Dhaval Shah

When Dhruv Shah from FCB Kinnect first reached out to me for HDFC Bank's EOSS idea, I was stunned by the creativity of the idea, but I was equally concerned because we were being asked to create a deepfake of Nora, at the time when deepfakes were being look down upon! Once we were comforted that Nora is a partner in this (anti) crime, we then saw it as an opportunity for using our latest Generative AI models of Face Swapping and Voice Cloning, to raise awareness about the potential nefarious use cases of deepfakes, helping society build resilience and develop antibodies against such misuse- and I was like "Alright, let's do it!" Yes, we faced road blocks, yes we had late night meetings, but it all turned out beyond beautiful in the end, especially after this line up of awards that this campaign won: 🏆 Cannes Lions: A coveted Silver Lion in PR for Use of Events & Stunts, alongside 3 impressive shortlists! 🏆 The Abbys 2024 Goafest: We walked away with the top honor - the Grand Prix in the Use of AI category - alongside a staggering 3 Golds, 3 Silvers, and 2 Bronzes. 🏆 2024 Kyoorius Creative Awards: Adding to the recognition, the campaign secured wins in both the Experience & Engagement and Advertising categories. These awards are a testament to the power of impact when AI meets creativity. We're not just driving metrics for brands but also pushing the boundaries of creativity in ad campaigns, and raising awareness against potential harm that AI can cause! Thanks Dhruv and team FCB for trusting us as partners for this amazing campaign! With our upcoming Studio by Gan.AI release, we're set to redefine the limits of personalized video communication while democratizing the use of Generative AI (read PLG!). Stay tuned for new releases coming every month!

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BSNL Partners with BCG for a Comprehensive Revival Plan Exciting news for the telecom industry! Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India's premier state-owned telecommunications company, is set to embark on a transformative journey with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). This strategic partnership is aimed at revitalizing BSNL's operations and securing its position as a competitive force in the telecom market. Key Highlights: 1. Investment for Transformation: BSNL has committed 132 crore to BCG for consultancy services as part of a comprehensive revival plan. This substantial investment underscores BSNL's dedication to enhancing its operational efficiency and service quality. 2. Expertise of BCG: With BCG's global reputation for strategic consulting, BSNL will benefit from in-depth analysis and actionable strategies. BCG's involvement is poised to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to BSNL's longstanding challenges. 3. Operational Efficiency: The revival plan will focus on optimizing BSNL's operations, reducing inefficiencies, and improving customer service. Enhanced service delivery will be pivotal in attracting and retaining customers in a highly competitive market. 4. Government Support: As a state-owned entity, BSNL enjoys significant government backing. This collaboration aligns with national objectives to bolster telecom infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas, ensuring inclusive connectivity across India. 5. Strategic Importance: BSNL's role in providing telecom services across diverse geographies, especially in rural regions, makes its success crucial for national telecom objectives. Strengthening BSNL is essential for maintaining a robust, inclusive, and competitive telecom ecosystem in India. Why This Matters: BSNL has faced intense competition from private players like Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, which have rapidly gained market share through aggressive pricing, innovative services, and extensive network coverage. For BSNL to remain relevant and competitive, this revival plan is crucial. It will not only enhance BSNL's operational capabilities but also ensure that it continues to play a vital role in providing telecom services to millions of Indians, especially in areas where private players have limited reach. Looking Ahead: With BCG's strategic guidance, BSNL is well-positioned to navigate the dynamic telecom landscape. This partnership marks a pivotal step towards a sustainable and prosperous future for BSNL. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting transformation journey. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected India. 😁 #BSNL #BCG #Telecom #RevivalPlan #Telecommunications #India #Consulting #OperationalEfficiency #CustomerService #GovernmentSupport #Innovation #StrategicPartnership #InclusiveConnectivity #DigitalIndia #RelianceJio #Airtel #VodafoneIdea

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Bounty Hunters from Head Hunters? What's driving the Executive Search Market? Shorter CXO tenures? IPO Frenzy Indian Enterprises, Increasing Greenfield GCCs? Who has the edge in this 2000 crore-plus market in India? 1) SHREK global search firms with global reach/brand that claim over 50% of market share? 2) Large Indian search firms that traditionally had the best long-term relationships with Indian conglomerates? 3) Boutique search firms that are founded and run by ex-CXOs and CHROs due to their access to former employers and peer groups? 4) Search Network forms that work like consortiums passing leads across the globe to their affiliate partners? 5) Specialist Staffing firms extending their relationships to do CXO mandates with current customers? What differentiates them? 1)Brand 2)Relationships? 3) Processes 4) Leadership 5) Industry Expertise? 6) Pricing? What else?

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Interesting graph and consolidation is going to further reduce this list. Even if you account for the unlisted entities in print and television, media now is a very small segment when compared to the total market

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A Unified Front Against #Spamming and #Online #Frauds in India It is delightful to see the significant efforts by various government agencies and top regulators in India to counter #pesky calls and #online #fraud. The collaboration between the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India(TRAI) , Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Ministry Of Home Affairs (mha), GOI , and other key departments marks a crucial step in protecting consumers from #digitalthreats. The Menace of Financial Frauds In recent years, #financial #frauds have escalated dramatically, posing a severe threat to both individuals and businesses. The increasing sophistication of #cybercriminals has resulted in a surge of scams, ranging from #phishing attacks to #fraudulent #financial #transactions. These malicious activities not only lead to significant financial losses but also erode trust in #digitalplatforms. According to recent statistics: Online frauds have increased by over 50% in the last two years. Spam calls and #SMS #phishing ( #smishing ) have targeted millions of users, tricking them into revealing sensitive information. Financial scams have resulted in billions of rupees lost, affecting the livelihoods of countless individuals. Government Initiatives The concerted efforts by India's top regulators and government departments are aimed at tackling these challenges head-on. Some key initiatives include: 🔹 Enhanced Monitoring and Regulation: TRAI is implementing stricter monitoring of telecom services to identify and block spam and fraudulent calls. This includes the use of advanced technologies and algorithms to detect suspicious patterns. 🔹 Stricter Law Enforcement: The Ministry of Home Affairs is ramping up enforcement of existing laws against cybercrimes. This includes faster investigation processes and harsher penalties for offenders. 🔹 Consumer Awareness and Education: Both TRAI and RBI are launching extensive awareness campaigns to educate consumers on how to protect themselves from fraud. This includes guidelines on identifying phishing attempts and securing personal information. 🔹 Collaborative Efforts: By fostering collaboration between different regulatory bodies and financial institutions, these initiatives ensure a unified and robust approach to combating fraud. Impact on Consumers and Businesses These comprehensive measures not only bolster consumer confidence but also foster a safer digital ecosystem. By curbing fraudulent activities, we can ensure that the digital economy continues to grow without compromising security. Kudos to the dedicated teams working tirelessly to make this happen! Together, we can ensure a secure and spam-free digital experience for all. #DigitalSafety #ConsumerProtection #IndiaFightsFraud #RegulatoryEfforts #TRAI #RBI #CyberSecurity #StaySafeOnline #FinancialSecurity #CPaaS

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What Is a One Page Report---- 🌟 I am delighted to share that I have just completed a comprehensive one-pager report on Adani Enterprises, one of India's leading conglomerates. This report offers a detailed overview of the company's performance, strategic initiatives, and financial health. 🔍 Key Insights from the Report: 1. Robust Sales Growth: Adani Enterprises has demonstrated significant revenue growth, with total sales increasing from INR 44,275 crores in March 2020 to INR 97,567 crores in March 2024, despite a year-over-year dip of 24% in the latest fiscal year. 2. Improving Profit Margins: The company has seen an improvement in gross profit margins, rising to 22.57% in March 2024 from 13.11% in March 2020. EBIDTA and net profit margins have also shown positive trends, reflecting operational efficiencies. 3. Earnings Per Share (EPS): EPS has increased dramatically from INR 4.32 in March 2022 to INR 28.90 in March 2024, indicating strong profitability growth. 4. Strategic Investments: Adani Enterprises continues to invest heavily in infrastructure and sustainable energy projects. Notably, the company is set to start operations on a $1.1 billion copper project from March 2024 and plans to build two new transmission lines in Mumbai with an investment of INR 2,000 crore. 5. Financial Health: The company's return on equity (ROE) and return on capital employed (ROCE) have improved to 8.98% and 9.03% respectively by March 2024, indicating better utilization of shareholders' equity and capital. 6.Resilient Stock Performance: After recovering from a significant dip following the Hindenburg report in January 2023, Adani Enterprises' stock has risen by 12% in 2024, showing strong market confidence. Adani Enterprises remains a key player in various sectors including mining, integrated resources management, and infrastructure. The company’s ongoing projects and financial strategies position it well for future growth. For a detailed discussion or to receive a copy of the report, feel free to reach out or leave a comment below. #AdaniEnterprises #BusinessAnalysis #FinancialInsights #CorporateStrategy #Investment #MarketAnalysis

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The government has done many wonderful things like improvement in infrastructure and digital financial transactions but missed out on a number of fronts, including "Make in India". The lion seems to have roared more than walked. One of the primary objectives, increasing employment opportunities, remains unfulfilled. In fact, it has emerged as the most serious problem today. Another critical area is the erosion of democratic institutions. These and many other issues are discussed in this free-wheeling interaction. https://lnkd.in/gKdVnWCn

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Sebi has slapped penalties totalling ₹11.90 crore on 19 entities and also barred them from the securities market for up to five years for indulging in a pump and dump scheme in the shares Superior Finlease Ltd (SFL). Rajneesh Kumar, a shareholder-director of SFL and the mastermind behind the scheme, first manipulated the price of the scrip and thereafter, utilising the services of certain 'operators', offloaded the shares of the company at an inflated price to unsuspecting public investors. This should serve as a warning to all those investing in the market based on tips received on WhatsApp because in this particular case telegram channels were used to disseminate messages to unsuspecting investors. This has resulted in public shareholders purchasing the scrip at not just an inflated price but also ending up being 'stuck' with shares having little liquidity. https://lnkd.in/grwCYSZv

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AI leads to further consolidation of corporate profits. Governments rush to tax higher and print more money to invest in infra and give to the poor. Makes the currency weaker and incentivises big corporates to go off the currency grid. AI will lead to huge labour displacement and young nations (like India) will not like it but they will also have the most agile workforce which can adapt to AI. However, the risk of regulation, taxes and currency chaos will be high. AI agents can’t be fully effective till they can pay for commerce and services. But payments across traditional channels are tough for AI agents because they are not bearer instruments, so AI will need online bearer instruments to operate. Well, those are the reasons why bitcoin will be the currency of AI.

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📢 **Important Update on Telecom Sector- Draft Revised Preference to Make-in-India Notification** The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has released a draft revised "Preference to Make-in-India" notification concerning telecom products, inviting industry comments and suggestions. Key Highlights: - The draft aligns with the revised DPIIT order dated 19 July 2024. - Once finalized, it will replace previous notifications from the DoT related to Make-in-India. **Linking with PLI Scheme:** - Manufacturers listed under the PLI scheme for Telecom and Networking products will be classified as deemed Class-II local suppliers. The list of these manufacturers will be updated regularly at official website **Key Proposals/Changes:** - Bidders offering imported products will be classified as Non-local suppliers and cannot claim local supplier status based on services like transportation or AMC. - Revised list of telecom products in Table-A; earlier exemptions for certain procurement percentages now removed. - HSN codes have been added for product clarity. - Updates to local content rules and exemptions related to integrated chips, along with changes to self-certification formats. **Submit Your Comments:** Feedback on the draft notification is invited by 26 September 2024. It is opportune time to engage and seek clarity, analyse implications on the public sector business in the light of proposed guidelines. Kunal Chaudhary Smritikona Dutta Mahima Jain Over 50% Local Content may be Must for 36 Telecom Goods https://lnkd.in/gBaqdAMN Download Economic Times App to stay updated with Business News - https://lnkd.in/dM6c6uqA

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The virtual CFO model is experiencing significant growth in India, driven by the evolving needs of the nation’s burgeoning startup ecosystem and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By the end of 2023, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) had recognised 1,17,254 startups in India. Despite this growth, a Forbes report indicates that 90% of early-stage startups fail due to cash flow mismanagement, underscoring the critical need for expert financial leadership. Hiring a full-time CFO, with costs ranging from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore annually, is beyond the reach of most startups and SMEs. Virtual CFOs offer a practical solution, delivering strategic financial leadership at 40% to 60% lower costs. These professionals provide essential support in areas such as fundraising, accounting, financial planning and analysis, and investment management. More than three-quarters of startups working with virtual CFOs have successfully secured external funding at more favourable valuations. The advantages of virtual CFOs extend beyond cost savings. They excel in cash flow management, fundraising support, financial planning and analysis, risk management, investor relations, compliance, and governance. Their external perspective introduces fresh ideas and objectivity, enhancing the strategic decision-making process. India's dynamic startup and SME landscape is ideally suited to becoming a global hub for virtual CFO services. The increasing number of tech startups and small businesses necessitates strategic financial leadership, which virtual CFOs are well-positioned to provide. The country boasts a substantial talent pool of qualified chartered accountants and MBAs, ensuring a robust supply of capable virtual CFOs. Industry experience and cultural fit are pivotal selection criteria for these roles, and service providers employ stringent protocols and specialised tools to ensure secure data sharing and collaboration. Looking ahead, India is poised to have over 250 unicorn startups out of a total of 200,000 by 2025, employing 3.25 million people. Virtual CFOs will be instrumental strategic partners in this entrepreneurial surge. Their tailored services and deep understanding of the digital landscape will enable organisations to achieve unprecedented growth and success. #CFO #ChiefFinancialOfficer #finance #CorpwisAdvisorsPrivateLimited

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News Headlines from Business News Agencies: 16 oct Business Standard 📝 Steel import surge impacts domestic players' gross margins: Ind-Ra 📝 Mastercard opens new Tech Hub in Pune to drive growth and innovation 📝 SpiceJet's domestic passenger market share shrinks to 2%, says DGCA 📝 Macrotech acquires 7 land parcels to build Rs 16,600 cr housing projects 📝 Funding to Indian fintech rises 66%, number of rounds decline by 25% 📝 Avaada Energy closes Rs 597 crore refinancing for solar projects 📝 PE investments in Indian real estate sector decline 4% in H1 FY25 📝 Tata Digital launches life insurance products on Tata Neu with Tata AIA 📝 BofA Q3 profit beats expectation on investment banking, trading strength 📝 IBM acquires Prescinto for renewable energy asset performance management 📝 Govt announces 3 AI CoEs for healthcare, agriculture, sustainable cities Economic Times 📝 Export of oil meals from India drops 35 per cent in September 📝 Coal India's process for signing fuel supply pacts becomes digital 📝 Mamaearth's chief product and technology officer Jayant Chauhan quits 📝 Gautam Solar plans to raise Rs 1,000 crore via IPO to expand capacity 📝 BEML has received a contract to build India’s first bullet train 📝 TV Narendran elected as worldsteel Chairman; second Indian to head global body 📝 LIC Mutual Fund reduces daily minimum SIP limit to Rs 100 for select schemes 📝 Retail inflation likely to average 4.5 pc in 2024-25: RBI DG Patra 📝 Tata Group to create 500,000 jobs in India with major investments in manufacturing 📝 MCX launches cotton seed wash oil futures 📝 Govt examining product disclosures by quick commerce firms 📝 Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate inks joint venture with Kanodia Group for a luxury residential project in Gurugram Mint 📝 SpiceJet settles $23.39 million dispute with aircraft lessors for $5 million 📝 ICMR offers Indian firms technology to develop quick Mpox test kits 📝 Indigo Ventures gets SEBI approval to launch Venture Capital Fund 📝 Go First resolution professional can't become its liquidator, says NCLT 📝 Gadkari reviews industry preparedness for launch of ethanol, flex fuel vehicles 📝 Zomato-owned Blinkit tightens grip on talent amid fierce competition 📝 Jio launches JioBharat V3 and V4, budget-friendly 4G mobiles in India at ₹1099 📝 Investment firm Multiples adds credit strategy unit, hires ex-Deutsche man as MD 📝 Telcos push for policy reforms on data localization, AI, satellite services 📝 RBI repo rate cuts seen delayed to 2025 as inflation spikes to nine-month high 📝 HDFC AMC Q2 results: Net profit rises 32% to ₹577 crore, revenue up 38% 📝 PVR Inox Q2 Results: Firm posts net loss of ₹11.8 crore #latest #trending #economy #news #businessnews #business #stocks

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Part 6 of posts from 2024 Edelman trust Survey. This data reveals interesting insights into how countries perceive Indian companies. ➤ While nations in South East Asia & Middle East express high trust, others in Europe & West have significantly lower levels. 🌟 Interestingly - China trust Indian businesses more than India trust Chinese businesses. What are your thoughts on building trust in global markets? #Trust #India #GlobalBusiness #BusinessInsights #LinkedIn

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Thank you Mr. Amit Tyagi, Associate Director, ISB for this enlightening session. Grateful for the valuable information shared! Here are key takeaways for ISB aspirants: 📌 Curriculum Revolution: Agility Meets Industry Relevance ISB has overhauled its curriculum to keep pace with the rapidly evolving business landscape: 1. Streamlined to 7 terms with 4 intensive "block weeks" 2. Industry experts at the helm of 20-hour specialized courses 3. Increased flexibility in core courses, empowering students to tailor their learning 4. Enhanced focus on hands-on industry exposure and lifelong learning skills "We're preparing students not just for their next job, but for a lifetime of career transitions," says Amit. 📌 Decoding the ISB Admissions Forget about fixating on a single "magic number." ISB's holistic evaluation process considers: 1. Your complete profile: academics, work history, test scores, essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars 2. No rigid cutoffs for individual parameters 3. Alumni-led interviews, with panelists carefully matched to your background Pro Tip: "It's about building a compelling narrative across all application components," Amit emphasizes. Required: Test center-based GMAT/GRE scores Current class GMAT range: 610-780 (median 710, average 720) 📌 Crafting a Winning Application 1. Demonstrate deep self-awareness of your skills and career trajectory 2. Essays are crucial – invest time in multiple drafts and introspect, introspect, introspect. 3. For career switchers: Highlight those transferable skills! 📌 ISB Scholarship Opportunities 1. Merit-based awards up to 100% tuition waiver 2. Scholarships don't vary with rounds now. 3. Need-cum-merit options for applicants from lower-income backgrounds 4. Diversity and donor-specific scholarships to explore 📌 ISB walks the talk when it comes to building a varied class: 1. No rigid quotas for different backgrounds 2. Current class boasts 47% women and a 56% engineer to non-engineer ratio 3. Non-traditional backgrounds are genuinely welcomed The Golden Rule: "Introspect, be self-aware, and let that shine through your application," Amit advises. "ISB is looking for future leaders who can articulate their journey and vision." https://lnkd.in/gveDbUW6 #ISBAdmissions #MBAApplicationTips #BusinessSchool #CareerGrowth

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Check out my latest article, "Digital Leadership for a Viksit Bharat 2047: Fostering Innovation, Shaping Tomorrow," featured in The India Foundation Journal's May-June issue, one of the most respected mediums for policy discourse in India. I delve into the transformative journey of India over the past decade, focusing on key government reforms and digital initiatives. Exploring how digital inclusion, infrastructure development, and emerging technologies are shaping our path towards a developed India by 2047.  In the article, I have comprehensively covered the important government initiatives and their direct and indirect impact on the people and the country, including: 1.⁠ ⁠How digital inclusion has emerged as a cornerstone of development strategies in an increasingly interconnected world. 2.⁠ ⁠Analysis of the significant outcomes over the past decade, since the Indian government launched the ambitious “Digital India” programme in 2015 against the program's overarching goal.  3.⁠ ⁠Impact on the digital divide between urban and rural areas and connecting the unconnected. 4.⁠ ⁠Analysis of infrastructure development initiatives  5.⁠ ⁠The smartphone and data revolution as the foundation for the decade of transformation 6.⁠ ⁠Modi G se 5G - India's high tech adoption rates in the last 10 years 7. India's AI Mission 8.⁠ ⁠Solutions of complex societal challenges 9. Way Forward for a Viksit Bharat 10. The Next 100 Days I structured my piece around these 5 themes: 1.⁠ ⁠Economic Growth 2.⁠ ⁠Digital Public Infrastructure  3.⁠ ⁠Digital India Program 4.⁠ ⁠Entrepreneurship and Innovation  5.⁠ ⁠Emerging Technologies Also created a model based on where we are and where we aspire to be by 2047. As we aim to take the big steps towards a Viksit Bharat, the STRIDE model of Transformation aims to be the lighthouse, guiding us there. I thank the India Foundation leadership for the opportunity to thoroughly explore, engage, and examine and contribute to this very important theme. My comprehensive article, "Digital Leadership for Viksit Bharat 2047: Fostering Innovation, Shaping Tomorrow" can be found here. Do please read and share. would love to hear from you: https://lnkd.in/gQ7RFT4j #ViksitBharat2047 #DigitalIndia #DPI #IndiaAIMission #AI #publicpolicy #Modi #India #10years #goodgovernance #responsibleleadership #governmentaffairs #DevelopedIndia2027 #DigitalEconomy

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Co-lead a workshop (with Sumathi my business partner and Komal lath of Tute Consult) on branding and communication and why/how its' strategic & important for the portfolio companies of an early stage growth focused PE fund in Mumbai this noon. very interactive session. lots of takeaways. one of the biggest benefits of doing such workshops with founders and CXOs of growth companies is that you get to first hand understand their pain points and priorities. which makes you realize there is a long road ahead laden with great opportunity for those in PR & comms if we take off our hats and look at it from their perspective.

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