De Beers Forevermark Partners With Jos Alukkas Jewellers In Coimbatore

 

-The global diamond major expands its retail footprint in the city-

- Film Star Pavitra Lakshmi graces the launch -

De Beers Forevermark, the world’s leading and trusted diamond jewellery brand associated with leading South Indian jeweller Jos Alukkas today, launching at their store in Coimbatore. Talented film star and model Pavitra Lakshmi graced the occasion.

The two brands offer exquisite craftsmanship and exceptional quality of diamonds. Their synergy has brought about an ideal collaboration offering the world’s most beautiful, rare and responsibly sourced, natural diamonds set in intricately designed, unique and beautiful jewellery.

Adorned with beautiful De Beers Forevermark jewellery, talented film star Pavithra Lakshmi, said: “It is indeed a pleasure to associate with De Beers Forevermark and Jos Alukkas. Knowing that each De Beers Forevermark diamond is inscribed with a unique identification number, is natural, hand-selected and comes with a promise of being natural, beautiful, rare and responsibly sourced makes me feel extra special to wear this beautiful piece of jewellery today. The women of Coimbatore will surely appreciate these beautiful diamonds which are available in a wide range of designs.”

Celebrating the partnership, Mr. Varghese Alukka, Managing Director, Jos Alukkas said: “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with De Beers Forevermark, a renowned global diamond brand. Our association with De Beers Forevermark enables us to present our customers with an impeccable range of contemporary and traditional designs. This collaboration promises our valued customers a sense of exclusivity that is truly unparalleled.”

Speaking about the collections, Mr. Paul J Alukka, Managing Director, Jos Alukkas said, “We are elated to be associated with De Beers Forevermark. Their timeless and classic collections crafted with natural diamonds has already seen a rise in demand among women in South India, particularly with the younger generation. In Coimbatore, we are offering the latest global designs from De Beers Forevermark which range from classic solitaire jewellery to traditional jewellery with a modern twist.”

Speaking about the association, Mr. John Alukka, Managing Director, Jos Alukkas said, “De Beers Forevermark is committed to providing only genuine, natural diamonds that are responsibly sourced. Our customers can be assured that they are purchasing among the world’s most beautiful diamonds and can be proud of what they own when they buy a De Beers Forevermark diamond from our store. It is truly an honour to be associated with a global diamond brand like De Beers Forevermark who has a legacy of diamond expertise spanning over 135 years.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Amit Pratihari, Vice President, De Beers Forevermark said: “When it comes to purchasing diamonds, customers primarily look for trust and quality. We partner with authorized retailers who are not only pioneers in their field but also meet to De Beers Forevermark’ s rigorous standards of business ethics, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability, ensures that these values are upheld. This partnership presents an incredible opportunity for the discerning patrons of Coimbatore to experience our brand's latest collections and Jos Alukkas, renowned for their exquisite designs and craftsmanship, has been chosen as the perfect partner for this association.”

Explore the exquisite collection of De Beers Forevermark’ s jewellery at Jos Alukkas. From the signature Forevermark Avaanti Collection to the classic Forevermark Icon Collection, and the popular Forevermark Traditional Setting collection, each design showcases the brilliance of a De Beers Forevermark diamond. Available in a range of stunning rings, earrings, pendants, and bangles.

Picture caption: L-R: Mr. Varghese Alukka, Managing Director, Jos Alukkas, Mr. Amit Pratihari, Vice President, De Beers Forevermark , Filmstar Pavitra Lakshmi, Mr. John Alukka, Managing Director, Jos Alukkas

Union Bank of India Launched “Mahila Samman Saving Certificate (MSSC), 2023 Scheme

Union Bank of India launched “Mahila Samman Saving Certificate (MSSC), 2023 Scheme” across its Branches PAN India. Till now Bank has mobilized Rs. 17.58 Crores in 5,653 MSSC beneficiary accounts. 

MSSC, 2023 is a flagship small saving scheme of the Ministry of Finance, launched by our Honorable Finance Minister for Women and Girls during the Budget speech FY 2023-2024 on February 1, 2023. Under the scheme, individual girls or women can open a Mahila Samman Savings Certificate, or a guardian can open an account on behalf of a minor girl. The minimum investment required is Rs. 1,000/-, and any sum in multiples of Rs. 100/- can be deposited, up to a maximum limit of Rs. 2,00,000/-. Individuals can open multiple accounts with a gap of three months between each account, subject to the overall investment cap of Rs. 2,00,000/-.  

Deposits made under this scheme will earn an attractive interest rate of 7.5% per annum and that will be compounded quarterly. All earnings under the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate will be taxable as per existing income tax provisions. However, TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) will not be deducted under the scheme. 

The account will mature after two years from the date of opening, and accounts under this scheme can be opened until 31/03/2025. The scheme also provides a nomination facility. Account holders can also make partial withdrawals, up to 40% of the eligible balance, after one year from the date of opening the account. 

Quest Global Honored With Raytheon Technologies Premier Award For Business Management And Cost Competitiveness

Quest Global, one of the world’s leading engineering services firms, today announced that Raytheon Technologies has recognized Quest Global Services NA Inc. with a Premier Award for performance in 2022 and overall excellence in Business Management and Cost Competitiveness. The Premier Award is an annual recognition platform under the Raytheon Technologies Performance+ Program to recognize suppliers with superior performance and that have provided exceptional value to Raytheon Technologies in one of the four key categories: Cost Competitiveness, Technology & Innovation, Business Management, and Collaboration & Customer Service.

The selection of Quest Global to receive the Premier Award underscores the company's continued commitment to excellence and its ability to surpass expectations in delivering innovative solutions and cost-effective services. By consistently providing exceptional value, Quest Global has set itself apart from its peers and earned this well-deserved recognition.

Quest Global's achievement can be attributed to its unwavering dedication to collaboration, productivity improvements, and the delivery of high-quality support to Raytheon Technologies. Through its cost-effective solutions and a focus on enhancing productivity, Quest Global has made a significant difference for its clients and has consistently exceeded performance expectations.

Commenting on the award, Andrew Lewis, Global Business Head (Aerospace & Defense), Quest Global, said, “It is an absolute honor to be recognized and to have received the Premier Award as part of the Performance+ Program from Raytheon Technologies. This award is a true testament to the successful partnership and collaboration between Raytheon Technologies and Quest Global. It is a great pleasure to work with a world-class organization and together provide solutions that advance technology and innovation in the Aerospace and Defense Industries.”

Quest Global’s steady commitment towards delivery and operational excellence has contributed significantly to its customer’s success across the globe. This prestigious recognition by Raytheon Technologies further underlines its ability to provide outstanding outcomes while ensuring unwavering quality consistently.

About Quest Global

We are Quest Global. We’re in the business of engineering, but what we’re really building is a brighter future. It’s not just what we do, but why we do it that makes us different. We believe engineering has the unique opportunity to solve the problems of today that stand in the way of tomorrow. For more than 25 years, we have strived to be the most trusted partner for the world’s hardest engineering problems. As a global organization headquartered in Singapore, we live and work in 17 countries, with 67 global delivery centers and offices, driven by 17,500+ extraordinary employees who make the impossible possible every day.

Quest Global delivers world-class end-to-end engineering solutions by leveraging our deep industry knowledge and digital expertise. By bringing together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals and their areas of expertise, we are able to solve problems better, faster. This multi-dimensional approach enables us to solve the most critical and large-scale challenges across the aerospace & defense, automotive, energy, hi-tech, healthcare, medical devices, rail and semiconductor industries.

Suzuki Motorcycle India Registers 80,737 Unit Sales In June 2023

Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation registered an overall sale of 80,737 units in June 2023. This amounts to an 18.7% year-on-year growth in June 2023 as compared to June 2022.

Commenting on the sales performance, Mr. Devashish Handa, Executive Vice President, Sales, Marketing and After Sales, Suzuki Motorcycle India said, “Suzuki Motorcycle India continues posting double-digit sales increase. This growth also shows robust demand for our products, not just in the domestic market but in overseas markets as well. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our esteemed customers and dealer partners for their unwavering support.”

In June 2023, the company also announced the launch of E20 compliant V-Strom SX, Gixxer 250 series and Burgman Street EX. Now Suzuki’s all domestic two-wheeler products are E20 compliant now. This positive shift for a greener and cleaner future is quite ahead of the timeline stated by the Government of India.

ABOUT SUZUKI MOTORCYCLE INDIA PVT LTD (SMIPL)

Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited is a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan wherein they have the same manufacturing philosophy of PRODUCTS OF SUPERIOR VALUE right from the inception. SMIPL manufactures two-wheelers best suited for valuable Indian customers. The Company started its India operation in February 2006.

Carlsberg India’s Mysuru Brewery Wins A Coveted International Safety Award 2023

Carlsberg India’s Mysuru brewery has won an International Safety Award from the British Safety Council in recognition of its commitment and adherence to health and safety standards. The award recognizes our commitment?to a good workplace health and safety management system—its leading and lagging performance, training, and competency of employees on H&S, legal compliance, and system adhering across 25 standards.

The Mysuru Brewery, since its inception in 2018, has recorded zero lost time incidents with a critical standard implementation score of a near perfect 98%. The 65th International Safety Awards received over 975 applications across different industries, scales, and sizes from the UK, Africa, Asia, India, mainland Europe, and the Middle East, with 79% of them successfully achieving a Distinction, Merit, or Pass grade. Judged by a panel of independent judges, the scheme’s commitment to preventing workplace injuries and work-related ill health during the previous calendar year.

“Creating a zero-accident culture demands unwavering consistency and a strong commitment. We commend our colleagues at the Mysuru brewery and in the operations function for their relentless efforts in achieving this goal. This award recognizes their dedication and serves as a testament to their commitment to safety. Congratulations to all those involved in making our workplace safer every day.” - Sanjeev Gupta, VP Operations.  

About British Safety Council

The British Safety Council, founded in 1957, strives to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses worldwide through advocacy, networking, and providing services and products for a safe work environment. They have been instrumental in influencing safety legislation in the UK and have members in over 60 countries dedicated to enhancing worker well-being.

About Carlsberg India

Carlsberg India Private Limited (CIPL) commenced its operations in 2007 with the first production in Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh. CIPL focuses on developing and strengthening its brand portfolio through innovation and commitment to superior quality. The product portfolio of the company includes its brands - Carlsberg Smooth, Carlsberg Elephant, Tuborg Green, Tuborg Strong and Tuborg Classic. As a member of the Carlsberg Group, Carlsberg  India offers beer for every occasion and for every palate and lifestyle. Our ESG programme, ‘Together Towards Zero and Beyond’ cover our 2030 and 2040 Global Targets on Zero Carbon Footprint, Zero Farming Footprint, Zero Packaging Waste, Zero Waste Water, Zero Irresponsible Drinking and Zero Accidents Culture.

To read more,  visit our website https://www.carlsbergindia.com/

For more news sign up on www.carlsberggroup.com/subscribe or follow @CarlsbergGroup on Twitter. 

Pension Fund Regulatory And Development Authority (PFRDA) Unveils Technology Vision Through “TARCH”

PFRDA, the Regulatory Authority for NPS in India, is embracing the power of technology to drive transformation and enhance the pension ecosystem in the country. With the introduction of the Technology Architecture (TARCH) project, PFRDA aims to create a more robust and pervasive pension system, leveraging the potential of modern technology. 

Technology is playing a pivotal role in driving change across industries, enabling institutions and companies to engage better with stakeholders and deliver seamless and convenient services. PFRDA recognizes the importance of adopting advanced technology solutions to enhance its services and offerings, promote innovation, and cater to the evolving needs of its stakeholders. 

Envisioned Future State of TARCH: 

To achieve its objectives and transform the technology landscape, PFRDA has outlined a target state architecture. The target state architecture, as depicted below consists of four Technology modules: 

A. Website Revamp and Chat-bot 

B.  PFRDA Online Intermediary Supervision Engine (POISE) 

C.  PFRDA Repository & Information Systems Management: Data and Analytics Platform (PRISM) 

D.  PFRDA INTRANET - Internal Digitalization (PINTRA) 

Scope of Work under TARCH: 

PFRDA shall be selecting System Integrator (SI) through open tendering process and the SI will be responsible for studying the existing processes, proposing improved processes, and providing design, development/customization, implementation, and maintenance services for the mentioned modules. The TARCH project will integrate these modules, requiring seamless linking between them. The SI will work closely with PFRDA to ensure the acceptance of reengineered business processes for digital transformation. 

Key Highlights of TARCH: 

SI will be responsible for developing and implementing suitable solutions, including software licenses and cloud services, while ensuring compliance with security requirements. 

The solution will support auto alerts, reminders, digital signature/e-sign integration, SMS gateway, payment gateway, and multilevel authentication. 

Agile methodology will be employed for development, ensuring minimal dependency on system settings. 

Representatives from the SI will be present at PFRDA premises for helpdesk, training, incident management, and issue resolution. 

TARCH - Technology Module Highlights: 

I Website Revamp and Chat-bot 

Redesign and user-friendly accessibility for the PFRDA website and pensionsanchay.org.in. 

Launch surveys through an internet-based portal with user-friendly navigation. 

Responsive, bilingual (Hindi and English) website with support for other Indian languages. 

Incorporate latest technologies, usage analytics, and compliance with web standards and guidelines. 

Include a chatbot to address frequently asked questions and integrate it with other PFRDA systems. 

II PFRDA Online Intermediary Supervision Engine (POISE) 

Digitize supervisory and regulatory compliance-related activities for intermediaries. 

Provide compliance checks, alerts, and workflows for PFRDA departments. 

Enable submission of reports, dashboards, notifications, and integration with other modules. 

Include self-registration, integration with payment gateways, and digital signature certificate/e-sign technology. 

III PFRDA Repository & Information Systems Management: Data and Analytics Platform (PRISM) 

Develop a comprehensive data platform to store and analyze data from various sources. 

To Run analytics and MIS 

IV PFRDA Intranet (PINTRA) – Internal Digitization 

PINTRA aims to enhance PFRDA's internal activities, streamline operations, and improve efficiency and efficacy across various departments, including HRMS, Payroll management, Finance and Accounts, and other ancillary modules. 

PFRDA has floated a tender to identify SI vendor for building Internal Digitalization (PINTRA) module and the tender document can be accessed in PFRDA website (i.e., https://www.pfrda.org.in) or Central Public Procurement Portal (i.e., https://eprocure.gov.in/epublish/app).  The appointed SI vendor shall be undertaking the following works, 

The successful bidder for building PINTRA will be required to undertake the following responsibilities: 

Detailed Requirement Analysis: The bidder must thoroughly study the RFP to gain a comprehensive understanding of the requirements for the proposed solution. The successful bidder will then create a detailed Functional Requirement Specification (FRS) and System Requirement Specification (SRS) document, tailored to the specific needs of PFRDA. 

PINTRA Software Solution Development: The bidder will design, develop, implement, and maintain an integrated and robust software solution. This solution will serve as a platform for managing and automating PFRDA's internal activities, incorporating HRMS, Payroll management, Finance and Accounts, and other relevant modules. The bidder should possess experienced teams with full functional knowledge of the solution. 

PINTRA - Mobile App Development: The successful bidder will be responsible for designing and developing a mobile app specifically for PFRDA's HRMS. 

Cloud Hosting of PINTRA: The bidder will estimate the required cloud size and procure a MeitY empanelled Cloud - III tier or above (Virtual private cloud/GCC) with Disaster Recovery (DR) Centre. The cloud-based solution should be hosted within the geographical boundaries of India, ensuring accessibility through the intranet and web VPN login from anywhere. 

PINTRA as an Integrated Solution: The bidder must analyze the existing processes, propose an integrated solution with a single sign-on, and ensure seamless integration with existing and future modules of PFRDA. 

Business Process Analysis: The bidder's business analyst team will be stationed at PFRDA's office premises to understand the current business processes and suggest digital transition strategies. The suggested workflows will be submitted in the form of Functional Requirement Specifications (FRS) and Software Requirements Specification (SRS). 

Software Versioning and Maintenance: All software modules of the proposed solution should be of the latest version at the time of deployment. The successful bidder will also provide Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) and ensure updates/upgrades to match the latest version of the software during the six-year duration of the project. 

Solution Options: Bidders have the flexibility to utilize proprietary solutions, COTS/MOTS products, or bespoke development. In case of open-source solutions, they must have enterprise support. 

PINTRA for Enhanced Functionality: The solution should support auto alerts and reminders, integration of digital signature/e-sign, SMS and email gateways, payment gateways, and multilevel authentication, aligned with the design requirements of the modules. 

Software Component Origin: The bidder must disclose the origin of all software components used in the solution, including any open-source (with enterprise support) or third-party licensed components. 

PINTRA to be built on Agile Methodology: The solution will be developed using Agile methodology, with processes going live in the fifth month and complete project implementation within nine months. The bidder must design the solution architecture accordingly. 

System Dependency and Support: The software solution should have zero dependency on system settings, such as pop-up settings, plugins, add-ons installations, etc. If any dependencies exist, the bidder will be responsible for their installation and support throughout the contract period. 

Facility Management for PINTRA: During the warranty period and for the subsequent year, two representatives from the selected bidder will be present at PFRDA premises on all working days. They will provide facility management 

HCLTech Wins “National Water Award 2022” For Its Water Stewardship In India

HCLTech, a leading global technology company, won the “National Water Award 2022” for its water conservation and management initiatives in India through community action and innovative technologies. 

The National Water Awards have been instituted by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India and HCLTech won the honor in the Best Industry for CSR Activities category.   

Through HCL Foundation, which delivers HCLTech’s corporate social responsibility agenda in India, and other water conservation initiatives, the company has harvested 57.9 billion liters of water and rejuvenated over 200 water structures till date.  

HCLTech’s interventions in water conservation align with the Government of India’s Jal Shakti Abhiyan Program, which focuses on replenishing water sources, conserving water bodies and increasing green cover for enhancing groundwater recharge. These interventions address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) and SDG 15 (life on land). 

HCLTech is implementing a unique initiative to boost biodiversity along river Ganga’s catchment by planting Rudraksha and other native species in Uttarakhand. Other projects include rejuvenating the Periyar Canal in Kerala, removing invasive species growing on the riverbed of Vaigai in Madurai, installing rooftop rainwater harvesting structures in corporation schools in Madurai and Noida, and helping poor farmers convert their wastelands into cultivable land through small-scale rainwater harvesting techniques in the Hardoi district of Uttar Pradesh. 

“HCLTech is committed to water stewardship and supports sustainable, scalable, and innovative solutions in the use and treatment of water. This award reinforces our efforts to ensure equitable and viable water stewardship with a range of long-term programs, prioritizing water sustainability and community involvement in rural and urban areas in India,” said Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Vice President, Global CSR, HCL Foundation.