Mar 21, 2024 | Uncategorized
ICICI Bank announces that its retail mobile banking app, iMobile Pay, has on-boarded over one crore customers of other banks. This significant achievement comes just over three years after ICICI Bank made the app open for customers of other banks.
ICICI Bank was the pioneer in launching mobile banking app in 2008, expediting the way for digital banking in India. In December 2020, it became the first bank to make the app interoperable by extending the benefit of its services to customers of other banks. Since then, customers of any bank can use iMobile Pay by following a few simple steps: link their savings bank account with the app, generate a UPI ID and enjoy a wide range of convenient services. These include making payments to any UPI ID or merchants, paying bills, recharging online and transferring money to any bank account, payment app and digital wallet. Further, users can also open a savings account, apply for a home loan or credit card among other banking services provided by ICICI Bank.
With over one crore customers of other banks using iMobile Pay, there has been 26% growth in the overall transactions value in this financial year till the end of February 2024 (April- February), compared to the same period last year. During this period, the average ticket size increased by 16%.
Commenting on this remarkable achievement, Mr. Sidharatha Mishra, Head- Digital Channels and Partnerships, ICICI Bank stated, “We have consistently aimed to innovate and simplify banking for our customers. The fact that our retail banking app has on-boarded over one crore customers from other banks in just three years is a testament to iMobile Pay’s significant role in providing seamless digital banking experiences. With iMobile Pay, we are revolutionising the way customers manage their finances and conduct transactions. We have built a simple, seamless, secure, and accessible banking platform that offers over 400 services, anytime and anywhere. We are thrilled to witness the widespread adoption and eagerly look forward to enhancing users’ banking convenience through continuous innovations.”
Since its launch, iMobile Pay has gained immense popularity among users for its diverse features. Services like UPI transactions, fund transfers, credit card payments, mobile recharges, and bill payments are most used by users. In addition, features like UPI transfer by using a mobile phone number/UPI ID, scan to pay, bill payments, and check balance are frequently used for repeat transactions. Further, the value of their transactions have also increased with each visit by users. Other notable features including viewing credit card summaries, loan accounts, loan summaries and creating VPAs also contribute to the app’s popularity. Products like RuPay credit card, personal loan, NPS, fixed deposits, mutual funds, auto loan top-up and credit card upgrade are of great demand to users.
This milestone underscores the wide acceptance and strong engagement that ‘iMobile Pay’ has received from users across the country, particularly in major metro cities and state capitals.
For more information on ‘iMobile Pay’ and to download the app, visit the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
To start using ‘iMobile Pay’, customers of any bank can link their bank account with the app, generate a UPI ID and begin transacting.
Mar 21, 2024 | Uncategorized
ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Group, stands at the forefront in addressing water scarcity and promote water management. Through a series of innovative initiatives and community engagement efforts, ACC is making a significant impact on water conservation and sustainability.
With a deep understanding of the urgent need for responsible water management, ACC has prioritized water conservation as a core component of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy.
One of the CSR projects initiated by ACC and Adani Foundation is the construction of Cement Nala Bunds in the Yavatmal district of Maharashtra. Despite challenges posed by scant rainfall and limited irrigation sources, the construction of Cement Nala Bunds by ACC and Adani Foundation has led to an increase in water availability and agricultural productivity in the region. The sustained efforts from ACC have translated into tangible results, with the water level in nearby wells and bore wells rising by 4-6 feet, ensuring water availability for more than 10 months a year.
The impact of ACC’s water conservation efforts can be felt across communities, particularly in villages such as Chanakha, Gowari, Wani, Yenak, Shindola, and Paramdoh in Yavatmal. The increase in kharif and rabi crop productivity, by almost 3-4 quintals per acre, has resulted in significant economic uplift, with farmers reporting an approximate increase of around 2 Lakhs in overall income. Farmers in these regions have witnessed a significant transformation in water availability, resulting in improved living conditions and economic stability.
Vilas Maroti Dakhare, one of the beneficiary farmers from Yenak village, said, “Water is the lifeblood of our agricultural economy, and ACC has played a crucial role in ensuring its sustainable management. With their support, we now have reliable access to water, allowing us to diversify our crops and increase our yields, benefiting us today and safeguarding our resources for future generations.”
On World Water Day, ACC and Adani Foundation reaffirm their commitment to responsible water usage and conservation. Through their concerted efforts, they strive to make a meaningful impact on water management and sustainability, ensuring a better tomorrow for present and future generations.
Mar 21, 2024 | Uncategorized
The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Chair & Office at IIM Bangalore, in collaboration with UNICEF, is organising a National Seminar on ‘Water Conservation’, on March 22, 2024, at IIM Bangalore.
Speaking about the upcoming event, JJM Chair Professor at IIMB, Dr Gopal Naik, explains that water conservation, preservation and management of water resources to ensure their sustainable use for current and future generations involves various strategies and practices aimed at promoting efficient and sustainable water use, adopting technologies in water management, protecting water quality and reducing water wastage. These efforts can take place at individual, community, and institutional levels and have an interconnectedness sectoral strategy to promote holistic water conservation and development. Conservation measures such as fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, implementing water-saving technologies, adopting drought-resistant landscaping and promoting public awareness about the importance of water conservation can help mitigate water scarcity, protect ecosystems, and ensure access to clean water for all.
“Effective water conservation efforts should include both supply-side and demand-side factors. Supply-side interventions focus on enhancing the efficiency of water supply systems, reducing losses and fixing leaks, improving infrastructure by adopting advanced technologies, and maximizing the utilization of available water resources in a sustainable way,” Prof. Naik adds, suggesting several initiatives that can be adopted.
Keynote Speakers
JJM Chair Professor at IIMB Dr Gopal Naik will welcome the delegates Paulos Workneh, Chief of WASH and Environment. UNICEF India, will deliver the opening remarks. Priyanka Francis, IAS, will talk on ‘Handing over JJM Assets to PRI: Success and Challenges’. Dr Lingaraju Yale, from Art of Living, will speak on ‘River Rejuvenation with special reference to Bangalore Riverine Ecosystem’. Prof. Haritha Saranga, Chairperson, Sustainability Task Force at IIM Bangalore, will present an overview of the water conservation measures adopted at IIMB. Joseph Fernandes of IIT-IIT.org will talk on ‘Desilting of Tanks’ followed by a talk on ‘Rejuvenation of Lakes’ by Dr L H Manjunath of SKDRDP. Post-lunch, there will be three presentations. The first is on ‘Consumer Behaviour in Water Conservation’ by Dr Vivek, an independent researcher. Then, Prof. M N Thimmegowda of UAS Bangalore will speak on ‘Water Conservation in Agriculture’, and the event will conclude with a talk on ‘Water Conservation for Human Wellbeing’ by TV Ramachandra of IISc, Bangalore.
The event will be livestreamed here: https://youtube.com/live/VohD8OsnwMo?feature=share
Mar 21, 2024 | Uncategorized
The MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), in collaboration with the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur, organized a highly successful “Startup-Investor Connect Program”. This event provided a dynamic platform for emerging entrepreneurs supported by the MeitY funding program to connect with established investors and explore potential collaboration opportunities.
Hosted on the prestigious IIT Kanpur campus, spearheaded by the SIIC team, the program brought together a diverse array of startups and prominent investment organizations, including IvyCamp, RTAF, HPCL, SIDBI, BIORX, Sanchi Connect, Cummins India, Indian Angel Network, Danazir Wealth Management, Singhania & Co, Lawsikho, and Skill Arbitrage. The startups showcased their groundbreaking ideas and business models, while the investors shared valuable insights into market trends, investment opportunities, and scaling strategies.
The program facilitated productive dialogue and insightful exchange, enabling startups to gain a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape and the potential for financial backing and growth. The event exemplified the collaborative spirit and commitment of both MSH and SIIC IIT Kanpur to nurturing the continued development and success of startups in India.
Commenting on the success of the program, Prof. Ankush Sharma, Professor In-charge, Start-up Incubation and Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur, said, “We are thrilled to have partnered with MeitY Startup Hub in organizing this successful Startup-Investor Connect Program. By creating a platform for meaningful connections between innovative startups and experienced investors, we have taken a significant step towards empowering entrepreneurs and driving the growth of India’s vibrant startup ecosystem. This event not only facilitated access to potential funding opportunities but also equipped startups with valuable insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of the entrepreneurial journey.”
The “Startup-Investor Connect Program” concluded with a sincere vote of thanks from Prof. Suresh Srivastava, Director, IIT Kanpur-La Trobe University Research Academy, reiterating the unwavering commitment of both organizations to support and propel the startup community in India.
Mar 21, 2024 | Uncategorized
Dish TV, a prominent DTH service provider, has launched a strategic outreach initiative targeting Hindi Speaking Market (HSM) regions across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh East & West, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar to popularise its Zing Super offering through on-ground activities, tailored for Tier-2, Tier-3 towns, and deep rural areas. The company is using all decked up dynamic interactive Audio-Video (AV) vans to promote its special ‘Zing Super offer’ and provide entertainment avenues to the HSM market, with the aim to attract potential customers towards the evolved entertainment experience of the pay television.
Dish TV provides both pay-TV channels and free channels on its platform to offer customers a choice between pay-TV and Free TV viewing. The Dish TV van activity has been instrumental in directly connecting with customers by demonstrating both pay-TV and FTA through live programming demos and on-the-spot resolution of complaints of existing subscribers. The vans will also showcase educational channels and distribute stationery to children to build an emotional connection with families.
Manoj Dobhal, CEO of Dish TV India Limited, said, “At Dish TV, we’re committed to delivering top-notch entertainment to our valued customers. Our ‘Zing Super’ offer provides 300+ channels for an extended period of time with the flexibility to add pay channels on an à la carte basis whenever required. With our unique initiative, using interactive dynamic AV vans, we aim to highlight the content quality of pay-TV vis-a-vis FTA through live programming on the spot, which helps in converting FTA customers by bringing them onto the pay platform at a reasonable entry price.”
As part of the campaign, dynamic vans will traverse these targeted markets, generating awareness, facilitating on-the-spot new sales and resolving customer complaints.
Customers can avail the exclusive offer during the campaign period and receive exciting gifts with every purchase, ensuring a delightful experience for all customers.
Mar 21, 2024 | Uncategorized
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Maharatna and India’s second-largest government-owned downstream oil producer, proudly announces its continued position as the 5th-ranked company in The Business World Real 500 List of 2024. This accomplishment underscores BPCL’s unwavering commitment to excellence and highlights its consistent and robust financial performance in a dynamic operating environment.
Throughout the first three quarters of the current fiscal year, BPCL has demonstrated agility and resilience in navigating through changing times while remaining firmly committed to the strategic path of energy transition. Our physical and financial performance during this period reflects our dedication to maintaining a growth trajectory amidst challenges.
In line with our commitment to sustainable development and stakeholder value creation, BPCL has unveiled ambitious investment plans totaling Rs. 1.5 Lakh Crore over the next five years. These investments are not only aimed at strengthening our core business but also at making significant strides in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, further solidifying our position as a responsible corporate citizen.
As BPCL continues its journey of growth and sustainability, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to driving long-term value for its stakeholders while contributing to the nation’s development.
About Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL):
Fortune Global 500 Company, Bharat Petroleum is the second largest Indian Oil Marketing Company and one of the integrated energy companies in India, engaged in refining of crude oil and marketing of petroleum products, with presence in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. The company attained the coveted Maharatna status, joining the club of companies having greater operational & financial autonomy.
Bharat Petroleum’s Refineries at Mumbai, Kochi and Bina have a combined refining capacity of around 35.3 MMTPA. Its marketing infrastructure includes a network of installations, depots, energy stations, aviation service stations and LPG distributors. Its distribution network comprises over 21,000 Energy Stations, over 6,200 LPG distributorships, 525 Lubes distributorships, and 123 POL storage locations, 53 LPG Bottling Plants, 70 Aviation Service Stations, 4 Lube blending plants and 4 cross-country pipelines as on 30.09.2023.
Bharat Petroleum is integrating its strategy, investments, environmental and social ambitions to move towards a sustainable planet. The company has chalked out the plan to offer electric vehicle charging stations at around 7000 energy stations over next 5 years.
With a focus on sustainable solutions, the company is developing an ecosystem and a road-map to become a Net Zero Energy Company by 2040, in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Bharat Petroleum has been partnering communities by supporting several initiatives connected primarily in the areas of education, water conservation, skill development, health, community development, capacity building and employee volunteering. With ‘Energising Lives’ as its core purpose, Bharat Petroleum’s vision is to be an admired global energy company leveraging talent, innovation & technology.
