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CashFlo Expands Services, Acquires Logitax

CashFlo, a finance automation and compliance platform, has recently completed the acquisition of Logitax, a platform specializing in GST and e-invoicing compliance. The financial terms of the acquisition remain undisclosed. This strategic move solidifies CashFlo’s dominant position within the finance automation sector, broadening its array of services to cater better to mid- and large-scale corporate enterprises.

The integration of Logitax into CashFlo’s framework is expected to enhance the company’s capabilities across various areas, including Accounts Payables automation, Payments and Reconciliations, and Invoice Discounting. These newly bolstered services encompass AP Automation, Payments and Reconciliation, GST filing and reconciliation, Supply Chain Financing, ERP Integrations, e-invoicing, and GST ITC maximization. By offering these comprehensive solutions, CashFlo aims to enable enterprises to achieve substantial savings, potentially enhancing EBITDA margins by up to 5% annually.

As part of the acquisition, the entire team from Logitax, including its leadership, will merge with CashFlo. This consolidation positions the combined entity to effectively serve over 1,200 enterprises and expand its SME network to encompass more than 300,000 companies. Notably, the platform manages over Rs. 1,80,000 Crores of invoices annually, further solidifying its stature as a leading player in the realms of Finance Automation and Supply Chain Finance in India.

AICTE Partners with Extra C, IIM Mumbai and IIT Madras to Promote Crossword Expedition for Student Development

New Delhi: In a significant move to boost the cognitive and soft skills of higher education students, Extra C, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), IIM Mumbai, and IIT Madras have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This collaboration aims to formalize and manage the National Inter-college Crossword Expedition (NICE) for the next two years, advocating for the educational benefits of crosswords. The AICTE mentioned that K Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, honored the event virtually.

The MoU also outlines the organisation of NICE for the next two years, ensuring well-planned logistics and a structured calendar for both organisers and participants.

Next Five Years – Pivotal for Workforce & Workplaces; Says HR Leaders

The role of human resource professionals has become increasingly pivotal while looking at the multiple aspects of the well-being of a company and its employees. They serve as the architects of organizational success, orchestrating a delicate balance between enhancing the skills of employees and maximizing the potential of both the company and its workforce. In a recent interaction, ObserveNow Media interacted with HR leaders to learn more about their role in enhancing the company’s growth.

One of the primary responsibilities of HR professionals is to foster a culture of continuous learning and development within the workplace. By identifying the skills gaps and training needs of employees, they facilitate the acquisition of new knowledge and expertise, thereby enhancing individual capabilities.

When commenting on one change that can be done as a human resource professional, Ashissh Kapoor, Director- HR, EY said “ If I could change one thing about my role as a human resource professional, it would be to streamline and enhance the integration of technology within HR processes. While we have made significant strides in digital transformation, the potential to further leverage AI, machine learning, and data analytics to drive more informed decision-making and personalized employee experiences remains vast. By focusing on this, we could reduce manual workloads, improve accuracy in talent management, and provide more strategic insights that align closely with our business goals.”

However, achieving this balance requires more than just providing training programs or workshops. It necessitates a deep understanding of the synergy between the workplace and the workforce. HR professionals must create an environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and adaptability. They must cultivate a culture where employees feel empowered to take ownership of their learning journey and where their talents are recognized and utilized effectively.

While underscoring the necessity of changes that should be adopted Hemant Kumar Ravi, Senior Vice President and Group Head – Human Resources stated that “The next five years will likely bring significant Transformations in both the workforce and the workplace.”

“Remote- hybrid work models, diverse and inclusive workforce, Skill Evolution and Lifelong Learning, Well-being and Mental Health, Technological Integration, and Gig Economy” are the key changes that may be included in the upcoming years further stated Ravi.

Furthermore, as we march into the era of artificial intelligence (AI), the future of the workforce undergoes a profound transformation. While AI technologies offer unparalleled opportunities for efficiency and productivity, they also present new challenges and complexities.

While highlighting the anticipation for the future of the workforce with AI use, Kapoor and Ravi collaboratively agreed that “The integration of AI in the workforce will bring transformative changes.” They further anticipated that AI will enhance productivity, Data-Driven Decision Making, Personalized Employee Experiences, Job Evolution, Ethical and Responsible AI Use.

In essence, the future of work hinges on the ability of HR professionals to harness the potential of both human and machine intelligence harmoniously. They are the custodians of talent development, the architects of organizational culture, and the vanguards of innovation. By nurturing employee skills while balancing the needs of the company and its workforce, HR professionals pave the way for a future where human potential remains at the heart of organizational success, even in the age of AI.

 

Decentro Launches Next-Gen Payment Aggregator Stack for India

Decentro has unveiled its latest Payment Stack, Flow 2.0, designed to seamlessly meet the extensive payment needs of enterprises. It promises exceptional performance, strict adherence to compliance standards, and utmost security.

This advancement marks a significant stride in enhancing digital payment solutions, ensuring heightened efficiency and reliability. Moreover, it simplifies the integration and management of daily payment collections for organizations.

Flow 2.0 aids companies in prioritizing key features like swift and dependable transaction processing for superior performance. It also ensures full compliance with RBI regulations, thus maintaining activities within legal boundaries. Furthermore, this stack enhances security measures with top-notch safeguards to protect sensitive data. Its robust infrastructure ensures unparalleled stability, minimizing downtime and facilitating uninterrupted business operations.

Easyrewardz Receives Prestigious ‘B2B Marketeer Award’ at ObserveNow’s B2B Marketeer Conclave & Awards

Easyrewardz, a trailblazer in the realm of B2B marketing, has recently been bestowed with the prestigious ‘B2B Marketeer Award’ at the esteemed ObserveNow presents B2B Marketeer Conclave & Awards, marking a significant milestone in their journey of excellence. This accolade stands as a testament to their exceptional dedication, innovative strategies, and outstanding performance within the intricate landscape of B2B marketing.

The B2B Marketeer Awards, hosted by ObserveNow, holds a prominent position in the industry, renowned for its transparent approach and editorial-driven initiatives. Through a meticulous survey-based method, the editorial team of ObserveNow identifies and acknowledges winners based on various criteria, including organizational performance, industry recognition, social presence, growth trajectory, and other key metrics. Thus, receiving this award underscores Easyrewardz’s remarkable achievements and solidifies its position as a leader in the field.

This recognition stands as a testament to Easyrewardz’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its ability to truly stand out in a highly competitive industry. Unlike many of its counterparts who rely heavily on paid initiatives for quick results, Easyrewardz prioritizes the cultivation of lifelong customer relationships through organic means. This strategic focus not only sets them apart from the crowd but also fosters sustainable growth and enduring customer loyalty.

Central to their approach is the establishment of a vibrant community of CRM and loyalty enthusiasts who share a common passion for crafting meaningful and lasting connections with customers. Through active engagement and collaboration, Easyrewardz has cultivated a network of over 15 active forum participants, collaborated on more than 5 successful case studies with partner brands, and garnered an impressive collection of over 20 customer testimonials. Such initiatives not only showcase their expertise but also serve as a testament to their commitment to delivering tangible value to their clients.

Easyrewardz’s focus transcends merely acquiring customers; instead, they prioritize building a vibrant community centered around CRM and loyalty enthusiasts. Through their deliberate approach of employing organic campaigns, Easyrewardz aims to cultivate this community by nurturing its target audience with educational content. The ultimate goal is to not only foster engagement but also to elevate online presence and brand awareness within their niche.

Their aim is clear to provide value-driven content that empowers their audience with knowledge and insights in CRM and loyalty. By delivering educational materials, Easyrewardz seeks to establish itself as a trusted resource within the industry, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared learning among enthusiasts.

The results speak volumes about the effectiveness of their strategy. Within the first year alone, Easyrewardz successfully engaged over 400 CRM and loyalty enthusiasts through organic growth initiatives. This achievement underscores their ability to resonate with their target audience and cultivate a community-driven approach to brand building.

Easyrewardz’s focus revolves around building a community rather than just a customer base. Through their commitment to organic campaigns and the dissemination of educational content, they have not only elevated their online presence and engagement but also solidified their position as a trusted authority in CRM and loyalty.

Easyrewardz has demonstrated remarkable prowess in boosting brand building and awareness, propelled by a multifaceted marketing architecture and strategic initiatives. Their digital footprint boasts a remarkable 50% year-on-year surge in website traffic, driving a substantial 40% increase in the leads funnel. With a staggering 250% rise in LinkedIn followers over the past 24 months, Easyrewards has solidified its position as an industry influencer. Leveraging innovative organic initiatives, they achieved top Google ranking for relevant BFSI keywords, further enhancing their visibility and credibility.

Additionally, forging over 15 content collaborations, including co-branded initiatives with industry leaders, has amplified their reach and established mutually beneficial relationships within the ecosystem. Their pioneering “CX Maturity Quiz” has attracted participation from over 100 leading industry brands, marking it as a groundbreaking endeavor in the country. This strategic initiative not only underscores their commitment to innovation but also positions them as a thought leader in customer experience.

Easyrewardz’ marketing architecture encompasses a holistic approach, utilizing diverse channels such as social media, content marketing, email marketing, SEO, and customer testimonials. Furthermore, their engagement initiatives, including quizzes and strategic partnerships, foster CX awareness and deepen customer engagement, solidifying their reputation as a frontrunner in brand building and setting new benchmarks for the industry.

In a landscape where competition is fierce and innovation is paramount, Easyrewardz’s ability to drive social influence, fuel organizational growth, and spearhead innovation in B2B marketing has truly been exemplary. This prestigious award not only recognizes their past accomplishments but also catalyzes future endeavors, inspiring them to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence and redefining the standards of B2B marketing.

SuperKalam Raises $2M Seed Round to Transform Education with AI Mentorship

New Delhi: SuperKalam, led by founders Vimal Singh Rathore and Aseem Gupta, recently concluded a successful seed funding round, securing an impressive $2 million. The round was spearheaded by YCombinator and Fundersclub, with support from prominent investors such as YC Partner Puneet Kumar, GoodWater Capital, Nurture Ventures, SuperCapital, Pareto Ventures, and others. This significant investment will fuel the expansion of SuperKalam’s AI-driven educational platform, enabling the team to enrich user experience, broaden its reach, and drive ongoing innovation in personalized learning services.

Established in July 2023, SuperKalam aims to transform the landscape of education by harnessing Artificial Intelligence to deliver tailored guidance and assistance for competitive exams. In contrast to conventional edtech platforms that offer standardized content, SuperKalam prioritizes individualized learning experiences.

Leveraging AI-powered analytics, the platform adjusts to the specific requirements of each student, offering customized learning pathways, real-time doubt resolution, and progress monitoring. This approach ensures that students receive personalized support, enhancing the effectiveness and engagement of their preparation efforts. Notably, SuperKalam marks Vimal’s second venture in the edtech space, following the success of Coursavy, which was acquired by Unacademy in September 2020.

Vimal Singh Rathore, Cofounder & CEO ,SuperKalam stated, “We are excited to have iconic investors join us in our mission to rethink learning in an AI-first world. At SuperKalam, we are committed to leading this change by transitioning from unilateral content broadcasts to delivering personalized learning that adapts to each student’s unique needs.”

Boris Silver, Founding Partner, Fundersclub said “We are always on the lookout for ventures that can create significant value for customers. India’s edtech market is full of opportunity, and in SuperKalam, we see the potential for significant impact. We believe the founding team has strong experience in the market and their product has tremendous potential.”

IIT Jodhpur Research Reveals Critical Insights into Air Pollution Crisis in Northern India

In a pivotal development in the fight against air pollution, researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur have unveiled groundbreaking findings published in the prestigious Nature Communications journal. The study delves into the sources and composition of particulate matter (PM) in Northern India, shedding crucial light on its severe health implications for millions.

Contrary to common assumptions, reducing overall PM mass alone may not suffice in mitigating health impacts. Dr. Deepika Bhattu, Associate Professor and lead author of the study, underscores the necessity of tackling local inefficient combustion processes, including biomass and fossil fuel burning, and traffic exhaust. These findings hold significant implications for policymakers, especially under India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

The research addresses three pivotal questions:

1. Identification of fine PM (PM2.5) sources and their absolute contribution, distinguishing between local and regional origins.

2. Clear differentiation between directly emitted PM and those formed in the atmosphere, a first on a large scale.

3. Determination of PM’s harmfulness by correlating its oxidative potential with local and regional sources.

Utilizing advanced aerosol mass spectrometry techniques, the study conducted across five Indo-Gangetic Plain sites revealed varying chemical compositions of PM. While Delhi witnesses dominance of ammonium chloride and organic aerosols from traffic exhaust and residential heating, regions outside the capital exhibit dominance of ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate, and secondary organic aerosols from biomass burning.

Regardless of location, organic aerosols from incomplete combustion emerged as key contributors to PM’s oxidative potential, surpassing levels observed in other regions across Asia-Pacific and Europe by up to fivefold.

Dr. Deepika Bhattu emphasizes the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address India’s air pollution crisis, especially in densely populated urban areas like Delhi. She advocates for sustainable initiatives promoting cleaner energy sources, enhanced combustion efficiency, and emission reduction from transportation, particularly outdated and inefficient vehicles.

These findings offer critical insights for evidence-based policies aimed at safeguarding public health and the environment. Prioritizing mitigation strategies targeting local combustion processes emerges as imperative in Northern India’s battle against air pollution.

Godrej Properties Limited appoints Jyoti Prakash Mallick as new HR Head- CoE

Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) has named Jyoti Prakash Mallick as the new HR Head for Centres of Excellence in a recent overhaul of its HR Leadership Team. In his enhanced role, Mallick will spearhead GPL’s Campus and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) endeavors alongside overseeing Talent, Rewards, and Learning initiatives, as stated in a press release.

Having served with the Godrej Group for over six years, Mallick previously held the position of Head of Rewards, Talent, and Learning at Godrej Properties, with prior experience at ITC. During his tenure, Mallick has been instrumental in launching several flagship programs at Godrej Properties, including Alchemy (the GPL learning academy), Harmony (focused on employee wellbeing), and Talent War Room (an internal talent development initiative).

Under Mallick’s leadership in these expanded roles, the HR team aims to reinforce GPL’s dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace, integrating outcomes from Project Woolf (Women) and Project Pathmakers (PwD), and nurturing future industry leaders through GPL’s campus initiatives, according to the statement. Mallick will continue to report to Megha Goel, CHRO of Godrej Properties.

Commenting on his appointment, Jyoti Prakash Mallick stated “I look forward to working with the team and continuing to build products and solutions to people and business challenges at the intersection of people science, business context and data.”

Mallick brings a strong educational background to his role, holding an MBA in Human Resources from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune, and a BTech from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela.

AICTE Collaborates with Skillible to Launch Skill Enhancement Program

New Delhi: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), a body under the Ministry of Education, has partnered with Skillible, a technology platform focused on experiential learning. Together, they’ve launched an innovative initiative named SAMBAV (Skillible’s Academic Model for Business-To-Academic Ventures). The aim is to enhance the skills of 1 million students and professionals in cutting-edge technologies across India.

SAMBAV will initially concentrate on areas such as software development, Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and salesforce development. However, it plans to broaden its scope to include other in-demand technology fields.

Through this program, which integrates industry-aligned curriculum, project-based learning, virtual internships, interactive sessions, and ongoing assessment, students and professionals will be equipped with relevant skills, positioning them at the forefront of emerging trends and innovations in the tech sector.

Plaksha University & Tabreed India Collaborate on Innovative Energy Storage and Cooling Solutions for Sustainable Campus Living

Plaksha University and Tabreed India have joined forces to establish a unique initiative—a living laboratory—to assess various energy storage methods and their integration into a smart microgrid on campus. Initially, the focus will be on combining innovative phase change material (PCM)-based thermal energy storage with solar power in a hostel building. The goal is to reduce residential cooling energy consumption and reliance on the grid.

In a game-changing move for South Asian university campuses, Tabreed India will manage Plaksha’s existing cooling systems under a Cooling as a Service (CaaS) agreement. They aim to boost energy efficiency and ensure reliability levels exceeding 98%. Alongside investigating thermal storage, Plaksha will trial consumption-based billing to encourage behavioral changes among hostel residents.

Sudheer Perla, Managing Director, Tabreed Asia, said “We are excited to partner with Plaksha University for a project that combines technology and business model innovation. Through implementing our planned innovations, we hope to demonstrate the cost and sustainability benefits of replacing battery energy storage with thermal energy storage (TES) systems, and the scalability potential of TES systems in the energy transition efforts underway. We aim to pave the way for other large university campuses, industrial parks, and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to aspire for truly self-sufficient grid-independent campuses in the near future.”

This collaboration is part of a broader initiative involving Tabreed India, the IFC’s TechEmerge Program, and the Cooling Innovation Lab (CIL). Their objective is to accelerate the adoption of innovative cooling technologies through grant-funded trials and novel business models. The setup will showcase how to tackle the challenges of renewable energy variability, which made up 70% of India’s new generation capacity in 2023, and rising nighttime cooling needs. By doing so, it aims to reduce reliance on conventional, expensive, and less eco-friendly battery storage systems, moving closer to a sustainable vision for grid-independent buildings, campuses, and communities.

Vishal Garg, Professor and Director, Indorama Ventures Center for Clean Energy, Plaksha University says: “We are committed to leading the transition to sustainable energy through cutting-edge research and comprehensive educational programmes. A significant challenge in achieving our decarbonisation goals is the energy consumption in residential cooling. We believe that thermal storage, in combination with district cooling, holds great potential to overcome this challenge. To realise this potential, extensive research is necessary to develop innovative technologies, effective business models and supportive policies that also consider human-centric design and behavioural factors. Our collaboration with Tabreed India is a crucial step towards initiating this essential research”.

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