Bengaluru To Host 5th World Coffee Conference (WCC) For The First Time In Asia Between September 25-28, 2023 At Bangalore Palace

* WCC 2023 proudly announced Mr. Rohan Bopanna, India’s No.1 Doubles Tennis Player & Arjuna Awardee as its Brand Ambassador.

·  “Sustainability through Circular Economy and Regenerative Agriculture" is the central theme for this week-long event, featuring Conference, Exhibition, Skill-Building Workshops, CEOs & Global Leaders Forum, Growers Conclave and a myriad of networking events, all focused on advancing sustainability in the coffee industry.

·  Producers, Curers, Roasters, Exporters, Policy Makers, Researchers and everyone passionate about coffee from 80+ Countries to join at WCC 2023, with a 4-Day intensive program focused on Building a Sustainable Coffee Industry through Discussion, Debate, and Collaboration.

International Coffee Organization (ICO), in collaboration with the Coffee Board of India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Government of Karnataka and the Coffee industry are proud to bring the 5th World Coffee Conference (WCC) 2023 from 25th to 28th September 2023 at the iconic Bangalore Palace, Bengaluru. Today, the announcement event was held to unveil the event logo, theme and highlights of the most anticipated event of the Coffee sector.

During the unveiling of the WCC 2023 Logo and Theme- “Sustainability through Circular Economy and Regenerative Agriculture", Dr. S. Selvakumar, IAS, Principal Secretary of the Commerce & Industries Department, Government of Karnataka, said that, "Karnataka is undoubtedly the Coffee capital of India, with a rich heritage of producing some of the finest coffees in the world. There is tremendous opportunity for investments across the coffee value chain- from bean to cup right from equipment companies, coffee machines, soluble coffees brands as well café chains. This in turn leads to increased employment opportunities for our talent from farm to cafes. Therefore, we are privileged to be the Host State for this event.”

Dr. K.G. Jagadeesha, IAS, CEO and Secretary, Coffee Board of India proudly announced Mr. Rohan Bopanna, India’s No.1 Doubles Tennis Player & Arjuna Awardee as the Brand Ambassador of WCC 2023. While making this announcement, Dr. K.G Jagadeesha, said “WCC 2023 is being organized for first time Asia and it is set to bring immense benefits to coffee farmers in India. By promoting Coffees of India on the global stage, the event will create new opportunities and markets for these farmers. Moreover, the conference will feature global speakers addressing pressing issues related to circular economy and regenerative agriculture. Overall, WCC 2023 holds great promise for the Global coffee sector, specially the Indian coffee industry fostering growth and sustainable practices while showcasing its rich coffee heritage to the world.”

On being the WCC 2023 brand ambassador, Mr. Rohan Bopanna, said, “My life is a unique blend, bridging the realms of being a coffee planter’s son and a professional tennis player. Growing up amidst the scenic beauty of Coorg's coffee plantations, I've forged a deep connection with coffee while pursuing my Tennis career and I proudly represent the harmony of these two worlds. I am thrilled & proud to be part of the prestigious WCC 2023. As India establishes itself as a flourishing coffee destination, this event holds great promise for fostering growth and collaboration within our rapidly expanding coffee industry."

Mr. Jagdish Patankar, Executive Chairman of MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications and Event Curators for WCC2023, presented a diverse range of event components, including a Conference, Exhibition, Skill-Building Workshops, CEOs & Global Leaders Forum, Growers Conclave, Competitions & Awards, Plantation Tours, Cultural Evenings, Buyer-Seller Meet, and B2B Meetings. These elements promise to create a comprehensive and enriching experience for attendees, making WCC2023 an impactful and memorable global coffee conference and expo.

This event was also graced by some of the prominent sponsor representatives including Mr. Challa Srishant, Managing Director, Continental Coffee Ltd., Mr. Chacko Purackal Thomas, Managing Director and CEO, Tata Coffee Ltd., Mr. N. Sathappan, Chairman and Managing Director of SLN Coffee Pvt. Ltd. and Mr. Sunayan Mitra, Director, Coffee & Beverage Business South Asia Region, Nestle India Ltd.

WCC 2023 will host an impressive array of participants, including ICO Member Country Representatives, Coffee Growers, Coffee Roasters, Coffee Curers, Farm to Cup Industry, HORECA, Café Owners, Coffee Nations, Policy Makers, Start-Ups, R&D and Students.

Bengaluru awaits to host this extraordinary global gathering, which will showcase commitment towards sustainability and innovation in the coffee industry. Previous editions of the conference were successfully held in England (2001), Brazil (2005), Guatemala (2010), and Ethiopia (2016), receiving immense appreciation from coffee enthusiasts worldwide. 

The World Coffee Conference & Expo is gearing up for an impressive gathering that is set to attract participants from over 80 countries, including 2000+ delegates and 90 speakers. With the participation of 150+ exhibitors, attendees will have the chance to explore a diverse array of products and innovations within the coffee industry. The event is expected to draw over 10,000 business visitors, providing an excellent opportunity for networking and fostering connections among coffee enthusiasts, professionals, and businesses. Moreover, with over 200 B2B meetings, the event offers a promising platform for forging partnerships and collaborations in the coffee sector. All in all, this event promises to be an exciting and enriching experience for anyone passionate about coffee.

About ICO

The International Coffee Organization (ICO) is the primary intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting coffee trade and fostering cooperation among coffee-producing and consuming nations. Established in 1963, ICO has played a pivotal role in shaping the global coffee industry and its sustainable development.

About Coffee Board of India

The Coffee Board of India is a statutory organization under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India and plays a crucial role in supporting coffee growers, conducting research, promoting Indian coffee globally, and implementing various policies and programs to enhance the coffee sector's growth and sustainability.

Photo Caption: Dr. K.G. Jagadeesha(IAS), Dr. S. Selvakumar(IAS), Mr. Rohan Bopanna(India’s No. 1 Doubles Tennis Player & Arjuna Awardee), Mr. Challa Srishant today at the Unveiling of the Logo, Theme and Highlights of the “5th World Coffee Conference 2023” at Bengaluru. 

‘How do you pulp it?’ Minute Maid Pulpy Orange’s Latest TVC Showcases Different Ways To Indulge In A Unique Mouthful Experience

* Unveils a new brand campaign starring NANI

Minute Maid Pulpy Orange, the Coca-Cola Company’s fruit juice brand, is excited to announce the launch of its latest television commercial "How do you pulp it?". The brand is an ultimate orange indulgence with its unmatched fusion of real orange juice and zesty orange pulp. The film showcases multiple ways of consuming pulpy orange such as Gulp it, Slurp it and Chew it while savouring the delightful abundance of pulp. The TVC highlights its intrinsic credentials of containing real orange pulp that adds texture and enhances the overall drinking experience. With every sip, consumers can enjoy the delightful sensation of the pulpy goodness, creating a unique and satisfying mouthful experience.

Conceptualised by Ogilvy, the TVC showcases multiple ways in which Minute Maid Pulpy Orange can be enjoyed, emphasizing on the sheer pleasure that comes with every gulp of the refreshingly pulpy orange juice through the catchy ‘Chew it? Gulp it? Slurp it? How do you pulp it?’ For the first time ever, the brand has roped in influencers like NANI and Shraddha Kapoor, to capture the essence of the unique product while portraying the joy and satisfaction experienced by consumers.

Commenting on the campaign, Ajay Konale, Director - Marketing, Nutrition category, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said, “We are incredibly excited to launch the new campaign to celebrate the abundance of real orange pulp in Minute Maid Pulpy Orange, offering consumers a delightful and immersive way of savouring the refreshing beverage. NANI’s vibrant & dynamic personality and Shraddha Kapoor's energetic presence perfectly complements the brand.”

"Minute Maid Pulpy Orange campaign, 'How do you pulp it?' is an opportunity for us to share the immense joy and delightful taste that accompanies each sip of Minute Maid Pulpy Orange. The addition of the pulp brings a distinct and revitalizing element, creating a truly immersive and satisfying experience. Now it’s time for everyone to revel in its pulpy goodness in their own unique ways,” said NANI.

This campaign has been conceptualized by Ogilvy India as a part of OpenX from WPP. Commenting on the creative insight behind the campaign, Sukesh Nayak, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy India says “Minute Maid Pulpy Orange gives an immersive experience that no other orange juice offers, and therefore we all experience the product in our unique way. To establish this thought we’ve crafted a simple, direct and catchy campaign targeted towards a younger audience. And, with NANI’s presence the campaign’s tonality is vibrant, fun and refreshing - just like our brand.”

The TVC will be aired on leading television channels and will be amplified through various digital platforms and social media channels.

Furthering the celebrity endorsement Minute Maid Pulpy Orange will also invite consumers to share their own experiences and creative ways of consuming the juice by scanning QR code on the pack, and creating interesting AI based engaged with NANI, showing the world how do they pulp it. The brand aims to foster a sense of community and encourage individuals to celebrate the pulp-filled goodness of their favourite orange juice.

Watch the entire Film here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Vqa6SvDG3Y

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company’s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our hydration, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smart water, vitamin water, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our nutrition, juice, dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, Fairlife and AdeS. We are constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping to bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.cocacolacompany.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn

About OpenX from WPP

OpenX from WPP is an entirely new offering created for The Coca-Cola Company that is integrated at its core and unprecedented in its scale. This industry-leading approach to modern marketing allows for seamless integration of bold ideas and creativity with end-to-end experiences that are informed by data and optimized in real-time. Our work spans across the company’s five-category beverage portfolio in more than 200 countries as well as global tent- pole marketing efforts including FIFA and the Olympics. OpenX from WPP provides access to our entire agency network of over 100,000 experts unlocking access to the best talent, capabilities and resources in and outside of WPP. Combining scale and agility, OpenX from WPP supercharges creativity and is a multiplier for change and growth.

JAGUAR TCS Racing Finish Runners-Up In The 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship In London

Jaguar TCS Racing finished runners-up in the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with 292 points - the team’s biggest points haul in Formula E

New Zealander, Mitch Evans, finished third in the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E Drivers’ World Championship with 197 points, only two points behind Nick Cassidy, with his biggest points haul in Formula E

Brit, Sam Bird, finished the season in eighth and completed his 44th and final race for the Jaguar TCS Racing team

Envision Racing, Jaguar’s customer team, took the Teams’ World Championship, meaning the two Jaguar teams finished in the top two

After 16 races across 11 cities and five continents, Jaguar TCS Racing finished runners-up in the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with 292 points – the team’s biggest points haul in Formula E. With 11 podiums, four wins, three Pole positions, the team have seen great success. Mitch Evans finished third in the Drivers’ World Championship with 197 points, his biggest points haul in Formula E, and only two points behind second-place Nick Cassidy.

Sam Bird finished the season in eighth. After three special years together, the London finale marked Sam Bird’s final race with the team. Having joined Jaguar TCS Racing in 2020, Sam has been a fundamental part of the team, achieving seven podiums, two wins, and racking up an incredible 215 points. As a veteran within the paddock, this year Sam competed in his 100th Formula E race.

Coming into the final race, Jaguar TCS Racing were equal on points with Envision Racing. Mitch Evans lined up on the front row of the grid with Sam Bird in sixth. The opening five laps of the rain-affected race were led by the safety car before the E-Prix was red flagged due to safety concerns. The race was red flagged once more before the green flag was waved, an hour and a half after the race was due to start. After the rolling restart, Nick Cassidy and Mitch Evans pulled clear of the field and, between them, were fighting to define the teams’ title. After 30 laps of incredibly difficult racing conditions, the Envision of Nick Cassidy managed to achieve the win ahead of Mitch by just 4.9 seconds. Meanwhile, Sam Bird, drove an efficient and clean race to bring the car home in seventh position around the ExCeL circuit.

The 29 and 7 points scored by Nick Cassidy and Sébastien Buemi respectively, meant Envision Racing, Jaguar’s customer team, clinched the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship title with 304 championship points. The 2023 season has been one of the most competitive to date for Jaguar TCS Racing with a record number of points, podiums, pole positions and wins.

James Barclay, Jaguar TCS Racing Team Principal: “What an incredible season of racing in the new Gen3 era of Formula E. To decide the Championship in the final race against our customer team is a true testament to the performance of the Jaguar I-TYPE 6 – and to end here in London has been really special. Whilst it’s disappointing not to have taken the Teams’ World Championship title, I’m incredibly proud of all that we have achieved as a manufacturer and team this year. A Jaguar 1-2 in the Teams’ Championship with Envision Racing winning is an exceptional result. I’d like to congratulate everyone at Envision Racing for securing the Teams’ title.

“I also would like to extend a huge thank you to Sam. It’s been an amazing three years together and he has contributed to the success we’ve seen as a team. Sam joins an illustrious list of drivers that have raced for a Jaguar line-up, and I know he’s proud of that, as are we. Sam is an extremely talented racing driver who has been a privilege to work with and I know he will see great success in the future.

“Finally, thank you to our colleagues and partners, and our friends all around the world. Without them, none of this would be possible. They help drive performance on the track and off the track and our invaluable to our success.”

Mitch Evans, Jaguar TCS Racing driver, #9: “Overall I’ve got to look at this year as a positive. To have four wins, three Pole positions and seven podiums is a huge achievement. At one point in the season I was 80 points behind, so to reduce that gap and take the championship fight down to the wire is positive. I’m really proud of my personal performance but the team have been incredible and I can’t thank them enough. From everyone at the track, to back at the factory, everyone at Jaguar TCS Racing is determined to win. A final thank you to all of our fans and partners for all of their support this year.”

Sam Bird, Jaguar TCS Racing driver, #10: “We gave it everything and did what we could today, but unfortunately, we just had too much of a deficit coming in at the beginning of the weekend. Congratulations to Envision for their World Championship win. On the whole, this season has been fairly disappointing for me, with a lot of wasted opportunities early on but I have to take the positives – the pace has been strong, I’ve had four podiums, scored nearly 100 points and finished eighth in the championship ahead of some big names. It’s bittersweet to be leaving the team, the past few years have had their fair share of ups and downs, but I want to take the opportunity to say thank you to the team for everything, and I look forward to what the future holds.”

The 2024 season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship starts on the 13 January in Mexico City 2024.

Tata Power Revolutionizes EV Charging Experience; Launches RFID Enabled ‘EZ CHARGE' Card

Tata Power, one of India's largest and fastest growing EV charging solutions provider, has unveiled the EZ CHARGE card today, an advanced RFID (Radio-frequency identification) card that promises to redefine the EV charging experience for lakhs of electric vehicle (EV) owners across the country.

The EZ CHARGE card, launched at the Bombay House by Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power, and Mr. Shailesh Chandra, MD of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility. The card offers unparalleled convenience with its Tap, Charge, and Go functionality. The RFID card features a built-in chip that enables efficient, secure, and seamless initiation of charging sessions and payment for same.

Based on their pre-set recharge value, users can automatically begin the charging process by simply tapping the EZ CHARGE RFID card on the Tata Power EZ charger. Once the vehicle is charged, EV owners can embark on their journeys with ease and confidence.

Tata Power's extensive EV charging infrastructure, which includes over 40,000 home chargers, 4000+ public and semi-public charging points, and 250 bus-charging points, spans 350 cities with a presence in 550 cities. The company plans to set up 25,000 charging points in the next five years, further supporting the growth of the EV ecosystem in the country.

"As the largest and fastest growing EV Charging player in India, we are delighted to bring another innovative offering to further enhance customer experience. The Tata Power EZ CHARGE card is a new frontier integrating RFID technology with our Charge Point network to offer a quick, simple and easy charging solution to EV owners. We continue to collaborate with Tata Motors to accelerate EV adoption and enable a sustainable mobility for all Indians." said Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power 

Mr. Shailesh Chandra, MD of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility said “We have been continuously improving the ownership experience for our EV customers through thoughtful interventions and initiatives. To further improve the charging process for our customers, today, we are launching the EZ Charge Card offered by Tata Power. This solution is easy to use, intuitive and also helps overcome infrastructural challenges such as mobile network availability, while ensuring privacy for all users. It significantly simplifies the charging process at public or community chargers, especially for those who would prefer a physical device to an app-based experience and for chauffeur-driven vehicles. Creating accessible charging infrastructure is key to driving faster EV adoption.”

The EZ CHARGE Card offers added benefits, especially for areas with limited mobile network coverage, ensuring EV owners can charge their vehicles and pay without any hindrance. The RFID card can be linked with the EZ Charge account, allowing users to share access without sharing sensitive app information, thus ensuring privacy and security. The card streamlines the charging and payment process, making transactions quicker and more efficient.

To obtain the EZ CHARGE Card, customers can purchase it through the EZ Charge Self Care Portal (https://ezcharge.tatapower.com/evselfcare) for doorstep delivery or visit Tata Motors EV Dealerships (https://nexonev.tatamotors.com/find-dealer/). 

Priced affordably, the EZ CHARGE Card is an essential and accessible tool for every EV owner, regardless of their vehicle brand.

To order the EZ CHARGE Card, EV users can follow these simple steps:

1.      Click on the link: https://ezcharge.tatapower.com/evselfcare

2.      Sign in using your registered mobile number and password

3.      Click on the menu and select EZ CHARGE Card

About Tata Power:

Tata Power (NSE: TATAPOWER; BSE:500400) is one of India’s largest integrated power companies and together with its subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities, has an installed/managed capacity of 14,302 MW. The Company has a presence across the entire power value chain - generation of renewable as well as conventional power including hydro and thermal energy, transmission & distribution, and trading. The Company developed the country’s first Ultra Mega Power Project at Mundra (Gujarat) based on super-critical technology. With 5442 MW of clean energy generation from solar, wind, hydro, and waste heat recovery accounting for 38 % of the overall portfolio, the company is a leader in clean energy generation. It has successful public-private partnerships in generation, transmission & distribution in India viz: Powerlinks Transmission Ltd. with Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. for evacuation of Power from the Tala hydro plant in Bhutan to Delhi, Maithon Power Ltd. with Damodar Valley Corporation for a 1,050 MW Mega Power Project at Jharkhand.

Tata Power is currently serving more than 12.9 million consumers via its Discoms, under a public-private partnership model viz Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd. with the Government of Delhi in North Delhi, TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited, TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited, TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited, and TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited with Government of Odisha.

With a focus on sustainable and clean energy development, Tata Power is steering the transformation as an integrated solutions provider by looking at new business growth in distributed generation through rooftop solar and microgrids, storage solutions, EV charging infrastructure, ESCO, home automation & smart meters et al. In its 108 years track record of technology advancements, project execution excellence, world-class safety processes, customer care and green initiatives, Tata Power is well poised for multi-fold growth and is committed to lighting up lives for generations to come. For more information visit us at: www.tatapower.com

FedEx Introduces FedEx® Sustainability Insights In India To Support Customer Emissions Reporting

* New tool allows customers to measure the carbon footprint of their shipments so they can improve transparency in their sustainability reporting

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) has launched a new tool, FedEx® Sustainability Insights (FSI), giving customers in India* access to emissions information on their shipments within the FedEx network. They can use the data to help make informed decisions on their future shipping strategy to reduce their impact on the planet.

Created by FedEx Dataworks, the innovative cloud-based data engine uses near-real-time FedEx network data to estimate CO2e emissions. Customers can view emissions data for individual tracking numbers as well as aggregate historical data for their accounts. Data displayed in the tool includes mode of transport, service type, and country or territory for all eligible FedEx Express® shipments.*

With sustainability being a strategic priority for businesses of all kinds[1], FedEx® Sustainability Insights is a tool that can give customers better visibility of emissions within their supply chains and support reporting and strategic future planning.

“Reporting on sustainability and using this data to inform decision-making has become a business priority. Simultaneously, consumers are prioritizing sustainability in their purchasing decisions[2],” said Kami Viswanathan, senior vice president of FedEx Express Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa operations. “FedEx® Sustainability Insights is designed to provide our customers with near real-time visibility to their emissions data, empowering them to make data-driven decisions and improve transparency in their sustainability reporting.”

The new offering complements the company’ ongoing efforts to achieve carbon neutral operations by 2040. FedEx is focusing on areas such as electrification of FedEx pickup and delivery vehicles; more efficient facilities, fuels, and fleets; and investments in natural carbon capture. FedEx® Sustainability Insights will support its work toward this goal by providing insights into further opportunities for network efficiency with data-backed predictive insights and modelling.

Customers interested in learning more about FedEx® Sustainability Insights and its capabilities can visit fedex.com.

* FedEx® Sustainability Insights calculates greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 equivalent) using a methodology that follows the World Resources Institute (WRI) Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, conforms to the and Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC) Framework, and includes industry standard emission factors, utilities, and transportation specific operational metrics. Certain emissions information outside the U.S. and Canada may be incomplete due to system incompatibility. Excluded data includes, but is not limited to, domestic shipment data for certain countries/territories, including, but not limited to, France, Poland, and China. A detailed download of what shipments are included in the report is available. Exclusions are updated periodically and are subject to change without notice.

Airtel Prepays Rs. 8,024 Crores To Clear High Cost Deferred Liabilities For Spectrum Acquired In 2015

Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, today  said that it has prepaid Rs. 8,024 crores to the Department of Telecom (Government of India) towards part prepayment of deferred liabilities pertaining to spectrum acquired in auction of year 2015. The said instalments had an interest rate of 10% and have been prepaid by Airtel, leveraging much lower cost financing available to it. Airtel continues to enjoy access to a well-diversified sources of capital / financing, allowing it to have enhanced financial flexibility in its capital structure including optimised cost of financing using all opportunities for significant interest savings, like this prepayment.

Airtel Prepays Rs. 8,024 Crores To Clear High Cost Deferred Liabilities For Spectrum Acquired In 2015

New Delhi, July 31, 2023: Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, today  said that it has prepaid Rs. 8,024 crores to the Department of Telecom (Government of India) towards part prepayment of deferred liabilities pertaining to spectrum acquired in auction of year 2015.

The said instalments had an interest rate of 10% and have been prepaid by Airtel, leveraging much lower cost financing available to it. Airtel continues to enjoy access to a well-diversified sources of capital / financing, allowing it to have enhanced financial flexibility in its capital structure including optimised cost of financing using all opportunities for significant interest savings, like this prepayment.

About Bharti Airtel Limited

Headquartered in India, Airtel is a global communications solutions provider with over 500 Mn customers in 17 countries across South Asia and Africa. The company ranks amongst the top three mobile operators globally and its networks cover over two billion people. Airtel is India’s largest integrated communications solutions provider and the second largest mobile operator in Africa. Airtel’s retail portfolio includes high-speed 4G/5G mobile broadband, Airtel Xstream Fiber that promises speeds up to 1 Gbps with convergence across linear and on-demand entertainment, streaming services spanning music and video, digital payments and financial services. For enterprise customers, Airtel offers a gamut of solutions that includes secure connectivity, cloud and data centre services, cyber security, IoT, Ad Tech and CPaaS (Airtel IQ). For more details visit www.airtel.com

Atal pension Yojana (APY), An Outreach Programme By The State Level Bankers’ Committee, Karnataka Hold PFRDA

In Order to expand the coverage of Atal pension Yojana (APY), an outreach programme by the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC), Karnataka and Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) was organized. 

Atal Pension Yojana is a guaranteed pension scheme of the Government of India which can be availed by any citizen of India between the age group of 18-40 years especially the poor, the under-privileged and the workers in the unorganized sector. The scheme has triple benefits on attaining the 60 years of age. First, it gives life time monthly fixed pension in the range of Rs. 1000 - 5000, second the spouse gets the same amount of pension for life time on the subscriber’s demise and thirdly, return of the entire accumulated corpus to the nominee.  

The meeting was chaired by Smt. Mamta Shankar, WTM (Economics), Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). 

Shri. M Bhaskara Chakravarthy, Convenor - SLBC Karnataka, General Manager and Canara Bank gave welcome Address. 

Shri. Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia , Executive Director ,Canara Bank in his Inaugural  address urged all the member banks to participate actively in taking APY to all corners of the State.  

Smt. Anitha , Deputy Secretary, Zilla Panchayat, Bengaluru Urabn also participated in the program. 

Shri. Murli Mohan Pathak, Assistanet General Manager , Reserve Bank of India and Shri. Sandeep Dharkar , Deputy General Manager ,  NABARD also addresed the meeting. 

During the programme, Smt. Mamta Shankar, WTM (Economics), PFRDA emphasized on the need of pension for securing old-age income of the unorganized sector in the country.  

During the programme, Shri. Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia , Executive Director ,Canara Bank emphasized on coverage of all eligible population under APY and requested member Banks to achieve the financial year 2023-24 target.  

He mentioned that the total enrolment in the Karnataka state is 5,92,713 for FY 2022-23 against target 7,00,640 and with percentage of achievement of 85% as on 31.03.2023. There is still a large uncovered population. He suggested Banks to use technology and BC Model to achieve saturation of APY in both rural and urban areas in the State. 

During the programme, Lead District Managers were also felicitated for their exemplary performance in the enrolment under APY. Under “APY CITIZEN’s CHOICE (H2, FY 2022-23) “ campaign LDMs of   Yadgir, Koppal , Kalaburgi and Kolar Districts were awarded. Under  

“ANNUAL AWARDS OF LEAD DISTRICT MANAGER 2022-23 “LDMs of Vijayapura,   Yadgir  and Davanagere Districts were awarded. 

In Karnataka state 30,66,429 APY (Count of PRANs) was enrolled till June 2023 since inception. 

Smt. Mamta Shankar , WTM (Economics) PFRDA said, “PFRDA will be continuing its efforts to take the APY subscriber base to greater heights and strive to make our country a pensioned society”.  

Shri. Pravesh Kumar, Assistant General Manager, PFRDA gave Presentation & Insights on APY.  

In the programme, the house reviewed the Bank wise and District wise performance and advised all the Banks and Lead District Managers to give more focus on achieving targets under APY.