PM Modi Extend's the Lockdown: Agri Tech to Solve Supply Chain Woes

The covid-19 pandemic and the associated lockdowns are grounding industries around the world, and it is perhaps the biggest challenge in a generation for the agriculture sector in India. With PM Modi addressing the nation today morning, one of the major key takeaways was how the government is working at its best to support the farmers as it is the harvest time for rabi crops and ensuring smooth functionality of the supply chain.

Mr. Amith Agarwal, Co-Founder & CEO, Agribazaar says " I wish to congratulate our Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modiji in ensuring that India's farm sector faces minimum disruption during India's fight against COVID19. Bringing agricultural activity under essential services during the lockdown will ensure that farmers can sell their produce in the best possible manner. By encouraging e-NAM procurement, Modiji has given a fillip to agritech in India's agriculture. Electronic procurement will ensure the farmer's safety and health due to social distancing and also avoid overcrowding in the physical mandis.At agribazaar, we are committed to the government's effort to procure the last available grain of the Indian farmer. I would appeal to local authorities to ensure logistics and on-ground support to our vehicles and staff. Together we will fight #Covid19 and at the same time, not let India's agricultural produce go waste."

In the wake of the current situation AgriBazaar,India’s largest agri-tech marketplace is working closely with farmers, state governments and procurement agencies to allow  trade from the safety of their homes. As a full-stack agritech player, AgriBazaar has replicated the physical mandi to an (electronic) e-mandi aggregator model through which once a farmer registers and uploads his produce, buyers can give orders for the purchase. And, once the deal is complete, AgriBazaar facilitates the logistics of picking up the grain from the farmer's doorstep and delivering it to the buyers' warehouse.   

Renowned TV Celebrities Come Together to Join Hands with SBI Life Insurance to Unveil ‘WE CAN, WE WILL!’

Highlights

* One of the largest protagonist-led campaigns; 27 protagonists from different parts of the country sing the ‘WE CAN, WE WILL !’ anthem in 9 different languages
* Anthem aims to highlight the influence of collective willpower to sail through the ongoing crisis while maintaining social distancing

SBI Life Insurance, one of the most trusted life insurance companies in India, today unveiled the emotive ‘WE CAN, WE WILL !’ anthem that reiterates the power of collective unity and solidarity to fight the spread of Covid-19. The anthem works as a clarion call to rally the nation in the face of current challenges, the theme ‘WE CAN, WE WILL!’ signifying that no challenge seems too big when we are united together.

The anthem was conceptualized by Be the Bee and the video featuring 27 TV celebrities from various parts of the country was executed by Mindshare. Establishing a regional connect, the TV celebrities can be seen singing the ‘WE CAN, WE WILL !’ anthem from their respective homes in local languages like Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, Assamese and Odia, thereby reflecting the nation’s true spirit of unity in diversity.

Please click on WeCanWeWill YouTube playlist link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTZvsa2TEwgkuwwZk-xp_hoM1yzTUwuXr

Kannada link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfyY-QEA0Tw&list=PLTZvsa2TEwgkuwwZk-xp_hoM1yzTUwuXr&index=6

SBI Life is also leveraging digital tools to foster further camaraderie among citizens in times of social distancing. Viewers can create their own personal video by visiting the microsite www.sbilife.co.in/WeCanWeWill  to lip-sync the WE CAN, WE WILL ! anthem, thereby spreading the message of staying united together in the current challenging times.

Mr. Ravindra Sharma, Chief of Brand & Corporate Communications, SBI Life Insurance, said, “The Corona virus outbreak has thrown up multiple, unprecedented challenges for people from all walks of life and the entire nation is exploring solutions to tide through this crisis. In these current times of self-isolation, the ‘WE CAN, WE WILL !’ anthem is our humble effort to lift the spirits of every individual and remind them that as a nation we need to stay together, as with our collective will power WE CAN and WE WILL overcome the biggest of challenges.”

He further added, “By collaborating with local TV celebrities singing the anthem in their respective regional language we hope to lift the spirits of individuals and communities across the length and breadth of India. These are admittedly challenging times, but we truly believe that our collective force as a nation should not be undermined, as no challenge is daunting enough to overcome with India’s unique strength of unity in diversity; together, WE CAN, WE WILL ! protect our nation.”

Mr. Anirudh Jatkar, Famous Kannada TV Actor, said, “In the fight against coronavirus pandemic, SBI Life has taken a very noble initiative and it is my good fortune that I can contribute my bit towards such a selfless act.  Let us all have the faith, trust, and confidence that this deadly virus will soon be wiped out from the world. Till such times arrive, let us stay united with our spirits high and look forward to a brighter future.”

World Health Day: Popcorn Furniture Join Hands with “Good Karma for Kid’s Mental Wellbeing”

On World Health Day, Popcorn School Furniture, India’s largest educational furniture manufacturing company, announced a one-month campaign focused on the mental wellbeing of the children. The campaign, launched in association with Good Karma, aims to mitigate the stress in children during the COVID-19 outbreak through workshops and activities.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused a high level of anxiety and fear in the minds of adults as well as children, who need extra care and proper guidance in this time. Popcorn Furniture will hold virtual workshops with kids as well as parents under the instruction of experts. Parents will be asked to plan some  activities for their children, such as reading, painting, cooking, games and an interactive session with grandparents to spend their time productively. One-to-one interaction with Dr Ranjan Ghosh (American Board certified with more than 20 years of experience) of Good Karma clinic will be held with kids and parents. Through this campaign, the brand will host engaging and innovative activities through its online platform for kids to boost their mental ability.

Commenting on the association, Ms Deepika Goyal, Founder and Director, Popcorn Furniture, said, “The emotional wellbeing of children is equally important as their physical health. Good mental health allows them to develop the resilience to cope with this lockdown situation. It is very essential to let the children use this time in a meaningful constructive manner instead of idling their time at home. We need to train kids and parents to cope with this situation under the supervision of experts. Hence the tie-up with Good Karma that deals with all aspects of mental wellbeing and counselling by Dr Ranjan Ghosh will be fruitful for our target group.”

Dr Ranjan Ghosh, psychiatrist, Good Karma, said, “An event that is outside our control can certainly damage our mental health, and it is made worse if we feel powerless to do anything about it. One way we can regain control and nourish our mental health is to remember the ‘The Five Ways to Wellbeing’ which have been found in research to improve mental wellbeing in children and adults. They are - Give to others in your home, connect via phone or online, be aware,  be active and keep learning. That is why I have decided to link up with Popcorn Furniture to collaborate for the initiative #teachkarona to spread this important message during these anxious and uncertain times.” 

Hero Motocorp To Donote 60 First-Responder Mobile Ambulances

As part of its ongoing initiatives towards the COVID-19 relief efforts, Hero MotoCorp, world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, is donating 60 first-responder mobile ambulances to authorities.

These unique and utilitarian mobile ambulances will be useful for reaching out to patients in rural and remote areas and comfortably moving them to the nearest hospitals.

These ambulances have been custom-built as an accessory to be fitted on Hero MotoCorp motorcycles, with an engine capacity of 150cc and above. The ambulance accessories include sleeping arrangement with essential medical equipment such as a first-aid kit, oxygen cylinder, fire extinguisher and siren.

These mobile ambulances will be handed over to authorities in multiple regions across India.

MilkLane Begins “Doorstep Delivery of Safe Milk” Across Bengaluru City

During the nationwide lockdown due to the Covid-19, dairy startup MilkLane has begun home delivery of its products in Bengaluru. The move would help the residents avoid the hassle of stepping out of their homes and make long queues for the essential daily commodity. Consumers can register by Free dialing the number 09353100107 or via WhatsApp for availing doorstep delivery.

Bengaluru-based MilkLane has added the new delivery channel to ease the availability of dairy products, as the disruption in the industry supply chain has led to a gap in the supply of essential goods in the past few days. The startup, aimed at providing antibiotic-free, safe and standardized high-quality milk to consumers, has already made its products available through a strong distribution network of retail outlets and online delivery aggregators, who are facing challenges in providing essentials during the Coronavirus crisis.

Gaurav Haran, CEO of MilkLane, said, "It’s the right time to reach out directly when consumers are not able to buy dairy products due to the lockdown. We have started this service to help people avoid the risk of stepping out while still availing themselves of best quality products that maintain the  highest hygiene regulations."

UHT - Healthy milk with long shelf-life

Supply constraints in the milk industry have known to lead to a sharp rise in milk adulteration. The UHT packaging, along with adequate food safety measures at every level of the supply chain - collection, processing, and distribution - helps MilkLane deliver high-quality milk to the families in Bengaluru.

MilkLane procures its own milk and gets it processed in its own state of the art plant , maintaining the high standards of health and hygiene. The milk is processed with Ultra-High-Temperature (UHT) technology to provide a safe and enhanced 90-days non-refrigerated shelf life. The process preserves the required  nutrients in the milk, which is then packaged in pre-sterilized tetra packs.

About MilkLane

MilkLane (ML), incubated by Pioneering Ventures, is India's first dairy company to provide high-quality milk that is safe from toxins and antibiotics contaminations. After being active in the B2B segment, the company ambitiously forays into the consumer segment in Bengaluru. The company aims to be a leader in the Indian dairy market with a focus on creating innovative, healthy, and nutritious products for families while improving the lives of farmers and animals.

Amazon Prime Video to Exclusively Stream Joaquin Phoenix Starrer, Joker on April 20, 2020

Prime offers incredible value with unlimited streaming of the latest and exclusive movies, TV shows, stand-up comedy, Amazon Originals, ad-free music listening through Amazon Prime Music, free fast delivery on India’s largest selection of products, early access to top deals, and unlimited reading with Prime Reading, all available only for ₹129 a month. ~

Following the launch of Academy Award Winning titles such as Parasite and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Amazon Prime Video today announced the exclusive India digital premiere of multi-award winning film Joker. Directed and written by Todd Philips, the film follows the story of a troubled wannabe comedian Arthur Fleck, who embarks on a downward spiral of revolution and crime to become the infamous Joker of Gotham City. The film received a phenomenal box office response as well as critical acclaim for Joaquin Phoenix’s breathtaking performance as Arthur Fleck, with him winning the Best Actor award at all the leading movie awards including the Oscar, the Golden Globe, the BAFTA and the Screen Actors Guild Award. Prime Members in India can now enjoy the thrilling film Joker starting 20th April 2020.

Synopsis

Joker centers on the origin of the iconic arch nemesis and is an original, standalone story not seen before on the big screen. In Gotham City, mentally troubled wannabe comedian Arthur Fleck, is disregarded and mistreated by society. He then embarks on a downward spiral of revolution and bloody crime. This path brings him face-to-face with his alter-ego: the Joker. Todd Phillips' exploration of Arthur Fleck, a man disregarded by society is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale.

Joker will join the thousands of TV shows and movies from Hollywood and Bollywood in the Prime Video catalogue, including Indian produced Amazon Original series such as The Family Man, Mirzapur, Inside Edge and Made In Heaven, and award-winning and critically acclaimed global Amazon Original series including Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Boys, Hunters, Fleabag and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, all on Prime Video, which is available at no extra cost for Amazon Prime members. The service includes titles available in Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi and Bengali.

Prime members will be able to watch all episodes of Joker anywhere and anytime on the Prime Video app for smart TVs, mobile devices, Fire TV, Fire TV stick, Fire tablets, Apple TV, Airtel, Vodafone, etc. In the Prime Video app, Prime members can download episodes on their mobile devices and tablets and watch anywhere offline at no additional cost. Prime Video is available in India  at no extra cost to a Prime membership for just ₹999 annually or ₹129 monthly, new customers can find out more at  www.amazon.in/prime and subscribe to a free 30-day trial.

Vedanta- Iron Ore Business Karnataka Has Initiated Several On-Ground Support Activities to Overcome

Vedanta- Iron Ore Business Karnataka, has initiated several on- ground support activities to overcome this difficult situation. Recently, IOK provided 500 sanitiser bottles, 2500 triple layer N95 masks, 500 personal protection kits and an ambulance for emergency medical facilities to the District Collector’s office. Besides this, IOK distributed 600 three layered cloth masks to police officers, health workers and the community people across Chitradurga district handmade by local SHG women.

During these challenging times, Team Vedanta Limited- Iron Ore Karnataka Business is relentlessly working to ensure that essential products and services reach the community across Chitradurga. We are making efforts to ensure a reinforced level of precaution and preventive measures at our plants and community with minimum social contact. Vedanta has always believed in giving back to the community, society and the nation.

In line with Vedanta philosophy of care and community welfare, the company has set up a team of people to provide relief to the vulnerable and most needy sections of society, who have been harshly impacted by the pandemic and have faced significant disruption in their livelihoods.

Mr. Krishna Reddy, Director- IOK said, “We extend our support to the police and doctors of Chitradurga for their dedication of keeping us safe. With the objective to protect the police officers and doctors who keep us safe, we have handed over masks and personal protection kits to them. We will continue to support through all possible means to combat this COVID-19 pandemic.”.

Vedanta Group has planned certain initiatives which will support the nationwide fight against COVID -19 pandemic. Implementation of most of the initiatives are already initiated at Goa, Karnataka and Jharkhand respectively.

Vedanta wishes everyone a healthy stay at home.