Coca-Cola India’s First Ever Partnership With Hockey India For National Women's Hockey League

* Under Coca-Cola India’s #SheTheDifference campaign, the partnership is aimed at the advancement of women's hockey in India.

Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation announces its first ever partnership with Hockey India for the National Women's Hockey League 2024. The 1st Phase of the tournament commenced on 30thApril and it will conclude on 9thMay 2024, in Ranchi, Jharkhand, the domestic league promises an exhilarating showcase of talent and skill.

The National Women's Hockey League features teams that secured top-eight positions in Pune's recently concluded 14thHockey India Senior Women National Championship 2024. The participating athletes represent various states including Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Bengal, Mizoram, Manipur, and Odisha.

In line with Coca-Cola India’s commitment to sports, the three-year collaboration underscores its role in positively shaping the sports and gender equality landscape. The partnership also aligns with the company’s #SheTheDifference campaign, an initiative to celebrate, uplift, and support women. This strategic partnership aims to elevate women's hockey by tackling essential components such as providing specialized coaching, the provision of training equipment, nutritional support, and the organization of camps and tournaments to foster growth.

Sporting Ethos, is the implementation partner of the program, offering valuable support for the players to reach their full potential and bring out the best of the Indian sports scene.

Commenting on the partnership, Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey said, "We are thrilled to have Anandana, the Coca-Cola India Foundation onboard for the inaugural edition of the tournament. I believe this association will not only elevate the stature of hockey as a sport but also of women hockey players, nationally and internationally. This collaboration will be a milestone in raising the bar of sports training and enhancing sports capabilities in India”.

Echoing the President's enthusiasm, Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh welcomed the partnership with Anandana, the Coca-Cola India Foundation. "Our goals are perfectly aligned," he said. "Both Hockey India and Coca-Cola are committed to promoting and developing sports at the grassroots level, particularly women's hockey. We envision the National Women's Hockey League as a strong feeder system for the National team. This partnership is a win-win, and we look forward to a fruitful collaboration in the years to come."

Announcing the association, Rajiv Gupta, Director, The Coca-Cola India Foundation said, “At Coca-Cola India, we believe in the transformative power of sports to inspire and unite communities. Partnering with Hockey India advances our shared vision of creating a supportive environment for the development of sports and athletes alike. With this, we are proud to sponsor women in sports and contribute to their success on the global stage.”

About Coca-Cola India:

Coca-Cola in India is one of the country's leading beverage companies, offering a range of high-quality and refreshing beverage options to consumers. The company in line with its vision of 'Beverages For Life' offers a wide portfolio of products which includes hydration, sports, sparkling, coffee, tea, nutrition, juice and dairy based products. In India it's beverage range includes Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Thums Up, Charged by Thums Up, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Maaza, Minute Maid range of juices. The Company also offers hydration beverages including Limca Sportz, Smartwater, Kinley, Dasani and Bonaqua packaged drinking water and Kinley Club Soda. Premium products constitute Schweppes and Smartwater. In addition, it offers Costa Coffee range of tea and coffee. The Company is constantly transforming its portfolio, from reducing sugar in its drinks to bringing innovative new products to market.

The Company along with its owned bottling operations and franchise bottling partners has a strong network of close to 4 million retail outlets through which it refreshes millions of consumers across the country. It seeks to positively impact people's lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable agriculture initiatives and carbon emission reductions across its value chain.

Globally together with its bottling partners, The Coca-Cola Company employs more than 700,000 people, helping to bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.cocacolacompany.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

FUN WORLD Amusement Park Unveils Spectacular New Attractions In Bengaluru

FUN WORLD Amusement Park is thrilled to announce the grand unveiling of its latest attractions, set to redefine thrill and excitement in Bengaluru. With a legacy of entertaining millions over the years, FUN WORLD continues to be the go-to destination for families and adventure-seekers alike.

Prepare to be awe-inspired as FUN WORLD introducing 29 exhilarating new water slides, including the tallest ride in the country, an exclusive feature only available at our park. This groundbreaking addition promises an adrenaline-packed experience like never before. Adding to the excitement, FUN WORLD proudly presents the country's largest carousel, boasting a 100-seater capacity, offering endless joy for visitors of all ages. Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Bengaluru, guests will be enchanted by the mesmerizing sight of FUN WORLD's new man-made waterfall, a captivating addition to the park's array of adventures.

The unveiling event will also showcase over 10 exciting games meticulously designed for both adults and children, further enhancing the park's diverse offerings. With a total of over 85 exhilarating rides tailored for the young and the young at heart, FUN WORLD promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

"We are thrilled to invite public to experience the thrill and wonder of our latest attractions," said Mr. Pradeep, manager at FUN WORLD. "With the introduction of these groundbreaking rides and experiences, we aim to create cherished memories and deliver unparalleled entertainment for visitors of all ages."

Don't miss this opportunity to embark on an adventure like never before. Join FUN WORLD as we unveil our latest offerings and celebrate the spirit of fun and excitement.

FUN WORLD, OPP TV TOWER, PALACE GROUNDS, JAYAMAHAL MAIN ROAD, JC NAGAR, Bengaluru

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NORMAL PUBLIC 10%

OFFLINE BOOKING (AT THE VENUE)

SCHOOL CHILDREN WITH SCHOOL ID 30%

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Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Ranked By Times Higher Education Asia University Ranking 2024

* MAHE has achieved an impressive overall score of 38.6-41.5, which is a significant improvement of 50 positions from its previous ranking to place it in the 201-250 bracket.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has secured a coveted position in the 201-250 range of the prestigious Times Higher Education Asia University Ranking 2024. MAHE has achieved an impressive overall score of 38.6-41.5, which represents a significant improvement of 50 positions from its previous ranking in the 251-300 bracket.

The Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2024 use 18 performance indicators which are recalibrated to reflect the attributes of Asia’s institutions. The universities are judged across all their core missions – teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook – to provide the most comprehensive and balanced comparisons available.

The performance indicators are grouped into five areas: Teaching (the learning environment); Research environment (volume, income and reputation); Research quality (citation impact, research strength, research excellence and research influence); International outlook (staff, students and research); and Industry (income and patents).

The latest university rankings feature 739 institutions from 31 territories, with Japan and India having the largest contingents of 119. An additional 98 universities from India, Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan have been added since last year.

Commenting on the spectacular achievement, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, said “We are extremely happy and proud to have received this ranking from Times Higher Education. MAHE has always been at the forefront of promoting research, innovation and our commitment are reflected equally among our faculty and students, who have tirelessly worked towards this remarkable accomplishment. I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to the entire MAHE team for their hard work and accomplishments”.

Dr HS Ballal, Pro Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, said “We at MAHE are thrilled to celebrate this recognition of obtaining this position at Times Higher Education Asia University Ranking 2024. We shall always strive for excellence and the pinnacle of performance. We hope to hold on to the position with the diligent work of the faculty and students.”

Over 500 Indian Students Arrive At World’s Largest Meditation Centre For Inaugural Of Global Teens Meet

* A week-long teens' campaign aimed at inner transformation and leadership

Heartfulness Institute organised a unique youth-oriented inner transformation and leadership drive for ages between 15 and 20 at Kanha Shanti Vanam – the largest meditation centre in the world. The campaign which was inaugurated in its first edition today will be a week-long event with thousands of students and youth coming to Kanha Shanti Vanam from across the country. The campaign was inaugurated by Rev. Daaji – Global Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission. The purpose of the campaign is also to mould today's youth through introspective techniques, Heartfulness cleansing and meditation, leadership training and communication building, developing sensitivity towards nature, and cultivating compassion, and creativity. The participants are being offered free food and accommodation.

The inaugural day’s chief highlights were sessions on ‘Need for teen ages to be the change makers’  ‘Towards the integrated self’ and ‘Identifying intuition’. This apart, the youth had collective guided Heartfulness cleansing and meditation sessions.

Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “Youth are the backbone of this country. India has the highest population of youth today and it is necessary that we make them strong individuals with integrity and holistic wellness who will lead our country towards true all-round progress. This campaign is designed to transform them into such extraordinary men and women.”

 The rest of the six days of the Global Teens Meet will involve educating youth on plants and their importance, story-building sessions, being in touch with nature, Heartful communication sessions, and guided meditation sessions. Other areas of modern-day know-how on financial literacy and social media ethics are also included in the campaign so that the youth derive the maximum training in conducting themselves in the real world.

 Free registrations for the event are ongoing at http://hfn.li/gtm2024.

 About Heartfulness:

Heartfulness offers a simple set of meditative practices and lifestyle changes, first developed at the turn of the twentieth century and formalized into teaching through the Shri Ram Chandra Mission in 1945 in India with a goal to bring peace, happiness, and wisdom to one heart at a time. These practices are a modern form of Yoga designed to support contentment, inner calm, and stillness, compassion, courage, and clarity of thought, as the first step towards a purposeful life. They are simple and easily adopted and are appropriate for people from all walks of life, cultures, religious beliefs, and economic situations, who are over the age of fifteen. Ongoing training in Heartfulness practices continues at thousands of schools and colleges, and over 100,000 professionals are meditating in corporations, non-governmental, and government bodies worldwide. More than 5,000 Heartfulness Centers are supported by many thousands of certified volunteer trainers and millions of practitioners in 160 countries.

Photo Caption: A session on Heartful Communication being held on the inaugural day of “Global Teens Meet 2024” wherein over 500 students from across the country participated for inner transformation and leadership training at Kanha Shanti Vanam.

Quest Global Announces Partnership With People Tech Group To Expand Digital Transformation And Product Engineering Capabilities

Quest Global, a leading global product engineering services company, is pleased to announce it has acquired a majority stake in People Tech Group, a renowned leader in next-generation digital transformation and digital innovation for Fortune 500 clients. With offices located across the US and a development center in Hyderabad, the acquisition of People Tech marks a significant milestone in Quest Global's growth journey, significantly expanding its footprint in India and North America within the Automotive and Hi-Tech industries.

This strategic partnership enables Quest Global to better serve customers, especially OEMs in the Automotive industry, by providing expanded expertise in digital transformation for Software Defined Vehicles (SDV). Specifically, People Tech has strong capabilities in architecture, design, UX, development and testing of HMI & applications for infotainment systems and instrument clusters. In addition, the company specializes in Software in Loop (SIL) and Model in Loop (MIL) testing of ADAS systems.  People Tech also strengthens Quest Global’s capabilities in enterprise software, cloud, data engineering, and analytics for the dynamic Hi-Tech industry. 

“With People Tech’s extensive experience and expertise, we are well-positioned to accelerate growth, scale operations, and address the evolving needs of our clients globally as we strive to be the most trusted partner for the world’s hardest engineering problems,” said Ajit Prabhu, Chairman & CEO, Quest Global. “This strategic union moves us forward on our journey to deliver innovative digital transformation and product engineering solutions to our customers in the Automotive and Hi-Tech industries as we continue on our journey to become a centenary organization.” 

Together, People Tech and Quest Global will leverage new and complementary capabilities, expand offerings to existing clients, and serve new clients with innovative digital transformation and product engineering solutions. With access to Quest Global’s resources, expertise and client reach, People Tech will continue to expand its operations and capabilities. 

“This marks a new chapter for People Tech, and we are thrilled to become part of the Quest Global family,” said Vishwa Prasad, Founder and CEO of People Tech. “Our shared values and commitment to excellence make this integration a natural fit. We are both known for helping our customers solve their most challenging problems. With this transaction we will be able to bring our Data/AI and Enterprise Software services to a broader client base and leverage the substantial industry expertise of Quest Global resources.”

Under the continued leadership of Vishwa Prasad and his outstanding team, People Tech will maintain its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

About Quest Global

Founded in 1997, Quest Global is one of the world’s leading engineering research and development (ER&D) services companies. Quest Global believes engineering has the unique opportunity to solve the problems of today that stand in the way of tomorrow. For more than 25 years, we have strived to be the most trusted partner for the world’s hardest engineering problems. As a global organization headquartered in Singapore, the team at Quest Global live and work in 17 countries, with 72 global delivery centers and offices, driven by 17,800+ extraordinary people who make the impossible possible every day. Quest Global delivers world-class end-to-end engineering solutions by leveraging our deep industry knowledge and digital expertise. By bringing together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals and their areas of expertise, we are able to solve problems better, faster. This multi-dimensional approach enables us to solve the most critical and large-scale challenges across the Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Communications, Energy, Hi-Tech, MedTech & Healthcare, Rail and Semiconductor industries.

About People Tech Group 

People Tech Group is a leading Product Engineering, Data/AI and Enterprise Solutions provider that focuses on providing innovative digital solutions to customers, helping them solve their most challenging problems. With offices located across the US and a development center in Hyderabad, India, People Tech assists Fortune 500 clients in accelerating digital initiatives. People Tech works closely with its customers to understand business challenges and develop tailored solutions to help them succeed. People Tech is dedicated to providing exceptional service and support. As of April 2024, People Tech is now part of the Quest Global family.

GreenCell Mobility Secures INR 3 Billion Green Financing From Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation For 350 Electric Buses

1st project in Electric Mobility space in India to be financed by a Japanese bank

1st project of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation in E-mobility space in Asia-Pacific

GreenCell Mobility, a pioneer in Electric Mass Mobility sector, has secured Green Financing from leading Japanese financial institution Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) for its transformative Electric Bus project in Uttar Pradesh. This transaction not only marks the 1st Project Finance by a Japanese bank in the Electric Mobility domain in India but is also SMBC's 1st Project Finance transaction in E-Mobility in Asia Pacific.

According to the terms of the agreement, SMBC has extended a long-term Project Finance facility to GreenCell Mobility for its 350 Electric Buses project in Uttar Pradesh. This INR 3.07 billion Project Finance facility represents a pivotal step in both low carbon transportation and financial innovation in India. The project is expected to reduce approximately 2.35 lakh tonnes of gross CO2 emissions over its contract lifespan, by facilitating the deployment of 9 metres fully built pure AC Electric Buses across 8 cities in Uttar Pradesh.

Devndra Chawla, MD & CEO of GreenCell Mobility, commented, "Our historic partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation demonstrates GreenCell Mobility’s unwavering dedication towards sustainable mass mobility. The Green Financing is a significant milestone to step up our efforts towards transforming India's electric transportation landscape. GreenCell Mobility has become the first Indian company to secure Green Financing from global banks Standard Chartered and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation."

The Project Finance facility will help with the procurement, operation, and maintenance of electric buses under the FAME II Scheme, which is administered by the Uttar Pradesh government's Directorate of Urban Transport. Operating under a 10-year concession agreement, the project guarantees a fixed per-kilometer fee, mitigating traffic risk and ensuring a consistent revenue stream similar to an annuity.

Tomofumi Watanabe and Luca Tonello, co-General Managers of Structured Finance Asia Pacific at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, stated, "We are proud to facilitate this groundbreaking financing deal with GreenCell Mobility, further reinforcing our commitment to advancing sustainable initiatives in India and the Asia Pacific region. By aligning the transaction with the Green Loan Principles, we are setting new benchmarks for responsible financing and environmental stewardship."

Commenting on the transaction, Mr. Hiroyuki Mesaki, Country Head of SMBC India, stated "We are excited to initiate our journey into India's e-mobility sector through our collaboration with GreenCell Mobility. This transaction exemplifies our dedication to fostering sustainable practices and underscores our commitment to supporting innovative projects that drive positive environmental impact. By leveraging our financial expertise and global network, we aim to help the transition towards cleaner transportation solutions, paving the way for a more sustainable future"

GreenCell Mobility

GreenCell Mobility has been promoted by Eversource Capital, India’s leading climate impact investor. GreenCell is building a platform to provide Electric Mobility-as-a-Service (eMaaS), initially using electric buses and delivering the core value proposition of cheaper non-polluting on-demand shared transportation, charging infrastructure, and enabling products for the e- mobility value chain. For more information, please visit www.greencellmobility.com

Rising Rural Growth Underpinned By Stable Consumption In India: NIQ

FMCG value growth (6.6%) is led by consumption, price growth (0.1%) is stable.

Urban consumption grew at 5.7% while Rural grew at 7.6%.

Non-food (11.1%) grew 2X faster than food (4.8%) in volumes.

NielsenIQ (NIQ), the world's leading consumer intelligence company, released the FMCG Quarterly Snapshot for Q1’24 (JFM’24).  According to the report, the Indian FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) industry has experienced a 6.6% growth in value, attributed to a 6.5% increase in volume at an All-India level. The report further reveals that volume growth for this quarter is higher than Q1’23 which stood at 3.1%.

Roosevelt Dsouza, Head of Customer Success – India at NIQ, stated, "The FMCG industry's growth continues to be driven by consumption trends in Q1’24 (JFM’24), with rural areas surpassing urban growth for the first time in five quarters. Notably, Home and Personal Care (HPC) categories have outperformed food categories. While food categories witness higher unit purchases, the growth in HPC is largely driven by the popularity of larger pack sizes."

Market Dynamics: Consumption slowdown in Urban & Modern Trade; uptick in Rural and Traditional Trade

Rural consumption growth has gradually picked up pace and has surpassed Urban in Q1’24. Urban sees sequential decline in consumer demand leading to 5.7% this quarter. Within the retail sector, Modern Trade continues to exhibit strong double-digit volume growth at 14.7%. Traditional Trade, on the other hand, experienced stable growth, with volumes registering 5.6% growth in Q1’24 compared to 5.3% in the previous quarter (Q4’23), suggesting that traditional retail channels are holding their ground.

Non-Food Categories accelerate, Fueled by Rising Consumption

At the All-India level, both the Food and Non-Food sectors contribute to the growth in consumption (refer to chart 3). In Q1’24; Non-Food sees almost double the growth as compared to Food. More units were purchased in Food categories compared to the same period last year, whereas in Non-food, more large packs were bought.

In Q1’24, the volume growth in the Food sector is 4.8% compared to Q1’23, down from 5.3% in Q4’23. This slowdown in growth is primarily due to products falling under Staples.

In contrast, Non-Food categories, there is an improvement, with consumption reaching 11.1% in Q1’24 compared to last year, an increase from the 9.6% recorded in Q4’23. This improvement can be attributed to an increase in Rural uptick, with a growth rate of 12.8% in Q1’24 (vs. 9.8% in Q4’23); led by Personal Care & Home Care categories. In Urban areas, the Non-Food sector is witnessing increasing consumption in Personal Care growing at 8.4% in Q1’24 (vs. 5.8% in Q4’23).

Within the broader FMCG industry, large players continue to demonstrate stronger performance compared to small players. Despite this, smaller manufacturers have seen higher volume growth rates in non-food categories over the last two quarters compared to large companies. This might be because smaller players face challenges in keeping prices stable in the food sector, while non-food categories with significant price increases have experienced higher volume growth..

Tata Motors Celebrates 9,00,000th Vehicle Rollout From Its Lucknow Facility

* The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is a significant hub for production of commercial vehicles, including green mobility solutions

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, announced a significant milestone of its 9,00,000th vehicle rollout from its state-of-the-art Lucknow facility. The celebration included a flag-off ceremony in the presence of Mr. Durga Shanker Mishra, Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and senior delegates from Tata Motors, at the facility.

Spread across 600 acres, the Lucknow facility stands as a testament to Tata Motors' commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices, with it being recognized as a water-positive plant by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The facility houses a 6MW solar power plant, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The facility augments ultra-modern vehicle manufacturing stations such as robotic paint booth and body-in-white shop featuring robotic spot welding, amongst other highlights. Since its inception in 1992, the facility has rolled out cargo and passenger commercial vehicles including light, intermediate, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, as well as electric and fuel cell electric buses.

Speaking at the 9,00,000th vehicle rollout from Tata Motors' Lucknow facility, Mr. Durga Shanker Mishra, Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh said, “I commend Tata Motors for reaching this significant milestone. This achievement underscores Tata Motors' pivotal role in providing advanced, safer, and greener mobility solutions to address both present and future requirements. Furthermore, the company’s commitment to women's empowerment, exemplified by over 22% women representation among new hires this year, marks a significant step forward for women in the manufacturing sector.”

Reflecting on this achievement, Mr. Vishal Badshah, Vice President and Head – Operations, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, remarked, “The rollout of our 9,00,000th vehicle from the Lucknow facility is a momentous occasion for Tata Motors. This facility has been pivotal in the manufacturing of our advanced electric buses, and has successfully delivered over 1200 units, which have cumulatively clocked lakhs of kilometres across the country. Uttar Pradesh has been one of our key markets and the Government of Uttar Pradesh’s impetus on infrastructure development has been a key enabler in boosting the sales of commercial vehicles. With our focus on Industry 4.0 integration, this facility has been delivering safe, smart and green mobility solutions to our customers. We extend our gratitude to our customers, partners and all colleagues and as we celebrate this milestone.”

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Mahesh Suguru, Plant Head – Lucknow, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, added, “The achievement of our 9,00,000th vehicle rollout from the Lucknow facility is a testament of our commitment to excellence and innovation. Through the integration of cutting-edge technologies, we have optimised our operations, streamlined workflows, and elevated our standards of production to deliver superior vehicles that exceed customer expectations.”

Tata Motors is setting a benchmark in gender inclusivity and women empowerment at its Lucknow facility. Presently, women constitute one-third of the technical workforce, actively participating in all operational shifts and demonstrating a wide array of skills across the production of diverse products, including trucks and buses. The company is deeply invested in the comprehensive development of its women employees, providing them with hands-on industry experience through specialized training and workshops designed to boost their skills. With women representing more than 22% of the new recruits this year, Tata Motors stands as a proud proponent of women’s advancement in the manufacturing industry.

About Tata Motors

Part of the USD 150 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 42 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups, trucks, and buses, offering an extensive range of integrated, smart, and e-mobility solutions. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and ranks among the top three in the passenger vehicles market.

Tata Motors strives to bring new products that captivate the imagination of GenNext customers, fuelled by state-of-the-art design and R&D centres located in India, the UK, the US, Italy, and South Korea. By focusing on engineering and tech- enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, the company’s innovation efforts are focused on developing pioneering technologies that are both sustainable and suited to the evolving market and customer aspirations. The company is pioneering India's Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and driving the shift towards sustainable mobility solutions by developing a tailored product strategy, leveraging the synergy between Group companies and playing an active role in liaising with the Government of India in developing the policy framework.

With operations in India, the UK, South Korea, Thailand, South Africa and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2023, Tata Motors’ operations include 88 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, three joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.

Rotary Midtown Spreads Awareness On Cancer; Organises Road Show Along Mangalore Route

In a bid to tackle the formidable challenge of cancer, Rotary Bangalore Midtown, in collaboration with Rotary District 3191, has embarked on a journey on 19th and 20th April 2024 aimed at spreading awareness and promoting Rotary's Answer to Cancer Enigma (RACE) program. This initiative, known as the RACE Road Show, seeks to engage with communities and Rotary clubs along the route to Mangalore and back, with the shared goal of combatting cancer through early detection and prevention.

Cancer remains one of the most pressing health concerns globally, affecting millions of lives each year. Recognizing the urgency to address this issue, Rotary Bangalore Midtown has taken proactive steps by introducing the RACE program, which emphasizes the importance of regular cancer screenings as a vital tool in saving lives.

The RACE Road Show symbolizes a collective effort by Rotary members to raise awareness about the significance of early detection and timely intervention in the fight against cancer. Over the course of the journey, members from Rotary Bangalore Midtown and District 3191 will visit approximately 20 Rotary clubs in Ramanagara, Channapatna, Mandya, Mysore and Hassan engaging with fellow Rotarians, community leaders, and the public at large.

The Road Show serves as a platform for sharing information about the RACE program's objectives, methodologies, and impact. Through interactive sessions and discussions, participants will gain insights into the importance of regular screenings, risk factors associated with different types of cancer, and available resources for support and treatment.

Moreover, the RACE Road Show aims to foster collaboration and synergy among Rotary clubs, leveraging their collective strengths and resources to amplify the reach and impact of cancer awareness and prevention efforts. By building partnerships and mobilizing support at the grassroots level, Rotary members aspire to create a ripple effect that transcends geographical boundaries, ultimately contributing to a significant reduction in cancer-related morbidity and mortality.

Beyond raising awareness, the Road Show also endeavours to inspire action and participation from individuals and communities. Through educational initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and community outreach programs, Rotary members aim to empower people to take proactive steps towards prioritizing their health and well-being.

As the Road Show unfolds, Rotary Bangalore Midtown and District 3191 invite fellow Rotarians, community leaders, healthcare professionals, and concerned citizens to join hands in the fight against cancer. By working together and embracing the spirit of service above self, we can strive towards a future where cancer is no longer a dreaded enigma but a conquerable challenge.

In conclusion, the RACE Road Show represents a testament to Rotary's commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities affected by cancer. Through collective action, education, and advocacy, we can pave the way towards a healthier, cancer-free world.

Join us on this journey as we race towards a brighter tomorrow, united in our resolve to defeat cancer and ensure a better future for generations to come.

Kyndryl Selects Embassy Services For Facility Management And Corporate Fit Out Of Their New Office In Bangalore

Embassy Services Private Limited (ESPL), a leading provider of integrated facility management solutions, proudly announces that it was selected for the facility management and corporate fit out of Kyndryl’s new office in Bangalore.

ESPL was chosen as the Integrated Facility Management Service Provider and completed the corporate fit out for Kyndryl's new office at Embassy Manyata Business Park, Bengaluru. This collaboration underscores ESPL's commitment to delivering exceptional services tailored to the evolving needs of its clients.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Kyndryl on this significant project. Our expertise in Facility Management and Project Management Consultancy aligns seamlessly with Kyndryl's vision of fostering a workplace environment rooted in sustainability and innovation.”

"We're not just opening doors to a new office. We're infusing it with 'The Kyndryl Way' setting a precedent for workplace excellence in the digital era," said, Saarang Ganapathi, COO – Embassy Services Pvt. Ltd

"The new Kyndryl office at Manyata Embassy Park, Bengaluru, will help Kyndryl support its customers with becoming more adaptive, resilient and future ready. ESPL’s commitment to excellence played a pivotal role in bringing our vision for the office to life and enabling this high-level of customer-centricity," said, Michael Moesman, Senior Vice President, Delivery Leadership, Kyndryl.

The inauguration of the new office marks a significant milestone for Kyndryl and reaffirms its commitment to providing customers and employees with a collaborative environment that promotes innovation and well-being.

Embrace Prosperity And Elegance This Akshay Tritiya With ORRA's Exquisite Diamond Jewellery Collection

--Additionally, ORRA is offering an attractive discount of 25 % across its entire jewellery lineup --

Akshaya Tritiya, revered as a day of eternal prosperity and good fortune in Hindu culture, holds a special place in the hearts of millions. It is believed that any venture initiated on this day is bound to succeed, making it an ideal time for significant investments, including the acquisition of precious jewellery. Recognizing the importance of this propitious day, ORRA Fine Jewellery – the Leading Diamond Destination invites you to celebrate the new dawn of abundance in opulence and style with its stunning offerings.

The newly launched Akshaya Tritiya collection is a testament to the brand's commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. For those seeking statement pieces, ORRA offers meticulously crafted necklaces, embellished with diamonds that shimmer and sparkle with every movement. From chic and modern designs to intricately detailed patterns inspired by traditional leaf motifs, the diamond bangles and earrings are the epitome of luxury and sophistication on this special occasion. To make your festival more joyous and memorable, ORRA has launched this exclusive set at a magic price of INR 7,49,999/-. One can seize this magical allure by initiating a down payment of Rs 74,999 and comfortably settle the remaining balance through 9 equal monthly installments. Furthermore, ORRA extends an exclusive 25% discount across their entire range of jewellery, including their newly launched collections.

ORRA's commitment to craftsmanship and elegance is beautifully showcased through their collections, ensuring that every piece tells a unique story of love and celebration. ORRA is known for providing 100% certified jewellery with complimentary insurance* and free lifetime maintenance. The brand offers a lifetime exchange, buyback, a seven-day return policy and our diamonds are conflict-free. Additionally, ORRA provides a 6-month upgrade facility, and all its jewellery is BIS Hallmark Certified.

As part of their  ongoing Anniversary Sale, ORRA offers discounts, special offers and exclusive customer service for the patrons visiting the store and online platforms.

·         Up to 25% off on diamond jewellery (for a limited period) * 

·         0% interest on EMI facilities* 

·         100% exchange value on old gold jewellery*

*Terms and Conditions apply 

This Akshay Tritiya season, immerse yourself in the timeless allure of diamonds with ORRA's exquisite designs, symbolizing prosperity, and new beginnings.

About ORRA: 

The journey of a million gazes began in 1888 before it metamorphosed into ORRA. From sculpting and manufacturing diamonds to crafting and retailing the finest diamond and gold jewellery, ORRA has come a long way since its inception. Today, ORRA is one of India's finest diamond jewellery retail chains, having spread its glow with 88 stores in 39 cities and has consistently been at the forefront of design, leadership and product innovation with 5 global design centres. 

Master craftsmen who have inherited the centuries - old legacy of jewellery making, brilliantly cut Belgian diamonds, delicate designs in diamond jewellery, elaborate bridal sets in coloured stones, the 73-facet patented ORRA Crown Star, the one-of-its-kind ORRA store. These are just some of the facets that go into making ORRA - The Finest Diamond Destination. 

Drone Destination And IFFCO Sign A MOA To Execute India's Largest Drone-Spray Services Project For Upto 30 Lakh Acres

* IFFCO and Drone Destination sign Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to collaborate for spraying of IFFCO Nano fertilisers, Sagarika and other IFFCO Agri-Products using drones for upto 30 lakh acres of farm land across 12 states in India

Drone Destination India's leading Drone-as-a-Service provider and the largest DGCA certified Drone Pilot Training company announced the signing of an MOA with IFFCO to collaborate for drone spray over an area of upto 30 lakh acres.

As part of the MoA, Drone Destination will undertake drone spray in 12 states across the country. These states include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand. The drones will be spraying IFFCO Nano Urea, Nano DAP, Sagarika, IFFCO MC Agro-Chemicals and other IFFCO & IFFCO JV’s Agri-Products, with the aim of enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency. Other benefits under the MOA include opportunities for sale of IFFCO agri-inputs/products for drone spray.

Commenting on the business win, Mr Alok Sharma, Chairman, Drone Destination,n said – “We are elated to partner with the world’s top cooperative IFFCO for transforming Indian agriculture. Drones have a wide range of applications and their influence on agriculture, which is basic to human survival is revolutionary. Drones will bring efficiency, scalability, cost competitiveness, and speed to agricultural practices in India, enabling the sector to increase its contribution to GDP. As a leading player, spearheading the adoption of drones across multiple sectors, this is an important milestone for us in the journey towards drone adoption in the country.”

Chirag Sharma, MD & CEO Drone Destination added – “We thank IFFCO for choosing us and showing faith in our capabilities for implementing large-scale drone projects. This mandate will surely cement our position in the industry as the go-to company for executing large-scale drone projects in the country.”

About IFFCO

IFFCO, or the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited, is a cooperative organization that manufactures and sells fertilizers. Founded in 1967, IFFCO is one of the world's largest cooperatives, with over 50 million Indian farmers and 35,000 member cooperatives. IFFCO's goal is to improve farmers' growth by providing high-quality fertilizers at the right time and quantities to increase crop productivity.

IFFCO has five plants and over 20 state offices across India and has joint ventures globally such as JIFCO (Jordan), KIT (Dubai), OMIFCO (Oman), and ICS (Senegal). IFFCO is India's largest multi-state cooperative society, and is entirely owned by Indian cooperatives. It has a wide variety of business interests, including insurance products, rural telecommunications, and its core fertilizer production and sales sector.

https://www.iffco.in

Ageas Federal Life Insurance Brings Sachin Tendulkar’s Debut To Life In New Cradle To Crease Campaign

~ Delves into the inspiring journey of Sachin Tendulkar from the day he was born to the day he made his international debut ~

Ageas Federal Life Insurance, one of India's leading private life insurers, proudly introduces its latest brand campaign film, "Cradle to Crease," an initiative that drives home the message that while the future might be exciting, evolving and uncertain, by focusing on financial planning and investing in life insurance, one can face the future with optimism, hope and confidence.

In today's rapidly evolving landscape, a child’s future isn't as distant as it once seemed. Recognizing this, the campaign sheds light on the significance of early financial planning for parents through the lens of Sachin Tendulkar’s debut.

Speaking about the brand film, Erum Kidwai, Sr. Vice President & Head- Marketing at Ageas Federal Life Insurance, remarked, "" With "Cradle to Crease,” we aim to redefine the narrative surrounding financial planning and insurance. Sachin Tendulkar's journey serves as a powerful reminder that there is no fixed age or time to prioritize financial security. Through this film, we seek to inspire individuals to take charge of their future fearlessly and embrace a proactive approach towards financial planning through insurance."

Commenting on the brand’s use of innovative technology when it comes to marketing campaigns, Mr. Kidwai added, “Be it our Young Sachin campaign, The Boy Who Dreamed, SachinVerse campaign or the present Cradle to Crease Ad, we are proud to be the first brand in the BFSI sector in India to integrate Gen AI and Deep Fake positively to educate audiences about the necessity of Life Insurance in a way that is relatable to today’s tech savvy audience.  These campaigns also ensure that they appeal to the entire spectrum of our target audience from all age groups"

Building on the long-term brand philosophy of #FutureFearless, the brand reminds people that with timely investment through life insurance, they can be adequately prepared for any uncertainties or disruptions that life throws at us.  The film underscores the versatility and relevance of life insurance products across all age groups, reinforcing the message that it’s never to early or late to secure one's future, the right time is whenever one chooses to act.

Mukund Olety, CCO VML, shares, “After a very successful Young Sachin campaign, we have created Cradle to Crease. The film features Sachin walking through the tunnel of life as he reaches the pitch. Using technology, we’ve created a hyper-realistic rendition of 16-year-old Sachin to recreate the moment he made his international debut. With the power of Gen-AI, we’ve told a story that could not have been told 5 years ago. We are constantly pushing boundaries and using technology to make storytelling richer and better. We’re sure seeing Sachin walk up to his debut shall inspire a lot of parents to plan better.”

The 360 campaign will be amplified across social media platforms, including sports, news and finance channels and OOH and digital OOH across 6 cities including Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Kolkata, Kerala (Cochin, Kottayam, and Trivandrum) to effectively engage its target audience, amplifying its message of prudent financial planning. The brand’s previous campaigns have consistently won recognition including in Campaign India's "Picks of the Week", “New York Festival Ad Awards”, “ZEE Kyoorius Creative Awards 2023” and Exchange4media's "Best Ads of the fortnight," underscoring AFLI’s impactful brand presence.

The "Cradle to Crease" Ad campaign featuring Sachin Tendulkar is a testament to Ageas Federal Life Insurance's commitment to empowering individuals to lead a life and lifestyle of their choice fearlessly. We invite viewers to join us on this inspiring journey towards prudent financial planning.

 Campaign Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zk5Dpeffas.

FADA And Frost & Sullivan Launch “Pioneering Customer Experience Index” (CEI) Study

* Empowering Auto Industry with Data-Driven Insights to Craft Superior Customer Strategies

* Anticipated Unveiling of Results Set for September 2024

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), the apex body championing the interests of India's Automobile Retail Sector, has teamed up with Frost & Sullivan, a Growth Pipeline Company to spearhead an ambitious “Customer Experience Index” (CEI) Study. This ground-breaking project aims to meticulously analyse various aspects of the customer journey, encompassing sales, after-sales service and product quality across the passenger vehicle spectrum.

In its maiden year, the comprehensive study will target Passenger Vehicle Category, including Hatchbacks, Sedans, SUVs/MPVs, EVs and Luxury vehicles, utilizing a detailed questionnaire to capture insights from 8,000 participants across 26 cities. This includes seven metropolitan areas, sixteen Tier-2 cities and three Tier-3 locations, ensuring a broad and inclusive data set that spans the diverse Indian landscape.

Mr. Manish Raj Singhania, President of FADA, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "Launching this study marks a significant milestone in our continuous effort to deeply understand and meet the evolving needs of automobile consumers. FADA remains dedicated to deploying its collective expertise for the betterment of the entire Automobile Industry. Over the past three years, we have conducted the Dealer Satisfaction Survey (DSS) and recently launched a specialized DSS focusing on Finance & Insurance. Now, by incorporating this Customer Experience Index survey, we are broadening our analytical scope to encompass all facets of the Indian automobile ecosystem, thereby providing a comprehensive voice and strategic vision for all stakeholders. Partnering with Frost & Sullivan not only enhances this study’s credibility but also amplifies our commitment to advancing the Industry. The insights garnered from this expansive survey will directly inform and refine OEM strategies, facilitating tailored customer experiences that foster brand loyalty and satisfaction."

Further emphasizing the study's strategic importance, Mr. Vinkesh Gulati, Chairman of FADA’s Research & Academy, highlighted, "The Indian automotive sector is at a critical juncture, poised for significant growth amidst changing consumer behaviours and technological innovation. This Customer Experience Index survey is a strategic initiative designed to systematically harness customer feedback across a wide demographic, something that has not been undertaken at this scale in our industry before. By integrating detailed assessments of sales, after-sales & product quality experiences from various vehicle categories, we aim to provide OEMs and Dealers with the insights necessary to elevate their service standards and product offerings. This study is about transforming anecdotal feedback into empirical data that will drive operational changes and enhance customer satisfaction across the board. Our goal is to not only meet but exceed customer expectations, setting new benchmarks for excellence in the automotive sector.”

Mr. Aroop Zutshi, Global Managing Partner & Executive Board Member at Frost & Sullivan, said, “Transformation is imminent. Every organization and every industry need to be agile to adapt to evolving customer needs to survive. India is poised to witness exponential growth in the automotive industry driven by the rising middle-income and youth population, adoption of electric vehicles, increased investment in the Indian automotive industry and Government policy impetus. The Customer Experience Index by FADA in association with Frost & Sullivan will be a powerful tool for all OEMS and the Dealer fraternity to leverage.”

The Customer Experience Index by FADA and Frost & Sullivan is set to redefine industry standards for customer satisfaction and service excellence. The results, which will provide invaluable insights for the entire automotive ecosystem, are eagerly awaited in September 2024.

Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd Announces Q4 2024 Results FY 2023-2024

Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited (KNPL), one of the leading Paint companies in India, today at the Board meeting announced its audited results for the fourth quarter of the financial year 2023-24. For the quarter, the company declared Net revenue of Rs. 1662 Crores, a growth of 3.5 % over the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

EBIDTA was at Rs. 179 Crores, a growth of 17.5 % over the same quarter of the previous year. PBT before exception items was at Rs 162 Crores, a growth of 32.7 % over the same quarter of the previous year.

For the year net revenue was Rs. 7393 Crores, growth of 4.4 % over the same period of the previous year. EBIDTA was at Rs. 1023 Crores, a growth of 28.8 % over the same period of the previous year. PBT before exceptional items was at Rs. 924 Crores, a growth of 42 % over the same period of the previous year.

The Board has recommended a total dividend of 375 % (Rs 3.75 per share) including special dividend of 125 % (Rs 1.25 per share) for the financial year ended March 31, 2024, as compared to total dividend of 270 % (Rs 2.7 per share) last year.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Anuj Jain, Managing Director, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd said, “The demand for Industrial coatings though good, moderated from previous quarter. Decorative once again recorded double digit volume growth.

Raw material prices were stable. Gross margins improved over the corresponding quarter last year due to the benign raw material cost.

The initiatives in the areas such as feet-on-street, digital, influencer outreach, new product launches, approvals, and projects are yielding results for the company.

Going forward, the forecast of a good monsoon should augur well for paint industry.”

Outlook of Indian Paint Industry:

The size of domestic paint industry is estimated at around Rs. 75000 crores as of March 2024. The good growth in infrastructure, core sector as well as automobile and real estate is likely to have a positive effect on the overall demand of paint for the industry in the long run.

About Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd:

 Kansai Nerolac Paints now in its 104th year has been at the forefront of paint manufacturing pioneering a wide spectrum of quality paints. Kansai Nerolac is one of the leading paint companies in India and is the leader in Industrial paints. The company has eight strategically located manufacturing units all over India and a strong dealer network across the country. The company manufactures a diversified range of products ranging from decorative paints coatings for homes, offices, hospitals, and hotels to sophisticated industrial coatings for most of the industries. Please visit www.nerolac.com .

Micron Foundation And The United Way of Hyderabad Collaborate To Foster Excellence In Education Through URAM Scholarships

* Partnership Empowers 60 Students from Leading Institutions Towards Academic Excellence and a Fulfilling Career Journey

The Micron Foundation has partnered with the United Way of Hyderabad (UWH) to provide scholarships to 60 of the brightest students from India’s leading engineering institutions, offering them a path towards academic excellence and a brighter future. These scholarships, which will be awarded as part of the University Research Alliance Micron (URAM) initiative, help ensure that each student has an opportunity to unlock their potential, pursue their chosen fields of study, and embark on a fulfilling career journey.

The scholarships are specifically tailored to support students in their B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology) third semester and M.Tech (Master of Technology) first year, in the fields of Computer Science Engineering, Electronics & Electrical Engineering, and Electronics & Computer Engineering. Among the 60 recipients,16 are women, and 10 are part of the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category, reflecting Micron’s dedication to inclusivity and the breadth of talent nurtured by the scholarship program.

These students represent some of India’s leading institutions including IIT Delhi, IIIT Bangalore, IIT Gandhinagar, IIIT Hyderabad, BITS Pilani, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women (IGDTUW), NIT Trichy, and the JNTUH College of Engineering.

The selection process included an extensive on-campus activation and nationwide college campaigns with 2,677 applications from 494 institutes across the nation. Following a meticulous review process conducted by UWH, based on predefined selection criteria along with a comprehensive technical assessment, 60 exceptional candidates emerged as recipients of the scholarship, each demonstrating outstanding merit and promise in their respective fields of study. With a value of up to ?80,000 per student, the scholarships aim to alleviate deserving students from financial burden, empowering them to pursue their academic aspirations with renewed vigor.

“The Micron Foundation is committed to supporting students in their pursuit of in-demand careers that provide the opportunity to enrich their lives,” said April Arnzen, Micron executive vice president, chief people officer and president of the Micron Foundation. “We believe that access to higher education, delivered through initiatives like the URAM Scholarship Program, and working with partners like UWH, will prepare them for future technology careers while creating a lasting impact on communities throughout India.”

“Our URAM scholarships underscore our focus on promoting diversity and fostering excellence in education,” said Anand Ramamoorthy, vice president and managing director, Micron India. “With the wealth of talent within India, these students will be at the vanguard of India’s rise as a semiconductor powerhouse in line with the dynamic evolution of the technology industry.” 

According to Rekha Srinivasan, CEO, United Way of Hyderabad, “We are pleased to be working with the Micron Foundation to empower deserving students through this URAM scholarship initiative. These scholarships ensure that every student has equitable access to opportunities to unlock their potential, pursue their chosen courses, and forge a career they cherish. Through the scholarship program, we aim to create a fair platform for all students.”

URAM is an integrated framework to build stronger partnerships with Indian universities, focusing on fostering research, innovation, and collaboration, with some of the best minds in the country. At its core, the alliance brings together academic institutions and key faculty experts, advanced research labs, student communities, industry associations, startups and government agencies to further research, education, and innovation in memory design.

About Micron Foundation  

Since its founding in 1999, the Micron Foundation has contributed more than $180 million through philanthropy to communities where our team members live and work. Through its foundation and corporate giving initiatives, Micron provides grants, programs and volunteer efforts that enable equitable opportunities for underrepresented populations, support our communities and increase access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education.

To learn more, visit micron.com/foundation and follow the Foundation on Twitter @MicronGives.

Photo Caption: CR Parthasarathy, director, Device Technology at Micron India (Extreme right) along with Sriram Akella, director, Client & SSD Engineering.

Manipal Law School, Bengaluru Hosts 4th Edition Of Its Constitutional Law Lecture Series On Social Justice

Manipal Law School, Bengaluru, a constituent institute of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru, continues to strive for a paradigm shift in the field of legal education. In an endeavour to instill students with a strong sense of social justice, Manipal Law School, MAHE, Bengaluru organised the 4th edition of its Constitutional Law Lecture Series on 4th May 2024, with the theme focused on ‘Social Justice’.

Hon'ble Mr Justice Prasanna B. Varale, Judge, Supreme Court of India was the Chief Guest of the event. The event was also graced by Hon'ble Mr Justice E. S. Indiresh, Judge, High Court of Karnataka, Lt. Gen. (Dr) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, Manipal, Hon’ble Justice Dr K J Thaker, Chairperson, GHRC & Former Judge, Allahabad High Court. Members of Organizing Committee including Prof. (Dr) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro-Vice Chancellor, MAHE, Bengaluru, Prof. (Dr) Avinash Dadhich, Director, Manipal Law School, MAHE, Bengaluru, Dr Rahul Mishra, Associate Professor of Law, Manipal Law School, MAHE, Bengaluru, and Dr Faran Ali Gulrez, Assistant Professor, Manipal Law School, MAHE, Bengaluru were also present.

Dr. Rahul Mishra at the outset introduced the program to dignitaries and the audience.

Prof Avinash Dadhich, Director, Manipal Law School, MAHE, Bengaluru shared his thoughts as to Constitutionalism to be understood in the right perspective by the law students and law professionals. He stressed upon the light house principles as laid down under Fundamental Rights embodied in Constitution of India  which the class of prudent individuals must put in  efforts in making rural communities aware of.

Addressing the audience, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, Manipal, said, “I am incredibly proud that Manipal Law School has taken the initiative to organise this significant event focused on social justice. It reflects our commitment towards nurturing a community that values inclusivity, equity, and the pursuit of justice. As guardians of justice, we must ensure that the principles enshrined in our constitution are not mere words on paper, but guiding ideals that lead us towards a society founded on equality and fairness.”

Hon'ble Mr Justice E. S. Indiresh, Judge, High Court of Karnataka, also shared his experiences in detail with regard to the social justice in the light of landmark judgments given by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India from time to time. He also laid greater stress on the mechanisms available in terms of Constitutional Remedies to be utilized for the upliftment of weaker sections of our Society.

Hon’ble Justice Dr K J Thaker, Chairperson, GHRC & Former Judge, Allahabad High Court, took this opportunity to take the audience through issues and challenges pertaining to the delivery of Social Justice. He shared his visionary thoughts thereby connecting the preamble of Indian Constitution to the modern-day predicaments, the lower strata were facing.

Chief Justice, Hon'ble Mr Justice Prasanna B. Varale, Judge, Supreme Court of India threw light on the efficacy and importance of social justice and its delivery system in India thereby taking the audience through Case Laws and jurisprudential underpinnings as propounded by Baba Saheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, who was the chief architect of the Constitution of India. He laid more emphasis on the weaker sections and spoke volumes of their upliftment and sensitized the audience to be of assistance to such sections of our society in the delivery of social justice.

Dr. Ali Faran Gulrez proposed the Vote of Thanks thereby thanking everybody for making Constitutional Law Lecture Series 4th Edition Program a grand success.

The lecture series was a resounding success, drawing an audience comprising of numerous UG and PG law students, law professionals, research scholars, teachers, policy makers, industry experts, and law enthusiasts from across the country. The event not only facilitated insightful discussions and knowledge exchange but also fostered meaningful connections among attendees, serving as a pivotal platform for the legal community. The program was attended by more then 300 students and faculty participants, law professionals, representing their esteemed Law Colleges affiliated to KSLU, Huballi.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education Bengaluru (MAHE B’LRU):

Established in 1953, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence and a Deemed to be University. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, honoured MAHE with the prestigious designation of Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. Currently ranked sixth in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience.

MAHE Bengaluru, an off-campus of MAHE, excels in delivering comprehensive education to students, supported by highly qualified faculty, and dedicated mentors. The MAHE Bengaluru campus has an inspiring, future relevant learning ecosystem, on a new age tech enabled living campus. Here, the students immerse themselves, transform and discover multiple choices and opportunities. At MAHE Bengaluru, the potential for growth and the opportunities available are boundless.

As IMD Reports Of A Good Monsoon, VST Zetor Unveils Range Of Three Tractors. For India Market

* The Indian Meteorological Department predicts above-average monsoon rainfall in 2024, estimated at 106% of the long-term average.

* Trusted by Generations, Timeless in Performance, Tough in Every Terrain.

VST ZETOR Private Ltd., the joint venture between VST Tillers Tractors Ltd and HTC Investments a.s (Owner of the “ZETOR” brand), announced the launch of three best-in-class higher HP tractors in the country today. Mr. Antony Cherukara, Managing Director, VST Zetor and Mr. Filip Soka, Vice Chairman, VST Zetor, jointly announced the launch in Bengaluru. The three new tractors launched in the range of 41 to 50 HP are VST ZETOR 4211, VST ZETOR 4511, and VST ZETOR 5011. These products are jointly developed by VST & ZETOR after rigorous testing and technological integration post taking valuable inputs from the farming community in India.

VST Zetor tractors developed at VST Zetor plant in India, features an indigenously made powerful, best-in-class DI Engine, fully constant mesh transmission with helical gears and VZmatic hydraulics. Its wider Platform, dual diaphragm clutch, optimum turning Radius, adjustable premium seat, dual-acting power steering and aerodynamic styling ensure ease of operation with desired comfort.

VST ZETOR tractors are best suited for a wide range of applications starting from land preparation to post-harvest operations. It is highly compatible with all heavy-duty non-agriculture tasks along with all primary, secondary tillage and haulage applications of Agriculture.

Mr. Antony Cherukara, MD VST Zetor, said “The launch of these tractors is a significant milestone as with these models we are entering into the 60% of the tractor industry of India, i.e. the higher HP segment. These tractors will help to strengthen our brand and build a much stronger tractor portfolio to cater to a wide range of farming applications and geographical market needs. VST Zetor has launched these tractors after thorough research and understanding of the requirements of the Indian farming community. These tractors are engineering marvels developed with the FAST FRUGAL and FUTURE READY approach of VST with TRUSTED, TIMELESS & TOUGH Identity of ZETOR, to offer technological efficiency for better earnings to the farmer. Going with its vision statement to emerge as the best solution provider for farm mechanization VST Zetor will introduce many more products in the Indian and International markets soon”.

Mr. Filip Soka, Vice Chairman of VST ZETOR, highlighted ZETOR's 60-year legacy in India, renowned for its durability, reliability, and versatility. “Today, we fulfill the long-awaited desire to see ZETOR tractors in action on Indian soil. Our launch unveils three models tailored to meet the diverse needs of Indian farmers. Leveraging VST's expertise in 4WD compact tractors, well-received in Europe, this collaboration promises to raise agricultural standards in India”.

“With a global presence in 130+ countries, our partnership with VST aims to strengthen our footprint in India, the world's largest tractor market. Together, we empower Indian farmers with machinery embodying trust, timelessness, and toughness”.

Some of the Key features of the VST Zetor Tractors are -

*  VZ Series Powerful Engines with Unit Cylinder Wet Liner Technology (UC-WLT)

*  Helical Constant Mesh Gearbox with Forced Lubrication System

* Heavy Duty Rear Axle & Cold Forged Differential Gear

*  Heavy Duty Hydraulics with Auto Depth & Draft Control (ADDC) and VZ-Matic

*  Side Gear Shift, Under Hood Muffler, Heavy Duty Fenders

*  Heavy-duty Box type Front Axle for application versatility.

*  Spacious Wider Platform with Adjustable Deluxe Seat

Taking operational comfort to the next level These Tractors have Integrated Car-like Headlamps, Compact packaging with under hood Muffler, a Stylish SMC Bonnet, a Stylish Dashboard with a Digital Cluster, a Heat Deflector, a Stylish & fully Covered Fenders, a Side Shift lever and GSPTO.

About VST ZETOR

VST ZETOR embodies a groundbreaking collaboration between VST Tillers Tractors Ltd and HTC Investments a.s., dedicated to delivering high-quality tractors to Indian farmers. Rooted in the principle of ‘Global Technology, made in India,’ the collaboration seamlessly combines VST’s renowned FAST & Frugal approach with ZETOR’s cutting-edge innovations. This synergy ensures both immediate relevance and future preparedness to address the dynamic needs of Indian agriculture.

About ZETOR

Since 1946, ZETOR has made its mark in 130+ countries. In South Asia, it began exporting Czech tractors to India in the 1960s. Partnering with local manufacturers like HMT, ZETOR provided over 60,000 tractors to Indian farmers between 1970 and 1990, boosting agricultural prosperity.

About VST Tillers Tractors Ltd.

VST pioneers 4WD COMPACT Tractors and dominates the Power tiller market with over 70% share. Our commitment to trust and transparency strengthens bonds with small and marginal farmers, offering user-friendly, affordable, and technologically advanced solutions for seamless productivity. Expanding into the Higher HP Tractor segment with our Fast, Frugal, and Futuristic product approach.VST offers the widest range of products to its channel partners for most profitable business opportunities.

For More Information visit: vstzetor.com / vsttractors.com / www.zetor.com

PhonePe Presents Assured Cashback Offer For Akshaya Tritiya, 2024

*      Users can avail up to Rs.2000/- assured cashback* on one-time purchase of 24k digital gold

*      Users can also avail special offers for redemption of digital gold at Caratlane stores till 12th May

PhonePe, India’s leading fintech platform has announced a compelling offer today for the joyous and prosperous occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, this year. On 10th May 2024, users can avail assured cashback of up to Rs.2000 on a minimum order value of Rs.1000 on the PhonePe app. The unique offer, available exclusively on PhonePe, is applicable only on one-time purchase of 24k digital gold. Users can choose to pay through multiple modes of payment such as UPI, UPI Lite, credit & debit cards, wallet and gift cards.

To add to the festive cheer, PhonePe also has a special offer for redemption of digital gold at Caratlane stores till 12th May. The highlights of this offer are:

Additional 2% discount on gold coin

Additional 4% discount on unstudded jewelry

Additional 10% on studded jewelry

PhonePe offers highest purity gold from Caratlane, SafeGold & MMTC-PAMP, some of the leading and trusted players in the digital gold ecosystem. While there are multiple benefits to purchasing digital gold on the PhonePe app, some of the key ones are:

Highest Assured Purity: Customers can buy 99.99% purity certified 24K Digital Gold, as offered by the Partners, on PhonePe.

Convenience: Customers can choose to buy Digital Gold from the comfort of their home 24*7. On selling their stored Gold anytime, the money is credited to their bank accounts within 48 hours.

Storage in insured bank grade lockers: Certified 24K Gold purchased digitally carries zero making charges and is stored in free* bank-grade Gold lockers.

Invest with any amount: Customers have the flexibility to invest in Digital Gold with any amount of their choice.

Apart from one time purchase, PhonePe also empowers every Indian to invest in Gold digitally via SIP and helps customers invest long term, systematically. Over 1 Crore customers from 19,000+ pin codes in India have so far bought high purity 24K gold on the PhonePe platform at transparent prices thus reflecting their continued trust in the brand.

Here’s how users can avail the offer on the PhonePe app:

Step 1: Tap ‘See All’ from the ‘Recharge & Pay Bills’ section of your PhonePe app homepage

Step 2: Select ‘Gold’ from the ‘Recharge & Bill Payment’ page

 Step 3:  Select "Buy One Time”

Step 4:  Proceed by selecting “Buy in rupees” and adding minimum Rs.1000 worth of 24K Gold

Step 5: Check the final details of your Gold purchase and click on ‘Proceed to Pay’. And it’s done!

You will see the updated Gold balance on the PhonePe app shortly. Post successful purchase, you will receive a cashback** in your PhonePe Gift Card balance.

About PhonePe Group:

PhonePe Group is India’s leading fintech company. Its flagship product, the PhonePe digital payments app, was launched in Aug 2016. In just 7 years, the company has scaled rapidly to become India’s leading consumer payments app with 530+ million registered users and a digital payments acceptance network of 39 million merchants. PhonePe also processes 250 million daily transactions with an annualized Total Payment Value (TPV) of USD 1.5+ Trillion.

On the back of its leadership in digital payments, PhonePe Group has expanded into financial services (Insurance, Lending, Wealth) as well as new consumer tech businesses (Pincode - hyperlocal e-commerce and Indus App Store - India's first localized App Store). PhonePe Group is an India headquartered technology company with a portfolio of businesses aligned with the company's vision to offer every Indian an equal opportunity to accelerate their progress by unlocking the flow of money and access to services.

^Purity is solely assured by Gold Partners

*Storage is free for the first 5 years.

**PhonePe's role is limited to payment facilitation/processing. Order management/ fulfillment is undertaken by PhonePe’s partners. Please read the offer terms & conditions before purchase. T&C apply.

For more details: media@phonepe.com 

Samsung India Launches Two High Capacity Power Banks With Super-Fast Charging

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced the launch of two power banks that have been designed for convenience of users on the go. The 20000mAh power bank comes with 45W super-fast 2.0 charging and the 10000mAh power bank supports wireless charging and 25W super-fast wired charging, offering users great options to keep their devices charged on the go.

The 45W 20000mAh power bank, priced at INR 4299, supports triple port charging capability and can charge three devices simultaneously. Users can not only charge their smartphones, but can also charge headphones, gaming consoles, cameras or laptops concurrently with added convenience and far less hassle. Using high-quality lithium-ion batteries, Samsung’s 20000mAh power bank supports low current charging and is compatible with mainstream smartphones and digital devices, meeting users’ high daily demand for power.

The 25W 10000mAh super-fast power bank, priced at INR 3499, can charge a wide range of devices including smartphones, watches, buds and digital devices. The dual-port charging capability of the power bank allows users to plug in and power two devices at once. Additionally, the Qi certified power bank can charge a wide range of digital devices wirelessly with up to 7.5W.

The power banks are made with UL-certified recycled materials which help reduce carbon emissions and conserve the planet’s precious resources.

Available in Beige colour, the power banks are on sale on Amazon, Samsung.com and at leading retail stores.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For latest news on Samsung India, please visit Samsung India Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com/in. For Hindi, log on to Samsung Newsroom Bharat at https://news.samsung.com/bharat. You can also follow us on Twitter @SamsungNewsIN.

EaseMyTrip Expands Its Footprint With A New Franchise Store In Amritsar, Punjab

* This is EaseMyTrip’s first franchise store in Amritsar

EaseMyTrip.com, one of India’s largest online travel tech platforms, is excited to announce the launch of its latest franchise store in Amritsar, Punjab. This new outlet is located at SCO 5 C Block Market, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar, marking another milestone in the company's continuous effort to blend its robust online presence with an expanding offline reach through a strategic franchising model. This is the 15th store to be launched as a part of the brand’s expansion plans and the first one in Amritsar.

The new Amritsar franchise is perfectly positioned in the heart of the city, ensuring easy access for customers in and around Ranjit Avenue. Designed to resonate with EaseMyTrip’s vibrant brand identity, the store boasts an inviting atmosphere where travelers can plan their journeys with the help of seasoned travel experts. From flight and hotel reservations to bus and railway ticket bookings, luxurious vacations, cruises, group travels, and even visa application services, the Amritsar franchise is equipped to handle all travel-related requests with efficiency and care.

Reflecting on the company’s expansion strategy, Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, commented, “Our franchise in Amritsar is a testament to our commitment towards making quality travel services accessible to more people through a harmonious blend of online convenience and personalized offline assistance. With each new store, including our plan to open 100 franchise stores in this financial year, we are not just growing our network but also enriching the travel booking experiences for our customers across India."

The introduction of the Amritsar store is part of EaseMyTrip’s ambitious plan to strengthen its presence in the Indian market, following the successful launch of numerous franchises across the country. Each EaseMyTrip franchise is a step forward in the company’s mission to offer seamless travel experiences, underscoring its dedication to customer satisfaction and service excellence.

EaseMyTrip officially launched its flagship brand, EaseMyTrip Franchise, early last year. Since then, the brand has opened 14 offline stores under its franchising model across India, with the recent one being in Karnal, Haryana. Inaugurating stores through its franchising model is a strategic decision aligned with the company’s expansion plans.

About EaseMyTrip

EaseMyTrip (a public listed company at NSE and BSE) is India’s one of largest online travel platform in terms of air ticket bookings, based on the Crisil Report-Assessment of the OTA Industry in India, February 2021. Furthermore, growing at a CAGR of 59% during FY20-23 in profits, it is one of the fastest-growing internet companies. Bootstrapped and profitable since its inception, EaseMyTrip offers 'End to End' travel solutions including air tickets, hotels and holiday packages, rail & bus tickets as well as ancillary value-added services. EaseMyTrip offers its users the option of zero-convenience fees during bookings. EaseMyTrip provides its users with access to more than 400 international and domestic airlines, over 2+ million hotels as well as train/bus tickets and taxi rentals for major cities in India. Founded in 2008, EaseMyTrip has offices across various Indian cities, including Noida, Delhi and Gurugram, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. Its international offices (as subsidiary companies) are in the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the UAE, the UK, the USA and New Zealand.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Introduces Innova Crysta GX+ as a New Standard Grade

* The New Crysta GX+ is equipped with a host of exciting features and enhancements including rear camera, auto-fold mirrors, DVR, diamond-cut alloys, wooden panels, and premium fabric seats.

* Powered by 2.4L Diesel Engine with a 5 speed Manual Transmission with Eco and Power drive modes.

* Having sold close to 10,50,000 units since its debut in India in 2005, the iconic Innova continues to lead the MPV market.

* Starting price at Rs. 21,39,000. (ex-showroom)

* The Innova Crysta is now available in five grades of Diesel Manual Transmission

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the introduction of new grade, GX+, in the Innova Crysta lineup. Inspired by the company's focus on customer centricity, the new grade boasts of enhanced features thus reflecting TKM's commitment to delivering excellence tailored to the customer preferences. Reinvigorating the Innova Crysta line-up, the newly introduced Innova Crysta GX+ grade is loaded with 14 additional features, harmoniously blending functional and aesthetic enhancements, elevating the overall driving experience.

Key highlights of Innova Crysta GX+ include functional features such as rear camera, auto-fold mirrors, DVR, as well as aesthetic enhancements like diamond-cut alloys, wooden panels, and premium fabric seats. Offered in 7- and 8-seater options, the GX+ grade is available in five exciting colours i.e., Super White, Attitude Black Mica, Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic, Platinum White Pearl and Silver Metallic each adding a unique flair to the versatile palette of the vehicle.

Commenting on the new introduction, Mr. Sabari Manohar – Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “Ever since its launch in 2005 Innova brand has earned an unshakable reputation of being the segment leader by setting industry benchmarks. Synonymous to quality and trust, Innova has served the diverse mobility needs of generations of Indians and continues to hold the same aspirational value. Time and again our endeavour at TKM has been to keep the brand relevant and multi-functional, based on the evolving customer trends, in line with our customer-centric approach.

The newly introduced Innova Crysta GX+ grade complement our existing line-up of Innova Crysta. The newly introduced features are a leap forward in terms of offering more value through enhanced features and multi functionality. We are confident that the new introduction will continue appeal to a wider audience of customers thus reinforcing Innova’s legacy of being India’s most loved MPV.”

Details of the ex-showroom Prices (grade-wise), are as follows:

Variant                                                  Ex Showroom Price (W.E.F 06th May 2024)

Innova Crysta GX+ 7s                                  Rs 21,39,000

Innova Crysta GX+ 8s                                  Rs 21,44,000

Robust performance:

The performance of Innova Crysta GX+ sets a new benchmark for power and efficiency in its class with a robust 2.4L Diesel Engine with a 5 speed Manual Transmission with Eco and Power drive modes. The powerful GD diesel engine is equipped with considerable enhanced torque in the low and medium speed ranges. Additionally, the vehicle ensures an improved suspension with pitch and bounce control, keeping cabin movement to a minimum and maintaining a smooth ride on rough roads.

Tough Exterior:

The exterior boasts a blend of toughness and sophistication. With a sleek and contemporary design, the Innova Crysta exudes elegance and refinement on every journey. Its meticulously refined exterior features such as the bold front grille, and sturdy bumper not only enhance aesthetics but also elevate functionality, ensuring a commanding presence on the road. Further distinguishing the Innova Crysta GX+ are its imposing silver surround piano black grille and an enticing diamond-cut alloy that underlines its bold stance, adding to its allure.

Comfortable Interiors:

The interior of the Innova Crysta GX+ sets an example in comfort and convenience with a host of innovative features. Like every other Innova, luxury and comfort are at the core of the new Innova Crysta GX+ with wood finish interior panels, auto-fold mirrors, DVR spelling unparalleled refinement and class.

Advanced safety offerings:

Safety remains a top priority for Toyota, and the Innova Crysta GX+ is no exception. Equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Rear Camera, SRS Airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, and Hill-Start Assist Control, the vehicle offers peace of mind for both driver and passengers. The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and high strength GOA body structure further enhance safety on every journey.

Value Added Services:

The New Innova Crysta GX+ Grade is complemented by an array of value-added services such as Extended Warranty & Toyota Genuine Accessories, focusing on affordability and flexibility that will be beneficial to the customers. Other options include upto 7-year finance schemes, low EMI with increased affordability, pre-approved funding for value added services and Toyota Smart finance [ Balloon Finance] to support aspirational buying and present customers with a wide variety of choices. Other value benefit services include Toyota’s newly introduced 5-year complimentary Roadside assistance, warranty – standard warranty of 3 years/1,00,000 km, which can be extended to 5 years/2,20,000 km at a nominal cost.

In addition, the company also recently launched an industry-first “Awesome New Car Delivery Solution” that extends vehicle logistic services till delivery touchpoints by eliminating possible drive down of new cars by the dealer staff to the delivery location. As an industry first, the new initiative will enable Toyota dealers to transport new vehicles from dealer stockyards to their sales outlets on a flat-bed truck.