Saturday, September 30, 2023

Hero MotoCorp To Revise Prices Of Select Motorcycles & Scooters From October 3, 2023


Hero MotoCorp will make a marginal revision in the ex-showroom prices of select motorcycles and scooters, effective from October 3, 2023.

The price increase will be around 1% and the exact quantum of increase will vary by specific models and markets.

The price revision is part of our regular review of product competitiveness and positioning, factoring inflation, margins and market share. 

KISNA Hosts Cluster Meet For Its Retail Partners In Tamil Nadu


* Launches new collections and unveils franchise model in Chennai

KISNA Diamond and Gold Jewellery from Hari Krishna Group hosted Chennai cluster meet for its key retailers in Tamilnadu. The main objective of this cluster meeting was to offer a platform for insightful discussion on industry trends and to collaborate with its loyal and long standing business partners for successful roll out of KISNA franchise stores.

Kisna from Hari Krishna Group is a reputed jewellery brand since 2005, with a wide distribution to 3,500+ retailers across the country making it the largest distributed diamond jewellery brand in India. KISNA has been growing exponentially by driving business growth through a retailer-enabled franchise model. In 2022, KISNA began its expansion by launching its first store in Siliguri followed by Hyderabad, Hisar, Ayodhya, Bareilly, Raipur, Delhi, Mumbai, Jammu & Bengaluru.

The business cluster meet was graced by Mr. Ghanshyam Dholakia, Founder & Managing Director, Hari Krishna Group. Mr. Parag Shah (Director) Kisna Diamond & Gold Jewellery and Mr.MK Suresh (COO) Kisna Diamond & Gold Jewellery. Engaging discussions took place on the industry overview and KISNA’s product offerings, services and business development. Through this meet, various retailers in Chennai have expressed interest in creating KISNA brand corners in their stores.

Mr. Ghanshyam Dholakia, Founder and Managing Director, Hari Krishna Group. said, “Chennai possess huge potential for the growth of Indian economy and it was a privilege to host a cluster meeting for our valued retailers in this region. We are optimistic that the business synergies discussed during the meeting will lead to the expansion and development of the company and the retailers.’’

Mr. Parag Shah, Director, Kisna Diamond & Gold Jewellery said, “With this cluster meet, we aim to bring together our retailers of Chennai under one platform to interact, learn, grow and explore more business opportunities with KISNA. The company is focusing towards rapid expansion of its franchise operations and to have the widest KISNA Franchised Retail Chain across the country. We take this opportunity to invite our business partner to become a franchise partner of KISNA Diamond & Gold Jewellery’’

Friday, September 29, 2023

Grand Opening of Interwood’s 16th Exclusive Brand Outlet At Hyderabad


Hyderabad saw the opening of Interwood ‘s 16th exclusive brand outlet at the Asian sun city Building located behind the AMB mall at Kothaguda Circle. The event was a day long soirĂ©e that witnessed the congregation of the best design minds comprising of architects, interior designers and boutique builders alike.

With more than 14 curated ensembles of Modular Kitchens and wardrobes, the experience centre is replete with an entire suite of the brand s best offerings. It works on a design, develop and install principle where every Kitchen and wardrobe solution is made to order based on the customer’s requirements.

Enumerating the brand’s vision, Mr Hardeep Sawhney, Chairman, Interwood said “Interwood, over the last thirty years in existence has evolved into a mature brand fulfilling aspirations and desires of premium Indian households helping them transform the way they cook and live.” He further stated the readiness of Interwood in catering to the demand drive caused by growing demographics of cities like Hyderabad.

The brand has its USP as – “The best of European grade quality, at honest Indian Prices. It stands up to its reputation of having serviced more than 20,000 premium households over the last three decades boasting of an impressive repertoire of clients. Speaking on the occasion Ms. Kasturi Sawhney (Executive director)stated “ With a wide range of design and finishes being offered, the architects and interior designers will experience a latitude of options to express their design sensibilities.”

With a captive manufacturing facility spread over 1 lac sft. at Bangalore, Interwood has a capacity to produce about 1000 kitchens and wardrobes in a month.

Yamaha Opens New ‘Blue Square’ Outlet in Udupi, Karnataka


India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd. today announced the opening of new state-of-the-art “Blue Square” outlets in Udupi, Karnataka. Launched under the banner of ‘M/s. Udupi Motors’ with 2,750sqft. of space, Yamaha’s Blue Square outlet is designed to deliver a superior experience to customers across end-to-end sales, service, and support through a highly personalised approach.

Yamaha's Blue Square outlets embody the brand’s true spirit and have been meticulously designed to provide customers with a superior end-to-end experience encompassing sales, service, and support. They exemplify a personalized approach, ensuring every customer feels valued and satisfied. By leveraging these exclusive outlets, the brand aims to offer customers a gateway into the world of Yamaha Racing.

Each section of these premium outlets has been thoughtfully crafted to instil a sense of pride in being associated with a global brand deeply rooted in international motorsports. Guided by this philosophy, Yamaha has formed an instant connection with customers through the combination of "Blue," representing the brand's proud racing legacy, and "Square," symbolising a curated platform for customers to connect with Yamaha's exhilarating, sporty, and stylish range of two-wheelers.

Alongside providing an industry-leading experience in sales and support, these blue square outlets also serve as a platform for the Blue Streaks riders, Yamaha’s exclusive biker community, allowing riders to engage and interact with other riders.

While Yamaha’s maxi-sports AEROX 155 scooter is exclusively sold through Blue Square showrooms, these premium outlets also showcase the updated 2023 line-up premium two-wheelers including  the YZF-R15 V4 (155cc), YZF-R15S V3 (155cc),  MT-15 V2 (155cc); Blue-Core Technology-enabled models such as FZS-Fi Version 4.0 (149cc), FZS-Fi Version 3.0 (149cc), FZ-Fi Version 3.0 (149cc), FZ-X (149cc), and scooters like Fascino 125 FI Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR 125 FI Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR Street Rally 125 FI Hybrid (125cc). Delivering on the promise of proving a more comprehensive experience, these premium Blue Square outlets also have the latest Yamaha genuine accessories, official apparel, and Yamaha genuine spare parts on display and sales for customers.

JioMart And Meta Celebrate A Year Of Making Shopping Easier For India


Celebrating one year of enabling Indians to shop with ease, JioMart and WhatsApp’s collaboration has proven to be one of the most successful partnerships in the domestic retail space. Reliance Retail's JioMart, one of India's leading e-marketplaces, has successfully implemented and fulfilled orders through WhatsApp. The partnership has enabled consumers to simply browse and shop for their household needs through WhatsApp chat services. 

With the partnership with Meta, JioMart has witnessed 7x growth in monthly orders through WhatsApp compared to the same period last year. With an end-to-end shopping experience within WhatsApp, JioMart is able to tap consumers, who are hesitant to shop online. The user-friendly functionality of the platform has also enabled a 6x month-on-month growth in new customer conversion on JioMart-on-WhatsApp. Moreover, this partnership has boosted India’s digital transformation and helped consumers and businesses of all sizes to connect in new ways. 

Last year, in a global-first product experience initiative, Jio Platforms partnered with Meta to offer JioMart-on-WhatsApp. JioMart-on-WhatsApp experience is revolutionizing the way millions of businesses across the country connect with their consumers while bringing unparalleled simplicity and convenience to people’s shopping experience. 

Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President, Meta India, said, “JioMart’s end-to-end shopping experience on WhatsApp was a global-first innovative integration for Meta, and we are pleased with this strategic partnership. The growth JioMart has seen since both sales and customer acquisition on WhatsApp is a testament to the fact that businesses and people are finding messaging to be the faster, more convenient way to get things done. Business messaging is an area with real momentum, and these chat-based experiences will be a game-changer around the world.”

Commenting on the occasion, Sandeep Varaganti, CEO, JioMart, said, “The launch of JioMart on WhatsApp last year has been a phenomenal success, we are able to truly democratize digital commerce for everyone and bring in new customers. In fact, we have witnessed a 6X month-on-month growth in new customers coming from this platform. We have been expanding our offerings on the platform and now have multi-categories available on the catalogue, from groceries and fashion to electronics. We will also be able to offer collections from the Reliance Jewels range soon. Together, we are determined to make this new channel of digital shopping a success and fill the need gap of the digitally shy customers and reach a larger audience across the country.”

As part of the anniversary celebrations, JioMart will offer unmatched prices and discounts up to 70% on products across categories on WhatsApp shopping. Adding some glitz and excitement to the JioMart-on-WhatsApp Anniversary Dhamaka, JioMart is hosting a live session on their social media platforms for consumers on September 29, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. Consumers can register on JioMart Facebook Event and join celebrities, Gauahar Khan and RJ Kisna live and stand a chance to win iPhones and more than 200 exciting prizes!

By simply sending ‘Hi’ to the JioMart number (+917977079770) on WhatsApp, one will instantly receive the shopping catalogue, notifications on current offers and deals. You can browse the catalog and explore aisles of unlimited products on offer at JioMart, add products to your cart and complete your purchases, all within WhatsApp. With this hassle-free service, customers can order as per their convenience, no time or quantity restrictions.

ABOUT JIOMART

JioMart is Reliance Retail's e-tail arm that debuted in 2020. JioMart endeavours to empower the entrepreneurs & strengthen the SMB community in India by providing them with one of India’s largest home-grown e-marketplace destinations. It seeks to create an excellent experience amongst sellers and buyers with its convenient services, diverse choice of products, an easy-to-use interface, quick delivery, and unparalleled deals. The indigenous e-marketplace with 2 million+ products across 20+ categories and a robust supplier base, is set to transform the digital commerce segment in India.  

ABOUT META

Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology.

ABOUT RELIANCE RETAIL LIMITED 

Reliance Retail Limited (RRL) is a subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), the holding company of all the retail companies under the RIL (Reliance Industries Limited) group. RRL and other subsidiaries and affiliates of RRVL, operate an integrated omni-channel network of over 18,500 stores and digital commerce platforms across Grocery, Consumer Electronics, Fashion & Lifestyle and Pharma consumption baskets. RRVL has partnered with over 3 million merchants through its New Commerce initiative. Reliance Retail Limited is the only Indian retailer in the global Top 100 and amongst the fastest growing retailers globally as per Deloitte's Global Powers of Retailing 2023. RRVL reported a consolidated turnover of Rs 260,364 crore ($ 31.7 billion) and net profit of Rs 9,181 crore ($ 1.1 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2023.

Pidilite Unveils Quirky Digital Campaign Showcasing Fevicol Glue Drops’ Instant Bonding Strength


~Fevicol GlueDrops: Chipkaane Mein Aasaan, Chhode No Nishaan~

Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UWwzWjGa0k

Pidilite Industries Limited, a leading manufacturer of adhesives and sealants, construction chemicals, and craftsmen products, has unveiled its new digital campaign (DVC) for Fevicol "Glue Drops" – a drop adhesive that promises to redefine the way you decorate and adhere things.

This visually captivating campaign showcases the humorous story of 'Bittoo's' post-birthday party disaster, where decorations stuck with regular tape leave the walls in ruins. This fun and quirky campaign highlights the importance of using Fevicol Glue Drops for a smarter and cleaner way to decorate. The campaign not only underscores the extraordinary bonding capabilities of Fevicol Glue Drops but also celebrates the limitless creativity and precision that these drops bring to crafting, modelling, and repairing projects.

Kashyap Gala, Senior Vice President of the Arts & Crafts Division at Pidilite Industries Ltd., said, “At Pidilite, we are always looking ahead, and Fevicol Glue Drops is a testament to our forward-thinking approach. This groundbreaking adhesive product is poised to redefine the category. While the campaign begins with decoration space as one of its uses, the versatility of this adhesive caters to countless temporary sticking needs. The campaign will go live across multiple digital touchpoints and will be complemented by a strong influencer component as we showcase the many use cases of this truly disruptive innovation."

Commenting on the campaign, Piyush Pandey, Chairman of Global Creative & Executive Chairman, Ogilvy, India, said, "Fevicol, the mother of all adhesives, keeps looking for need gaps to fulfill them with innovative products. This time, it's Fevicol Glue Drops that do the job better than ordinary tape without leaving any marks. The ad captures the use of Fevicol Glue Drops in a day-to-day situation in a fun way, providing an easy demonstration with interest value for the family."

The film revolves around a creative storyline that resonates with anyone who has ever had to deal with the mess left behind by adhesive tape after a party or celebration. The ad demonstrates how simple it is to apply Fevicol Glue Drops. They are effortlessly peeled off and applied to decorations, securely sticking them to the wall without damaging the paint. This showcases the convenience and mess-free application of Fevicol Glue Drops.

The new campaign will be available on major digital platforms and social media channels, ensuring wide visibility and reach amongst consumers, inspiring and transforming the way we perceive adhesive artistry.

About Pidilite: 

Pidilite Industries Limited is a leading manufacturer of adhesives and sealants, construction chemicals, craftsmen products, DIY (Do-It-Yourself) products and polymer emulsions in India. Our products range also includes paint chemicals, automotive chemicals, art materials and stationery, fabric care, maintenance chemicals, industrial adhesives, industrial resins and organic pigments & preparations. Most of the products have been developed through strong in-house R&D. Our brand name Fevicol has become synonymous with adhesives to millions in India and is ranked amongst the most trusted brands in the country. Some of our other major brands are M-Seal, Fevikwik, Fevistik, Roff, Dr. Fixit, Araldite and Fevicryl. 

6th Manipal Marathon In 2024: Running For A Noble Cause - Hospice Care


The Manipal Academy of Higher Education proudly announces the highly anticipated 6th edition of the Manipal Marathon, scheduled to take place on February 11th, 2024. This year, the Marathon embraces a poignant theme: Hospice Care for People Living with Life-Limiting Illnesses. Under the rallying cry "We are with you all the way," this event promises to captivate participants from around the world, fostering a vibrant and festive ambiance that transcends cultural boundaries, all while championing a noble cause. Manipal Marathon anticipates welcoming approximately 15,000 runners across diverse age categories. In previous editions, runners representing countries such as Ethiopia, Germany, Kenya, England, Nepal, Malaysia, USA, and Sri Lanka have graced the event. The upcoming 2024 edition promises to attract even more international talent.

Dr. H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, underlined the unifying power of running, stating, "The 6th Manipal Marathon in 2024 is more than just a race; it's a platform where the global community unites to support the noble cause of Hospice care. With the tagline 'We are with you all the way,' we extend a warm invitation to runners and enthusiasts worldwide to join us in this exhilarating event. Together, we can create a profound impact on the lives of those in need of palliative care, upholding their dignity and honor."

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, shared his excitement, "As the Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, I am pleased to announce that the Manipal Marathon's route offers participants a unique opportunity not only to challenge their physical limits but also to immerse themselves in the breathtaking coastal beauty of Manipal and Udupi. The scenic route, featuring the stunning Malpe Beach, adds an extra layer of excitement to this prestigious event. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a beginner, our diverse categories, including the untimed 3k fun run and the challenging 42K, ensure there's a race for everyone."

Mr. Ragupathi Bhat, Honorary Advisor of the Udupi District Amateur Athletics Association, and an ex-member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, expressed his wholehearted support for the Manipal Marathon, stating, "As someone who has witnessed the power of sports and community involvement, I am delighted to see the Manipal Marathon continue to grow and evolve. This event not only promotes a healthy and active lifestyle but also serves a higher purpose by raising awareness about Hospice care."

Dr. Naveen Salins, Associate Dean of Kasturba Medical College and Head of the Palliative and Hospice Care Centre at KH Manipal, shared insights about the new Hospice project and the theme of the Manipal Marathon, stating, "As we embark on this exciting journey with the 6th Manipal Marathon in 2024, I am deeply honored to share our vision for the future of Hospice care. The Manipal Marathon's theme, focusing on Hospice care, aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing compassionate and dignified care to those in need. Our new Hospice project aims to transform the landscape of palliative care, ensuring that individuals facing life-limiting illnesses receive the physical, emotional, and spiritual support they deserve. We believe that the marathon's theme will not only raise awareness but also drive the necessary support for this vital cause. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of patients and their families, offering them comfort, solace, and hope."

Mr. Mahesh Thakur, Vice President of the Karnataka State Athletic Association, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mr. Kemparaj, President of Udupi District Amateur Athletics Association, conveyed his pride in being a part of the Manipal Marathon's journey,

Dr. Vinod Nayak, Secretary of Sports Council, MAHE, welcomed all the gathering, and Arch. Monika Jadhav offered a vote of thanks. What sets the Manipal Marathon apart are its enticing perks and features, including generous prize money, a festive carnival atmosphere, delectable cuisine, and a wealth of Marathon goodies for all. Stay tuned, as registrations for the Manipal Marathon 2024 will be opening soon. Join us in this thrilling event that combines the spirit of athleticism with a heartfelt commitment to making a positive impact on our society.

Godrej Group And Mumbai First Unveil Sohrab Pirojsha Godrej Environment Award To Honor Environmental Excellence


Godrej Group, in partnership with Mumbai First, today, announced the launch of the Sohrab Pirojsha Godrej Environment Award, an initiative dedicated to recognizing and honoring individuals who have demonstrated exceptional excellence in the field of environment and sustainability, with a focus on Mumbai. This prestigious award serves as a tribute to Mr. S.P. Godrej's pioneering work in environmental protection and commemorates his enduring legacy by inspiring the next generation of environmental champions.

The Sohrab Pirojsha Godrej Environment Award has a set of pivotal objectives. It aims to not only recognize the pioneers who have spearheaded sustainable environmental projects within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, but also seeks to disseminate best practices to ignite and motivate the adoption of environmentally responsible actions. It also aspires to honor impactful efforts in crucial areas such as preservation, pollution control, and conservation.

The evaluation criteria for the Sohrab Pirojsha Godrej Environment Award encompass key aspects such as impact, leadership, and commitment to the environment causes. It also takes into account community engagement, innovative approaches, advocacy efforts, scalability of initiatives, educational outreach, and a science-based approach.

Nadir Godrej, Chairman and Managing Director of Godrej Industries, stated, "At Godrej, we are deeply committed to protecting our environment, because we understand it's not just a choice but a responsibility we all share. The Sohrab Pirojsha Godrej Environment Award carries a special meaning for us. It is a symbol of our continuing dedication to people, the planet, alongside profit and a tribute to legendry SP Godrej who was a great environmentalist.  It would be a privilege for us to celebrate and stand beside the incredible individuals and organizations who work tirelessly to protect our environment. Together, let's support these 'Environment Champions,' drawing inspiration from their remarkable efforts as we strive to create a better world for future generations."

Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, FRS, Former Chairman of National Innovation Foundation and Former Director-General of CSIR, and jury member of the Sohrab Pirojsha Godrej Environment Award, stated, "S P Godrej was a timeless inspirator well ahead of his time. He lives on even today with his eternal message of the critical importance environmental protection as a key to our sustainable future. The awards created in his name for championing this noble cause will inspire generations to come.”

Mr. Roger C. B. Pereira, Vice Chairman of Mumbai First, commented, "Mr. S. P. Godrej was a man born much before his time! He devoted his entire life, giving of his Time, Money & Talents, unstintingly to the cause of the Environment, literally 24x7. I feel really fulfilled that Nadir Godrej has whole heartedly supported Mumbai First in its endeavor to commemorate this giant of a human being."

The Sohrab Pirojsha Godrej Environment Award is open for nominations until September 30, 2023. To learn more about the award and access the nomination form, please visit our website at https://spgodrejevironmentawards.com/

About Godrej Group:   

Established in 1897, the Godrej Group has its roots in India's Independence and Swadeshi movement. Our founder, Ardeshir Godrej, lawyer-turned-serial entrepreneur failed with a few ventures, before he struck gold with a locks business. Today, we enjoy the patronage of 1.2 billion consumers globally across consumer goods, real estate, appliances, agriculture and many other businesses. In fact, our geographical footprint extends beyond Earth, with our engines now powering many of India's space missions.

With a revenue of over USD 5 billion we are growing fast, and have exciting, ambitious aspirations.

But for us, it is most important that besides our strong financial performance and innovative, much-loved products, we remain a good company. Approximately 23 per cent of the promoter holding in the Godrej Group is held in trusts that invest in the environment, health and education. We are also bringing together our passion and purpose to make a difference through our Good & Green strategy of 'shared value' to create a more inclusive and greener India. At the heart of all of this, is our people. We take much pride in fostering an inspiring workplace, with an agile and high-performance culture. We are also deeply committed to recognising and valuing diversity across our teams.

Air India Concludes Acquisation Of India's First A350-900 Through Gift IFSC


Air India, India’s leading global airline, has successfully acquired India’s first Airbus A350-900 aircraft through a finance lease transaction with HSBC. This is Air India’s first financing transaction from its record-setting orders for 470 aircraft.

The transaction makes Air India the first scheduled carrier to have acquired an aircraft from an entity registered in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). Air India’s first A350-900 is also the first widebody aircraft to have been leased through India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).

The transaction was facilitated by AI Fleet Services Limited (AIFS), a 100% subsidiary of Air India, and a GIFT IFSC-registered finance company

“This landmark transaction marks the beginning of our aircraft leasing business from GIFT IFSC, as AIFS will be the primary Air India Group entity for widebody aircraft financing, playing a pivotal role in the future aircraft financing strategy for us and our subsidiaries. It is also a shot in the arm for the development of a robust aviation ecosystem in India. As a flag-bearer of the country, Air India is happy to support the Government of India’s efforts to develop an aircraft leasing hub in GIFT IFSC,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial & Transformation Officer, Air India.

“Govt. of India has taken several initiatives to develop the aircraft leasing ecosystem at IFSC in India. IFSCA has been working with the stakeholders to develop regulatory enablers for aircraft leasing and financing. The steps taken by Air India by establishing a finance company for the purpose of aircraft leasing and financing at IFSC will go long way in developing IFSC as a preferred destination for aircraft leasing and financing in India as well as globally," mentioned Dr. Dipesh Shah, Executive Director, IFSCA.

The first of Air India’s six Airbus A350-900 is expected to arrive in India by the end of this year, with the remainder aircraft scheduled for deliveries through March 2024. In addition to the six Airbus A350-900 aircraft, Air India’s firm orders for 470 new aircraft include 34 A350-1000, 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 10 Boeing 777X widebody aircraft, as well as 140 Airbus A320neo, 70 Airbus A321neo and 190 Boeing 737MAX narrowbody aircraft.

Air India had signed purchase agreements to acquire these aircraft with Airbus and Boeing on the sidelines of Paris Air Show held in June 2023.

About Air India:

Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India pioneered India’s aviation sector. Since its first flight on October 15, 1932, Air India has built an extensive domestic network with non-stop flights to cities around the world, across the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Far East, South-East Asia, Australia, and the Gulf. After 69 years as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022.

Air India is navigating through a major five-year transformation roadmap under the aegis of Vihaan.AI, with an ambition to become a world class airline with an Indian heart. The first phase of this transformation, the taxi phase was recently concluded, and focused on fixing the basics. These included bringing back to service many long grounded aircraft, addition of talent across flying and ground functions, rapid upgradation of technology and strengthening of customer care initiatives amongst others.

A member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium of leading international airlines, Air India offers seamless connectivity and facilities to passengers all over the world.

Mahindra Logistics Unveils 6.5 Lakh Sq. Ft. Multi-Client Warehouse In Bhiwandi Near Mumbai


Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_uDVe7l6N8

Mahindra Logistics Ltd., one of India’s largest integrated logistics solutions providers, unveiled its state-of-the-art warehouse in Bhiwandi, located near Mumbai. This facility spans an expansive 6.5 lakh square feet allows Mahindra Logistics Ltd. to provide flexible, scalable fulfilment and integrated distribution solutions.

The new warehouse will be an important part of Mahindra Logistics Ltd. Pan-India network of multi-client facilities that manage the fulfilment and distribution of its diverse clients in automotive, e-commerce and FMCG industries. It offers easy access to prominent industrial and manufacturing clusters near Nashik and Vapi facilitating efficient logistics operations. With proximity to India's largest port, this facility is poised to play a pivotal role in the supply chain enabling faster and more efficient movement of goods.

The facility has been designed in accordance with Mahindra Logistics Ltd. sustainability standards, encompassing liquid discharge management, 100% on-site renewable energy, and waste management protocols. The facility provides a substantial 30% green cover contributing to environmental conservation and is IGBC platinum certified.

The Grade-A warehouse has 84 docks, 13-meter clear height, and a load-bearing capacity of 8 MT/M2, making it versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications supporting MLL’s 3PL, Last-mile delivery and Express businesses.

Mr. Rampraveen Swaminathan, Managing Director and CEO of Mahindra Logistics Limited, said, “To bolster our capacity and address the growing demand, we have been augmenting our network with the addition of Built-to-Suit (BTS) warehousing facilities across India. Our latest facility in Bhiwandi is located in one of India's prominent industrial hubs, enables us to broaden our portfolio of integrated solutions for our valued clientele in the region. It embodies our dedication to delivering world-class, technology-driven solutions and aligns with our vision to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, exemplified by our pursuit of an IGBC certification for this facility.”

Motorola Announces Lowest Ever “Festive Special Prices” On Its Bestselling Smartphones With Sale From Sept 28 On Flipkart


* The newly launched Big Billion Days specials smartphone motorola edge 40 neo, world's lightest IP68 rated 5G* smartphone and the world’s first smartphone powered by the lightning fast MediaTek™ Dimensity 7030 Processor, goes on sale for the first time at a limited period festive specials launch price at Rs. 19,999* and Rs. 21,999* for its 8+128 GB and 12+256 GB variants respectively   

* Price has been revealed for India’s most powerful~ 5G smartphone, moto g54 5G featuring the segment’s 1st in-built 12GB RAM + 256GB storage, and India’s 1st MediaTek™ Dimensity 7020 octa-core processor with 6000mAh battery will be available at Rs. 12,999* and Rs. 14,999* for 8+128 GB and 12+256 GB variants respectively   

* The moto g84 5G, the first sub 20K segment smartphone ever to be offered in Pantone™ colour of the Year 2023- Viva Magenta, vegan leather finish & 120Hz billion colours pOLED display will be available for a standout effective price of Rs. 16,999*  

* The moto g32 with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, a 6.5” FHD+ display, and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos®, powered by Snapdragon® 680 processor is available for purchase at just Rs. 8,999* 

* India’s most affordable 8GB RAM & 128GB storage smartphone the moto e13, is available at an offer price of Rs. 6,749* 

Motorola, India’s best 5G smartphone brand^ has announced massive discounts with the lowest ever prices on its smartphones, ahead of the Flipkart The Big Billion Days Sale. As of 28th September, 7 p.m. onwards, customers can buy most of the smartphones across the motorola edge, moto g, and moto e series, at incredibly attractive festive special Big Billion Days sale prices which have been made live early. Additionally, the highly anticipated Big Billion Days specials, motorola edge 40 neo also goes on sale for the first time at an exclusive and limited period festive price of Rs. 19,999* for the 8+128 GB variant and Rs. 21,999* for the 12+256 GB variant. 

Starting with the Big Billion Days Specials, consumers can purchase the world's lightest IP68 rated 5G* and the world's first smartphone to be powered by the lightning fast MediaTek™ Dimensity 7030 processor, the motorola edge 40 neo, which goes on sale for the first time at a disruptive price starting at Rs. 19,999. (including bank offer). The device features the segment-first 144Hz 6.55” curved pOLED display with 10-bit billion colours. The motorola edge 40 neo is a perfect combination of cutting-edge technology and great value-for-money offering. It's a true head-turner with its PANTONE™ curated trend-setting colors like Soothing Sea, Caneel Bay, and Black Beauty. The phone has an ultra-light and ultra-thin endless edge design and vegan leather finish. It also comes with 50MP Ultra Pixel Night Vision primary camera with OIS, 13MP secondary camera that supports an ultra-wide-angle lens along with Macro Vision and Depth segment in one camera itself. On the front, users are presented with a 32MP selfie camera with quad-pixel technology which guarantees remarkable selfies in all lighting conditions. 

Further strengthening Motorola’s 5G portfolio, the moto g54 5G, India’s most powerful~ 5G smartphone enables users to experience marvelous performance in the sub-20K segment at never-before-seen prices of Rs. 12,999* and Rs. 14,999* for 8+128 GB and 12+256 GB variants respectively, from 8th October. The moto g54 5G is also the segment’s 1st smartphone with a remarkable in-built 12GB RAM + 256GB storage configuration and segment’s most powerful MediaTek™ Dimensity 7020 octa-core processor. Additionally, this device boasts two more segment-first features: the 50MP shake-free camera with OIS technology and the massive 6000mAh battery.  

At an enticing price of Rs. 16,999*, the moto g84 5G becomes the first smartphone ever featuring Pantone™ colour of the Year 2023 Viva magenta with vegan leather in the sub 20K segment to be launched in Pantone™ curated colours. Its vivid 120Hz 6.55” pOLED display with 10-bit colour depth and 100% DCI- P3 support delivers over a billion shades of film-quality colours and truly brings entertainment to life. India’s most loved smartphone with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage powered by Snapdragon® 680, the moto g32 is also available at an incredible price of Rs. 8,999*. A rare find in this price range, the moto g32 presents users with a modern center punch-hole design on its super-smooth FHD+ 6.5-inch display & 5000mAh battery. 

India’s most affordable smartphone with 8GB RAM & 128GB storage, the moto e13 is available at a massively discounted price of Rs. 6,749*. This device is backed by a strong 5000mAh battery to ensure long-lasting power and minimal downtime. 

Moreover, users can also purchase the world’s slimmest 5G smartphone with an IP68 rating, the motorola edge 40, at a Big Billion Day fantastic offer price which will be announced on 8th October. It is also the world's first smartphone to be powered by the blazing fast MediaTek™ Dimensity 8020 Processor along with the segment 1st 144Hz 3D curved display with edge lights (6.55" pOLED HDR10+). This device also has wireless charging support, making it the first of its kind in the segment. A power-packed smartphone for a price that’s set to leave the users in awe, making it a great value-for-money deal. 

Monument Mitra Dalmia Bharat Introduces “Special Offering For Schools”, For A Unique Experience Of History At Red Fort


* Aims to nurture a profound appreciation for India's history and cultural diversity in young minds 

Dalmia Bharat Limited, India’s leading cement manufacturing company and Monument Mitra – Red Fort has announced a “special offering for schools” for an immersive educational experience at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi. Through this initiative, it strives to spark curiosity and instill a sense of pride in young learners about India's history and culture via a dynamic and engaging platform. It will provide a holistic opportunity for students to expand their knowledge beyond the confines of textbooks and classrooms. Students can explore the Red Fort Visitor Centre which is housed in a 19th Century British barracks and delve deep into the captivating history of India through engrossing installations, interactive exhibits, and breathtaking 360-degree projections. They can witness history come alive through the mesmerizing Jai Hind Sound & Light Show, which is a dramatic representation of India's history from the 17th century to the present, combining projection mapping, live-action, life-size puppets and performances by dancers. Narrated by Shri Amitabh Bachchan as ‘Waqt’, this captivating show delves into pivotal moments of India's history, from the conflicts between Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb to the rise of the Indian National Army, offering a historical journey starting with the fort's inauguration in 1648. The tailored offering will be available at exclusive prices for school groups only.  

Commenting on the launch, the company spokesperson stated, “We are excited to announce these specially curated offers for school groups, designed to make this unparalleled educational experience accessible to students from across the country. Students will have the chance to explore the Visitor Centre, engage with interactive exhibits, and be spellbound by the Jai Hind Sound & Light Show, all this while gaining a profound understanding of India's remarkable heritage and culture.” 

Dalmia Bharat is deeply committed to preserving and promoting the nation's heritage and aims to instill a sense of national pride in future generations, igniting their enthusiasm to learn about India’s history and cherish their culture. 

Genpact Integrates RiskCanvas With Amazon Bedrock To Transform Financial Crime Management With Advanced Generative AI Capabilities


         AWS’s generative AI capabilities combine with Genpact’s deep digital, data, and domain expertise

·         Integration of Amazon Bedrock into Genpact’s riskCanvas™ financial crime risk management suite to drive value across clients, including Apex Fintech Solutions

Genpact (NYSE: G), a global professional services firm focused on delivering outcomes that transform businesses, expanded its relationship with Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS) to transform financial crime risk operations, leveraging generative AI and large language models (LLMs). Integrating Genpact’s proprietary cloud-based financial crime suite, riskCanvas™, with Amazon Bedrock, has led to accelerated efficiencies and impact for clients such as Apex Fintech Solutions.

Amazon Bedrock is a fully managed service that enables developers to test, integrate, and deploy industry-leading foundation models (FMs) via an application programming interface (API) and customize the models to best suit their unique use cases.

Building on its existing relationship with AWS, Genpact is now combining its intellectual property and deep industry expertise with AWS’s generative AI capabilities.

For example, seamlessly incorporating Amazon Bedrock FMs into Genpact’s riskCanvas financial crimes software suite aims to unlock exponential value and improve speed and accuracy in the detection, investigation, and prevention of financial crime threats for operations across enterprises. This allows experts to review outputs and incorporate a guided decision-making process, providing comprehensive summaries and analyses of potential financial crime activities – accelerating both efficiency and precision.

Genpact engaged multiple riskCanvas clients to significantly improve the detection, investigation, and prevention of a wide range of financial crime threats. As a result, Genpact is now driving accelerated efficiencies and delivering substantial impact for these clients in finance and capital markets, exemplified by their work with Apex Fintech Solutions.

"Financial criminals are constantly innovating, which means financial services companies need to use advanced digital technologies to stay one step ahead of them,” said Justin Morgan, Head of Financial Crimes Compliance at Apex Fintech Solutions. “With the addition of generative AI features to Genpact’s riskCanvas, our analysts will be able to produce Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) narratives and case summaries at the click of a button using inputs from millions of data points. We expect this will reduce time spent on case summarizations by 60%, allowing our analysts to spend more time identifying truly suspicious financial activity.”

Using approved client data from the secure riskCanvas ecosystem, combined with Amazon Bedrock's secure data handling, enables the generation of highly accurate outcomes while maintaining data protection across clients. 

“Responsible AI is a core consideration in AI implementation and its importance will continue to increase,” said Atul Deo, General Manager, Amazon Bedrock at AWS. “Amazon Bedrock is rooted in secure data handling, encrypting all data and allowing users to customize models privately. Integrated with Genpact’s riskCanvas, this powerful combination enables our mutual customers to enhance productivity in investigating, detecting, and preventing financial crime threats.”

The initiative enables clients to fully leverage the potential of generative AI solutions and drive secure, scalable, AI-led transformation.

“Data complexity and volume, false positives, and evolving sophisticated criminal tactics are accelerating the need for businesses to harness generative AI to transform financial crime operations,” said BK Kalra, Global Business Leader, Financial Services, Consumer and Healthcare, Genpact. “Genpact’s expanded relationship with AWS represents a pivotal step in redefining the operations landscape for enterprises. Together we can unlock untapped value, and fuel significant growth opportunities for our clients, solidifying our commitment to delivering valuable business impact.”

About Genpact

Genpact (NYSE: G) is a global professional services firm delivering the outcomes that transform our clients' businesses and shape their future. We're guided by our real-world experience redesigning and running thousands of processes for hundreds of global companies. Our clients – including many in the Global Fortune 500 – partner with us for our unique ability to combine deep industry and functional expertise, leading talent, and proven methodologies to drive collaborative innovation that turns insights into action and delivers outcomes at scale. We create lasting competitive advantages for our clients and their customers, running digitally enabled operations and applying our Data-Tech-AI services to design, build, and transform their businesses. And we do it all with purpose. From New York to New Delhi and more than 30 countries in between, our 115,000+ team is passionate in its relentless pursuit of a world that works better for people. Get to know us at Genpact.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook. 

IDP Education Partners With State Bank of India To Facilitate international Student Education Loans


IDP Education, the leader in international education services, signed an agreement with the State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest lender, to assist students seeking education loans for their overseas studies. 

The collaboration between IDP Education and the State Bank of India signifies an important step forward in the international education sector, as two industry leaders combine their expertise and simplify the financing journey for aspiring students pursuing education abroad.

The agreement was signed by Mr Piyush Kumar, Regional Director – South Asia and Mauritius, IDP Education, and Mr Pankaj Kumar Jha, Deputy General Manager (Personal Loans) SBI, and was graced by the presence of Mr Janmejoy Mohanty, Chief General Manager (Personal Banking), and Mrs Suman Lata Gupta, General Manager (Retail Asset- Personal Banking) from SBI.

Mr Piyush Kumar, Regional Director – South Asia and Mauritius, IDP Education, said, "We are proud to partner with the State Bank of India, the most trusted and the oldest bank in the country. This agreement reflects our commitment to provide the best-in-class services to all the overseas education aspirants of the country. This partnership will make obtaining financial assistance to study abroad a lot simpler and more accessible for countless young minds.”

Mr Janmejoy Mohanty, Chief General Manager, SBI, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with IDP Education. Through this strategic partnership, SBI is poised to create a seamless and supportive pathway for students to achieve their global education dreams.”

IDP Education is a one-stop solution for all the study abroad needs, from course selection to college/university choice, assisting a student with their visa process, helping them with accommodation, scholarship options, education loans, etc. IDP has already established a strong partnership with ICICI Bank and HDFC Credila. With the newly formed alliance with SBI, IDP students will now have a range of options to choose education loan assistance from the top players in the education financing segment.

About State Bank of India

State Bank of India (SBI) a Fortune 500 company, is an Indian Multinational, Public Sector Banking and Financial services statutory body headquartered in Mumbai. The rich heritage and legacy of over 200 years, accredits SBI as the most trusted Bank by Indians through generations. SBI is the largest commercial bank in terms of assets, deposits, branches, customers, and employees.

SBI, the largest Indian Bank with 1/4th market share, serves over 48 crore customers through its vast network of over 22,405 branches, 65,627 ATMs/ADWMs, 78,370 BC outlets. It has spread its presence globally and operates across time zones through 235 offices in 29 foreign countries.

In its endeavour for development of the nation along with development of Human capital, State Bank of India extends financial assistance to meritorious students for pursuing higher education through its unique products.

About IDP Education

IDP Education is a global leader in international education services. With a network of over 170 international student placement centres, it has a global presence in more than 30 countries. For over 50 years, IDP has played a significant role in international education by offering comprehensive counselling services to students and having placed more than 650,000 students into quality institutions in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Ireland.

Currently, IDP in India has 73 offices spanning 63 cities across the country and guides students and their families through the entire study overseas process – university/course selection, submission of application, assistance with the visa process, pre-departure planning and much more. 

IDP Education is a proud co-owner of IELTS alongside the British Council and Cambridge Assessment English. Since its launch in 1989, IELTS has become the world’s most popular high-stakes English Language proficiency test.

5th World Coffee Conference 2023 Concludes On A High Note: India's Sustainable Coffee Growth Opens Doors To The Global Market


Highlights

India is world’s most sustainable coffee producer. World looks to India to practice sustainable ways to produce coffee say experts. 

5th World Coffee Conference & Expo comes to an end with participation from 80 countries, including 2609 delegates, 323 International delegates, 253 exhibitors, 13,947 business visitors and 347 B2B meetings. 

The four-day conference witnessed deliberations over some interesting topics like on the livelihood of farmers, need for shift from linear to circular economy, the success of the future of the coffee industry, mitigation strategies for crop losses, coffee culture in India among the youth, improving efficiency and productivity of farmers with data & technology, business opportunities for coffee start-ups and so on.  

The World Coffee Conference exhibition is a true representation of India's journey toward becoming a prominent coffee nation encompassing the entire coffee value changing from farm to cup finding representation. 

Mr. Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Additional Secretary, Dept of Commerce, Govt of India inaugurated the Growers Conclave on the final day of the event. 

Winners of the competitions for National Barista Championship, Indian Filter Coffee Championship, National Latte Art Championship, Women Stars Brewer Skills Championship and Flavour of India Fine Cup Award were awarded at the valedictory ceremony of the event. 

The 5th World Coffee Conference (WCC) 2023, organized by the International Coffee Organization (ICO) in collaboration with the Coffee Board of India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India; Government of Karnataka, and the Coffee Industry, concluded today at Bangalore Palace in Bengaluru on a high note.  The conference included 45 knowledge sessions, with 127 speakers, of which 80 were international experts and 47 were Indian. The 5th World Coffee Conference and Expo came to an end with a participation from 80 countries, including 2609 delegates, 323 International delegates, 253 exhibitors, 13,947 business visitors and 347 B2B meetings. 

The day started with the inauguration of the Growers Conclave, a critical component of the four-day event by Mr. Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Additional Secretary, Dept of Commerce, Govt of India in the presence of Dr. K.G. Jagadeesha, IAS, CEO and Secretary, Coffee Board of India and a host of esteemed dignitaries, government officials, national & international delegates and most importantly Coffee Growers. “It’s been an honour for India to host WCC 2023 in the city of Bengaluru over the last few days and the team has done a wonderful job. The demand for coffee has grown over the past decade. I read that we consume close to 3 billion cups of coffee worldwide which is expected to double in the next 25 years. The demand for coffee is being led by coffee producing countries who are rising to the demands despite the challenges of climate change and other factors. Adoption of sustainable practices which is the theme of this conference is apt and the discussions have resulted in enlightening insights. Coffee Growers are at the heart of this conference and therefore the conference addresses challenges and solutions aimed at this community, many of whom are fourth and fifth generation growers”, said Mr. Bhatia at the inaugural ceremony. 

Circular economy, placing livelihood of farmers at the core of the business model, breeding climate resilient variants of coffee beans, scientific collaborations between countries – all this and more was deliberated upon during the immensely successful World Coffee Conference (WCC) 2023. 

At the session- Exploring Coffee Origins: An Insider's Perspective of coffee production and agricultural practices at the Grower’s Conference, Dr. Manuel Diaz (add designation) offered valuable insights into the journey of coffee from farm to market, focusing on the challenges faced by farmers and the strategies they employ to ensure high-quality coffee production. “The backbone of the coffee value system is the flavor of the coffee. We are still in the evolution phase of coffee processing. Fermentation, metabolic action, and heat pressure play an active role, as do methods of growing coffee in various regions. Hence, farmers need to focus on producing ‘flavours’ and not ‘beans’” explained Dr. Diaz. 

Advancement in technology and innovation are the two primary factors which not only mitigate the negative impacts of climate change but also help to ramp up coffee production, said experts at the session on ‘Correlation of Quality with Advances in Machine Technology, Mechanization and Processing of Coffee’. Coffee has been an integral part of human culture for centuries, but the way we produce and enjoy it has evolved significantly, thanks to the relentless progress of technology. “Technology can not only increase efficiency, but also offer better quality control and improve blends leading to more profits and happier clients”, said Carlos Brando, a coffee expert with over 20 years of experience in the coffee industry. 

The WCC 2023 also hosted a Start-up Conclave where founders of innovative start-ups talked their coffee entrepreneurship journey.  

Bharat Sethi, CEO and Founder of Rage Coffee, spoke about how he worked to create one of the more popular coffee brands in the country. “Within the current coffee market, we observed that packaged coffee is a great opportunity. The age group above 35 considered tea as their choice of beverage however, the coffee consumption is driven by Gen Z of the millennials. Hence the brand’s key aim is to cater to the youth. 

IB Bopanna, Founder Director, CHOMBUKA Coorg Coffee (OPC) agreed and reinforced that Coffee farming in India is well positioned for change due to the growing demand for an affordable luxury beverage. He urged entrepreneurs to tap into opportunities for value addition at the farmer’s level. Several other founders from India and abroad spoke of their experiences at the Start-up Conclave. 

The global conference hosted a large number of skill – building workshops which offered coffee professionals and enthusiasts the opportunity build skill sets that are crucial to the coffee industry. From baristas to coffee tasters and expert blenders to tech innovators, experts from across countries came together to offer industry – specific knowledge and insights into building the requisite skill sets required to thrive in the coffee industry.  

Addressing the media on the final day, Dr. K.G. Jagadeesha, IAS, CEO and Secretary, Coffee Board of India, said, "India's growing reputation in the coffee industry, known for its sustainable and high-quality production, is gaining global recognition. The World Coffee Conference has played a vital role in highlighting India's commitment to quality and sustainability. This is opening up business opportunities and fostering innovations in the coffee industry. The conference attracted interest from industrialists, tech enthusiasts, and innovators, driving the growth of India's coffee culture, especially in cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Kolkata. The Coffee shops have also transformed into creative hubs, and we offer support to aspiring entrepreneurs despite the challenges they may encounter. We promote sound agricultural practices and raise global awareness to improve coffee production." 

WCC 2023 hosted competitions and championships during the 4-day event the most coveted of which is the National Barista Championship. The prestigious competition is designed to recognize the most technically proficient and talented baristas in the field. It is dedicated to promoting excellence throughout the entire coffee value chain, fostering skill development, and cultivating a thriving cafĂ© culture in India. The winner will represent India in The World Barista Championship to be held in South Korea, and a cash prize was also awarded. Mr. Hrishikesh Mohite from CafĂ©’ De Meet won the National Barista Championship 2024 at the WCC 2023. 

At the Women's Star Brewer Skills Championship, female barista and home brewers were offered a platform to proudly display their coffee brewing prowess, demonstrating their skills. Participants were allowed to craft a 'Signature Beverage' utilizing home brewing equipment. The Women’s Star Brewer Skills Championship is awarded to Priti Pradhan. 

The National Latte Art Championship made its debut in India, bringing an exciting blend of artistic expression and barista skill to the forefront. This unique competition challenges baristas with on-the-spot performances that showcase their creativity and precision. From over 150 contestants, Mr. Mohammad Afsar was awarded as the champion who will now participate in the International Latte Art Championship in Taiwan. 

The Great Indian Filter Coffee Championship is a celebration of traditional Indian coffee craftsmanship, designed to promote and nurture the art of brewing the quintessential Filter Coffee. From 27 participants went head-to-head from which Vani shree N from Brown Bean Artistry is declared the winner. 

1758 contestants participated in the ‘Flavour of India - The Fine Cup Award Cupping Competition’ which was on a mission to award the production of high-quality coffees in India. The winner of Best Washed Arabica is awarded to Mrs. Killo Aswini, Best Arabica Naturals is awarded to M/s. Kruthi Coffee, Kindriguda Tribal Farmers Group, Best Washed Robusta is awarded to Mr. Jacob Mammen, M/s Badra Estate Balehonnur Estate; Best Robusta Naturals is awarded to Mr. Jacob Mammen M/s. Badra Balehonnur Estate. 

The 4-day international event featured Conferences, Skill Building Workshops, a Growers Conclave, CEOs & Global Leaders Forums, Startup Conclave, Competitions & Awards, and an Exhibition showcasing cutting-edge coffee products and services.  

Visit www.wccindia2023.com 

Photo Caption : Pics 001-  Dr. KG Jagadeesha, IAS, CEO and Secretary of Coffee Board Of India along with Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Additional Secretary, Dept of Commerce, Government of India at the Inauguration of the Growers Conclave, World Coffee Conference 2023. 

Air India Selects Fashion Designer Manish Malhotra For Uniforms For Over 10,000 Employees On The Frontline


Air India has announced its partnership with celebrated fashion designer Manish Malhotra to design new uniforms for over 10,000 Air India employees on the frontline, including cabin crew, cockpit crew, ground and security staff.

This is a further step in the manifestation of Air India’s new global brand identity as part of its ongoing modernisation programme. Air India expects to commence rolling out the new look for its uniformed employees by the end of 2023.

Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India, said: “Air India is delighted to be collaborating with Manish Malhotra to realise our shared ambition of representing the very best of a vibrant, bold, and progressive India on the world stage. We are working closely with Manish and his team to combine elements of our brand, our heritage and our culture, together with the unique requirements of the airline environment, for what we hope will be a fresh and exciting new look that supports and represents the new Air India.”

Manish Malhotra, a steadfast supporter and traveller of Air India, said: "It’s an absolute honour to collaborate with Air India, our national flying ambassadors. Reimagining their uniforms is the onset of a journey of joy and collaboration, and I am excited to embark on it. Our shared ideology is simple yet profound: to evolve without erasing, to modernise without forgetting. Together, we aim to intertwine tradition with the future, crafting uniforms where comfort meets authenticity, wrapped in timeless elegance."

Malhotra and his team have begun meeting Air India’s frontline staff, conducting discussions and fitting sessions with them to better understand their specialised needs.

Malhotra's prolific career spanning over 30 years as a couturier, costume stylist, and entrepreneur, has seen him revolutionise the fashion landscape in India. While his designs are characterised by their use of rich fabrics and bold colours, his clothes are known for their perfect fit. He has styled and designed costumes for over a thousand films, including some of the biggest blockbusters in Indian cinema, besides dressing A-list celebrities from around the world.

About Air India:

Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India pioneered India’s aviation sector. Since its first flight on October 15, 1932, Air India has built an extensive domestic network with non-stop flights to cities around the world, across the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Far East, South-East Asia, Australia, and the Gulf. After 69 years as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022.

Air India is navigating through a major five-year transformation roadmap under the aegis of Vihaan.AI, with an ambition to become a world class airline with an Indian heart. The first phase of this transformation, the taxi phase was recently concluded, and focused on fixing the basics. These included bringing back to service many long grounded aircraft, addition of talent across flying and ground functions, rapid upgradation of technology and strengthening of customer care initiatives amongst others.  A member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium of leading international airlines, Air India offers seamless connectivity and facilities to passengers all over the world.

About Manish Malhotra:

Marking Manish Malhotra’s journey over 30 remarkable years in the fashion landscape is reason enough why he’s known as India’s leading couturier. His deep-rooted passion for Indian cinema and fashion has resulted in the birth of the multifaceted world of Manish Malhotra. One of the largest fashion houses in India, the Manish Malhotra Label boasts about its prolific designs, perfectly encapsulating age-old traditional values while bringing a sense of modernity that India has never seen before. Manish Malhotra’s creative boundaries knows no limits, a trendsetter from the very start, he’s been an avid believer of experimenting with styles of today and blending elements from western cultures. A Manish Malhotra creation is the epitome of fashion-forward thinking while simultaneously being rooted to India’s cultural history; It’s the best of both worlds. Expanding his creative sphere with his most recent launch of his High Jewellery Collection, the couturier has demonstrated that the world of Manish Malhotra extends even beyond the confines of cinema and fashion. As a luxury Indian designer, he caters to an extensive clientele all around the world, stretching across India, Asia, North America Australia and the Middle East, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar. In addition to 3 stores in India–Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad, as part of the brand's global expansion, Manish Malhotra's first international store to open in Dubai in 2023. Celebrating his 18th year in the industry, Manish Malhotra continues to make a lasting effect in the world of fashion.

‘Rallis India’s New Insecticide ‘Benzilla’ To Larget BPH, Help Protect Paddy Yields’


* The result of a strategic partnership with Japan-based agro-chem company, Benzilla’s unique formulation incorporates patented BPX active ingredient for BPH control

Rallis India Limited, a Tata enterprise and a leading player in the Indian agri inputs industry has launched its differentiated crop protection product, ‘Benzilla’. Backed by extensive research and field trials, Benzilla is a cutting-edge product powered by patented BPX technology from Japan that promises to redefine crop management practices, boost yields and benefit farmers. The result of a strategic partnership between Rallis India Limited and Japan-based agro-chem company, Nihon Nohyaku Co., Ltd (Japan), Benzilla’s unique formulation incorporates IGR technology, ensuring a prolonged and sustained control of Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) infestations in paddy crops.

BPH is regarded as one of the most devastating pests for paddy, which causes serious damage to the crop by sucking the sap from plants, leading to ‘hopper burn’. It also causes indirect damage by transmitting viral diseases such as grassy stunt and ragged stunt viruses.

Speaking about the importance of crop protection solutions in Indian agriculture, Sanjiv Lal, MD & CEO, Rallis India Limited, said, “The agriculture industry is an important contributor to the Indian economy. The role played by the crop protection market is critical in this context, and with the introduction of Benzilla, we aim to strengthen the way BPH is managed in paddy crops in India. We believe this innovation will not only enhance crop protection but also contribute to the sustainability and prosperity of Indian agriculture.”

Adding to this, S Nagarajan, COO, Rallis India Limited, said, “Benzilla is our breakthrough product for paddy farmers. Being a unique mixture of two highly effective technicals, it is designed to target both nymphs and adult BPH, offering a comprehensive approach to control BPH. This multistage action represents its unique differentiation versus the other solutions in the market.  This product is being introduced for the first time in India.”

“While Benzilla is being launched first in Chhattisgarh, it will subsequently be introduced in other major paddy producing states such as– Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal and Odisha in the coming months”, concluded S Nagarajan.

Benzilla will be available to a large number of farmers through Rallis India’s strong distribution network covering 80% of Indian districts. For additional information about Benzilla and other products in Rallis India’s portfolio,  visit https://www.rallis.com/.

About Rallis India

Rallis India Limited is a subsidiary of Tata Chemicals Limited and a part of the US$ 150 billion Tata Group. It is one of India’s leading agro sciences companies, with more than 75 years of experience of servicing rural markets with the most comprehensive portfolio of products/solutions for Indian farmers. Rallis is known for its deep understanding of Indian agriculture, sustained contact with farmers, quality agrochemicals, branding and marketing expertise along with its strong product portfolio in seeds and crop care which is available through vast distribution network of 7,000 dealers and over 1,00,000 retailers across India. Rallis has marketing alliances with several multinational agrochemical companies. Rallis is also known for its manufacturing capabilities and ability to develop new processes and formulations, hence is considered as a preferred partner for contract manufacturing by leading global corporations.

Linen Management Firm Quick Smart Wash Raised $ 5.15 Mn From Elan Corporation, Plans To Raise $ 10 Mn In Series C Round


Indian-grown, Quick Smart Wash (QSW) Private Limited announced raising 5.15 Million USD from Elan Corporation, headquartered in Matsumoto city Japan.

QSWPL has already successfully set up and run its processing units at Jaipur, Manipal-Udupi, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Jalandhar-Amritsar. In this current financial year, QSW is planning to set up a CPU in Kochi, Kannur, Chennai, and Ahmedabad, reaching 9 states across the country.  

The funds raised will help expand capacity from the existing 35 Tons per day (processing 100,000/- clothes every day) to almost 55 Tons KG per day (processing 165,000 pieces every day) within this financial year. QSW targets to increase the revenue by almost 2.5X – 3.0X in the next 24 months.  The company also has a plan to launch a hassle-free Inventory Management System thus digitizing the entire ecosystem of inventory management.

Announcing the details of fundraising Mr. Rakesh Sharma, Managing Director of Quick Smart Wash Private Limited said, “We are the first-only firm to offer a complete End-to-End Linen Management Service for hospitals in India. Elan is a pioneer and market leader in providing hospitalization set (CS set) and I believe this partnership will help us build more capacity with deep technology sharing. It will further augment our strength in the areas of research and development especially in catching future trends and delivering high and affordable quality service to the market.”

“The pandemic has not only propelled the demand for more hygiene and robust laundry care in hospitals but has also created more awareness towards “high standard infection control”. Now, we are set for the next leg of growth and contribute to modernizing the Indian Linen Management industry,” added Mr. Sharma.

Quick Smart Wash has the plan to raise additional capital before IPO, to make a presence across India in the coming years and targeting to capture a 10% share of the Hospital linen management sector, increasing its processing capabilities to 200 Tons per day i.e. almost 600,000/- pieces per day, with its presence in almost 15 plus states across the country. The market size for the segment currently served by Quick Smart Wash i.e. Healthcare, Educational Institutes & Hospitality sector would account for nearly 4 Billion USD per year. Overall laundry market in India as a whole accounts for 15 billion USD per year including B2B and B2C segments.

Speaking on the investment, Mr. Hideharu Sakurai, Chairman, and CEO, of Elan Corporation said, “We have done a feasibility study for the CS-Set (Care Support-Set) business in India and realized that the Linen Supply Company is one of the important elements for the success. Given its track record for tremendous work, Quick Smart Wash has huge potential in Linen Rental Business to accommodate India’s emerging market needs. We foresee a big synergy to work together, therefore, we have decided to make an investment.”

About Elan Corporation

Elan Corporation is listed on the Prime Market in Japan. It provides the CS (Care Support) Set service that supplies all the daily items a person will need when they are hospitalized and for their stay in the hospital, nursing facility for the elderly, or other facility.

Quick Smart Wash Pvt Ltd

Incorporated in 2013, Quick Smart Wash Private Ltd offers professional linen management services, with Laundromats, and self-service laundry that revolutionized the concept of laundry in India. The professional Linen Rental Business focused on the Health Care and Hospitality Industry brought a new perception towards linen care. The high-end technology and services of Quick Smart Wash proved a prevention method for HAI- a major health concern in hospitals. The state-of-the-art machinery and environmentally friendly chemicals offer substantial advantages to healthcare facilities.  The hygienic linen management system not only deals with Capex's problems in the health and hospitality industry but also helps them to focus on achieving higher goals.

The enzyme-based chemical used by the QSW enables 30% lesser linen lint production thus enhancing not only the life of the linen but also taking care towards better quality output.

Thursday, September 28, 2023

The Isaac Family Foundation (TIFF) Partners With The Sports And Society Accelerator (SSA) To Support Universal Access To Sports

 


·         The Isaac Family Foundation (TIFF) contributes INR 3.5 crores to The Sports and Society Accelerator (SSA) from 2023 to 2026

·         The collaboration aims to ensure that by 2047, every child and adult in India has the opportunity to lead an active and healthy life through sports and physical activity

The Isaac Family Foundation, a philanthropic organisation created by the Founder & Chairman of Quess Corp, Mr. Ajit Isaac, announced its partnership with the Sports and Society Accelerator (SSA) at an event jointly hosted by both organisations at the Bangalore International Center (BIC). With a commitment to fostering universal access to sports and physical activity by 2047, this partnership is backed by a contribution of INR 3.5 crores by Mr. Ajit Isaac, which will be disbursed over a period of three years. This aims to expand SSA's research, policy, and program initiatives to ensure every Indian, both young and old, leads an active and healthy life.

The event's main focus was on highlighting the importance of physical activity and fitness. The panel discussion was titled, ‘Why Physical Activity Matters’, and it featured icons and stalwarts like Swetha Subbiah (Co-Founder, Sisters in Sweat), Saumil Majmudar (Co-founder & Group CEO, SportzVillage), Anisha Padukone (CEO, The Live Love Laugh Foundation), and Dilip Kumar (Marathoner and Investments, Rainmatter Foundation).

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr Ajit Isaac said, “A measure of society's success lies in its ability to uplift those at the periphery and integrate them into the mainstream. This perspective has been the driving force behind the Foundation’s efforts to identify and support those who face disadvantages. Sports fosters discipline, teamwork, and resilience in children, moulding them into well-rounded individuals ready to face life's challenges. For adults, it is the key to longevity, vitality, and mental well-being.  Investing in sports initiatives inspires a culture of fitness, inclusivity, and aspiration. Through this commitment, we can build healthier bodies and stronger communities, where physical vitality is cherished as a cornerstone of a fulfilling life."

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Desh Gaurav Sekhri, Co-founder SSA, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Ajit Issac to SSA’s Founder’s Circle of grantors. We are proud to have him as an anchor donor, and through his contribution, we aim to deliver the social and economic value of sport and physical activity to every Indian. Sports and physical activity should be treated as a preventive health measure that has the power to create a social impact and should be considered a national priority. Through such donations, we have catalyzed positive change, breaking down barriers to access and enhancing the quality of life for countless individuals.”

The event was organized as a part of the Mission 100 initiative by SSA. Mission 100 aims to achieve universal physical activity in India by 2047, the centenary of India’s independence. It seeks to create a paradigm shift where physical activity becomes a form of self-care, fostering good health and effective leadership. The primary beneficiary of the INR 3.5 Cr would be the general public involved, specifically those interested in physical activity. SSA also works with State and Central Governments to define sports-related policies. Through its initiatives such as the Active India Innovation Lab, SSA also provides policy and capacity support to NGOs. SSA’s Founder’s Circle of Grantors also includes industry stalwarts like Mr. Ashish Dhawan, CEO of The Convergence Foundation. The first edition of the ‘State of Play’ report on physical activity and sport in India is set to be published in February 2024.

About SSA:

The Sports and Society Accelerator is an independent not-for-profit organisation (Section 8), co-founded by Desh Gaurav Sekhri and Nandan Kamath, focused on building the Indian sports ecosystem. Its goal as an ecosystem builder is to achieve social outcomes at a population scale, using the universality of the sports experience, with an eventual target of universal participation in physical activity for India by 2047. Established as a policy-to-action initiative, the Accelerator has a dual-engine approach. It uses independent research and policy interventions to drive institutional and systemic reform, programmes, and projects to enhance inclusion, empowerment, and equality using sport. The Accelerator works with government, civil society, and social enterprises. The Accelerator's theory of change is that 'sports for all' can be achieved when solutions are in the hands of participants. Its Sports Stack approach advocates a whole-of-system and open-source model to achieve universal access to sporting opportunities and universal physical literacy, working with government and civil society. The Accelerator's board of advisors includes noted sports journalist Sharda Ugra, CEO of Pratham Rukmini Banerji, and veteran sports administrator Joy Bhattacharjya.

About The Isaac Family Foundation (TIFF):

The Isaac Family Foundation is driven by a commitment to foster a lasting and positive impact on society by addressing issues in the healthcare, livelihoods and opportunities space.

The Foundation will also work to empower marginalised communities and improve individual lives. Through collaboration they welcome all who share their purpose, inviting them to join in creating meaningful change and inspire a culture of giving.

The Foundation is built on a framework of partnerships with organizations, local leaders and communities recognising that they are best suited to tailor solutions to their unique needs. By distributing decision-making and resources, they ensure that their initiatives are not only effective but also sustainable in the long term. To learn more about their projects, visit their website at www.tiff.org.in

HMD Global Appoints Tanuj Patro As Chief Financial Officer For India & Asia Pacific Markets


HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Tanuj Patro as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the company, a strategic move that reflects the company's commitment to top-tier leadership and its relentless pursuit of excellence in the mobile technology industry.

With an illustrious career spanning over two decades in the finance domain, Tanuj brings an unparalleled wealth of experience and expertise to his role. Having worked with industry giants such as Microsoft, Nokia, LG, and E&Y, as well as emerging market pioneers like Paytm, Tanuj’s  journey has been defined by his adeptness in both large corporate landscapes and fast-paced startup environments. Tanuj is a Chartered Accountant and has pursued  Advanced  Executive Management Program from INSEAD.

Ravi Kunwar, Vice President- India & APAC, HMD Global, "We are thrilled to welcome Tanuj Patro as our new CFO.” Tanuj's deep financial expertise and strategic mindset align seamlessly with our vision for growth. As we continue to innovate and expand our presence in the global market, Tanuj's insights will be instrumental in shaping our financial strategies and ensuring sustained success. HMD Global recent move into launching its own line of mobile devices will greatly benefit from Tanuj’s financial acumen, ensuring efficient operations and a commitment to a greener, sustainable future.

As Chief Financial Officer, Tanuj Patro will oversee HMD Global's financial operations For  India & APAC markets, working closely with the leadership team to drive financial performance, operational efficiency , and support the company's mission of connecting people through advanced mobile technology.

Tanuj Patro, CFO, India & APAC, HMD Global, "I am truly honoured and excited to step into the role of Chief Financial Officer at HMD Global.” I am committed to fostering an environment of collaboration and inclusivity, where diverse perspectives drive our financial strategies to new heights. I am also excited to collaborate with the talented team at HMD Global. Together, we will navigate the dynamic landscape of the mobile technology industry, ensuring financial excellence and sustainable growth.

Tanuj Patro's appointment as Chief Financial Officer at HMD Global heralds a new chapter of financial leadership and innovation for the company. His experiences in diverse markets like India, East Africa, South Africa, and Malaysia have reinforced the importance of cultural sensitivity and the ability to lead diverse teams. His global perspective, coupled with his remarkable expertise, positions him to be a driving force in HMD Global's continued success.

Zuari FarmHub Collaborates With CropX Technologies For Advanced Farming Solutions


Zuari FarmHub, a leading agri-tech company in India, has announced its partnership with CropX Technologies, an innovation-led global agri-tech company based in Israel, specializing in cutting-edge digital agronomic solutions. The collaboration aims to revolutionize farming practices by introducing real-time monitoring technology that empowers farmers with data-driven insights for enhanced productivity and sustainability. The agronomic farm management system monitors crops and the surrounding environment throughout the entire crop cycle, offering continuous support and data insights for better decision-making. This data-driven approach enables farmers to respond promptly to changing conditions and challenges, leading to increased crop resilience and profitability.

Zuari FarmHub has initiated the pilot trials of the CropX system at Zuari Agri Innovation Centre in Solapur as well as select farmer fields across Karnataka & Maharashtra. This marks the beginning of an exciting phase in modernizing agricultural practices. CropX offers a state-of-the-art hardware-enabled system that monitors critical agronomic parameters in real time, paving the way for precision agriculture. These smart devices collect predictive soil data, combining it with additional data sources in and around the farm, and deep agronomic knowledge to generate recommendations on irrigation and nutrient management. This helps farmers to make informed decisions that optimize resource usage and improve crop growth.

"We, at Zuari FarmHub are thrilled to partner with a pioneering agri-tech company like CropX Technologies, that shares our vision of revolutionizing agriculture through cutting-edge technology," said Madan Pandey, MD & CEO of Zuari FarmHub. "By providing farmers with real-time data and precise recommendations, we are empowering them to maximize yields, reduce resource wastage, and ensure sustainable farming practices."

"The collaboration with Zuari FarmHub represents an exciting opportunity to extend the reach of our innovative solutions to Indian farmers," said Tomer Tzach, CEO of CropX Technologies. "By combining our expertise in agri-tech with Zuari FarmHub's deep understanding of the Indian agricultural landscape, we aim to empower farmers with advanced tools that aim to re-vitalize industry practices for a successful and sustainable farming."

The collaboration between Zuari FarmHub and CropX Technologies signifies a major milestone in advancing precision agriculture in India. As the pilot progresses, Zuari FarmHub will evaluate and appropriately roll out the CropX agronomic farm management system in other regions of India.

About Zuari FarmHub:

Zuari FarmHub Limited (part of the Adventz Group) is an Agritech venture in the domain of agriculture and allied services. Renowned by the “Jai Kisaan” brand, Zuari FarmHub operates one of the largest agri retail chains in India, and offers an extensive agri input product portfolio that provides nurturing, nutrition, and protection for the full lifecycle of the crops – including Micronutrients, Soil Conditioners, Organic Products, Specialty Agri-Fluids, Fertigation Products (WSF) and Crop Care Products.

The mission for Zuari FarmHUB is to build and leverage the latest technologies and advancements in precision farming methods to create value for farmers and other farming-related stakeholders by providing integrated agri solutions for all their operational needs.

About CropX Technologies

CropX Technologies is one of the fastest-growing providers of agribusiness farm management solutions in the world, deployed in over 50 countries and across all arable continents. CropX Technologies is backed by the world’s leading agribusinesses and VCs, who recognize that CropX’s precision-ag technologies set new standards of best practices for environmental sustainability and greater farm productivity.

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