Honda Racing India riders gear up for Round-2 of 2024 Asia Road Racing Championship in China

Rahul Khatry,

Chandigarh 21 April 2024: After an adrenaline-charged debut in the 2024 Asia Road Racing Championship in Thailand, the IDEMITSU Honda Racing India team from Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is all set for Round-2 to be held at theZhuhai International Circuit in China this weekend.

After making a promising start at the inaugural round of 2024 Asia Road Racing Championship in the Asia Production 250cc (AP250cc) class, the Indian two-wheeler racing team enters the upcoming round with a total 5 points.

Commenting on the upcoming round, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “The first round of 2024 ARRC witnessed our feisty riders Kavin and Mohsin delivering powerful performances on the international soil, showcasing their racing prowess. Both our young guns scored points for the team. The performance of IDEMITSU Honda Racing India in the opening round of the 2024 Asia Road Racing Championship reflects our commitment to excellence and determination to succeed in this tough competition. As our riders head to China for Round-2, the team is fuelled with motivation and our riders are in full form. We are confident that they will continue to push boundaries and deliver remarkable results.”

In the AP250 class Race 2 of Round-1 in Chang International Circuit in Thailand, team rider Kavin Quintal, the Chennai (Tamil Nadu) racing prodigy secured a respectable position, earning crucial 3 points for the team. His strong performance in Round-1 is a testament to his talent and determination. The 18-year-old rider enters the Round-2 with total 3 points and currently placed at 15^th on the scoreboard.

His teammate, the promising rookie rider Mohsin P, the young lad from Mallapuram (Tamil Nadu) is at 16^thposition with 2 points at his second season at ARRC.

Sharing his thoughts, Kavin Quintal said, “I’m thrilled with our performance in the opening round of the Asia Road Racing Championship. It felt great to contribute points to the team. As we head to China for Round-2, I am confident that we will continue to up our game and aim for even better results. Thanks to the Honda team for their hard work and unwavering support. We wouldn’t have made it this far without them!”

Looking forward to the second round, Mohsin Parambansaid, “Round-1 came with its own set of challenges, I am proud of the team’s effort and resilience. It was a good learning experience, and I am eager to apply those lessons in Round-2 in China. Every race is an opportunity to grow and showcase our potential. I have worked hard on my weak points and I’m excited to see what we can achieve in China.”

Club Mahindra Adds 6 New Exotic Destinations for Its Members

Rahul Khatry,

Chandigarh, 3^rd April 2024: Club Mahindra, the flagship brand of Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, is delighted to announce the addition of new resorts to its existing portfolio. This addition by partnering with the resorts through inventory alliance is aimed at providing members with access to exotic destinations and unique experiences across the globe, further enhancing their vacation experiences.

Among the latest additions to Club Mahindra’s offerings are some stunning properties, including The Chumbi Mountain Retreat: Pelling, Sikkim; Hotel Pushkar Fort Resort: Ajmer, Rajasthan; Summit Green Lake Tea Resort: Kaziranga, Assam; Golden Tulip Westlands: Nairobi, Kenya; Royal Tulip Hotel & Casino Tbilisi: Georgia; Pullman Khao Lak Resort: Thailand; Radisson Resort: Hua Hin, Thailand.

These properties offer a wide range of amenities and experiences including, delightful culinary experiences, spa services, cultural and adventure activities, scenic views, and much more.

Julian Ayers, Chief Resort Officer, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, said “We are thrilled to announce the expansion of Club Mahindra’s portfolio with the addition of these exceptional properties across destinations worldwide. These additions through inventory alliances are in line with our target of doubling the room capacity to 10,000 by FY 30. We are excited to continue providing unparalleled holiday experiences to our members with these latest additions and look forward to enhancing their experience with more destinations to choose from.”

With these latest additions, Club Mahindra continues to expand its footprint, offering its members access to some of the most beautiful and exotic destinations in India and around the world.

Adani Green Energy becomes India’s first to surpass 10,000 MW renewable energy

Chandigarh 3 April 2024: Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL), India’s largest and one of the world’s leading renewable energy (RE) companies, has surpassed 10,000 megawatts (MW) of operational portfolio, delivering reliable, affordable, and clean power to the national grid. AGEL’s operational portfolio consists of 7,393 MW solar, 1,401 MW wind and 2,140 MW wind-solar hybrid capacity. The milestone is a testament to AGEL and its development partners firmly moving towards the goal of 45,000 GW renewable energy by 2030.

AGEL’s 10,934 MW operational portfolio will power more than 5.8 million homes and avoid about 21 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

AGEL is setting a precedent for how innovative technology, execution capabilities, digitization, a robust supply chain network, and long-term infrastructure financing, combined with sustainable practices, can drive the clean energy transition and decarbonization on a giga scale.

“We are proud to be India’s first das hazari in the renewables space,” said Mr Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group. “In less than a decade, Adani Green Energy has not just envisioned a greener future but has actualised it, growing from a mere idea to explore clean energy to achieving a phenomenal 10,000 MW in installed capacity. This achievement is a demonstration of the rapidity and scale at which the Adani Group aims to facilitate India’s transition to clean, reliable and affordable energy. In our drive towards 45,000 MW by 2030, we are building the world’s largest renewable energy plant in Khavda — a 30,000 MW project unparalleled on the global stage. AGEL is not just setting benchmarks for the world but redefining them.”

In line with AGEL’s pledge to enhance natural and social capital, the company is pursuing sustainable practices across its operations. AGEL’s unwavering focus on energizing a sustainable future for all is aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, water stewardship, waste management and a circular economy, biodiversity management and climate action. AGEL’s operating portfolio is certified ‘single-use plastic free’, ‘zero waste-to-landfill’ and ‘water positive for plants with more than 200 MW capacity’.

AGEL’s 10,000 MW contribution to India’s RE goals

– Largest greenfield expansion in India’s RE sector

– Represents about 11% of India’s installed utility-scale solar and wind capacity

– Contributing over 15% of India’s utility-scale solar installations

– Over 3,200 direct green jobs created

Provided blueprint for giga-scale development globally

FY16: World’s largest single location FY23: World’s largest single location Next milestone: World’s largest solar plant hybrid RE cluster RE project

648 MW at Kamuthi, Tamil Nadu 2,140 MW at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 30,000 MW at Khavda, Gujarat

AGEL is developing the world’s largest renewable energy project of 30,000 MW on barren land at Khavda in Kutch, Gujarat. Built across 538 sq km, it is five times the size of Paris and almost as large as Mumbai city. AGEL has operationalized 2,000 MW cumulative solar capacity (i.e. over 6% of the planned 30,000 MW) within 12 months of commencing work. Work at Khavda continues at a fast pace, with AGEL leveraging the project execution capabilities of Adani Infra, the manufacturing expertise of Adani New Industries Limited, the operational excellence of Adani Infrastructure Management Services Ltd. and the robust supply chain of our strategic partners.

Vedanta Stock Soars to 52-Week High, crosses 300 mark

Rahul Khatry,

Chandigarh, April 02, 2024: Shares of Vedanta Limited hit a 52 week high of Rs 301.95 (NSE) during trading session on April 02 on the back of the proposed demerger, rally in the global metal prices and the deleveraging steps at the conglomerate. Vedanta’s stock gained more than 4.5%, closing at Rs 300.85 (NSE) creating a nearly 10% gain since March 26.

Shares of Vedanta Limited hit a 52 week high of Rs 301.95 (NSE) during trading session on April 02 on the back of the proposed demerger, rally in the global metal prices and the deleveraging steps at the conglomerate. Vedanta’s stock gained more than 4.5%, closing at Rs 300.85 (NSE) creating a nearly 10% gain since March 26.

Vedanta’s rally is in line with the strength in global metal prices that are soaring due to multiple factors. Strong industrial data from China indicated an expansion in the manufacturing activity for the first time in six months. As China is the largest consumer of multiple metals, the strong economic data has led to a rally in metal stocks including Vedanta, a leading producer and supplier of iron ore, steel, copper and aluminium.

The rally is a reflection of the overall business potential and EBITDA projections of the company. Vedanta is expected to clock nearly $5 billion of EBIDTA in FY24 (April 2023 to March 2024). Similarly, the Vedanta Group is eyeing an EBIDTA of $6 billion in the next financial year (FY 25) and scaling it to $7-7.5 billion in the following year on the back of operational efficiencies across businesses.

The company is also on track for the demerger of its key businesses, including aluminum, into separate listed companies and allocation of debt across the demerged entities that would be done in proportion to their assets, sources had said.

Vedanta had earlier said that it plans to deleverage debt by $3 bn over 3 years, and that its promoter entity – Vedanta Resources – does not foresee a rollover of its debt.

“Deleveraging is our priority. We would be deleveraging the debt of Vedanta Resources by $3 billion over the next three years. VEDL’s cash flow pre-growth capex is estimated to be $3.5-4 billion for financial year 2025, sufficient for secured debt maturities of $1.5 billion,’’ said Mr. Navin Agarwal, Vice Chairman, VEDL and member of Promoter Group at a recently concluded analysts’ meet, according to analysts who attended the meeting.

In September last year, Vedanta announced the creation of demerger of metals, power, aluminium, and oil and gas businesses to unlock potential value. After the exercise, six independent verticals – Vedanta Aluminium, Vedanta Oil & Gas, Vedanta Power, Vedanta Steel and Ferrous Materials, Vedanta Base Metals and Vedanta Limited – will be created.

For every share of Vedanta, shareholders will receive one share of each of the five newly listed companies. After the demerger, the businesses of Hindustan Zinc as well as the electronics business will remain with Vedanta Limited.

Fevikwik Adds Four New Variants to Enhance Consumers’ Instant Repair Experience

Rahul Khatry,

Chandigarh 2 April, 2024: Fevikwik, a leading brand of instant adhesive solutions, from the house of Pidilite Industries Limited, announced the launch of innovative new products,Fevikwik Precision Pro, Fevikwik Gel, Fevikwik Advanced and Fevikwik Craft. The launch of new products aims to revolutionise the repair experience for consumers across diverse use cases.

Commenting on the launch of new products, Mr Sudhanshu Vats, Managing Director Designate, Pidilite Industries Ltd., said, “Over the past two decades, Fevikwik has been a market leader in the instant adhesives space. We are committed to meeting ever evolving consumer needs across various repair occasions. Our new variants, developed through extensive insights, aim to redefine customer experience. Each variant is tailored to specific needs, offering superior performance, and enhancing the overall repair experience while maintaining the strong adhesion feature across the line-up. Our vision is to continuously exceed expectations and set new industry benchmarks.”

The new range of products have been designed to offer superior performance and user experience across various usage categories – Fevikwik Precision Pro for precise application, Fevikwik Gel for spill-free repairs and opportunity to correct mistakes, Fevikwik Advanced with water-proof and shockproof properties, and Fevikwik Craft for crafting enthusiasts.

In addition to addressing consumer needs, Fevikwik prioritised product accessibility and availability by adding new channels and distribution centres across India. The brand has introduced multi-use, easy-to-stock packaging to meet the preferences of urban consumers, ensuring readiness for emergencies.

IHCL DEBUTS IN KOLLAM, KERALA, SIGNS A TAJ RESORT

Rahul Khatry,

Chandigarh, APRIL 2, 2024: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of a Taj branded resort at Kollam, Kerala. The resort is a Brownfield project.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of a Taj branded resort at Kollam, Kerala. The resort is a Brownfield project.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCLsaid, “With this signing, we further strengthen IHCL’s longstanding presence in Kerala. As a historic seaport city renowned for its picturesque landscapes and cultural heritage, Kollam holds immense potential as a prominent tourist destination. It is also the southern gateway to the renowned backwaters of the state. We are pleased to collaborate with Mr. Chacko Paul for this hotel. “

Nestled on a sprawling 13-acre site along the scenic Thirumullavaram Beach, the resort boasts nearly 600 feet of pristine beachfront. It will feature 205 rooms, each with breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. The resort will showcase a wide array of amenities including an all-day diner, a specialty vegetarian restaurant, a chic bar, a rejuvenating spa, an inviting swimming pool, and a fully equipped gym. With over 20,000 sq. ft. of versatile banqueting space and expansive lawns, it serves as the perfect venue for both corporate gatherings and social events.

Mr. Chacko Paul, Managing Director, M/s. Joy’s The Beach Resort Pvt Ltd, said, “We are delighted to partner with IHCL, recognized as India’s hospitality leader, for the development of this resort. With their proven track record of pioneering new destinations, we are confident that IHCL will elevate Kollam to a prominent position on the global tourist map.”

Kollam, situated on the serene shores of the Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River, is a popular leisure city. It is famous for its backwaters, beaches, islands, and rich cultural heritage embodied by ancient temples, churches, and mosques. It attracts travellers for its wellness offerings including authentic Ayurveda.

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 20hotels across Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta and Ginger brands in Kerala including 6 under development.

Cosmo Synthetic paper innovative brands compatible with diverse print media

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Rahul Khatry,

Chandigarh, 2^nd April 2024: Pushing the boundaries of possibilities, Cosmo Synthetic Paper (CSP), an innovative vertical of Cosmo Films, is leading the pack in synthetic paper manufacturing, with a commitment to excellence and innovation. With a focus on durability, printability, and sustainability, Cosmo Synthetic Paper is announcing 8 brands to address the myriad requirements of the printing business and provide cutting-edge solutions.

Being an alternative to traditional paper in applications where durability and longevity are desired, such as commercial printing, tags & labels, retail & packaging, identification & credentials, and outdoor applications,

Speaking about the extensive brand range of Cosmo Synthetic Paper, Mr Kulbhushan Malik, Global Business Head, Cosmo Films said, “These latest ranges under the Cosmo Synthetic Paper is to provide numerous solutions for various end users in the printing industry and is compatible with diverse print media. Our synthetic paper is an increasingly popular choice among businesses looking for innovative, cost-effective, durable, and sustainable paper-based solutions. We are confident the segmentation and branding of our offering will assist our buyers make the right choice in choosing the right paper and improving our client base.”

Aditya Birla Sun Life Frontline Equity Fund Wealth Creation Study

Monthly SIP of Rs 10,000 amounting to Rs 25.8 lakhs would have grown to over Rs 2 crores in 21 years

Lumpsum investment of Rs 1 lakh would have grown to nearly Rs 45 lakhs in 21 years

Rahul Khatry,

Chandigarh, April 2, 2024: Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Limited (ABSLAMC) was incorporated in the year 1994. Aditya Birla Capital Limited and Sun Life (India) AMC Investments Inc. are the promoters and major shareholders of the Company. ABSLAMC is primarily the investment manager of Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund, a registered trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882. The asset manager has reported that Aditya Birla Sun Life Frontline Equity Fund generated more than Rs 2 croreswith a monthly systematic investment plan (SIP) of Rs 10,000 in 21 years. That implies a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of16.5% during the same time.

Similarly, a lumpsum investment of Rs 1 lakhwould have grown to nearly Rs 45 lakhs in21 years. That’s a CAGR of 19.3% since inception.

The fund was launched on 30 August 2002. The open-ended equity scheme is managed by Mahesh Patil (since November, 2005) along with Dhaval Joshi (since November, 2022). The fund manager(s) combines a top down & bottom-up approach for making investing decisions and maintains sector exposure within the benchmark’s sectoral weight range. The scheme has a bias towards blue-chip companies and at the same time it also has a certain flexibility to invest in better performing companies outside the blue-chip space. The fund essentially follows the GARP (Growth At a Reasonable Price) philosophy to identify companies that have the potential to grow faster than the industry over the long-term and are available at reasonable valuations adjusted for growth. Investors stand to potentially gain from this strategy. The fund aims to invest in equity and equity-related securities, diversifying across industries in alignment with the Nifty 100 benchmark index.

Commenting on the wealth creation study,A. Balasubramanian, Managing Director & CEO, Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Ltd said,“In an evolving market landscape, where investors seek both growth potential and stability, Aditya Birla Sun Life Frontline Equity Fund has consistently strived to provide both, by investing in blue chip companies. I am confident that the fund will continue to remain true to its philosophy and follow the discipline shown over the years by proactively managing risk and deliver consistent performance in both bull and bear market phases. The fund size has grown to more than Rs 20,000 crores from Rs 10 crores in over 2 decades purely based on discipline, consistency and investor experience.”

DBS Foundation awards grants to six Businesses for Impact from Shark Tank India

Rahul Khatry,

Chandigarh, 2 April 2024: In line with its focus on championing businesses for impact, the DBS Foundation awarded grants to six sustainability-focused enterprises that were featured in Season 3 of Shark Tank India. The selected enterprises have a dual bottom line of both profit and purpose, i.e., positive social or environmental impact integrated into their business model. The DBS Foundation aims to encourage these startups to unlock growth via grant funding and non-financial support in the form of mentorship, networking, and capacity building.

DBS Bank India partnered with Sony Entertainment Television to co-power Season 3 of Shark Tank India. The funding by the DBS Foundation of the six sustainability-focused businesses featured on the show is in line with the bank’s underlying belief that these enterprises can be agents of change, while contributing to economic growth. The grant size for each individual enterprise ranges from INR 5 lakh to 15 lakh and will be utilised by the respective winners to build consumer awareness, scale operations, and deploy technology to enhance productivity.

The DBS Foundation, through its Business for Impact (BFI) chapter, aims to catalyse the growth of purpose-driven businesses like the six sustainability-focused enterprises featured on Shark Tank India Season 3. Among these startups, The Honest Home Company stands out for its mission to reduce plastic usage by offering responsible packaging alternatives.Dharaksha Ecosolutions creates biodegradable alternatives for packaging materials with the aim to curb stubble burning and plastic pollution. Without (by Ashaya) is a social enterprise that produces sunglasses from unrecyclable plastic waste and multi-layered plastic, such as packets of chips. FarmDidi is a foodtech startup, operating as a direct-to-consumer brand with a mission to provide high-quality food and empower 1 million rural women.

XMachines offers robotic solutions for farm operations to address the growing scarcity of agricultural labour. Interestingly, one of the DBS Foundation’s previous grant awardees, Trestle Labs, was also featured on Shark Tank India Season 3 and will now receive additional funding as part of this cohort. Their product, Kibo (Knowledge in a Box), makes education and employment inclusive, overcoming barriers such as language, literacy, and print disabilities like blindness, low vision, and dyslexia.

Shoma Narayanan, Managing Director, and Head, Group Strategic Marketing & Communications, DBS Bank India said,“Our partnership with Shark Tank India and Sony Entertainment Television has helped us enhance our outreach to the start-up segment. It has also given us access to some groundbreaking Businesses for Impact who are leveraging innovation to make a positive impact to the environment and to society. By supporting the growth of the grant recipients through the DBS Foundation we hope to help them further scale up their impact.”

The DBS Foundation worked with Sony Entertainment Television and Shark Tank India teams to identify the sustainable enterprises out of the larger number of applicants who were profiled on the televised series. These nominees were then required to submit a detailed application form to the DBS Foundation explaining their business model, financials, and potential impact, along with a pitch process to a jury comprising senior leadership from DBS Bank India and the DBS Foundation.

The goal of the DBS Foundation is to create long-lasting and sustainable impact, and to inspire all businesses to adopt responsible methods of production and consumption. In 2023, the DBS Foundation engaged with over 380,000 stakeholders including customers, SMEs, social enterprises, students, and partners through a variety of forums and partnerships.

Many of these social enterprises, bolstered by DBS support, have scaled significantly. For example, Haqdarshak is an award-winning enterprise that enables last-mile access to social protection and financial inclusion for India’s low-income and marginalised communities. It has worked with the DBS Foundation since 2018. Haqdarshak appeared on the second season of Shark Tank India and impressed the panel with its for-profit approach to social impact, receiving a joint offer of INR 1 crore for 2% equity from the Sharks. It has trained over 38,000 field agents and provided benefits worth over INR 17,000 crore to over 6 million Indian citizens and 48,000 micro-businesses.

Asia Society India Centre Board Names Sangita Jindal New Chair

Rahul Khatry,

CHANDIGARH, April 02, 2024:

The Asia Society India Centre Board has announced the election of Sangita Jindal as the new Chair of the Board. Her role will be effective from the 1st of April, 2024. “I am so delighted to welcome Sangita Jindal as Chair of the Asia Society India Centre Board. She has been an immense support to our mission in South Asia and her work to support contemporary art in India and South Asia has been a transformative force; I look forward to working with her to strengthen Asia Society’s footprint in South Asia,” said Asia Society India Centre CEO Inakshi Sobti.

Sangita Jindal is President, Art India and Chairperson of the JSW Foundation, which is responsible for the social development projects of the JSW Group of Companies. In the twenty years that she has been spearheading the JSW Foundation, it has enlarged its scope of activities in the areas of education, health, livelihood creation, local sports development and conservation of arts and cultural heritage. She established the Jindal Arts Centre in 1992 and founded Art India, India’s premier art magazine, in 1994. She was among the team that conceptualised the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival and was awarded the Eisenhower Fellowship in 2004. She has founded the Hampi Foundation that has undertaken conservation work at three temples in Hampi. She is a Global Trustee of Asia Society and a member of the Board of the National Culture Fund, Trustee of the World Monument Fund, advisor to TEDxGateway and a member of the IMC Ladies’ Wing Art, Culture and Film Committee.

Founded in 1956 by John D. Rockefeller 3rd, Asia Society is a nonpartisan, nonprofit institution with major centers and public buildings in New York, Houston and Hong Kong, and offices in Los Angeles, Manila, Melbourne, Mumbai, San Francisco, Seattle, Seoul, Sydney, Tokyo, Washington, D.C. and Zurich. The India Centre was founded in 2006; it is the only Asia Society Centre in South Asia and aims to encompass all of the subcontinent in its mission to bring together diverse perspectives on modern Asia and cultivate a nuanced understanding of Asia- Pacific affairs. To learn more about Asia Society India, head to asiasociety.org/india.

TP Saurya Limited Commissions 200 MW Solar Project in Bikaner, Rajasthan

Rahul Khatry,

Chandigarh, 1^st April’ 24: TP Saurya Limited (TPSL), a subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL or the Company), proudly announces the successful commissioning of a 200MW solar project located in Bikaner, Rajasthan, for Tata Power Trading Company Limited (TPTCL).

TP Saurya Limited (TPSL), a subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL or the Company), proudly announces the successful commissioning of a 200MW solar project located in Bikaner, Rajasthan, for Tata Power Trading Company Limited (TPTCL).

Expected to generate an impressive 485 Million Units of energy annually, the project aligns with the Company’s mission to drive substantial contributions to India’s renewable energy capacity. Furthermore, the project will be seamlessly integrated into the Central Transmission Utility (CTU) Bus, ensuring efficient distribution of clean energy across the region.

The endeavour marks a significant milestone in the renewable energy landscape, highlighting TPREL’s unwavering commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Despite encountering numerous challenges, including adverse weather conditions with temperatures soaring to 50+ degrees Celsius, extreme cold winters, sandstorms, and geopolitical hurdles, the project was completed within the designated timeline.

This achievement is a testament to the exceptional project execution and engineering expertise demonstrated by the TPREL team.

In addition to its significant energy output, the initiative is poised to make a remarkable impact on environmental sustainability, with an estimated annual decrease of 3,88,000 tonnes carbon footprint. Additionally, the project involved the installation of approximately 5,23,365 modules. TPREL remains dedicated to pioneering innovative renewable energy projects and looks forward to continuing its journey towards a cleaner, greener future for India and beyond.

With the addition, the total renewables capacity of TPREL reached 9,018 MW (PPA capacity is 7,632 MW) including 4,547 MW projects under various stages of implementation and its operational capacity is 4,471 MW, which includes 3,444 MW solar and 1,027 MW wind.

APSEZ handles 420 MMT cargo globally, Domestic ports handle over 408 MMT

Rahul Khatry,

Chandigarh 1 April, 2024: Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), India’s largest ports and logistics company, has handled 420 MMT (+24% Y-o-Y) cargo in FY24 (including international ports), with domestic ports contributing Over 408 MMT cargo. It has also handled its highest ever monthly cargo volumes (incl. international ports) of over 38 MMT in March 2024. Ten of our ports and terminals handled record cargo volumes: Mundra 180 MMT, Tuna 10 MMT, Hazira 26 MMT, Mormugao 5 MMT, Karaikal 12 MMT, Ennore 13 MMT, Kattupalli 12 MMT, Krishnapatnam 59 MMT, Gangavaram 37 MMT and Dhamra 43 MMT.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), India’s largest ports and logistics company, has handled 420 MMT (+24% Y-o-Y) cargo in FY24 (including international ports), with domestic ports contributing Over 408 MMT cargo. It has also handled its highest ever monthly cargo volumes (incl. international ports) of over 38 MMT in March 2024. Ten of our ports and terminals handled record cargo volumes: Mundra 180 MMT, Tuna 10 MMT, Hazira 26 MMT, Mormugao 5 MMT, Karaikal 12 MMT, Ennore 13 MMT, Kattupalli 12 MMT, Krishnapatnam 59 MMT, Gangavaram 37 MMT and Dhamra 43 MMT.

During FY24, more than one-fourth of all India cargo volumes was routed through APSEZ ports. This significant contribution by APSEZ underscores its active role in driving India’s growth trajectory. It also shows that India’s largest port operator comfortably surpassed its cargo volume guidance of 370 MMT – 390 MMT provided at the start of the financial year.

Mr. Karan Adani, Managing Director, APSEZ, said, “While it took 14 years for the company to achieve the first 100 MMT of annual cargo throughput, the second and third 100 MMT throughputs were achieved in 5 years and 3 years. The latest 100 MMT mark has been achieved in less than two years. This is a testament to our ongoing commitment and efforts towards enhancing operational efficiencies and maintaining our position as a top port operator in the industry.”

APSEZ achieved this phenomenal growth by putting customers at the forefront of all its decisions. Its approach of strategic partnerships with customers has ensured long-term associations with key stakeholders. Supported by investment in world-class infrastructure that has delivered a high level of operating efficiency and a business model focused on providing an end-to-end solution through last mile connectivity, APSEZ has managed to successfully win customers and improve its market share.

What makes these accomplishments noteworthy is that they were achieved despite multiple challenges, such as the global trade disruptions caused by the Red Sea crisis, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and issues at the Panama Canal, and disruption of operations due to Cyclone Biparjoy and Cyclone Michaung.

This year saw APSEZ achieving various new operational milestones. Its flagship port Mundra became the first in India to handle 16 MMT cargo in a single month (October 2023). Its container terminal CT-3 achieved a milestone of becoming the first in India to handle 3 million TEUs during the year and around 3 lakh TEUs in a single month (November 2023). It berthed the largest-ever vessel at any Indian port (around 399 m-long and 54 m-wide) and handled the highest number of TEUs (16,569) on a single ship, MV MSC Livorno, surpassing the national best of 16,400 TEUs. It handled over 4,300 vessels, crossing its previous record of 3,938 vessels.

In the container segment, the ports at Mundra, Hazira, Kattupalli and Ennore handled record volumes. Around 44% of the containerised seaborne cargo in India moves through APSEZ ports. Its container volumes have grown by 2X of India’s container growth (~11% as compared to the all-India growth of ~5%) in the last 5 years. Mundra port handled record container volumes by rail of 1.9 MTEUs, a growth of 12% over last year. Till February 2024, the double stack coefficient was 59% as compared to last year’s 54%.

In the dry cargo segment, ports such as Tuna, Mormugao, Karaikal, Krishnapatnam, Gangavaram and Dhamra handled record volumes this financial year. Dhamra berthed its first LNG-powered cape-sized vessel, MV Ubuntu Unity, while Krishnapatnam berthed its largest-ever vessel with dimensions of LOA 335.9 m and beam 42.9 m. With regard to liquid cargo, Mundra, Kattupalli, Krishnapatnam and Dhamra handled record volumes.

ACC, Ambuja are ‘India’s Most Trusted Cement Brands’

Rahul Khatry,

Chandigarh, 1 April 2024:

ACC and Ambuja Cement, India’s leading cement manufacturing companies and part of the diversified Adani Portfolio, have been ranked as ‘India’s Most Trusted Cement Brands’ by TRA Research in its Brand Trust Report 2024: ACC is No. 1 and Ambuja Cement 2. This is the third consecutive year Ambuja Cement has featured on the coveted list; ACC has held the top spot for the past two years. This recognition marks an important milestone for both brands, cementing their position as the most trusted names in the industry.

The report emphasises the role of transparency and social responsibility in earning consumer trust, aspects both ACC and Ambuja Cement have been able to establish based on a syndicated primary research study conducted among 2,553 consumer influencers across 16 cities. Both have set high standards in the industry. Through their focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions, they have exceeded expectations and solidified their reputation as trusted names.

Mr. Ajay Kapur, CEO – Cement Business, Adani Group,said, “We are honoured to be recognised as ‘India’s Most Trusted Cement Brands’. This is the result of our consistent focus towards quality, sustainability and customer-centricity with competitiveness, and the trust we have built with stakeholders. At the heart of our success lies a relentless pursuit of exceeding expectations of customers while steadfastly upholding responsibility towards the environment. We are grateful for the trust and confidence that consumers have placed in us and remain committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence.”

TRA Research’s annual rankings are highly regarded by the industry, providing valuable insights into consumer perceptions and preferences. TRA’s Brand Trust Report is the result of comprehensive primary research conducted on its proprietary 10 brand behaviours, which make up the Brand Trust Matrix. The report provides invaluable consumer insights to leading Indian and global organizations, allowing them to enhance their brand’s scope and relevance in these fast-changing times.

Mahindra Aerostructures Launches a Strategic Relationship With Airbus Atlantic

Rahul Khatry,

Chandigarh, April 1, 2024

– Mahindra Aerostructures Pvt Ltd (MASPL) and Airbus Atlantic have signed a multi-year contract for the manufacture and delivery of metallic components and small assemblies, for the entire Airbus commercial aircraft family, including the best-selling A320 family. Under the contract, worth approximately USD100m, MASPL will supply close to 2,300 varieties of metallic components to Airbus Atlantic in France from its manufacturing base in India. The contract adds to existing MASPL programs to deliver parts directly to Airbus at their facilities in France and Germany.

Speaking about the deal, Mr Vinod Sahay, President Aerospace and Défense Mahindra Group, said, “This new contract from Airbus Atlantic opens a new frontier in our existing relationship with the Airbus Group, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer value across the realm of industrial maturity, digitalization, performance and sustainability”

MASPL has been a direct supplier to Airbus Group since 2015, and partners with Airbus on numerous initiatives. It has been ranked as a D2P “Challenger” for three years in the Sheet Metal Parts domain, as well as level “A” in the Airbus Industrial Process Capability Assessment (IPCA+) and has won “Best Performer” award in the 2023 Airbus Supplier Quality Improvement Program (SQIP) awards.

Farmley’s Hilarious April Fools Prank Leaves Netizens in Splits

Rahul Khatry,

Chandigarh, 1 April 2024:

In an endeavour that spread much cheer and laughter across the nation, Farmley, the wholesome snacking brand , recently undertook an April Fool’s Day prank by launching Brain Balm – a “memory boosting” roll on balm made with almonds. The announcement had netizens cracking up over the product which promised to address slice-of-life instances like forgetting passwords, anniversaries, and even where one parked their car in a maze-like mall basement.

The concept behind the prank was to playfully remind people of the often overlooked health benefits of almonds for memory enhancement. The campaign’s humorous approach, with taglines like “No More Forgetting Thousand Passwords Again” and “No More Forgetting to Soak Almonds in the Night,” struck a chord with the audience and had them in stitches.

Simran, Senior Manager – Social Media & Content at Farmley, expressed delight at the campaign’s reception, stating, “April Fool’s Day allows us to connect with our audience in a fun and engaging way. We wanted to use this opportunity to highlight the goodness of almonds in a light-hearted manner, and the response has been fantastic.”

Farmley’s diverse range of wholesome snacking options and authentic dry fruits and nuts are available on popular online commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart, as well as in retail stores nationwide. The Brain Balm launch may have been a prank, but Farmley’s unbending belief to keep innovating makes one just want to believe that they can make this happen too. Farmley is a wholesome snacking brand offering a wide range of products that integrate into different eating occasions as nutritious and delightfully tasty options.

TVS RACING ANNOUNCES SPONSPORSHIP FOR INDIA’S F1 CONTENDER – KUSH MAINI

Rahul Khatry,

Chandigarh, March 29, 2024:

TVS Motor Company (TVSM) – a leading global automaker that operates in the two and three-wheeler segments, today made a significant move signalling its commitment to the broader motorsports landscape. TVS Racing – India’s first factory racing team and the pioneer of the One Make Championship (OMC) in India, proudly announces its sponsorship deal with Kush Maini, the talented Formula 2 (F2) racer. Renowned for its dominance in two-wheeler motorsport, TVS Racing’s support for Kush Maini marks a pivotal step towards fostering motorsports excellence across diverse platforms by the company.

TVS Racing has trained and given the opportunity to over 5,000 budding racers to sharpen and showcase their skills as part of their TVS OMC program that consists of four categories in India – Rookie, Women’s, Media, and Expert, and TVS Asia One Make Championship that made its foray in 2022 on International tracks. From nurturing talent to achieving international acclaim, the brand’s unwavering dedication to motorsports has been a cornerstone of its identity.

Speaking on the collaboration, Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Companyexpressed, “TVS Racing has consistently strived to push boundaries and redefine standards in motorsports for over four decades now. It’s been instrumental in fostering motorsports in India, with a commitment to nurture talent globally. Our efforts with honing the talents of racers like Harith Noah, Aishwarya Pissay and more, on a global stage is testament to our commitment of democratising motorsports. And our decision to sponsor Kush Maini underscores the same commitment of nurturing talent and promoting the culture of racing in India, with a keen focus on celebrating international formats including the likes of F1 and F2. As a company deeply rooted in motorsports, we are thrilled to embark on this journey with Kush and extend our support in his endeavours.”

Expressing his enthusiasm for the partnership,Kush Maini said, “It’s an honour to be supported by TVS, a company that’s very prestigious in India. It has been a driving force in pushing young talent from India to the world stage. It makes me proud to see the TVS colours on my car and suit in an elite championship like Formula 2. I am grateful for their support.”

Kush Maini, hailing from Bengaluru, India, is an accomplished racing prodigy with an impressive track record. He currently races in FIA Formula 2, and is currently 5^th in the championship standings after 3 rounds. He is also part of the Alpine Academy as a junior driver and Mahindra Racing as a reserve driver for Season 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Kush is mentored by two time Formula 1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen. Having demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout his career, Maini has earned accolades and admiration on both national and international circuits. His pursuit of excellence aligns seamlessly with TVS Racing’s ethos of relentless performance and continuous innovation.

By sponsoring Kush Maini, TVS Racing aims to contribute to the growth and development of motorsports while showcasing the country’s talent on an international platform.

Indian BJP Electoral Bond Scam 2024 India hides from America

Sakht Khabar Correspondent,
29 March 2024, New Delhi,

Modi lead BJP Party involved in serious Electoral Scam 2024 and tried to hide it from America USA because of upcoming Union India Election
Why would any company donate Rs 236 crore to BJP? Three companies of Bharti Group have donated Rs 236 crore to BJP.
Within two months of allotment of satellite spectrum, Bharti Airtel donates Rs 150 crore to BJP and also gets approval for the spectrum.
In 2019, Uday Kotak publicly criticized the electoral bond policy, but a year later his company donated Rs 60 crore.
A total donation of Rs 945 crore was made by 35 companies of the pharma sector.
Of these, at least 22 companies gave money to the ruling party of their state.
Even when Foreign ministry of America asked for bail of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal then Indian BJP social media cell informed Indian Foreign ministry and asked American Embassy to give Explanation.
ED agency arrest of Arvind Kejriwal is irrelevant.
Why were these companies distributing so much money? Hindi newspapers may have stopped reporting on the electoral bond issue, but the matter is not over yet.

India BJP Government involved in Electoral Bond Scam 2024

Sakht Khabar Correspondent,
28 March 24, New Delhi,

Modi lead BJP Party involved in serious Electoral Scam 2024 and tried to hide it from America USA because of upcoming Union India Election 
Why would any company donate Rs 236 crore to BJP? Three companies of Bharti Group have donated Rs 236 crore to BJP. 
Within two months of allotment of satellite spectrum, Bharti Airtel donates Rs 150 crore to BJP and also gets approval for the spectrum. 
In 2019, Uday Kotak publicly criticized the electoral bond policy, but a year later his company donated Rs 60 crore. 
A total donation of Rs 945 crore was made by 35 companies of the pharma sector.
Of these, at least 22 companies gave money to the ruling party of their state. 
Even when Foreign ministry of America asked for bail of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal then Indian BJP social media cell informed Indian Foreign ministry and asked American Embassy to give Explanation. 
ED agency arrest of Arvind Kejriwal is irrelevant.
Why were these companies distributing so much money? Hindi newspapers may have stopped reporting on the electoral bond issue, but the matter is not over yet.

INDIA TAKES AIM AT GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS WITH THE LAUNCH OF WORLD CLASS QUALITY INSTITUTE – INDIA FOUNDATION FOR QUALITY MANAGEMENT (IFQM)

Chandigarh, March 19, 2024: In a bold move to address a critical challenge, a consortium of seven leading Indian companies have launched the Indian Foundation for Quality Management (IFQM), a Section 8 not-for-profit Company. IFQM is a unique institute dedicated to fostering a culture of quality and innovation within Indian businesses.

The initiative, spearheaded by India Inc. viz. Tata Sons, TVS Motor Company, Sun Pharma, Motherson Group, Bharat Forge, Boeing India, and Biocon aims to propel the “Make in India” brand on the global stage.

IFQM will endeavour to equip business leaders with the latest knowledge and tools in quality management, connecting them to renowned global experts for personalized guidance, and facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration among industry leaders. IFQM will provide support to organisations with specialized quality counsellors and bridge the gap between industry and academia to ensure access to cutting-edge research and insights.

Chairman Emeritus, TVS Motor Company, Mr. Venu Srinivasan – Chairman (IFQM), Tata Sons Chairman Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Managing Director, Sun Pharma, Mr. Dilip Shanghvi and Mr. Soumitra Bhattacharya – CEO (IFQM) are the Board members of IFQM.

“IFQM has the potential to be a game-changer for Indian Industry by creating a culture of best practice sharing and cross learning on quality and innovation” saidMr. Venu Srinivasan, Chairman IFQM. “We can thus unlock our true potential and compete head-on with the best in the world,” he added.

IFQM’s governing council members besides Mr. Venu Srinivasan, Mr. N Chandrasekaran, and Mr. Dilip Shanghvi will include Ms. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Mr. Baba Kalyani. Mr. T.V. Narendran, Mr. Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Mr. Salil Gupte and Mr. K.N. Radhakrishnan.

These founding members will be actively involved in IFQM’s governance ensuring its programs are tailored to the specific needs of Indian businesses. IFQM is designed to provide senior leadership in India with targeted counselling, training, coaching, and expert guidance. IFQM aims to institutionalize a culture of Quality within Indian organizations.

The one-of-its-kind industry-led initiative will help improve the product and service quality and reliability of Indian businesses equipping them to compete more effectively on the global stage and build supply chain resilience. The aim is to reinforce the “Made in India” brand in international markets, thereby stimulating trade expansion.

Enhanced competitiveness will lead to economic growth and overall prosperity for the people of India.

https://ifqm.org.in/

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India concludes second edition of Honda Manesar Half Marathon – Run for Road Safety

Chandigarh 13 March 2024: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is proud to conclude the second edition of the Honda Manesar Half Marathon – Run for Road Safetywith a stellar success. Flagged off from HMSI’s Global Resource Factory at IMT Manesar in Gurugram, Haryana, it took place on
10^th March 2024. This event was organized to amplify awareness about road safety, aligning with the company’s global vision to realize zero traffic collision fatalitiesinvolving Honda motorcycles and automobiles globally by 2050.

In pursuance of its vision to be a ‘Company which society wants to exist’, HMSI is dedicated towards fulfilling its social objectives. The Honda Manesar Half Marathonserved as a powerful platform, bringing together over 6,000 enthusiasts to run for the noble cause of road safety. There were three categories of participation: 5km fun run, 10km run & 21.1km Half Marathon. The route was carefully curated in the IMT Manesar area to ensure a smooth experience for everyone.

Renowned bollywood actor Jimmy Shergill graced the occasion as the celebrity guest. Participants not only contributed to a safer road environment but also wonexciting prizes. Top achievers were awarded the covetedShine 100 & stylish Dio 110. Additionally, there were cash rewards as well to acknowledge their remarkable achievements. To add an element of excitement for all participants, a thrilling lucky draw was conducted, and one fortunate individual walked away with the grand prize – Honda CB350.

The success of the Honda Manesar Half Marathon underscores the commitment of HMSI towards promoting road safety and fostering a healthier community. HMSI extends heartfelt gratitude to all participants, Government authorities of Haryana, Industry association of IMT Manesar and various industries situated in IMT Manesar who contributed to the resounding feat of the Honda Manesar Half Marathon. The entire proceeds from this event will be donated for the road safety cause.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, said “We are thrilled to host the successful second edition of the Honda Manesar Half Marathon – Run for Road Safety. It was not just a race, but a movement towards creating safer roads for everyone. Honda is committed to making a positive impact on road safety, and this marathon is a testament to that commitment. I thank all the participants for making this event a great success and let us all take pledge with determination to create a safer and more responsible society.”

For more information, contact: public.relations@honda2wheelersindia.com

Voltas announces its signature summer campaign ‘Shor Kam, Kaam Zyada’ for its new range of Voltas SmartAir ACs, along with the comeback of its main protagonist, Murthy, after 6 years

Voltas announces its signature summer campaign ‘Shor Kam, Kaam Zyada’ for its new range of Voltas SmartAir ACs, along with the comeback of its main protagonist, Murthy, after 6 years

The campaign focuses on the ‘Super Silent’ feature of the SmartAir AC, with its unique sleep mode that adjusts the temperature while one is asleep.

Chandigarh, March 13 2024: Voltas, India’s undisputed leader in Cooling Products and India’s No. 1 AC brand, from the house of TATA, has launched its summer campaign titled ‘Shor Kam, Kaam Zyada’ to promote the company’s new Voltas SmartAir AC series. The campaign was created keeping the consumer insights, which clearly voted for connectivity, comfort and convenience as the main drivers for their AC purchase.

• Link: https://youtu.be/DrfwSZubZJ8?si=LZ9YKaSEQ99ExFvS
• Link: https://youtu.be/8hQZvoIiws4?si=GzjVQWNKyUpZQ6Q1

The new Voltas SmartAir AC is ‘Super Silent’ AC, with a unique sleep mode and IoT connectivity. The campaign is intended to emphasize the AC’s ‘Super Silent’ feature in a distinctive and nostalgic way. This innovative air conditioner is specifically developed to give cooling, convenience, and comfort to the user through its ‘Super Silent’ operations, which ensures lesser operating noise, combined with ‘Sleep Mode,’ which is provides adaptive cooling as per changing body temperature of people sleeping in the room. The new AC range also includes add-on features such as temperature control via smartphones (once connected to the Voltas Smart App or through Amazon Alexa or Google Homes), making it a one-of-a-kind offering.

This summer, scorching heat isn’t the only thing making a return! Voltas, India’s No.1 Air Conditioner brand, has reintroduced the endearingly humorous yet intelligent protagonist Murthy in an exciting new campaign. Murthy, who has won many hearts with his calm persona and his witty dialogues, has returned to promote Voltas’ latest line of SmartAir ACs, which feature super-silent operation, an innovative sleep mode, and a cutting-edge, IoT-enabled design.

The new campaign features Murthy keeping his cool when faced with his chatty brother-in-law, emphasizing the striking contrast between him and the noiseless efficiency of Voltas ACs. The tagline “Shor Kam, Kaam Zyaada” brilliantly catches the core of the campaign and delivers the message without creating a fuss. The campaign, which revolves around two quirky advertisements, is a delight to watch, with Murthy’s timeless charm taking centre stage alongside Voltas’ SmartAir ACs.

Commenting on the new campaign, Deba Ghoshal, Vice President & Head of Marketing, Voltas Limited, said, “Yes he is back! Quietly and effortlessly like our new product offering. And this time, more witty, more sharper and more contemporary. Check out our teasers to get an idea of what is planned ahead for this summer. Voltas ACs have always been a popular and a leading choice among consumers, and over the past decade, Murthy has become synonymous with the brand. However, this time it’s all about being smart, yet silent – Shor Kam, Kaam Zyada!

Voltas, the undisputed leader in Cooling Products, launches IoT enabled SmartAir ACs with Super Silent Operation

Chandigarh, 13 March, 2024: Voltas, India’s undisputed leader in Cooling Products, and the No. 1 AC brand, from the house of Tata’s, has strengthened its leadership position further in the Cooling Products space. Voltas has launched its SmartAir Inverter AC series, offering a bundle of smart features and IoT capabilities. This new lineup boasts lower noise levels, effortless temperature adjustments, and advanced functionalities accessible through the Voltas Smart Mobile App, available on both Google Play Store and iOS App Store. The IoT-enabled device can swiftly connect to the user’s network and smart speakers. The SmartAir AC is compatible with Alexa and Google Home. Consumers can also track and analyze their energy usage with the Energy Consumption Trend graph feature.

Presently, Voltas has introduced a total of 6 IoT enabled SKUs, of which 3 SKUs will be in the 5-Star Inverter Split AC and 3 in the 3-Star Inverter Split AC.

Commenting on the launch of the new summer range of Air Conditioners, Mr. Pradeep Bakshi, Managing Director & CEO, Voltas Limited said, “Voltas has always been a flag bearer of innovation in the Cooling Products and Home Appliances domain. The product that we have launched is in line with the market demand and to meet the growing expectations of consumers in the Indian market, by offering them unique technology at an affordable price. Voltas’ SmartAir ACs come with a unique value proposition of smart and IoT enabled features and its unique Super Silent Operation for additional comfort and convenience. Given the strong summer predictions, we at Voltas are well-prepared to meet the surge in demand with our new range.”

Our market insights confirm that there is a consumer trend of upgrading their home appliances, for which they rely hugely on technology. Our consumer surveys have indicated that Indian customers’ preferences in the home appliances category are evolving, with comfort, convenience, cooling, health and consumers are looking for tech-savvy options that are becoming the top priority.

Voltas will soon be releasing a TV commercial with an element of surprise as part of its summer promotional campaign. The overall message of the advertisement will reflect the effectiveness of the Voltas SmartAir Air Conditioners.

The Voltas 2024 RAC product portfolio will be overall 81 SKUs, with 63 SKUs in Inverter ACs, 3 SKUs in Inverter Hot & Cold Split AC, 5 Fixed Speed Split AC SKUs, 1 in Fixed Speed Hot & Cold Split AC, 4 in Inverter Window ACs, and 5 SKUs in Fixed Speed Window ACs. Voltas’ Air purifier category presently has 3 SKUs. The Company has also strengthened its overall portfolio by introducing Water Heaters that has 16 SKUs presently. Whereas, 47 new SKUs of Commercial Refrigeration products, including Convertible Freezer, Freezer on Wheel, and Curved Glass Freezer have also been introduced.

This Summer, Voltas’ new range of cooling appliances are also coupled with attractive financing offers for consumers like cashback, easy EMI finance offers and 5-Year Warranty on PCB for ease of adoption & access to customers.

VR Punjab celebrates International Women’s Day with insightful workshops and entertaining events

Punjab, Mohali – March 13, 2024: VR Punjab, the flagship regional lifestyle destination, commemorated International Women’s Day with a two-day event aimed at promoting gender equality and fostering community connections. Held on 8^th & 9^th March, the event featured insightful workshops and entertaining events.

The highlight of the event was a series of workshops led by distinguished industry leaders, delving into crucial aspects of women’s lives. Renowned personality development coach, Ms. Vibha Gurtu, initiated discussions emphasizing personal growth and clarity in relationships. Advocate Chetna Kapil, an expert in civil and criminal law imparted valuable insights into women’s rights. Furthermore, Dr. Rhythm Bhalla, a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, delivered a comprehensive session on women’s health and hygiene.

Aligned with this year’s theme of “Inspire Inclusion,” a thought-provoking panel discussion was led by RJ Manisha from Radio Mirchi. Panelists included Ms. Krishna Agnihotri, chairperson of AC National Public Senior Secondary School; Ms. Drishti Kharbanda, a dedicated social worker; Mx. Dhananjay Chauhan, a transgender and LGBIQ activist; Advocate Chetna Kapil and Dr. Rhythm Bhalla who shared their views on promoting gender equality and representation.

The second day of the event featured a fashion showcase by girls from the Speaking Hands Institute for the Deaf and Don Bosco Navjeevan Society, alongside other models presenting the Spring Summer trends. The fashion show was judged by Ms. Raman Romana, a renowned Punjabi Singer associated with brands like YRF & Saga Music. The day concluded with a live band performance by Anmol Salh of ZeeTV Saregama fame.

At Virtuous Retail, we believe in fostering diversity and inclusion. We create equal access platforms for all sections of society, and through events like these, we aim to create a positive impact on the communities we serve. The overwhelming response inspires us to continue hosting more such meaningful events, further contributing to the empowerment and well-being of our community.

Indira IVF to Train India’s Talent in Reproductive Medicine with NBE Accreditation

~Accredited by National Board of Examinations to train specialists in Pune and Udaipur hospitals~

Chandigarh, 13 March 2024: Indira IVF, India’s largest network of infertility treatment hospitals, announced its accreditation in the esteemed Fellowship of National Board (FNB) – Reproductive Medicine course by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), India. The accreditation has been provided to its Udaipur and Pune hospitals for four and two seats, respectively. The company aspires to train 100 FNB candidates in the next five years hence, addressing the critical need gap for trained fertility specialists in the country.

As a distinguished institution in India, the National Board of Examinations (NBE) sets exceptional benchmarks for medical education and training, and provides accreditation to organisations that fulfil its stringent guidelines. Medical graduates who have a DNB/MS degree in Obstetrics and Gynaecology can appear for the qualifying examination and a selected few are allocated seats in NBE-accredited Medical Colleges, Institutes or Hospitals. The Fellowship of National Board – Reproductive Medicine course is widely recognised for its comprehensive curriculum and rigorous training protocols, ensuring that professionals in the field of reproductive medicine adhere to the highest standards of expertise and competence.

During the two-year fellowship, selected candidates will go through a rigorous course divided into theoretical, clinical, practical and symposia formats that takes them through knowledge, skills, behaviour, delivery of rehabilitative care, and methodology of research and training.

Mr Nitiz Murdia, Managing Director, and Co-Founder of Indira IVF, expressed his elation on the achievement of the accreditation, stating, “We are honoured to receive accreditation from the National Board of Examinations to train India’s next generation of specialists in Reproductive Medicine. In addition to providing technologically-backed treatment to patients, Indira IVF hospitals are also equipped to facilitate research and training with its state-of-the-art infrastructure.”

“As per recent estimates, there are currently 1,950 gynaecologists who perform IVF treatment in the country however, there will be a requirement of 1.5-2x of the current availability by 2028. The silver lining is that there are over 35,000 gynaecologists in India who can be trained to become specialists to meet the increasing demand of IVF treatment in the country,” Mr Murdia added.

The accreditation bestowed upon Indira IVF by the NBE is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class fertility treatments while upholding the highest standards of medical education. In its existing efforts for the same, the academic wing of Indira IVF, Indira Fertility Academy (IFA), has trained 150+ andrology technicians, 200+ embryologists, and 350+ fertility specialists. In the next five years, it plans to add around 300 to 350 fertility specialists to address the gap owing to the increase in requirement of assisted reproductive technology treatments in the near term.

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Chandigarh, 13 March, 2024: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Group driven by its commitment to social responsibility, continues to uplift marginalized communities through its CSR arm, particularly by supporting Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Recently, Pooja SHG, comprised of women from the Dewar community, received a significant order for the supply of 300 tons of plastic waste from Ambuja Cements.

The Dewar community in Rawan village of Baloda Bazaar Tehsil in Chhattisgarh, has long faced social marginalization and economic hardships, often relying on garbage collection as their main source of income. Ambuja Cement’s women empowerment program has played an important role in addressing these challenges, empowering women to generate income through plastic waste collection and linking them with the waste management arm of Ambuja Cements to provide alternate waste.

This collaborative effort between Ambuja Cements and its waste management arm represents more than just a solution for waste management. It serves as a ray of hope for the Dewar women, offering them opportunities for improved livelihoods and a brighter future through the additional income received. With this support, they can now provide better food, education, and essential resources for their families, facilitating greater integration into mainstream society.

Through comprehensive training and awareness sessions on income generation and waste management, the Pooja Self Help Group has emerged as a symbol of empowerment within the community. With a renewed focus on personal hygiene and education, there has been a noticeable shift in mindset and behavior among its members.

The tangible impact of this initiative is evident as the Dewar community now actively seeks employment opportunities beyond traditional avenues and prioritizes education for their children. Economic empowerment has instilled confidence among women, while societal attitudes toward the community have undergone a positive transformation.

Ambuja Cement’s role in uplifting the Dewar community highlights its dedication to creating meaningful change in rural areas and driving progress in rural India.

Revisiting the Golden Era with “Ghagra”: “The Crew” Drops an Iconic Remake Featuring Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon

Watch the song here-https://youtu.be/BDJUDiLNdXw

Chandigarh, 13^th March 2024: Prepare to be spellbound as TIPS Music unveils “Ghagra,” a mesmerizing recreation of a timeless classic, featuring the unparalleled talent of Tabu, the timeless beauty of Kareena Kapoor Khan, and the effervescent charm of Kriti Sanon, “Ghagra” promises to be a visual and auditory spectacle like no other. With their dynamic performances and irresistible charisma, these leading ladies breathe new life into this classic melody, delivering a rendition that pays homage to its roots while adding a contemporary twist.

This electrifying song, a revamped version of a yesteryear chart-topper, is poised to captivate hearts and reignite the magic of the golden era.

The vibe of “Ghagra” is nothing short of mesmerizing. As the melody unfolds, viewers are treated to a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, stunning choreography, and breathtaking scenery, all woven together seamlessly to create a sensory feast for the eyes and ears.

Kumar Taurani, Managing Director of Tips Industries Limited, says ” We are thrilled to present ‘Ghagra,’ a timeless classic reimagined for a new generation. With the unparalleled talent of Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon, we believe this song will captivate audiences worldwide and reignite the magic of the golden era of Indian cinema.”

ICICI Bank’s journey through seven decades

Chandigarh, March 07, 2024: As ICICI Bank enters its 70th year, the bank has come out with a video encapsulating its journey over the years in serving the nation.

The bank’s predecessor, the Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India (ICICI), was born on January 5, 1955 through a collaboration between the Reserve Bank of India and the World Bank, as part of the independent India’s endeavour to foster growth of indigenous industries.

Throughout the years, ICICI played a crucial role in bolstering India’s industrial sector by providing financial assistance to companies across industries, and helped setting up pioneering institutions which would eventually revolutionise various sectors of the economy. ICICI started a leading investment banking company in the early 90s. The institution also became the first Indian company and the inaugural non-Japan Asian bank or financial institution to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

In the early 2000s, ICICI diversified its offerings by venturing into life and general insurance sectors, becoming a comprehensive financial services provider.

Set up on January 5, 1994, ICICI Bank has always been at the forefront of technological innovation. In 2002, the merger of ICICI Limited and ICICI Bank made the institution a universal bank offering a wide spectrum of retail and corporate financial services.

In alignment with the government’s Digital India initiative, ICICI Bank’s flagship app, iMobile Pay, offers over 400 services, catering to customers of the bank and customers of other banks. The bank revolutionised business banking by introducing InstaBIZ, an innovative business banking mobile application for all businesses.

Beyond banking, ICICI Bank aims to create an enduring impact on society and the environment. Efforts of the bank’s philanthropic arm, ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth, in providing affordable and accessible healthcare, creating rural livelihoods, and supporting societal development have made a difference to millions of lives.

Tata Steel receives the Golden Peacock National Training Award 2024

Chandigarh, March 7, 2024: Tata Steel has been declared the Winner of the prestigious Golden Peacock National Training Award for the year 2024. The announcement comes as a recognition of Tata Steel’s commitment to excellence in learning and development, setting a benchmark for the industry. Golden Peacock Awards, instituted by the Institute of Directors (IOD), India in 1991, are now regarded as a benchmark of Corporate Excellence worldwide.

Expressing her gratitude, Atrayee Sanyal, Vice President, Human Resource Management, Tata Steel, said: “This accolade reinforces our relentless pursuit of excellence in learning and development. At Tata Steel, we believe in nurturing talent and fostering a culture of continuous learning, ensuring that our workforce is equipped with the skills and competencies needed to navigate the challenges of today’s dynamic business environment. This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team.”

Tata Steel places great importance on the continual development of human resources at all levels and takes responsibility for the professional and career growth of all its employees. Future skills & competencies aligned with the long-term strategies of the organisation are given equal focus, along with the skills/competencies required at present. Considering the varying needs of different sets of workforces, a multi-dimensional approach has been taken by the Company which is manifested through various frameworks & processes.

Some of Tata Steel’s learning and development initiatives include the School of Excellence for enhancing expertise, evening diploma programmes to support employees’ career aspirations, and upskilling and multiskilling programmes for contract employees to enhance skilled manpower on the shop floor. To address transformative technological shifts in manufacturing processes, the organisation has introduced an AI-enabled learning experience platform incorporating a dynamic blend of self-paced learning modules & journeys, virtual reality-based plant walkthroughs, process simulations, and other learning tools, enriching its learning pedagogy.

The award ceremony, took place at Hotel Grand Hyatt, Abu Dhabi (UAE) on March 5, 2024, during the “Institute of Director’s (IOD) 2024 UAE Global Convention – 31st World Congress on Leadership for Business Excellence and Innovation”. His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mabarak Al Nahayan, Hon’ble Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Govt. of UAE, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE presented the award to Tata Steel.

Vedanta’s BALCO Medical Centre Bags Prestigious Cancer Grand Challenges Award, a First for India

Chandigarh, 7 March 2024: Vedanta’s BALCO Medical Centre (BMC), an emerging leader in India’s oncology space, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian co-researchers in a team to receive the prestigious Cancer Grand Challenges Award. This recognition, with a substantial $25 million grant for cancer research, underscores BMC’s position as a pioneering institution in India’s oncology landscape. The recipient team PROSPECT, comprising of clinicians, advocates, and scientists from BALCO Medical Centre and other esteemed institutions around the world, will be addressing the critical issue of early-onset cancers challenge.

Ms. Jyoti Agarwal, Chairperson, Vedanta Medical Research Foundation, expressed her gratitude, stating, “We are honoured to have been chosen for this prestigious award, which significantly advances the battle against cancer. Over the past six years, at BMC, our leaders, employees, and stakeholders have worked tirelessly to ensure that we have access to the best technologies, and that our patients and communities feel safe and confident. With this support from Cancer Grand Challenges, our efforts are not only continued but also strengthened. With collaborative efforts, I am confident that we can positively contribute to the overall healthcare landscape.”

Team PROSPECT is one of five global teams being funded this year by Cancer Grand Challenges, which was founded in 2020 by Cancer Research UK and the National Cancer Institute US, to invite diverse world-class research teams to come together, think differently and take on some of cancer’s toughest challenges. The teams will be funded by Cancer Research UK, the National Cancer Institute, the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK and Institute National Du Cancer through Cancer Grand Challenges with a total investment of $125m to tackle some of the toughest challenges in cancer research.

“Together with our network of visionary partners and research leaders, Cancer Grand Challenges unites the world’s brightest minds across boundaries and disciplines and aims to overcome cancer’s toughest problems,” said Dr. David Scott, Director of Cancer Grand Challenges. “With this investment, our largest to date, we continue to grow our global research community, and fund new teams that have the potential to surface discoveries that could positively impact cancer outcomes.”

Vedanta’s BALCO Medical Centre, a state-of-the-art tertiary care Oncology facility in Central India, has been at the forefront of cancer care, providing multidisciplinary treatment and support. The institution is recognized as a referral centre for advanced radiation therapy, brachytherapy, nuclear medicine, surgeries, chemotherapy, and many more. Since inception in March 2018, BMC has treated more than 37,000 patients. Additionally, the institution has received many certifications and accreditations including LEED certification, NABH, FSSAI, NABL, Nursing Excellence, CAHO certifications. This significant grant underscores BMC’s commitment to pioneering research and delivering innovative solutions to address critical healthcare challenges in India.

Dr. Bhawna Sirohi, Medical Director at Vedanta Medical Research Foundation (BALCO Medical Centre) and the lead principal investigator for PROSPECT-India study, says “The worrisome increase in colorectal cancers stresses the importance of early detection and lifestyle choices for prevention. There’s a dire need for cancer screening in high-risk areas to facilitate early diagnosis and prompt treatment, especially with the shifting demographics towards a younger population. This grant will speed up global cancer research, focusing on understanding the reasons behind the rise in early-onset colorectal cancer and strategies for prevention”.

Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) is an important emerging global problem among individuals younger than 50 years. Team PROSPECT aims to address this by understanding the pathways, risk factors and molecules involved in its development. The team’s vision is to understand and ultimately try to reverse the network of causal factors throughout the life course that disrupts normal biological processes to promote EOCRC. The team will employ a disruptive, transdisciplinary approach spanning cells, individuals and populations to uncover the mechanisms linking lifetime exposures to early-onset colorectal cancer, and test new strategies to combat this cancer type.

Currently, Cancer Grand Challenges brings together 1,200 researchers and 16 teams from across the world to take on 13 challenges. The spirit of giving back is part of the Vedanta’s core values. This achievement brings the company closer to fulfilling the vision of contributing to the community and making a lasting impact on society.

Mahindra Group and Johnson Controls Launch Net Zero Buildings Initiative to Decarbonize Buildings in India

● Strategic climate advocacy initiative will provide organizations, building owners and facility managers with information and resources to create sustainable spaces.

● Initiative to accelerate deployment of smart and sustainable buildings and support India’s Net Zero goals.

● Being launched with a toolkit document and will continue to be rolled out over the course of a year from March 2024 using virtual and in-person workshops.

Chandigarh March 7, 2024 – As India ramps up efforts to decarbonize its rapidly growing infrastructure of buildings, the Mahindra Group, one of India’s leading industrial enterprises, andJohnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, today announced a first of its kind Net Zero Buildings Initiative to decarbonize India’s commercial, urban residential and public buildings. The joint initiative will simplify access to key information and resources to help organizations start their net zero buildings journeys.

“At Mahindra, we strongly believe in operating as a ‘Planet Positive’ organization. The group has undertaken multiple initiatives to decarbonize our operational infrastructure—leading to both financially and environmentally value accretive outcomes. We also understand the critical role of collaboration in accelerating a sustainable future, and hence join hands with Johnson Controls, leaders in net zero building solutions, to share our learnings and best practices with everyone” saidAbanti Sankaranarayanan, Chief Group Public Affairs Officer and Group Executive Board Member.

According to the International Energy Agency, three-quarters of India’s anticipated 2040 buildings have yet to be built. With the sector accounting for 20% of emissions and more than 30% of energy consumption in the country^[1], the transition to smart and sustainable buildings is becoming an environmental and economic imperative.

“With India on the cusp of a building revolution, now is the time to actualize the benefits of smart and green buildings for India’s economy and society,” said George Oliver, Chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls. “The joining together of our two companies to develop this unique initiative is a natural fit—leveraging Johnson Controls’ leadership in smart building technology and Mahindra’s renowned multi-industry expertise and reach. We believe it will help guide and inspire a movement toward a more sustainable built environment, both in India and beyond.”

The Net Zero Buildings Initiative—comprising a cost-free, all-in-one toolkit and training—will help building and facility owners learn about best practices of sustainable buildings, implement tools to assess building parameters, identify and implement conservation measures, and understand building regulations in India, available incentives, technology, financing models, and more.

“This collaboration is a statement of intent from the construction industry to support the Indian government’s journey towards the low-carbon pathway of development. I’d like to congratulate the Mahindra group and Johnson Controls International for providing a much needed momentum to this movement. Built infrastructure is responsible for 40% of the global energy related emissions today, and most of the built environment in India’s cities, is yet to be constructed. It is absolutely imperative that we integrate sustainability and climate resilience into the life cycle of the built environment. Sustainability has been an article of faith for this government, and no developing country has ever steered away from the high carbon path of development as profoundly as India has done.” said, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs & Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas

Investing in energy efficient infrastructure can potentially reduce electricity consumption by 40-60% compared to conventional buildings. According to India Energy Outlook 2021, even a 30% improvement in energy efficiency from buildings can potentially save ~250 TWh of electricity by 2030, which means significant electrical energy could be given back to the grid to further fuel economic growth.

Across Mahindra Group, Mahindra Holidays has increased energy efficiency by more than 50% across resorts, Mahindra Auto & Farm sector has increased energy productivity by more than 90% across factories, and Mahindra Lifespaces launched Mahindra Eden, India’s first Net Zero Energy Residential building, that is expected to save over 1.8M kWh electricity annually. Similarly, Mahindra Logistics is investing to build energy efficient warehouses.

As part of the initiative, Mahindra and Johnson Controls will work closely with Indian national and state governments, think-tanks and industry associations, providing greater visibility on building data to aid in climate progress reporting and formulating strategies and frameworks.

Mahindra and Johnson Controls plan to roll out the initiative in March 2024 through virtual and in-person workshop sessions as part of a year-long roadshow. To learn more about the Net Zero Buildings Initiative, visit:https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/en_in/openblue/india-net-zero-buildings-initiative.

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[1] According to the Rocky Mountain Institute

TVS Motor’s Social Arm Celebrates 40% Female Representation in Field Force, Empowers 60,000+ Rural Women across 5 States

Chandigarh, 07 March, 2024: Srinivasan Services Trust (SST), the social arm of TVS Motor Company and Sundaram-Clayton Limited, has been working for women empowerment in the rural belts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh for the past 27 years, through formation of Women Self-help groups, and helping them sustain through interventions in diverse sectors such as training, credit linkage, livelihood programs and nudging them towards development of their community.

SSTs commitment to the ideals of women empowerment is also reflected in fostering a balanced workforce. SST celebrates having over 40% female representation in its field force. This milestone underscores SST’s dedication to creating an inclusive environment where women can thrive professionally.

SST has collectivised over 60000 women into over 5000 Self-Help groups over the course of their journey. Additionally SST has actively supported financial inclusion by facilitating Rs. 85 crores through bank loans for 15,500 women, in this financial year empowering them to pursue entrepreneurial endeavours. Through these initiatives, we help women uplift themselves and their next generation hence bringing about transformative change in the communities.

One of the major livelihood interventions promoted by SST has been supporting over 10,000 livestock women farmers achieve a sustainable income ranging from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 6000 per milch animal. This is achieved through a comprehensive dairy value chain program through which we provide timely technical support, credit linkages through SHG and help women to set up milk-collection centres. A success story from recent years is a partnership with Shreeja Milk Producer Company Limited, where women, collectivised and trained by SST, were supported to establish 30 women-led milk collection societies, empowering over 400 women through social entrepreneurship. Additionally, SST’s support for diverse income-generating activities, such as handicrafts product making units, promotes economic independence among women across various communities.

In the cluster of villages near Pune, SST has facilitated livelihood opportunities for over 200 women, enabling them to transition from daily wage labour to finding sustainable income between Rs. 2000 to Rs. 5000 within their villages. This transformation showcases the tangible impact of SST’s interventions on improving the lives of rural women.

Furthermore, SST’s dedication to women’ health is reflected in collaborations with Gramalaya. We have established a hygiene program that focusses on menstrual health, benefiting over 1000 girl children annually. These initiatives play a crucial role in promoting health education and awareness among young girls, paving the way for a healthier future generation.

SST’s impact is visible through the actions of more than 1000 women who are part of 100 SST facilitated SHGs, who, out of their own interest get involved in community development initiatives. These initiatives, ranging from supporting flood-affected communities to contributing to the renovation of anganwadis and providing the anganwadis and schools with essential materials. This proves SSTs model for promoting community development through development of rural women through its multifaceted initiatives, will help to build a more inclusive, equitable and robust villages.

Swaraj Tractors Leads Empowerment Drive with Vibrant International Women’s Day Festivities

Chandigarh, March 7, 2024 – Swaraj Tractors, part of the Mahindra Group, announced the successful conclusion of its vibrant International Women’s Day celebration at the Mohali manufacturing plant from March 4th to 7th, 2024. The events aimed to recognize and applaud the strength, resilience, and achievements of women in the workplace.

There were insightful sessions that not only promoted growth and inclusion but also oriented Swaraj’s women employees towards breaking barriers and recognizing their immense potential. Additionally, expert-led health sessions, promoted a holistic approach, encouraging women to prioritize their well-being.

Swaraj, in emphasizing its commitment to empowering women to break stereotypes and display their talents, actively promotes diversity and inclusivity within its organization. This aligns with its pursuit of an equal world in accordance with Mahindra’s Rise philosophy. The International Women’s Day celebration served as a powerful testament to this belief, highlighting Swaraj’s collective journey towards a more inclusive future.

The four-day celebration was concluded with joyous moments, talents, and a special lunch, underscoring Swaraj’s commitment to diversity and equality.

Starry Glamour and Mesmerizing Melodies: ‘Naina’ ft. Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon Takes Bollywood by Storm

Watch the song here-https://youtu.be/3u6lLWGjFLY?si=hOkpoche9ZycyoqS

Chandigarh, 5 March 2024: TIPS Music presents the enchanting melody “Naina,” a mesmerizing blend of romance and rhythm, from the highly anticipated Bollywood movie ‘Crew.’ Featuring the dynamic trio of Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon, the song is set to captivate hearts with its soulful rendition by the talented Diljit Dosanjh and the rap maestro Badshah.

The music video for “Naina” exudes glamour, showcasing the impeccable beauty and charisma of its star-studded cast. With picturesque visuals and captivating performances, the video promises to be a visual treat for fans worldwide.

Crafted with finesse, the music for “Naina” is composed by the renowned Raj Ranjodh, whose expertise in creating melodies that resonate with the soul is evident in every note. The lyrics, penned by Raj Ranjodh and Badshah, beautifully capture the essence of love, adding depth to the soulful composition.

As anticipation builds for the release of ‘Crew,’ “Naina” serves as a glimpse into the magic that awaits audiences. With its stirring melody and captivating visuals, the song is poised to leave a lasting impression on music lovers everywhere.

”At TIPS Music, we believe in presenting melodies that transcend time and touch the soul. ‘Naina’ is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional music experiences that resonate with audiences and captivate hearts worldwide.” says,Kumar Taurani, Managing Director of Tips Industries Limited.

TVS Motor Company Champions Children Safety with its Protect Little Riders Campaign

Chandigarh, March 5, 2024: TVS Motor Company (TVSM) – a leading global automaker that operates in the two and three-wheeler segments – today announced its campaign, ‘Protect Little Riders’ as a part of #TVSRide4Safety initiative. This one of a kind initiative by TVSM aims to spread awareness on safety of children on two-wheelers and addresses barriers for adoption of helmets for young pillion riders.

Despite the government regulations, the incidences of children riding pillion without helmets are high. Children being the centre of attention to their parents makes this behavior unexpected. After studies and interaction with parents, the following reasons have been identified for the lack of helmet adoption for children:

1) Blind Spot – Illusion of safety with vehicle in the parent’s control.

2) Blind Spot – Proximity of destination hence lower risk of accidents.

3) Lack of availability of options.

As a two pronged approach to the above, the TVSRide4Safety initiative aims to raise awareness for helmet adoption and development of a range of helmets specific to kids. A dedicated website has been created to provide parents with essential information to assist them in selecting the appropriate headgear size for their children’s safety while riding on two-wheelers.

Commenting on the campaign, Aniruddha Haldar, Senior VP (Marketing) – Commuters, Corporate Brand & Dealer Transformation, TVS Motor Company “In a nation deeply concerned about its young, the use of helmet for children is still a blind spot. Therefore, we are reaching out to parents to collaborate and change behaviors. The campaign has a straightforward message: (1)Wear a helmet (2)Ensure your child wears a helmet (3)Ride safe. We invite you to join us in the Protect Little Riders campaign.”

Protect Little Riders is an integral part of the #Ride4Safety Campaign, representing a socially responsible initiative to build awareness and drive positive action in the community. This underscores TVS Motor Company’s commitment to addressing concerns within the ecosystem and actively contributing to a safer environment for young riders.

Sharing his thoughts on the campaign,Subramanyeswar S. (Subbu), Group CEO, MullenLowe Lintas Group & Chief Strategy Officer – APAC, MullenLowe Global, said “‘Protect Little Riders’ is a crusade (and not just another campaign) through which we are putting a spotlight on one of the biggest blind spots on our roads – kids without helmets. There are millions of kids out there in our country going on two-wheelers every day without helmets, Ironically, as parents, we think about the good of the child first in every little aspect, yet here is an unfortunate exception that we don’t find anything wrong with. We are glad that a thought leader like TVS Motor has taken up the cause to bring a serious behavioural change amongst adults to protect children’s lives and create a culture of safety and responsibility.”

It is TVS Motor Company’s endeavour to educate and commit the consumers to pledge on inculcating the safety measures to Protect Little Riders.

This National Safety Day, join the journey towards safer roads for our little riders by taking the pledge to be a part of the TVSRide4Safety movement.

For more details on TVSRide4Safety Campaign and to pledge please visithttps://www.tvsmotor.com/about-us/tvsride4safety

itel launches Icon 2 with Best in Segment Functional Crown and 550 nits brightness

– Boasts 1.83 inch HD display and trendy design for immersive viewing

– Comes with 150+ Watch faces for easy customization

– Additional strap with each box

-Comes with IP68 water resistant

Chandigarh, 5 March 2024: itel, a leading technology brand in India, strengthens its smartwatch portfolio with the launch of the latest addition – itel Icon 2, featuring the best-in-the-segment functional crown.The itel Icon 2 introduces a vivid 1.83-inch HD with 2.5D curved display, ensuring clarity and crispness that shines with a remarkable brightness of 550 Nits and an impressive 30 days of standby. Further enhancing its appeal, Icon 2 offers IP68 water resistance for uninterrupted adventures and provides access to over 150 stylish watch faces, allowing users to personalize their experience, all of which are made available at just Rs. 1099 with a 1-year warranty.

Speaking about the launch, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, itel India, said, “In today’s fast-paced world, young consumers prefer a single device, power-packed with cutting-edge technology as well as trendiness in their wearable devices. Understanding this demand, at itel we have designed our Icon 2 to be stylish and trendy, appealing to the fashion-conscious youth. Equipped with 550 Nits brightness, Icon 2 offers easy navigation even in bright sunlight, along with the best-in-segment functional rotatable crown that ensures a well-rounded user experience. This smartwatch empowers users to take charge of their well-being and lead a healthier lifestyle.”

Trendy Design, Superior Performance:

The Icon 2 is a true embodiment of elegance and modernity. The functional rotatable crown complimented by the big 1.83-inch HD with 2.5D curved display and its sleek and trendy design, make it the ultimate accessory for the tech-savvy Gen-Z without compromising on style. With the 550 Nits brightness, the smartwatch offers easy usage even in bright daylight.

Non-stop adventure:

With 100+ sports modes and IP68 water protection, the Icon 2 allows users to enjoy outdoor exploration worry-free. The smartwatch stays shielded from unexpected water splashes, ensuring peace of mind during the user’s outdoor activities.

Your Health, Our Priority:

The smartwatch is designed with health in mind, offering 24-hour real-time monitoring of heart rate and blood oxygen levels, along with a dedicated female health tracker. With these features, it becomes the perfect companion for everyday health monitoring, ensuring users stay informed and in control of their well-being.

Customization at Your Fingertips:

150+ watch faces to match your style and express your personality effortlessly. The smartwatch comes in three trendy colors Black, Rose Gold, and Blue, and an additional strap in the box.

itel Icon 2
Display	1.83” HD with 2.5D Curved Display 240*284
Standy	30 days h
Bluetooth	V5.3
Smart Controls	Functional Rotatable Crown
Waterproof	IP68
Colors	Black, Rose Gold, Blue
Warranty	1-Year product and Service Warranty
Others	100+ Sports modes 150+ watch faces Message notification Find phone AI Voice Assistant Weather Alert Music Control

ABP Majha’s ‘Majha Maharashtra Majha Vision 2024’ Sparks Political Dialogue

Chandigarh, March 05, 2024: ABP Majha, the leading Marathi news channel, successfully hosted the latest edition of its signature event, “Majha Maharashtra Majha Vision 2024,” on March 4, 2024, at Taj The Trees, Vikhroli, Mumbai. With the Lok Sabha 2024 elections round the corner, the event highlighted the political discourse of the day and presented diverse visions of diverse political parties and leaders for the future of Maharashtra.

The event brought together influential leaders from various political parties, providing them with a platform to outline their plans for the state. The leaders who graced the event and laid out their vision included Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ashish Shelar, President Mumbai BJP,Supriya Sule, Member of Parliament representing the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) andAsaduddin Owaisi, President, AIMIM.

Majha Maharashtra Majha Vision also witnessed the presence of Praful Patel, Working President of the Nationalist Congress Party, Aditya Thackeray of Shiv Sena UBT and Nana Patole, President of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee who spoke about their plans for the state. Their presence underscored the event’s importance and its relevance to the political landscape of Maharashtra.

Themed around the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024, this edition of “Majha Maharashtra Majha Vision” provided a comprehensive platform for leaders to express their views, insights, and proposed strategies for the advancement and prosperity of the state. The discussions were anchored towards addressing pertinent issues and understanding the agendas of various leaders in the context of the elections.

ABP Majha’s ‘Majha Maharashtra Majha Vision’ serves as a vital platform for nurturing political dialogue and understanding among the citizens of Maharashtra. By gathering state leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties, the event facilitates insightful discussions on political developments, government matters, and key public issues. The show caters to the needs of the viewers who seek information about the progress on promised initiatives and planned strategies for the next term directly from the leaders themselves. Ultimately, it empowers citizens to make informed choices in the upcoming elections, contributing to the democratic process and the future trajectory of Maharashtra.

Majha Maharashtra Majha Vision was presented byBadhekar Group, Kapila Pure Steel and MSRDC. It is powered by IIL Shinva. It was partnered withRajashree Lottery, Paavak Foods, Skin City Pvt. Ltd and Gopuram. The event’s digital partner was ABP LIVE.

Godrej Agrovet hosts first edition of its ‘Women in Agriculture’ summit

To nurture 1 Lac women in the sector for better employment opportunities and economic upliftment

Chandigarh, March 05, 2024: Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL) successfully hosted the first edition of its ‘Women in Agriculture’ summit. A unique initiative to celebrate women in the sector, the summit aims to bring together diverse perspectives within the agricultural landscape and engage in thought-provoking conversations to address and acknowledge the pivotal role of women in India’s agricultural sector.

Despite the widespread misconception that agriculture is a male-dominated field, our country’s data reveals a different reality. In India, 86.1 million women, accounting for 60 percent of all female workers in the country, are employed in agriculture.[1] The percentage of women who depend on agriculture for their livelihood is as high as 84 percent[2] in rural India. On the other hand, in the agri-businesses too, women continue to be outnumbered by men across positions. Hence the summit aimed to shed light on the crucial yet often overlooked role of women in Indian agriculture.

The panel discussion on enhancing employability for women in the agri-food sector deep dived into different aspects of skill gaps that women in the sector face and how educational and industry collaboration could aid in addressing the situation. The other panel discussion focused on developing and advancing women in leadership roles and facilitated the exchange of thoughts and ideas while highlighting the need to empower women in the industry.

Commenting on the summit and initiative taken by the company, Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director, GAVL, said, “Our women farmers, despite their larger presence and immense contribution to the sector, lack essential resources. Hence in a country wherein we have to feed billion plus people, we need to create an eco-system which thrives to promote the women not only on the farm fields but also the ones in agri-businesses. Imparting them with the necessary knowledge, infrastructure and support will definitely help us enhance the overall agricultural output of the country.”

He further added, “As India strives towards a future of sustainable development, empowering the women across the value chain and recognizing their significant contributions becomes non-negotiable. Hence, by partnering with the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI), the Future Agriculture Leaders of India (FALI) and Godrej Good & Green, we aim to nurture 1 Lac women in the sector for better employment opportunities and economic upliftment.”

Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) works towards capacity building by bridging gaps and upgrading skills of farmers, wage workers, self-employed & extension workers engaged in organized / unorganized segments of Agriculture & Allied Sectors.

The Future of Agriculture Leaders in India (FALI), an initiative supported by leading agribusiness entities, work with tens of thousands of rural students, getting them the technical, business and leadership skills they need to succeed in modern, sustainable agriculture and agro enterprise.

Mallika Mutreja, Head – Human Resources, GAVL, emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment, stating, “At GAVL, the empowerment of women is at the heart of every action we undertake. We firmly believe that feminization in agriculture will aid us adapt best practises and address the structural inequalities which is key for our industry in order to realise the potential of women farmers. While this inaugural summit in partnership with the Agriculture Skill Council of India, signifies a crucial moment, as an entity which is focused on helping feed our nation, we look forward to more such collaborations in the coming years.”

The summit witnessed participation from leading industry leaders and academic experts like Nadir Godrej, Chairman and Managing Director of Godrej Industries Limited (GIL) and Chairman of GAVL and Astec LifeSciences Limited; Nisaba Godrej, Executive Chairperson, Godrej Consumer Products Limited; Burjis Godrej, Executive Director & COO – Crop Protection Business, GAVL; Ahana Gautam, CEO, Open Secret; Angshuman Bhattacharya, Partner, EY; Geetika Mehta, Managing Director of Nivea; Ireena Vittal, Advisor & Expert (Indian Agriculture & Urban Change) & Independent Director; Shilpa Divekar Nirula, Venture Partner, Omnivore; Prof. Vidya Vemireddy, Chair of the Gender Centre at IIM Ahmedabad and Dr. Satendra Arya, CEO of the Agriculture Skill Council of India.

The ‘Women in Agriculture’ summit serves as a testament to GAVL’s commitment to recognize and empower women in the agricultural sector. By fostering a platform for dialogue and collaboration, the summit paves the way for a future where women are recognized as equal partners in driving sustainable agricultural growth in India.

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[1] Workforce Changes and Employment – NITI Aayog, March 2022

[2] Empowering India’s women farmers: Bridge the gap

Bank of India Strengthens its Leadership through Appointment of M R Kumar and Rajiv Mishra

· Shri Kumar appointed as Non-Executive Chairman and Shri Mishra as Executive Director

Chandigarh, March 05, 2024: Shri M. R. Kumar after having assumed the role of Non-Executive Chairman, chaired the Board meeting on February 29, 2024.

In Bank of India Shri M. R. Kumar will be responsible for overseeing the overall growth trajectory of the bank.

Shri Kumar, a science graduate from the University of Madras, currently also serves on the board of directors at Ambuja Cements Ltd. He joined the Life Insurance Corporation of India in 1983 and had the unique privilege of heading its three zones: the southern zone in Chennai, the north central zone in Kanpur, and the northern zone in Delhi. He also served as the Chairman of LIC India from 2019 to March 2023. In his tenure as the Non-Executive Chairman of IDBI Bank, Kumar was instrumental in transforming the bank from a loss-making entity to a profitable one.

Kumar also served as a Director on the Boards of Kenindia Assurance Co. Ltd, Kenya, and ACC Ltd., India. His leadership acumen was further demonstrated through his tenure as Chairman of the Governing Board at the National Insurance Academy, alongside serving as President of the Insurance Institute of India, and as Chairman of the Council of Insurance Ombudsman, showcasing his significant contributions to the insurance and banking sectors.

The Bank of India is also pleased to announce the appointment of Shri Rajiv Mishra as the Executive Director.

Bringing a wealth of 24 years of experience, Shri Rajiv Mishra, who is a BE, MBA graduate and a Certified Associate of both the Indian Institute of Bankers and the Insurance Institute of India has a comprehensive background in Digital, Analytics & IT, Retail and MSME Credit, Large Corporates, Recovery, and Treasury. His pivotal role in leading Union Bank of India’s digital transformation, highlighted by the launch of the VYOM mobile app, underlines his innovative approach and commitment to advancing banking technologies. Mishra has also served on the boards of Kashi Gomti Samyut Gramin Bank in Varanasi, and UBI Services Ltd.

In Bank of India Shri Rajiv Mishra will assume a pivotal role in managing stressed asset resolution and recovery, including policy matters. His purview extends to critical areas such as Information Technology, Digital Banking Department (including Transaction Banking), Digital Analytics, Digital Lending Department, and General Operations, which encompasses Centralized Back Office and Rajbhasha.

These strategic appointments underscore the Bank of India’s commitment to strengthening its leadership framework, ensuring a robust strategy for growth and innovation in the banking sector.

Amazon India Announces Initiatives Advancing Women’s Empowerment ahead of International Women’s Day

· Initiatives focused on empowering women entrepreneurs, enhancing career opportunities, supporting work-life balance and driving financial inclusion

· #ShelsAmazon Campaign to highlight 49 distinct programs and benefits

· 1900 school girls to be supported with easy access to sanitary napkins and their safe disposal

· Over 2000 women to benefit from the digital financial program enabling them to be financially independent

Chandigarh, March 5, 2024: Ahead of international Women’s Day, Amazon India today announced several key initiatives as part of its ongoing commitment to women’s empowerment, focusing on menstrual hygiene, entrepreneurship development, digital financial literacy, and social entitlement awareness.

These include a) ensuring easy access to sanitary napkins and safe disposal of menstrual waste in schools, benefiting over 1900 adolescent girls across 19 schools, b) conducting entrepreneurship development training for women entrepreneurs involved in advanced sanitary napkin manufacturing units, equipping them with the necessary skills for self-sustainability, c) launching a digital financial literacy program reaching out to over 2000 women from underserved communities, empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed for financial independence, d) Community camps to raise awareness and facilitate enrolment in social entitlement schemes, with a focus on promoting schemes that empower women and girls.

“These initiatives underscore Amazon India’s commitment to empowering women across the country through financial inclusion, access to resources, and education, contributing to a more equitable and prosperous society. We firmly believe that these programs will not only improve the well-being of women but also contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable culture across our communities,” said Dr. Karuna Shankar Pande, Director – Last Mile Operations, Amazon India.

Amazon India has provided numerous opportunities for women across its ecosystem, including Seller Partners, Operations Network Partners, Community Beneficiaries, Employees, and Associates, all of whom play crucial roles in positively impacting Amazon’s diverse customer base throughout the country. The company has made significant strides in introducing various benefits, programs, and initiatives to empower women both within and outside its organization. These efforts reflect Amazon’s dedication to women’s empowerment and its unwavering commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within its ecosystem culture, thereby enhancing the overall Amazon experience.

In reaffirmation of its commitment to women’s empowerment, Amazon India launches the third edition of the #SheIsAmazon campaign on the occasion of the 49th International Women’s Day, under the theme #InspireInclusion. This campaign highlights 49 distinct programs, initiatives, and benefits implemented by various entities within Amazon to empower women both within and beyond the company. These initiatives have played a significant role in advancing women’s professional journeys and stand as symbols of Amazon’s dedication to their empowerment.

Recently, Amazon India announced the launch of Women in Night Shifts (WINS) at one of its large Sort Centre in Haryana. In addition to Amazon’s existing initiatives, WINS is designed to provide a safe and supportive work environment for women, ensuring equal opportunities for both men and women to work in various shifts, and championing inclusivity for all. Amazon has implemented various measures aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of its associates. These measures include improved facility lighting, provision of escorted pick-up and drop services, running gender sensitization trainings, deployment of female staff in supervisory and support roles, and conducting sessions with safety experts to address the unique challenges associated with working in night shifts.

Through these efforts, Amazon India seeks to address the unique challenges faced by women and girls in India, promoting their economic independence, social inclusion, and access to education and resources. Recognizing the importance of fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion within its operations. The company continues to invest in programs and policies that promote gender diversity at all levels of the organization, from recruitment and hiring practices to leadership development and advancement opportunities.

Tata Power Solar Systems Limited and Union Bank Renews Partnership to boost Rooftop Solar adoption among Residential consumers

• To offer easy financing to Residential customers in-line with PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana – a scheme to enhance affordability and promote the widespread solar rooftop adoption

• Partnership to benefit C&I customers also along-with additional benefits

Chandigarh, 5^th March, 2024: Tata Power Solar Systems Limited (TPSSL), a leading solar company in India and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), has announced the renewal and expansion of its partnership with Union Bank of India (UBI) to offer financing solutions for Residential customers, in-line with the Government’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana as well as for Commercial and Industrial (C&I) customers.

With loan limits extended up to ₹ 15 lakh for Residential and ₹ 16 crore for C&I customers, the renewed scheme plans to provide financing up to 80% and 85% for the respective categories. Notably, both the categories will have access to collateral-free financing options, making the transition to solar energy more accessible. The loan tenure has also been extended up to 10 years, allowing households and businesses ample time for repayment.

This renewed three-year agreement includes both Residential and C&I segments compared to the earlier one which focused only on C&I segment and resulted in the financing of ~ ₹ 165 crore for the segment.

Mr. Deepesh Nanda, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited, stated, “We are glad to announce the renewal of our association with Union Bank of India by including Residential consumers in our solar financing scheme. We believe that the access to easy financing will mainstream the roof-top solar adoption among the Residential segment in the country and replicate the success of the C&I segment as witnessed in our first phase of association.”

In line with the Government’s commitment to promoting Residential Solar, this initiative by TPSSL and UBI is well aligned with the recently launched Government scheme PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. As part of this collaboration, a special scheme under the extended agreement has been introduced, specifically tailored for Residential customers. The aim of this initiative is to improve accessibility and affordability for a wider audience, thereby making a significant contribution to the widespread adoption of solar solutions.

“Union Bank of India is proud to be at the forefront of supporting green initiatives. Our extended partnership with Tata Power Solar Systems reflects our dedication to providing innovative financial solutions for both Commercial and Industrial as well as Residential customers, reinforcing our commitment to a sustainable future,” added Mr. Pravin Sharma, CGM, MSME, Union Bank of India.

TPSSL stands at the forefront of the renewable energy landscape. With solar rooftop portfolio of over 2 GW, the Company is making significant strides across various states and cities. The comprehensive solutions cover residential, commercial & industrial, MSMEs, large enterprises, group captive, and other customized offerings, showcasing a commitment to diverse energy needs. Leveraging 34 years of experience and the trust of Tata brand, the Company excels in operational and maintenance services across 275+ cities and demonstrates technological prowess with its indigenous cells and modules. With its strong commitment to customer satisfaction and the extensive network of channel partners further solidifying its position as a trusted leader in the renewable energy sector.

IHCL ANNOUNCES A NEW VIVANTA HOTEL IN UJJAIN, MADHYA PRADESH

Chandigarh, MARCH 5, 2024: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of a new Vivanta hotel in Madhya Pradesh’s ancient pilgrim city of Ujjain. The hotel is a Greenfield project.

Speaking on the occasion, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “This signing is in line with IHCL’s strategy of progressively establishing its presence at significant pilgrimage destinations across India. Ujjain, located along the Kshipra River, is known for its religious fairs and ancient temples. A short drive from Indore’s city centre, this will be our first hotel in the city. We are happy to associate with Phulwani Real Estate India Private Limited for this hotel.”

The 130-keys hotel is strategically located at a comfortable driving distance from Indore airport and is close to the renowned ‘Mahakal Corridor’. The hotel will feature an all-day diner, a swimming pool and a fitness centre. It will also offer a sophisticated banqueting space along with meeting rooms, perfect for both corporate gatherings and social events.

Mr. Jitendra Phulwani, Director, Phulwani Real Estate India Private Limited said, “We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL, India’s leading hospitality company. This hotel will provide guests with the distinctive experience of the spirited Vivanta brand in Ujjain.”

Ujjain is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage centre, known for the centuries-old Mahakaleshwar Temple, as well as hosting the famous Kumbh Mela every twelve years, where millions of devotees come to visit.

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 12 hotels across Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta and Ginger brands in Madhya Pradesh including 4 under development.

Women now have an average of 12 life goals, up from 5 in 2019!

Finds Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance’s Life Goals Preparedness Survey 2023

Work-Life Balance, Fitness, Property Ownership & Financial Security amongst Top Life Goals for Women

Chandigarh, 05 March, 2024: Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, one of the leading private life insurers, revealed compelling insights from the Women Demographic of the Bajaj Allianz Life India’s Life Goals Preparedness Survey 2023. The survey observed more than 2X increase in the average number of Life Goals of Indian Women across both metros and non-metros, slightly higher than men. An overwhelming 86% of respondents prioritized work-life balance, followed by children’s education, owning a dream home, health, fitness and travel goals.

This specialized cohort edition, part of the broader Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance’s Life Goals Preparedness Survey 2023 mapped over 40 life goals across diverse demographics. It offers in-depth insights into how Indian women are navigating their paths towards realizing their aspirations amidst evolving societal norms and economic conditions.

The study revealed that providing financial security for family is the top life goal, with 71% women prioritizing it. The findings also state that 46% of women express uncertainty about realizing their life goals, an increase from 39% in 2019, suggesting a confidence gap that is wider than that observed in men. 49% of women seek detailed expert advice for financial planning.

Chandramohan Mehra, Chief Marketing Officer, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, “The rise of “me” along with “we” lifegoals amongst the women segment, provides a broad direction for the BFSI ecosystem for meaningfully catering to the changing aspirations. Keeping this in mind, Bajaj Allianz Life has been curating relevant propositions for women segment including the women-centric variant for our flagship product or special pricing for term plans”.

TOP LIFE GOALS OF WOMEN IN VARIOUS CATEGORIES

· Providing financial security for the family remains the # 1 life goal of Women in 2023

· Work-life balance, health and travel remain among the top 10 goals

· 62% of Women want to live a peaceful life and over 42% want to have a good work-life balance

· Personal fitness along with travel goals have gained significance in Women’s priority list

· To provide for children’s education – 3 in 5 Women have this Goal

· Dream Home – More than 1 in 2 Women have this Goal

· Physical and mental fitness is a Life Goal for close to 1 in 2 women in 2023

· More than 1 in 3 women want to pursue travel goals

· Life insurance is the most preferred investment option for 70% of the Life Goals

· 49% of women cite the need for expert financial advice

RESEARCH DESIGN

Kantar conducted the Bajaj Allianz Life India’s Life Goals Preparedness Survey 2023 with 1936 people across 13 cities including metros, Tier 1 and emerging Tier 2 cities. Cities covered:

· North: New Delhi, Ludhiana and Bareilly

· East: Kolkata, Patna and Bhubaneswar

· West: Mumbai, Surat and Amravati

· South: Chennai, Bangalore, Madurai and Guntur

Demographics include:

· Age group 22-55 years

· New Consumer Classification System (NCCS) A1+, A1, A2/A3 (20:50:30 ratio)

· Salaried and Businessman/Self-employed (50:50)

· Investment decision-makers

Statistically valid insights were gathered through a quantitative approach to provide a holistic understanding of India’s Life Goals. The data collection was done using tablet-based face to face interviews. The survey data was collected in October 2022.

Tata Power Trust signs MoU with NIEPID to launch India Neurodiversity Platform under Pay Autention initiative at National Purple Fest

Chandigarh, 29^th February, 2024: Tata Power Community Development Trust (TPCDT), the CSR arm of Tata Power renowned for its commitment to community development, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), under the aegis of MSJE. The collaboration marks the launch and pilot-testing and of an innovative digital Neurodiversity Platform, unveiled at the National Purple Fest held at Rashtrapati Bhawan, Delhi, on February 26, 2024. Developed under the Pay Autention initiative and implemented by Tata Elxsi, this platform, co-curated by NIEPID and TPCDT, serves as an integrated hub for neurodiversity support in India.

Recognizing the prevalence of Autism Spectrum affecting 1 in 100 children, the Pay Autention initiative addresses the critical need for a comprehensive support ecosystem. As per 2021 Rehabilitation Council of India report there are only 1.2 lakh special educators in India; largely concentrated in 8 states, resulting in a ratio of 1:167 special educators to children, leading to a large gap in support ecosystem. Pay Autention brings together diverse stakeholders, bridging awareness & access gaps in families, institutions, regions, resources, technology, and expert networks. The digital platform, a key component of the Pay Autention initiative, aims to interconnect and amplify the reach of special centers, professionals, and institutions for parents, caregivers, public workers, volunteers, and individuals. It envisions transformation of early diagnosis and care through deeper engagement with community initiatives and working jointly with the government, promote new practices and global interface in the space. The platform to be launched by March 24, will complete pilot testing with 5000 users by August 24. Post which the platform will be open for public use.

“As a part of GOI’s thrust on Public-Private-Partnerships, we are delighted to collaborate with the Tata Power Trust to introduce the pioneering India Neurodiversity Platform. This phygital initiative aims to facilitate early diagnosis, home care and helpline for the neurodiverse; leveraging digital technology and enabling outreach and accessibility across geographies. With Tata Group’s values in volunteering and philanthropy, I’m optimistic that this endeavor will grow into a broader synergy for inclusivity – both in society and industry.” said Mr. Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Reiterating Tata Power’s philosophy, Mr. Himal Tewari, CHRO, and Chief – CSR & Sustainability, shared, “Tata Power is honored to be a part of the National Purple Fest, in continuation of the work we are doing to further inclusivity with specific focus on neuro-diversity. Tata Power Trust’s partnership with NIEPID under the aegis of MSJE to launch India Neurodiverstiy Platform marks a significant leap in the journey to bridge access gaps and foster supportive ecosystems for all. We have been building our “ Pay Autention” program and hope with this platform, it will reach scale and larger impact to those who need it the most. At Tata Power, we enable environments within and across our communities for diverse individuals to help them maximize their abilities, thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.”

Since its 2022 launch by Mr. N Chandrasekharan, Tata Group Chairman and Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO& MD, Tata Power, the ‘Pay Autention’ initiative has trained over 2000 public workers, 300 caregivers, and practitioners. Additionally, 10,000 citizens and volunteers have been reached through street plays, videos, and workshops. The web portal and toll-free helpline (18002099488) provide nationwide access to high-quality home care learning material and live support. Currently, Pay Autention connects over 250 NGOs, corporates, and government bodies in neurodiversity, offering services to numerous children.

At Amrit Udhyan, The National Purple Fest, TPCDT engaged with 10,000 participants raising awareness on neurodiversity. The fest featured diverse activities empowering individuals with disabilities. Tata Power’s Pay Autention stall provided a holistic sensory experience with activities like sensory walls, music therapy, Lego play, and doodling art corners. The event also highlighted Tata Power’s Adhikaar initiative, focused on disseminating information about disability schemes.

During the fest, Tata Power, with Pay Autention partners Sunday Bricks, and Victory Arts Foundation, organized sessions including dance, movement therapy, flash mobs, and street plays. Workshops on planting and ceramic-making, in collaboration with NASEOH, INDIA, drew large participation. The event also saw attendance from students and ANM partners from Pay Autention supported grassroot regions like Ahmednagar, Tirunalveli and Jamshedpur along with representatives from Tata Group companies including Air India, Croma, Titan, IHCL promoting empowerment, inclusivity, and diversity.

NPCI International and EurobankSign MoU in View of Forming a Strategic Alliance on Foreign Inward Remittances

Chandigarh, February 29, 2024: NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), a subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), and Eurobank S.A., a leading Greek bank, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) towards enhancing cross-border payments using UPI rails. This agreement is aimed at revolutionizing the process of international money transfers, with a specific focus on streamlining remittances from Greece to India.

The MoU was signed at Embassy of Greece in New Delhi by Mr Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NIPL, and Mr Fokion Karavias, CEO of Eurobank, in the presence of Mr Kostas Fragogiannis, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, Ms Maira Myrogianni, Secretary General for International Economic Affairs of Greece and Chairperson, Enterprise Greece, and Mr Sanjay Tugnait, President and CEO of Fairfax Digital Services.

The signing of MoU lays foundation for a strategic alliance wherein both parties shall interface with each other as a point of contact for enabling Foreign Inward Remittance transactions from Greece to India. They shall also manage fund settlement, reconciliation, and dispute resolutions in their respective jurisdictions. This initiative shall position Greece as one of the first European countries to enable the Indian diaspora residing in the country to undertake quick and seamless remittances to India using UPI rails.

Fokion Karavias, CEO of Eurobank, said: “We are excited about the prospect of cooperating with NPCI International to leverage its pioneering UPI technology in payments from Greece to India. UPI remittances will be particularly useful to the Indian community in Greece. A strategic alliance with NPCI International is also fully in line with Eurobank’s strategic commitment to becoming the bank of choice for Indian businesses seeking to establish themselves in Greece or in Cyprus, as an entry point for their EU franchise. I would like to thank Sanjay for connecting us with NPCI International and for advising Eurobank towards the conclusion of this MoU.”

Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NIPL, said: “This strategic alliance with Eurobank marks a significant milestone in the expansion of payment technologies built in India beyond our borders. It showcases the versatility and strength of UPI within the international financial landscape, paving the way for strengthening India-Greece economic ties through enhanced remittance flows. Moreover, it underscores our commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions, setting a new standard for international payment systems and reinforcing our vision for a more connected and financially inclusive world.”

Pidilite Announces Launch of Fevikwik Gel with a Quirky Ad Campaign

~ Naya Fevikwik Gel – Galti sudharneka mauka de ~

Chandigarh, 29 February, 2024:Pidilite Industries Limited, a leading manufacturer of adhesives, sealants, construction chemicals, and craftsmen products, announced the launch of a new campaign “Galti Sudharne ka Mauka De”, for its latest variant Fevikwik Gel. The film emphasizes that small mistakes can be promptly rectified, highlighting the product’s effectiveness in real-life situations.

The film opens with a handyman diligently affixing an ‘M’ (Male) signboard onto the door of an office washroom using Fevikwik Gel. As soon as the handyman affixes the board, a man hurries down the corridor towards the same washroom, clearly in urgent need. And as he reaches for the door handle, it swings open, and surprisingly a woman exits the washroom, creating a state of embarrassment. Sensing the mistake, in a swift motion, the handyman turns the ‘M’ upside down to a ‘W’ and heaves a sigh of relief. The tagline appears: “Naya Fevikwik Gel. Galti sudharne ka mauka de”

Says, Manish Dubey, Chief Marketing Officer, Pidilite Industries Ltd.“Fevikwik dominates the instant repair category to the extent that it is the only brand people think of when it comes to repairing broken items. However, we recognized that in some cases, repairers need a few more seconds to readjust the pieces for a perfect outcome. This realization prompted the development of Fevikwik Gel. Our new Fevikwik Gel represents a significant advancement in the instant repair category. The campaign, employing trademark Pidilite humour and real-world situation, illustrates how Fevikwik Gel streamlines the repair process by facilitating swift corrections and enables users to approach any repair or adhesion task with ease and confidence.”

Fevikwik Gel, through its thicker, non-drip formulation gives users complete control over the application process. The formulation allows consumers to use it in situations which need very precise application along with some additional setting time.

Says Piyush Pandey, Chief Advisor, Ogilvy India, “Pidilite is a forever innovative company. This time the innovation is with Fevikwik Gel. The Gel gives you that little extra time that you require for adjusting before permanently fixing. The Fevikwik team at Ogilvy & Pidilite found it to be another great opportunity to communicate product benefits in Pidilite style which leaves a smile on your face.”

Fevikwik Gel’s new TVC is part of its broader marketing strategy, which includes digital campaigns, social media promotions, and other advertising initiatives. The company aims to reach a wider audience and showcase the benefits of its high-performance adhesive.

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance maintains industry-leading claim settlement ratio for the third quarter of fiscal 2024

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance maintains industry-leading claim settlement ratio for the third quarter of fiscal 2024

Chandigarh, February 29, 2024: Life insurance is an essential component of financial planning, providing financial security to the family and/or dependents. It is a promise made by the company to ensure the financial well-being of the family in case of untimely demise of the policyholder. It is a tool to alleviate the financial distress caused by the loss of a loved one.

Claims are the moment of truth for the industry and therefore one must purchase a policy from a brand they trust. Evaluating the claims settlement ratio and the average time taken to settle a claim can be a good indicator of a customer-friendly life insurer. The turnaround time too is critical as it ensures that the beneficiaries receive the claim proceeds quickly.

However, the onus does not squarely lie with the insurance company. Customers also shoulder the responsibility of truthfully disclosing all material information at the time of purchase, this ensures a quick and hassle-free claims experience for the nominees.

As mandated by regulations, life insurers declare their claim settlement ratios on a quarterly basis. After all individuals buy life insurance to ensure their dependents are financially secure in case of any eventuality.

The chart below depicts the claims settlement ratio of a few life insurance companies.

Notably, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has a consistent claim settlement ratio track record, featuring a noteworthy 98.6% claims settlement ratio for the initial nine months of FY2024.

Consistency in the claim settlement ratio is important as it provides peace of mind to the policyholder that his/her family will not be financially vulnerable when they are not around.

The claim settlement ratio of ICICI Prudential Life in Q1-FY2024 was 98.10%, Q2-FY2024 was 98.14% and Q3-FY2024 the ratio stood at 98.52%. Notably, the average claim settlement turnaround time for non-investigated claims was only 1.3 days for nine months ended December 2023 after submission of all relevant documents.

ICICI Prudential Life also has a ‘Claim For Sure’ service initiative which ensures all eligible death claims are settled in one day after receiving all documents. Should any delay occur in processing a claim under this initiative, ICICI Prudential Life compensates the beneficiary with interest accrued on the claim amount. Furthermore the Company offers home pick-up of claim related documents, apart from enabling its digital touchpoints such as WhatsApp, Mobile App and Website to lodge and track claims to significantly improve customer experience,.

For the first nine months of this fiscal year ICICI Prudential Life settled 3,070 claims under ‘Claim For Sure’ amounting to Rs 214.70 crore. Also, a significant majority of claims are electronically settled ensuring the beneficiaries have virtually immediate access to the claim proceeds.

By examining these and other metrics, prospective customers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the life insurance company’s financial strength, operational excellence, and commitment to serving its policyholders – all essential factors to consider while buying life insurance.

Mahindra Finance and Manipal Academy of BFSI launch ‘Prarambh’, first of its kind women-centric programme

· ‘Prarambh’ to encourage women for careers in financial services sector

· Facilities to include mediclaim, wellness policies, and maternity benefits

Chandigarh, 29^th February 2024: Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (MMFSL), part of the Mahindra Group and one of India’s leading Non-Banking Finance Companies, announced a strategic partnership with Manipal Academy of BFSI, a leading hiring and training institute for BFSI careers. This partnership will offer a specialized business training programme called ‘Prarambh’ exclusively for women candidates.

‘Prarambh’ is curated to provide women candidates with a pathway to careers in the financial services sector and empower them with necessary skillset for career progression. It would start with the role of Business Executive while providing industry-standard remuneration.

The selected candidates will undergo a 30-day online certification course, crafted by the institute, focusing on key aspects of sales and finance. A total of 40 candidates from the first batch (started on 5^thFebruary 2024) will receive a certification in sales from Manipal Academy of BFSI upon completion.

Manish Sinha, CHRO, Mahindra Finance, said, “At Mahindra Finance, we prioritise Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as key enablers for our success. We believe in creating equitable opportunities for women in our organisation to help build successful careers with us. In this regard we are pleased to announce our partnership with Manipal Academy of BFSI to empower women at the workplace. This initiative underscores our commitment to foster a landscape where women can thrive and achieve their potential.”

Mr. Robin Bhowmik, Chief Business Officer Manipal Academy of BFSI said, “: At Manipal Academy of BFSI, we recognize the immense potential that women bring to the table in the BFSI domain. Our women-only training batch is a strategic move to harness that potential building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Prarambh is a significant step towards building a stronger Diversity ratio at Mahindra Finance, it will contribute to create a more equitable workplace. By tailoring our training specifically to the needs and strengths of female candidates, we will not only increase our women hires but also set them up for success.”

The eligibility criteria for applicants include being a graduate, aged 28 years or below, with a minimum of 50% marks in the 10^th, 12^th, and graduation courses. The candidates can register online followed by a written test for verbal, analytical & numerical ability, written English, and a listening comprehension test. This would be followed by an online panel interview with both teams and candidates clearing both steps would receive a Provisional Offer Letter (POL).

The selection process for the next batch will commence from June 2024. The enrolment fee for the programme is Rs. 42,000/- + taxes and the job benefits include a group mediclaim policy of up to Rs. 3.5 lacs, several maternity benefits, women’s wellness policies, women’s travel and accommodation privileges, and many other perks.

The prospective candidate, through this programme will acquire comprehensive knowledge of their job, and the company’s business operations. In addition, they will also develop insights into industry trends, enabling them to stay ahead of the curve. The programme will focus on enhancing participants’ communication skills, including engaging with customers and building relationships.

Mahindra Finance plans to consistently recruit more women this year through the ‘Prarambh’ scheme. They aim to further boost women’s workforce representation and redefine societal paradigms on gender-based limitations which are considered unconventional careers for women.

For more information on ‘Prarambh’ programme and the application details, please visit the link –https://www.mahindrafinance.com/careers/partnerships

ACCA India Felicitates New Members and Global Rank Holders

The ceremony witnessed the participation of Member of Parliament Dr Amar Patnaik, Former Finance & Economic Affairs Secy Mr Subhash Chandra Garg and Vice President of ACCA Melanie Proffitt

Chandigarh, February 28, 2024: ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the global body for professional accountants, hosted its New Member Ceremony to felicitate its 588 new members. The event brought together industry leaders, new ACCA members, fellows, and ACCA’s global rank holders to explore and discuss the theme ‘Sustainability and Technology – Shaping the Future of Accountancy and Finance.’

The ceremony commenced with a keynote speech by Melanie Proffitt, Vice President of ACCA. Addressing the gathering, Proffitt said, “I’m often asked what’s so special about ACCA. My answer is always the same; it’s simple and you can sum it up in ACCA’s three Ps. They are: Purpose, People and Professionalism. As members, we are dedicated to pursuing careers with a richer meaning and greater personal reward. Working with a purpose sustains you, motivates you, inspires you, and keeps you fresh, energetic, and sharp. ACCA’s genius lies in its foundation’s grand aim of uniting accountants to serve as a force for public good, a vision that remains our guiding light. The concept of the public good takes many forms, and I know that you will find the best way to contribute in your own life and career.”

ACCA, which has been championing for the accountancy profession to work towards a sustainable future, also hosted a panel discussion on the topic of “Sustainability and Technology – Shaping the Future of Accountancy and Finance.” Panellists included Dr. Amar Patnaik, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Mr. Subhash Chandra Garg, Former Finance and Economic Affairs Secretary, Government of India; and Melanie Proffitt. The discussion was moderated by Md. Sajid Khan, Director – India at ACCA.

Dr. Amar Patnaik, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha said “The issue of sustainability is pervasive. This concept has to be a part and parcel of the profession of accountancy and finance. The most important thing is to recognize where the points of carbon emissions are taking place, and then you have to measure, account, report, and verify it. I think that’s an area where no company or organization, including the government, can move ahead unless finance and accounting professionals are made a part of the particular exercise of measurement, reporting, and evaluation. I am looking forward to a time when, because of the National Carbon Accounting System, people will not only be talking about the economic GDP but also be discussing the carbon GDP, wherein a green pathway to growth will be laid out. And all this would not be possible without the support of finance professionals.”

In the discussion, Mr. Subhash Chandra Garg, Former Finance and Economic Affairs Secretary, Government of Indiamentioned, “Accounting and finance functions are expected to evolve in times to come. From an accounting perspective, in my view, the way the accounting profession has evolved over the past 100 years or so is primarily to capture the financial value of the goods and services produced in the economy. Unfortunately, the side effects or by-products of the production system were not accounted for, which are now recognized as sustainability and ESG. Companies were simply emitting carbon into the atmosphere or through their drains, or by air or water. There was no responsibility on the companies to pay for that or to reduce it. Therefore, the accountants were also not accounting for it. In my understanding, no professional body ever bothered that accounting should include these environmental aspects. For this reason, professional bodies should mainstream the accounting of the environmental side of it.”

During the event, ACCA also launched its research paper titled ‘Founder’s Guide to Start-Ups, Role of Accountancy and Finance’. Prof. R. Narayanaswamy, Member of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) and Finance Faculty at IIM Bangalore, delivered a special address on the role of accountants to boost entrepreneurship.

He said, “Accounting systems and budgets are crucial for every business, especially for new ventures that have a low margin for error in cash management, capital planning, product pricing, or capital budgeting. No accounting propriety is possible if the CFO compromises on ethics.”

Fellowship status, which is the highest achievement awarded to ACCA members after five years of continuous membership and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) compliance, was also conferred upon a few ACCA members during the ceremony.

Bharat Petroleum introduces Olympic Champion Neeraj Chopra as Brand Ambassador for Premium Petrol ‘Speed’

Chandigarh, 28^th February, 2024:Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a leading Fortune 500 Maharatna Energy Conglomerate, is pleased to introduce Olympic and World Javelin Champion Neeraj Chopra as the brand ambassador for their Premium Petrol ‘Speed’.

Neeraj Chopra, with his stellar achievements in athletics, epitomizes the essence of winning, performance, and success. His role model status, exceptional journey and unparalleled accomplishments align seamlessly with the ethos of ‘Speed’, making him the perfect embodiment of the brand’s values.

Shri G. Krishnakumar, Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “‘Speed’, the hi-performance petrol from Bharat Petroleum personifies peak performance and the thrill of staying ahead each time, every time. Now with bespoke friction modifier technology, your drive fueled by ‘Speed’- not just petrol, is much smoother, delivering accelerated mileage and ensuring peak engine performance. “

We are happy to have Neeraj Chopra, the epitome of performance, efficiency and consistency, embodying the soaring spirit of the aspirational Indian as our brand ambassador for ‘Speed’”.

Echoing similar sentiments, Shri Sukhmal Jain, Director (Marketing), BPCL, emphasized the transformative power of sports and the significance of Neeraj Chopra’s association with Speed. “Sports have always been a catalyst for convergence and inspiration. Neeraj Chopra’s winning spirit and dedication to excellence resonate perfectly with the attributes of ‘Speed’, our next-generation high-performance petrol. Neeraj’s partnership with ‘Speed’ will undoubtedly inspire customers to strive for greatness”.

This collaboration with Neeraj Chopra follows BPCL’s successful alliance with cricketing legend Rahul Dravid, who serves as the brand ambassador for the company’s ‘Pure for Sure’ initiative and range of ‘MAK lubricants’. The association with sports personalities like Neeraj Chopra and legendary Rahul Dravid underscores BPCL’s commitment to quality, authenticity, excellence and trustworthiness.

With a heritage steeped in upholding integrity and bringing innovative solutions, BPCL has consistently distinguished itself as an industry leader. Amidst the dynamic landscape of competition, the company’s steadfast commitment to these values has consistently set it apart. The introduction of Neeraj Chopra as the face of their premium petrol ‘Speed’, reaffirms this commitment, reflecting a shared ethos of maintaining the highest standards of performance and reliability.

Godrej Appliances rides on design innovation- launches wood-finish, nature-inspired ACs & Refrigerators

~ Brand aims to grow its premium segment contribution from 45% to 55% and boost summer growth to 20% with a robust product portfolio

~ Elevates consumer experience through collaboration with Krsnaa Mehta of India Circus for curated accessories & home design guide

Chandigarh, 27^th February 2024: Godrej Appliances, part of Godrej & Boyce, flagship company of the Godrej Group, has launched Eon Vogue, a new series of nature-inspired wood-finish home appliances. The range, comprising advanced Refrigerators and Air Conditioners, offers a unique blend of aesthetics and technology that complements contemporary Indian home décor and lifts it many notches.

According to a survey of Indian households conducted by the brand, over 70% of respondents said they would like to see more options of appliances that suit their home décor better. More than half said they want everything to be well-matched in their homes.

Speaking about the new launch, Kamal Nandi, Business Head and Executive Vice- President at Godrej Appliances, said, “The average age of home ownership has been coming down and is said to be in thirties now, given the increasing disposable incomes and easily accessible loans. These young Indian consumers put in a lot of effort doing up their homes, ensuring everything blends into a coherent design, but face a constraint when it comes to the aesthetics of their appliances versus the décor of their home. Aesthetics is a key purchase driver today, amidst the ongoing wave of premiumization. True to Godrej Appliances’ philosophy of things made thoughtfully, the brand has once again innovated to plug this need gap with its unique one of its kind offering of Nature Inspired, Wood-Finish range of Air Conditioners and Refrigerators – The Godrej Eon Vogue Series. Coupled with other premium launches, the brand aims to up its premium segment contribution from 45% to 55% and boost summer growth to 20% with a robust product portfolio.”

Highlighting the thought behind the design, Kamal Pandit, Head of Design at Godrej Appliances, said, “We observed our rapidly changing cities with large multi-storeyed buildings replacing independent houses andnoticed consumers getting distanced from nature. We also observed how Indian homes exude warmth while appliances operate in a relatively cold space with glass and steel in blacks and silvers. We chose to take inspiration from nature, and came up with natural wood finish appliances in multiple shades, to blend and complement our homes, while keeping the practicality intact. The Eon Vogue series are water, stain, and scratch resistant, easy to clean, and durable.”

To aid consumers in experiencing and adopting the design transformation in their homes, the brand has collaborated with Krsnaa Mehta, Founder and Design Director of India Circus for a customized home design guide, showcasing the new Eon Vogue series in different home décor styles and specially curated nature inspired India Circus accessories worth upto Rs. 1999/- for the first one thousand customers.

Speaking on the launch, Krsnaa Mehta, Founder and Design Director, India Circus, added, “The new wood-finish series from Godrej Appliances is a welcome new entrant to the world of décor in India. I appreciate the integration of nature-inspired elements in design, and you can see the same on display at India Circus as well. Wood being a natural finish, is versatile, aligning well with different décor styles. I have showcased the same in my design guide and to help consumers adopt the design in its true spirit, we have also curated some of India Circus’s special nature-inspired accessories – fridge ware and cushions as gifts for consumers, to complement the Vogue series of Refrigerators and Air Conditioners respectively. We hope this helps consumers to have a more wholesome experience of nature-inspired design in their homes.”

The Godrej Eon Vogue series refrigerators are available in two shades oak and walnut wood, in 272 L and 244 L capacities and will be available to customers in the range of Rs. 27,000 – Rs.32,000. The refrigerators come with 95%+ surface disinfection through Nano Shield Disinfection technology (patent applied), larger vegetable storage, and patented Cool Shower Technology amongst other features. The air conditioners are available in three shades – cypress, teak and mahogany in 1.5 Tr. capacity in the price range of Rs. 35,000 – Rs. 38,000. and comes equipped with 5-in-1 Convertible Technology for power saving, 4-way swing for more comfort, and heavy-duty cooling even at 52°C. These ACs use R32 which is a Low Global Warming refrigerant. The series will be available soon across India in authorized stores, and popular e-commerce platforms apart from the India Circus website.

For more details, visit https://www.godrej.com/appliances/eonvogue

Mahindra Launches Thar Earth Edition: Iconic style inspired by the inimitable landscapes of the mighty Thar desert

· Distinctive Design: The Thar Earth Edition features unique satin matte dune-beige ‘Desert Fury’ colour, offering this iconic SUV with standout looks and enhanced by the custom dune inspired decals and exclusive Earth Edition badging on the B pillars.

· Styling that Stands Out: This special edition model introduces the Desert Fury colour across its body, grille, and ORVMs, paired with new silver alloy wheels and matte-black badges.

· Sporty and Comfortable Interiors: The interiors feature beige leatherette seats with ‘shifting dunes’ pattern and matching Desert Fury-coloured touches, blending comfort with a spirit of adventure.

Chandigarh, February 27, 2024: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., India’s leading SUV manufacturer, today announced the launch of the Thar Earth Edition. The special edition is inspired by the infinite expanse of the Thar Desert and the ability of the Thar to allow one to explore it with ease. With a palette inspired by the desert geography, promoting a sense of oneness with the environment, it doesn’t just symbolize adventure—it epitomizes it.

The Thar Earth Edition builds upon the Mahindra Thar’s legacy of adventure and exploration, aiming to captivate and expand the community of Thar enthusiasts. This special edition, with its unique satin matte ‘Desert Fury’ finish, is designed to make this iconic SUV more distinctive, with a promise to inspire a new wave of adventurers to embrace the ‘Thar Life.’

Available in both diesel and petrol versions, with manual and automatic, the Earth Edition promises an exclusive 4×4 experience in the LX Hard Top Variant.

Exquisite Exterior and Interior Enhancements

Desert Fury satin matte finish instantly brings to mind the desert sand and its texture, with the metallic treatment very effectively capturing the ‘sand sparkle’. The dune-inspired decals on the doors and rear fender, the silver alloys and the matte black badges add to its uniqueness. The Earth Edition badge, proudly displayed on the B-pillars, signifies the special edition’s exclusivity.

The interiors are just as inspiring, with a black coloured-base and light beige accents hinting at the forever shifting, floating nature of sand. The Thar earth edition offers beige leatherette seats featuring dune designs on the headrests. The cabin is further enhanced with Desert Furyinserts on the AC vents, steering wheel, center console accent and the Thar branding on doors. The theme is elevated with embellishments of dark chrome accents. Each of the Thar Earth Edition SUVs will come with a unique numbered decorative VIN plate starting with serial number 1.

The Thar Earth Edition continues Mahindra’s tradition of excellence and is an ode to the brand’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to customers. It is expected to build on the overwhelming success of the Thar, further solidifying its position as a preferred SUV choice for adventurers and enthusiasts alike.

The ex-showroom prices for the ‘Thar Earth Edition Are’ variants are:

Engine Type	Petrol		Diesel
Transmission	MT	AT	MT	AT
Thar Earth Edition (INR in Lakh)	15.40	16.99	16.15	17.60

Key Features of Thar Earth Edition

Godrej Home Lockers Witness 15% Surge in Sales during the Wedding Season

~The company saw 15% growth Vis-a-visa last year in the home lockers category during the wedding period~

~Verge, the latest home locker series emerges as a top choice for an ideal wedding gift~

Chandigarh/India, 27 February 2024: Godrej & Boyce the flagship company of the godrej Group revealed that its business Godrej Security Solutions observed a 15% growth fuelled by its Home Lockers category due to its rising demand during the ongoing wedding season. Dedicated to meet the modern consumer’s requirements, the company introduced the ‘Verge’ series of personal lockers to provide best in category security for ones valuables without compromising on the home aesthetics and décor, thus making it an ideal wedding gift.

The wedding season, along with India’s evolving security needs and the growing focus on home security, presents a major opportunity for Godrej Security Solutions to solidify its position in the home lockers market, where it currently holds a substantial 75% market share. With a strategic emphasis on innovation, the company plans to expand its product line by introducing IoT-enabled lockers and safes, integrating security with intelligent features to enhance customer satisfaction.

Recognizing the surging demand, Godrej Security Solutions is actively tailoring its offerings to meet the evolving needs of individuals and households. The recent nationwide expansion of the Home Lockers category, marked by the addition of 800 new counters, underscores the brand’s unwavering commitment to meeting the dynamic security needs of Indian households. This expansion solidifies the brand’s position as the preferred choice for security solutions and gifting purposes, further reinforcing its commitment to securing happiness for millions of families.

Commenting on this, Pushkar Gokhale, Business Head of Godrej Security Solutions, said, “The wedding season is a very interesting period for Godrej Security Solutions, contributing significantly to our revenues. With the changing dynamics of households, particularly the rise of nuclear families and working couples, the need for reliable home security has become paramount. Newlyweds in particular prioritize securing their valuables as they setup their new home.

We have scaled up capacities and expanded our range to meet this demand. Our home lockers are meticulously designed to offer a perfect blend of security, affordability, and elegance that compliments any home décor.”

He further adds, “Our mission extends beyond just providing security; it involves seamlessly integrating enhanced features to redefine the customer experience. We anticipate a 20% growth in this category by the end of the fiscal year, aligning with our vision to be the preferred choice for top-notch security solutions. Our continued focus on innovation and integration of smart technologies is at the core of our efforts to redefine home security and achieve our objective of securing happiness for millions of families.”

With the expansion of market and home safe portfolio, Godrej Security Solutions aims to maximize further on the increasing demand for safes and lockers as a wedding gift option. As a market leader, Godrej Security Solutions is a preferred option for gifting in the category.

***

Kyoorius & ZEE Band Together to GiveBack 50% of Entry Fees at the Kyoorius Creative Awards 2024 with a Bold, Novel Initiative.

Chandigarh, 27^th February 2024: The eleventh edition of the Kyoorius Creative Awards, presented by ZEE, is now live and calls on the advertising industry of India to GiveBack.

Since its inception, the Kyoorius CreativeAwards has recognised and rewardedcreative excellence in Indian Advertising at a global standard. The directive for 2024, is to galvanize the community to GiveBack to the industry that has given them so much.

To kickstart the initiative, Kyoorius GivesBack. For every entry that does not make it into theFirst List (i.e. beyond the First Round ofjudging) at the 2024 Kyoorius Creative Awards, Kyoorius will GiveBack 50% of the entry fee to the entrant.

A deep dive into the global awards ecosystemrevealed that over 75% of all entries in any award show go unrewarded or are literally,rejected in the first round of judging itself.This deters numerous advertisingprofessionals from even entering. This year,Kyoorius will GiveBack to the over 70%.”

The Kyoorius Creative Awards itself sees only18% to 24% of entries graduating to the First List, or the entries that fulfill the judging criteriaof the first round of judging at the KyooriusCreative Awards. The First List, hence, formsthe pool of entries that have the potential to win Elephants.

“Beyond recognising excellence, Kyoorius also stands to recognise obstacles,” says Rajesh Kejriwal, Founder and CEO of Kyoorius.“Addressing the pain points of our entrants andthe award ecosystem has always been ourmission. Globally, Kyoorius was the first toinitiate an open and transparent judging process. Every year, we’ve fine-tuned the awards to reflect the realities of the industry. This year, GiveBack continues that ethos.”

“We’re proud to continue our support for the Kyoorius Creative Awards and its newly launched ‘GiveBack’ initiative, building upon our longstanding commitment to fostering creativity and supporting the advertising fraternity. Through this bold initiative, we intend to empower every entrant, ensuring that their efforts are valued, regardless of the outcome. At ZEE, we’ve always championed the cause of the creative ecosystem and this initiative aligns perfectly with our ethos of nurturing creativity, innovation and inclusivity.” added Punit Goenka, MD and CEO, ZEE

Kyoorius has also detailed strategic changesto simplify and enhance the entrant experience. The Kyoorius Creative Awardsnow span eight tracks to simplify thevarious disciplines and categories, making iteasier for entrants to enter work. The tracksinclude Advertising, Craft, Experience andEngagement, Entertainment, Creativity ForGood, the ZEE Equality Awards, and addressnew areas: Regional Advertising and Health& Pharma.

The Regional Advertising track aims to celebrate creativity in Indian languages beyond English and Hindi. The Health and Pharma track allows entrants across the specialist healthcare and pharma space to compete on a fair playing field whilst driving the sector forward to new creative heights.

Other changes to the disciplines and categories include the introduction of a new Creativity In PR discipline under the Experience and Engagement Track, and nuanced revamps to the Film, Digital andSocial Media, Creative Use Of Media,Technology and Creativity For Gooddisciplines.

Entries to the Kyoorius Creative Awards arepriced at a flat INR 15,000/- (excluding taxes) to all tracks, except Regional Advertising and the ZEE Equality Awards. Entries to the Regional Advertising track are priced at a flat INR 10,000/- (excluding taxes). As always there are no fees to enter the ZEE Equality Awards.

Kyoorius continues to curate a world-classjury and announcements will be madeshortly.

The deadline for entries to the KyooriusCreative Awards 2024 is 19th April 2024.

Visit kca.kyoorius.com to enter, and foradditional information about key dates, thetracks, disciplines, categories, eligibility, rules and more.

The Kyoorius Creative Awards are presentedby ZEE, with outdoor partner Laqshya Media, and supported by Indian Creative Women.

IHCL ANNOUNCES A NEW VIVANTA HOTEL IN HARIDWAR, UTTARAKHAND

Chandigarh, FEBRUARY 27, 2024: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of a new Vivanta hotel in Uttarakhand’s ancient pilgrim city of Haridwar. The hotel is a Greenfield project.

Speaking on the occasion, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “This signing is in line with IHCL’s vision of augmenting its presence in spiritual tourism. Haridwar, located on the banks of the sacred river Ganges, is one of the holiest destinations in India. This will be our third hotel in the city. We are happy to associate with LD Ladhani Group for this hotel.”

The 125-keys hotel is strategically located at a comfortable driving distance from the renowned ‘Har Ki Pauri’ as well as prominent temples. The hotel will feature an all-day diner, a swimming pool and a fitness centre. It will also offer a sophisticated banqueting space of over 7,500 sq. ft, perfect for both corporate gatherings and social events.

Mr. Roshan Ladhani, Director, LD Ladhani Group, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL, India’s leading hospitality company. This hotel will offer guests a flavor of the spirited Vivanta brand in Haridwar.”

Haridwar, located at the foothills of the Himalayas is a famous Hindu temple town where millions of devotees come to take a dip in the holy Ganges. Gateway to the Char Dham of Uttarakhand, the city acts as the base to explore the tourist towns of Rishikesh and Devprayag.

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 10 hotels across Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta and Ginger brands in Uttarakhand including 5 under development.

BPCL hosts Compressed Biogas Workshop

Chandigarh, 27^th February, 2024:Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a leading Fortune 500 Maharatna Energy Conglomerate, in collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and GAIL, hosted a comprehensive workshop aimed at advancing the adoption of Compressed Biogas (CBG) as a sustainable energy solution. The event took place on 26^th February, 2024 at the Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

The workshop, held under the initiative of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, facilitated open dialogue among stakeholders, including bank officials, CBG producers, entrepreneurs, technology providers, and representatives from various organizations such as the World Bank, Indian Biogas Association, and Oil and Gas marketing companies. The discussions centered around the pivotal role of CBG in India’s energy transition, emphasizing its significance as a green fuel and its contribution to the SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) initiative.

The workshop will be followed by a visit to a CBG plant scheduled for today, February 27, 2024, providing participants with firsthand experience and insights into CBG production processes. This hands-on approach aimed to further enhance understanding and collaboration in the CBG sector.

Shri Anurag Saraogi, CGM Biofuels, BPCL, mentioned in his speech “In our pursuit of a cleaner, greener future, today’s workshop in Bangalore, hosted by BPCL under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, is pivotal. We’re sensitizing bank officials about financing Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects, vital for advancing sustainable energy solutions. Through insightful discussions, we aim to deepen their understanding of CBG’s potential. CBG, with properties similar to CNG, holds promise in replacing it across sectors. With abundant organic waste, scaling up CBG production is crucial for a cleaner future. This workshop serves as a crucial platform to explore these opportunities. Together, we’re committed to driving positive change and embracing sustainable energy solutions.”

Shri Arun Kumar, Director of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, highlighted the critical importance of CBG in achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, underscoring the government’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. The workshop delved into key aspects of CBG projects, including financing, technical evaluation, financial modeling, and best practices in project implementation.

In his keynote address, Shri Ramesh Krishna, Under Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, emphasized India’s strategic vision for sustainable energy solutions and the pivotal role of Compressed Biogas (CBG) in achieving these objectives. Highlighting the government’s commitment to environmental stewardship, Shri Krishna reiterated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s five-fold commitment towards climate action, including ambitious targets for non-fossil energy capacity and carbon emissions reduction. The workshop served as a crucial platform to align stakeholders with these national priorities, fostering collaboration and innovation to propel the CBG sector forward. Shri Krishna urged participants to actively engage in discussions and contribute their expertise to address challenges and seize opportunities in advancing CBG projects across the country.

Distinguished speakers at the event included Shri Ramesh Krishna, Under Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas; Mr. Vibhor Srivastava, MoPNG; Mr. Bikas, Scientist from MNRE; and Mr. Subhashish Parida, DDWS. Additionally, Shri Anurag Saraogi, CGM Biofuels, BPCL, and Shri Anoop Taneja, State Head, Karnataka Retail, BPCL, were present along with their team members, showcasing BPCL’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.

The event served as a platform for fruitful discussions, exchange of insights, and collaboration opportunities to accelerate the adoption and utilization of CBG as a sustainable energy source in India. BPCL remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and energy security.

Takeda Accelerates Access to its Dengue Vaccine Through ‘Make in India’ Manufacturing Partnership with Biological E.

Chandigarh/Singapore, Feb. 27, 2024:Takeda (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) today announced a strategic partnership with Biological E. Limited, a leading vaccines and biologics company in India, to manufacture Takeda’s dengue vaccine, TAK-003. The partnership marks a crucial step in the fight against the global public health threat of dengue fever, aligning with the disease-specific target set by the World Health Organization (WHO) to achieve zero case-fatality rate due to dengue by 2030^[i].

The partnership will substantially enhance manufacturing capabilities to ensure a sustainable global supply of the vaccine. Biological E will scale up its production capacity to potentially reach 50 million doses annually, accelerating Takeda’s efforts to manufacture 100 million doses annually within the decade.

Announcing the partnership at BioAsia 2024, a regional life sciences and healthcare forum organized by the Government of Telangana, Sri Anumula Revanth Reddy, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana said, “We are delighted that Hyderabad in Telangana will host the facility where the dengue vaccine, a result of the partnership between Takeda and Biological E., will be manufactured. The state of Telangana offers a conducive R&D and manufacturing environment with a focus on life sciences, particularly vaccines and biologics, and I am delighted that the dengue vaccine production in Hyderabad is aimed at accelerating its access in India and other endemic countries”.

“Leveraging Takeda’s technological expertise and Biological E’s manufacturing capabilities will support greater accessibility and affordability of dengue vaccines, contributing to the nation’s healthcare resilience and future preparedness. We are happy to support this partnership among science, government and industry to drive and scale innovations for universal health coverage,” added Sri Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister of Industry & Commerce of Telangana.

“Takeda’s long-term goal for our dengue program has been to make TAK-003 broadly available to those at risk who may benefit from immunization. Within the last year, we’ve successfully launched in private markets, are now launching in some public programs, and working with partners to support a broader public health impact,” said Gary Dubin, M.D., President of the Global Vaccine Business Unit at Takeda. “We are proud to announce a strategic manufacturing partnership with Biological E. Limited, which has deep expertise in vaccine manufacturing and longstanding support of public health programs around the world. Together, we will help combat dengue on a global scale by significantly increasing manufacturing capacity for multi-dose vials of TAK-003 to drive sustainable access to the vaccine in more endemic countries.”

As the fastest-spreading mosquito-borne viral disease, about half of the world’s population is now at risk of dengue^[ii]. In India and Southeast Asia, 1.3 billion people live in dengue-endemic areas, with Thailand, India, and Indonesia among some of the most highly endemic countries^[iii]. The recent recommendations made by WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization recommended Takeda’s dengue vaccine for introduction in settings with high dengue burden and high transmission intensity to maximize public health impact.

“This strategic partnership reaffirms our commitment to supplying vaccines to protect the health of people around the world and our efforts to strengthen partnerships in Asia. With vaccine approvals in Thailand, Indonesia, and recently in Malaysia, we are excited for a future where integrated protection against dengue can potentially improve the lives of countless people in India, Southeast Asia and beyond”, said Dion Warren, Head of India and Southeast Asia Multi-country Organisation, at Takeda.

Recently, The Lancet Global Health published long-term exploratory results from Takeda’s pivotal Phase 3 Tetravalent Immunization against Dengue Efficacy Study (TIDES) trial, demonstrating that TAK-003 showed continued protection against dengue fever through four and a half years (54 months) after vaccination. Currently, the vaccine has been approved in more than 30 countries, including the European Union^[iv], the United Kingdom^[v], Brazil^[vi], Argentina^[vii], Indonesia^[viii], Thailand^[ix] and Malaysia^[x] for the prevention of dengue by any serotype. Moving forward, Takeda will continue to monitor the long-term data and continue with regulatory filings in more countries to address unmet public health needs.

Advancing Aatmanirbharta: Adani Defence & Aerospace inaugurates South Asia’s largest Ammunition & Missiles Complex

Chandigarh, 27 February 2024: In a landmark achievement for India’s defence sector, two mega facilities to manufacture ammunition and missiles by Adani Defence & Aerospace, India’s leading private sector defence manufacturer, were inaugurated today. These cutting-edge facilities, which are first of their kind in the private sector in India, will provide a significant impetus to the nation’s self-reliance and technological advancement in defence.

The facilities – South Asia’s largest – were inaugurated by Honourable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath, Chief of Army Staff, Gen Manoj Pande AVSM VSM SM ADC, GOC-in-C of Central Command, Lt Gen N. S. Raja Subramani PVSM AVSM SM VSM, Master General of Sustenance, Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla UYSM YSM SM VSM in the presence of senior dignitaries from Ministry of Defence and Uttar Pradesh Government. They acknowledged and lauded Adani Defence’s efforts and contribution in creating differentiated capabilities towards strengthening the state and the country.

The unveiling of the facilities coincided with the fifth anniversary of the Balakot airstrike ‘Operation Bandar’, a historic operation by the Indian Air Force that was a testimony to India’s strategic assertiveness over external threats.

Spread over 500 acres, the facility in Kanpur is set to become one of the largest integrated ammunition manufacturing complexes. It will produce high-quality small, medium and large calibre ammunition for the armed forces, paramilitary forces and police. The facility has started rolling out small calibre ammunition, starting with 150 million rounds estimated at 25% of India’s annual requirement.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath said, “This is a moment of great pride. The facility is a testimony to Uttar Pradesh’s transformation into an industrial powerhouse and our commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Adani Defence & Aerospace has made the largest investment in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor, which will play a crucial role in developing a vibrant defence ecosystem. It is encouraging to see the commencement of operations within 18 months of allocating land. It will be a proud moment when ammunition and missiles produced in these facilities will help in securing the nation.”

Emphasizing the need for self-reliance in missiles and ammunition, Chief of Army Staff, Gen Manoj Pande AVSM VSM SM ADC said, “Recent geopolitical events have reemphasized the need for a reliable supply from internal sources for ammunition in preparedness for a long-drawn conflict. Such large investments and willingness of

Adani Defence & Aerospace to indigenize critical technologies have built confidence in the users to depend on Indian private industry for strategic military supplies. This complex is a major milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in the defence sector.”

Adani Defence & Aerospace is the flagship defence company of the Adani Group. It is also focused on developing and offering unique capabilities across the unmanned segment, counter drones, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technologies and cyber defence.

Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace, said, “The establishment of these ammunition and missiles complexes represents a leap forward in our quest for selfreliance. With a planned investment of over Rs. 3,000 Crores, its impact extends far beyond the defence sector. It will create over 4,000 jobs, with five times the multiplier effect on MSMEs and the local ecosystem benefiting from it indirectly. We are committed to ensuring that our efforts are inclusive and sustainable, fostering growth while preserving the environment for generations to come.”

The ammunition complex started operations in less than two years of its announcement by the Adani Group during the Uttar Pradesh Investors’ Summit in 2022. An industry 4.0 facility, it has state of the art automation ensuring highest standards in quality, safety and reliability using artificial intelligence and data analytics. Further, being a PESO certified complex, it will also house explosive handling facilities for missiles and precision-guided munitions.

79% of Indians worry about Home Safety while on vacation.

~Godrej Locks’ ‘Live Safe, Live Free’ study reveals that some thoughts about the safety of their house remains on the minds of Indian travelers~

Chandigarh, 23 February, 2024:Vacations are all about unwinding, rejuvenating and taking a break from the grind. The last thing any of us on holiday want is to be anxious about the safety of our homes. Yet, a new research study ‘Live Safe, Live Freely’ by Godrej Locks & Architectural Fittings and Systems, a business of Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group, found that such worries often interrupt the holiday plans.

Commenting on this insight Shyam Motwani, Business Head at Godrej Locks & Architectural Fittings and Systems said, “The findings of the ‘Live Safe, Live Freely’ study unveil that the modern vacationer is burdened with concerns about the safety of their home. Questions about whether doors were properly locked linger in their minds during vacations. It’s clear that ensuring home safety is paramount for worry-free travel. The study underscores the pivotal role technology plays in home safety, empowering individuals to fully enjoy their time off. With advanced solutions like digital locks, individuals can now travel worry-free, as they can operate these locks remotely via a mobile app from anywhere in the world with Wi-Fi. At Godrej Locks & Architectural Fittings and Systems, our commitment is to provide cutting-edge solutions that empower individuals to live freely without compromising on safety.”

The objective of the ‘Live Safe, Live Freely’ study is to offer valuable insights into the lifestyles of Indians and the technology choices they make for home safety, granting them peace of mind and the freedom to live without worry.

Travel emerged as a significant focus area of the study revealing 79% of the respondents are experiencing unabating worries while on vacation about whether they had properly locked all doors and windows. Furthermore, over 40 percentexpressed concerns about aged parents forgetting or losing their keys and being locked out.

The research study also indicates nearly48% respondents would turn their holiday into a longer ‘workcation’ if they were not worried about the safety of their homes. Additionally, 49% respondents said they would use a tech gadget to check on the safety of their home at least once a day, even from the office. 29% said they would check on the safety of their homes remotely every three hours from the office.

The study ‘Live safe, Live Freely’ aimed to understand human behaviour on the adoption of smart-home devices to ensure safety and convenience. It was undertaken across a sample size of 2,000 individuals in five cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Bhopal.

Actress Kiara Advani and Director Atlee share secrets of appealing to masses through movies at the ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0

§ Kiara Advani: There are more expectations from women when they step out of the traditional role.

§ Atlee: Violence in my movies is not to provoke anyone but to voice out the bitter truth.

Chandigarh, February 23, 2024: Two Bollywood celebrities spilled the beans of their secrets of success in the Indian film industry. Famous Actress Kiara Advani and celebrated Director Atlee joined the podium at the ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0sharing the two very different journeys but same destination that of success.

Known for her exceptional performances and a journey marked by determination,Kiara Advani, spoke in the session theOutsider’s Uphill Battle: The Struggle and the Success. Speaking on how she handles fame and admiration, Kiara Advani expressed, “I have a sense of gratitude from the starting of my journey. My base years have kept me grounded, and the art of balancing is what has made me sail through these 10 years.”

Motivating the young women, Kiara added,“It is really mind over matter, definitely there are more expectations from women when they step out of the traditional role. For me, it is really about prioritizing between my social life, fitness and family.” She applauded the audience’s mind set which has evolved over time with married actresses being popularly accepted.

Commenting on the Instagram trends of setting impossible beauty standards and self-doubt, Kiara Advani said, “There is a lot of hard work that goes behind curating the feed. We don’t want to set impossible beauty standards, but at the end it is a visual medium and our work requires us to give the best shot.”

On her association with Don 3, she said, “It was a conscious decision to step in the action genre, and I am very excited to be a part of this movie.”

Kiara shared her learnings over the years from the industry for keeping it real, “Have the courage to be disliked, don’t seek external validation, rather seek constructive criticism.”

Known for delivering nothing short of blockbuster movies, Film Director and Screenwriter Atlee shared the secret to his filmmaking at the session How to Make a Blockbuster: It Takes Guts and Glory.

Atlee remarked, “Movies are not bounded by language but by love. Even if I am not familiar with Hindi, I can make a Hindi movie because I understand the emotions of audience coming to watch my cinema.”

Asked about his work experience with Shah Rukh Khan, he said, “I love all his films Chennai Express, DDLJ, Om Shanti Om. He has an unmatchable screen presence. God has been kind for giving me a chance to work with him. I will definitely work with him again once I crack a new subject”.

Elaborating on his art of filmmaking and appealing to audience across India, he said, “The most genuine time is layman’s time and layman’s money. If a viewer is investing 300 rupees in a movie, I feel responsible for keeping them entertained. Violence in my movies is not to provoke anyone but to voice out the bitter truth. I need to give a social message to my audience, it is important to me. Politics is a part of life; it should be brought to the fore when we are living in a democracy.”

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation’s trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

Amazon Future Engineer Program Awards Top Teams at Maharashtra Hackathon

· Amazon Future Engineer Program concludes with a state-level hackathon in Pune, Maharashtra. Top teams from district-level competitions presented projects addressing real-world challenges.

· The hackathon aimed to foster 21st-century skills like collaboration and problem-solving through hands-on learning and interaction with industry experts. It also included a Code Training workshop for educators.

· Government officials and Amazon representatives commended the program’s impact in empowering students and equipping them with skills for future careers, particularly those facing limited opportunities.

Chandigarh February 23, 2024: Amazon India, alongside non-profit partners Leadership for Equity (LFE) and Code to Enhance Learning (CEL), today held the culminating Maharashtra state-level event for district hackathons in Pune. Over 23,000 students across grades 4 to 8 from over 890 schools from nine districts including Aurangabad, Cht. Sambhaji Nagar, Nashik, Nagpur, Pune, Kolhapur, Sindhudurg, Satara and Solapur from Maharashtra participated in district-level hackathons, culminating in this showcase of talent and innovation. Zilla Parishad Primary School Shindephal, Chat. Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra were the winners of the hackathon followed by Zilla Parishad Primary School Vidya Mandir Tirpan, Kolhapur, Maharashtra and Zilla Parishad Primary School Gulvanchi, Solapur, Maharashtra.

Top teams from each district presented their projects to a distinguished panel including the Smt. Shobha Khandare, Joint Director, MSCERT., Smt. Sandhya Gaikwad, District Education Officer, Pune Zilla Parishad, Shri. Rajesh Bankar, Principal, DIET Ahmednagar, Shri. Arun Jadhav, Head of Department, CPD, MSCERT, Shri. Shyam Makaranpure, Project Lead, VSK, Samagra Shiksha; Shri. Shivaji Auti, Senior Lecturer, DIET, Nashik, Akshay Kashyap, Lead, Amazon Future Engineer, Amazon India. Hosted at the Amazon office, the hackathon aimed to equip participants with advanced coding and robotics skills through workshops and collaborative project development.

The hackathon projects addressed real-world challenges faced by the students’ communities, demonstrating the program’s impact in empowering young minds to become problem-solvers and innovators. The winning teams were recognized and felicitated by the dignitaries, receiving recognition for their creativity and dedication.Beyond the competition, the hackathon served as a platform to nurture essential 21st-century skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. During the state level hackathon hosted in Pune, 42 students and 14 teachers from participating districts worked on coding projects using Scratch and Arduino kits. This immersive experience provided them with the opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge to solve real-world problems and contribute to their communities. Through hands-on learning experiences and meaningful interactions with industry experts, students gained valuable insights into the world of computer science and its potential to make a positive impact.

The hackathon was held alongside the Amazon Future Engineer Symposium, a gathering of the program’s 11 non-profit partners in India. This symposium included a Computer Science Education Training workshop facilitated by Code.org – an international non-profit reaching 50 million plus students across the globe. The workshop aimed at equipping partners with the skills and resources to integrate computer science into regular subjects and introduce the fundamentals of teaching artificial intelligence.

Shri Deepak Kesarkar, Hon’ble Minister of School Education, Government of Maharashtra said, “At the Amazon Future Engineer Program’s hackathon, the future of innovation shone brightly through Maharashtra’s students. This event transcends individual achievements, marking a pivotal step in our mission to cultivate collaboration, problem-solving skills, and digital fluency among our youth. A heartfelt congratulations to all the winners, participants, Amazon India and its partners for this invaluable collaboration, one with the potential to revolutionize education for generations to come.”

Smt. Shobha Khandare, SCERT Joint Director,emphasizes the crucial role of equipping educators with the right tools and resources. “Events like the Computer Science Hackathon are invaluable for teachers,” she says. “They provide opportunities to enhance their skills and inspire students through hands-on, experiential learning. This aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering a culture of innovation and creativity in education.” Commending the participants, she adds, “I congratulate the winners and all participants from across the districts for their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn and explore more.”

Akshay Kashyap, Lead, Amazon Future Engineer, Amazon India underscores Amazon’s dedication to equipping all students, especially those with limited opportunities, with the skills needed for future careers. “Technology fuels positive change, and we believe in empowering everyone to be a part of it,” he says. “The Amazon Future Engineer Program’s Computer Science Hackathon, starting at the district level and culminating in this state-wide competition, provides an exceptional platform for students and teachers to unlock the boundless potential of coding and innovation.” He further emphasizes the crucial role of educators, stating, “Educators who embrace bringing computer science into their classrooms are key agents of change. We express our deepest gratitude to the Maharashtra government and our partners for this collaborative effort, and we look forward to future endeavors that empower all students to reach their full potential.”

Amazon introduced the Amazon Future Engineer Program in India in 2021 and has partnered with several education-focused non-profit organizations, including Leadership for Equity and Code to Enhance Learning to take computer science education to more than 10,000 schools in India in the past two years. As a childhood-to-career program, AFE offerings starts with primary schooling and continues through secondary into career. Under this program, Amazon has also offered scholarships and internships to girl students interested to make a career in the tech industry. Throughout, Amazon partners with organizations that share its mission and create opportunities for students to discover the richness of computer science through intersections with self-expression, social justice, sustainability, and more. Through this program, computer science education has reached to over 1.5 million students and 8,000 educators across the nation in the past two years.

‘If we want to become a Vishwa Guru, we need to work for it; all the minerals in the world will not be enough if your bucket doesn’t have a bottom’: Sonam Wangchuk at ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0

‘Emulating unsustainable practices, like those observed in counties like China, doesn’t align with intrinsic Indian values of contentment and simplicity; we need to find the distinction between needs and wants of India.’

Chandigarh, February 23, 2024: On the inaugural day of ABP Network’s flagship event, the ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0,industry leader, innovator and Founding Director, SECMOL, Sonam Wangchukexpressed his views and explored the theme, “A More Sustainable World: How to Live a Green Life.”

“I want to convey to people in big cities that the way of life here has a huge impact on places like Ladakh. With glaciers rapidly receding, we must understand the interconnectedness of urban lifestyles with global environmental repercussions. Water sources should be treated as sacred bodies, and adopting a simpler, more sustainable way of life is imperative,” Sonam Wangchuk said.

Addressing the spiritual ethos of India,Wangchuk expressed, “The world is one family. I envision a democratic system that prioritises not just human welfare but also the preservation of flora, fauna, and natural habitats. A true democracy would safeguard not only human interests but also those of nature and wildlife.”

Expressing concern for today’s youth, he stressed, “We need to groom our youth to appreciate nature and prioritise a lifestyle that respects it. Growing up in Ladakh taught me the value of nature-based education and the importance of empathy instilled by my family. It makes me happy to see other people happy; that has always been my motto and inspiration. Nowadays, schools teach you the opposite, so I was very lucky to learn from nature and my family. When I went to school with dingy classrooms, which ended my true learning. It became all theoretical, but I never let my schooling interfere with my education I truly advocate for an education system that fosters harmony with nature and discourages reliance on devices and external things.”

Sonam urged collective action to protect fragile ecosystems like Ladakh and the entire Himalayan region. “We must raise awareness and sensitisation on issues such as single-use plastics and carbon neutrality. With concerted efforts, we can ensure a sustainable future rooted in democracy and environmental stewardship,” he added.

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation’s trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

PM Modi has ensured that democracy delivers”: Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Vice-Chairman, Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini and Member-NEC, BJP at The ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0

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Dr. Shashi Tharoor, MP, INCThiruvananthapuram & Author, stated, “The kind of complacency we see when the Government says that everything is good is great rhetoric, but reality hurts.”

Chandigarh, February 23, 2024: With the National Elections just months away, the‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 puts ‘The People’s Agenda’ at the forefront with eminent leaders from India’s two biggest national parties debating on the Topic“General Election 2024: Will Democracy Win”.

“PM Modi has ensured that democracy delivers. Only liberal values are not going to take you anywhere, it is through the delivery mechanism you would get there,” says seasoned politician and academician,Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Vice-Chairman,Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini and Member-NEC, BJP.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. ShashiTharoor, Member of Parliament, INCThiruvananthapuram and Author, said, “We are an aspirational country and we must be. The kind of complacency we see when the Government says that everything is good is great rhetoric, but reality hurts. Start-ups have fired more people than they have hired in the past two years. Foreign investments have dropped.”

On being asked why BJP keeps winning,Dr. Tharoor remarked, “BJP has been better than us in reaching the last mile and get voters to the vote. They are also better funded.”

“The Government has taken care of higher the issues of the people, which has found its way on the highest echelons of policy making”, countered Dr. VinaySahasrabuddhe, “The Congress Government begins initiative that well but doesn’t take the programs anywhere. MGNREGA has been improved in the Modi Era to contribute into nation building.”

Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe further commented, “It is the Congress Government, which engaged in otherization since Independence. The current Government has taken on inclusive growth. ”

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation’s trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

Robust grievance redressal mechanism important to address issues of honest taxpayers: Chandra Prakash Agrawal at the ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0

The Chairman and Managing Director of Gallant Group, also emphasized the need for subsidizing green hydrogen technology to accelerate decarbonization in steel industry.

Chandigarh, February 23, 2024:Highlighting the pivotal role played by the steel industry in shaping the landscape of a developed Bharat, Chandra Prakash Agrawal, Chairman and Managing Director of Gallant Group of Industries, stressed the importance of a robust grievance redressal mechanism for addressing issues faced by honest taxpayers and the need for subsidizing green hydrogen technology to accelerate decarbonization in steel manufacturing at the ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 in Mumbai today.

Speaking during a session titled “India’s Infra Giants: Builders of Viksit Bharat,” he said, “We are on our growth path; we are a population of 1.4 billion. Our buying capacity has improved, and we also have natural resources. We have all that is needed to make ourselves the third-largest economy. But to encourage nation building, it is essential to ensure an efficient redressal system to address the grievances of honest taxpayers. While compliance is focused on, the need for a robust redressal mechanism is necessary for ensuring swift resolution.”

Stressing the need for subsidizing cleaner fuels like green hydrogen for a sustainable steel industry, he added, “The steel industry is energy-intensive as it utilizes fossil fuels like coal, which emit carbon. Today, we are witnessing technologies like green hydrogen, but they are very costly. We expect the government to subsidize green hydrogen to enable the steel industry to benefit from cleaner alternatives and embark on their journey of sustainability.”

While sharing his ideas on the important role of the steel industry and infrastructure development for Viksit Bharat, he also shared how the industry presents huge employment generation opportunities and how the state of Uttar Pradesh now has a conducive environment for setting up businesses easily.

“There is a huge employment generation opportunity in the steel industry. For instance, when we started in Gorakhpur, the area faced problems like criminal activities. When I found the reasons behind such social problems, unemployment was a major reason. Then I thought if I do something, the situation can change, and I am happy that employment generation has positively impacted it. Today, infrastructure has improved in Uttar Pradesh, law and order has improved, and there is zero tolerance for it. Investments are safe, and working in UP is much better compared to previous times. Setting up a new business with the current government is easier,” he elaborated.

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation’s trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

Parents should stop treating young minds as ‘Project Children’: Prof. Vijender Singh Chauhan at ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0

· Don’t burden your children with the weight of your expectations and dreams, said renowned English teacher and author Neetu Singh.

· The academicians were speaking about youth aspirations and challenges in a session titled ‘Yearning to Learn: What Young People Are Telling Us‘ at the Summit.

Chandigarh, February 23, 2024:Highlighting the importance of listening to the aspirations of young minds and their idea of India, in a session titled ‘Yearning to Learn: What Young People are Telling Us’ at the ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 in Mumbai, today, eminent academiciansProf. Vijender Singh Chauhan, Associate Professor at Zakir Husain Delhi College, University of Delhi, and Neetu Singh,Founder of KD Campus & KD Live, elaborated on the need for creating career opportunities, the role of parents in supporting their dreams, and the impact of social media algorithms and AI disruption on their future.

Known as the man who helps civil service aspirants crack interviews, Prof. Vijender Singh Chauhan said, “We need to understand that 25-year-olds are the most populous demographic in India globally. And we need to ask ourselves whether, as a society, we are preparing to sustain them when this population turns 50. Today, we are witnessing a decline in the diversification of dreams among young minds. There are only 800 jobs available in UPSC, yet 8 lakh people are applying for them. This clearly indicates that young people are not getting their desired career choices. Parents should stop treating their children as mere projects, pushing them towards preparing for IITs, then sending them to IIMs, and finally aiming for a UPSC clearance. Getting a government job should not be the sole aspiration of young minds.”

Sharing her thoughts on the importance of parents’ role in shaping the future of children, Neetu Singh, widely renowned for having developed her own style and method for English coaching, added, “We need to understand that there are still values in our society, and many students go through hardships only to fulfil the dreams of their parents. Students come from the lower economic sections of society, and the job opportunities are fewer for them. So, parents should not burden children with the weight of their expectations and dreams, so they get shattered. It is essential for students to know what is essential for them and they need to engage in grooming and self-improvement, giving their heart and soul properly.”

Elaborating on the risks of AI disruption and algorithms, Prof. Chauhan added, “Engineers doing basic coding jobs will soon find AI taking over these roles. Are we preparing them for the jobs that will emerge 10 years down the line? Also, we need to be aware of how social media algorithms and persuasive technology are making us believe in collective dreams or choices that are not our own. Algorithms are influencing career choices, personal, social, and most importantly, our political choices, which is dangerous.”

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0, spotlighting ‘The People’s Agenda,’brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights into the nation’s trajectory and its journey to becoming Viksit Bharat.

If 10 artists are doing well financially, only then the world looks at them: Artist Subodh Gupta at the ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0

-Dubbed as Damien Hirst of Delhi, the artist shared his journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim at a session titled “Inside the Mind of a Genius: Memories of My Home.”

Chandigarh, February 23, 2024: The internationally acclaimed and celebrated Indian artist Subodh Guptawowed the audience with a peek into his life and mind at the ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 in Mumbai today.

Sharing his journey from humble beginnings to international success on the panel “Inside the Mind of a Genius: Memories of My Home,” he said, “I come from a humble family, and my family members worked for the railways. So I am a railway boy. But in my childhood, there was an impact of art. I joined theatre and made posters. And someone, after seeing my posters, encouraged me to join art college, and this is how the journey started.”

Talking about initial struggles and his breakthrough, he added, “When I started, nobody wanted to see my work. I participated in a workshop, and when I prepared an installation with cow dung, a Japanese consultant got in touch with me. I explained the cultural significance of cow dung in India and how it has been used for years. Later, they invited me to Japan to showcase my work, and I stayed there for one month. When I worked internationally, I was asked to display my exhibition in India as well.”

Subodh Gupta transforms mundane icons into artistic wonders. Known as the Damien Hirst of Delhi, he has brought to life an expansive range of artistic creations, including sculptures, paintings, installations, photography, video, and performance works. Talking about the significance of art, he said, “Art flows in our blood. When in the world there was no language, we used to speak in the language of art, and the example is cave painting. We have learned a lot about our development, history, and evolution through these cave paintings. Imagine if there was no art, whether we would be able to know about our history. So art has a very important impact and significance.”

Elaborating on the need to promote art and artists in India, he stressed, “In India, in the last 20 years, the numbers of art galleries have not increased much. Also, how many of us go to museums to see art? If 10 artists are doing well financially, then the world looks at them. But I know what artists go through to make their ends meet. We need to give scholarships to artists in India. Education is very important to nurture artists and to help them grow.”

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0, spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’, brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation’s trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

Backing films like The Kerala Story is essential for filmmakers’ integrity’, says Film Producer & Director Vipul A Shah at Ideas of India Summit 3.0

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§ Leena Yadav, Filmmaker andStoryteller, ‘Films cannot be made without politics. It is impossible for makers to not include their political bias.’

§ Madhur Bhandarka, Film Directorand Script Writer, said, ‘Nowadays, actors fear backlash from political involvement, that majorly affects project endorsements.’

Chandigarh, February 23, 2024: In a key session at Ideas of India Summit 3.0,Bollywood Film Producer and DirectorVipul A Shah who is also known for the much discussed, The Kerala Story, shared his perspective on the changing landscape of Indian Entertainment Industry. “The rise in political consciousness among Indians has significantly influenced the content of films we make and the stories we tell. Supporting films like ‘Kerala Story’ is important, it speaks to the filmmaker’s integrity and the importance of diverse voices and narratives,” he said.

Vipul Shah, further remarked, ‘As individuals with political leanings, our religious practices should not be misconstrued as communal. It is a fundamental aspect of personal identity.’

On the inaugural day of ABP Network’sflagship event, the ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0, celebrated filmmakers shared their views on ‘Anatomy of Art: Are Our Movies Dividing or Uniting Us?’ shedding light on controversial topics and the quest for authenticity in storytelling.

Explaining the complexities within the Indian film industry, Vipul A Shah,expressed, “Despite perceptions of division, the film industry remains a complex ecosystem, where narratives often become politicised. Today, the success of a film hinges not on its controversy, but on its ability to resonate with audiences through genuine, thought-provoking content. Projects like ‘Animal’ challenges societal norms and sparking important discussions. It is through daring, unconventional narratives that we provoke change and global influence.”

Sharing his take on whether polarizing movies are a recent trend, MadhurBhandarkar, Filmmaker, Producer andScript Writer, remarked, “There is no division in the film industry; it remains unified, despite varied political and non-political leanings. While some artists are open and vocal, others choose discretion, a natural aspect of the industry. My films, like ‘Chandani Bar, Traffic signal etc.,’ have addressed issues like poverty and have always maintained a secular stance. However, my personal political alliance led to sidelining and questioning of my secularism. I am a proud practicing Hindu. Our films consistently promote unity between Hindu and Muslim communities. The success of films like ‘Animal’ has revolutionized industry norms, despite controversies surrounding their content. However, actors often hesitate to endorse politically charged projects due to fear of social media backlash and its repercussions on their careers.”

Known for movies like Parched and OTT series ‘House of Secrets’, Leena Yadav,Filmmaker and Storyteller, put forth a women’s perspective, stating, “Films cannot be made without politics. The lack of real dialogue between filmmakers is missing, and the social media is creating pressure for people to take action. It is impossible for makers not to include their political bias. Films are driven by commerce, and sentiment-driven cinema is becoming a part of mainstream and social media discussion. There are films with controversial angles which get financing and not all of them are made with conviction.”

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation’s trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

Maharashtra DCM Devendra Fadnavis at ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0: “We are in strategic alliance with NCP and in emotional alliance with Shiv Sena”

§ “India is the idea whose time has come. This is the time and now is the time for us to make our nation Viksit Bharat”

§ ‘The General Election 2024 is not an election of negative mandate. BJP does not face by anti-incumbency. We don’t need to target the opposition.’

Chandigarh, February 23, 2024: ABP Network’s flagship event, the ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0, was graced byDevendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra, who participated in the session ‘Collaborative Federalism: View of the States’ in Mumbai, today. Speaking about dynamics of electoral alliance in Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, said, “We are in strategic alliance with NCP and with emotional alliance with Eknath Shinde ji’s Shiv Sena”

Showing confidence about the third term for Modi Government, Devendra Fadnavis, explained, ‘The General Election 2024 is not an election of negative mandate. BJP does not face by anti-incumbency. We don’t need to target the opposition.’

Speaking about Government formation in Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra, said, “Sharad Pawar ji nominated Ajit Pawar ji for leading alliance related talks. Later on Ajit ji couldn’t back out from the commitments he had made to BJP”

Sharing his views about whether the BJP will do better in Maharashtra from the previous time, Shri Fadnavis remarked,“There are challenges but we will only do better than our performance from the last two times”

Devendra Fadnavis commented about the change in his role in the Government, said,“The Agenda that I drove during my tenure as Chief Minister, and I am able to deliver upon that even as Deputy CM”

“We have treated them as brothers for 25 years. It was Uddhav Thackeray ji who closed all doors”, Devendra Fadnavis further remarked talking about his relationship with the current leader Vidarbha Shiv Sena (UTB),

Talking about BJP’s strength, Devendra Fadnavis, said, “The ground cadre of BJP is inspired and driven by thought and not by expectations. BJP’s workers are the biggest Asset of the party. When Congress workers look at their leaders, they get worried.”

Talking about the upcoming state elections in Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra, said, “The coalition with NCP and Shiv Sena will continue in the upcoming elections. Eknath Shinde ji is our leader and we will fight the assembly election under his leadership”

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation’s trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

Women shouldn’t shy away from seeking support; it’s impossible to do everything alone,’ says ISRO Deputy Director Nandini Harinath at Ideas of India Summit 3.0

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§ Dr. Nigar Shaji, Project Director, Aditya L-1 Mission, ISRO said, ‘ For women, balancing work, family, and personal life becomes essential, with health as a priority.’

§ Prof. (Dr.) AnnapurniSubramaniam, FASc., FNASc.,Director, Indian Institute ofAstrophysics, said, ‘It is important to create a framework at home, where support can be asked from the family and traditional roles can be given a push back.’

Chandigarh, February 23, 2024: In a key session at Ideas of India Summit 3.0,women achievers gained central focus.“Growing up with techno-bureaucrat and mathematician parents, education was ingrained as a priority in my life from the start. My father had a remarkable talent for explaining the physics of everyday occurrences, which instilled in me a deep curiosity and appreciation for the world around me,” said Nandini Harinath, DeputyDirector, Spacecraft Operations Area, ISROTelemetry Tracking and CommandNetwork, ISRO, sharing her experience of growing up the ranks from Junior Engineer at ISRO to leading major space missions such as Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan-2

On the inaugural day of ABP Network’sflagship event, the ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0, leading women intellectuals and achievers in STEM fields joined together to explore the theme ‘Women in STEM: Working in the Trenches, Reaching for the Stars’, shedding light on how women defy all challenges experienced in the modern-day workforce and their road to success.

Nandini Harinath also shared the importance of family support, teamwork, and personal well-being. “Juggling the demands of family and a career in the space industry has often felt like navigating an obstacle course. However, I firmly believe in the power of teamwork. Throughout my journey, I have learned the importance of seeking support from those around me. No accomplishment is achieved in isolation, and leaning on my family and society for assistance has been crucial during times of need”, she added.

Nandini Harinath has been an indispensable asset to ISRO, with her dedication and expertise in space science. Explaining the future of India’s space exploration efforts, she said, “With the emergence of private players in the sector, the possibilities are endless. I envision India taking a leading role in space travel, not only for scientific advancement but also for the profound impact it could have on shaping our future as a society.”

Discussing her journey and the rise of women scientists at ISRO, Dr. Nigar Shaji,Project Director, Aditya L-1 Mission, ISRO, said, “Since school, I have believed in pursuing the uncommon path. My parents, particularly my father, a math graduate turned agricultural specialist, encouraged me. At ISRO, there is no glass ceiling, passion is supported. For women, balancing work, family, and personal life is essential, with health as a priority. As far as the space industry in concern, the Aditya mission is crucial for understanding the sun and space weather, ensuring Earth’s protection. Leading the world in the space industry should be our aim. Visibility for women in STEM is vital; education must be engaging and inclusive from grassroots.”

Elaborating on the vital role played by women in STEM to break the glass ceiling and drive India’s growth, Prof. (Dr.)Annapurni Subramaniam, FASc., FNASc.,Director, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, said, “It is important to be happy with yourself, as a woman we have multiple roles to play and one cannot bend to all requirements, there has to be a distinction. As such, there is limited conversation about women’s health. It is important to create a framework at home, where the support can be asked from the family and traditional roles can be given a push back. The Indian Institute of Astrophysics observatory in Kodaikanal is celebrating its 125 years, which is capturing Sun’s data. We have a night-time observatory in Ladakh, 2500 metres above the sea level. Our capabilities in astronomy are well established, thus India is being looked at as a support and resource in important missions for ground-based and space-based. India is also a major partner in two important projects in gravitational wave direction- LIGO, and Square Kilometer Array to look at the universe at very early stages.”

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation’s trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 opens to a Spectacular Opening with the spotlight on the People

§ Spotlighting ‘The People’s Agenda’, the Summit began with Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group, & President, FICCI, sharing his perspective on ‘Viksit Bharat: The Road to 2047’

§ Dr. Anish Shah, Group: Over the next 7 years, Indian GDP will add as much to the global GDP as the entire European Union combined. We should be more ambitious and make manufacturing grow 16 times and exports grow 11 times.

Chandigarh, February 23, 2024: In the year of India’s 18^th General Election, ABP Network’s flagship event ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 launched to an enthralling opening, celebrating the spirit of democracy and plurality while converging many ideas of India.

Representing India’s business world, Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO and MD, Mahindra Group, and President, FICCI, took stage to share his perspective on the pivotal role industries and enterprises will have to play for accelerating national growth and economic prosperity.

Dr. Anish Shah remarked, “Over the next 7 years, Indian GDP will add as much to the global GDP as the entire European Union combined.”

Deliberating upon the topic ‘Viksit Bharat: The Road to 2047’, Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO and MD, Mahindra Group and, President, FICCI, expressed, “The Union Budget has prioritized economics over politics, adopted fiscal discipline and invested more in capex. The RBI has done a stellar job in containing inflation. Infrastructure is being massively developed to make manufacturing competitive in India. To make this vision a reality, each one of us has to play a role.”

Setting the goals for the industry, Dr. Anish Shah, remarked “India envisions to be a 30 trillion economy by 2047 to be a Viksit Bharat. This means manufacturing should be 25% of GDP. We should be more ambitious and make manufacturing grow 16 times and exports grow 11 times.”

Setting the spotlight on the people with the Summit theme “The People’s Agenda”, the two-day long intellectual discourse was set around how India can leverage its population potential to reinforce its leadership position globally on the way to becoming a developed economy.

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation’s trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

Sony launches new SRS-XV500 portable party speaker with a powerful party sound and 25 hours battery backup

Chandigarh 23^rd February 2024: Sony India today announced the launch of the new SRS-XV500, a speaker to help people party louder for longer, anywhere. This speaker packs powerful sound, built-in lighting and a long-lasting battery, you can even plug in a karaoke mic and sing the night away. With the SRS-XV500, you have everything you need to entertain your friends and family.

1. Elevate your party experience with high quality sound and powerful bass with the SRS-XV500

Experience great music on the SRS-XV500 thanks to its two X-Balanced Speaker Units which deliver strong, powerful bass with minimal distortion as well as two tweeters that provide clear vocals and an expanded sound field. The non-circular diaphragm not only maximizes the area of speaker diaphragm, but it also increases sound pressure for deeper and punchier bass, less distortion and greater vocal clarity. For a richer, clearer, and more rewarding listening experience. Plus, the SRS-XV500 adapts to any environment due its flexibility of being positioned either vertical or horizontal.

2. 25 hours long-lasting battery and portable design delivering the power to party anywhere

The SRS-XV500 is a speaker that will never let you down due to its long battery life. After being fully charged, the SRS-XV500 will offer up to 25 hours[i] of playback. Plus, quick charging of 10 minutes lasts for up to 2.5 hours of playing time. With the Battery Care Function, you never have to worry about overcharging your speaker, making it more dependable for longer.

3. Sing in your style with karaoke and guitar input along with echo and key control on the rear panel

The fun does not stop there as you can belt out your favourite songs with the karaoke functionality. To sing your favourite song, simply plug in a karaoke mic and press play. A second input means you can duet with a friend on a second mic or even plug in a guitar to ramp things up even further. Both inputs have individual mixing. The Echo and Key Control on the rear panel of the unit let you adjust sound to your preference.

4. Customize and light up the party with ambient lighting feature

In addition to delivering musically, the SRS-XV500 also helps to create a party atmosphere thanks to its ambient light feature. Whether you want to use the speaker for daily use or for party use, you can customise the illumination by the Fiestable mobile app.

5. With newly added UI on rear panel command the party

Take control of your modes, settings, and lighting with the easy-to-use touch panel. It is intuitive and conveniently illuminated, so you can command the party even in a dark environment.

6. SRS-XV500 offers USB connectivity to play and charge smartphones

Plug in and play music with USB connectivity additionally you can use SRS-XV500 to charge your up your other devices like smartphones.

7. With IPX4 Rating splash proof) in SRS-XV500, the party never stops

The SRS-XV500 has an IPX4 water resistant[ii] rating, so you can use it outside with confidence, even if a few raindrops fall. The SRS-XV500 was built with portability in mind. The built in handle makes for easy transportation of the speaker.

8. Enjoy Remote Control with Sony|Music Center and Fiestable apps from the App Store or Google Play

The new SRS-XV500 is compatible with both Sony | Music Center and Fiestable apps. With Sony | Music Center, you can select playlists, change lighting patterns and sound modes all from the dance floor. Fiestable allows you to access fun features to help create the ultimate party atmosphere, such as making a playlist, karaoke functions including Voice Changer and Echo, plus DJ control to add sound effects.

9. New Environment friendly design

These products are designed not only to offer outstanding sound quality, but also to be kind to the environment. Recycled plastic[iii] originally developed for Sony is partially used for the body of the SRS-XV500. This reflects how Sony strives to reduce the environmental impact of our products.

Pricing and Availability

The SRS-XV500 party speaker will be available across Sony retail stores (Sony Center and Sony Exclusive), the www.ShopatSC.com portal, major electronic stores, and other e-commerce websites in India from 23^rd February 2024 onwards.

Model	Best Buy (in INR)	Availability Date
SRS-XV500	Rs.31,990/-	23rd February 2024 onwards

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[i] When MEGA BASS on, and the volume level is set to 18, lighting off. Actual performance may vary from the listed time due to the volume, songs played, surrounding temperature, and usage conditions.

[ii] Water resistance is effective only when the cap is closed. Not guaranteed for all situations.

[iii] The recycled plastics may not be used for parts, depending on the time of production.

They will be proud iOS representatives’: Noida students impress top Apple executive Greg Joswiak with their apps

Chandigarh, February 23, 2024: In a momentous collaboration, Apple has inaugurated its highly anticipated iOS Development Lab at Galgotias University in Delhi. The inauguration took place on February 20th, marking a significant stride towards fostering innovation and nurturing the next generation of iOS developers.

Earlier in September last year, the iOS Student Developer programme, an industry and academia partnered initiative, was launched to grow quality iOS talent in India and has since expanded to Galgotias University. This initiative is part of the TWITCH collaboration, representing Tata Consulting Services, Wipro, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Cognizant, and HCL, aimed at enhancing access to technology, curriculum development, pedagogical approaches, and industry best practices in universities.

As a result of this partnership, students enrolled in the programme gain access to Mac computers, while each team receives iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches for development and testing purposes. Additionally, they benefit from learning materials provided by Apple and industry best practices shared by Infosys.

The facility’s layout deviates from typical classrooms, resembling more of a corporate office. Galgotia elaborates to Joswiak that this design facilitates easier interaction between faculty members and students throughout the entire floor.

The iOS Development Lab, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including 100 iMacs, is poised to serve as a hub for innovation and collaboration. It offers students the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and the practical application of iOS development principles, thereby preparing them for success in the ever-evolving tech industry.

Apple Senior Vice President, Greg Joswiak, shared on Twitter, stating, “Today marked the grand opening of the iOS Development Lab at Galgotia University in Delhi. I loved meeting with the next generation of iOS developers and seeing the lab — outfitted with 100 iMacs.”

Students who are part of the programme get access to Mac and each team gets access to iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watch for development and testing, while they leverage learning resources from Apple and industry best practices from Infosys.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, emphasised the transformative impact of the iOS Development Lab on the university’s teaching and learning pedagogy. He remarked, “Working for Apple has truly been an inspirational and enriching experience — not only for the students but also for the faculty and leadership team at Galgotias. The quest for astute perfection, eye for micro-detail, and the intelligence behind design has truly been an enlightening experience. We at Galgotias aspire to emulate the same culture within our organisation. The learnings from the iOS Development Centre will have a far-reaching impact well beyond the boundaries of the centre, specifically in the teaching-learning pedagogy of the entire university. The importance of mentorship and guidance in fostering a culture of active learning among students, enables them to develop a global outlook towards problem-solving and prepare for the challenges of the professional world.”

This collaboration between Apple and Galgotias University marks a significant milestone in the intersection of education and technology, paving the way for future advancements and empowering aspiring developers to shape the digital landscape with their creativity and expertise.

Mahindra Expands Its Premium Z8 Range with the introduction of New ‘Scorpio-N Z8 Select’ Variant

· The Premium Z8 Range will now start from INR 16.99 Lakh

· All-new Midnight Black Colour Option introduced in ‘Scorpio-N Z8 Select’

Chandigarh, February 23, 2024: Mahindra & Mahindra, India’s leading SUV manufacturer, today launched the ‘Scorpio-N Z8 Select’variant, a significant addition to its acclaimed Scorpio-N Z8 premium range. The SUV combines design, performance, and technology, thereby redefining excellence within the Scorpio-N lineage. Alongside the Z8 and Z8L variants, each known for their unique features, the ‘Z8 Select’ variant stands out in the segment, starting at an attractive price of INR 16.99 Lakh.

The ‘Scorpio-N Z8 Select’ is meticulously crafted with key premium features like Adrenox Connect, Built-in Alexa, signature dual barrel LED headlamps, LED Projector Foglamps & Sting-like LED DRLs, R17 Diamond cut Alloy wheels, rich coffee-black leatherette interiorsat an attractive price point. Available in both petrol and diesel engine options, as well as Automatic (AT) and Manual Transmission (MT) configurations, the ‘Scorpio-N Z8 Select’ is designed to cater to a wide array of driving preferences and requirements, making it a versatile choice for SUV enthusiasts.

With the introduction of the ‘Scorpio-N Z8 Select’ variant, Mahindra continues to dominate the SUV market by providing a feature-rich, accessible, and versatile SUV that prioritizes customer satisfaction and value.

Unmissable Design

The ‘Scorpio-N Z8 Select’ is poised to rule the hearts of SUV lovers, blending Mahindra’s legacy of automotive excellence with modern & contemporary design and technology, offering an authentic SUV experience.

The ‘Z8 Select’ stands out with its exclusive Midnight Black colour, enhancing the Scorpio-N’s commanding presence. This new colour adds to the SUV’s bold design, complemented by diamond-cut alloy wheels and signature LED headlamps. The LED Daytime Running Lamps, LED Projector Fog Lamps, and LED Sequential Turn Indicators on the ORVMs further define this new pinnacle of SUV design.

Premium Interiors

The ‘Z8 Select’ boasts rich coffee-black leatherette interiors, creating an oasis of grandeur and comfort. Also featuring soft touch IP the interiors of the ‘Scorpio-N Z8 Select’ are designed and fettled to offer a highly sophisticated sensation, delighting the driver and passengers alike.

Thrilling Performance

At the heart of the ‘Z8 Select’ lies the robust TGDi mStallion Petrol engine, delivering 149.14 kW (200 PS) of power and 380 Nm of torque, and the efficient mHawk Diesel engine, offering 128.6 kW (175 PS) of power and 400 Nm of torque. These powerhouses ensure a thrilling driving experience across all terrains, bolstered by both 6-speed Manual and Automatic transmission options, providing a perfect blend of performance and control suitable for any adventure.

Advanced Tech & Intuitive Features

This variant is equipped with a 20.32 cm Infotainment screen & 17.78 cm colour TFT cluster, featuring Adrenox Connect with 60+ Connected Car functionalities, built-in Alexa, sunroof, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This seamless integration of technology and comfort ensures a truly interactive and enjoyable journey for both the driver and passengers.

Sophisticated Dynamics and Impeccable Ride Comfort

The SUV introduces exemplary ride comfort with Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD) and Multi-tuned Valve Central Land (MTV-CL) technologies. Coupled with an agile and responsive steering system and all 4 Disc Brakes, the Z8 Select guarantees a smooth, comfortable ride experience.

High Standards of Safety

Safety is core to Mahindra’s philosophy, and this commitment is evidenced by the Scorpio-N’s remarkable achievement of being the first body-on-frame SUV to secure a 5-star rating in the Global New Car Assessment Programme’s (GNCAP) new crash-test protocols, setting a new benchmark for vehicle safety.

Equipped with an array of advanced safety features, the ‘Scorpio-N Z8 Select’ offers unparalleled protection. Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and 6 airbags are just the beginning of its comprehensive safety suite, designed to ensure top-tier safety for all occupants.

The ex-showroom prices for the ‘Scorpio-N Z8 Select’ variants are:

Engine Type	Petrol		Diesel
Transmission	MT	AT	MT	AT
Scorpio-N Z8 Select (INR in Lakh)	16.99	18.49	17.99	18.99

The ‘Scorpio-N Z8 Select’ variant will be available at dealerships from March 1, 2024.

To ensure enhanced customer experience, Mahindra has enhanced its production capacity and customers can expect faster deliveries of their Scorpio-N.

Social Media Addresses for Mahindra Scorpio-N:

· Brand website:https://auto.mahindra.com/suv/scorpio-N

· X (Formerly Twitter): @MahindraScorpio

· YouTube: youtube.com/mahindrascorpio

· Instagram: @mahindra.scorpio.official

· Facebook: @MahindraScorpio

· Hashtag: #MahindraScorpioN

Ashok Leyland Celebrates 3 Million Vehicles Production Milestone

Chandigarh, 22^nd February 2024: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, today announced the production rollout of its 3 millionth vehicle. The event took place at its the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. This significant achievement highlights Ashok Leyland’s enduring dedication to innovation, technological advancement, and strong customer relationships.

Ashok Leyland has been a driving force in the Indian and international commercial vehicle sector with technology at the forefront. Millions of passengers rely on Ashok Leyland buses daily to reach their destinations, while the brand’s trucks play a pivotal role in keeping the wheels of the economy turning.

Mr. Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO of Ashok Leyland said, “We are proud to have achieved this significant milestone. Ashok Leyland has always been ahead of the curve and leading the CV industry in product technology and innovation. The rollout of our 3 millionth vehicle is a testament to our well-established reputation for manufacturing highly reliable products and delivering top-notch customer service. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our employees, customers, and all business partners who have contributed immensely to our success.”

Mr. Ganesh Mani, Chief Operating Officer, Ashok Leyland said, “This is indeed a historic milestone for Ashok Leyland. The roll out of the 3 millionth vehicle from our factory validates the joint efforts made by our numerous teams including our supplier and technology partners. It also reinforces our commitment to provide top-quality products and services tailored to meet the emerging demands of commercial mobility.”

Ashok Leyland has a history of pioneering industry-first achievements that redefine standards and establish new benchmarks, reflecting its commitment to excellence across all business operations. Also, in line with its dedication to customer satisfaction and service excellence, the company has embarked on a comprehensive network expansion, bolstering its presence and reach nationwide. This expansion reaffirms the brand’s commitment to delivering unparalleled service and support to customers, ensuring their continued success. Outside India, Ashok Leyland has now expanded to 48 countries. Ashok Leyland, as it completes its 75 years, is fully committed to driving a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation ecosystem, moving steadfastly on its vision of becoming the Top 10 Commercial Vehicle player globally.

NBDA strongly condemns the physical manhandling of Shiv Prasad Yadav, iTV Correspondent

Chandigarh: February 22, 2024: News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA) strongly condemns the incident involving the physical manhandling of Mr. Shiv Prasad Yadav, an iTV Correspondent, by political party workers during the Nyay Jodo Yatra in Rae Bareli.

Such incidents involving physical harm to journalists are not only unacceptable but are also a direct attack on the media’s freedom of speech and expression.

NBDA unequivocally states that there can be no justification for manhandling journalists and urges the administration to take immediate action against the erring individuals.

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Annie Joseph

Secretary General

ABP Network’s Third Edition of ‘Ideas of India Summit’ to spotlight “The People’s Agenda” on February 23 & 24 in Mumbai

The Summit will have more than 35 stimulating sessions with over 60 celebrated Ideators from diverse sectors discussing the road Indians take on the way to become Viksit Bharat

Chandigarh, February 22, 2024: As India, the world’s largest democracy, braces itself for the upcoming 18th General Election, ABP Network, the country’s leading multi-language news network, is set to host the third edition of its flagship event, the ABP Network ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0. The summit is scheduled for February 23 and 24, 2024, in Mumbai.

The ABP Network ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 aims to shift the spotlight onto the people of India, bringing together newsmakers, thought leaders, entertainers, and economists to provide insights into the nation’s trajectory. From a hardline conservative former Home Secretary of UK, Suella Braverman, to an Emmy-nominated TV Host Padma Lakshmi who display the power of the Indian diaspora to a path finding economist Arvind Panagariya heading the 16^thFinance Commission; from the beloved actor Kiara Advani to a filmmaking couple Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao who tell the untold stories, the finest minds from diverse sectors will converge to discuss the future of the country and its people amidst some of the most concerning developing uncertainties in the world.

This year’s mega edition, themed “The People’s Agenda,” will serve as a platform for intellectuals, experts, and achievers to deliberate on India’s roadmap. The summit will explore how India can leverage its population potential and strengthen its global leadership position in the face of emerging uncertainties.

Prominent personalities who will share their perspectives will also include Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Third time Lok Sabha MP and Chairman of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilisers; Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO of Mahindra Group and New FICCI President; Prof. Sunil Khilnani, Historian and Political Scientist, Javed Akhtar,celebrated Poet, Lyricist, and Author; accomplished Actors Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sobhita Dhulipala; Omar Abdullah, Former Chief Minister of J&K and Vice President of JKNC; Piyush Pandey, Ad Guru;Amish Tripathi, Author and Former Diplomat; Subodh Gupta, renowned artist; Shashank ND, Co-Founder of Practo; Poonam Mahajan, MP, BJP; Priyanka Chaturvedi, Rajya Sabha MP, and Deputy Leader of Shiv Sena; Madhur Bhandarkar, accomplished Film Director and Script Writer; Ila Arun, versatile Actor, Singer and Writer; Sanjay Jha, Author and Columnist and more.

ABP Network CEO Avinash Pandey said, “After the tremendous success of the first two editions, we are immensely proud to present a grander and richer edition of ABP Network ‘Ideas of India’ Summit. The last two editions were highly celebrated and appreciated because of the confluence of ideas on our platform. With the next General Election around the corner, India is at the cusp of making history. It is the year of great expectations which will shape the future course of the country. As ‘Ideas of India’ Summit is the foremost platform that celebrates country’s plurality, it was important for all of us to put central focus on the people of nation, their aspirations, and their story. As India advances on the journey of being the Viksit Bharat, the world is watching us emerge. Our emergence at the global arena will be dependent on how we leverage the potential of our people. It is with these thoughts I am pleased to present to you the ‘Ideas of India Summit 3.0’ which will host a spectacular line-up of public welfare thinkers and intellectuals as we discuss the way forward for India to project its national self-image at the global stage.”

Spanning two days, the third edition will delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India. The Summit will feature captivating discourses on sustainable growth and assess alterations in society, culture, and politics. With over 35 sessions and 60 speakers and session chairs, the ABP Network Ideas of India Summit 3.0 promises a fascinating and enriching experience.

The summit will be available for viewing on February 23 and 24, 2024, across all digital platforms of the ABP Network. Watch it live here – https://news.abplive.com/

RBL Bank distributes bicycles and school-kits to underprivileged girls in Patiala under its CSR initiative UMEED 1000

· Continues to empower girl child education under its CSR initiative UMEED 1000

· Over 2000 bicycles and school-kits will be donated across different cities in India

Patiala, February 22, 2024: RBL Bank, one of one of India’s leading private sector banks, under its CSR initiative – UMEED 1000, proudly announces the continuation of its commitment to supporting girl child education. The Bank has donated 700 bicycles to underprivileged girl children in Patiala, Punjab. The Bank held the donation drive in the presence of Dr. Balbir Singh, Hon’ble Minister, Medical Education & Research, Punjab, Baltej Singh Pannu, Director Media CM Punjab, R Subramaniakumar, MD & CEO, RBL Bank and senior representatives from RBL Bank. The girls showed high enthusiasm as they assembled at Polo Ground to receive the bicycles. The beneficiaries were identified by the Bank directly with the support of the Education and Social Welfare department, Government of Punjab.

One of the major reasons for children dropping out of School is distance. This initiative will provide the much-needed means of transport to increase access to education. The bicycles will help the girl-children go to school in a way that is both energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable. The Bank is distributing over 2000 bicycles and school-kits across India, including Patiala, Jaipur, Nagpur and Guwahati

Speaking on the occasion, R Subramaniakumar, Managing Director and CEO, RBL Bank, said, “In line with our mission of ‘Community as the Cause’, we stand fully committed to help the marginalized communities with our unique CSR outreach programmes. Through sustained support under UMEED 1000, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of girls and contribute towards a more equitable society.”

Ahead of International Women’s Day, Amazon India and GAME sign MOU under Saheli Program Boost Rural Women Entrepreneurship via E-commerce

Chandigarh, Feb 22^nd, 2024: Amazon India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ‘Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME), to collaborate and promote digital growth of women entrepreneurs in India, especially in Tier-2, Tier-3 cities and beyond. Through this partnership, Amazon India will aim to support approximately 25,000 women entrepreneurs and artisans in their digital entrepreneurial journey. GAME is providing inputs in business capacity building, bridging digital marketing skill gaps and enabling them to aggregate as collected brands. With the objective of creating platform access and enabling financial independence for rural women entrepreneurs and artisans, this initiative will provide the necessary support and resources for them to thrive in the digital landscape.

The MOU between Amazon India and GAME aims to co-develop and facilitate broad-based entrepreneurship to accelerate and sustain the growth of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India. Amazon Karigar & Saheli will offer workshops/training, onboarding and AM support for sellers involved in this entrepreneurship without any financial investment. This aligns with Amazon’s commitment to bolster India’s economy and create millions of sustainable jobs by 2030, through partnerships within the entrepreneurship ecosystem. Further, women entrepreneurs will be provided with hands-on training and support on digital marketing initiatives, performance marketing, product listing optimization, and advertising techniques, equipping them to adapt to current and future trends in the digital marketplace. Additionally, they will gain access to valuable data-driven insights and metrics get better knowledge on customer behaviour and market trends.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Gaurav Bhatnagar Head of Seller Acquisition and Development at Amazon India said, “It is truly inspiring to witness women entrepreneurs nationwide harnessing the power e-commerce to build and grow their business. Through innovative products, they are catering to customer preferences and establishing scalable enterprises that contribute significantly to societal well-being and economy. We are honored to be a catalyst in their entrepreneurial journey through our Saheli program. Our steadfast commitment lies in facilitating worldwide customer access, thereby empowering these women to realize their full potential in the dynamic landscape of Digital India.”

Sharing his views on this occasion, Mr. Ketul Acharya, President, Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship, “We are delighted to have partnered with Amazon for the Saheli program. GAME’s Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) program seeks to enable women entrepreneurs by enhancing their livelihood opportunities and connecting them with diverse platforms and economic partners. Through this partnership, WEE at GAME is supporting Amazon in solving large-scale ecosystem challenges to women’s economic empowerment with access to training in the digital marketplace as well as research and data about access to new markets.”

Amazon launched its special program for women entrepreneurs, ‘Amazon Saheli’ in 2017, which seeks to bring to the fore locally made products from women entrepreneurs and local women owned businesses in India. As part of this initiative, Amazon works with partners and woman entrepreneurs to drive digitization and to provide requisite tools to woman entrepreneurs to enable them to become successful in their digital endeavours. Since its inception, Saheli has digitized over 1.8 million rural, hyperlocal and urban women-led businesses through its partner network, selling selection of products such as apparel, jewellery, groceries, on the ecommerce marketplace. The products are sourced from different (NGOs) across India. More than 80,000+ women artisans are involved in this partnership and benefit from it. The artisans produce and sell these products to support their livelihoods.

Uber CEO says India’s Digital Public Infrastructure holds incredible promise as company signs MoU with ONDC

Chandigarh, February 22, 2024: Uber, India’s leading ridesharing platform, today signed an MoU with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to explore an integration with the network to expand the range of mobility offerings on the Uber app. The agreement with ONDC, a private non-profit organization established by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade of Government of India, stands to strengthen Uber’s mission of bringing safe,affordable and reliable rides to all Indians.

At an event in Bengaluru, Uber’s global CEO Dara Khosrowshahi spoke with Infosys Chairman, Nandan Nilekani on the subject of ‘Building Population Scale Technology.’ Dara said companies and governments around the world can learn from the scale and ambition of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure. He added that as a technology company, Uber views open source tech stacks with a lot of interest and recognizes the opportunities they bring for everyone.

Speaking on the MoU signing, Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia, said, “Our vision for Uber in India is to serve the mobility needs of all Indians. This is in line with ONDC’s objective of democratizing digital commerce. We are excited to take our first step through this MoU with ONDC to explore how we can accelerate our ambition to make Uber a platform for every Indian’s daily mobility needs. We are committedto play our part in helping speed up andstrengthen India’s digital transformation.”

T Koshy, MD & CEO of ONDC, Said, “As the Open Network is continuously evolving, MTT (Mobility, Transport and Travel) is certainly a critical sector for us. Different players together on the Network foster innovation and newer business models. Today’s MoU is a major step forward, and one we hope will enable a diverse range of mobility solutions to benefit every Indian.”

Over the past 10 years, Uber’s technological innovation has helped revolutionize mobility formillions. The app has reshaped India’s transportation landscape, offering safe, reliable and affordable rides to people across 125 cities across a range of different vehicle types. And weare proud to help more than 900,000 Indians earna living each month by driving with Uber.

Uber CEO says India’s Digital Public Infrastructure holds incredible promise as company signs MoU with ONDC

Chandigarh, February 22, 2024: Uber, India’s leading ridesharing platform, today signed an MoU with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to explore an integration with the network to expand the range of mobility offerings on the Uber app. The agreement with ONDC, a private non-profit organization established by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade of Government of India, stands to strengthen Uber’s mission of bringing safe,affordable and reliable rides to all Indians.

At an event in Bengaluru, Uber’s global CEO Dara Khosrowshahi spoke with Infosys Chairman, Nandan Nilekani on the subject of ‘Building Population Scale Technology.’ Dara said companies and governments around the world can learn from the scale and ambition of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure. He added that as a technology company, Uber views open source tech stacks with a lot of interest and recognizes the opportunities they bring for everyone.

Speaking on the MoU signing, Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia, said, “Our vision for Uber in India is to serve the mobility needs of all Indians. This is in line with ONDC’s objective of democratizing digital commerce. We are excited to take our first step through this MoU with ONDC to explore how we can accelerate our ambition to make Uber a platform for every Indian’s daily mobility needs. We are committedto play our part in helping speed up andstrengthen India’s digital transformation.”

T Koshy, MD & CEO of ONDC, Said, “As the Open Network is continuously evolving, MTT (Mobility, Transport and Travel) is certainly a critical sector for us. Different players together on the Network foster innovation and newer business models. Today’s MoU is a major step forward, and one we hope will enable a diverse range of mobility solutions to benefit every Indian.”

Over the past 10 years, Uber’s technological innovation has helped revolutionize mobility formillions. The app has reshaped India’s transportation landscape, offering safe, reliable and affordable rides to people across 125 cities across a range of different vehicle types. And weare proud to help more than 900,000 Indians earna living each month by driving with Uber.

Botosmooth Hair Botox by Godrej Professional Launched across Punjab’s Leading Salons

Chandigarh February 22, 2024: Godrej Professional, a professional hair brand with products in hair care, colour, styling, and keratin from Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), introduced its new hair Botox treatment – Botosmooth that can be accessed by consumers across popular salons in Punjab. The professional salon brand also conducted a hair show to showcase this hair Botox treatment, which was attended by more than 100 salonists and stylists from across the state. Salon professionals got an in-depth understanding about this treatment which is all set to revolutionise the hair care experience for consumer. This initiative not only marks the brand’s commitment to introducing innovative treatments but also signifies its dedication to upgrading professionals with the latest in the industry.

Botosmooth by Godrej Professional is a revolutionary treatment that restores and revitalises all types of hair. Zero use of formaldehyde is the highlight of the treatment, making it a safer option compared to others. Even without formaldehyde, it renders hair extremely soft, frizz-free, and reconstructs it into naturally straight-looking hair that lasts up to 30-60 washes. Botosmooth, enriched with a blend of nourishing Nutri oils including Argan oil, Grape seed oil, Coconut oil, Sunflower oil, and Shea Butter, promises to revolutionize hair care routines, setting a new standard of excellence and empowering individuals to embrace their best hair every day.

Commenting on the launch of Botosmooth in Punjab, Abhinav Grandhi, General Manager, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), said, “We already have an established presence in the professional hair care category and expertise in haircare and colour, this makes us enter the next category which is hair Botox treatment. Botosmooth is a superior formulation that is free from formaldehyde that gives a smooth, long lasting, and fizz-free hair. Revolutionary products like Botosmooth enhance the salon experience for clients and foster business growth opportunities for salon owners.”

He further added, “Skill-building education about latest hair treatments is crucial for getting best results in salon hair care treatment. Godrej Professional is doing this by organizing training with international hairdressers and industry experts for stylists across Punjab. This will enhance the skills of all these hair stylists.”

Over 100 stylists spent the day with the brand’s education and technical ambassadors who demonstrated Botosmooth treatment. The session was helmed by international hair expert Filipe Rabelo, who shared tips to introduce them to the latest hair Botox treatment. Shailesh Moolya, National Technical Head at Godrej Professional, spoke about the step-by-step process of the new hair straightening and smoothening technique, Botosmooth, withNajeeb Ur Rehman, Botosmooth & Kerasmooth Ambassador at Godrej Professional. While Sylvia Chen, Technical Ambassador at Godrej Professional, demonstrated some simple styles.

Shailesh Moolya, National Technical Head, Godrej Professional, hailed Botosmooth as a milestone in hair care innovation, stating, “Gone are the days of grappling with styling tools or battling unruly locks. Enriched with Shea Butter & Nutri oils like argan oil, grape seed oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, Botosmooth offers a transformative solution that suits all hair types. With this Formaldehyde free formula, you can bid adieu to frizzy, dry hair that needs frequent washing and say hello to frizz-free, smooth, shiny, straight hair. We recommend our Godrej Professional Keracare hair care products such as shampoo, conditioner, hair mask and oil, for home care to maintain the results.”

Filipe Rabelo, esteemed global educator and owner of prominent salon chain in Brazil, said, “Botosmooth by Godrej Professional is the salon expert for achieving superior hair texture, offering a revolutionary treatment now available in India. This protein-based product is free from formaldehyde, ensuring a safe and delightful experience for both salon professionals and clients alike. Infused with a variety of nutrition-enhancing ingredients, it guarantees that hair remains healthy and strong while achieving a smooth, sleek finish. This product also reflects a personal collaboration I had with Godrej Professional to introduce Brazilian formulations suitable for all hair types in India.”

People can avail of Godrej Professional Botosmooth treatment across leading salons in Punjab.

Godrej Interio’s ‘HomeScapes’ Study reveals Indians want ‘Me-Time’ at home

~ The brand’s ‘Homescapes’ study uncovers that furniture selections mirror a consumer’s personality ~

Chandigarh 22 February 2024: In the fast-paced and dynamic landscape of modern India, a notable shift is occurring in the way people approach their homes, as revealed in the’HomeScapes’ study conducted by Godrej Interio, a business of Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group. The research highlights the distinct manifestation of individuals’ personalities and values in their preferences for home decor, emphasising the inherent link between homes and personal growth.

The findings of the report unveiled intriguing aspects of changing consumer behaviour, shedding light on the significance of personal space and its connection to individual growth highlighting how an increasing number of Indians are actively seeking ‘Me-Time’ within the confines of their homes. With more Indians working trying to balance their work and home, ‘personal time’ is becoming more of a luxury. As per the ‘HomeScapes’ study, more Indians are now looking to get ‘Me Time’ where they can unwind in their personal space at home. The report also stressed on the fact that personal space/corner is the first thing that an increasing number of Indians think of when planning to buy their own homes. In fact, about one in every three respondents in both Mumbai (37%) and Kolkata (31%) and more than a quarter of the respondents in Bengaluru (27%) admit that their personal space where they can indulge in a solitary activity in peace is the first thing, they visualize in their first home.

Commenting on the trend Swapneel Nagarkar, Senior Vice President & Business Head, Godrej Interio, “The ‘Homescapes’ research underscores the profound emotional bond between individuals, their families, and their homes. Our study explores the sentiments of consumers regarding a crucial aspect of their existence—their homes as a reflection of their lives. The survey data highlights a shift towards prioritizing both functionality and aesthetics, ensuring that homes are not only efficient and well-organized but also inviting and elegantly decorated. At Godrej Interio, we take pride in creating furniture that goes beyond visual appeal, offering features tailored to complement the modern Indian lifestyle. Our furniture becomes an integral part of one’s home and lifestyle, embodying both style and practicality.”

Furthermore, the study reveals that Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Mumbai are the top three cities looking for refuge in their homes from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. About 33% of the respondents claim that their home is their sanctuary to unwind, get ‘me-time’, sleep, meditate, indulge in ‘self-care’, spend time in their balcony garden, etc. with more than half ofrespondents in Kolkata (56%), 40% of respondents in Bengaluru, and 39% Mumbaikars claiming this. The study further states that 44% of respondents have added a balcony garden or a mini-garden at home in the past two to three years. About half of the respondents –46% claim that they have started a new work-out or yoga routine at home. Additionally, 56% of participants expressed a desire to revive the tradition of enjoying morning tea or coffee in their favorite chair, either on the patio or in the living room.

The survey was conducted with 2822 Indians living across 7 cities including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Lucknow.

Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles brings its Mega Service Camp to Jaipur and Lucknow This February

Chandigarh 22 February, 2024: Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles is set to extend its highly successful Mega Service Camp to Jaipur, Rajasthan, and Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Following two successful service camps in Kerala, the three-day events will take place in Jaipur from February 23rd to 25th and in Lucknow from February 29th to March 3rd, exclusively catering to Jawa motorcycle owners of the 2019 and 2020 models in these regions.

Building on the success of previous service camps in Cochin and Calicut, which serviced over 850 Jawa motorcycles, the brand plans to conduct Mega Service Camps across multiple cities in the coming months. This initiative underscores the brand’s commitment to prioritizing customer satisfaction and delivering an unparalleled ownership experience.

Ashish Singh Joshi, CEO of Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles, expressed enthusiasm about expanding the Mega Service Camps nationwide, stating, “We are thrilled to broaden the reach of our Mega Service Camps across the country. The outstanding response in Kerala allowed us to engage with our valued customers, who play a crucial role in shaping our products and processes. Through these camps, we aim to provide a comprehensive ownership experience for our motorcycles.“

As part of the service camp, owners of 2019-2020 Jawa motorcycles are entitled to a comprehensive vehicle health check-up and a free replacement of select parts. Leading original equipment suppliers, including Motul, Amaron, and Ceat Tyres, will be actively participating to assist customers.

In a continued commitment to long-term customer satisfaction, Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles is offering complimentary extended warranties based on the motorcycles’ health evaluation. Additionally, a designated zone will be set up for owners interested in upgrading their motorcycles to assess the exchange value.

Details for the Jaipur Mega Service Camp:

Location: Dev Autotech, #1 Neelkanth Colony, Vidhti Nagar Corner, Ajmer Road, Jaipur – 302021, Rajasthan

Details for the Lucknow Mega Service Camp:

Location: Crescendo Motor LLP, Kumar Cold Storage, Girirkunj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow – 226003

Owners of Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles are encouraged to reserve their slots at the nearest brand dealership. Don’t miss the opportunity to ensure your motorcycle receives top-notch care and experience the commitment to customer satisfaction firsthand.

upGrad Harnesses AI to translate Certs & Bootcamps into vernacular languages

The skilling major deploys and leverages AI to enhance its offerings and leverage local dialects / human interventions for stronger career results

Chandigarh, 22 Feb 2024: upGrad, one of Asia’s largest integrated learning skilling and workforce development majors intends to enhance its product diaspora by translating popular Bootcamps & Certs into vernacular languages using AI for freshers and working professionals. “Presently over 40% of upGrad’s learner base in India is from Tier 2 cities and beyond where regional languages are more prevalent compared to English,” highlights Asheesh Sharma – President, Certifications and Bootcamps, upGrad. Recognising this opportunity to improve the communication and the learning experience, the skilling major has identified Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Bengali languages in phase 1 to ensure the brand penetrates deeper across every eligible household in the region.

The company aims to combine pedagogy with strong human interventions in the form of counsellors and buddies who could speak local languages further making it accessible and convenient for learners coming out of the vast national diaspora. Focusing on regional insights and demand, the catalogue will include courses in Engineering, Data Science, AI, Cloud Computing, DevOps, UI/UX, and Agile Project Management where upGrad has a strong foothold already, while Phase 2 will target Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Product Management, Business Analyst, and ITIL, with foreign languages like Spanish and Chinese. Over 5 lakh learners have been enrolled in the past with the most demand coming out of Bengaluru, New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Odisha, Pune, Chennai, and Kolkata among others.

Utilising an in-house tech tool, counsellors will address inquiries related to one’s education, background, interests, and career aspirations to ensure effective guidance and decision-making. Aligned with GOI’s ambition of fostering cultural connection and cognitive development amongst India’s youth, this approach aims to bridge the gap between accurately selecting the right program/domain and achieving one’s desired career goals. “Most scepticism today is fed inorganically and needs stronger course correction. Online is an incredible tool that has come a long way from being a VC tool vs. an interactive and immersive format that’s hands-on and accessible at any given point. Considering that only 7 to 8% of graduates in India are deemed employable, our objective is to substantially elevate this figure by providing millions with some initial support or springboard to get closer to their career aspirations,” said Sharma while talking about the business objective.

The company invests significantly in AI-related developments internally and the onset of FY25 marks an important growth and transformative year for the brand. “We’ve already deployed AI across our operations much before it became the buzzword for building on to learner engagements, we are now taking it a notch higher by harnessing its impact into our curriculum and teaching. There’s wider acceptance and a sense of openness amongst professionals of all age groups,” he added.

The company may also extend these services to its Enterprise arm soon to further personalise corporate training sessions making them accessible to all strata. India being the HQ, the brand has witnessed 100% YoY growth in overall enrolments and further claims to double down its annual active learners in the next 1 year.