.e. Paytm Postpaid. The Company’s financial institution partners disbursed 1.4 million loans in Q4FY21. 

Disclaimer: 

“One97 Communications Limited is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to make an initial public offer of its equity shares and has filed the draft red herring prospectus dated July 15, 2021 (“DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”). The DRHP is available on the website of the SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in as well as on the websites of the book running lead managers, and the websites of the stock exchange(s) at ww.nseindia.com and www.bseindia.com, respectively. Any potential investor should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to such risk, see “Risk Factors” of the RHP / Prospectus, when available. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP for any investment decision.” 

(1) Source: Report titled “The Digital Transformation of Payments and Financial Services in India” dated July 15, 2021, prepared by RedSeer Management Consulting Private Limited.

*AU Small Finance Bank launches QR Sound box*

 - Becomes first bank to launch such a product

- Deployed more than 2 lakhs QR Codes.

- Facilitating small to mid-size shops and large merchants with multiple outlets

- Exclusive cash back offers to Merchants 

Mumbai, 22 October 2021: India’s Largest Small Finance Bank AU Small Finance Bank has launched QR Code Sound Box to enhance its reach in digital payments, while making it the first bank to launch such a product. 

With an objective for digital innovation, the QR Sound Box will help small merchants to run their operations smoothly without the hassle of reading SMS every time a customer makes a payment. The Bank has already deployed 2 lakhs QR Codes so far, which is also the first of its kind for any Small Finance Bank.

AU SFB QR code sound box is a small and portable speaker for daily payment alerts. It comes with a dedicated SIM slot for data connectivity which gives voice notification. The sound box is available in five languages i.e., Hindi, English, Punjabi, Gujrati and Marathi.

To enhance the access of banking, AU Bank has already introduced many industry-first digital banking initiatives. The Bank is offering paperless services by opening Savings Account through Whatsapp; offering all deposit account variants on tablet including Current Account & Fixed Deposit and providing end-to-end digital journey for those seeking loans on two-wheelers. Furthermore, AU Bank is the first and only small finance bank to launch credit cards. The Bank has also launched AU 0101-super app, which has further simplified banking by offering banking from home with video banking service.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Uttam Tibrewal, Executive Director, AU Small Finance Bank said, “This launch will accelerate our Digital India mission and make more financial services available to the underserved. At the same time this product will also ensure customers loyalty to use AU Bank QR and simplify the payment process. Our QR Code sound box is another effort by us as changemakers --- Badlaav ki Pahal.”

About AU Small Finance Bank: 

AU Small Finance Bank Limited (AU Bank) is a scheduled commercial bank and a Fortune India 500 Company. Starting its journey from the hinterlands of Rajasthan, today AU Bank is the largest Small Finance Bank with a deep understanding of the rural and semi-urban markets that has enabled it to build robust business model facilitating inclusive growth. With 25+ years legacy of being a retail focused and customer-centric institution, AU started its banking operations in April 2017 and as on 30th June 2021, it has established operations across 758 Banking Touchpoints while serving 20.2 Lakh customers in 15 States & 2 Union Territories with a employee base of 23,486 employees. The Bank has a net worth of ₹ 6,490 Cr, deposit base of ₹ 37,014 Cr and net advances of ₹ 33,957 Cr. AU Bank enjoys the trust of marquee investors and is listed at both the leading stock exchanges viz. NSE and BSE. It has consistently maintained a high external credit rating from all major rating agencies like CRISIL, ICRA, CARE and India Ratings.

*Meenakshi Mission Hospital Bags FICCI Healthcare Excellence Award 2021 for Digital Innovation*

 NEW DELHI / October 22, 2021: Madurai’s Meenakshi Mission Hospital & Research Center has bagged the 13th edition of FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards 2021 in the category of Digital Innovation in Healthcare. The Award has been conferred on the hospital for its introduction of Teladoc Health Robots in June 2020 to keep doctors, patients and healthcare workers safe during the pandemic and prevent the spread of Coronavirus infection. These Telemedicine robots, the preferred choice of six of the World’s best hospitals, have been introduced in India for the first time by Meenakshi Mission Hospital.

Said Dr. S Gurushankar, Chairman, Meenakshi Mission Hospital, Madurai: “We are deeply honored and delighted to receive the FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards for Digital Innnovation for our introduction of Teladoc Health Robots. It is a recognition of our commitment to keep our patients and staff safe using innovative technological solutions from around the world. Covid-19 has been the biggest healthcare challenge of the century and I am glad that our contributions towards effective Covid management have been recognized by a prestigious industry body like FICCI. This would further inspire us to constantly improve patient safety and treatment protocols at our hospital to ensure optimum outcomes.”

The Teladoc Health Robots enable continuous access to treatment for patients while ensuring safety of doctors, who can access the patients and their data remotely from anywhere, anytime. If a patient with multiple complications is being treated, six specialists can connect at the same time to diagnose the health condition. Meenakshi Mission Hospital deployed a total of 16 Teladoc Health Robots at its various departments, such as the Covid ICU, Covid Wards, Intensive Respiratory Care Units, Accident & Emergency, Cardiology and Nephrology. The robots allow doctors to remotely access patient data such as heart rate and temperature, review of MRI, CT scan and X-ray, derma scopoe, ENT scope and ultrasonogram as well as importing data from EMR.

Said Dr. S Gurushankar: “Meenakshi Mission Hospital upholds the twin objectives of providing a safe infection-free environment for everyone and improving healthcare outcomes. Importing and transportation of the Teladoc robots to India posed a major challenge for us during the pandemic time. Training doctors and staff to operate the robots was another issue we faced. However, we managed to solve all the challenges and as many as 16 Teladoc robots were deployed by us for the protection of doctors and patients. We were the first hospital in the country to deploy this state-of-the-art technology in early months of the pandemic to provide a safe environment for everyone and restrict the spread of infection.”

Meenakshi Mission Hospital was nominated in two categories for the FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards, including Excellence in Patient Safety and Digital Innovation in Healthcare. The Awards felicitate organizations and individuals for their contributions to the industry by innovating for increased efficiency, affordability and improved performance of healthcare delivery. They have emerged as the definitive recognition for contribution to healthcare based on Innovation, Impact and Sustainability & Scalability, which form the three criteria for evaluation.

*Amrita Vidyalayam’s Students Win UNESCO’s National level Creative Competition, H2Ooooh for spreading Awareness about Water Conservation*

 • This creative competition encourages school children in the age group of 6-14 years to contribute their ideas in the form of stories and drawings on the rising water crisis in India

New Delhi, October 22, 2021: Two school students of Amrita Vidyalayam - Thalassery: Abhiram Shine Nair (class 3) and Nythika Sajith (class 6) were adjudged the winners of UNESCO’s H2Ooooh!, a national-level creative competition that aims at making school children of India ‘waterwise’. The project encourages youngsters (6 to 14 years old) to make creative contributions to spread awareness about - and find solutions for, water scarcity, sustainable use, water conservation, safeguarding water resources, and other water issues.  

A drawing by Abhiram Shine Nair and a story by Nythika Sajith made them the winners of the competition phase and competition-cum-training phase of H2Ooooh!, respectively. Their contributions will be used to create animation videos focusing on water protection and its sustainable use in India. 

 The latest edition of H2Ooooh! was kickstarted by UNESCO on World Water Day 2021, which falls every year on March 22 every year. The project will culminate with the release of three short animation films. UNESCO organises H2Ooooh! in partnership with National Mission for Clean Ganga, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, United Schools Organisation of India, Toonz Media Group and Water Digest, India’s premiere water magazine. 

In his/her comment about the achievements of the students, Samaradhyamrita Chaitanya Principal Amrita Vidyalayam Thalassery said, “Our children were very happy about the whole idea of W2Ooooh! It has helped them learn about the importance of water, which has enormous value for households, food, culture, health, education, economics and the integrity of our natural environment. Our hearty congratulations to the winning students. Their national level achievements were possible because of the dedicated efforts, constant support and encouragement of our teachers and staff of the school.”

More than 17,000 students from 43 schools across India have taken part in the latest edition of H2Ooooh! As part of the first phase, many animation videos, both in English and Hindi, highlighting different water issues, were screened at schools for students of Class I to VIII. The videos were developed by UNESCO - Venice. UNESCO also distributed educational materials, and conducted discussions and quizzes based on them to help students develop a deeper understanding of issues. 

During the second phase, in which Amrita Vidyalayam’s Abhiram Shine Nair emerged a winner, a competition was initiated in the schools to pick top ideas and drawing/cartoon submissions. Out of the 2000 students who participated in the qualifier round, a total of 93 students, including eight children with disabilities, were selected to undergo special training by Toonz Media. 

Amrita Vidyalayam’s Nythika Sajith was one among the participants of the one-week training by Toonz Media that introduced the students to the basics of cartoon animation including script writing, character sketching and storyboarding. Nythika’s story is selected to create animation videos focusing on water protection and its sustainable use in India. 

****

*Shri Rajneesh Karnatak assumes charge as Executive Director of Union Bank of India*

 Mumbai, October 22, 2021: Shri Rajneesh Karnatak toady assumed charge as Executive Director of Union Bank of India.

 

Shri Rajneesh Karnatak was the Chief General Manager of Punjab National Bank. A post-graduate in Commerce and a Certified Associate from Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB), Shri Karnatak comes with a rich banking experience of over 27 years along with diverse Branch and Administrative Office experience. 

As General Manager in erstwhile Oriental Bank of Commerce, he has headed large Corporate Credit Branches and verticals such as Credit Monitoring, Digital Banking and Mid Corporate Credit. Post the amalgamation of Oriental Bank of Commerce into Punjab National Bank, he started heading the Credit Review & Monitoring Division and Corporate Credit Division.

Shri. Karnatak has attended various training and Leadership Development Programs from IIM-Kozhikode and JNIDB Hyderabad and has also taken part in Advance Management Programme at IMI (International Management Institute) Delhi and IIBF (Indian Institute of Banking & Finance). He was a part of 1st batch of Senior Officers selected by Bank Board Bureau for Leadership Development Program of IIM Bangaore & Egon Zehnder. He carries with him credit appraisal skills including project funding and Working Capital funding along with Risk Management with specific reference/ special emphasis on Credit Risk.

He has also served as a Nominee Director on behalf of PNB on the Board of PNB Housing Finance Ltd. and ISARC (India SME Asset Reconstruction Company Limited).

xxxxxx

*RapiPay strengthens its Micro ATM market, has sold over one lakh Micro ATMs in first year of launch*

 - To develop Micro ATMs as a hybrid device that will work as a POS machine 

Delhi, 21 Oct 2021: RapiPay, one of the leading assisted payments Fintech companies announced that it has sold over one lakh Micro ATMs since it began operations last year. This indicates that the company is well on track of its expansion plan to install 5 Lakhs micro-ATMs in the coming years.  

As technology-led developments are taking place at a faster pace, RapiPay is all set to make micro-ATMs as hybrid devices that will work as mPOS i.e. Mobile Point of Sale machines. This will enable the consumers to swipe not just their debit card but also credit card for any purchase/transaction at a RapiPay outlet.  

"RapiPay Micro ATMs are revolutionary in comparison to the conventional ATMs and offers utmost ease to the consumers enabling them to withdraw cash and do other similar banking activities at any RapiPay Direct Business Outlet. We have also seen a rise in the daily average transaction value for micro-ATMs from Rs. 3200 in Sep 2020 to Rs. 3800 in Sep 2021.," RapiPay CEO, Nipun Jain said.

Mr. Jain further added that India has on an average 20 ATMs for 1 Lakh people. The way Micro ATMs are growing and being accepted we will take this average to 50 ATMs for 1 Lakh people.

The micro-ATMs were instrumental in facilitating cash withdrawals during the first and second Covid-19 wave, especially for withdrawal of the government's disbursement into Jan Dhan accounts of workers, laborers, and farmers, among others, who were out of work and needed cash.

According to the Reserve Bank of India data, of the 2.4 lakh ATMs in the country, only 19 per cent have been deployed in rural areas, where 62 per cent of the Indian population resides. With the low penetration of ATMs in rural areas, Micro ATMs are bridging the demand supply gap. As a result, there is a growing demand and higher penetration for micro-ATMs to reach the last-mile of the country and address the problems faced by the rural population in fulfilling their cash withdrawal requirement.

About RapiPay

S.K. Narvar promoted RapiPay Fintech Pvt. Ltd., is instrumental in growing financial inclusion services in the country with services like Money Transfer, Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS), Micro ATM, Payments and many more. With a nationwide network of over 3 lakhs DBOs, RapiPay is providing Banking and Financial services to more than 3 crore underbanked consumers every month. RapiPay is a subsidiary of Capital India Finance Limited (CIFL).

*RV University launches Ph.D. Programme to promote research*

 Bengaluru, 21st October 2021: In its quest to be a research-intensive University, Bengaluru-based RV University (RVU) has launched a Ph.D. programme in its very first academic year. In the current admission cycle, the Ph.D. programme will be offered in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the School of Economics and Finance. A practice-based Ph.D. will be available in the next admission cycle in the School of Design.

In the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the focus areas for Ph.D. are Film Studies; Organisational Psychology; Law; Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies; Political Science (Indian Political Thought and Indian Politics); International Relations; Modern Indian History (Socio-Cultural History of Modern India) and Indology. In the School of Economics and Finance, applications are invited in the fields of Economics; Marketing; Finance and Banking; Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources; and Strategy.

Both full-time and part-time Ph.D. options are available. The part-time option is meant to enable candidates who are in employment to pursue doctoral studies. RVU has a team of faculty with many years of experience in academia and practice, who will offer research supervision. There will be two admission cycles in an academic year. 

RVU has established collaborations with several national and international Universities and institutions, such as the University of Essex, the Scottish Centre of Tagore Studies (University of Edinburgh), the Justice Initiative Foundation- Bangalore, and many others. The University is now in the process of firming up collaborations with international universities for joint PhD programmes, which would allow Ph.D. scholars to earn a doctoral degree from two Universities: RVU and the partner University. 

The call for applications for admission to the doctoral programme is now live at https://rvu.edu.in/phd/ . Applications are invited from candidates who have a Master’s degree, with a minimum aggregate of 55% marks. The deadline for submission of applications is November 13, 2021. Eligible candidates will be invited for the selection procedure, which includes a written entrance test, followed by a viva voce examination. The website provides further details about fee structure. 

The seven research centres that RVU has already established will also provide a vibrant environment for doctoral scholars. The research centres include the Centre for Sustainable Development, Centre for Community Outreach and Legal Empowerment; Centre for Visual and Performing Arts; Centre for Languages; Centre for the Future of Things; Centre for Elections and Democracy; and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Contemporary Ethics. 

Welcoming the launch of Doctoral programme, Professor Y.S.R. Murthy, Vice Chancellor, RV University said, “There are many teaching universities but RV University aspires to be different and wishes to have a research focus right from inception. We want to be known for academic and research excellence, and our students to get involved in research right from the under graduate level. The international collaborations that we have forged with many partners across different continents will take our Ph.D. programme to a different level.”

Commenting on the institutional infrastructure for research, Dr. Y.S.R. Murthy further said, “We have designated an outstanding scholar, Dr. Lakshmi Arya Thathachar as the Associate Dean, Research and Chairperson of the Office of Doctoral Studies. We have also constituted a Research and Innovation Council. We have excellent faculty members who have qualifications from some of the best institutions in India and abroad, to drive our research agenda. We have formulated appropriate policies and created an enabling environment for research to flourish.”

Dr. Lakshmi Arya Thathachar has a Ph.D. in Modern Indian History from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. She has been awarded several national and international fellowships, including a Fulbright-Nehru Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, a Charles Wallace Fellowship, and a Fellowship of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla. 

Reflecting on the launch of the doctoral programme, Dr. Lakshmi Arya said, “We often find in higher education a bifurcation between teaching and research. There are government- and private-funded research centres, which research, and there are colleges, whose primary focus is to teach. Research and teaching can, however, feed into each other. In research-intensive Universities, faculty design courses on the basis of their research, guide doctoral candidates, and publish findings. RV University is committed to creating conditions that enable research, by instituting best practices with respect to faculty research time, research centres, unique Ph.D. pathways, and research projects that ask brave, new questions.” 

Dr. Lakshmi Arya Thathachar went on to observe, “A University’s primary purpose is epistemic: It is the pursuit of truth. Given how ideologically polarized current times are, there is a need to nurture research that is objective and empirically rigorous. There is also a need for developing theoretical frameworks that can explain empirical evidence.” 

In the academic year 2021-22, RVU admitted its first cohort of Bachelor’s and Master’s students. The University has now taken the next step towards realizing its vision of fostering and encouraging research, by launching the Ph.D. programme. The National Education Policy 2020 emphasises that outstanding research is a “corequisite for outstanding education and development.” In keeping with this vision for higher education, RVU aspires to be a research-intensive university. 

About RV University

RV University is a private university that was established under the RV University Act, 2019 passed by the Karnataka legislature. The University is sponsored by the Rashtreeya Sikshana Samithi Trust (RSST), which has an eighty-year old history in building educational institutions in Bengaluru. Many of these institutions, such as RV College of Engineering, NMKRV College, RV College of Architecture and RV Dental College are household names in Bangalore. RV University inherits this rich legacy, and the responsibility of carrying it forward, as the youngest in the RSST family of institutions.