Indus Valley Launches Bio Organic DIY Product Line In India

Expands product portfolio with over 26 DIY combo kits, empowering customers to take control of their beauty regime

Bengaluru , August 26, 2021:  Indus Valley Bio Organic, under the aegis of Indus Valley Cosmeceuticals, has launched twenty-six DIY combo Kits that are 100% Organic with a price range from Rs.250 to Rs. 400. The launch is a step forward in their ongoing mission of “Making beauty safe and chemical-free”, by rolling out an economical, DIY product line for customers.

Key Highlights 

·        Indus Valley Bio Organic, has launched its twenty-six DIY combo Kits that are 100% Organic with a price range from Rs.250 to Rs. 400.

·        DIY combo Kits,  packed with all-natural and organic ingredients,  promises healthier skin and repaired hair

·        Very economical, customers can explore and experiment with different kits for different damage solutions.

·        Each kit also offers multiple applications, 3 to 10

·        The product will be available on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, 1mg, Flipkart, Nykaa, Snapdeal, Paytm Mall and Myntra.

·        The recipe book inside helps you to make multiple products using separate ingredients of the combo.

·        Most ingredients have been awarded the ECOCERT Organic Certification, USDA Organic Certification, Not Tested on Animals Certification, Vegan Ingredients Certification

Hair care combo kits

1.        Hair Strengthening Mask/Pack

2.        Hair Revitalising Mask/Pack

3.        Anti hairfall kit

4.        Hair conditioning Mask /Pack

5.        Hair Nourishing Mask /Pack

6.        Dry hair conditioning mask/Pack

7.        Dandruff Clarifying Hair mask/Pack

8.        Scalp Rejuvenating mask/Pack

9.        Hair Revival kit

10.      Hair softener mask/Pack/Mask

11.      Dirt free scalp conditioner

12.      Hair regrowth mask/Pack

Skin care combo kits

1.        Facepack/Mask for Brighten Complexion

2.        Anti Bacterial Face Mask/Pack

3.        Skin Glowing Facepack /Mask

4.        Acne Control face mask/Pack

5.        Skin/Face Detoxifying Scrub

6.        Body Polishing & Scrubbing Kit

7.        Natural Bleaching Face Mask /Pack

8.        PH balancing Face mask/Pack

9.        natural oil removal Face Mask /Pack

10.      Rejuvenating ubtan face pack/Mask

11.      Muscle relaxation mask/Pack

12.      Foot Relaxation kit

13.      Skin moisturizing serum

14.      stress reliever massage gel

Commenting on the launch Mr. Shyam Arya, CEO and Founder of Indus Valley Cosmeceuticals said, “Even with everything operating from home, the stress and anxiety have had their fair share of ill effects on both our skin and hair. This makes it all the way more important to take proper care of our skin and hair. But with a market filled with chemical-laced products that do more harm than benefit, one has many thoughts before applying anything on their body. To ease our customers of this problem, we launched these DIY kits, which can start that repair action right away, sitting in the comfort of your house, with nothing but only selected ingredients directly from nature’s lap.”

The combos will have compact packing and will be offered at a very reasonable price. The launch is specially made for those who want to explore the effect of all-natural personal care products and beauty regimes for themselves. Since they are very economical, customers can explore and experiment with different kits for different damage solutions. Each combo also offers multiple applications (3 to 10) which help get better and consecutive results. It’s a perfect gifting option for youngsters who can start or maintain their skin and hair care with organic products. The product will be available on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, 1mg, Flipkart, Nykaa, Snapdeal, Paytm Mall, and Myntra.

The combo contains packs of each individual ingredient separately which are to be mixed by the consumer. Proper measurement details are given which helps the user to know exact quantities of usage. The recipe book inside helps you to make multiple products using separate ingredients of the combo. Most ingredients have been awarded the ECOCERT Organic Certification, USDA Organic Certification, Not Tested on Animals Certification, Vegan Ingredients Certification.

About Indus Valley

A homegrown brand of hair colors,  that aims to popularise Safe and Chemical Free beauty care using the wisdom from India's age-old tradition, that is free from all commonly used chemicals like ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, paraphenylenediamine, barium, and other heavy metals that cause irreparable harm to hair strands, the organically natural hair dye comes as a fresh breather against all the harmful chemical dyes is currently available. After successfully creating its place globally for 25 years, the brand introduces itself in India with a campaign ‘India Against Grey’ which aims at addressing permanent greying of hair, damaging melanin, growth of new grey hair, dryness, breakage, and several issues that are the result of hair coloring. It is a cosmetic brand with a range of natural Organic Certified and Halal Certified hair dyes, organic hair, and skin care products. Their factory is situated in Lower Himalayas in the eco-friendly surrounding to produce high-quality natural cosmetics. The products are free of artificial fragrances or harsh chemicals and are also cruelty-free.

Six Reasons To YAY For Digital Tuition Across The Indian Market

Digital tuition is the best way of learning tough subjects in an easy way. Endless features are at your disposal when you switch online. If you are a shy kid and resist from asking doubts during physical classes, digital tuition is the way to go. If you think that you get less attention while studying with all your classmates, digital tuition enables you for one-to-one monitoring. If you are often tired after school but want to perform at your best, digital tuitions can help. If you tend to forget important concepts before exam and want a quick revision from your teacher, digital tuitions can help. If you want to SFA (Study from Anywhere) study at your convenient time and place, digital tuition is the key.

# 1 - Revise key concepts anytime anywhere! Get doubts cleared!

When we learn a new concept, questions tend to pop up inside our heads. But, because of some of the other reason we tend to resist asking doubts from teachers in offline mode. You often feel that you want to quickly revise the concepts taught but your tuition class is already over. These two situations among many can be solved using digital tuition classes. What if you get recorded videos of important concepts that you can view as many times as you want? What if you can ask end number of doubts at any time of the day? Cool, right. Digital tuition brings you all these among other. Why wait? Switch to a digital tuition now.

#2 - Feeling embarrassed to ask a doubt? Not anymore.

Peer pressure is one of the most pivotal points that prevent students from performing their best. How so? Because they don’t ask doubts. Teachers often ask their students to clear doubts frequently but in a class with all your friends, it is sometimes difficult. We understand you. Digital tuition can get you an exclusive window to your teacher where you can ask all your silly or important doubts freely and worry-free. Anytime, anywhere, you just need an internet connection.

#3 - Travel to the playground not tuition…

As if going to and coming back from school wasn’t enough, that now you have to cycle/travel to tuition almost every day. Want to save time and the extra hustle? Worry no more! Get yourself a digital tutor and study from a place most convenient to you. You can cuddle up in a blanket and just click play to absorb all the SMARTAINMENT! The fun doesn’t get over. You can absorb better with animated visuals like the ones provided by 90+ My Tuition App. Do not believe it? Try it yourself.

#4 - Fed up of 6 to 7 pm slot, fret no more. 

After spending long hours and slogging at school, students often get tired and want some rest. But, their 6pm tuition is knocking the door. Want to get out of this misery? Fret no more. Enroll for a digital tuition that gives you access to quality content from anywhere and anytime. You can also download the lectures and watch it multiple times to solidify important concepts.

#5 - Test your knowledge every day.

Do you often forget important concepts before a full syllabus test? Do you doubt your answers during exams? If so, Digital tuitions have got your back! Learn and test your knowledge every day. Trivia tests at the end of every video not only reinforces knowledge but also ignites interest. Now, objective type questions can be on your fingertips.

#6 – High Quality, Affordable prices: Switch to digital tuitions

In offline classes, you generally hire different tutors for different subject and end up paying more every month for not so amazing quality of tutoring. Digital tuitions come in class based packages which have all the essential subjects costing lower. The best teachers in the country ensures high quality content.

HDFC Multi-Asset Fund – Get The Advantage Of Investing In 3 Asset Classes Through 1 Fund With Our Model Driven Approach

* As of 31‐Jul‐2021, HDFC Multi‐Asset Fund (“the Scheme”) has delivered 1 year return of 29.38% vs 25.02% for its Benchmark (90% NIFTY 50 Hybrid Composite Debt 65:35 Index + 10% Domestic Price of Gold. ## NIFTY 50 (Total Returns Index).

Each asset class behaves differently across different economic cycles. Out of 23 fiscal years since FY99, Equity has been the best performing asset class in 12 years, while Debt and Gold have been best performing asset class in 5 and 6 years respectively.

As asset class winners keep changing, asset allocation is critical for wealth creation. HDFC Multi‐Asset Fund, which invests in 3 asset classes viz. Equity, Debt and Gold, aims to meet asset allocation needs of investors. Equity aims to provide capital appreciation, Debt aims to provide stability to the portfolio and Gold is a potential safe haven asset class, which also provides hedge against inflation and currency depreciation.

The Scheme adopts a model driven approach for asset allocation.

* The model indicates percentage of unhedged equity allocation by considering 4 valuation driven factors. Unhedged Equity allocation range indicated by the model is between 40% ‐ 80%. If markets are expensive as compared to history, model will indicate lower unhedged equity allocation and vice versa.

* As of July 31, 2021, portfolio had unhedged equity exposure of ~53.8% of Total Assets. Further, hedged equity exposure was ~11.7% of Total Assets. The total equity exposure (both hedged and unhedged) is maintained above 65% so as to retain the equity taxation benefit.

The Scheme invests between 10% to 30% of total assets in Debt instruments & 10% to 30% of Total Assets in Gold related instruments. As of July 31, 2021, Exposure to Gold ETF and Debt (including cash/cash equivalents and Net Current Assets) was ~10% and ~21% of Total Assets respectively.

The Scheme currently has a large cap bias, with 70% of its unhedged equity assets being invested in Large Caps as of July 31, 2021.

In terms of sector allocation, the Scheme has overweight position in Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples and Industrials; and underweight position in Financials and Energy.

Mr. Amit Ganatra, Senior Fund Manager of HDFC Asset Management Company Limited (HDFC AMC) said, “Global as well as domestic growth prospects have been buoyed by accommodative monetary and fiscal policies, pent up demand recovery, vaccination drive and turnaround in corporate profitability. In India – corporate earnings cycle has turned around post Covid‐19 and a strong earnings cycle creates opportunities for investors to participate in equity as an asset class. However, there are also uncertainties around possible 3rd Covid‐19 wave, sustainability of recovery, potentially higher inflation and higher valuations post strong market rally. In this kind of an environment, Investors should consider asset allocation strategies as they not only ensure equity participation, but also aim to protect downside by exposure to other asset classes namely debt and gold.

HDFC Multi‐Asset Fund is a suitable investment avenue for investors, who are looking for a single product to provide exposure to 3 asset classes – namely equity, debt and gold, with a long term investment horizon.

Past performance may or may not be sustained in future. The current investment strategy is subject to change. HDFC MF/AMC is not guaranteeing/offering/communicating any indicative yield or guaranteed returns made in this scheme. The product positioning is based on current view and is subject to change. For complete portfolio details refer www.hdfcfund.com 

Views expressed herein are as of 17 Aug 2021 involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied herein. HDFC Mutual Fund/AMC is not indicating or guaranteeing returns on any investments. Readers should seek professional advice before taking any investment related decisions and alone shall be responsible.

MUTUAL FUND INVESTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO MARKET RISKS, READ ALL SCHEME RELATED DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY.

Online Classes And Increased Screen Time Leading To Myopia In Kids

* Long-term use of digital screens can cause dryness of eyes, near-sightedness, squint and allergies 

* More and more children are now presenting themselves with symptoms and eye conditions which used to be largely seen in adults  

Amid increased screen time in the ongoing pandemic due to online classes, the onset and progression of myopia (‘near-sightedness’) and ‘squint eye’ among school-going children has seen a two-fold increase, if the numbers at the paediatrics department of the nationwide eye hospital chain, Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, are any indication. 

Said Dr. Rakesh Seenappa, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Bengaluru: “We have seen almost doubling of cases of myopia among children of 8-16 years of age compared to pre-pandemic times There is also a significant rise in squint-eye cases among kids due to excessive use of digital screens for near-work activities like online classes, watching videos or playing video games on small screen. Long-term use of digital screens can cause dryness of eyes, near-sightedness, squint and allergies. It promotes faster tear evaporation, which leads to dryness in eyes, making patients rub them constantly. This causes changes in the corneal curvature and, in a few months, an increase in glass power. Dryness can also trigger eye allergies, which makes children rub their eyes even more. This is a downward spiral that leads to a myopic shift in the eyes as the child grows, leading to high myopia at an early age.” 

He added: “Over the last one year, we have seen lot of school-going children and college teens coming to us with complaints of burning sensation in the eyes, blurring of vision and, sometimes, double vision and headaches. We have also found a few patients as young as 6 years suffering from myopia. This is mainly due to prevalence of online classes. Children who are in the front of a bright screen for more than four hours per day are most at risk of myopia and squint eye, especially those who don’t take frequent breaks. Risk factors are increased duration of screen time, playing video games on small screens and parents having myopia.” 

According to the doctor, more and more children are presenting themselves with symptoms and eye conditions which used to be largely seen in adults till now. This is all a result of their adaption to the pandemic times. Said Dr. Rakesh Seenappa: “The ocular conditions we are seeing during the pandemics times in children include the dry eyes syndrome, allergic and infective conjunctivitis (pink eyes), styes (a red, sore lump near the edge of the eyelid) and stress headaches. The severity varies from mild to severe, depending on whether the parents recognize the symptoms at earlier stages or not.” 

Myopia as a condition, though not reversible, is curable with prescription glasses. “We do have treatment options to prevent excessive progression of myopia. Squint is curable with glasses as well as through surgery. Sometimes it can be reversed through appropriate exercises and prescription glasses,” Dr. Rakesh Seenappa said. 

To prevent the onset of eye conditions among children, one needs to limit their screen exposure time, encourage them to do more outdoor activities, take them for regular screening with an ophthalmologist, and discourage them from rubbing eyes frequently, the doctor added.  

Near work refers to activities such as reading and writing with the distance between the object of focus (books, for instance) and eyes being less than 33 cm. During the lockdown period, near-work involves computers, laptops, mobile phones and tablets, taken up without frequent breaks and increased screen time for academic or other purposes. This visual stress could lead to squinting and has an accelerating effect on myopia progression. Myopia is an emerging public health problem in both urban and rural school-going children in India, requiring urgent efforts. 

About Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospitals: 

Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital a comprehensive eye hospital offering a one-stop solution for eye ailments; was started in the year 1957. Now the hospital is in its 61st year of offering quality services in eye care. It has 80+ hospitals across India. With a visible footprint in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Odisha, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andaman, West Bengal, and Rajasthan. A tertiary eye care centre at Mauritius marks its first step towards establishing an international presence extended up to 13 branches covering the Indian Ocean region, African countries and East Asia.

ICICIdirect Launches ICICIdirect Markets Smart App Across India

* Superfast order placement, swipe-to-trade, one view portfolio etc. to provide a superior stock trading experience

ICICI Securities (I-Sec), which operates ICICIdirect, a digital platform for investments, protection and loan products, today announced the launch of ICICIdirect Markets app, a brand new trading app which promises to provide a superior trading experience with its simple, fast and intuitive UI & UX (User Interface & User Experience) design. ICICIdirect Markets aims to make buying and selling stocks on-the-go as hassle-free as it can get and redefine the way people trade in this era of rapid digital adoption.

ICICIdirect Markets comes with best-in-class analytical tools like advanced charting, Open Interest graphs on Option Chain, integrated research, and live profit & loss monitoring. Investors can buy or sell stocks by simply swiping. The app comes integrated with biometric-based login for enhanced security and allows for personalisation by allowing customers to create their own watchlist with Stocks, Index, F&O Contracts.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Vishal Gulechha, Head – Retail Equity, ICICI Securities, said, “ICICIdirect believes in simplification of the trading experience and believes that technology can lead this change. In an effort to create a trading platform that not only addresses today's requirements but is also flexible enough to meet tomorrow’s technological advances, we built the ICICIdicrect Markets app after extensive customer consultation, particularly the millennials. Innovating with changing times to attain customer satisfaction has been a top priority for us and we envisage to build the next generation of AI-based hassle-free trading experience.”

The app comes with other tools like eATM (instant liquidity on selling of shares), cashless trading with shares as margin, and MTF (Margin Trade Funding) option. The app simplifies the entire buying and selling process by consolidating all related activities in just three steps. Customers can monitor positions across asset classes in one go with consolidated positions view.  The app also makes available the best of ICICIdirect Research across Equity and Derivatives along with One Click Portfolio for smarter investments.

The ICICIdirect Markets app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store and can be easily operated on Android or iOS devices.

Google Play Store:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.icicidirect.markets

Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/icicidirect-markets/id1570800408

About ICICI Securities

ICICI Securities Limited (I-Sec) is a subsidiary of ICICI Bank Ltd. The company began its operation in May 1995 and continues to grow its operation through expanding its client base and providing different type of services.

I-Sec operates www.icicidirect.com, a virtual financial supermarket, meeting the three need sets of its clients- investments, protection, and borrowing. Through its four lines of businesses -- broking, distribution of financial products, wealth management, and investment banking-- I-Sec serves customers ranging from the retail and institutional investors to corporates to high net-worth individuals to government. I-Sec is listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). 

Asia’s Eyewear Giant, Lenskart Enters The US Market, Opens Tech Center In New York

Lenskart, the largest eyewear retailer in India, has announced its foray into the USA market and plans to open it’s first-ever tech centre in the retail capital city -New York. The company has recently announced its expansion in Singapore and the Middle East with a projection to achieve growth to the tune of $15 billion by 2025.

Lenskart provides a fully operational website lenskart.us on android play and an iOS app store with free delivery across all regions similar to its current practice in India, Singapore, and Middle East Asia.

Peyush Bansal, CEO & Co-Founder at Lenskart, “Expanding in the US brings us another step closer to transforming the vision of the world. While the US is a hypercompetitive market, we strongly believe we can bring greater dynamism to the way customers look at eyewear there. Given our scale and global reach, Lenskart has the ability to bring a wide catalogue of over 2000 product styles to the US market, especially for new-age consumption patterns. We are also aiming to build a differentiated, never-seen-before experience backed by our brand, innovation, and technology. Through a Lenskart tech center in the US and dedicated technology & business teams operating from there, we will be successful in growing our business.”

With a rapidly growing business reaching out to over half a million customers a month with uniquely designed physical stores, as well as a first of its kind 'home eye check up' service, Lenskart has already revolutionized the eyewear industry in India, Singapore, and Middle East Asia. It is now ready with an aim to provide every American with access to high-quality designer glasses at affordable rates.

Lenskart has always kept customer experience and technology at the forefront of its servicing. It provides a unique offering of AR (Augmented Reality) technology for virtual try-on. The technology indigenously developed in India will enable customers in the US to try eyewear virtually that makes intelligent recommendations as per their facial analysis.

Lenskart’s new tech hub is under development in New York City region of the US with investment to build highly specialized technology team to tap into mature talent available in region across: product, design & consumer research.

On Hiring, Ramneek Khurana, Co-Founder at Lenskart mentioned: “For us, technical skills are table stakes, beyond that, what we are looking for are engineers with first principle thinking - who are excited to solve problems with a fresh perspective, & to work on problems which have not been solved yet at this scale.”

Being the largest service provider for eyewear in India, serving over 7 million customers annually through its omnichannel shopping experience, which spans online, mobile application, and 750+ Omnichannel stores in 175 cities across the country. With the launch of the first & the only eyewear app in Singapore and the Middle East, Lenskart will set a unique first-time experience to their respective masses and will further strengthen its presence in those regions and beyond.

About Lenskart:

Founded in 2010, Lenskart is India’s largest Omni channel retailer and manufacturer of premium quality and stylish eyewear. With a unique click and mortar business, Lenskart is revolutionizing the eyewear industry by offering disruptive services like home eye check-up, 3D try-on, home trial and prioritising the consumer needs above all else. The company aims to provide every consumer access to high-quality glasses by eliminating middle persons, using hi-tech robotic technology, and incorporating world-class designs into its products.

Meditronic And Government Of Kerala's Additional Skill Acquisition Pprogramme Sign MOU To Advance Skill Development In Kerala

* Medtronic is the Only MedTech Company to Engage in this Partnership with ASAP

* Goal of Providing 12-Month Internship Opportunities for Qualified Students

India Medtronic Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) – the world’s largest medical technology, services, and solutions company – today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Government of Kerala’s promoted Section 8 Company, Additional Skill Acquisition Programme Kerala (ASAP), to equip final year students with advanced skill sets and improve overall employability within the healthcare industry.

Under this program, ASAP will continue to provide and implement skill development programmes for youth through its Advanced Skill Development Centres. Simultaneously, through the Acquire Early Program, Medtronic will leverage this talent pool for its internship projects, that will see students benefit from mentorship support, constructive job experience and enhancement of their overall soft and employable skills. In addition, final year students from Tier 3 and Tier 4 institutes will undergo the Bridge Program developed by ASAP and upon successful completion, will be assessed for internship opportunities by Medtronic.

“As the largest medical technology company in the world, Medtronic has enabled skill proficiency building across biomedical engineering and multiple therapy areas, significantly contributing to the healthcare ecosystem in India. Our partnership with ASAP is one more step in that direction,” said Madan Krishnan, vice president and managing director, Medtronic India. “Through this program, we hope to extend opportunities to students to join the innovative world of medical technology and contribute to improving access to latest therapies. We firmly believe that our internship program provides an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and understand a rapidly growing and evolving med-tech industry. We remain confident that through our collaboration, we will leverage our common strengths, and continue to work with students and develop the skilling eco-system in the country, aligning with Government’s Skill India vision.”

“The very philosophy of ASAP as a skill development agency is to accentuate the employability of the youth. We look forward to leveraging this philosophy through a mutually benefitting collaboration with Medtronic and offer some unique opportunities for the youth of Kerala,” said Dr. Usha Titus, chairperson and managing director, ASAP Kerala.

Focused on providing students an immersion into the med-tech job market, Medtronic and ASAP will also partner on deploying a series of insight led webinars and guest lectures designed for third year and final year engineering students. Key Medtronic leaders will interact with young minds through these interactive sessions with the goal of providing aspiring students a peak into a career in the med-tech sector.

About ASAP

Additional Skill Acquisition Programme Kerala (ASAP Kerala) is a not for profit company under Government of Kerala, India, that invests in provision of industry relevant skills. Over the last 8 years, ASAP Kerala has created a unique demand-based, industry-led skill training ecosystem in the State through 121 Skill Development Centres connecting Higher Secondary Schools and Arts and Science Colleges, Advanced Skill Development Centres (ASDCs) in 90 Engineering Colleges and 45 Polytechnics institutions and 16 Community Skill Parks (CSPs) for multi-skill training.

About Medtronic

Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world’s largest medical technology, services and solutions companies – alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 90,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals, and patients in more than 150 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare further, together.