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23-10-2017 to 28-10-2017

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This past week was filled with multiple technology updates, investments, resignations and cybersecurity attacks. While the founder of the ecommerce firm Amazon, Jeff Bezos, beat Bill Gates to become the world’s richest person for the second time, head of Zomato’s Base operations stepped down. If you missed the major news of this week, here’s our weekly wrap up.

1. GROUP VOICE, VIDEO CALLS COMING SOON TO WHATSAPP
The most commonly used messaging service finally announced a much awaited feature to its app. WhatsApp will release new features such as group video and voice calling for the users in a future update. Along with the ability to make conference calls on the app, WhatsApp will also be giving more power to group administrators. Group admins will now be able to choose if their participants can modify the subject, icon or description of the group. These new features have already been rolled out through the Google Play Beta Programme in the 2.17.387 version of the app.

2. FLIPKART TO INVEST IN SWIGGY, URBANLADDER AND URBANCLAP?
Flipkart, Bengaluru based ecommerce firm, is planning to diversify its strategy by investing in a large number of startups. To boost its presence in India, Flipkart is planning to invest in several startups. The company reportedly, is in talks with food delivery startup Swiggy, home services startup UrbanClap and furniture retail firm UrbanLadder. In a bid to ward off any competition from Amazon India, the company raised a whopping $ 3 billion from SoftBank Group Corp, Tencent Holdings, eBay Inc., and Microsoft Corp.

3. FACEBOOK AIMS AT CREATING MORE ORGANIC AND ORIGINAL CONTENT FOR ITS USERS.
Social media giant Facebook has begun testing a major change with regards to the News Feed. Facebook is looking at creating two new sets of news feeds that will be divided on the basis of original content for friends and adverts and promoted content. This test is being carried out in six countries including Bolivia, Cambodia, Guatemala, Serbia, Slovakia and Sri Lanka. While paid promotions will not be affected by this change, promotions of pages that are not paying Facebook for advertising will be affected. The aim is to replace original content with paid content and give users more time to browse.

4. TOPPR RAISES RS. 45 CRORES IN SERIES B FUNDING ROUND
Edutech firm Toppr, based in Mumbai, has raised $ 6.92 million in a Series B funding round from existing investor SAIF Partners along with Helion Ventures and FIL Capital Management. The personalized elearning solutions provider plans to use these funds to expand their geographical footprint and accelerate their user acquisition. Founded in 2013 by Zishaan Hayath and Hemanth Goteti, Toppr provides personalized educational services for students from classes 5 to 12, across CBSE, ICSE and various other State Boards. With a strong presence in 16 cities, they also provide tailored content to help students prepare for board and competitive exams like IIT JEE and NEET, among others.

5. SAMIR KUCKREJA, HEAD OF ZOMATO BASE, STEPS DOWN
Samir Kuckreja, the head of the cloud based Point Of Sale (POS) system, Zomato Base, resigned from his post from the restaurant discovery and food delivery firm, Zomato. Kuckreja, who had joined the firm just eight months ago, decided to call it quits following the company’s decision to not follow the growth road map for Zomato Base that he had agreed with the firm originally. More than half a dozen C suite executives have recently quit Zomato within months of joining. Chief Operating Officer of Zomato Deepak Gulati, also resigned last month.

6. NEW RANSOMWARE SPREADS THROUGH RUSSIA AND EUROPE
The year 2017 has seen multiple cybersecurity attacks that have left nations crippled. The latest attempt at creating havoc was the new ransomware called BadRabbit which spread across Russia, Ukraine and other Eastern European countries. Corporate networks, computer systems for the Kiev Metro, Ukraine’s Odessa International Airport and several Russian media outlets were affected by the malware before reaching Turkey, Bulgaria and Germany. Reports suggested this ransomware attack was planned in advance and was spread using tools similar to the NotPetya ransomware. Computers affected by the malware were asked to pay a ransom of 0.05 Bitcoins or roughly $ 276 in exchange for their data.

7. EBAY INC ACQUIRES 5.44% STAKE IN FLIPKART
eBay, the ecommerce platform, has acquired a 5.44% stake in Flipkart. This deal, was in exchange for their Indian business, which was valued at $ 211 million and for a $ 514 million cash investment in Flipkart. In the quarterly report filed with the US Securities and Exchange (SEC,) the company also mentioned it gained $ 167 million through the sale of its eBay India business. The companies received approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for the acquisition of 100% share capital of eBay India in June this year. eBay India could not get a stronghold in the Indian market despite being in the market two years before Flipkart.

8. SOFTBANK AND OTHERS JOIN ECOMMERCE LOBBY GROUP INDIATECH
Japan based venture capital firm SoftBank along with Matrix Partners and Kalaari Capital have joined the industry lobby group Indiatech.org. The venture capital firms will provide all the member startups with financial strategic expertise. Investors such as Tiger Global Management, Steadview Capital and Accel India were also invited to be a part of the initiative along with SoftBank and Matrix Partners. The lobby group, headed by Sachin Bansal, aims to represent local ventures seeking protection from resourceful global rivals. Indiatech will also focus on issues like job creation, skills training and providing resources to scale up Internet businesses.

9. ASIA HAS MORE BILLIONAIRES THAN USA
According to a report by Union Bank of Switzerland (USB) and PricewaterhouseCoopers, Asia has overtaken the United States of America with the highest number of billionaires. 117 people broke past the billion dollar mark in 2016, bringing the total number of billionaires in Asia to 637. Overall, in 2016, the world’s 500 richest people added $ 824 billion to the total, recording an increase of 19% in their wealth. The net worth of the world’s richest people combined is estimated at $ 5.2 trillion as of 25 October 2017. While China and India contributed to three quarters of the world’s new billionaires, US added only 25 billionaires for a total of 563.

10. WHATSAPP LAUNCHES ITS LATEST FEATURE: RECALL.
Facebook owned messaging service WhatsApp finally gave users what they have always wanted. The “Recall feature” will allow people to delete messages once sent in both the sender’s and the receiver’s phone. However, users can only delete the messages after seven minutes of it being sent. The deleted messages will be replaced with a “This message was deleted” message instead. Although the feature has been rolled out globally, only a few countries have received the update so far. But messages that are in quotes along with broadcasts cannot be deleted.

11. AMAZON TO DOUBLE DOWN ON INDIAN INVESTMENTS
Jeff Bezos, the founder of ecommerce firm had made a commitment to invest close to $ 5 billion in the lucrative Indian market. In this regard, Amazon plans to double down on its investments in India to focus on key areas such as its digital payments platform Amazon Pay and the Prime membership program. The company has already spent close to $ 2 billion to scale up its Indian business and recently pumped Rs. 260 crores in its online payments platform Amazon Pay. Both ecommerce majors, Flipkart and Amazon have been battling to claim the top position, post this year’s month long festive season sale.

12. IPHONE X SOLD OUT MINUTES AFTER PRE ORDERING STARTS
The latest smartphone released by technology giant Apple, iPhone X was sold out ten minutes after the pre orders were opened. The shipping time for the different models began to slip soon after the pre orders began at 12:01 A.M., on Friday, 27 October 2017. Consumers in Australia and UK also saw a delivery delay of five to six weeks. According to the ecommerce site eBay, there were 36,555 searches for iPhone X from midnight until 1 P.M., Eastern Standard Time. The first all screen smartphone, iPhone X, was revealed in September this year and is equipped with super retina display, Face ID scanning and wireless charging.

That’s all for this week! Subscribe to our portal to never miss updates from the startup world! If your startup has an exciting announcement coming up, you can even write to us at [email protected]. Catch up with the highlights of the week with our The News This Week section.

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Ratan Tata’s Passing: A Global Loss Remembered by Bill Gates and Industry Leaders!

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Ratan Tata's Passing: A Global Loss Remembered by Bill Gates and Industry Leaders!

The world is mourning the loss of Ratan Tata, the esteemed industrialist and national icon who passed away at the age of 86 on October 9, 2024, at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. His passing has elicited profound sorrow across the globe, with notable figures such as Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, expressing their condolences and reflecting on Tata’s significant impact on India and beyond.

Bill Gates’ Tribute

“Ratan Tata was a visionary leader whose dedication to improving lives left an indelible mark on India—and the world,” Gates remarked. “I had the privilege of meeting him on several occasions, and I was always moved by his strong sense of purpose and service to humanity. Together, we partnered on numerous initiatives to help people lead healthier, more prosperous lives. His loss will be felt around the world for years to come, but I know the legacy he left and the example he set will continue to inspire generations.”

During a visit to India in 2023, Gates met with Tata and Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the Chairman of Tata Sons. Their discussions focused on philanthropic efforts in health, diagnostics, and nutrition. Gates gifted Tata and Chandrasekaran copies of his books, “How to Prevent the Next Pandemic” and “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster,” reflecting their shared commitment to global betterment.

Collaborative Initiatives

The collaboration between the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Tata Trusts has been impactful, particularly with the establishment of the India Agritech Incubation Network (IAIN) in 2019. This initiative aimed to foster innovation for smallholder farmers through a network of incubators across India. In 2018, Tata Trusts contributed $1 million to the Gates Foundation to support data-driven governance via the DISHA Dashboard, which aggregated data from 41 flagship government schemes.

Outpouring of Condolences

Following the announcement of Ratan Tata’s passing, an outpouring of condolences emerged from around the globe. Many in India’s business community reflected on Tata’s profound influence on their lives and careers. N. Chandrasekaran described him as “a mentor, guide, and friend,” while Mukesh Ambani noted it as a personal loss. Gautam Adani remarked, “Legends like him never fade away.”

Legacy and Impact

Ratan Tata’s legacy as a leader, philanthropist, and visionary will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations. Under his stewardship from 1991 to 2012, Tata transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse, significantly boosting revenue from $5 billion in 1991 to over $100 billion by 2012. His leadership saw landmark acquisitions such as Jaguar Land Rover and Corus Steel, which elevated Tata’s profile internationally.

Beyond business achievements, Tata was known for his commitment to philanthropy through Tata Trusts, focusing on healthcare, education, and rural development initiatives that touched millions of lives across India.

Conclusion

Ratan Tata will be remembered not only for his remarkable contributions to Indian industry but also for his genuine compassion and commitment to societal betterment. His passing marks a significant loss for India and the global community; however, his enduring legacy will continue to inspire future leaders and innovators for generations to come.

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Remembering Ratan Tata: A Legacy of Leadership, Innovation, and Philanthropy!

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Remembering Ratan Tata: A Legacy of Leadership, In

Ratan Tata, the revered former chairman of Tata Sons, passed away on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86. His death signifies the conclusion of an influential era for both the Tata Group and the Indian business landscape as a whole.

A Legacy of Transformation

Born on December 28, 1937, in Navsari, Gujarat, Ratan Tata was the great-grandson of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group. He assumed leadership as chairman in 1991 during a critical period of economic liberalization in India. Under his stewardship, the Tata Group diversified into various sectors such as IT, steel, automobiles, and hospitality. One of his notable achievements was the launch of the Tata Nano in 2008, which aimed to provide affordable transportation to millions.

Tata’s strategic vision led to significant global acquisitions, including Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley Tea, transforming the Tata Group into a $100 billion conglomerate by 2012. His tenure saw over 60 acquisitions that expanded the group’s international footprint and solidified its place on the global stage.

Philanthropic Endeavors

Beyond his business prowess, Ratan Tata was deeply committed to philanthropy through the Tata Trusts. His contributions significantly impacted healthcare, education, and rural development initiatives across India. His dedication to social causes earned him prestigious accolades such as the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2004.

Tata championed entrepreneurship by investing in startups and fostering innovation through initiatives like Tata Capital and Tata Start-up Hub. Reports suggest he donated around 60-65% of his income to charitable causes, underscoring his commitment to societal betterment.

Tributes and Mourning

The announcement of Ratan Tata’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from leaders across various sectors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as “a visionary business leader” whose contributions were “immeasurable.” Mukesh Ambani and Sundar Pichai also expressed their condolences, emphasizing Tata’s role in elevating India’s presence on the global stage.

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra announced that Tata would receive a state funeral in recognition of his invaluable contributions to Indian society and industry. Social media platforms were flooded with tributes under hashtags like #RatanTata and #EndOfAnEra, reflecting the profound impact he had on countless lives.

Conclusion

Ratan Tata’s death is not merely a loss for his family and friends; it represents a significant loss for a nation that viewed him as a guiding light in both business and philanthropy. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations as they navigate the complexities of industry and social responsibility. Ratan Tata may be gone, but his remarkable life and contributions will be remembered for years to come.

As India mourns this great leader, it is vital to reflect on his enduring impact—one that transcended corporate boundaries and touched lives across various sectors. Ratan Tata leaves behind a legacy characterized by integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to upliftment.

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Sachin Tendulkar Joins Bank of Baroda as Global Brand Ambassador: A Strategic Partnership for Growth!

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Bank of Baroda has appointed cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as its global brand ambassador, marking a pivotal moment in the bank’s transformation strategy. This partnership aims to enhance the bank’s visibility and support its growth ambitions by leveraging Tendulkar’s immense popularity.

During the announcement, Debadatta Chand, Managing Director and CEO of Bank of Baroda, expressed pride in this collaboration, stating, “Sachin is a global icon who has always led by example.” He highlighted how Tendulkar has united the nation through his cricketing career, paralleling the bank’s role as a trusted partner for millions in achieving financial goals.

The collaboration comes at an opportune time as Bank of Baroda looks to expand its presence both domestically and internationally. The partnership is grounded in shared values of excellence and trust, aligning with Tendulkar’s esteemed legacy.

As part of this initiative, the bank will launch a campaign titled “Play The Masterstroke,” encouraging customers to make informed financial choices by choosing a trusted institution with over a century of legacy. Additionally, Bank of Baroda introduced the “bob Masterstroke Savings Account,” designed for clients seeking premium banking services.

Tendulkar expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting the bank’s evolution from modest beginnings to a leading financial institution built on principles of excellence and integrity. He remarked, “I am happy to partner with Bank of Baroda, an organization that continues to be relevant with the times.”

This collaboration not only strengthens Bank of Baroda’s brand but also positions Tendulkar as a key figure in promoting financial literacy and customer engagement. His involvement is expected to foster a deeper connection between the bank and its clientele.

In conclusion, Sachin Tendulkar’s appointment as global brand ambassador signifies Bank of Baroda’s strategic focus on aligning with prominent personalities who embody leadership and excellence. As both entities move forward together, they aim to create meaningful impacts that resonate across diverse demographics.

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