Columbia Pacific Communities Unveils its Second TV Commercial on Community Living for Senior Citizens

To promote community living as a concept for senior citizens, Columbia Pacific Communities, India's largest senior living community operators unveiled a new promotional campaign for Tata Sky viewers. The new TVC highlights why community living is the future for seniors in India. It aligns with the brand purpose of positive ageing and clearly positions the offering as “serviced residences for seniors” differentiating it from old age homes.

The 40-second film is targeted towards the viewers of ‘TATA Sky Seniors’ a channel that caters to an older audience  who are progressive and positive in their thoughts and actions. The TVC has been designed and conceptualised to bring out the small and big things that make community living a truly wholesome, fulfilling, safe and positive experience. In times of crisis, seniors living in a community are much better looked after and protected than those living independently.  The campaign urges senior citizens to enjoy their golden years being independent and worry-free.

Highlighting the concept of the TV campaign, Piali Dasgupta, Vice President, Marketing, Columbia Pacific Communities, says, "Our month-long campaign on Tata Sky Seniors is an ode to the idea of community living, and what it truly means to live in a happy and energising community in your golden years. It’s no secret that loneliness is the biggest killer amongst seniors; a self- sufficient community and with like-minded people is the biggest antidote to isolation and loneliness in one’s advanced years and the secret to ageing positively. Besides, in extraordinary times like this, a community stands for you.

This TVC will always be special because it was conceptualised and scripted by our creative agency Famous Innovations and produced in house using stock images while adhering to social distancing and quarantine norms.” 

In a span of 40 seconds, the TVC showcases the brand ethos of positive ageing. The film celebrates the idea of a healthier, happier, worry-free, independent and more purposeful future for seniors who choose to live in a community of like-minded people. Thereby encouraging them to opt for India’s first senior living community designed to international standards, The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences, Bangalore.

The TVC will go live on TATA Sky Seniors channel from May 15, 2020.

Industry leaders Discuss Rebuilding Business in the New Reality at Microsoft Envision Forum

Industry leaders from BFSI, manufacturing and retail sectors deliberated on the need for innovation and real-world digital transformation to reimagine businesses in the new reality at the Microsoft Envision Forum today. Senior executives and experts discussed the current challenges facing different industry verticals and also shared best practices they have adopted for employee safety and business continuity. Anchoring the dialogue at the first ever virtual edition of Envision, Microsoft reiterated its commitment to enable every organization to sustain, innovate and grow its business.

In the keynote session Anant Maheshwari, President, Microsoft India and Aarthi Subramanian, Group Chief Digital Officer, Tata Sons analyzed how the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered digital acceleration and the role that it  will play in rebounding and building resilience in a fluid and evolving environment. Calling for a collaborative effort, Maheshwari said, “COVID-19 has changed our businesses, communities, industries and world forever. No one company is going to solve a challenge like this alone, and it is going to take the private and public sectors working together to turn the tide on COVID-19. Our priority has been to keep our employees and communities safe; support frontline workers as well as help our partners and customers keep their businesses running. As we continue to work through the current situation and plan for the future, it’s clear that the change required is enormous – as is the potential opportunity across industries. Technology will play a stronger role than ever before - enabling economic recovery and helping each one of us achieve more.”

According to Ms. Subramanian, COVID-19 will accelerate the scaling of digital across industries and investments in Cloud, AI and cybersecurity. “Digital transformation in companies will focus on new end-to-end customer journeys and we will see an increase in adoption of automation in manufacturing industries. They will also invest in enhancing employee engagement given the remote working model.  Enterprises will build world-class digital infrastructure as a horizontal capability," she said.

Maheshwari added that technology will play a major role in management of social sector programs across education, health, and public distribution, helping to strengthen the economy. He also called out the need for robust security solutions and trust as organizations build tech intensity for a new future. 

Intelligent manufacturing for a better future: As manufacturers cope with fluctuating supply and demand and disruption in production, they are reconfiguring their production, supply chains, and services to stay operational and sustain deliveries in these unprecedented times. Mayur Danait, CIO, Pidilite, said, “Manufacturing has always been a traditional business but post COVID, the sector will have to reinvent to enable a seamless partner ecosystem. Use of IoT to drive shop floor efficiencies and the use of digital collaboration, predictive analytics, bots and gamification of experience to drive engagement with end-users and channel partners are likely to be the norm going forward”.”

Reimagining the retail industry after the lockdown: Over the last couple of years, technology has enabled retailers to transform every aspect of the value chain. With the novel Corona virus crisis, the sector is trying to steer through major health and safety concerns for their employees, mandated store closures, drastic shifts in demand and evolving customer needs. Sanjay Bhattacharjee, Head – CRM, Titan Company Limited, said, “There has been a paradigm shift in consumer mindset - from retail therapy to the inability to step out from home to physical distancing. The way customers shop has and will change dramatically, and this is the new reality in which we all have to function now.  How brands are interacting and engaging with their customers makes a lot of difference.  Going digital is the key to enable a virtual experience for customers - right from viewing products on the app to booking a product to its delivery. Through remote communication platforms, retail brands have the opportunity to establish a deeper connect with the buyer community than before.”

Rebuilding the financial services sector post-COVID: Banking and financial services providers have adjusted operating models and services to support customers and help those who need the most assistance, while meeting regulatory and compliance obligations. According to Anoop Mahapatra, Deputy Managing Director, State Bank of India, “SBI has been playing a pivotal role in the country and over the past decade the bank has been investing heavily in building an robust IT ecosystem to digitally transform the banking experience at SBI. It facilitated running the entire ecosystem seamlessly even during a difficult time such as now. Our 22000 branches and network of 58000+ ATMs are working seamlessly on a robust IT platform. Around 90% of the total transactions go through anytime channels i.e. other than branch channel and as such the post COVID impact on customer service is insignificant. Although there has been some drop in loan requirements, to overcome this SBI has a strong end-to-end AI/ML platform with number of AI based pre-approved loan products, to provide loans with ease and we hope the traction for the same will be built up in the coming days.” The State Bank of India has also leveraged Microsoft Teams for its large workforce to stay productive and collaborate while working from home. 

A key focus of the conference was the importance of reskilling the workforce as employees and organizations shift gears for the road ahead.

Responding to Covid-19 in India together

As India and the rest of the world respond to the Covid-19 outbreak, Microsoft has been working to do its part by ensuring the safety of its employees. The organization is striving to protect the health and well-being of the communities in which it operates, in addition to providing technology, solutions, tips and resources to businesses of all sizes and complexities to stay productive and help people to work and learn remotely, while they stay safe and connected. 

Legrand India to Facilitate “Quarantine Centres to Support Healthcare” Infrastructure

Details

* Legrand India to support initiatives across India to aid the country’s fight against COVID-19
* Legrand India to provide over 2000 beds for hospitals & healthcare facilities and 2.6 lakh PPE kits to electricians, journalists (Chennai Press club), NGO health workers, drivers community & police officials

Legrand India, a global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructure has initiated supporting the local Govt. in the creation of quarantine centres and isolation wards in Kolkata, Odisha and Chattisgarh.  They are working with various government stakeholders across the nation with electrical products to be used for creating isolation wards and quarantine centres.

One of the key focus areas of Legrand India is healthcare when it comes to giving back to the society. Legrand is also supporting govt. hospitals & quarantine centres with disposable isolation beds as a proactive step to facilitate to accommodate the migrant returns in the respective districts’ quarantine facility. The team has enabled support through its electrical products such as protection devices, wiring devices and UPS for hospitals and healthcare facilities countrywide which will house over 2000 beds and intensive care facilities for COVID-19 patients.

With Healthcare as focus, the company is providing PPE to doctors and medical staff in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Delhi and Kerala to support the frontline workers in their fight against COVID-19. 

Legrand has been conducting various activities across the nation to support several communities in the battle against Covid-19. To fight against the pandemic, apart from healthcare, Legrand India has provided 2.6 lakh personal protective equipment to electricians, journalists (Chennai Press club), NGO health workers, drivers community & police officials.

Speaking on the Covid-19 support, Mr. Tony Berland, Managing Director and CEO, Group Legrand India said, “As a socially responsible organisation, we at Legrand have always put health and safety at the forefront, be it for our employees or the society at large. We saw the arising need for infrastructural support for isolation wards & quarantine centres across the country and as a specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructure, we are working with government stakeholders  to bridge the gap and fulfil the need to the maximum possible extent.” He further added, “I feel proud to be a part of an organization where PEOPLE and COMMUNITY are the key focus area”.

About Legrand Group in India:

A global specialist in the electrical & digital building infrastructure, Legrand is a Euro 6.0* billion group based in   Limoges, France.   The group has manufacturing facilities in 90 countries and   its products   are   sold   in   over   180   countries.   Globally, Legrand is a leader   in wiring    devices    and    cable management with a global market share of over 20% and 14% respectively. Legrand also enjoys leadership positions in at least one of its major business areas in a number of countries including France, Italy, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, China, and of course India.

Legrand India offers a wide range of products in the categories of Energy distribution, Wiring devices, Home    Automation, Structured    Cabling, Lighting Management    Solutions, Cable Management    and Industrial application products. It is an undisputed leader in MCBs, RCDs and DBs and a strong No. 2 in wiring devices Apart from this, the company also holds a leading position in Home Automation, MCCBs and Cable management systems.

The company’s geographical reach, across market segments, caters to  new  requirements  of customers with smart  solutions  that  make  Legrand  a  multipolar  group.  And this multipolar nature, and the global philosophy of Listen, Design, Make and Support has enabled it to provide innovative and smart solutions. Legrand’s products are amongst the top in the market and have undisputable brand equity.

Legrand products and services comply with the three criteria of  simplicity  –  simplicity  of  use, simplicity  of  installation  and  simplicity  of  distribution  -  which  enable  the  company  to  quickly penetrate new markets. With an employee base of over 1000 in India, the company is  fast emerging   as   a   leader   in   its   core business by extending products and services that suit every segment in the local market.

Headquartered in Mumbai, Legrand operates across India through 26 offices, 600 stockiest, 11500 retail outlets with three state-of-the-art manufacturing units, seven training centers and two R&D   centers.   Technological   innovations, simple   and   rapid   product   combinations   to   form communicating systems, clever installation ideas etc. are the focus of the R&D team at Legrand.

Tendercuts Registers 300% Growth During the COVID-19 Lockdown

TenderCuts, a tech driven omni-channel Meat & Seafood Company; shared that it has registered almost 300% growth during the COVID-19 lockdown period. The company currently serves around 5,00,000 customers across Chennai and Hyderabad. 15% of these customers are super-customers (people who order every day) and around 3,00,000 customers order once every week.

The company witnessed a big spike in demand as many customers started switching to meat and seafood brands which was perceived hygienic. The company has also introduced Contactless Retail- a one of its kind service amongst meat & seafood retail at its stores recently. The service is part of the company’s initiative to mitigate the ongoing COVID-19 crisis across the country with focus on ensuring health and safety of its employees and customers. It ensures stringent quality right from its procurement to the sales. The company encourages ethical farming practices that brings the customers chemical-free and preservative free produce.

Talking about the same, Mr. Nishanth Chandran, Founder and CEO, Tendercuts said,” COVID-19 has created a positive movement for the company. The customers who would have taken several years to switch to hygienic chicken, mutton and seafood brands, post-pandemic we feel that the change in consumer behaviour is happening at a much rapid pace. We generally used to see more sales during weekends especially on Sunday before the lockdown, but post the lockdown came into effect, the sales have been spread evenly across weekdays which is a new trend observed by us.

He further added, safety of our customers, employees and delivery partners has been our utmost priority and during this lockdown period we have strengthened it by implementing new SOPs to keep them safe.”   

Intel Launches First Global Challenges, Marks a New Era of Shared Corporate Responsibility

Today, Intel released its annual Corporate Responsibility Report. The report builds on Intel’s decades of transparency in corporate responsibility and details progress Intel has made in the past decade to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, restore billions of gallons of water to local communities and achieve gender pay equity across its global workforce, among other milestones. The report also establishes a new 2030 strategy and goals for continued progress for the next decade – from achieving net positive water use, 100% green power and zero waste to landfills across Intel’s global manufacturing operations to doubling the number of women and underrepresented minorities in senior leadership roles and scaling the impact of its supply chain human rights programs.

For the first time, Intel has defined global challenges that expand its commitment in resources, expertise, global reach and influence beyond its own operations to address challenges that can only be solved by collaborating across major organizations, industries and countries.

“The world is facing challenges that we understand better each day as we collect and analyze more data, but they go unchecked without a collective response – from climate change to deep digital divides around the world to the current pandemic that has fundamentally changed all our lives,” said Intel CEO Bob Swan. “We can solve them, but only by working together.”

Intel committed to engage industries, governments and communities to tackle three specific global challenges over the next decade:

Revolutionize health and safety with technology

* Intel will work with partners in healthcare, life sciences and government to apply technology in strategic manufacturing, transportation and healthcare initiatives, including accelerating cures for diseases and improving health. Its efforts will include the company’s recently announced Pandemic Response Technology Initiative, which applies cloud, artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance technology solutions to better diagnose, treat and cure COVID-19 and to help prepare for future pandemics.

* Intel will lead a global coalition of industry leaders toward a common objective: The safety of autonomous vehicles should not be a point of differentiation but a shared goal. Through collaboration with industry and governments and development of new safety technologies and standards – such as Responsibility-Sensitive Safety (RSS) and the forthcoming IEEE 2846 – that will provide clear guidance on what it means for an autonomous vehicle to drive safely, we have the potential to save more lives with autonomous vehicles when compared to human drivers.

Make technology fully inclusive and expand digital readiness

* Intel will work with other companies to accelerate adoption of inclusive business practices across industries by creating and implementing a Global Inclusion Index open standard. Using common metrics, it will allow the industry to track progress in area such as achieving greater levels of women and minorities in senior and technical positions, accessible technology and equal pay. Intel has already been collaborating with Lenovo to convene CDIOs and HR professionals to drive industry transformation and stay at the forefront of this work.

* Intel will partner with governments and communities to address the digital divide and expand access to technology skills needed for current and future jobs. An example is the Intel® AI For Youth program, which provides AI curriculum and resources to over 100,000 high school and vocational students in 10 countries and will continue to scale globally. By 2030, Intel plans to partner with governments in 30 countries and 30,000 institutions worldwide and is committed to empower more than 30 million people with AI skills training.

Achieve carbon-neutral computing to address climate change

* Intel will work with PC manufacturers to create the most sustainable and energy-efficient PC in the world – one that eliminates carbon, water and waste in its design and use. Specifically, the company is exploring a sustainability roadmap that would include enabling sensor technology to reduce power usage, partnering with material vendors on recyclable packaging and developing longer-term, energy-efficient architectures.

* Intel will collaborate with industry and policymakers to apply technology to reduce emissions across high-impact industries.

Technology is not just at the heart of breakthroughs. It plays a vital role in the global communities, governments and services that people depend on every day to solve current crises while proactively tackling future ones.

“Intel and many others in technology-driven industries see the opportunity to leverage our R&D, creativity, expertise and influence to collaborate on these critical issues and will become even stronger and more relevant as a result,” Swan said. “For Intel, it’s embedded in our purpose to create world-changing technology that enriches the lives of every person on Earth.”

With an expansive global reach, robust supply chain and strategic partnerships throughout the industry, Intel will leverage this unique mix of capabilities to tackle many of today’s problems and create the technology and partnerships that will be fundamental in rising to the challenges of tomorrow.

Intel’s latest Corporate Responsibility Report includes details of the new 2030 strategy and goals that will accelerate the adoption of responsible, inclusive and sustainable practices, enabled by Intel’s technology and the expertise and passion of its employees around the world.

Amazon Prime Video to Globally Premiere Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana Starrer Gulabo Sitabo on June 12, 2020

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

Amazon Prime Video today announced the global premiere of the highly anticipated Hindi film Gulabo Sitabo exclusively on the streaming service. Directed by Shoojit Sircar, the film stars Amitabh Bachchan (Black, Piku) and Ayushmann Khurrana (Shubh Mangal Zyaada Saavdhan, Andhadhun) in the lead. The movie will premiere exclusively on the 12th of June, 2020 on Amazon Prime Video and will be available in 200 countries and territories worldwide.

“At Amazon we’re listening to our customers, and working backwards from there.” said Vijay Subramaniam, Director and Head, Content, Amazon Prime Video, India. “Gulabo Sitabo is one of the most anticipated films of the year. We are happy to exclusively premiere Gulabo Sitabo on Prime Video. It is the first step in our endeavour to bring superior cinematic experiences to our customer’s doorstep.”

“This is the dawn of a new era for Indian entertainment,” said director, Shoojit Sircar. “I am happy that a global audience will be able to watch our gritty dramedy, and enjoy what the film has in store for them. Gulabo Sitabo is a quirky, light-hearted movie that the audience can enjoy with their families. It has been a wonderful experience working with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana on the film.”

“Indian audiences have been eagerly awaiting the release of Gulabo Sitabo and we are delighted that Amazon Prime Video will now be premiering the movie for our customers. The global release of Gulabo Sitabo on Prime Video, in over 200 countries and territories, will ensure maximum reach and visibility for the film not just in India but around the world. We are excited about the new offering and are happy to, once again, bring to our customers the best of entertainment through this release,” said Gaurav Gandhi, Director and Country General Manager, Amazon Prime Video India.

“Gulabo Sitabo is a slice of life, dramedy that is a must watch for families at home,” said actor Amitabh Bachchan, “I was excited about my role since the first time Shoojit showed me the character’s look. It took me almost 3 hours each day to get into character with its different look. I had a wonderful time working with my very talented co-star Ayushmann Khurrana. Even though we are constantly bantering in the film, it has been a pleasure working with him for the first time. This family entertainer has the power to cut across geographic boundaries and we are pleased to bring Gulabo Sitabo to audiences across the globe.”

Actor Ayushmann Kurrana said, “Gulabo Sitabo is a special film for me. It made me reunite with my mentor Shoojit da after Vicky Donor. Whatever I’m today is because of him and I’m happy that he made me a part of his vision again. Gulabo Sitabo also sees me share the screen space with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan for the first time and it’s a huge moment, it’s a dream come true for me. I have secretly wished to work with him for many, many years and Shoojit da made this happen and I will be indebted to him forever. It has truly been an honour for me to work with a legend and I feel enriched as an actor after the experience. What I love about the film is its sheer simplicity - the fleeting moments of simple humour in the banter between a landlord and tenant makes this film really special. I hope audiences love the film and our chemistry when it premieres.”

Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana, Gulabo Sitabo is the quirky tale of two slimy scheming foxes in a game of one upmanship, each one attracting other members to their clan and each one with an agenda of his own. A Rising Sun Films production, Gulabo Sitabo is directed by Shoojit Sircar, written by Juhi Chaturvedi and produced by Ronnie Lahiri and Sheel Kumar.

Gulabo Sitabo will join the thousands of TV shows and movies from Hollywood and Bollywood in the Prime Video catalogue. These include Indian-produced Amazon Original series like Four More Shots Please!, 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 Gulabo Sitabo anywhere and anytime on the Prime Video app for smart TVs, mobile devices, Fire TV, Fire TV stick, Fire tablets, Apple TV, 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 with Prime membership for just ₹999 annually or ₹129 monthly. 

Karnataka Governments Thanks Paytm for Contributing Face Masks for its Workforce

Government of Karnataka's Rural Development And Panchayat Raj Department (RDPR) has thanked Paytm for sending across masks for its workforce and has specially tweeted to appreciate this gesture. Paytm, India’s leading digital payments and financial services company has sent over 10,000 face masks to supports the frontline workers fighting COVID-19 in the state.

Paytm is in the process of sending out 4 lakh masks and 10 lakh hygiene products to the offices of the Government of India, Army, CRPF, Police, Hospitals, Municipal bodies, and District Magistrates. These authorities would distribute them to the personnel working in the frontline to help control the outspread.  Apart from Karnataka Government, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, CRPF Jammu, National Human Commission Assam, and Hyderabad Police have also tweeted from their official handles to thank Paytm for its efforts.

The company is aiming to deliver supplies to many other states including UP, Haryana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Goa, and Madhya Pradesh in the coming days.

Paytm has launched a host of initiatives to join the fight against novel coronavirus. It has revamped its app's UI with ‘Stay at Home Essential Payments’. The new design has streamlined payments such as mobile & DTH recharge, electricity, water, gas, credit card, insurance premium among others which millions of Indians are now conveniently paying from their home.

When the government launched the PM-CARES fund, the company joined the noble cause by aiming to raise Rs. 500 crore with the support of its users. Also under ‘Feed My City’ initiative, Paytm is providing meals to daily wage earners in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad & Noida in association with KVN Foundation. The company is requesting fellow citizens to support these initiatives by donating through their Paytm app.