Masters of Marriott Bonvoy And Culinary Culture Present ‘The Power Play’ - A Celebration Of Culinary Excellence With India’s Leading Chefs

 

* In collaboration with top culinary connoisseurs, these exclusive, limited-seating dinners will take place at The Ritz-Carlton hotels in Pune and Bengaluru.

Masters of Marriott Bonvoy, and Culinary Culture, are set to announce ‘The Power Play’; an experiential dining showcase that elevates multi-cultural cuisines in collaboration with India’s leading chefs. The limited-seating five-course degustation menu, combining authentic regional flavours will take place at The Ritz Carlton, Pune on 30th November followed by The Ritz-Carlton, Bengaluru on 7th December, 2024.

These exclusive dinners promise a symphony of flavours, with each chef crafting a single course that embodies their distinctive cuisine and signature culinary artistry. Guests will be treated to an extraordinary lineup, featuring the culinary brilliance of six maestros. Here’s a glimpse into the visionaries behind this gastronomic journey:

Chef Doma Wang, The Blue Poppy, Kolkata- Celebrated for her mastery of Tibetan cuisine, brings the heart and soul of the Himalayas to your plate.

Chef Mythrayie Iyer, Farmlore, Bengaluru - Takes diners on a culinary journey across India, championing its vast and diverse palette with her creative flair and farm to table approach.

Chef Vanshika Bhatia, Omo Café, Gurgaon - Infuses her dishes with the elegance and finesse of European flavors, blending tradition with innovation.

Chef Pooja Dhingra, Founder of Le 15 - Elevates the art of pastry with her signature creations that are as indulgent as they are unforgettable.

Adding a unique twist, Chef Seefah Ketchaiyo, Seefah, Mumbai- Will infuse the Pune event with the vibrant and authentic essence of Thai cuisine. Meanwhile, Chef Nooresha Kably, Izumi, Mumbai- Will delight guests in Bengaluru with her inventive take on Japanese dishes, bringing a modern twist to classic flavours.

As a prelude to the dinners, Masters of Marriott Bonvoy and Culinary Culture will host exclusive fireside chats with the Chefs in both cities. In the company of culinary experts, connoisseurs and influential guests, the discussion will engage the culinary maestros in conversations around the diversity and rising culinary talent in the industry, and the growing appetite for multi-cultural cuisine among Indians. This will be followed by exclusive dinners at The Ritz-Carlton Pune on 30th November, and The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore on 7th December. Guests can join the waitlist for these exclusive experiences using the links

In anticipation of these exquisite dining experiences, Khushnooma Kapadia – Vice President of Marketing, South Asia, Marriott International- "India’s rich culinary heritage reflects its vibrant cultural diversity, and as a nation, we are constantly redefining our food preferences. Through Masters of Marriott Bonvoy, we strive to bring innovative dining experiences to life by collaborating with trailblazers in the culinary world. This initiative, in collaboration with Culinary Culture, celebrates the extraordinary talent of six master chefs from India, offering Marriott Bonvoy members an exclusive opportunity to indulge in a unique blend of traditional and contemporary flavours. By spotlighting these immensely talented chefs, we hope to inspire the next generation of women in hospitality while setting a new benchmark for culinary excellence."

Raaj Sanghvi, CEO, Culinary Culture adds, “It’s an incredible honour to unite the talent and creativity of some of India’s most exceptional chefs, each flying in from across the country to collaborate for this unique 10 hand experience. Over the years, in partnership with Masters of Marriott Bonvoy, we’ve had the privilege of bringing some of the world’s finest chefs to India. However, this event, celebrating the brilliance of our own top culinary maestros, holds an especially meaningful place and we hope to take it around the country going forward.”

About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary hotel brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott Bonvoy app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

About Culinary Culture

Culinary Culture stands out as the leading authority on food in India. Founded by Vir Sanghvi and Sameer Sain, and guided by CEO Raaj Sanghvi, it represents a comprehensive movement that covers every aspect of the culinary scene in the country. As the nation's sole authoritative and independent rating organization, Culinary Culture introduced The Ultimate Restaurant Ratings, awarding Ultimate Stars to India's top restaurants. Through its popular IPs, It also celebrates the outstanding chefs of India and pays homage to the vibrant street food vendors across the country. Culinary Culture is renowned for its global Culinary Exchanges, inviting world-renowned chefs to showcase their skills in India while sending talented Indian chefs to cook at some of the world's best restaurants. Past events have featured culinary icons such as Massimo Bottura, Mauro Colagreco, Daniel Humm, Virgilio Martinez, Alain Ducasse and Dani Garcia, among others.

Instagram: @CulinaryCultureCo | Website: www.CulinaryCulture.co

Manipal Institute of Virology Recognized As ICMR Collaborating Center of Excellence: A Achievement In Biomedical Research And Public Health

In a groundbreaking achievement for India’s scientific and healthcare communities, the Manipal Institute of Virology (MIV) has been recognized as an ICMR Collaborating Center of Excellence (ICMR-CCoE) by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This prestigious designation underscores MIV’s leadership in virology research, its advanced diagnostic capabilities, and its pivotal role in fostering interdisciplinary collaborations at both national and international levels. The recognition cements MIV’s status as a critical contributor to strengthening India’s biomedical research ecosystem and addressing the nation’s pressing public health challenges.

The recognition as an ICMR-CCoE is a testament to MIV’s outstanding contributions to the field of virology, particularly in the study of emerging infectious diseases, viral diagnostics, and vaccine development. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Chiranjay Mukhopadhyay, Professor and Director of MIV, the Institute has achieved remarkable milestones in research, diagnostics, and collaboration. Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal "Manipal Institute of Virology's recognition as an ICMR Collaborating Center of Excellence is a momentous achievement that underscores our commitment to advancing biomedical research and public health. This distinction reflects the hard work, dedication, and innovation of our team, and reinforces Manipal Academy of Higher Education's leadership in shaping the future of medical research and healthcare solutions. We are proud to contribute to global health advancements and look forward to fostering collaborations that will have a lasting impact on society”

"Being recognized as an ICMR Collaborating Center of Excellence is a significant milestone for the Manipal Institute of Virology. This honor reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing virology research, strengthening diagnostic capabilities, and addressing public health challenges through collaboration and innovation. As we step into this new role, we aim to contribute even more effectively to India’s health research ecosystem, foster global partnerships, and train the next generation of scientists to tackle emerging infectious diseases and other critical health issues. Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient future”, said Dr. Chiranjay Mukhopadhyay.

One of the key advantages of being designated an ICMR-CCoE is the opportunity for expanded collaborations. MIV has a long history of partnering with leading research institutions, healthcare organizations, and universities across India and abroad. These partnerships have driven its research agenda and ensured that its findings are both scientifically rigorous and aligned with public health needs.

Through its expertise in virology, MIV will play a critical role in disease surveillance, outbreak management, and vaccine development, particularly for diseases like influenza, hepatitis, and other viral infections that pose significant threats to public health. By providing evidence-based research, the Institute will support the development of national health policies and strategies tailored to India’s unique epidemiological landscape.

With the ICMR-CCoE recognition, the Manipal Institute of Virology is positioned to play a pivotal role in advancing India’s status as a global leader in biomedical research. This milestone highlights India’s growing prominence in the global health landscape and reaffirms the country’s commitment to addressing both national and international health challenges.

As MIV continues its work in virology research, public health, and scientific collaboration, the Institute is set to make lasting contributions to the global fight against infectious diseases, ensuring a healthier future for all.

Teeling Whiskey Launches Small Batch Classic Exclusively In India

* A bespoke Irish whiskey expression crafted exclusively for Indian whisky consumers

Teeling Whiskey, the pioneering, award-winning Irish whiskey producer renowned for its innovation and craftsmanship, is proud to announce the launch of Teeling Small Batch Classic, a bespoke Irish whiskey expression crafted exclusively for the Indian market.

Small Batch Classic is part of Teeling’s award-winning collection of Irish whiskeys and represents a unique and modern twist on traditional Irish whiskey making.  It is the latest string in the bow for the “World’s Most Awarded Irish Whiskey” brand.

Made in small batches from hand-selected casks of grain and malt whiskey, Small Batch Classic is aged in first-fill bourbon barrels.  Each component is hand selected for its stand-out character to provide a rounded, full-bodied flavour experience.  The whiskey is carefully crafted to provide a delicate balance of creamy vanilla and spicy fruit notes designed especially for the Indian palette.  It is bottled at 46% ABV with no-chill filtration to retain its true natural character.

Jack Teeling, Founder and Managing Director of Teeling Whiskey, commented: “We are thrilled to introduce Teeling Whiskey Small Batch Classic to India, a country that shares our deep appreciation for craftsmanship and innovation. We have created this unique, premium Irish Whiskey in small batches to suit the Indian palette, ensuring a balance of sweetness and bold, natural character.  It is a very exciting time for us to introduce the best of Dublin and Irish whiskey craftsmanship to Indian whiskey connoisseurs in one of the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey markets."

Vinay Golikeri, Managing Director, Bacardi India commented: “We are excited to launch Teeling Small Batch Classic, crafted exclusively for the Indian consumer. This special edition has been thoughtfully curated to align with the discerning tastes of Indian whiskey enthusiasts, offering a smooth yet complex profile that perfectly complements local preferences. We believe Teeling whiskey is best enjoyed in moments of connection—whether it’s celebrating life’s special occasions or elevating everyday gatherings with friends. We’re proud to bring this unique experience, blending Irish craftsmanship with a spirit of celebration, to a market that truly appreciates quality and authenticity.”

Beyond its resonant taste and heritage, Teeling Small Batch Classic is crafted with a deep commitment to sustainability that makes it stand out as the spirit of choice for India’s modern consumers. With sustainable practices embedded in its production—from responsibly sourced raw materials and recycled packaging to rainwater harvesting and solar-powered distilleries — Teeling offers a premium whiskey experience that aligns with the values of India’s increasingly environmentally aware audiences.

The exclusive Teeling Small Batch Classic is now available for purchase in Delhi, Gurugram, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh - giving whiskey aficionados in North India the opportunity to acquire this bespoke craft Irish whiskey before being rolled out to the rest of India in 2025. Available in 70cl bottles at 46% ABV and priced at INR 3500.

ABOUT TEELING WHISKEY

The Teeling Whiskey Company was founded in 2012 to revive the old Teeling family trademark of Irish whiskey and bring craft distilling back to the City of Dublin. The Teeling Whiskey Company has quickly become the most progressive Irish whiskey company, driving category choice and innovation through a selection of unique handcrafted small batch Irish whiskeys. The Teeling Whiskey Distillery started operation in 2015 as the first new distillery in Dublin for over 125 years and has taken in over 800,000 visitors since opening in June of that year. Teeling Whiskey is now exported to over 80 different markets and has won over 600 international awards for its quality.[SI2]

Teeling Small Batch Classic Tasting notes

A truly unique Single Malt with unique depth of flavour from the use of innovative mash bill and maturation casks.

·       Nose: Golden grains and light orchard fruits, bursts of vanilla and toasted oak. 

·       Taste: Creamy vanilla sweetness, with a touch of spice and fruit.

·       Finish: Long, warming finish with lingering sweetness and spicy oak notes.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Celebrates The Remarkable Milestone Of 1,00,000 Innova HyCross Units Sold In India

* 1 lakh unit sales achieved on the Second Anniversary

* Growth fuels by sustained demand from across the country including tier 2/3 markets

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today celebrated a significant milestone of 1,00,000 wholesale units of the Innova HyCross in India. On the second anniversary of its launch, this milestone reinforces the trust of customers on brand Toyota whilst marks the growing popularity of the Innova HyCross much loved for its advanced technology, unmatched comfort, and exceptional performance.

Launched in November 2022 as another step in the direction towards TKM’s commitment towards offering sustainable mobility by adopting a multi-pathway, the Innova HyCross represents a seamless blend of Toyota’s globally renowned Quality, Durability, and Reliability (QDR) with cutting-edge technology and innovative design.

Built on Toyota’s advanced Global Architecture (TNGA), the Innova HyCross is powered by a 5th Generation Self-Charging Strong Hybrid Electric System. Equipped with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder gasoline engine and an e-drive sequential shift, it delivers an impressive power output of 137 kW (186 PS) while offering best-in-segment fuel efficiency. The hybrid system enables the vehicle to operate 60% of the time in electric (EV) mode, providing a seamless combination of power, efficiency, and environmental consciousness.

Additionally, the model offers a 2.0-litre gasoline engine paired with a direct shift CVT in select variants, delivering a robust output of 129 kW (174 PS), giving customers diverse choices to suit their driving needs.

Commenting on the new milestone, Mr. Sabari Manohar – Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, ““We are thrilled to share that the Innova HyCross has achieved milestone of 1,00,000 units. Heartfelt thanks to our customers for their trust and support as we continue to drive unparalleled mobility experiences.

The hybrid technology option in the Innova HyCross continues to impress customers with its exceptional performance and remarkable mileage. Beyond efficiency, the HyCross strikes an ideal balance of space and luxury, making it a practical choice tailored to a family’s diverse needs. Its superior handling, unparalleled comfort, and top-notch safety features further amplify its appeal. Combined with Toyota’s trusted service standards, the Innova HyCross delivers a holistic ownership experience that resonates deeply with its growing base of satisfied customers.

We remain confident that the Innova HyCross will continue to captivate hearts and set new benchmarks in mobility, delivering unmatched performance and innovation for years to come.”

The Innova HyCross has garnered immense popularity for its versatility and premium features that cater to a variety of customer preferences. Its class-leading features include powered Ottoman second-row seats, ventilated front seats, dual-zone air conditioning, Toyota Safety Sense, 65+ Connected Features and a power back door, making it a vehicle for every occasion. The model not only exemplifies superior comfort but also underscores Toyota’s commitment to safety, innovation, and style.

The success of the product is further complemented with Toyota’s exceptional and industry-leading service benefits to the customers.  TKM provides a comprehensive range of services under the umbrella “T CARE” that demonstrates the company’s dedication to enriching customer delight and fostering long-term relationships. Covering everything from presales to aftersales and repurchases, T CARE integrates these offerings under one unified brand that includes a wide array of offerings such as T DELIVER, T GLOSS, T ASSIST, T SAATH, T SECURE, T CHOICE, T INSPECT, T SMILE and more.

The Innova HyCross has also won various awards and accolades as a testament to its market acceptance and segment leadership.

HDFC Life Launches ‘The Missing Beat - Second Chance’

After the success of the first phase of ‘The Missing Beat’, a campaign aimed at increasing public awareness on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), HDFC Life has launched the next phase of the campaign, titled ‘Second Chance’.

The first digital film of ‘The Missing Beat’ campaign generated effective results, reaching over 25.4 million views and 46 million impressions, and over 124,000 visits, highlighting the extent of audience engagement for a critical topic – CPR. With ‘Second Chance’, HDFC Life takes a step further, using storytelling to raise CPR awareness in a relatable way.

In ‘Second Chance’, viewers follow the story of a corporate employee who experiences a sudden cardiac arrest at an office event. The film captures his journey as he envisions key moments in his life – dreams he has yet to fulfil, milestones he wishes to achieve, and promises that he made to his family.

‘Second Chance’ seeks to deepen the public conversation about CPR and emphasises the need for an individual to be prepared in every way. It gives an important message that being equipped to save a life and protecting loved ones financially, are dual responsibilities everyone should consider.

Vishal Subharwal – Group Head Strategy & CMO, HDFC Life, said, “The first phase of our campaign received a phenomenal response, motivating us to go a step further by exploring the personal impact on an individual whose dreams could remain unfulfilled without CPR intervention. In this phase, we see the protagonist in an ethereal realm during a cardiac arrest, getting a glimpse of the future he had planned – his aspirations, milestones, and promises made to loved ones.

Every individual has dreams and to pursue them, one must be prepared in every way – to save a life in a critical moment and to protect loved ones financially. Our hope is that this campaign inspires people to take CPR training seriously and to contribute to the noble cause of saving lives.”

Manesh Swamy, Director & Chief Creative Officer – LS Creative at LS Digital, added, “This campaign goes beyond the statistics, bringing to life the emotional reality of a cardiac emergency. We aim to connect with audiences on a personal level, underscoring the value of CPR and the peace of mind life insurance provides.  Through this story, we are committed to making India CPR-ready and financially secure.”

Cardiac arrest is a growing crisis in India. Around 500,000 to 600,000 lives are lost each year due to cardiac arrest. The awareness of CPR remains extremely low, with fewer than 2% of the population trained in this vital skill. 

In the fiscal year 2024, HDFC Life provided coverage to 6.6 crore lives and achieved a 99.5% claim settlement ratio for individual claims, reflecting its dedication to policyholders and their families.

About HDFC Life

Founded in 2000, HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited (‘HDFC Life’ or the ‘Company’) is a leading provider of long-term life insurance solutions in India. It offers a broad range of individual and group plans across the Protection, Pension, Savings, Investment, Annuity, and Health categories, with a portfolio of products and optional riders designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

HDFC Life is a subsidiary of HDFC Bank Limited, one of India’s leading private banks. The Company has a nationwide presence, operating through its own branches and a network of over 300 distribution partners, including banks, NBFCs, MFIs, SFBs, brokers, and emerging ecosystem partners. HDFC Life also maintains a strong base of financial consultants.

Recognised as a great place to work, HDFC Life is deeply committed to governance and sustainability, ensuring responsible business practices that align with its long-term objectives.

For more information, visit www.hdfclife.com or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Madhya Pradesh Is The Best Film-Friendly State In The Country - Principal Secretary Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla

* MP Tourism Board organized a knowledge session at the ongoing 55th IFFI (International Film Festival of India) in Goa.

* Hints about multiple sequels of ‘Stree’ ahead in MP - Amar Kaushik

* Principal Secretary Shri Shukla said that Film Tourism Policy 2.0 will be released soon.

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board participated in the 55th IFFI (International Film Festival of India) in Goa from 20th - 25th November 2024, promoting the state’s film shooting facilities and the Film Tourism Policy. A knowledge series was also organised on 21st November 2024 by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board featuring discussions on boosting film production in state.

The series on ‘Lights, Camera, Collaboration: Government and Industry partnership for filming in Madhya Pradesh’ included insights from Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Department & Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Film Director Mr. Amar Kaushik, CEO Aamir Khan Productions Ms Aparna Purohit, Actor Mr Abhishek Banarjee, Actor Ms. Nitanshi Goel, Actor Mr. Sparsh Shrivastava & Actor and Producer Ms Vani Tikoo Tripathi. Principal Secretary Mr. Shukla informed about the various aspects of the MP Film Tourism Policy with the aim of promoting film shooting in the state, how government initiatives can help streamline processes and foster collaboration between various stakeholders in the industry and establishing the state as a major film-making destination. Filmmakers appreciated the Madhya Pradesh Film Tourism Policy showed interest in future projects in the state.

Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla said “Madhya Pradesh is proudly two times national award winner of most film friendly state 2017 & 2020. The state is undoubtedly a must-visit state for film shooting. The state government has created the Film Facilitation Cell to promote filmmaking and shooting within the state. Madhya Pradesh is undeniably a naturally stunning offbeat multispecialty destination and paradise for filmmakers seeking picturesque locations. The state's diverse locations from rich cultural heritage, vibrant wildlife and sacred spiritual destinations provide a visually stunning film set making it a perennial favourite among filmmakers. Madhya Pradesh boasts excellent connectivity by road and air. Recognizing the industry's needs and the state's stunning locales, the government has implemented a film policy offering lucrative incentives to filmmakers. All these factors have solidified Madhya Pradesh's position as a premier film shooting destination.”

Hints about multiple sequels of ‘Stree’ ahead in MP - Amar Kaushik 

Director Amar Kaushik has confirmed that the popular horror-comedy franchise ‘Stree’ is set to continue with multiple sequels. The announcement was made during a Knowledge Series seminar at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.

Kaushik revealed that the upcoming sequels will be filmed primarily in Madhya Pradesh, a state that has become a popular filming destination due to its diverse landscapes and generous incentives. Interestingly, the original Stree was initially planned to be set in Goa but was eventually shifted to Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh. Kaushik explained that he wanted to avoid horror clichés and opted for a city setting rather than a traditional haunted house or beach location.

The Stree franchise, which includes the 2018 hit and its recent sequel, Stree 2, has been a massive commercial success. The films, starring Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, and Pankaj Tripathi, have garnered critical acclaim for their blend of humour, horror, and social commentary.

Film Tourism Policy 2.0 Soon - Principal Secretary Shri Shukla

Principal Secretary Shri Shukla said during the sessions that based on the suggestions received from filmmakers across the country, experts associated with the film industry, and stakeholders, changes are being made to the Madhya Pradesh Film Tourism Policy. Film Tourism Policy 2.0 will be released soon. This is a new and comprehensive policy designed to further promote film shooting in the state. Its objective is to provide additional facilities and incentives to filmmakers so that Madhya Pradesh can be made the top film-making destination in India. Changes are being made to the policy to attract international filmmakers, promote the state's unexplored tourist destinations, and create employment opportunities for the local community and youth.

Cine Tourism & Film Production in Madhya Pradesh 

Film Facilitation Cell to promote Film Shooting

The state government has established a Film Facilitation Cell to encourage the film industry and film shooting. This cell will coordinate with film production companies and producers, understand their needs, and suggest necessary changes in the policy. The Film Facilitation Cell will be overseen by a committee composed of the Managing Director of the MP Tourism Board, the Advisor for Archaeology, the Deputy Director of Finance, a film industry expert, and heads of relevant government departments. This cell will review all applications for film production and grant necessary approvals. It will also evaluate grant proposals submitted by producers. Madhya Pradesh is the first state in India to integrate film shooting into its Public Service Guarantee Act (PSGA). This innovative approach ensures that film shooting permissions are granted within 15 working days, streamlining the process for filmmakers.

Single Window System

A streamlined one-stop-shop system is in place for filmmakers wishing to shoot in the state. All necessary permits are issued through this centralized system. The state government is boosting its economy by supporting the entertainment industry through the Film Tourism Fund. The goal is to create more opportunities for those involved in filmmaking. There are also plans to conduct tours for prominent Indian filmmakers. 

Financial Incentives for Film Production in Madhya Pradesh

The state's film production incentive policy offers financial incentives to filmmakers who shoot in Madhya Pradesh. The amount of the grant depends on the film's budget and the percentage of shooting days spent in the state.

For the first film:

• Up to 1 crore budget: 25% of the production cost, up to a maximum of 1 crore, if at least 50% of the shooting is done in Madhya Pradesh.

• 1-1.5 crore budget: 25% of the production cost, up to a maximum of 1.5 crore, if at least 75% of the shooting is done in Madhya Pradesh.

For the second film:

• Up to 1.25 crore budget: 25% of the production cost, up to a maximum of 1.25 crore, if at least 50% of the shooting is done in Madhya Pradesh.

• 1.25-1.75 crore budget: 25% of the production cost, up to a maximum of 1.75 crore, if at least 75% of the shooting is done in Madhya Pradesh.

For the third and subsequent films:

• Up to 1.5 crore budget: 25% of the production cost, up to a maximum of 1.5 crore, if at least 50% of the shooting is done in Madhya Pradesh.

• 1.5-2 crore budget: 25% of the production cost, up to a maximum of 2 crore, if at least 75% of the shooting is done in Madhya Pradesh.

ICICI Prudential Life Launches Industry’s First ‘Increasing Income’ Feature In ICICI Pru Guaranteed Pension Plan Flexi To Manage Inflation

·       Industry’s first regular pay annuity product offering increasing income to retirees

·       Offers a 5% increase in annuity pay-out annually enabling customers to manage inflation

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has launched the ‘Increasing Income’ feature, an industry first, for its regular pay annuity product, ICICI Pru Guaranteed Pension Plan Flexi.

This feature offers customers a five percent increase in the annuity pay-out annually, which can aid retired individuals to cope with inflation.

ICICI Pru Guaranteed Pension Plan Flexi with the ‘Increasing Income’ feature can enable customers to maintain their standard of living as inflation reduces their purchasing power over time.

Mr. Amit Palta, Chief Product and Distribution Officer, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, said, “Annuity products are designed to provide a guaranteed permanent income to retired individuals. We recognise that inflation impacts the standard of living of individuals, especially retirees who don’t get the benefit of a periodic hike in salary. To address this challenge, we have introduced the ‘Increasing Income’ feature. This is the first-of-its-kind feature in the industry being offered in our regular premium payment annuity product – ICICI Pru Guaranteed Pension Plan Flexi.

The introduction of the ‘Increasing Income’ feature exemplifies our approach in delivering enhanced experience to customers by equipping them with the essential resources to navigate their financial journey with confidence.”

Mr. Palta, further added, “we designed ICICI Pru Guaranteed Pension Plan Flexi to enable a broader segment of the country’s population to plan for retirement in advance giving them the flexibility to make wallet-friendly contributions over the long-term to build their desired retirement corpus.

As India continues its transition to becoming a developed economy, the interest rates are expected to fall. We believe, the current high-interest rate regime provides an excellent opportunity for customers to purchase an annuity product and lock-in the rate of interest and receive permanent guaranteed income for life.”

Mr. Palta, concluded, “we are committed to innovating across products and processes to deliver the right product to the right customer at the right price and through the right channel and enhance customer experience. Also, technology solutions implemented have enabled us to become the most customer and distributor friendly life insurance Company.

The ICICI Prudential Life Insurance brand is known for delivering on its promises made to customer and their families, this is reflected in our industry leading claim settlement ratio of 99.3% in H1-FY2025. Notably the average claim settlement turnaround time was just 1.2 days for non-investigated claims.”

For further queries please e-mail on corpcomm@iciciprulife.com

About ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company (www.iciciprulife.com)

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited is promoted by ICICI Bank Limited and Prudential Corporation Holdings Limited. The Company began its operations in fiscal year 2001 and has consistently been amongst the top private sector life insurance companies in India on Retail Weighted Received Premium (RWRP) basis.

The Company offers an array of products in the Protection and Savings category which match the different life stage requirements of customers, enabling them to provide a financial safety net to their families as well as achieve their long-term financial goals. The digital platform of the Company provides a paperless buying experience to customers, empowers them to conduct an assortment of self-service transactions, provides a convenient route to make digital payments and facilitates a hassle-free claims settlement process.

The Company has introduced ICICI Pru Stack, a first-of-its kind suite of platform capabilities that combines digital tools and analytics. This innovative suite aims to enhance the understanding of customers' requirements and enable distributors to offer suitable insurance products, deliver seamless experiences, and provide exceptional pre- and post-sale services. By deploying this comprehensive solution, the Company aspires to transform into the most customer-friendly and partnerable insurance provider in the country.

At September 30, 2024, the Company had an AUM of ` 3.20 lakh crore and a total in-force sum assured of ` 36.37 lakh crore with over 9.7 crore lives covered. ICICI Prudential Life is also the first insurance company in India to be listed on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) Limited and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Limited.

Tata Motors’ CSR Initiatives Transform 1 Million Lives In FY24, Releases Its 10th Annual CSR Report

Tata Motors, India's leading automobile company, today released its 10th Annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report, celebrating the transformative impact of its strategic community interventions. Highlighting the sustainable impact made on the lives of over 1 million people, this milestone report, titled “Building Together a Million Dreams,” is dedicated to the crucial role that partnerships have played throughout this decade-long journey. With more than 40 percent of beneficiaries belonging to the SC and ST communities, Tata Motors has significantly broadened its CSR footprint beyond the proximate communities, reaching 94 aspirational districts across 26 states and 8 union territories.

Commenting on the launch of the 10th Annual CSR Report, Vinod Kulkarni, Head of CSR at Tata Motors, said, “We are immensely proud of the strides we have made in transforming over one million lives through our committed CSR initiatives. Our innovative ‘More for Less for More’ strategy has empowered us to drive efficiencies, adopt technology, optimise resources and scale up programmes, broadening our reach and deepening our impact nationwide. This success is a testament to the unwavering support of our partners and the trust of the communities we serve. As we advance, we remain dedicated to addressing critical social issues and leveraging government schemes to promote sustainable development in education, health, employability, and environmental protection.”

Throughout the year, Tata Motors emphasised on the convergence of strength across the government, non-government, and private sectors to implement focussed social interventions in Health (Aarogya), Education (Vidyadhanam), Employability (Kaushalya), and Environment (Vasundhara), with a special emphasis on Water Conservation and Integrated Village Development.

Key highlights of Tata Motors' CSR report for FY24

Advancing Water Security

Through a partnership with NAAM Foundation, MGNREGA Department, and the Government of Maharashtra, Tata Motors has rejuvenated and developed 106 water bodies in rural Maharashtra under the Government of India’s   Amrit Sarovar Mission. This initiative to date has created a capacity of  1,860 million litres of water across Palghar, Pune, and Satara districts, enhancing agricultural productivity, raising water tables, providing access to potable water, and ensuring year-round irrigation.

Enhancing Rural Livelihoods Through Integrated Community Development

Tata Motors adopts a holistic approach to engage with rural communities with a specific focus on strengthening local governance. The Integrated Village Development Programme (IVDP), which began in the tribal block of Jawahar in the Palghar district of Maharashtra, has now been replicated in proximate communities of other plant locations like Pune, Sanand, Jamshedpur and Lucknow.

Expanding its engagement to five-gram panchayats in Jawahar, IVDP has reduced migration from 45 percent to 25 percent, increased average household income by 60 percent, and ensured year-round availability of water in this tribal belt. Tata Motors has transformed the barren hamlet of Navapara in Ahmedabad district, inhabited by an underprivileged tribal community. With year-round access to potable water, 190 of the 230 households have adopted fishery as the key source of income. Migration of the community has reduced by 40 percent and there is a 10 percent decline in the rate of school dropouts

Creating a Greener and More Sustainable Environment

In collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra and the BAIF Institute under the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA scheme, Tata Motors has planted 1.7 million saplings across Palghar district in Maharashtra, benefiting 13,000 farmers and converting 13,000 acres of unutilised farmland to productive use.

Tata Motors’ Urban Forestry initiative, in partnership with the TERRE Policy Centre, has planted 125,000 trees over a cumulative area of 200 hectares in and around Pune. These urban forests absorb 300,000 kg of carbon annually, protect biodiversity, and improve air quality.

Empowering Students through Enhanced Educational Support

The Engineering NEET Admission Bridge Accelerated Learning Engagement (ENABLE) Programme, in collaboration with Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, Avanti Fellows, and Ex-Navodaya Foundation, supports over 550 Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas with coaching, live classes, and mock tests for JEE and NEET exams. Annually, ENABLE coaches and counsels 18,000 science students of Std XI and Std XII via a digital platform to prepare for medical and engineering entrance examinations. In 2023-24, 27 percent of students from the ENABLE online programme qualified for IIT JEE while 79 percent qualified in the NEET exams.

Building New Career Paths for Youth

Learn, Earn and Progress (LEAP), a flagship social responsibility programme, imparts auto trade skills in Motor Mechanic Vehicles (MMV) to youths from underserved communities, especially school dropouts who lack the skills to be employed. Partnering with ITIs, Skills for Progress (SKIP), and Tata Motors dealers, it provides three months of theory training followed by nine months of On-Job-Training (OJT). With its footprint in 16 states, LEAP trains around 1500 youth annually, ~80 percent of whom get placed within or outside the Tata Motors ecosystem. A significant segment of LEAP’s beneficiaries are first-generation learners.

Improving the livelihood of the tribals'

Despite having first and natural rights over forest produce, tribal families from Junnar and Ambegaon talukas in Pune district of Maharashtra were not permitted by the government to undertake commercial purchase or sale of hirda berries. In 2020, a Farmers Producer Group (FPG) was established under the guidance of Tata Motors and Shashwat Sanstha to train and employ local youth for the procurement and sale of hirda.

The FPG has grown from 300 families in 11 villages to over 5,000 families across four talukas. The real-time, fair pricing provided to the farmers has resulted in generating INR 4 crore in revenue over four years. This initiative has enhanced family incomes, arrested migration, and promoted sustainable agricultural practices.

Holistic Health Initiatives

In 2023-24 the Malnutrition Treatment Centre (MTC) in Jamshedpur, in partnership with Parivar Kalyan Sansthan (PKS), extended its healthcare services in remote areas and increased capacity-building programmes for the Anganwadi workers. MTC, which treats 5,500 children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) annually, achieved more than two-fold growth in its outreach.

Building on this success, Tata Motors has expanded its efforts to combat malnutrition by collaborating with the Institute of Social Development (ISD) and the Child Development Department in Uttarakhand to establish the Parvarish Kendras and improve the quality of life of vulnerable communities.

Strengthening Employee Volunteering

Tata Motors undertook transformative measures to fortify volunteering as an organisational culture. The company reported the highest-ever employee participation of 59 percent as they volunteered 1,17,000 hours for community service.

About Tata Motors:

Part of the USD 165 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 44 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, UK, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2024, Tata Motors’ operations include 90 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, five joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.

Prasanna School of Public Health Launches Training Modules On Prevention & Control Of Zoonotic Diseases For Field Staff In Udupi

Prasanna School of Public Health (PSPH), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), in collaboration with the District Health and Family Welfare Services, Udupi, has launched online Training Modules on Prevention & Control of Zoonotic Diseases for field-level staff. This initiative, supported by the DA Prasanna Endowment Seed Grant, aims to equip frontline workers with essential knowledge to detect and prevent zoonotic diseases, particularly in rural areas.

The modules, developed in the regional language, are designed to enhance the capacity of field staff in managing zoonotic diseases, which are illnesses transmitted between animals and humans. The launch event was held at the Taluk Health Office in Udupi, where dignitaries inaugurated the programme by unveiling a video trailer that highlighted the content and scope of the modules. Dr. Prashant Bhat, District Vector Borne Disease Control Officer, Udupi, addressed the gathering and emphasized the pressing need for well-trained frontline staff to combat zoonotic diseases. He pointed out the unique challenges posed by such diseases in rural communities and how the modules would strengthen field response capabilities. Taluk Health Officer, Udupi, Dr. Vasudev Upadhyay, highlighted the importance of a One Health approach in addressing the transmission of diseases between animals and humans. Associate Director of PSPH, Dr. Asha Kamath, underscored the significance of public sector collaboration in driving impactful social responsibility initiatives.

The event was attended by a range of health workers, including ASHAs, lab technicians, Primary Health Centre Officers (PHCOs), Community Health Officers (CHOs), para-veterinary staff, and Block Health Education Officers (BHEOs) from Udupi Taluk. Their involvement demonstrates a collective commitment to strengthening community health systems and addressing the risks posed by zoonotic diseases. This initiative highlights PSPH, MAHE’s dedication to community health and capacity-building efforts. The training modules will also be launched at Kundapura Taluk Health Office on November 7 and Karkala Taluk Health Office on November 13, ensuring broader accessibility and impact across the region.

BSP Senior Secondary School From Bhilai Chhattisgarh Wins TCS Rural IT Quiz National Finals 2024

* This year marks the 25th anniversary of the TCS Rural IT Quiz, which had participation from over 5.6 lakh students from smaller towns across India, aiming to enhance IT awareness among young learners

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, in collaboration with the Department of Electronics, IT, BT and Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka, announced the winners of the 25th edition of the TCS Rural IT Quiz. The national finals were held on November 21, 2024, as part of the Bengaluru Tech Summit.

Tanish Kumar Sahu {14yrs), from BSP Senior Secondary School, Bhilai Chhattisgarh emerged as the National Final champion, while Eklavya, (14 yrs), from Swami Vivekanand Govt. Model School, Suratgarh Rajasthan secured the runner-up position. TCS felicitated both students with educational scholarships of Rs 100,000 and Rs 50,000, respectively. Smaran Suthar from Anandalaya School, Anand Gujarat and Shivam M Thakare from St John’s High School, Wardha Maharashtra came joint third. All finalists also received scholarships of Rs 10,000 from TCS.

This year, the quiz marks its 25th anniversary and saw participation from over 5.6 lakh students from smaller towns in India. Open to students from classes 8 to 12, the program included online tests, virtual rounds, and physical quiz competitions. The national finals assessed students' knowledge in technology through five engaging segments. The ten regional finalists who qualified for the national finals included:

-          Eklavya: Swami Vivekanand Govt. Model School, Suratgarh Rajasthan

-          Piyush Rakhunde: CM Rise Govt. Model Higher Secondary School, Indore Madhya Pradesh

-          Smaran Suthar: Anandalaya School, Anand Gujarat

-          Adithyadas U: Govt. Model Higher Secondary School, Calicut Kerala

-          M. Kusheel – Zilla Parishad High School, Eluru Andhra Pradesh

-          Harit Choudhary: ASM Modern Academy, Amroha Uttar Pradesh

-          Shivam M Thakare: St John’s High School, Wardha Maharashtra

-          Srujan Gupta Nomula– Teja Vidyalaya, Nalgonda Telangana

-          Mayur Hegde – St Michael’s Convent High School Karnataka

-          Tanish Kumar Sahu: BSP Senior Secondary School, Bhilai Chhattisgarh

The awards were presented by Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Minister for Higher Education, Govt. of Karnataka, N.S. Boseraju, Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science & Technology, Govt of Karnataka and Sunil Deshpande, Regional Head, TCS Bengaluru. The event was also graced by Dr. Ekroop Caur, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, BT, and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, Darshan H.V. – Director, Dept of Electronics IT, BT and MD KITS, Govt of Karnataka and Dr. E.V. Ramana Reddy, former Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, and Science & Technology, Govt. of Karnataka.

TCS, in collaboration with the Department of Electronics, IT, BT and Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka, has been organizing the Rural IT Quiz since 2000. The initiative aims to enhance IT awareness among students from smaller towns and districts across India, equipping them with knowledge about the latest advancements in technology. To date, the program has reached over 21 million students and has been recognized by the Limca Book of Records as the first IT Quiz for rural students in India.

Photo caption: (Winner): TCS Rural IT Quiz National Winner  with (from L to R) Darshan H.V. – Director, Dept of Electronics IT,  BT and MD KITS, Govt of Karnataka, Dr. E.V. Ramana Reddy, former Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, and S&T, Govt. of Karnataka, Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Minister for Higher Education, Govt. of Karnataka, N.S. Boseraju, Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science & Technology, Govt of Karnataka and Sunil Deshpande, Regional Head, TCS Bengaluru.

MVIT Organises Faculty Development Program To Promote Innovation In Sustainable Energy

The Department of Electrical and Electronics at Sir M. Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology (MVIT), Bengaluru, in partnership with the AICTE Training & Learning (ATAL) Academy, New Delhi, inaugurated a six-day Faculty Development Program (FDP) on "Empowering Futuristic Research Avenues in Energy, Sustainability & Climate Change for Industrial Innovation." Sponsored by AICTE’s ATAL initiative, the program aimed to advance research and innovation in sustainable energy.

The inaugural session was led by Mr.N. Pradeep Kumar, Executive Engineer, Power System Studies, KPTCL(STU), who emphasized the vital role of research in energy sustainability and industrial innovation.

The event was graced by Dr. H. L. Suresh, Head of the Electrical and Electronics Department; Dr. Mahesh K., Professor department of EEE.

The FDP has drawn participants from AICTE-approved institutions and industry leaders, fostering a collaborative platform for knowledge-sharing and advancements in sustainable research.

Yamaha Motor Collaborated On Original Sci-Fi Anime, Netflix Series Tokyo Override

* Set in a world 100 years in the future, featuring concept motorcycle designed by Yamaha

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announces it has collaborated with Netflix, one of the world's leading entertainment services, on the production of Tokyo Override, an original anime streamed globally, exclusively on Netflix on November 21, 2024.

Tokyo Override is set in Tokyo 100 years in the future where AI has been integrated into daily life and all aspects of urban living is automated. In this sci-fi anime full of motorcycle action, existing and originally designed motorcycles roar through the streets of Tokyo.

Yamaha Motor’s collaboration with Netflix for this project began when we received their request for permission to select and use Yamaha motorcycles in the anime. We cooperated by providing 3D data, images, and sound recordings of the YZF-R1, superbike, and the VMAX, muscle cruiser. In addition to these iconic models, hoping that we could attract the audience to become interested in the world of motorcycles, we also assisted in building the anime’s world of 100 years in the future, offering ideas for mobility, designing the race machine concept “Y/AI”, and providing other support such as supervising the sound effects.

The YZF-R1, VMAX, and Y/AI are all featured in the anime series. We also created a full-scale concept model of the Y/AI, to be world premiered at the Motor Expo 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand running from Nov 29 to Dec 10.

https://global.yamaha-motor.com/showroom/tokyooverride/

Secures Approval To Extend Instant ‘Ready-To-Use’ National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) Solution Across All Chennai Metro Stations

AGS Transact Technologies Limited (BSE: 543451 & NSE: AGSTRA), one of the leading providers of integrated omni-channel payment solutions in India, providing digital and cash-based solutions to banks and corporate clients, today announced its plans to extend deployment of ‘Ongo Ride’, an instant National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) solution, across 41 Chennai Metro Stations. Compliant with the RBI’s updated guidelines, ‘Ongo Ride’ requires Zero-KYC, for making payments across NCMC enabled transit services.

Building on its initial success at 13 Chennai metro stations, Ongo Ride continues to resonate positively with commuters. Ongo’s industry-first instant NCMC issuance process allows commuters to purchase ready-to-use NCMC cards via unique card dispensers installed at Chennai metro stations. This streamlined process encourages faster adoption of NCMCs across India. Ongo Ride will be available across all additional Chennai metro stations by the end of December 2024. Furthermore, the Company aims to replicate this model across other metro railways in the country.

Commuters can purchase the instant NCMC cards for Rs 100 from these card dispensers in three easy steps: Select Card - Pay via UPI – Collect ready-to-use Ongo NCMC card. Each card comes preloaded with a balance of Rs 50. Commuters can conveniently top up their instant NCMC cards with a maximum fund limit of Rs 2,000 at ticket counters across all Chennai metro stations. Additionally, commuters have the option to upgrade their cards by completing full KYC, enabling them to enjoy all the benefits of an NCMC, including in-store and online payments.

Ongo is a fast-growing omnichannel digital payment platform by AGS Transact Technologies, which offers convenient payment solutions. Launched in 2015, Ongo offers merchant Acquiring and Prepaid Issuance services. Ongo is a non-bank prepaid payment instrument and offers dedicated open-loop prepaid solutions for consumers across segments.

About AGS Transact Technologies Limited (AGSTTL)

Established in 2002, AGS Transact Technologies Limited (BSE: 543451| NSE: AGSTRA) is one of the largest integrated omni-channel payment solutions providers in India in terms of providing digital and cash-based solutions to banks and corporate clients. AGS Transact provides customised products and services comprising ATM and CRM outsourcing, cash management and digital payment solutions including merchant solutions, transaction processing services and mobile wallets. The company operates in three broad business segments, namely, Payment Solutions; Banking Automation Solutions; and Other Automation Solutions.

Ongo is a fast-growing omnichannel digital payment platform by AGS Transact Technologies, which offers convenient payment solutions. Launched in 2015, Ongo offers merchant Acquiring and Prepaid Issuance services. Ongo is a non-bank prepaid payment instrument and offers dedicated open-loop prepaid solutions for consumers across segments.

AGS Transact Technologies serves diverse industries such as banking, retail, petroleum, toll and transit, cash management and fintech in India and other select countries in Asia. For more information, visit www.agsindia.com

Vesuvius Group CEO Mr. Patrick Andre Inaugurates New AlSi And Basic Monolithic Plants in Visakhapatnam

Vesuvius, a global leader in the refractory industry, proudly inaugurates the new Alumina-Silica (AlSi) and Basic Monolithic manufacturing plants, at a ceremony held on 12th November 2024 (the release was sent on embargo), in Visakhapatnam, further supporting the Make in India initiative. The state-of-the-art facilities are integral to Vesuvius’s ongoing investments in India, aimed at enhancing manufacturing capabilities and addressing the rising demand from the iron and steel industry. This development follows the April inauguration of the Mould Flux manufacturing plant in Vishakhapatnam. 

The new AlSi and Basic Monolithic plants will produce high-quality alumina-silica and basic monolithic refractory products, essential for iron and steel production. This expansion, once in commercial production, will boost annual production capacity by 250,000 tons, reinforcing Vesuvius’s position as a leading provider of refractory solutions in the region. These plants are setup with equipment that enable Vesuvius to bring new products and technologies to the Indian Market.

Mr. Patrick Andre, Chief Executive of London headquartered Vesuvius group, stated, “Our ongoing investment plans highlights our strong belief in the Indian market. The AlSi and Basic Monolithic plants are a testament to our commitment to innovation and support to India’s industrial growth.” 

“These new facilities not only enhance our manufacturing capabilities but also contribute to the socio-economic development of the communities we serve. Sustainability and efficiency are at the core of our operations.” said Mr. Biswadip Gupta, Chairman of Vesuvius India Limited (VIL).

Mr. Mohinder Rajput, Managing Director of VIL, emphasized, “Our new plants feature energy-efficient technologies and robust waste reduction systems, ensuring that our growth aligns with environmental stewardship and operational excellence.

About Vesuvius India Ltd.

Vesuvius India Ltd., part of the global Vesuvius Group, specializes in manufacturing and supplying refractory products essential for high-temperature industrial processes. Committed to innovation and sustainability, VIL serves the steel, iron ore pelletization, DRI, cement, aluminium and other key industries across the country.

EasyBuy Drives Nationwide Expansion With Five New Stores In October

EasyBuy, India’s leading value fashion brand, continues to expand its national presence with the launch of five large-format stores across four states, marking a pivotal step in its growth journey. New store openings in Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh extend EasyBuy’s commitment to making affordable, aspirational fashion more accessible.

The newest EasyBuy locations are in Gadag, Karnataka; Moghalrajpuram, Vijayawada; Nikol, Ahmedabad; Arcot Road, Chennai; and GT Mall, Bangalore. Each store, spanning 8,000–10,000 square feet, showcases EasyBuy’s refreshed retail identity, complete with a vibrant new logo, an inviting open façade, and a modern, easy-to-navigate layout. With a broad selection of contemporary styles, these stores offer a seamless shopping experience

Karan Mehta, CEO, EasyBuy, emphasized the brand’s commitment to providing contemporary and aspirational fashion at affordable prices in prominent locations nationwide.

EasyBuy's new stores are poised to become fashion hubs, offering a wide range of trendy and affordable collections for men, women, and children. The brand’s commitment to providing fashionable collections at competitive prices is clear through its ongoing efforts to expand and innovate.

About EasyBuy:

Founded in 2014 by the prestigious Landmark Group, EasyBuy has quickly emerged as a leading contemporary value fashion destination. The Landmark Group’s incredible growth story, from a single store in Bahrain to over 2,200 stores across 20+ countries, is the stuff of retail legends. In India, they brought us Lifestyle, Max, EasyBuy, and more.

EasyBuy is dedicated to making fashion accessible to everyone, allowing individuals to express themselves in trendy outfits. With over 1000 styles priced under 499/- to choose from and fresh arrivals every fortnight, we ensure that fashion goes beyond just clothing; it becomes a statement of personal style and expression.

With merchandise manufactured locally in India and available in 150+ stores, EasyBuy's new store concept, spanning 8,000-10,000 square feet, features a bold new logo, a fresh and vibrant collection, and a minimalistic layout. The easy-ability concept of the EasyBuy ethos allows customers to navigate in-store seamlessly, thus helping them make purchase decisions easily. From everyday casuals for men, women, and kids, EasyBuy has your wardrobe covered with quality threads.

Karnataka’s Software Exports Cross Rs 4.11 Lakh Crore During Fiscal 2023-24

Karnataka’s software and services exports crossed Rs 4.11 lakh crore during fiscal 2023-24 (March 2024) from Rs 3.2 lakh crore a year ago, marking a 27% year-on-year growth, Minister for IT&BT, Priyank Kharge, said here on Thursday quoting Software Technology Parks of India data.

With this, the State’s individual share in the country’s total software exports had further increased from last year’s 42%, he said.

IT exports from Beyond Bengaluru too have grown substantially in FY’24 with tier 2 and tier 3 cities contributing at least Rs 10,000 crore, the Minister added.

IT services exports from STPI-registered units for the whole country crossed Rs 9 lakh crore in the 2024 financial year.

Later, speaking at the closure of 27th edition of Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS), the Minister said that the State’s GCC (global capability centres) policy, a first in the country, would trigger quantum growth in GCC ecosystem, bring in 500 additional GCCs, create over 3.5 lakh new jobs and contribute $50 billion to Karnataka’s economy by 2029.

The 2024 edition of the tech exposition witnessed the launch of Nipuna in collaborations with IBM, Intel, Microsoft, NVIDIA, BFSI Consortium and Accenture to drive skilling and workforce transformation.

Through these MoUs, the State is expected to train 1,00,000 youngsters in a year.

“Under Nipuna, the State has the potential to emerge as the world’s most precious and premium talent hub,” Mr. Kharge anticipated.

The three-day summit featured an investor connect and under which over 300 start-ups pitched to over 100 investors.

“Out of the 300-odd start-ups, 23 were in ideation stage, 75 from concept validation stage, 140 are from early traction stage and 80 from growth stage,” the Minister explained.

Mr. Kharge further said the State would constitute Start-up Awards from next edition (2025) of BTS to recognise excellence in innovation, scalability, and socio-economic impact across India’s start-up ecosystem.

BTS-2024 saw participation from 51 countries and it had a line-up of 521 global speakers on a range of tech topics.

Automation Anywhere Shaping The Future Of Enterprise Business Processes In India

* AI Agents To Drive 10x Businesses Automation And Transformation

Automation Anywhere, a global leader in AI-powered process automation is set to lead the next wave of business transformation for Indian enterprises through its advanced custom AI Agents suite. Automation Anywhere’s AI Model is trained on over 300 million automations and works seamlessly with models tailored to the needs of every industry. This will enable Indian organizations to achieve dramatic efficiency improvements, driving process tasks that formerly took hours down to minutes, and delivering 3x time to value and up to 10x business impact across business workflows.

Commenting on the India launch, Ankur Kothari, Co-founder and COO of Automation Anywhere, stated, “We are witnessing a transformative shift in the automation landscape of India, as businesses in all sectors are embracing process automation, not just to improve workflows and efficiency, but as a strategic catalyst for innovation and growth. By harnessing the power of custom AI agents, we are not only enhancing customer experiences but also fostering deeper, more personalized connections. We are innovating continuously to meet the evolving needs of our customers in real time."

Commenting on the announcement, Rohit Singhal, CEO, Masin, a leading global consultancy firm specializing in engineering and construction disputes and arbitrations that has recently implemented Automation Anywhere’s custom AI agents- said, “At Masin, we recognize the potential AI has while also understanding it’s growing indispensability in the field of disputes and arbitrations. Our partnership with Automation Anywhere empowers our teams to automate critical processes like citation drafting and document analysis, enabling us to focus on higher-value tasks with the potential to unlock additional revenues. With the flexibility of our legal AI agents, we are poised to deliver faster, more precise support to our clients. We are looking to unlock greater value for our business, and we believe the AI solution from Automation Anywhere will be the right catalyst.

At Imagine India 2024 in Bangalore, Automation Anywhere launched its AI Agent Studio platform, enabling rapid automation development for Indian enterprises. This low-code tool allows businesses to create custom AI Agents that learn from enterprise data, make informed decisions, and execute actions across systems, accelerating processes by up to 90%. With these tools, developers of all skill levels can tackle complex tasks like automatically replacing products during stock shortages. This technology empowers local businesses to optimize operations, streamline processes, and achieve significant cost savings. Driven by Gen AI Process Models, these advancements enhance process discovery, automates tasks, and improves document processing accuracy, ultimately increasing value across various workflows, including customer service, finance, IT, and HR.

Over the coming months, Automation Anywhere is committed to rolling out a suite of AI-powered solutions and agents designed to drive rapid business outcomes across key functions to accelerate business productivity. At the forefront is the Automation Co-Pilot, a versatile enterprise assistant now integrated with Amazon Q Service, offering conversational capabilities. This enables faster task completion across any application, allowing users to ask questions, trigger AI Agents, or initiate automations through a simple chat interface. Automation Co-Pilot is enterprise-ready and can be embedded within any system or enterprise application to streamline workflows. Additionally, the Service Operations Solution Accelerator, empowers teams with pre-packaged AI Agents and workflows tailored for various service operations processes. This tool improves service team and customer interactions and experiences by automating and improving cognitive-intensive tasks like order management and returns processing.  

About Automation Anywhere

Automation Anywhere is a leader in AI-powered process automation that empowers organizations to drive productivity gains, foster innovation, improve customer service, and accelerate business growth. The company’s AI + Automation Enterprise System is powered by specialized AI, autonomous AI agents, and offers process discovery, end-to-end process orchestration, document processing, and analytics — all with a security and governance-first approach. Guided by its vision to fuel the future of work, Automation Anywhere is dedicated to unleashing human potential through AI-powered automation. Learn more at www.automationanywhere.com

Samsung R&D Institute, Noida And IIT Bombay Sign MoU To Pioneer Research In Digital Health, AI And Other Emerging Technologies

* Five-years partnership aims to drive cutting-edge research and develop next-generation technologies in digital health and artificial intelligence

* This collaboration gives IIT Bombay students practical experience and key industry insights, preparing them to meet future technological challenges

* Specialized training and certification programmes led by IITB faculty will equip Samsung engineers with in-depth knowledge of emerging technologies

Samsung R&D Institute, Noida (SRI-Noida), has strengthened its commitment to industry-academia collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay).

Under this MoU, SRI-Noida and IIT Bombay will explore breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI), digital health, and other critical areas. The five-year partnership will facilitate joint research projects, providing IIT Bombay students and faculty an opportunity to collaborate with Samsung engineers.

This approach will not only open newer avenues for the students, but will enhance their industry readiness. In addition, it will equip Samsung engineers with specialized training and certification programmes from IIT Bombay in emerging technologies such as digital health and AI.

The MoU was formally signed by Kyungyun Roo, Managing Director of SRI-Noida, and Prof. Upendra V. Bhandarkar, Associate Dean of Research and Development at IIT Bombay. The event, which took place at IIT Bombay, was attended by faculty members from the Koita Centre for Digital Health (KCDH), including Prof. Ranjith Padinhateeri, Head of KCDH, Prof. Nirmal Punjabi and Dr. Raghavendran Lakshminarayanan.

“This collaboration represents a powerful blend of industry expertise and academic excellence, opening doors for pioneering research, innovation, and talent development. We look forward to working closely with IIT-B’s exceptional faculty and students to drive meaningful advancements and develop solutions that address real-world challenges in the field of Digital health, AI and other emerging technologies. Together, we aim to create an ecosystem of knowledge-sharing and innovation that benefits both our organization and society at large,” said Kyungyun Roo, Managing Director, SRI-Noida.

‘’Today marks an exciting milestone as we formalize our partnership with SRI-Noida. This MoU presents our shared commitment to innovation, knowledge exchange and pursuit of excellence. By working together, we are creating new pathways for students and faculty to engage with industry, advancing research opportunities and contributing to the growth of our communities,” said Prof. Upendra V. Bhandarkar, Associate Dean (R&D), IIT Bombay.

The MoU encourages the publication of joint research papers, promoting knowledge sharing that will drive technological progress and industry-aligned innovation. Through this partnership, Samsung and IIT Bombay are setting the foundation for a sustained exchange of expertise that will push the boundaries of next-generation technologies and inspire future breakthroughs.

Samsung Newsroom India

Samsung R&D Institute, Noida and IIT Bombay Sign MoU to Pioneer Research in Digital Health, AI and Other Emerging Technologies   – Samsung Newsroom India

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.

Johns Hopkins University Signs An MoU With Ajit Isaac Foundation To Bring Essential Palliative Care Services To Rural India’s TerminallyI ill

* The collaboration offers opportunities for training, research fellowships, workshops and conferences at palliative care centers managed by Ajit Isaac Foundation

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) today signed an MoU with Ajit Isaac Foundation (AIF) to provide assistance in setting up and launching palliative care centers in India. These centres will provide compassionate, dignified care to terminally ill patients in underserved regions in India, along with training and supporting community-based caregivers.

Of an estimated 8-10 million Indians who need palliative care, only 1-2% have access to it, which is significantly lower than the global average of 14%. With most palliative care centres being concentrated in urban locations, India faces a healthcare access equity issue, especially in rural areas where services are scarce. This collaboration seeks to address these disparities by expanding access to high-quality end-of-life care in underserved regions, enabling terminally ill patients to experience comfort and peace in their final stages of life.

AIF is establishing a 63-bed Palliative Care Centre in Tumkur, set to launch in early 2025. This Centre will serve as the foundation for the JHU-AIF collaboration, which aims to design and implement comprehensive training programs in palliative care, offered both online and offline, with continued mentorship support for staff. JHU will help in developing a research fellowship and designing curriculum. Additionally, AIF and JHU will jointly host workshops and conferences, both in India and internationally, to showcase the latest advancements in palliative care, fostering knowledge exchange and the adoption of best practices.

Commenting on the collaboration, Ronald J. Daniels, President, JHU said, "We are delighted to partner with AIF and are committed to bridging the healthcare divide, ensuring compassionate and dignified care for all. With colleagues in India, we will use evidence-based approaches to help healthcare providers and caregivers improve quality of life for terminally ill patients, regardless of geography or circumstances."

Ajit Isaac, Co -founder, AIF commented, “Palliative care is deeply meaningful to us, shaped by personal experiences and a commitment to addressing the significant gaps in this field. There is a pressing need for skilled personnel, infrastructure and resources to provide dignity and compassionate care to those in need at the end of life. We are excited about our collaboration with JHU, which has the potential to advance palliative care and drive equitable healthcare for all in India”.

This joint effort is an important step towards improving healthcare access to the underserved regions in rural India.

About Johns Hopkins University  

Johns Hopkins University, founded in 1876, is a world-renowned research institution based in Baltimore, Maryland, known for pioneering the concept of a modern research university in the United States. It consistently ranks among the top universities globally and leads U.S. institutions in research spending, making significant contributions across fields such as medicine, public health, engineering, and international studies. The university is home to renowned schools, including the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the School of Medicine, which are recognized for their excellence in research, education, and patient care. With a global outlook, Johns Hopkins fosters innovation, intellectual exploration, and solutions to pressing societal challenges, impacting lives worldwide. JHU recently established the Gupta-Klinsky India Institute (GKII) to deepen its collaborations with India, focusing on advancing public health, education, and innovation. 

About Ajit Isaac Foundation

Ajit Isaac Foundation (AIF) is driven by a commitment to foster a lasting and positive impact on society by addressing issues in healthcare and by creating socio-economic opportunities. The foundation is built on a framework of partnerships with organizations, recognising that those organizations are best suited to tailor solutions to their unique needs. By delegating the decision-making and resources, AIF ensures that their initiatives are not only effective but also sustainable in the long term. The Foundation has funded several projects, including the Isaac Centre for Public Health at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, Isaac Centre for Public Policy at Ashoka University and a paediatric centre in partnership with CMC Vellore. To learn more about their projects, visit www.ajitisaacfoundation.com 

Celebrating 25 Years Of Trust And Excellence; Bhima Marks The Silver Jubilee Of Its First Store In Bangalore At Dickenson Road

* Avail Exciting Anniversary Offers Across Bhima’s Exquisite Gold, Diamond, And Silver Collections

Bhima celebrates the 25th anniversary of its iconic Dickenson Road showroom, marking a quarter-century of trust, quality, and unwavering commitment to its discerning customers. Established in 1999 as the brand’s first showroom in Bangalore, this store marked the beginning of Bhima’s path to becoming a trusted name in the city, shaping the journey as it stands today. It has since become a cornerstone of Bhima’s legacy, fostering deep relationships with customers who seek exceptional craftsmanship and a personalized jewelry shopping experience.

To honor this remarkable milestone, the brand invites its customers to join the anniversary celebrations from November 22nd to 24th, 2024. Over these three days, patrons can look forward to exclusive anniversary offers wherein they can enjoy up to Rs. 500 off per gram on gold jewelry, a flat Rs. 7,000 cashback per carat on diamond jewelry along with a free gift card worth up to Rs. 1 lakh, and up to Rs. 5,000 off per kilogram on silver jewelry. In addition, customers visiting the showroom during this period will have a chance to participate in a special lucky draw, with the exciting opportunity to win two Aprilia scooters every day, adding an extra layer of celebration and gratitude for its customers’ enduring loyalty.

From weddings and anniversaries to other milestone celebrations, it has been an integral part of marking life’s most meaningful moments, solidifying its place in the hearts of the Bangalore community. As the brand celebrates this milestone, they not only honor the legacy of the past but also look forward to a future filled with promise. This legacy reflects the brands dedication to preserving tradition while embracing innovation. As Bhima looks forward, the commitment to exceptional quality, trust, and customer satisfaction will remain the guiding principles of its journey.

Join us in the celebration and enjoy exclusive offers at Bhima’s Dickenson Road showroom.

ALUCAST 2024: Leveraging Innovation & Technology For Global Competitiveness

The future of Aluminium Die-Casting will be on display at the upcoming 10th edition of ALUCAST® EXPO - the comprehensive biennial International Conference and Exhibition on Die Casting Technology where industry die-casting leaders, innovators, and manufacturers will converge to unveil the latest technically advanced products, materials, tools, equipment, and consumables.

Organized by The Aluminium Casters' Association (ALUCAST)® and produced by NürnbergMesse India, the mega expo is set to take place from December 5th to 7th, 2024, at Yashobhoomi, India International Convention & Expo Center, Dwarka, Delhi, India. The exhibition, which is the biggest industry platform in India yet, will host 200 exhibitors and over 300 brands from countries, including Thailand, Germany, USA, Spain, Italy, Austria, Japan, China and France and is expected to attract over 7000 industry visitors from 20+ countries.

Expo Highlights:

·         Live Demonstrations: Witness the latest machinery, tooling, material and technology designed to elevate productivity and efficiency tailored to meet the diverse needs of the aluminium die casting sector. As the platform where the future of aluminium die casting is shaped every two years, ALUCAST® 2024 showcases innovations defining the next generation of industry standards.

·         Technical Conference Sessions: With 2.5 days of in-depth presentations and sessions by global industry leaders, this year's conference theme, "Leveraging Innovation & Technology for Global Competitiveness," will cover advancements in semi-solid casting, AI applications, die longevity, and workforce reskilling, all key topics driving the future of die casting. Delegates can secure their seat for the technical conference on https://alucastexpo.com/conference-registration

·         Networking Hub: ALUCAST® is the ultimate platform for forging valuable connections, fostering collaborations, and shaping future innovations. The newly launched B2B meeting portal further enhances this experience by allowing attendees to pre-schedule meetings, optimizing networking opportunities throughout the expo.

·         Innovation & Design Awards: The expo will honor innovation and design through the Best Die Casting and Best Foundry Awards, recognizing excellence and creativity within the industry.

The Ultimate Opportunity for Industry Advancement

With a focus on meeting, sourcing, and presentation of the latest advancements, the expo bridges the gap between manufacturers, suppliers, OEMs, and industry experts from India and beyond. Mr. Prasan Firodia, President, The Aluminium Casters' Association (ALUCAST)® and Managing Director, Force Motors & Jaya Hind Industries remarked, "With a projected CAGR of over 8.8% from 2021 to 2026, this industry demonstrates significant potential for both innovation and expansion. Aluminium die casting, known for its versatility, serves a multitude of sectors, and ALUCAST® 2024 serves as the premier industry platform uniting stakeholders under one roof."

The growing Aluminium Die-casting industry

India’s aluminium die casting sector is a key driver in manufacturing, especially in automotive technology, with rising demand for lightweight, non-ferrous metals. India's target to double the size of its auto industry to INR 15 lakh crore by the end of 2024 demonstrates its stronghold in automotive manufacturing, driven by a booming EV market projected to grow at a 49% CAGR by 2030.

Ms. Sonia Prashar, Managing Director, Nuernbergmesse India shares, “ALUCAST® 2024 is set to redefine industry standards with an overwhelming response from the industry. Beyond the auto industry, the anticipated growth in sectors like consumer electronics, aerospace, and electrical equipment positions aluminium die casting as a cornerstone of India’s manufacturing future. Committed to innovation and business growth we warmly welcome all stakeholders to explore, learn, and engage at this transformative event and be part of the innovations shaping the industry's future”

As the aluminium die casting industry advances, this exhibition serves as a dynamic platform to explore trends, foster collaborations, and seize opportunities across sectors. Join us in shaping the future of manufacturing at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka - a state-of-the-art venue with convenient access via the Yashobhoomi metro station and proximity to the airport.