Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates Bharat Ratnam Mega Common Facility Centre (CFC) in SEEPZ Mumbai for gem & jewellery Industry Mega CFC at SEEPZ is the Golden Gateway of a Global India

Today signifies a momentous occasion as the esteemed Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the commencement of the Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC at the SEEPZ SEZ in Mumbai in virtual mode (remotely). This momentous event is a testament to the Government’s commitment to driving innovation, economic growth, and technological advancement.

Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC is a Socio-economic project promoted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GJEPC India and SEEPZ SEZ authority to drive exports from the country.

This project aims at creating a world-class infrastructure for promoting the inherent skills of the gems & jewellery manufacturing industry. The Mega Common Facilitation Centre provides a supportive and collaborative environment for entrepreneurs, MSMEs and small businesses to grow and thrive.

Bharat Ratnam CFC will house the cutting-edge equipment, including a 3D Metal printer. It will also provide training and skilling for artisans, including specially abled students. The Mega CFC will transform the export sector in the gem and jewellery trade and will also help the domestic manufacturing.

Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “Salute to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for steering a remarkable era of development across all sectors. His visionary strides towards shaping a Viksit Bharat are not only evident in ground breaking policy reforms, but also in the development of infrastructure that promises to redefine the business landscape.

On behalf of the Indian gem and jewellery community, I extend heartfelt thanks to the Prime Minister for his forward-thinking approach. The government’s steadfast support, exemplified by the establishment of the Mega CFC Bharat Ratnam in SEEPZ, Mumbai, lays a robust foundation for the industry’s future growth. Mega CFC is integral to the industry’s plan to double the SEZ export target from $7 billion to $15 billion, unlocking the untapped potential of around $30 billion.

“The Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC was conceptualised by GJEPC. The feasibility study and project report was done through National Productivity Council by GJEPC. The Project report was adopted by MoC and funded through SEEPZ. The implementation of the project was done under a Mega CFC Committee nominated by GJEPC along with SEEPZ Authority. GJEPC has signed an MoU to run and operate the Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC.”

The Mega CFC shines as a symbol of innovation, featuring cutting-edge technologies certified for carbon neutrality. It houses a dedicated Research & Development Centre, a Training & Skilling School for inclusive education, and versatile facilities for exhibitions and events.

“The Prime Minister’s commitment to this transformative vision is nothing short of inspiring, and we eagerly anticipate the flourishing journey that lies ahead for the gem and jewellery sector, driven by this visionary leadership. GJEPC will collaborate with SEEPZ and Government of India to transform the Gem and Jewellery industry,” Shah added.

Vipul further added, “Today, on the auspicious occasion of National Youth Day, dedicated to commemorating the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, we seize the perfect moment to unveil Mega CFC, a monumental initiative poised to serve as a guiding light of inspiration for the youth and the forthcoming generation of professionals, directing them towards excellence in this industry.”

Rajesh Kumar Mishra, IRS Zonal Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ said, “I express by heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minster Shri Narendra Modi for initiating the step to transform the SEZs, which he has successfully started from SEEPZ Mumbai. This essential renovation and upgrade were timely necessities which will further boost gem and jewellery exports from our country. And the best part is Mega CFC facilities will be made available at a reasonable rate not only to SEEPZ-SEZ units but also to factories outside the zone which will improve the output in terms of quality, productivity and yield of the finished jewellery.”

  1. P. S. Chauhan. IRS, Joint Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ, said, “After the Bhoomi Poojan on September 1st, 2022, the construction of the Mega CFC was completed within an astonishing 14-month period! This achievement illustrates the collaboration between the Government, GJEPC, and SEEPZ for their collective efforts in completing this project in record time. I firmly believe this marks just the beginning, and we can anticipate more such transformative projects supported by the government to reshape the landscape of SEEPZ.”

Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, stated, “We are honoured and thrilled to witness the momentous occasion of the Honourable Prime Minister laying the foundation stone for NEST 1 and Bharat Ratnam at SEEPZ SEZ. The Gem & Jewellery sector comprises a maximum of MSMEs (Jewellery manufacturers and retailers) who have affordability constraints for the modern technology, research & development and skilled manpower. Mega CFC bridges this gap to maintain the competitiveness through the latest in 3-Ts (Technology, Techniques and Training) from across the globe at a single facilitation centre.”

“Bharat Ratnam is poised to become a game-changer, shaping the future of the industry providing a conducive environment for cutting-edge technology . Mega CFC provides and enables a smooth ‘ALL THINGS JEWELRY’ experience as whole, while facilitating various technical services involved in the jewelry making process under one roof”, added Mr. Bhansali

The company culture, innovative combination of services, state-of-the-art equipment, in-house talents and positive customer experience journey fosters customer loyalty making Mega CFC way unique.

Colin Shah, Head – Working Group, Bharat Ratnam, Mega CFC, commented, “Thanks to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi and Shri Piyush Goyal, for the backing this mega project. With their robust support, we are transforming the landscape by democratising access to cutting-edge technology. This will empower every individual to engage in jewellery manufacturing at the highest level. This 360-degree service model is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary skills, connect them with global customers, and provide continuous learning through seminars.”

Bharat Ratnam is a well-structured layout, with the first three floors housing advanced technologies; the fourth floor is dedicated to training workers, with a special focus on creating opportunities for deaf and mute workers through partnerships with local NGOs. The fifth floor will be a hub for buyer-seller meets, fostering global connections, and the sixth floor will serve as a Convention Center for symposiums throughout the year, providing entrepreneurs with access to valuable knowledge and networking opportunities.

Cutting Edge Technical Services At Bharat Ratnam – Mega Common Facility Centre: CAD & CAD Rendering Services; 3D Printing Services – Metal; 3D Printing Services– Ceramic; 3D Printing Services – Resin & Wax; Casting Services (Gold, Platinum & Silver); CNC Services; Refining Services (Gold, Platinum & Silver); Mass Finishing Services; LGD Testing Services; Hallmarking Services; Colour Laser Engraving Services; Micron Plating / Rhodium Plating Services; Enamel / Coating Services; LAB Testing Services including XRF; Photography & Video Services.

  • Training & Skilling School

Digit Insurance launches comprehensive EV Shield add-on cover as EV sales pegged to reach 1 crore by 2030

Digit Insurance, one of India’s leading digital full-stack insurance companies, announced it has launched a comprehensive EV Shield add-on cover under its Motor Own Damage policy for four-wheeler and two-wheeler electric and hybrid vehicles.

The Indian EV market has seen a significant growth with Jan-December 2023 period seeing sales of 15.29 lakh electric vehicles%. A specific add-on cover has been launched by Digit to meet this rising demand and address the unique insurance needs of EVs. India’s EV market is pegged to become a $266 billion market* with projected sales of 1 crore^ EVs per year by 2030.

The add-on cover will come with three optional additional coverages to protect against any loss or damage to electrical panel for vehicle charging point, vehicle charger including charging cable, and also offer roadside assistance services specific to EVs.

The add-on will cover damages to battery or electric motor due to accident or external means, and also pay for any expenses incurred for repair or replacement of the battery due to water ingression and short circuit. The add-on will be offered under the Motor Own Damage policy of a vehicle and will provide all relevant vehicle coverages similar to any Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle.

Speaking about the launch of EV-specific add-on coverage, Mayur Kacholiya, Head – Motor Product, Digit General Insurance, said, “Our new EV-specific add-on coverage is designed to meet the evolving changes and needs of EV vehicle owners. The severity of damage among EVs can be higher and the repairs for the same can be costly due to expensive components and need for specialised automotive technicians. The specialised add-ons along with additional coverages will provide EV owners the much-needed protection and address the nuanced issues of electric vehicles.”

The add-on cover will also offer three optional coverages to the customers to provide comprehensive coverage to the vehicles. The three coverages are:

  1. Electrical panel for vehicle charging point: Charging point electrical panel of a two-wheeler EV can be expensive and can be in the range of 8%-15% of vehicle cost and any loss or damage to the same can lead to significant loss. Under this coverage, one can cover any loss or damage to the electrical panel for vehicle charging point, including damage or loss to animal attack or scratch.
  2. Vehicle charger and charging cable: The charger used to charge an EV and the cable provided for the same can be costly. Any damage to the same can lead to losses worth tens of thousands of rupees. This add-on cover will protect both your charger as well as charging cable against any loss or damage. The coverage can be taken for both mounted as well as portable charger.

iii. EV Roadside Assistance: As EVs run on limited charge, the probability of them requiring roadside assistance is higher. Under this coverage, one can arrange for a portable mobile generator in case the vehicle runs out of charge. In case the vehicle battery is swappable, one can also get the same replaced with a charged battery. The vehicles will also be provided other roadside assistance services like towing or any other vehicle repairs, etc.

EV INSURANCE PREMIUM AT PAR WITH PETROL VEHICLES DESPITE HIGHER RISK
New Vehicle Tata Tigor EV (Rs) Tata Tigor – Petrol (Rs) New Verna – Petrol (Rs)
Insured Declared Value (IDV) 12,80,000 7,00,000 13,70,000
Tariff Premium 40,832 22,330 43,703
Discount Rate 60% 60% 60%
OD Premium (1 year) 16,333 8,932 17,481
Add-On Rate 0.50% 0.50% 0.50%
Add On Premium (1 year) 6,400 3,500 6,850
Third Party (TP) Premium (3 years) 8,104 10,640 10,640
CPA Premium (Rs 15 lakh SI) 1 year 450 450 450
Total Premium 31,287 23,522 35,421
Total Premium to IDV Cost 2.4% 3.4% 2.6%
*Total Premium to IDV cost simply means how much your premium costs as a percentage of your total vehicle cost. EVs typically have a better Total Premium to IDV cost compared to ICE vehicles.
Notes: Digit Premium rate only for reference purposes. Actual prices may vary. Premium excluding GST. Add-ons assumed to be same for all vehicle variants. OD: Own Damage; CPA: Compulsory Personal Accident.

The add-on will be offered to both EVs as well as hybrid vehicles (electric and petrol/diesel). In case of claim, the policyholder simply needs to notify the insurer within three days. The entire claims process will be 100% digital and the insured would not need to submit any physical documents.

Digit is one of India’s fastest growing digital full-stack insurance companies. The company reported a motor gross direct premium (GDP) growth of 57.08% as on 30 June 2023 compared to GDP growth of 32.95% in FY23. For the 9 months period ended December 31, 2022, the company commanded a motor market share of 5.3% compared to market share of 4.5% in FY22.!

Virat Kohli turns into bobblehead in Digit Insurance’s latest ‘Drive Less, Pay Less’ ad campaign

Digit Insurance, one of India’s fastest growing general insurance companies, launched its latest Pay As You Drive (PAYD) brand campaign “Drive Less, Pay Less” with its brand ambassador Virat Kohli. The ad campaign was launched ahead of the much-coveted Asia Cup 2023.

Virat Kohli, who appears in a bobblehead form for the ad campaign, is seen grooving to the “Do the Digit-Digit” anthem on the car dashboard, unable to keep calm knowing Digit customers will pay less car insurance premium if they drive less. The PAYD add-on offers discount of up to 85% from erstwhile motor tariff in Own Damage Cover of car insurance to customers who drive less than 10,000 km in a year (around 28 km/day).

The 45-second fast-paced ad film, through its vibrant youthful connect showcases different cohorts of people the PAYD discount will be most relevant to. It ranges from an employee who works from home or in hybrid mode and drives less to a woman who drives her second car less to a retired elderly person who doesn’t take his car out every day. The campaign also showcases people living in metro cities who use taxis or public transport to travel to work or only drive their car within the city limits.

Speaking about the newly-launched ad campaign, Tanya Marwah, Head – Marketing and Corporate Communications, Digit General Insurance, said, “The discount offered under PAYD add-on is relevant to rather a large part of the Indian population, especially as many people living in cities don’t drive excessively and use the public transport or cab services despite having cars at home. But since people hardly track their daily commute or look at their odometers regularly, they don’t realize how less they drive in a year. These add-ons are for such people, who honestly shouldn’t be paying as high as people who drive a lot. And at Digit, we have made sure that the process to get this discount is super simple as it is not based on future driving behaviour, or telematics or app to track the driving, but just the average kilometres driven per year since you had the car, which can easily be seen in the odometer reading.”

‘Pay As You Drive’ is a tech-enabled add-on cover by Digit Insurance that one can take when buying an ‘Own Damage’ or Comprehensive Car Insurance cover. Staying true to its mission of simplification, Digit has made the process of availing the add-on very smooth by offering the discount based on historical driving data. To avail the discount, a customer simply needs to share the car’s odometer reading and the yearly average usage of the car needs to be below 10,000 km. For example, if a car that is four years old has an odometer reading of 40,000 km, the average yearly usage of the car is 10,000 km, allowing the customer to avail the discount.

Digit Insurance in July 2022 became one of the first insurance companies to offer ‘Pay As You Drive’ add-on to its customers, launching the same in less than two weeks after IRDAI’s announcement. The insurance regulator IRDAI on July 6, 2022, allowed general insurance companies to offer PAYD add-on cover to its customers.

Motor Insurance is one of the biggest lines of business for Digit Insurance. It had a market share of 5.3% in motor segment in the nine months period ended December 31, 2022, and clocked a Gross Written Premium of Rs 31.24 billion in the same period. Impressed with Digit’s vision, Kohli invested in the Company in February 2020 and also became the brand ambassador.

Credits:

  • Concept: Digit Brand Marketing Team
  • Creative Agency: Stirred Creative
  • Production House: Supari Studios
  • Film Director: Sonal Batra
  • First AD: Karan Juneja
  • Second AD: Chaitanya Jain
  • Music Director: Raghav & Arjun
  • Director of Photography: Parth Sayani
  • Producer: Benezir Ansari
  • Executive Producer: Divyashree Thacker

Redcliffe Labs bolsters lab processes through Six Sigma metrics

Dr Sohini Sengupta and her team’s adoption of Sigma metrics in lab processes had a profound impact on reducing overall Defects Per Million Opportunities (DPMO) and solidifying the dependability of test outcomes.

  Redcliffe Labs, a Pan India omnichannel diagnostics provider, substantially improves lab quality processes by embracing Six Sigma metrics. In a study led by Dr. Sohini Sengupta, Medical Laboratory Director at Redcliffe Labs, her team of experts assessed testing processes to optimize the laboratory’s quality control practices. It translates to fewer errors, fewer sample reruns, and improved turnaround times, bolstering clinician reliance and patient satisfaction.

 

Redcliffe Labs conducted a two-phase quality improvement project with a comprehensive assessment of sigma scores across 25 routine high-volume assay parameters, encompassing 20 clinical chemistry and 5 immunoassay methods. By identifying the parameters with lower sigma scores in the initial phase, i.e., pre-period, they successfully implemented strategic measures to enhance their analytical quality within a rigorous 6-month timeframe. The analysis was performed on the Alinity ci series equipment from Abbott.

 

After the targeted improvements, the team at Redcliffe Labs conducted the post-period analysis to gauge the tangible and positive impact. It included a thorough evaluation of sigma metrics to measure any enhancements in the laboratory’s performance. The average sigma surged significantly from 6.4σ to an impressive 9.2σ. Out of the 25 analytes studied, a substantial 17 exhibited a noteworthy improvement, surpassing the pre-defined threshold of a 1.0 increase in their sigma metric.

 

One of the most notable advancements was observed in Glucose(most commonly tested parameter) showcasing an extraordinary surge from 3.9σ to an exceptional 26.3σ. The increase in the sigma metric for glucose directly correlates to a substantial reduction in the error rate, estimated from 9,224 Defects Per Million Opportunities (DPMO) to less than 1 DPMO, significantly enhancing the reliability of test results.

 

Dr. Sohini Sengupta, Medical Laboratory Director at Redcliffe Labs, said, “The impact of our quality improvement study extends far beyond metrics—it’s a testament to our commitment to excellence. Achieving world-class performance across high-volume assays by adopting Sigma metrics elevates our confidence in our test results. It reiterates our continued focus on achieving the highest standards of quality at Redcliffe. These enhancements also mean fewer errors, efficient workflows, and faster turnaround times.”

Brightsun Travel Introduces Traveasy app: A Revolutionary Platform for Affordable Global Flight Bookings

Brightsun Travel, a one-stop solution for travel needs, announces the launch of Traveasy app, a platform designed to elevate the process of booking economical flights to domestic and International destinations.

Since its inception, Traveasy has been committed to providing travellers with a seamless and user-friendly experience. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, a comprehensive range of flight options, enabling them to find the best deals tailored to their preferences and budget and compare the flight rates.

With the recent launch of the Traveasy mobile app, available on Android devices, the advanced features make it easy for users to customise their search based on parameters such as budget, preferred airlines, and travel dates. The app mirrors the website’s functionality, ensuring a seamless and efficient booking process for travellers who prefer the flexibility of mobile solutions.

Traveasy brings flight options to virtually any location on the map while enjoying real-time pricing information. In terms of performance, Traveasy has steadily gained traction. According to company’s internal data, the platform has facilitated a total of 50,791 flight bookings.

Mr. Sandeep Arora, Director at Brightsun Travel, said “We are excited to introduce Traveasy to the global travel community, our platform is dedicated to providing users with a straightforward and cost-effective way to explore the world. With a vast array of flight options and real-time pricing information, Traveasy ensures that travellers can make informed decisions that align with their preferences and budget.”

As Traveasy continues to enhance the travel booking experience, Brightsun Travel remains committed to offering unparalleled service and value to its customers.

Aditya Birla World Academy is back with Infinity 2024!

Aditya Birla World Academy (ABWA) in association with BITS Pilani announced its 10th edition of Infinity 2024, the ‘Ultimate Math Championship’. The three-day event took place on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of January 2024 at NSCI, Worli, Mumbai. The phenomenal event inspired students to showcase their full mathematical prowess and unleash their creativity. The International School Bangalore and Aditya Birla World Academy have been named the winners of the ‘Infinity Champions of the Year’ category for Seniors and Advanced competition. The title of ‘Mathematician of the Year 2024’ has been conferred upon Arjun Narasimhan from The Sri Ram School, Moulsari, Gurgaon; Mohammed Jumael Uddin, DPS STS Dhaka and Suhaan Mobhani of Aditya Birla World Academy students from Advanced Category.  Sruti Das, The Future Foundation School, Kolkata; Taksh Gagan Kothari, Bombay Scottish School, Mahim, and Shresht Siddharth Bhat of Pathways School Noida from the Senior Category were also winners from the event. This annual event, organized in collaboration with BITS Pilani, has grown to become one of the most prestigious Inter-School Mathematics Competitions.

Infinity 2024 was open to students from Grades 9 to 12 from schools affiliated with any education board. The contest aided students in honing analytical and critical-thinking skills, valuable not only in mathematics and academics but also in various other fields. The finals of Infinity 2024 – The Ultimate Math Championship showcased unique competitions such as the World Mathematics Team Championship, the American Region Math League, and the Invitational Young Mathematicians Convention

Thrilled with the experience Mr. Prodipta Hore, Coordinator- International Initiatives, Aditya Birla World Academy said, “We are delighted to mark the milestone of the 10th edition of Infinity by Aditya Birla World Academy, a celebration that has evolved into a guiding light for enthusiastic young minds captivated by the realm of mathematics. This competition provides an engaging platform for aspiring intellects to immerse themselves in the subject. We are so thrilled to witness students enjoy learning Mathematics like never before. The growing participation from inception to now has been more than 540 teams from 10 different countries taking part in the championship, which stands as a true testament to the competition’s profound impact and its role in nurturing mathematical talent. It has garnered attention not only from schools across India but also from diverse corners of the world. Wishing all the teachers and students all the very best to be winners to bring glory to their origins from different parts of the country. We were thrilled to have Dr.Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS, Dubai; Dr.Srinivasan Madapusi, Director, BITS, Dubai Campus and Dr. Inder Kumar Rana Emeritus Professor among us.”

Chief Guest and Judge of the event Dr. James Tanton (PhD. Mathematics, Princeton University) said, “Embracing the beauty of mathematics, for its logical use in life, lies at the heart of this phenomenal event. Mathematics empowers young minds to discover the unique patterns that shape the very fabric of our universe. Like a symphony of reasoning, Aditya Birla World Academy’s Infinity 2024 encourages students to learn and experience the joy of mathematics. It endeavours to unlock the boundless possibilities within mathematics careers – for every equation holds not just a solution, but a gateway to innovation, problem-solving, and shaping a world where numerical fluency becomes a pathway to unparalleled opportunities. Infinity 2024 inspires young minds to explore mathematics from an early age, spurring a lifelong journey of curiosity and problem-solving”.

Echoing his thoughts Prof. Mark Saul said, “The realm of mathematics, illuminates the path to a fulfilling career with the wisdom that mathematical pursuits are not just professions, but voyages of endless discovery. I believe that fostering a love for mathematics in the hearts of our youth is not just an academic pursuit but a celebration of the boundless wonders awaiting those who dare to engage with the language of the cosmos. We are thrilled to witness such a remarkable event at Aditya Birla World Academy, which marks a conjunction of mathematics with students in the most unique ways possible. Let the allure of mathematics guide your career journey, and witness the magic that unfolds when passion meets the precision of numbers.”

The competition features various rounds, including the Individual Round, Team Round, Pass back Round, Bulb Your Ideas, Mathematics Treasure Hunt, and Quiz. Each round was meticulously crafted by the Mathematics team at Aditya Birla World Academy in collaboration with professors from BITS Pilani. The competition was guided by renowned mathematicians, Dr. James Tanton and Dr. Mark Saul, ensuring the highest standards in problem-solving and mathematical exploration. The event concluded with the ABWA team expressing gratitude in a vote of thanks. Mrs. Radhika Sinha, Principal, of Aditya Birla World Academy, extended congratulations to the winners and participants at the grand finale. Trophies were presented to all the winners.