Nobel Laureate Prof. Mohan Munasinghe to deliver Keynote at International Govt Communications Forum 2022

Nobel Laureate Professor Mohan Munasinghe to deliver Keynote at International Government Communications Forum 2022

The Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) has invited The Chairman of The Climate & Conservation Consortium (CCC) and the Munasinghe Institute of Development (MIND) Nobel Laureate Professor Mohan Munasinghe to deliver a Keynote address at this year’s International Government Communications Forum 2022 (IGCF 2022) to be held at Sharjah Expo Center on the 28th of September 2022.

The inaugural edition of the forum was launched in 2012 under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of UAE, and The Ruler of Sharjah. The forum aims to build a platform for better communication between governments and their stakeholders to support the government of Sharjah in creating a participatory dialogue and develop government communication mechanisms for the benefit of government institutions in the UAE and the region. This year’s forum seeks to explore topics that enhance communication practices and strategies of Government Institutions while taking future communication trends in building an innovative mindset into account.

Prof. Mohan Munasinghe is the Founder and Chairman of the Munasinghe Institute of Development (MIND) and MIND Group, as well as The Climate & Conservation Consortium (CCC). He was honoured with the 2021 Blue Planet Prize Laureate (also called 'Environmental Nobel Prize') and was the Vice Chair of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC-AR4). His work has contributed to key international agreements such as; the 1992 Agenda 21 & UNFCCC, 1997 Kyoto Protocol, 2005 Copenhagen Accord, 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, and UN 2030 Agenda & Sustainable Development Goals.

He has authored over 120 books and 350 technical papers. He is a Fellow of several international Academies of Science and an editorial board member of 20 journals. He is a globally felicitated expert on climate change, environment, and sustainable development, and is a Distinguished Guest Professor at Peking University, China, and an Honorary Senior Advisor to the Government of Sri Lanka.

Speaking on the company’s decision to expand their operations into Dubai and the rest of The UAE, Professor Munasinghe stated, “Our founding objective was to be a bringer of change in corporate environmental sustainability. Our co-founders believed that our regional market needed a catalyst organisation to ensure that these changes happened. That is one of the main reasons behind the formation of CCC. For the past 12 years, CCC was focused on getting corporate bodies to start taking cognisance of the environmental impacts of their business. We focused on greenhouse gas emissions as the key first step for many industries, but soon expanded to water, waste, energy, and more recently plastics. With a credible track record and a significant client portfolio, we wanted to expand our sphere of operations into the Middle East, where we see an opportunity to work with more companies who want to make a measurable change in the way they impact our planet through their business operations."

About Climate and Conservation Consortium

The Climate and Conservation Consortium (www.climateconserve.com) is a ‘Profit for a Purpose’ social enterprise. With an arsenal of environmental tools and metrics, the company advises private industries and corporates on sustainability strategy, corporate sustainability, environmental conservation, and globally accepted compensatory mechanisms. Having pioneered access to global carbon offsets, and now global Renewable Energy Certificates in its home marketplace, CCC remains at the forefront to help clients step up to the demanding standards of global sustainability requirements.

For more information visit: - www.climateconserve.com

Aqualogica Brings India's 1st Hydration Brand-based on the Nobel Prize-winning Discovery

AQUALOGICA BRINGS THE HYDRATION MOVEMENT TO INDIA

India's first hydration brand based on the Nobel Prize-winning Aquaporins stimulating ingredients

Aqualogica, from the House of Honasa Consumer Pvt. Ltd., the fastest growing personal care company, is a brand designed to redefine the hydration movement for modern millennial skincare by striking the right balance between the lap of nature and the depths of scientific research.

Aqualogica is a hydration-based skincare brand with light gel-based textures specifically formulated for Indian skin & climate. The brand aims to solve one of the most neglected aspects of skincare - hydration. It is the first brand in India to build on the Nobel Prize-winning Aquaporins-based approach to hydration. The unique formulation stimulates the aquaporin channels of the skin that help push moisture from the inner layer of skin to the outer layer and is clinically proven to increase skin hydration levels by 80% within 30 minutes. The brand also addresses major skincare concerns such as dull skin, pigmentation, and dark spots, all while keeping hydration at the forefront.

Aqualogica - Glow Range

 
The products are crafted with Unique Water Lock Technology™ that locks-in moisture and gives deep and intense hydration, making skin look dewy and plump. They are formulated especially for the Indian weather and perfected for Indian skin by a team of experienced Dermatologists, Scientists, and Skin and Beauty Experts.

Aqualogica’s formulations blend the purity of fruits with the science of actives to get the ultimate boost of hydration with handpicked ingredients that bring you closer to your skin goals. With extensively researched clinical actives and benefits of natural fruits, the products truly carry the power of two. Hyaluronic Acid is one of the constants, and like its many benefits, hydration is at the forefront. It holds 1000x of its weight in water, ensuring you get all the hydration you need every time your skin meets the products. Blended with well-researched fruit-powered ingredients, the products ensure they are gentle yet hardworking on every skin.

 
Commenting on the brand launch, Ghazal Alagh, Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer, Honasa Consumer Pvt. Ltd., said, “Being a D2C company, we are extremely connected with our consumers, and they help us stay updated on trends and understand consumer sentiments and create brands that serve our consumers best. Because the Indian subcontinent is a tropical region with hot summers and significant high humidity, Indian skin requires and wants a lot of hydration. We imagined Aqualogica as the answer to India's skin hydration demands to solve the problem. We have leveraged our team's expertise and worked with trusted dermatologists in scientifically formulating skincare products with clean, efficacious ingredients to design a line of advanced hydrating products that inspire confidence.”

Aqualogica has unveiled its purpose of providing clean water to everyone. The brand harvests the 'Water for All' initiative by collaborating with organizations that work on the ground to offer access to individuals in remote parts of India where clean and safe drinking water is a distant dream. As part of this, the brand intervenes at several levels, depending on the needs of the location, such as water budgeting, ground water mapping, water harvesting, and water conservation through the construction of new drinking water storage tanks, among other things. Every time a consumer places an order on Aqualogica’s website, the brand initiates the process of providing clean drinking water to a person in need and the consumer receives the information of their contribution via mail within a few days of receiving the products. The initiative is powered by the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR), which is a globally recognized organization dedicated to help the poor get access to clean drinking water.

The brand has launched two of its skincare ranges - Hydrate+ with Coconut Water & Hyaluronic Acid and Glow+ with Papaya and Vitamin C as key ingredients. Aqualogica skincare product portfolio consists of high-quality, yet affordable skincare products like face wash, moisturizer, serums, face scrub, sleeping masks, sheet masks, dew drops, sorbet cream and sunscreen for the face, specifically formulated to provide skin that is smooth, nourished and hydrated. With a commitment to honesty and transparency, Aqualogica is PETA-approved Vegan & Cruelty-Free and does not contain Parabens, Phthalates, Sulfates & Mineral Oil.

ABOUT AQUALOGICA

Aqualogica is a hydration-based skincare brand with light gel-based textures specifically formulated for Indian skin & climate. The brand aims to solve one of the most neglected aspects of skincare - hydration. Aqualogica is the first brand in India to build on the Nobel Prize-winning Aquaporins-based approach to hydration. Their skincare products are formulated especially for the Indian weather and perfected for your skin by our team of experienced Dermatologists, Scientists, and Skin and Beauty Experts.

Aqualogica’s formulations blend the purity of fruits with the science of actives to get the ultimate boost of hydration with handpicked ingredients that bring you closer to your skin goals. The brand has launched two of its skincare ranges - Hydrate+ with Coconut Water & Hyaluronic Acid and Glow+ with Papaya and Vitamin C as key ingredients.

Honasa Consumer Pvt Limited (HCPL), is a house of brands with a digital-first approach towards consumer brands creating the FMCG conglomerate of the future. A company built on the values of Honesty, Natural ingredients and Safe care, HCPL caters to the needs of millennial consumers through innovative products, evolved propositions, direct-to-consumer marketing, and e-commerce fulfillment. Currently catering to over 500 cities in India. 

HCPL is building an ecosystem that helps benefit the consumers and community at large. HCPL has built an inhouse portfolio of digital-first consumer brands like Mamaearth, The Derma Co., Aqualogica, Ayuga and has recently acquired stakes in Bblunt, Dr Sheth and content platform Momspresso. Backed by Sequoia Capital India, Sofina SA, Fireside Ventures, and Stellaris Venture Partners, HCPL is set to become a billion-dollar FMCG conglomerate in the next 5 years — spread across the globe but connected through a digital center of excellence.

Nobel Prize Winning Algorithm-powered Investing App Stack Raises Funds from SucSeed Indovation and Kunal Shah

Stack, has secured an undisclosed amount in from Hyderabad headquartered SucSEED Indovation Fund and other marquee angel investors such as Kunal Shah, CEO of CRED, as part of top up funding round.

Stack graduated from Y-combinator in 2021 and has secured $4.5M in investments from global VCs including Goodwater Capital, Uncommon Capital, Harvard Management and Earlsfield Capital alongwith many other known global Angels including Paul Desmarais III (Portage Ventures), Michael Katchen (WealthSimple) and Immad (Mercury Bank)

With the motto of “providing the best investing experience to everyday investors”, Stack aims to allow millennials and genz to invest for their life goals and to help them achieve financial independence, while educating them about smart investing.

Stacks boasts of 100,000+ users since its launch 6 months ago. With 55% first time investors coming from tier 2-3 cities under the age of 30, Stack is already creating a positive impact in the Indian financial landscape. Users on Stack have created goals worth $100M already, and it’s witnessing 100% MoM growth!

 

Unlike other platforms and apps filled with thousands of confusing investment options, Stack cuts out the noise and focuses on building sustainable long-term savings for its users. Stack lets beginners and busy professionals invest on their terms without having to worry about monitoring the market.

In just 5 mins, Stack builds a custom low cost diversified portfolio for users, made by experts, keeping their risk appetite and goals in mind, to make a fully balanced globally diversified portfolio, which is rebalanced regularly to maintain an optimal level of risk.

 
Tushar Vyas, the co-founder and CBO of Stack said -

We would further build on users’ goal preferences to create special and personalized offerings for our users

Moreover, Stack has also launched India's first stock and crypto backed rewards program for its users every time they make good financial decisions and to give them a boost in their investing journey. Stack is targeting to bring financial independence to 1M Indians by the end of this year. Users on Stack have created more than 3 lakh goals and interestingly the most common being for vacation/trip.

Smriti Tomar, the co-founder and CEO of Stack said -

Thousands of people already use Stack to grow their money and build a better future. We are on a mission to help everyone achieve financial freedom, no matter who they are or how much they have. And we have just started this revolution, there are many more exciting of erings coming up on the app which the entire team is excited about!

Speaking on why they have invested, Vikrant Varshney Co-Founder & Managing Partner of SucSEED Indovation Fund, said -

We backed Stack even before it was selected for Y-Combinator (YC) in 2021 and have seen amazing growth since then. We believe Stack is bringing an unique and disruptive proposition in the fintech space and it’s great to see many known Indian and Global investors backing Stack and its team.

He further added that “Stack Finance helps simplify investing for Young India. India is home to almost one-fifth of the world population and has a literacy rate of nearly 80%; yet only 24% are financially literate. With a Total Addressable Market (TAM) of 620Mn, as population in the age bracket of (18-35Y); SAM of 180Mn in Tier I & Tier II Cities and SOM of 78Mn, there is a huge growth potential for Simplified Wealth Management solutions for millennials and Youth. Stack is witnessing 100% MoM growth as of now and we wanted to keep backing them on the way”

Smriti further adds “After users answer a few questions, Stack curates the perfect investing strategy for their users using the Smart Stack Approach - based on Nobel-prize winning research. Funds raised will be utilized to introduce more investment of erings, launch India’s first wealth based lending program, and to expand the team across various profiles,”

Intelligent investing platform is also in advanced talks to raise fresh funding from new and existing investors for its next round of financing.

About Stack – 

Stack is bringing investing on autopilot experience for everyday investors. Choosing and managing one’s own investments can be hard, but Stack makes investing extremely easy and simple so that everyone can become an ‘expert investor’. In just 5 mins Stack builds a custom plan for users, keeping their risk appetite and goals in mind, to make a fully balanced globally diversified portfolio which is automatically rebalanced and adjusted over the time.

Problem(s) that Stack Finance is addressing:

Lack of financial awareness and accessibility to better and right investment options.

Solution:

• Stack makes the investing services and professional tools that have been limited to only the ultra wealthy, available to everyone!
• Stack app builds a range of investment strategies with globally diversified portfolios for different types of user personalities according to their risk appetite.
• Users just have to answer a few quick questions, and we suggest a suitable investment portfolio by applying a Nobel Prize winning algorithm and AI driven portfolio allocation strategy known as “Smart Stack Approach”. Once the user invests through Stack, it keeps a check on their account and the markets, making the necessary adjustments to keep them on track, hence helping their users to reach their goals on time.

Co-Founder’s Details –

• Smriti Tomar (CEO)
• Tushar Vyas (CBO)

Founding team members:

• Vidit Varshney
• Yashwardhan Pauranik

Market Potential -

The pandemic (Covid19) accelerated financial awareness in India, getting India now ahead of China in financial inclusion metrics. India has witnessed ALL-TIME HIGH growth in DEMAT accounts, with over 10M account additions in 2021 alone. Yet over 75% of the DEMAT accounts have little to no activities owing to the conservative investing attitude and lack of understanding of the equity markets, making participation in the equity markets in India stagnated at 3.7% as compared to 12.7% in China and 56% in the USA. And hence 96% of the savings in India are still going into gold purchase, bank deposits, insurance, property, etc, which rarely beats inflation. Stack aims to increase participation of Indians into equity markets by using smart automation to make investing simple and easy for everyone.

Prof Deepak Dhar from IISER-Pune Becomes 1st Indian Physicist to Receive Boltzmann Medal

Indian physicist and Emeritus Professor at the Department of Physics, IISER, Pune, Professor Deepak Dhar becomes first ever Indian physicist to receive the prestigious Boltzmann Medal for his contribution in the field of statistical physics. Prof Deepak is one of the two physicists selected for the prestigious award, the second awardee being Prof. John Hopfield from Princeton University.

The award will be given during  International Conference on Statistical Physics - Statphys 28 - to be held in Tokyo from August 8 to 12.

We are so proud to tell that Prof. Deepak Dhar (Emeritus Professor) from our Department has been chosen for the Boltzmann Medal! The Boltzmann Medal is awarded once every three years by the Commission on Statistical Physics of the @IUPAP_physics. Many congratulations Deepak! pic.twitter.com/ilTi71EBLA
— IISER Pune Physics (@IiserPphysics) February 24, 2022

The Boltzmann Medal award honours outstanding achievements in Statistical Physics. The recipient should be a scientist who has not received the Boltzmann Medal or the Nobel Prize before.

Prof Deepak is also a Senior Scientist at National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI), which is the first Science Academy of India established in 1930. He is an alumnus of University of Allahabad and IIT Kanpur.

The Boltzmann Medal is awarded once every three years by the Commission on Statistical Physics of the C3 Commission on Statistical Physics of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) at the Statphys Conference.

Prof Dhar will receive the medal for his seminal contributions to several areas of statistical physics, including exact solutions of self-organized criticality models, interfacial growth, universal long-time relaxation in disordered magnetic systems, exact solutions in percolation and cluster counting problems and definition of the spectral dimension of fractals.

To recall, in May last year, Young scientists at the IISER of Bhopal have invented 'Oxycon', an oxygen concentrator for supplying Oxygen to Covid-19 patients, at a reasonable price of under INR 20,000. Oxycon is claimed to supply 95% pure oxygen.

Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, K VijayRaghavan also tweeted, saying --

Professor Dhar is one of the brightest physicists around. He shares the prize with John Hopfield, of whom the same can be said. From Allahabad University, IIT Kanpur, California University and then TIFR, he has left a great imprint in each place.

More Information at IISER website