Kirana Stores Witness 96% Rise in AePS Transaction Volumes During Lockdown

PayNearby releases detailed analysis on ‘assisted digital transactions’, amid Covid-19 - a Pan-India report titled Retail-O-Nomics 

Overall assisted digital transactions at retail outlets saw a rise of 46% in volumes during the lockdown 

Rural and semi-urban areas witnessed a growth of over 60% in volumes during lockdown
Metros witness a jump of 121% in transaction value during unlock phase as compared to lockdown
Domestic Money Transfer (DMT) which saw a sharp de-growth of more than 85% in the first two months of the lockdown, witnessed a rise of over 100% in both value and volumes in unlock phase
Demand for micro ATMs / m-POS instruments saw spurt of 67% during unlock.

Mumbai, January 12, 2020: PayNearby, India’s largest hyperlocal fintech start-up, today said that there was a rise of 96% and 27% in volume and value respectively in AePS withdrawals (Aadhaar ATMs) at Kirana outlets across the country during the lockdown. This growth was a direct result of the various relief funds disbursed by the Government to support citizens during the pandemic and was primarily led by rural and semi-urban areas, which witnessed a growth of 61% and 60% in transaction volumes.

The insight was shared as part of a detailed analysis on ‘assisted digital transactions’, amid Covid-19 – a Pan-India report titled ‘Retail-O-Nomics’, released by PayNearby. The report has been prepared basis transactions registered across more than a million retail touchpoints across the country. 

While there was a minor blip (less than 2%) in the overall gross transaction value of assisted digital transactions at retail stores in the initial months of the lockdown, transaction volumes saw a huge spurt of more than 45% in the same period. This represented a dip in the average ticket size owing to cautious sentiments, reduced purchasing power and largely small ticket DBT withdrawals. It also represented reduced transactions from metro and urban areas, which witnessed a sharp dip of 32% and 64% respectively in gross transactional value (GTV), led primarily by the dip in money transfer business.

However, by August end, as migrants started moving back to their work locations and India entered into an unlocking phase, the overall gross transactional value of digital transactions at retail outlets saw a revival and growth. The average monthly gross transaction value (GTV) grew by more than 17%, while transactional volumes dipped by about 7%. It was reflective of revival of money transfer, travel and utility payment businesses, and signified a return of larger ticket size transactions.

When the economic crisis intensified during the lockdown phase, the country witnessed a mass movement of the migrant community from metros to their respective hometowns. During this period, Domestic Money Transfer (DMT), or the amount of money migrant workers send home, saw a sharp decline of more than 85% in the first two months, and started picking up again by late July. With the advent of the unlock phase, remittance business saw a V shaped recovery and registered a growth of 106% and 100% in value and volume respectively vis-à-vis during lockdown.

Similarly, during the lockdown phase, owing to strict social distancing norms and getting a moratorium even on bill payments, people avoided stepping out of their homes to pay their bills, on account of which utility bill payments at kirana stores witnessed a clear drop of 23% in GTV. In the unlock phase however, these transactions picked up by almost 67% in volumes and 76% in value. 

Travel bookings inclusive of bus, rail and air at retail outlets during the lockdown phase witnessed a dip of over 75%. However, by mid-August, as travel restrictions were relaxed, essential travel started again, and India witnessed a large movement back of the migrant workforce. Travel bookings bounced back and registered a steep growth of over 100%, led primarily by a steep rise in rail and bus bookings.

Mobile recharges, another popular offering at small retail outlets across the country witnessed a rise of 39% and 34% in value and volume respectively during the lockdown phase, which suggests the rise in consumption of data and talk-time when most people were forced to stay at home.

Interestingly, demand for micro ATMs / m-POS instruments at retail outlets across the country witnessed a whopping rise of 67% in the unlock phase which underlines the critical role played by these small retail outlets in bridging the infrastructure gap while also driving financial inclusion at the last mile.

In another interesting observation, the report stated that 48% of the total transactions were registered at Kirana stores between 7 AM to 2PM. Significant amount of transactions, almost to the tune of 52% were registered during the non-banking time zone which underlined the crucial role these kirana outlets played in these challenging times in the wake of social distancing and restricted banking hours.

Commenting on the report findings, Anand Kumar Bajaj, MD & CEO, PayNearby, said, “India was future proofed by NPCI and Nandan with AEPS. The fact that during lockdown, 115 Mn debit cards were out of system due to non-compliance with CHIP & PIN guidelines, but AEPS came as a BCP for ATM, helping people access the essential money remitted by Government of India. The same is reflected in our data, where the disbursal of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) wouldn’t have been possible without AEPS withdrawal facility in the region. These findings also reveal the tireless efforts of the retail agents who ensured they remained available to the masses at all hours of the day. When the entire country was held hostage by the pandemic, these agents served as corona warriors that kept the economy going.

It is heartening to see an accelerated demand within the retail community to enable assisted financial transactions at local stores during these challenging times. We witnessed a sharp growth in retailers who wanted to join the program, and added more than 3 lakh registered retailers during this time.

The rise in Micro ATM, mPoS and other digital payment transactions are indicative of the huge latent demand that exists for easy to use digital payment technology across the country, especially in Tier 2 and beyond regions. Our focus will be to empower our retailers and consumers by blending easy to use technology with last mile connectivity, so that we can bridge the digital divide and create an equal Digital India.”

The company shared that while the monthly gross transaction value (GTV) at an overall business level dipped marginally (less than 2%) during the lockdown phase, transaction volumes saw a huge spurt of more than 45%. This represented a dip in the average ticket size of transactions owing to cautious sentiments, reduced purchasing power and largely small ticket DBT withdrawals. It also represented reduced transactions from metro and urban areas, which witnessed a sharp dip of 32% and 64% respectively in gross transactional value (GTV), led primarily by the dip in money transfer business.

However by August, as migrants moved back to their work locations and money transfer business saw a revival with the unlocking of Indian economy, digital transactions at retail outlets reported an overall growth of 17% during the unlock phase, the company reported a growth of 17% in the overall monthly business value. The transaction volume during this period saw a dip of around 7%, signifying a return of larger ticket size transactions.

© 2020 Nearby Technologies Private Limited. All rights reserved.

79% Students Use Smartphones to Study Online: 'India Lockdown Learning' Report by Vidyasaarathi

• 59% are using WhatsApp and Zoom calls for their classes; while 30% are using their institution’s online platform
• 75% students still prefer physical classrooms over online learning; biggest challenge being poor network connection

Majority of students (79%) use smartphones to study online reveals ‘India Lockdown Learning’ report by Vidyasaarathi. The report goes on to state that only 17% of students attend their online classes using laptops and computers and rest 4% students attend it through mediums like tablets. Vidyasaarathi is one of the largest scholarship management portals in India - promoted by NSDL e-Governance.

Vidyasaarathi’s ‘India Lockdown Learning’ report is basis a nationwide survey conducted by collecting data from over 10,000 students across 400 cities to understand the transformation happening in the educational eco-system.  The survey helps us to take note of how students are adopting e-learning which is becoming the norm and the challenges they face in the transition. The survey is holistic in capturing all the essential data for us to discern the pros and cons of the new normal.

The report that provides unique insights and perspectives on the e-learning scenario in India further finds that WhatsApp and Zoom Calls to be the most preferred medium of 59% students for conducting online classes; followed by 30% of students using their school’s or college’s online platform to attend online classes.  

While online classes are part of the new normal, 75% of the students still prefer physical classrooms over online learning. Poor internet connection was highlighted by 57% of students as their biggest challenge for e-learning. 31% of students finding it difficult to focus and 12% finding it difficult to get doubts clarified while studying online.

Interestingly, over 60% of the students spend around 1-4 hours on e-Learning; followed by 31% spending 4-8 hours and 8% spending 8-12 hours studying online. This shows that despite the challenges, the students’ willingness to learn and the commitment of teachers towards online education.

Moreover, among the total number of students who are utilizing online classes, 62% of them are using it for curricular and 38% for extra-curricular activities. Amongst the extra-curricular activities 39% are taking online courses on art & craft. This indicates a shift from the traditional learning methods.

Majority of the students who took the survey were in the age groups of 12 to 28 years where 62% were males. The respondents are in their undergraduate and postgraduate courses. They come from middle class families, with around 90% students belonging to families with annual incomes below INR 7 lakh

Students are also well aware of the benefits of online classes. Majority of them cited that the biggest advantage of e-learning is the accessibility of the course content any time. Students also highlighted ease of use and convenient doubt clarification to be the other motivators for online education.

Indian students are new to the e-learning culture. Online classes in this pandemic situation has been a challenge for educators and for students as well. This survey highlights the need for good IT infrastructure so that the challenges of digital learning do not weigh it down.

Vidyasaarathi is among the three education financing portals developed by NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure which assists students in their education financing process– Vidyasaarathi (education scholarships), Vidya Lakshmi (education loans), and Vidya Kaushal (skill development loans).

About Vidyasaarathi:

Vidyasaarathi is a scholarship portal developed by NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Ltd., which bridges the gap between students seeking financial assistance and companies with CSR funds wanting to contribute to the education space. Corporates can choose to create their own schemes and criteria to give scholarships to the deserving students. The schemes are designed in association with Tata Institute of Social Sciences. So far, over 30 corporates have associated with Vidyasaarathi to design and provide scholarship schemes to students, the portal is becoming popular amongst students.

Indian Users in Cities Saw Mobile Speeds Rise Quickly Post COVID-19 Lockdown - OpenSignal

As India adapts to the new normal that includes social distancing, quarantines, and lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, access to the internet has become critical. With users now spending more time connected to the internet for a wide range of day-to-day activities — including working from home, virtual classes, and entertainment — it has become crucial for mobile network operators to provide users with quality services. The lockdown has also led to a mass migration of India’s interstate migrant workers from cities to their hometowns in suburban or rural areas, which means users may be spending more time in parts of the country where operators originally may have not designed network infrastructure to manage large traffic loads.

Opensignal analyzed the Download Speed Experience seen by Indian smartphone users in the last five months to understand how their mobile network experience changed during COVID-19 compared to that observed before the lockdown. We found that Indian users experienced a negative impact on download speeds during the initial phases of lockdown, and this trend was more pronounced in Tier 2 cities compared to Tier 1 cities. However, more recently — when lockdown measures were partially or completely relaxed — Download Speed Experience improved significantly, especially for users in Tier 1 cities.

For this insight we used the Indian government’s three tier classification system for cities, where Tier 1 cities have the largest populations and Tier 3 cities have the lowest.

Tier 2 cities were the most affected during the lockdown 

While our users in most of the cities experienced similar download speeds during the first seven weeks in our analysis, they observed a significant change in the third week of March (starting March 16) — when the government introduced the Janta Curfew (a one-day lockdown). In the following three weeks when a strict countrywide lockdown was imposed, we recorded a sharp decline in overall download speeds, suggesting congestion on mobile networks. Our users saw their Download Speed Experience decline by 16%, while their counterparts in Tier 3 and Tier 2 cities saw greater declines of 23% and 25% respectively, on average. This trend continued until the end of Phase 1 of lockdown — the second week of April (ending 12 April) — as more and more users stayed at home, and likely consumed more data on mobile networks. Our users in Tier 2 cities saw some of the major declines in Phase 1, especially in cities such as Solapur, Ludhiana, Nashik, Surat and Ahmedabad, where average download speeds dropped by 35% or more compared to pre-lockdown levels.

As we moved further into the second phase (April 13-May 3) of the lockdown, Indian users continued to see significantly lower download speeds compared to pre-lockdown levels, although the speeds gradually improved over time. In the third phase (May 4-May 17) the speeds returned to pre-lockdown levels in a majority of cities.

Overall download speeds showed slightly different patterns in Tier 1 cities. Bangalore and Chennai did not see any significant decrease in download speeds, while users in Pune saw a decline of 6.9%-12.5% which was limited to Phase 1 of lockdown. Also, in the remaining Tier 1 cities the speeds started returning to normal in the second phase (April 15-May 13).

India’s urban users experience faster download speeds post-lockdown

Towards the end of the fourth phase of lockdown (May 18-31), the overall download speeds for our users in a majority of cities had returned to normal, showing no significant difference from pre-lockdown levels. At the same time, users in some of the cities started to see significantly faster download speeds, and we saw this trend expanding to more cities during the period when lockdown was relaxed from July 1 onwards. This pattern appeared earlier in Tier 1 cities, where there was a more pronounced improvement in download speeds

In the last week of our analysis (week ending July 12) our users in Delhi saw the greatest improvement of 38.1% in download speed, followed by users in Mumbai (33.5%), Hyderabad (33.1%), Gaziabad (32.4%) and Chennai (30.4%). That said, Dhanbad, Kanpur, Solapur and Thiruvananthapuram were the exceptions where our users continued to see significantly lower download speeds throughout the period when lockdown loosened.

Pandemic Leads to A Bicycle Boom, and Shortage, around World

Fitness junkies locked out of gyms, commuters fearful of public transit, and families going stir crazy inside their homes during the coronavirus pandemic have created a boom in bicycle sales unseen in decades.

In the United States, bicycle aisles at mass merchandisers like Walmart and Target have been swept clean, and independent shops are doing a brisk business and are selling out of affordable “family” bikes.

Bicycle sales over the past two months saw their biggest spike in the US since the oil crisis of the 1970s, said Jay Townley, who analyses cycling industry trends at Human Powered Solutions.

“People quite frankly have panicked, and they're buying bikes like toilet paper,” Townley said, referring to the rush to buy essentials like toilet paper and hand sanitizer that stores saw at the beginning of the pandemic.

The trend is mirrored around the globe, as cities better known for car-clogged streets, like Manila and Rome, install bike lanes to accommodate surging interest in cycling while public transport remains curtailed.

In London, municipal authorities plan to go further by banning cars from some central thoroughfares.

Bike shop owners in the Philippine capital say demand is stronger than at Christmas.

Financial incentives are boosting sales in Italy, where the government's post-lockdown stimulus last month included a 500-euro ($575) “bici bonus” rebate for up to 60% of the cost of a bike.

But that's if you can get your hands on one. The craze has led to shortages that will take some weeks, maybe months, to resolve, particularly in the US, which relies on China for about 90% of its bicycles, Townley said.

Production there was largely shut down due to the coronavirus and is just resuming.

The bicycle rush kicked off in mid-March around the time countries were shutting their borders, businesses were closing, and stay-at-home orders were being imposed to slow the spread of the coronavirus that has infected millions of people and killed more than 450,000.

Sales of adult leisure bikes tripled in April while overall US bike sales, including kids' and electric-assist bicycles, doubled from the year before, according to market research firm NPD Group, which tracks retail bike sales.

It's a far cry from what was anticipated in the US. The $6 billion industry had projected lower sales based on lower volume in 2019 in which punitive tariffs on bicycles produced in China reached 25%.

There are multiple reasons for the pandemic bicycle boom.

Around the world, many workers were looking for an alternative to buses and subways.



People unable to go to their gyms looked for another way to exercise. And shut-in families scrambled to find a way to keep kids active during stay-at-home orders.

“Kids are looking for something to do. They've probably reached the end of the internet by now, so you've got to get out and do something,” said Dave Palese at Gorham Bike and Ski, a Maine shop where there are slim pickings for family-oriented, leisure bikes.

Bar Harbour restaurateur Brian Smith bought a new bike for one of his daughters, a competitive swimmer, who was unable to get into the pool.

On a recent day, he was heading back to his local bike shop to outfit his youngest daughter, who'd just learned how to ride.

His three daughters use their bikes every day, and the entire family goes for rides a couple of times a week.

The fact that they're getting exercise and enjoying fresh air is a bonus.

“It's fun. Maybe that's the bottom line. It's really fun to ride bikes,” Smith said as he and his 7-year-old daughter, Ellery, pedaled to the bicycle shop.

The pandemic is also driving a boom in electric-assist bikes, called e-bikes, which were a niche part of the overall market until now. Most e-bikes require a cyclist to pedal, but electric motors provide extra oomph.

VanMoof, a Dutch e-bike maker, is seeing “unlimited demand” since the pandemic began, resulting in a 10-week order backlog for its commuter electric bikes, compared with typical one-day delivery time, said co-founder Taco Carlier. The company's sales surged 138% in the US and rocketed 184% in Britain in the February-April period over last year, with big gains in other European countries.

The company is scrambling to ramp up production as fast as it can, but it will take two to three months to meet the demand, Carlier said.

“We did have some issues with our supply chain back in January, February when the crisis hit first in Asia,” said Carlier.

But “the issue is now with demand, not supply.”

Sales at Cowboy, a Belgian e-bike maker, tripled in the January-April period from last year. Notably, they spiked in Britain and France at around the same time in May that those countries started easing lockdown restrictions, said Chief Marketing Officer Benoit Simeray.

“It's now becoming very obvious for most of us living in and around cities that we don't want to go back into public transportation,” said Simeray.

But people may still need to buy groceries or commute to the office one or two days a week, so “then they're starting to really, really think about electric bikes as the only solution they've got."(AP)

STPI-Registered Units Clock Rs 46,556 Cr worth of Software Exports during Lockdown period

The value of software exports by units registered under STPI crossed the Rs 46,550-crore mark during the coronavirus lockdown, and timely provisioning of business continuity plans and permissions kept operational impact to minimum, a top official has said.

During the period, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) saw 253 new unit registrations and renewals, STPI Director General Omkar Rai told PTI.

The exports clocked by STP-registered units stood at Rs 4,21,103 crore during 2018-19, and the 2019-20 figure, which is under compilation, is likely to be higher by 5-6 per cent since the lockdown came in at the tail end of the financial year.

"We have compiled data for the lockdown period, which shows that total value of software exports certified by STPI during the lockdown period beginning March 24 was about Rs 46,556 crore," he said.

STPI, is an autonomous society set up by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in 1991, with the objective of encouraging, promoting and boosting the software exports from India.

With a mandate to promote software and electronic hardware exports from the country by implementing Software Technology Park (STP) and Electronic Hardware Technology Park (EHTP) schemes, STPI focuses on building an enabling ecosystem to provide single window clearance services, reliable internet connectivity, incubation facilities and other infrastructure services to encourage software exports from the country.

Asked about the business outlook for software exports during the ongoing financial year, Rai said exports had continued even during the lockdown period.

"Companies had triggered business continuity plans and work-from-home was adopted on a wide scale. We issued a notification as early as March 11 enabling work-from-home provisions for STP-registered units. DoT (Department of Telecommunications) also relaxed other service provider (OSP) norms... Most state governments facilitated uninterrupted functioning of the IT industry, by issuing timely permissions for critical work," he said.

So, impact on the IT industry was more about effect on export destinations like Europe and the US that faced difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic, even as supply-side constraints were minimal and Indian IT companies continued to deliver export service through the lockdown period, he said.

"The total new registrations and renewals were at 253... these units have given export projections of Rs 68,477 crore for next 3-5 years, and 76,000 potential employment generation," he said.

STPI's offices continued to function during the lockdown period and online facilities were made available to ensure IT units do not face difficulties.

The impact was on the customer side and not to do with supply side constraints, he added. PTI MBI

As India Unlocks, OYO's Senior Leadership Check-in at Different OYO Hotels Across the Country to Experience 'Sanitised Stays'

Leading by example, Rohit Kapoor as well as other OYO senior leadership check-in to various OYO Hotels for a first-hand experience of 'Sanitised Stays' with minimal-touch standard operating procedures

Following the MHA guidelines, OYO is open to host guests in select states with the new Sanitised Stays experience in the non-containment zones

At present, OYO is open in 20+ states and UTs including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar, West Bengal, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh subject to specific state guidelines

With the country slowly moving towards normalcy - higher hygiene standards, minimal-touch services, and enhanced credibility top the list of consumer requirements while planning travel. With the Centre's decision to open hotels in a phased manner, under Unlock 1.0, OYO, one of the world's leading hotel chains has begun welcoming guests across multiple states from June 08, 2020 onwards. Leading by example, OYO's senior leadership including Rohit Kapoor, CEO, India & South Asia, Ankit Gupta, COO, Frontier Business, Sunny Sodhi, SVP & Head Sales, India & South Asia, Abhishek Thard, Region Head - West II checked-in to various OYO Hotels in Gurgaon, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar among others to experience 'Sanitised Stays' with minimal-touch.

Recently, OYO introduced several measures and initiatives to minimize the impact as well as innovate to meet the new standards of good quality travel and hospitality with its 'Sanitised Stays' tag for properties that clear background audit checks for sanitisation, hygiene, and protective equipment. To ensure customer and hotel employees' safety the hospitality chain has worked out minimal touch SOPs for check-in, check-out, has conducted extensive training of on-ground teams on the revised ways of working (health-screening, disinfecting, distance markers, etc.) and create COVID-19 awareness through posters and other material displayed at properties.

[caption id="attachment_146689" align="aligncenter" width="563"] Rohit Kapoor, CEO, India & South Asia, OYO checked-into OYO Townhouse 055 Sohna Road Uppal Southend 1, St Mark Rd, Sector 49 Gurgaon[/caption]

OYO is currently operating in 20+ States and UTs as per the latest state-wise guidelines.

Commenting on the developments, Rohit Kapoor, CEO, India & South Asia, OYO said, "We are thrilled to welcome guests back into our hotels. During challenging times like this, the entire industry has shown great zeal working with the authorities to do their bit in the fight against the virus."

He further added, "As we take steps towards recovery and open our doors to our guests, OYO, as a responsible hospitality chain, puts the health and safety of every guest as its topmost priority. During times like this, we understand the importance of reassuring our consumers that we stand ready with safe and hygienic accommodations to provide them with a stress-free hospitality experience. Our senior leadership team, including me, have checked-in at different OYOs across the country to personally experience the quality of stay and ensure the best experience for our guests. The backbone of our business - our asset owners have been our strongest supporters over the last couple of months and have taken all the necessary precautionary measures - right from implementing minimal touch policies, higher standards of hygiene, cleanliness and sanitisation and have ensured accessibility to protective equipment for the staff as well as the guests. As consumers start travelling for work or essential purposes across the country, we promise to take care of their requirements for reliable safe sanitised stays."

OYO Hotels & Homes and its asset partners are working hard to deliver a safe, secure, and comfortable experience for its guests. The company has also set-up a COVID-19 War Room to monitor and take immediate action on cases that require faster resolution and implementation during the crisis. OYO's platform has also enabled Corona Concierge to offer assistance to guests, hotel partners, and employees across the globe on all COVID-19 related issues and queries.

About OYO Hotels and Homes

Opening its doors in 2013, OYO Hotels & Homes, a young hotel startup, today is the world's leading chain of hotels and homes. OYO today operates in over 800 cities in 80 countries, including the U.S., Europe, U.K., India, Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Japan.

~ Newsvoir

Gujarat Forensic Sciences University Calls for Stepping up DNA Evidence ‘Collect & Test' in India to Combat Expected Surge in Rape Cases Post-Lockdown

Highlighting the ‘Role of Forensic DNA Technology in Fighting Crime and Expediting Justice', an expert panel led by Dr JM Vyas, Director General, GFSU, came together to emphasise the need to build forensic DNA infrastructure in India.

Taking note of the expected surge in crime after the COVID-19 lockdown, especially in sexual offence and rape cases, the initiative aims at equipping first-line responders in criminal investigation with a clear understanding of DNA forensic evidence ‘collect & test' protocols.

Reports from the last two months indicate that after an initial dip, violence against women has steadily been on the rise during the lockdown period. The National Commission for Women (NCW) received more than 1,000 domestic violence complaints between March 25 and April 22, 2020.

There has also been a significant increase in cybercrime against women, especially sextortion, during the with "caged criminals" have been targeting them online. The most alarming trend has been of rapes being committed by family, friends, and neighbours.

Authorities fear that the relaxation of restrictions on public movement will lead to a spike in sexual violence in the coming days and there is a need to arm the system with a robust forensic DNA infrastructure along with strict adherence to standard operating procedures.

Experts agree that this would ensure speedy collection and testing of quality evidence from the crime scene, which would help expedite justice and deter crime.

Addressing the forum, Dr JM Vyas, Director General, GFSU said, “DNA profiling has become a very important evidence in the detection of crimes like rape and murder. This has not only simplified the process of investigation but has also helped speed up judicial trials.

Considering its important role in crime investigation, disputed paternity/maternity cases, identification of unknown dead bodies and missing persons, the Govt of India has introduced a Bill in the Parliament for enacting the DNA Act. This will streamline the entire process of DNA analysis."

Dr Pinky Anand, Additional Solicitor General India noted, “Reduced mobility, confinement within the household and lack of social connectivity during the outbreak has definitely reduced the number of reported incidence and there is bound to be a surge in the number of cases post the lockdown.”

“There should be a mandatory set of SOPs for the police and hospitals dealing with victims of rape and sexual assault, which should include collection of DNA evidence. Considering the importance of DNA evidence that is conclusive, the Government too, is trying to institute the DNA bill at the earliest. The matter still lies with the standing committee for discussion. Over the last two years, owing to the increased awareness levels on this subject, DNA crime testing has doubled. We must take care of two things, preserve the evidence in a rape case and second, demand for DNA testing. And if we can do this, we will be able to make this city, this country, a safe place for our women and children,” she added.

Sr Gujarat IPS Officer, Keshav Kumar, emphasised, “DNA has vast potential in convicting or even exonerating an accused and is a gold standard in forensic evidence. A plethora of biological evidences can be collected in rape cases from both the victim and the accused.

The challenge is to collect such evidences as per the right forensic procedures. In rape cases, DNA can be the most cogent scientific forensic evidence for nailing the guilty.”

Addressing the apprehension over how the fear of being caught can encourage sexual predators to murder the victim and destroy the body to get rid of evidence, Kumar pointed out that killing and burning a victim's body does not prevent DNA extraction and conviction of the guilty.

There are good number of chances of getting biological evidences like skin cells, hair, and blood of the accused from the nail crevices of the victim. DNA can also be extracted from the charred bones. More so, a microscopic scrutiny of the scene of crime where the body was burnt would have many tell-tale signs to corroborate the bigger picture.

Sr Advocate, Supreme Court of India, Vivek Sood observed, “DNA evidence has definitely entered India's criminal justice system. Nirbhaya's case is a classic example where DNA evidence was used to hang the culprits of the gruesome rape-murder.

More DNA is being lifted from crime scenes today than ever before, though it's a long way to go for DNA evidence to become an imperative in all cases of sexual offences.”

Despite rising crime, declining conviction rates, and an unprecedented backlog of cases in courts, there is huge unmet potential for DNA casework in India. Official statistics show a dramatic increase in the number of crimes against women, which have shot up from 24,923 in 2012 to 33,356 in 2018 – a jump of 34 per cent.

As per NCRB data, one woman is raped every 15 minutes in India, whereas only one in four reported rape cases result in conviction.

In contrast, the estimated number of DNA profiles developed from crime scene evidence has doubled over a year from 10,000 cases tested in 2017 to nearly 20,000 in 2019. Despite growth in the number of profiles being tested, the volume remains low, especially in crimes against women and children.

This virtual conference was part of an ongoing initiative #DNAFightsRape that was launched on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to raise awareness for application of DNA forensics in expediting justice for women and children who've been victims of sexual violence.

The webinar presided by Dr JM Vyas (Director General, GFSU) constituted an eminent panel of experts including Dr Pinky Anand (Addl. Solicitor General, Govt. of India); Keshav Kumar (Senior IPS, Gujarat Police); Senior Advocate Vivek Sood (Delhi High Court & Supreme Court of India); Dr Vivek Sahajpal (Assistant Director, FSL Himachal Pradesh); and Arneeta Vasudeva (Senior Vice President & Capability Head PR & Influence, Ogilvy India). The session was effectively moderated by Sidharth Pandey (Senior Investigative Journalist).

The Gujarat Forensic Sciences University is the world's first and only University dedicated to Forensic and allied Sciences.

It was established by the Government of Gujarat in 2008 with an objective of fulfilling the acute shortage against increasing demand of forensic experts in the country and around the world. The University is state university approved by University Grants Commission (UGC) and accredited as A Grade by NAAC, MHRD.

TCS iON Readies Exam Centers to Operate with Social Distancing and Hygiene Norms Post Lockdown

Tata Consultancy Services to Implement Rigorous Set of Norms, Created with Medical and Public Health Experts, at its Exam Centers for Safe In-person Exams 

TCS iON™, a strategic unit of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS), a leading global IT services, consulting and business solutions organization, has announced a new standard operating procedure called Social Distanced Assessments (SD-Assessments™) drawn up in consultation with leading medical and public health experts. This will help it conduct secure, proctored in-center assessments for recruitment and academic admissions in the post lockdown phase, without compromising on the safety of the candidates and proctoring staff. 

The pandemic has caused significant disruptions to the examination schedules. A large number of students seeking admission for higher education and youth seeking jobs are waiting for the exam process to be restarted. Additionally, in-center exams are critical as many students do not have access to reliable compute devices or adequate bandwidth to take online exams.

With the easing of lockdown rules and slow resumption of people movement, TCS has taken the lead to define a rigorous set of rules for conducting in-person exams. The SD-Assessments norms lay out the rules to be followed before, during and after an exam, to ensure that the necessary precautions, hygiene and social distancing requirements are adhered to. This will ensure the smooth and safe conduct of in-center exams at TCS iON’s centers.

The SD-Assessments norms have been designed based on TCS’ vast experience in conducting large scale in-center exams along with vital inputs from health experts from the exam section of All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) and Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI). Some of the key norms laid out are: 

• Staggered, touch-free entry into the test venue


• Checks for symptoms along with Aarogya Setu App status verification


• Sanitization before entry into the exam hall


• Touch-free security checks, document verification, and registration


• Non-intrusive, touch-free identity verification before, during and after the exam 


• Multiple layers of hygiene norms for candidates and exam staff


• Adoption of social distancing norms at all times

Venguswamy Ramaswamy, Global Head, TCS iON, said, “Exam-conducting authorities are eager to resume assessments and at the same time, are anxious about the safety of students and everyone involved. We are grateful to the health experts from AIIMS and PHFI for providing invaluable inputs to our process for conducting social distanced assessments with all the necessary rigor and care."

TCS iON is a strategic business unit of Tata Consultancy Services focused on enabling institutions, government departments and organizations from multiple industry sectors to be efficient in their recruitment/admissions process, learning and skilling and overall business operations with the use of ‘Phygital’ platforms. These are platforms that overlay digital technologies over physical assets. TCS iON delivers this with a unique IT-as-a-Service model that provides easy-to-use, secured, integrated, and hosted solutions in a build-as-you-grow and pay-as-you-use business model. Serving clients with the help of best practices gained through TCS’ global experience, deep domestic market exposure along with industry leading technology expertise.                                                            

Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, consulting and business solutions organization that has been partnering with many of the world’s largest businesses in their transformation journeys for over 50 years. TCS offers a consulting-led, cognitive powered, integrated portfolio of business, technology and engineering services and solutions. This is delivered through its unique Location Independent AgileTM delivery model, recognized as a benchmark of excellence in software development.

A part of the Tata group, India's largest multinational business group, TCS has over 448,000 of the world’s best-trained consultants in 46 countries. The company generated consolidated revenues of US $22 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, and is listed on the BSE (formerly Bombay Stock Exchange) and the NSE (National Stock Exchange) in India. TCS' proactive stance on climate change and award-winning work with communities across the world have earned it a place in leading sustainability indices such as the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), MSCI Global Sustainability Index and the FTSE4Good Emerging Index.

Aster DM Healthcare Launches 'Our New Earth' Microsite to Coach People to Transition to the ‘New Normal’ Living Post Lockdown

• ‘Our New Earth’ microsite https://www.ournew.earth/ is a health, wellness and development focused ‘Guide On The New Normal’ to coach people to allow them to thrive in this new style of living with a focus on the different roles they play within a society for the self, for the parent in you, the employers/ business owners as well as the employee.


• It is important for us to holistically focus on Physical, Emotional and Mental health to enable our readiness and preparedness to manage this crisis constructively


• The microsite also provides essential guidance for people dependent industries like manufacturing, services, retail and construction. The concept of Our New Earth: https://youtu.be/8ReOKTHUWfI

Bangalore, India, 21 May 2020: Aster DM Healthcare - one of the largest private, integrated healthcare service providers across the GCC and an emerging player in India has launched ‘Our New Earth’, a microsite dedicated to supporting individuals to function constructively as they try to make sense of the ‘new normal’ way of living, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Users can take advantage of trusted sources of information under one umbrella that has been vetted and endorsed by Aster as your trusted healthcare guide and coach.

As the India government remains committed to slowing down the spread of the pandemic and is gradually looking to ease lockdown restrictions, the responsibility rests on the individual for protecting their own health and that of others around them as life continues. People have been bombarded with a wealth of information from different sources on how to cope during the current circumstances, and the newly launched microsite is Aster’s response to helping make life easier for people. It provides a one-stop-shop platform offering verified content that will guide those looking for information on how to navigate life to ensure we can live better and thrive with this new reality of life. 

Speaking about Our New Earth microsite initiative, Alisha Moopen, Deputy Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare said, “As people across the world continue to face daily challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital that we make our own wellbeing the number one priority on our task list. Daily routines have been turned upside down and we are being fed information constantly from many different sources – the news, our friends, social media, our employers. This can be overwhelming and that is why we decided to bring important content and advice that has been verified by healthcare professionals all under one roof, making it simple for people to digest and get the information they need to function positively in the world we are now living in. This pandemic has taught us that we need to go back to basics – whether it is washing our hands, sleeping well, eating well. This is actually a good time to cultivate better habits and nurture your health to a better place. As always, Aster DM Healthcare is extremely committed to offering its full support, for the well being of the community and it starts with health coaching. We all have different avatars and roles we play on a daily basis, and this site will enable you to look at useful information, exercises and suggestions to take care of all our relationships which impacts us, directly or indirectly.”

As the rules for how we live, work and socialise have dramatically changed in recent times and pose different challenges as a result of personal circumstances, Our New Earth microsite offers content that focuses on the role a person might play within society – as a family member, a parent, an employer or an employee. It highlights that when an individual is mentally and physically healthy, it is easier for them to care better for family, to be a well-functioning employee or a considerate employer. The site offers friendly guidance and top tips for defined roles on things like personal and mental hygiene, ways to cope with working from home or transitioning back to spending time in the office, how to create a balance between a child’s schoolwork and running a household, as well as useful books to read and diet and nutrition advice. In addition the microsite also offers advisory on the safe functioning of top 4 sectors in the region which cannot operate without employees being on-site: Manufacturing, Retail, Construction and Services.

‘Our New Earth’ initiative is a part of Aster DM Healthcare’s ongoing efforts to ensure the collective health and well-being of the community during the COVID-19 crisis. Aster is already offering free telemedicine advisory to all members of the public in relation to any COVID-19 concerns. The Group is also conducting more than 200 “virtual” consultations per day in areas including internal medicine, gastroenterology, pulmonology and endocrinology. The service is proving extremely useful in managing chronic symptoms for patients who are unable to attend the clinic at present. This is in addition to the other initiatives that have been taken up by the organization to support the authorities like screening camps in densely populated areas; bringing in 88 medical professionals to support Covid-19 patients; triage, isolation and treatment of positive cases at Aster and Medcare facilities in Dubai, management of isolation camps and support in transferring positive patients in UAE and helping the community through distribution of essential supplies in both India and UAE.

Great Ideas To Keep You Entertained While You’re On COVID-19 Lockdown

We are facing unprecedented times and as social creatures, we are finding it increasingly difficult to entertain ourselves while locked away. 

I have taken from my own personal experience to provide the ultimate entertainment package during this lockdown: 

Try your luck at an online casino 

From offline to online, slots are one of the most popular casino games around. They’re easy to learn and fun to play so why not try something new? You’ll be surprised what a boredom killer it can be. 

You should decide on your limits before playing. It’s important to make sure that you gamble responsibly. The reason for this is to ensure that the majority of your game time is about having fun. A cash prize is a bonus, do not let it ruin your enjoyment. 

Maximizing your fun is crucial, and finding the right casino is a big part of that. Try review pages on sites like Online Casinos and scan for offers that appeal to you. Remember free spins mean more fun without the risk. There are lots of 50 free spins casinos available, but there are many better deals around if you do the research.

Lose yourself in another world

As we stare from the window, the outside feels a step too close to dystopia. Comparable to the barren wasteland of Fallout and the eerie silence of The Last Of Us. Only we feel lost in the fold, as reality goes by. 

You may find solace in the ability to manipulate the virtual world. Here we are the survivor who champions the apocalypse and the hero who harmonizes evil with the good. Not to say we are not capable of impacting real-life — but if we’re honest — it’s more fun from the comfort of our home. 

In light of a worldwide lockdown, gaming platforms from Steam to the Playstation Store are producing some amazing Spring sales to keep gamers entertained. I recommend investing in the brilliant Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. The game develops a fantastical yet believable world, ripe for complete emersion.  

Make a playlist

Are you working from home? Or seeking a soundtrack to the lockdown? Look no further than your phone. Take some time to build a playlist tailored for you, by you. A collaboration project between you and your favorite artists.

Music is a brilliant way to express your mood. All too often we become acclimated to the default playlists on streaming apps. The lockdown is the perfect excuse to discover new music. No more lucky dips into Hip Hop Caviar or Hot Hits UK. Create something of your own that will never get boring to listen to. 

There are many streaming services nowadays from Apple Music to Soundcloud (and each has its merits) yet the king remains Spotify. Tightening its grip in recent months by claiming streaming rights to the Jay Z catalog and Dr. Dre’s The Chronic. There is strong depth represented on any streaming platform. So the user has a deal of freedom in creating a great playlist wherever they choose. 

Design a home cinema

The lockdown has taken away the cinema experience. But that does not mean we cannot enjoy a good movie (or hilariously bad ones) amongst great company. You can create a home cinema out of equipment dotted around the house. 

If anything like my housemates and me, you hold a great affinity to film. Nothing will stop you from watching the latest flick — particularly not the cinemas closing. 

You can build a DIY home cinema. All you need is an HDMI cable, A large monitor and your mate’s speakers. Soon you will be enjoying movies together again. Yet, many do not have the fortune to live with friends and family. Due to the wonders of technology you can watch along with each other online, by using services such as Netflix Party. 

The COVID-19 epidemic is a scary and uncertain time for everyone. So, all the better reason to find sanctuary in entertainment. Give these great ideas a shot and you may feel better for it. 

Home Cloud Kitchen “Homefoodi” to deliver Home-Cooked Meals throughout the Lockdown

A cloud kitchen is primarily a kitchen that accepts incoming orders only through online ordering systems and offers no dine-in facility. They have a base kitchen that delivers food to the customers' doorstep. While the term Cloud Kitchen has largely been used for Commercial Kitchens, a new wave has been sweeping for Home Kitchens. A Home Cloud Kitchen is a Home Kitchen which delivers Home Cooked Food just as any other Cloud Kitchen without any dining facility.

Amidst the current events, Homefoodi a Noida based e-commerce startup and also a renowned aggregator of Cloud Kitchens operating from Home aims to offer nutritious and hygienic meals to its customers while undertaking maximum measures while ensuring the safety of its home-chefs, delivery executives and customers.

Homefoodi is India's 1st Mobile App for authentic home-made food made by Genuine home chefs in their home Kitchens. With over 200+ Home Chefs in Noida, the Homefoodi Mobile App offers access to the widest range of Home Food and Bakery products prepared by home chefs during the course of the lockdown period.



The current global scenario and the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic are disturbing every facet of our lives, keeping the current scenario in mind, the Government of India recently extended lockdown across the country. A lockdown does not allow one to step out of their premises unless an emergency. A recent incident of a renowned Pizza Outlet in Delhi caught the eyeballs of the entire nation with a Corona Positive Pizza Delivery Executive was found delivering pizzas across the city endangering his own colleagues as well as his customers, and completely violating the rules set by our Government.

Homefoodi, therefore, undertakes preventive readiness measures for the safety of their customers, home-chefs as well as the delivery executives. 

They follow a 3 C framework of Delivery Hygiene:

• CARRY: All Delivery Representatives have been ably trained on Hygiene and Sanitization standards. As a practice, every Delivery Rep carries a Kit comprising of A) Hand Sanitizer B) Face Mask and C) Gloves and D) Thermometer.


• CONTACT LESS: Delivery packages are picked and dropped without any contact with Home Chef and the Consumer.   


• CONFIRM: All Delivery representatives are supervised daily to confirm to Sanitization, Hygiene and Social Distancing Norms as outlined.

These are the times when most of the Commercial kitchens are shut. Homefoodi in compliance with the Govt. mandate is offering homemade food made by home chefs. Homefoodi is providing their services across Noida, Greater Noida and Indirapuram. 

With the announcement of the Lockdown, Homefoodi has also rolled out a key initiative, wherein they have been ‘Donating a Meal for Every Order Placed’ to the needy on behalf of the customer.

Narendra Singh Dahiya, Founder and Director Homefoodi stated, “Our business model is built around Health and Hygiene. We are delighted that our passionate and talented community of 200 plus Home Chefs can now serve Healthy, Fresh and Hygienic Home food to countless Customers."

Homefoodi has been very selective and responsible in selecting every Home Chefs. As a Company policy, the Homefoodi team visits every Home chef to ensure Food taste, quality, hygiene, cleanliness of their kitchen, and packaging standards before on-boarding them. All Home Chefs are 100% FSSAI Certified and uphold the Highest Standards of Cleanliness and Hygiene that can be only witnessed at Homes. Homefoodi Home Chefs make food in their Home Kitchens that prioritizing Fresh, Healthy, and Hygienic food. 

Homefoodi is a Mobile Application for Home Food made by Home Chefs that empowers and connects society. Based out of Noida, the company has a mission of creating “Ghar-Ghar Start-Up” with an aim to create India’s biggest self-employment opportunity for women by offering a platform to earn from home being a Home Chef. The company aims towards advocating initiatives like Healthy India, Women empowerment, which empowers every homemaker towards nation-building and healthy India. The screening criterion for all chefs is a comprehensive process. To deliver 100% authenticity, the Homefoodi team visits the aspiring Home Chefs to check for food tasting, food quality, hygiene, and cleanliness of their kitchen and packaging standards. All Home Chefs are 100% FSSAI Certified.

Indian Cities Saw ~40-50% Drop in Air Pollution following Lockdown - NASA & EU Space Agency

After Coronavirus pandemic started spreading in the country, the lockdown imposed by the Indian government across Indian states has shown a positive effect on air quality across India. COVID-19 lockdown that started on 25 March, has made the air-quality improved in the country with a remarkable reduction in pollution levels across major Indian cities, especially northern India.

According to a report by the European Space Agency (ESA), Mumbai and Delhi have witnessed a significant reduction of around 40 to 50% of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) compared to the same period last year.

An another report by NASA says that -- after just a week of reduced human activities, NASA satellite sensors observed aerosol levels at a 20-year low for this time of year in Northern India. This is due to the country-wide lock-down mandate that resulted in decreased activity at factories and severely reduced car, bus, truck, and airplane traffic.

Aerosols are tiny solid and liquid particles suspended in the air that reduce visibility and can damage the human lungs and heart.

The data via ESA's Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite, show averaged nitrogen dioxide concentrations over India from 1 January to 24 March 2020 and 25 March (the first day of the lockdown) to 20 April 2020 – compared to the same time-frame as last year.



ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Josef Aschbacher, said, "Another interesting feature we can see from these images is the maritime traffic across the Indian Ocean. We can clearly see a faint trail of nitrogen dioxide emissions left in the atmosphere as commercial ship traffic appears almost the same as last year. The shipping lanes appear as a straight line because the ships follow more or less the exact same route."



Moving on to NASA's report, the american space agency's satellite sensors observed aerosol levels at a 20-year low for this time of year in northern India. Every year, aerosols from human-made (anthropogenic) sources contribute to unhealthy levels of air pollution in many Indian cities.

Aerosol optical depth (AOD) is a measure of how light is absorbed or reflected by airborne particles as it travels through the atmosphere. If aerosols are concentrated near the surface, an optical depth of 1 or above indicates very hazy conditions. An optical depth, or thickness, of less than 0.1 over the entire atmospheric vertical column is considered “clean.” The data were retrieved by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite.

The first five maps below, made available by NASA Terra satellite, show AOD measurements over India during the same March 31 to April 5 period for each year from 2016 through 2020. The sixth map (anomaly) shows how AOD in 2020 compared to the average for 2016-2019.

Indian Cities Saw ~40-50% Drop in Air Pollution following Lockdown - NASA & EU Space Agency

After Coronavirus pandemic started spreading in the country, the lockdown imposed by the Indian government across Indian states has shown a positive effect on air quality across India. COVID-19 lockdown that started on 25 March, has made the air-quality improved in the country with a remarkable reduction in pollution levels across major Indian cities, especially northern India.

According to a report by the European Space Agency (ESA), Mumbai and Delhi have witnessed a significant reduction of around 40 to 50% of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) compared to the same period last year.

An another report by NASA says that -- after just a week of reduced human activities, NASA satellite sensors observed aerosol levels at a 20-year low for this time of year in Northern India. This is due to the country-wide lock-down mandate that resulted in decreased activity at factories and severely reduced car, bus, truck, and airplane traffic.

Aerosols are tiny solid and liquid particles suspended in the air that reduce visibility and can damage the human lungs and heart.

The data via ESA's Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite, show averaged nitrogen dioxide concentrations over India from 1 January to 24 March 2020 and 25 March (the first day of the lockdown) to 20 April 2020 – compared to the same time-frame as last year.



ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Josef Aschbacher, said, "Another interesting feature we can see from these images is the maritime traffic across the Indian Ocean. We can clearly see a faint trail of nitrogen dioxide emissions left in the atmosphere as commercial ship traffic appears almost the same as last year. The shipping lanes appear as a straight line because the ships follow more or less the exact same route."



Moving on to NASA's report, the american space agency's satellite sensors observed aerosol levels at a 20-year low for this time of year in northern India. Every year, aerosols from human-made (anthropogenic) sources contribute to unhealthy levels of air pollution in many Indian cities.

Aerosol optical depth (AOD) is a measure of how light is absorbed or reflected by airborne particles as it travels through the atmosphere. If aerosols are concentrated near the surface, an optical depth of 1 or above indicates very hazy conditions. An optical depth, or thickness, of less than 0.1 over the entire atmospheric vertical column is considered “clean.” The data were retrieved by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite.

The first five maps below, made available by NASA Terra satellite, show AOD measurements over India during the same March 31 to April 5 period for each year from 2016 through 2020. The sixth map (anomaly) shows how AOD in 2020 compared to the average for 2016-2019.

STEPapp, the gamified learning app for school students soon to be relaunched in all subjects

In the situation where most of the sectors are at standstill in terms of new innovations and expansion, lockdown has inadvertently catalyzed growth for edu-tech industry. Following the growing demands and needs, tech-education player continues to introduce develop their business horizon. From promptly making of the app at discounted price, grading up the courses to adding the new elements, the supplementary edu- tech players are going beyond to beat the competition during crisis.

STEPapp one of the emerging players in the edu – tech has sensed this opportunity through the growing figure of users and downloads. STEPapp which is a gamified learning app, has seen an increase of more than 3 lakh users from March 15th. In last four months, the app has a total of 2 million downloads on Play Store and App Store.

During the lockdown period, STEPapp has turned out to be a popular solution for students to learn Math & Science concepts in a gamified format mapped as per the CBSE, ICSE and SSC boards.

Based a strong popularity of the gamified learning format in last few months. STEPapp has decided to relaunch the app by introducing new subjects. With an effective approach of Artificial Intelligence, the app will be adding Social Science and language subjects as per the education board guidelines. The newly introduced subjects will be soon available for CBSC board students. The app is in process to prepare the course for other education boards as well.

The additional feature of the app, such as segregated topics of each chapters that allow students revise and grasp the concepts easily, simplified testing methodology to track the progress of students and dashboard that collects data on each subscribed students will also be added to the newly introduced subjects.

“As a part of the education sector for the last 22 years, our aim is to ensure that students receive the best quality of education. After seeing the amazing response on our app in the past few months, it is our responsibility to introduce all the subjects and made it available to students and teachers in the neediest time. Hence, even when the situation is not in our favour, our team continue to work, improvise and innovate the app with the use of the best technology.” Said Praveen Tyagi, Managing Director, Pace- IIT & Medical, CEO and Founder, EduIsFun Technologies (STEPapp)

About STEPapp

STEPapp is a gamified, personalized, interactive and adaptive learning app which makes learning Math & Science fun and interesting for school students from grades 1st to 12th.

STEPapp is an innovative way to learn concepts while ensuring that all the stakeholders (parents, principals, teachers and policymakers) are aware of the learning outcomes at all times.

It is created by a team of 400+ IITians and Doctors after over 10 years of extensive research, STEPapp is a unique gamified learning software product that provides conceptual clarity.

STEPapp was implemented in the 14 Eklavya Residential Model School a year ago and it has helped the students to improve their performance in their school exams and 15 students from EMRS got selected for the NTSE exam’s first round for the first time. Based on the student and teacher feedback they have offered to implement STEPapp further in 11 EMRS. The central government of India has issued a letter recommending STEPapp to all Eklavya Model Residential Schools across India.

“Our students have always had a phobia with Math and Science subjects, but after using Eduisfun app (STEPapp), they really feel that these subjects are very easy. They can go through the content very easily, very clearly, very precisely. They are using this technology for studying, for performing better in competitive exams. This technology is really helping make teaching more effective.” - Principal, EMRS Chikhaldhara.

STEPapp has also signed an agreement with Tamil Nadu government to provide STEPapp for 10 lakh students in the government schools. STEPapp has also signed an MoU with Podar schools to implement STEPapp as homework and revision app, benefiting 1.5 lakh students.

Every child deserves access to quality learning and education. The motto is to ensure that STEPapp reaches every child in the country irrespective of their socio-economic status.

ePayLater Partners with Zipgrid to Facilitate Last-Mile Delivery of Essential Items

ePayLater, a renowned innovator in digital credit space, has partnered with Zipgrid, a technology-led service provider for housing communities to launch ZipMart to ensure seamless last-mile logistics of essential commodities. The initiative intends to help select residential societies with online ordering while ensuring contactless delivery necessary to curtail the pandemic. The service is now operational and available to all residential societies registered with Zipgrid in Mumbai and NCR.

ZipMart offers an assortment of edibles and other essential items available at ePayLater’s partnering stores. The collaborative commerce activities of ePayLater and Zipgrid allow consumers to place an order from the safe confines of their home while enabling digital payments to minimize the risk of contagion. A user of a Zipgrid-registered housing society/building can place grocery orders using ePayLater’s online portal integrated on the Zipgrid app, under the ZipMart tab. The service is available on both Android and iOS platforms. Once placed, the order will be delivered at the doorstep of the consumer by an executive while observing all social distancing norms mandated by the government. The partnership looks to ease the buying process for consumers without jeopardizing their health and safety amidst the lockdown. The joint endeavor not only facilitates an uninterrupted supply of essentials but also adheres to the government’s guidelines in ensuring contactless and doorstep delivery.

Talking about this development, Uday Somayajula, Co-Founder, ePayLater said, “As India grapples with COVID-19, it is necessary to deliver essentials to buyers at their homes. We are happy to associate with Zipgrid, and our collective aim is to ensure people remain indoors and order essentials from the safety and comfort of their homes. We have embarked on this collaboration to empower communities and contribute to the greater cause of curbing this contagion."

Commenting on the partnership, Jaydip Popat, Co-Founder, Zipgrid shared, “These are testing times and we wish to ease the process of lockdown-living for everyone, in our capacity. The partnership between ePayLater and Zipgrid is a bold step in that direction which utilizes our collective commerce offering to service a building as a whole while being able to provide a large assortment and guaranteed delivery"

Currently, ePayLater is used by around 50,000 small retailers and Kirana stores across 75+ cities in India. ePayLater has developed a front-end interface for third-parties that not only helps end-consumers to avail ‘contactless’ online ordering but also empowers the neighborhood Kirana stores with last-mile logistics. This comes amidst the 3-week extension of the nationwide lockdown, which began on March 25, 2020.

Founded in 2015 by Uday Somayajula, Akshat Saxena and Aurko Bhattacharya, ePayLater is a ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ payment solution through which customers can instantly get access to a credit limit to make faster online/offline purchases. It is the first of its kind Digital Credit card in the country. ePayLater extends credit limits to individuals both for personal consumption (end consumer) and for purchasing business supplies (in case of self-employed professionals). ePayLater provides state-of-the-art technology and analytics platform for the Indian retail industry with a focus on Kiranas.

ePayLater has partnered with some of the biggest names in the industry such as Metro Cash and Carry Future Retail, IRCTC to name a few and is continuously increasing its footprint across the FMCG sector.

ZipGrid is a PropTech company, backed by 1 Crowd & JLL Inc. (NYSE: JLL) that provides full-stack technology solutions for all societies and property owners. They are well equipped with technology solutions that make Financial & Compliance Management a breeze to handle for building associations and societies of all shapes and sizes. They have been managing 1000+ associations across Pan India. In a recent endeavour to provide stress-free solutions for societies, Zipgrid has equipped it’s leading partner “JLL” with an application that offers all kinds of benefits to both committee members and residents. The application is ISO 27001 certified and PII encrypted ensuring security and privacy across our services.

Zipgrid strives to address every need of society and association through its combination of technology and professional knowledge-based services so that the committee members and residents of the society are at peace from the hassles of society management.

Religare Group Uses Technology to Sustain Business Continuity; Religare Broking Sees 50% Upswing in Online Trading During Lockdown

Religare Broking Limited (RBL), the broking arm of Financial Services Group, Religare Enterprises Limited (REL) has seen a whopping 50 percent upswing in trading volumes from online platforms since the nationwide lockdown was imposed for the first time. Trading volumes have shot up, especially on its mobile app Religare Dynami, driven by a significant behavioural shift by traders and investors towards self-execution model, even as the company has ensured near total operational continuity as it moved to 100% work from home mode for client servicing and operations team.

Smart leveraging of relevant technology such as cloud telephony-based solutions for RBL's dealing and service team, as well as seamless new e-collection mode of payments for customers, who are otherwise used to transferring funds through physical cheques & net banking, have sustained this spike.

''We were able to adapt to the situation quite early and ensured that the critical operations were up and running from home, before the lock-down. We ensured that even while we shift to a work-from-home model, business continues with minimal disruption and client needs are addressed in real-time through smart and efficient use of technological solutions. As a result, our online trading platforms, both the web portal and the 'Dynami' mobile app have actually seen a spike in number of active customers and transactions during the period of the lock-down," shared Nitin Aggarwal, CEO, Religare Broking Limited.

The same approach to business continuity has been followed by other subsidiaries of Religare Enterprises Limited, (REL), which has allowed the Group to continue operations without any business disruption.

Dr. Rashmi Saluja, Executive Chairperson, Religare Enterprises Limited, said, "It is an unprecedented situation and the Religare Group stands strong with the entire nation. The safety of our people and customer interest is our topmost priority. We have taken several measures to provide relief to our customers and employees in these testing times. Our operating companies have already implemented business continuity plans to serve our customers seamlessly in these difficult times. As a responsible organisation, REL will be contributing towards the PM CARES Fund as well."

Religare Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited (RHDFC) has also walked the extra mile to support customers, especially where there are cash flow or repayment issues. The company is reaching out to individual customers to assess their needs and address cash flow problems, thus underscoring the significant customer orientation in the company's operational philosophy.

''Given our operational experience and our anticipation of the imminent situation, we moved quickly to devise an alternative operating model to deal with the COVID situation. That model involved not only work from home and support to employees, but also factored in customer centricity and leveraging of technology for business continuity, as a result of which operations continued unabated during these difficult times,'' explained Rahul Mehrotra, CEO at RHDFCL.

Religare Finvest Limited (RFL), one of the leading SME financing platforms in India, has implemented the moratorium of up to 3 months by default, to all standard customers and is in touch with all customers to keep them informed of changes in their repayment terms. "The company is also working towards implementing automated and digital channels to solve the service related queries and requests in the shortest period of time. In spite of being under the Corrective Action Plan of RBI (CAP), the Company has repaid more than Rs. 6,450 crores to the lenders since January 2018, including a sum of Rs. 837 crores on March 26, 2020, during these difficult times," stated Pankaj Sharma, President and Head - Corporate Planning & Strategy at RFL. Nitya Kishore Sahu, Group Head, Compliance for Religare Enterprises Limited added, "Apart from submitting information on business operations and related matters to the regulator (RBI) during the Pandemic, we have also sought relief for the NBFC sector. We have maintained the highest standards of Corporate Governance to ensure that the interest of all our stakeholders, especially our customers and employees is taken care of during these difficult times."

"We are completely operational, without any service disruption, and are servicing all cashless as well as reimbursement claims of our customers through our digital tools. Additionally, we also continue to address all other policy servicing requests and enquiries received by our customer service team- telephonically, over e-mail or through one of our digital interfaces,'' said Anuj Gulati, MD & CEO at Religare Health Insurance Company Limited.

In fact, the entire Group is preparing for a post-COVID world wherein operating models will move to more digital mediums, enabling remote working opportunities to become the norm rather than the exception, and technology will take the front seat to ensure customer service and internal efficiencies.

Cloudnine Group of Hospitals Ties Up with Dunzo to Supply Medicines

Maternity and Childcare chain Cloudnine Group of Hospitals on Monday said it has collaborated with delivery platform Dunzo to deliver medicines to expecting mothers and their new-borns at their doorsteps.

Dunzo's no contact delivery will ensure that medicines are delivered safely and securely to customers across Cloudnine centres in Gurugram, Pune, Chennai and Bengaluru with immediate effect, the companies said in a statement.

This service comes as an extension to the hospital's recently-launched teleconsultation services, it added.

"Our collaboration with Dunzo for our customers shall enable people to stay home by ensuring the delivery of right medicines at the right time at their doorstep”, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals CEO Raviganesh Venkataraman said.

In similar vein, Dunzo CEO and Co-Founder Kabeer Biswas said, in these unprecedented times of Covid-19 pandemic, “it is important to have access to the right medical supplies and essentials".

Dunzo partners are continuing to brave the streets, to keep citizens indoors and bring Cloudnine' s clinical care right to their doorstep, he added. PTI AKT SHW

B2B Retail-tech Firm Arzooo Launches 'Retail-from-Home' for Brick- and-Mortar Electronics Retailers Reeling from Lockdown

B2B Retail-tech startup Arzooo.com today announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind ‘Retail-from-Home’ solution for brick-and-mortar (physical) retail stores.

The new solution enables a retailer to reach out to customers and prospects and sell consumer durables, even as their stores are temporarily closed in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic and a nationwide lockdown. Arzooo.com will home deliver all new orders to the buyers on behalf of the retail store.

“Retail-from-Home has been developed based on inputs gathered from the retail community; and it will allow retailers to create new orders for their inventory while their stores are closed and there are no customer walk-ins,” says Khushnud Khan, co-founder and CEO of Arzooo.com. “We believe this breakthrough product will help kickstart and sustain offline retail transactions during and after the lockdown; and help local stores compete effectively with larger e-commerce stores.”

In addition to sales, Retail-from-home is also designed to help retailers execute effective sales promotions and create awareness about in-store offers and deals in their catchment areas. The new solution is integrated within Arzooo’s retail tech platform ‘Go Store’, which serves over three thousand physical retail stores across India, in cities like Bangalore, Delhi-NCR, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Vijaywada etc

India’s retail sector contributes over 50% to the national GDP. It is also one of the worst affected sectors in the ongoing lockdown, directly hurting the livelihood of millions of retail entrepreneurs and their blue-collar workers and dependents. “Through Arzooo’s Retail-from-home, we hope to provide business continuity to our partner retail stores,” Khushnud added.

Arzooo’s business model is designed to equip physical retailers with enabling technology in order to compete favourably with large e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. The Go Store platform ensures optimal inventory sourcing for retailers and allows them to maintain a ‘virtual inventory’. This in turn helps these retailers drive up sale conversions through a ten-times larger selection along with best prices for their customers.

“The ‘Retail-from-home’ solution is a major leap forward for our platform, as it enables forward integration for the stores with their customers. This is going to transform retailing of consumer electronics and durables in India”, adds Khushnud.

About Arzooo.com:

Arzooo is India’s fastest growing retail-tech startup, empowering offline retailers to compete with their online peers. Arzooo Go Store enables partner stores to offer its customers the largest selection, best prices and fastest delivery, without them having to stock every item. Arzooo is operational in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Vijayawada, Delhi, Kolkata and more cities. For more information, visit - https://arzooo.com/

DAMS Manages with eLearning During COVID-19 Lockdown with LIVE Classes, Video Library on eMedicoz app

Delhi Academy of Medical Science (DAMS) pioneer in Medical PG entrance preparation with 250 plus centres across the country was the first in their sector to respond to the crisis of lockdown. DAMS team immediately understood the gravity of the situation and started online LIVE classes on eMedicoz app for their students during this hour of pandemic and country lockdown situation. Some of the LIVE classes were attended by 15K concurrent users who are doctors and medical students and is a record in itself. Students are able to chat and ask doubts to the teachers in the LIVE class.

eMedicoz app (available in both android & iOS) with 2.5 Lac plus users is a rich resource for medical students and offers an entire ecosystem of access to students. DAMS students on the app get an access to an elaborate video library, Question bank and Test series with video solutions. There are daily quizzes conducted in app to keep students engaged during these tough times. There are many unique tools like Talking Books (DAMS Comprehensive Review Series) where teachers help student navigate through the study material. LIVE classes are being conducted batch wise for both DAMS Medical and Dental students, preparing for various examinations including NEETPG, NEXT, MCI screening, NEETMDS, USMLE.

DAMS has emerged as a leader in both physical as well eLearning in Medical and dental PG entrance exams, in a unique position where DAMS has physical face to face classrooms, VSAT based video conferencing classrooms and App based learning on eMedicoz.

Students are enjoying the DAMS Digital experience on eMedicoz and many responded by posting their photos while studying on the app in Instagram stories and other social media. Rising to occasion teachers despite their own limitation because of lockdown, conducted live doubt solving sessions on DAMS facebook group, posted quizzes to keep students engaged.

DAMS has also taken initiative to post free lectures on its Youtube Channel for benefit of all medical students and there are thousands of free medical education videos available to any medical student on eMedicoz app.

DAMS Manages with eLearning During COVID-19 Lockdown with LIVE Classes

The highly qualified faculty members at DAMS are well connected with students across the country through eMedicoz "DAMS Live-Initiative", the live teaching module which disseminates teaching via virtual classrooms, wherein students can also clarify their doubts live sitting miles away.

Dr. Sumer Sethi Director and Founder of DAMS said, Even in times of lockdown, learning never stops at DAMS and students continue prepare for the examinations without any interruption. We all need to manage the learning of our students during this pandemic lockdown with innovation. Our goal remains giving an edge to our students. As an organization we care about all our team members and we have initiated work from home for our team members across the country. We have even opened an online registration desk for new students wanting to join us and finding it difficult during lockdown."

Delhi Academy of Medical Sciences (DAMS) a well-established name in the field of PG Medical Entrance Education for over 21 years now, under the leadership of Dr. Sumer Sethi, Radiologist and pervious topper in AIPG/AIIMS. DAMS is recognized for its impeccable foresight, enviable expertise and innate acumen. DAMS is known as the most specialized institution of its type in the country, performing consistently at high levels and has delivered top results in last two decades. With eMedicoz initiative crossing 2.5 lac downloads and LIVE lectures on app, DAMS has now emerged as leader in both physical and digital test prep sector for NEETPG.

Federal Bank Deploys Mobile ATM Facility in Chennai and Mumbai for Covid relief

Federal Bank launched mobile ATM facility in Chennai and Mumbai cities. This is an initiative of the Bank aimed at helping the public fight COVID-19, by delivering banking services at their doorsteps and thus helping them stay indoors, as much as possible. Customers of any bank can withdraw cash from these ATMs free of charges. 

In the next few days, more vans will be deployed and the public will have facility to demand ATMs in their areas. The Bank is working to extend the facility to Bangalore also during the lockdown.



The facility was inaugurated in Chennai by Mr. Susil Chandra Mohanta (GM & Convenor, SLBC, Tamil Nadu), in the presence of Mr. Eqbal Manoj (Vice President and Zonal Head Chennai, Federal Bank) and Rajeev V C (Deputy Vice President and Regional Head Chennai, Federal Bank). 

The first ATM van in Mumbai was flagged off in Mumbai by Mr. Deepak Govind PA (Vice President and Zonal Head Mumbai, Federal Bank). Mr. Mahesh R (Vice President and Regional Head Mumbai, Federal Bank) and Mr. Ciyad MS (Deputy Vice President, Mumbai Zone, Federal Bank) were also present.

Donate at Hormis Memorial for Covid relief work, the CSR arm will match every donation made through this portal - www.federalbank.co.in/covid-19-donation.



About Federal Bank:

Federal Bank is a leading private sector bank with a branch network of 1,251 branches and 1,934 ATMs/Recyclers spread across the country. The Bank’s total business mix (deposits + advances) stood at Rs 2.46 Lakh Crore as at March 31, 2019 and it has earned a net profit of Rs. 1,244 Crore for FY19. The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CRAR) of the Bank, computed as per Basel III guidelines, stood at 14.14%.