Nestlé MUNCH Brings MUNCH STAR – A Platform For Indian Youth To Showcase Their ‘Andar Ka Crunch’

 

The youth of India has always been resourceful and resilient, often using their inventiveness and confidence to make the maximum of the given situation. In today’s times, they are finding innovative ways to remain enthusiastic and bring positivity to themselves and people around them; clearly showing India ke Kone Kone ka crunch.

India’s most CRUNCHY brand, Nestlé MUNCH proudly celebrates this spirit of inventiveness and resilience in millions of young Indians and brings to them the MUNCH STAR initiative -- a unique platform to showcase their ‘Andar ka crunch’. Having celebrated the confidence and Crunch ka Attitude of young Indians, Nestle MUNCH envisions to inspire and motivate them by celebrating their Andar ka Crunch in two categories of ‘Crunchy Innovators’ and ‘Confident Performers’. 

The initiative gets launched with the roll out of a 35 second TVC where popular actor Samantha Akkineni introduces the MUNCH STAR initiative to consumers and inspires them with real life examples where resourceful and inventive youth show their Crunchy innovations such as solar umbrella that powers fans and Confident performances such as blindfolded solving of a Rubik’s cube, painting with feet while doing Bharatanatyam dance and many more. The TVC then invites youngsters from across the country to show their Andar Ka Crunch and submit their entries in either category to get a chance to become a MUNCH Star. Entries can be submitted on the brand’s Instagram page till 15th October 2020.

Two winners, one each from ‘Crunchy Innovators’ and ‘Confident Performers’ categories, will win the coveted title of MUNCH STAR and a cash prize of Rupees Five Lakh each. Ten other winners will win cash prizes worth rupees one lakh each and about 200 winners stand a chance to win exciting Amazon vouchers.

Commenting on the launch of the MUNCH STAR Initiative, Nikhil Chand, Director, Foods & Confectionery, Nestlé India, said “Nestlé MUNCH, with a range of delicious, light, affordable treats, has always celebrated the resourcefulness and inventiveness of young Indians. As our country starts to reopen, everyone has to play their part, and Nestle MUNCH plays its part with MUNCH STAR, where we aim to celebrate and showcase millions of these young Confident Performers and Crunchy Innovators, who have impacted other people’s lives with their extraordinary confident performances as well as with their cool and quirky innovations.  The fact that young indians are leading these Crunchy Innovations is reassuring that our country will emerge stronger and even more resilient. We are also hopeful that the initiative will not just provide youngsters a platform to showcase their Andar ka Crunch but will also motivate millions of others to pursue their talent.”

Excited about the association, Samantha Akkineni said “I am delighted to raise the ‘crunch’ with MUNCH Star initiative that gives youngsters a platform to exhibit their talent and innovations.”

MUNCH has also rolled out MUNCH Star emoji packs celebrating the MUNCH STAR Crunch ka Attitude, that are available across millions of outlets across India. The initiative will also be promoted across major digital and social media platforms.

Name of Advertising / Creative Agency: Wunderman Thompson, Gurgaon.

Creative Team:  Hasan Jafri, Sumonto Ghosh

Account Management Team:  Neetika Aggarwal, Amrita Hazari, Srishti S Bhatnagar

Planning Team: Shubhrojyoti Roy, Vartika Sahani, Snigdha Bose

Films Team: Mandeep Singh

Production House: Up Films

Director: Avnish K

Producer: Sujata Shukla

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr-mAm7Bf8s

TECNO Set to Change the Game in Sub-9K Smartphone Segment with the New SPARK 6 Air Variant

* The new SPARK 6 Air (3GB + 64GB) variant comes with segment first offerings of 6000mAh battery, 7” display & 64GB bigger storage at just INR 8699

* The first sale of TECNO SPARK 6 Air (3GB + 64GB) starts from 25th September, 2020 on Amazon (https://rb.gy/v8a5ow )

TECNO, the global premium smartphone brand, today rolled out a powerful new variant of the SPARK 6 Air. The SPARK series has seen a steadfast growth supplemented by TECNO’s ‘India-first’ strategy of introducing segment first features that will enable the brand to consolidate its position among top smartphone players in the sub-10k segment.  And with the SPARK 6 Air new (3GB + 64GB) variant, TECNO continues to do what they do the best.

SPARK 6 Air (3GB + 64GB) brings in unique combination of category defining features such as massive 6000 mAh battery with standby time of 30 days, 7” display, 13MP Triple rear camera and a bigger 64GB internal storage which can be expanded to 1TB with memory card, and priced aggressively at INR 8,699. The features and the price point make it a stellar offering in the sub 9K segment.

TECNO SPARK 6 Air is now available in three variants - 2GB RAM + 32 GB storage at Rs 7,999; 3GB RAM +32GB storage at Rs 8,499 and 3GB RAM +64GB at Rs. 8699. The new 64GB variant smartphone will be available on Amazon India starting from 25th September, 2020. SPARK 6 Air (3+64) will be available in three colours of Comet black, Ocean blue & Cloud white.

All TECNO smartphones come with one-time free screen replacement offer.

Key USP’s of SPARK 6 Air (3GB + 64 GB) includes:

* Gigantic Battery

Housing a jumbo 6000 mAh battery, the new SPARK 6 Air (3GB + 64GB) provides a standby of 716 hours, calling 37 hours, Internet and wifi 21 hours, Music 134 hours, game 19 hours and video playback 23 hours You can get upto 4 days of battery backup with this big 6000mAh battery

* Bigger Storage

The new SPARK 6 Air variant, runs on a Helio A25, Octa Core 1.8 Ghz processor, providing a smooth and seamless movie watching, video watching, audio listening experience. It houses a 3GB RAM and an internal storage of 64 GB which is expandable up to 1 TB with its non-hybrid triple card slot

* BIG Display for an immersive viewing experience

The SPARK 6 Air provides a segment first gigantic 7" Dot Notch HD+ display for an immersive viewing experience. The 20.5:9 aspect ratio and 720 x 1640 HD Resolution makes it the apt device for watching videos, reading, and browsing. The 480 nits brightness accentuates the brightness in sunlight.

* Superlative Camera Performance

The SPARK 6 Air (3GB + 64GB) boasts of a Triple Rear AI Camera with 13 MP Primary Sensor with an aperture of F1.8, AI Lens, 2 MP Depth Sensor and Quad Flash, enabling one to capture brighter & clearer pictures. The Bokeh Mode, AI Scene Detection, Slow Motion videos, and AI HDR Mode, altogether enhances the smartphone photography experience. It also comes loaded with additional features like Document Scan, AI Body Shaping, Beauty Mode and Google lens. The 8 MP AI Selfie Camera with dual front flash captures the perfect selfie in low light.

* Tightened security

Armed with a fast and secure Smart Fingerprint Sensor and Face Unlock 2.o, the new SPARK 6 Air, enables one to keep their data safe and secure. The Smart fingerprint sensor performs functions like receiving and recording calls, taking photos and dismissing alarms. The Face Unlock 2.0 tightens the security on your smartphone by preventing the smartphone from getting unlocked with eyes closed.

* Unique Audio Sharing Feature

The new SPARK 6 Air boasts of a unique audio sharing feature that enables one to connect 2 Bluetooth earphones and 3 Bluetooth Speakers simultaneously.

About TECNO Mobile

TECNO Mobile is a premium smartphone brand from TRANSSION Holdings. Upholding the brand essence of “Expect More”, TECNO is committed to giving the masses access to latest technology at accessible prices, allowing the consumers to reach beyond their current limitations and uncover a world of possibilities. TECNO understands the needs of consumers from different markets and provides them with localized innovations across a product portfolio. TECNO is a major global player with presence in around 60 emerging markets across the world. It is also the global Official Tablet and Handset Partner of Manchester City Football Club. For more information, please visit: www.tecno-mobile.com; https://tecno-mobile.in/home/#/

Zee Live Partners with Zee Studios to Launch ‘Supermoon Drive-In’ this October

Enhancing the movie-viewing experience for audiences in the new normal, Zee Live, the live events vertical of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. in partnership with Zee Studios has announced ‘Supermoon Drive In’, a first of its kind drive in theatre experience following the global standards of safety, social distancing measures and sanitization, keeping in mind the utmost safety of viewers. The drive in will also have a contact-less ticketing process along with contact-less F&B to ensure a safe environment for the movie goers.

Supermoon Drive-In will offer the finest moving-viewing experience for audience within the safety of their cars, following all the required hygiene and safety norms as advised by the Government of India. With limited out of home entertainment options available over the last six months, movie goers have been missing the excitement of catching the latest flick at a movie theatre. To cater to this need gap, Zee Live & Zee Studios will host the premieres of the Bollywood romance action film ‘Khaali Peeli’ and the Tamil drama ‘Ka Pae Ranasingam’ at its first drive-in movie festival.

To be hosted from October 2-4, 2020, Supermoon Drive In will feature 11 shows over 3 days in 2 cities. Audiences can catch their favourite films on the below mentioned location & dates:

* *Gurgaon:  Backyard Sports Club, sector 59 | 2nd -4th Oct Khaali Peeli

* *Bangalore: Phoenix Marketcity, Whitefield | 2nd-4th Oct Khaali Peeli & Ka Pae Ranasingam

Tickets available on BookMyShow and Insider.com

Speaking on the launch of the initiative, Swaroop Banerjee, COO and business head, Zee Live said, “We are excited to launch ‘Supermoon Drive In’ at a time when there is an existing dearth of authentic theatre-viewing experience. A movie outing has always been one of the most common forms of outdoor environment which the audiences were missing owing to the lockdown. We are delighted to associate with Zee Studios to bring in two very exciting movies with a talented star cast. With this partnership we aim to give our audiences the freedom to step out of their homes while maintaining the necessary safety and hygiene standards of the whole experience from the comforts of their car.”

Shariq Patel, CEO, Zee Studios added, “We are exhilarated to host the largest outdoor movie premiers in the country with the release of ‘Khaali Peeli’ and ‘Ka Pae Ranasingam’. Both these movies with its stellar cast and engaging story lines are sure to strike a chord with our viewers who were missing the grandeur of cinema experience. The entire event is going to serve as an exciting and much-needed experience for all movie aficionados.”

Trend Micro Achieves AWS Outposts Ready Designation to Deliver Seamless Hybrid Cloud Security

Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), the leader in cloud security, today announced that its hybrid cloud security offerings have received the AWS Outposts Ready designation, part of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Service Ready Program. This designation recognizes that Trend Micro has demonstrated successful integration with AWS Outposts deployments. 

AWS Outposts is a fully managed service that extends AWS infrastructure, AWS services, APIs, and tools to virtually any datacenter, co-location space, or on-premises facility. Teams using Trend Micro for their hybrid cloud security benefit from a truly consistent hybrid experience that combines the agility, breadth of services, and pace of innovation of AWS with seamless security protection across an enterprise infrastructure. 

Achieving the AWS Outposts Ready designation differentiates Trend Micro as an AWS Partner Network (APN) member with products fully tested on AWS Outposts. 

"We know the importance of helping customers and organizations more easily identify potential security risks in order to take action," said Joshua Burgin, General Manager, AWS Outposts, Amazon Web Services, Inc. "With Trend Micro's products available to customers on AWS Outposts, we are able to provide a comprehensive view of (a customer's) security posture on their infrastructure, on AWS Outposts, and in AWS Regions both on premises and in the cloud for a truly consistent hybrid experience." 

AWS Outposts allow organizations that must keep their data on-premise to do so with the benefits of AWS infrastructure and services. The availability of Trend Micro protection for AWS Outposts allows verticals such as government and financial services to further their digital transformation securely, while maintaining any data residency requirements. 

According to a recent report from IDC, "Trend Micro is the dominant leader in Software-Defined Compute (SDC) workload protection," making up 29.5% of the worldwide hybrid cloud workload security market share, proving the company's strength in hybrid cloud security. 

"We have proven industry leadership for cloud workloads, and we have been a member of the AWS Partner Network since 2012, making Trend Micro an obvious choice for companies throughout their journey to the cloud," said Mark Nunnikhoven, vice president of cloud research for Trend Micro. "Now with AWS Outposts, we offer full data security continuity to support customers adopting the cloud technology that best fits their business needs." 

AWS Outposts Ready products are generally available and supported for AWS customers, with clear deployment documentation for AWS Outposts. AWS Service Ready Partners have demonstrated success building products integrated with AWS services, helping AWS customers evaluate and use their technology productively, at scale and varying levels of complexity. 

To support the seamless integration and deployment of AWS Outposts Ready solutions, AWS established the AWS Outposts Ready Program to help customers identify products integrated with AWS Outposts and spend less time evaluating new tools, and more time scaling their use of products that are integrated with AWS Outposts deployments. 

SEEDS, Honeywell Partner to Provide “6 Lakh Meals in Bengaluru”

* Distribution drive to cover nine cities, provide more than 1 crore meals 

* 3.7 million meals distributed to nearly 12,300 families across five cities in phase 1 

* 7 million meals to be distributed in phase 2, covering nine cities 

* 6.7lakhs meals are being distributed in Marathahalli of Bengaluru supporting over 2000 families 

SEEDS, a leading humanitarian organization, has partnered with Honeywell to distribute food kits that will provide 10.7 million meals across nine cities to people who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. These include daily wagers, contract workers, and migrant population who have been displaced because of the lockdown.

While phase-1 of the distribution drive provided around 3.7 million meals across five cities, in phase-2, this partnership aims to provide an additional 7 million meals across nine cities: Delhi, Gurugram, Bengaluru, Pune, Madurai, Haridwar, Dehradun, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Cumulatively, this multi-city outreach will cover 1.78 lakh people.  

At the beginning of the countrywide lockdown, there was a huge outpouring of support for the displaced and marginalized. These efforts have come down significantly since the country began to restart and reopen. However, there are large swathes of population – especially among migrant workers – that continue to suffer from job losses and depleted savings.  

Yezdani Rahman, Chief of Program, SEEDS said, “We at SEEDS are committed to reach out to those in need, in the face of covid-19 pandemic since the very beginning. With the crisis still looming large, the challenge to sustain lives continues to prevail and we remain strong with people fighting against it. Through our second phase of ration distribution with support from Honeywell, we aim to reach out to more number of families in respective regions than in the first phase.” 

Each food kit comprises rice, wheat flour, sugar, pulses, cooking oil, and salt. 

The distribution drive will be conducted in the presence of Mr. Ramakrishnan Parasuraman, Director Engineering, Aerospace, Honeywell Technology Solutions Limited (HTSL), Mr. Ram Ganapathy, Director Finance, HTSL in Marathahalli. 

Anita K, Sub-Inspector, Marathahalli said, “Due to the nationwide lockdown, a large section of migrant population have lost their jobs. Although we have embarked on the unlocking process, these communities are still finding it difficult to make their ends meet with meager savings. Honeywell and their NGO partner, SEEDS, are doing commendable work by addressing some of their integral needs. We would like to urge more organizations to come forward at these dark hours to help the affected families return back to normalcy.” 

Mr. Ramakrishnan Parasuraman, Director Engineering, Aerospace, Honeywell Technology Solutions Limited (HTSL) said, “As responsible corporate citizens, we are committed to reaching out to the most vulnerable with assistance during this critical time. We are taking all the necessary precautions and ensuring safe distancing while conducting the ration distribution. Through this initiative, we would like to extend our support to the communities impacted due to loss of livelihood owing to nationwide lockdown.” 

Over the coming weeks, SEEDS will engage with social volunteers and government officials to undertake the distribution drive.

About SEEDS: 

SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society) is a not-for-profit organisation that enables community resilience through practical solutions in the areas of disaster readiness, response and rehabilitation. Since 1994, the organization has worked extensively on every major disaster in the Indian subcontinent – grafting innovative technology on to traditional wisdom. It has reached out to families affected by disasters and climate stresses; strengthened and rebuilt schools and homes; and has invariably put its faith in skill-building, planning and communications to foster long-term resilience. SEEDS is also India’s first agency to be certified for the global Core Humanitarian Standards – an international certification system for quality and accountability in humanitarian response. SEEDS completed 25 years of outstanding service to humanity in 2019 and is re-anchoring its approach to building resilience through innovation. It continues to empower the most vulnerable across Asia to build a better future. 

Your Money is Completely Safe with Paytm, and You Can Continue to Enjoy Wallet, Banking & UPI Services

Paytm, India's homegrown financial services platform has assured its users that their money and accounts are completely safe and there is no disruption in the services. "All your money is completely safe, and you can continue to enjoy your Paytm app as normal," the company tweeted from its official handle to assure millions of its users. The company has also assured its wallet, banking, gold and UPI services are safe, secure and operational.  

In an arbitrary move on Friday, Goggle had temporarily removed Paytm app from its Playstore for promoting UPI cashback & scratch cards. Paytm had launched ‘Paytm Cricket League’ on its app for users to engage in their passion of cricket and get cashback. The game allowed users to get player stickers after each transaction, collect them and receive Paytm Cashback. Google had unlisted Paytm from Playstore, claiming that this cashback offer is a violation of their policy. 

However, Paytm said that giving cashbacks is a standard industry practice followed by all players, including Google Pay. The US-based tech giant has doled out millions in cashback to gain market share in India. The Noida headquartered Paytm is the country's largest payments app and competes with Google Pay. 

This step has rallied massive support for Paytm against the unfair step by Google to thwart its competition. Several industry insiders, experts & journalists called out Google’s malafide intention and said that as a country India should not beholden to such tech giants. 

7 Workout Accessories to Help You Achieve Your Fitness Goals at Home

With the outbreak of COVID-19, and the subsequent shutdown of most public spaces, including gyms, staying fit became a challenge. However, with the right motivation, and determination, we think this time at home provides the perfect opportunity for you to focus on your health and fitness, and achieve the body goals you always desired. What’s more, is that working out will help you feel happy and ensure your mind stays healthy. To help you get started with a home fitness routine, here’s a list of workout accessories you must have. 

1. Syska SW100 Smart Watch 

To help you monitor your health and track your fitness regimen, the Syska SW100 is your go-to buddy. The smartwatch is equipped with features that monitor your sleep cycle, and calorie intake, track your step count, and heart rate, and keep a tab on yoga sessions, to give you a holistic overview of your health, so you can focus on areas of improvement. The Syska SW 100 smartwatch is available on Flipkart at a discounted price of Rs 2,499.

2. Goldmedal Electricals i-Sense FM-Bluetooth Music Player (3M)

i-Sense FM-Bluetooth Music Player (3M)

Almost everyone who works out will attest to the fact that the right music sets the tone for the session. Goldmedal’s i-Sense FM-Bluetooth Player (3M) is a one-of-a-kind product that is stylish yet compact, and can be installed directly into a flush box with any Goldmedal modular plate. The i-sense FM-Bluetooth player not only allows you to listen to the radio or music from any Bluetooth-enabled MP3 device, but also has an additional line output that allows connection to Hi-Fi or multi-room systems. It is also equipped with an in-built stereo amplifier that enables direct speaker connection, as well as has a 3.5mm port for multiple listening options while working out.

3. Strauss Skipping Rope

According to experts, skipping is a better alternative to running, as a part of fitness routines. A 15 minute session can burn up to 300 calories which is much more than other continuous cardio exercises, or riding a bike. The Strauss skipping rope is a light weight 3 meter solid PVC rope with a strong plastic handle and is perfect for beginners. The skipping rope is available on Amazon for Rs 199.

4. Victory Neo - Gym & Fitness Glove 

Wearing gloves is crucial while working out. Gloves protect your hands from any kind of injury, swelling, pain, inflammation, absorbs sweat, and provides odour protection. The Victory Neo gloves shield your fingers from the stress caused while lifting heavy weights or doing anything strenuous. If you’re worried about the fit, you needn’t be. These can be adjusted according to the size of your hand and are padded with foam to improve the grip and comfort. The gloves are available on Amazon for Rs 199.

5. Nodens Gym Ball

Working out using a gym ball can help enhance your flexibility. Gym balls stimulate muscle stability, and help tone your body. This gym ball from Nodens is made with user friendly PVC and is an anti-burst ball. It weights 2000lbs and is perfect even for rigorous workouts. The gym ball is available on Amazon at a discounted price of Rs. 1,402.

6. Signatron Extra Thick Yoga Mat

The benefits of using a yoga mat while working out are multifold. Not only does it provide you with a non-slip comfortable surface, but it also provides thermo-insulation between the body and the ground. This Signatron extra thick yoga mat is 10 mm thick, slip-proof and waterproof. It also comes with an attached carry strap, making it convenient to carry wherever you choose to work out. The yoga mat is available on Amazon at a discounted price of Rs. 1,099.

7. Diva And Diya Exercise Bands 

You don't need a gym and heavy equipment to reach your fitness goals. These exercise bands are a great alternative to machines. Besides helping in injury rehabilitation and toning of your body shaping, they are also ideal for assisting in workouts such as P90x, CrossFit, Yoga, Insanity, Pilates, Hot Yoga, and more. The Diva and Diya exercise bands are available in packs of five, and are high-quality resistant bands which do not lose their elasticity, even after frequent practice. The bands are available on Amazon at a discounted price of Rs. 799.