NTPC Wins 2 Gold Awards In Brandon Hall Group HCM (Human Capital Management) Excellence Awards 2023

The Brandon Hall Group announced the Winners of the 31st Annual HCM Excellence Awards® in an online broadcast held recently. The HCM Excellence Awards recognize top organizations that successfully deployed programs, strategies, modalities, processes, systems, and tools that achieved superior and measurable results in Human Capital Management.

NTPC was the proud winner of the GOLD Award in two distinct categories: "Best Unique or Innovative Leadership Program" in the Leadership Development Awards area, and for achieving the "Best Results of a Learning Program" in the Learning and Development Awards area. This dual triumph accentuates the exceptional nature of NTPC's accomplishments.

The Awards were bestowed upon NTPC based on a rigorous judging process wherein the Applications were evaluated by an international panel of independent industry experts and senior analysts and executive team of the Brandon Hall Group. The judging was based on the following criteria: fit the need, design of the program, functionality, innovation and overall measurable benefits.

Brandon Hall Group is a US-based research and analyst firm, with more than 10,000 clients globally and nearly 30 years of delivering research-based solutions that empower excellence in organizations around the world through their research and tools each and every day. Their HCM Excellence Awards® program was the first to recognize organizations for learning and talent and is the gold standard, known as the “Academy Awards of Human Capital Management”.

Ambuja Cements’ Gare Palma Mines Clinches 11 Awards At Mine Safety Fortnight Celebrations

EDITOR’S SYNOPSIS 

* Ambuja Cements secured 11 awards for exceptional commitment to safety and operational excellence of its mines.  

* Ambuja Cements' Gare Palma Coal Mines garnered recognition across diverse categories, underscoring their commitment to maintaining high safety standards. 

Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Group, is elated to announce the achievements of its Gare Palma Mines that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to safety. It has received a total of 11 awards for its exceptional allegiance to safety, operational finesse, and expertise across diverse mining domains. This prestigious recognition unfolded at the Annual Mine Safety Fortnight and Interregional First Aid Competition, which was organized by SECL in Bilaspur. 

The awards spanned across multiple categories, notably the Underground - Group A segment. Gare Palma Coal Mines clinched two illustrious first-place accolades: one for ‘General Safety Consciousness and Safety Performance’ and the other for ‘Illumination’, which is a testament to their unwavering commitment to upholding rigorous safety standards beneath the surface. In the Opencast - Group D segment, it secured two more coveted first-place honors, showcasing exceptional prowess in ‘Mine Working’ and ‘Dump Management and Reclamation’. The third-place triumph in the ‘Best Hiring Operations Equipment Operator’ category further underscored the dedication towards responsible and secure equipment management. 

In the First Aid category, it etched a tale of exceptional triumphs, with Ankur Kumar honored as the ‘Best Captain’ and Udal Kumar acclaimed as the ‘Best Member’. The collective efforts were rewarded with the title of ‘Overall Runner-ups’, reflecting their adeptness and preparedness in handling critical first-aid scenarios. Continuing the march of excellence, the Trade Test segment unveiled further accolades for the mines with Birendra Vishwakarma securing the premier position as the ‘Best Excavator Operator’. While Uday Oraon clinched the coveted top spot as the ‘Best Belt Fitter’, Anil Kumar Kurrey achieved the second spot recognition as the ‘Best LHD Operator’. 

Mr. Ajay Kapur, CEO, Cement Business, said, “In a world where safety is paramount, we take immense pride in Ambuja Cements' resounding success at the Annual Mine Safety Fortnight and Interregional First Aid Competition. This indeed is a proud moment for us, as I extend my congratulations to the winners who have raised the safety standards with the highest level of controls to ensure the safety of all our employees and the community at large.”  

A prestigious recognition, the Annual Safety Fortnight Award Ceremony stands as a powerful testament to the unyielding commitment of mines and industries in nurturing a secure and responsible workplace. Ambuja Cements extends its heartfelt commendation to every participant and winner’s contribution to elevating safety benchmarks across the mining sector. Embodying this ethos, the brand stands steadfast in its pledge to mine safety, as evidenced by its remarkable achievements this year. 

ICRA, India Ratings And Research Private Ltd Assign Proposed NCD Programmes Of Godrej Properties For INR 2,000 Cr & INR 2,500 Cr

Godrej Properties Ltd. (GPL), (BSE scrip id: GODREJPROP), one of India’s leading real estate developers, announced receiving fresh ratings for proposed Non-Convertible Debenture (NCD) borrowing programmes from ICRA and India Ratings and Research Private Limited for INR 2,000 crore and INR 2,500 crore, respectively. Additionally, the long-term rating for existing bank facilities of INR 4,500 crore was reaffirmed at [ICRA]AA+/[ICRA]A1+ along with the existing NCD of INR 3,000 crore reaffirmed at [ICRA]AA+. The Commercial Paper (CP) limits of INR 2,000 crore was also reaffirmed at [ICRA]A1+.

Highlights:

Credit rating for fresh proposed NCD programme of INR 2,000 crore by ICRA has been assigned at [ICRA]AA+. Outlook on the long-term rating is "Stable". Instruments with this rating are considered to have a high degree of safety regarding the timely servicing of financial obligations. Such instruments carry very low credit risk.

Credit Rating for fresh proposed NCD programmes of INR 2,500 crore by India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) was assigned at IND AA+/Stable.

Long-term rating for existing bank facilities of INR 4,500 crore was reaffirmed at [ICRA]AA+/[ICRA]A1+ and existing NCD of INR 3,000 crore was assigned [ICRA]AA+.  Outlook on the long-term rating is "Stable". Instruments with this rating are considered to have a high degree of safety regarding the timely servicing of financial obligations. Such instruments carry very low credit risk.

Short-term rating for the existing commercial paper (CP) programme of INR 2,000 crore was reaffirmed at [ICRA]A1+. Instruments with this rating are considered to have a very strong degree of safety regarding timely servicing of financial obligations. Such instruments carry the lowest credit risk.

About Godrej Properties Limited: 

About Godrej Properties Limited: Godrej Properties brings the Godrej Group philosophy of innovation, sustainability, and excellence to the real estate industry. Each Godrej Properties development combines a 126-year legacy of excellence and trust with a commitment to cutting-edge design, technology, and sustainability. In FY 2021, Godrej Properties emerged as the largest developer in India by the value and volume of residential sales achieved.

Godrej Properties has deeply focused on sustainable development. In 2010, GPL committed that all of its developments would be third party certified green buildings. In 2020 and again in 2021 and 2022, the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark ranked GPL #1 globally amongst listed residential developers for its sustainability and governance practices. In 2017, GPL was one of the founding partners of the Sustainable Housing Leadership Consortium (SHLC), whose mission is to spread sustainable development practices across the Indian real estate sector. In recent years, Godrej Properties has received over 400 awards and recognitions, including the Porter Prize 2019, The Most Trusted Real Estate Brand in the 2019 Brand Trust Report, Builder of the Year at the CNBC-Awaaz Real Estate Awards 2019, and The Economic Times Best Real Estate Brand 2018.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Offers 5 Years Of Complimentary Roadside Assistance Program For Superior Customer Convenience

* Key highlights of Toyota’s Roadside Assistance Program (RSA) - ‘Find Me’ feature, digitalization of the RSA process known as D-RSA, extra layer of personal support namely the ‘Vehicle Custodian Service’

* Further, this RSA service covers a range of essential features, including vehicle breakdown and accident-related vehicle towing support, jump start for dead batteries, tire puncture repairs, assistance in case of low fuel level condition, arranging taxis for distances up to 50 kilometers and so forth

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) takes yet another remarkable step towards enhancing customer satisfaction and providing unparalleled peace of mind with complimentary Roadside Assistance Program for 5 years from the date of purchase of a new vehicle. This pioneering initiative reaffirms Toyota's commitment to ensuring a seamless ownership experience for its valued customers. This RSA package is not just about breakdown support; it aims at providing assurance, convenience, and a sense of security to every Toyota owner.

Over the years, customers have been appreciative of not only the products but also Toyota’s world-class Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR) in service offerings covering timely and unmatched roadside assistance, thereby underlining the company’s relentless pursuit of enriching customer experience. Launched in 2010, the RSA Program has been an integral part of TKM's customer-centric approach, offering immediate roadside assistance support to the esteemed customers, during their emergency needs.  As a part of the new vehicle package, this service covers a range of essential features, including vehicle breakdown and accident related vehicle towing support (e.g. during vehicle non-drivable condition, roadside service team helps with timely movement of such vehicle to nearest dealership to address the vehicle issues), jump start for dead batteries, tire puncture repairs, assistance in case of low fuel level condition or vehicle key issues as well as arranging taxis for distances up to 50 kilometres.

Mr. Atul Sood, Vice President - Sales and Strategic Marketing of Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “We are thrilled to enhance the Roadside Assistance Program for 5-years (from the date of purchase of a new vehicle) at no extra cost to the customers, as a testament to Toyota's unwavering commitment to our valued customers. At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we firmly believe that our relationship with our customers goes beyond offering products and services - it is about creating an experience that is seamless, convenient, and reassuring throughout the ownership period. With complimentary RSA program for longer duration of 5 years, we are setting new industry standards, further enhancing our high-quality services and timely assistance. This comprehensive RSA coverage resonates with our core values of innovation, customer-centricity, and exceeding our valued customer expectations.

Unforeseen challenges can arise at any time, and our aim is to be there for our customers, providing them with a safety net to assure them that they can always count on us. Our 5 Years of complimentary RSA is not just a breakdown assistance program, it's a promise to provide peace of mind that accompanies our every product. We understand that owning a vehicle is an emotional bond, a journey filled with memories and experiences, therefore we reiterate our commitment to deliver the best value proposition to our customers, setting new benchmarks in the automotive industry.”

One of the key highlights of this initiative is the ‘Find Me’ feature, which allows customers to be tracked immediately in times of need, ensuring a swift response from our customer support teams. Moreover, the complete digitalization of the RSA process, known as D-RSA, enhances the efficiency of the service, making it easier and quicker for customers to access assistance.

To add an extra layer of personal support, the Vehicle Custodian Service has been introduced, ensuring customers are provided prompt assistance and necessary support at their location of immediate roadside assistance requirement, to continue their forward journey seamlessly.

Personal Care Brand Clensta Appoints Navin Prajapati As VP - Retail Sales And New Initiatives

* In his new role, Navin will help establish a strong business presence for Clensta in global markets, expand its traditional retail channels and drive the generation of additional revenue streams in sectors such as general trade, modern trade, institutional sales and the HORECA business. 

Personal care brand Clensta has appointed Navin Prajapati as Vice President - Retail Sales and New Initiatives. Navin brings his seven-year experience to Clensta, leveraging his deep understanding of market dynamics and consumer preferences to optimize the brand’s presence in traditional retail channels and establish strong partnerships with key players in the industry.? 

In his new role, he will also develop fresh avenues for expanding the company’s reach globally and establishing a strong business presence for Clensta in international markets. In addition to ensuring customers have easy access to Clensta’s wide range of skincare, haircare, body care and wellness products, Navin will also drive the generation of additional revenue streams in sectors such as general trade, modern trade, institutional sales, and the HORECA business. 

“I am very excited to join the Clensta team and be part of a brand that is redefining the traditional concepts of personal care. Clensta prioritises sustainability, the use of natural ingredients and innovative technology solutions to show consumers a better way of living. I look forward to expanding our inventory and retail sales and establishing Clensta’s presence across the world through innovative customer outreach initiatives,” said Navin Prajapati, Vice President, Clensta. 

An MBA graduate from Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, Navin was a former entrepreneur having founded Sabka Mandi and has also dabbled as a Chartered Accountant. He was the part of founder’s office in companies like mCaffeine and has also been associated with Colgate-Palmolive as a Business Leader Associate and Unilever. 

“We are thrilled to have Navin Prajapati join the Clensta family. His vast experience and knowledge on market dynamics will help propel Clensta onto its next wave of growth and expansion, shifting from product value chain to distribution value chain. This strategic shift under Navin's?leadership will help us reach a larger consumer base,?while allowing us to stay true to our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Puneet Gupta, Founder, Clensta 

Clensta recently joined hands with actress Parineeti Chopra as an investor, partner and brand ambassador. Since its inception, Clensta has secured funding from notable investors like IAN and IAN Fund, IPV, VCats and Hem Securities.? 

About Clensta International Private Limited 

Clensta International Private Limited is India’s first personal care brand that integrates goodness of nature with technology, creating innovative, sustainable and effective range of products to enhance overall wellbeing in a better way. The Gurgaon-headquartered direct-to-consumer brand was founded in 2016 by Puneet Gupta and the products were commercialized in 2019. Clensta pioneered the revolutionary waterless hygiene technology in India launching a range of zero-water personal-care products. 

On the back of its robust scientific acumen and R&D capabilities, Clensta has horizontally scaled into multi category personal care products. Each sustainable and highly effective Clensta product is researched and developed at IIT-Delhi to provide consumers the better way. Clensta ensures that its products are highly efficacious through market first natural ingredients, and highly effective active ingredients infused with the proprietary technologies such as STAR and CRAN. 

Since its launch, Clensta has raised funding worth 100+ crores from marquee investors like TradeCred (invested in Furlenco, Bizongo, BatterySmart etc), Royal Family of UAE,?Parineeti Chopra and various other angel platforms,?which it is pumping back into the business to expand the inventory and customer base. 

Clensta’s products are currently available on Amazon, Nykaa, Flipkart along with 20 other marketplaces as well as 5000 GT/MT touchpoints across India and have plans to expand its offline presence into 50+ cities. 

https://clensta.com/ 

Dr Naveen Salins Appointed As Commissioner Of The Lancet Commission To Lead Study On The Humanitarian Crisis Of Cancer

The Lancet Commission has proudly announced the appointment of Dr Naveen Salins as their new Commissioner. Dr Salins, known for his exceptional contributions to the field of Palliative Medicine and Cancer Care, will spearhead a comprehensive study addressing the humanitarian crisis of cancer in low-resource regions across the globe. The commission has a distinguished body of experts hailing from Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Oceania as its members.

The Lancet Commission will convene its inaugural meeting in London from November 15-17, 2023, followed by a subsequent gathering in Toronto in 2024. Over the next two years (2023-2025), Dr Salins and his esteemed team will diligently analyse the underlying factors contributing to the disparity between the biomedical and humanitarian aspects of cancer care. Their mission encompasses devising strategic approaches to rectify this imbalance while examining the intricate interplay of political economy, value systems, and commercial drivers that impact resource allocation for cancer research, education, and clinical care.

As a Professor and Head of the Palliative Medicine Department at Kasturba Medical College Manipal, Coordinator of Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre, and Associate Dean of Research, Dr Salins brings a wealth of expertise and experience to this critical endeavour. His recent receipt of the prestigious international palliative care award from the European Association of Palliative at Rotterdam, Netherlands, underscores his immense clinical impact of research in the field.

This initiative marks a pivotal moment in addressing the global health burden imposed by cancer and presents a unique opportunity for India to lead and guide international efforts in mitigating the suffering caused by this debilitating disease. His leadership and the collective efforts of the Lancet Commission are poised to significantly influence international health policies concerning cancer care, resource allocation, and the alleviation of financial strains associated with cancer treatment.

Dr HS Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and Dr MD Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor of MAHE, congratulates Dr Naveen Salins on this remarkable achievement. Dr Padmaraj Hegde, Dean of Kasturba Medical College, commends Dr Salins for his dedication and expertise in advancing cancer care and research. He is confident that Dr Salins's role as the Commissioner of the Lancet Commission will yield transformative outcomes in the field of cancer care and beyond.

Tata CLiQ Luxury Launches 3 Timepieces From Rado's True Thinline x Great Gardens Of The World Collection Exclusively On The Platform

~The original dial designs of the three new timepieces are inspired by the natural motifs of three different plants~

The watch category is an important focus and one of the highest-performing categories on Tata CLiQ Luxury, India's premier luxury lifestyle platform. The platform features a highly curated assortment of brands and collections from renowned watch brands – Rado, the Swiss luxury watchmaker, being one of them. In our pursuit to bring more exclusive timepieces to customers, Tata CLiQ Luxury will exclusively retail three newly launched timepieces from the True Thinline X Great Gardens of the World Collection, a limited edition from Rado.

A must-have for all the luxury watch enthusiasts seeking to adorn their wrists with the fusion of nature's elegance and Swiss craftsmanship, the True Thinline x Great Gardens of the World Collection is truly one of its kind. Rado’s collaboration with the Great Gardens of the World organisation presented an opportunity to unite their appreciation for outstanding design and beauty, as a result of which a whole new range of textures and shapes found their way into Rado’s watchmaking work. The latest series of unisex timepieces launched as part of this collection is inspired by three different plants, each chosen to match the mood and shade of its True Thinline monobloc high-tech ceramic case, in black, white, and plasma grey.

Commenting on this launch, Mr. Gopal Asthana, CEO, Tata CLiQ, said, "At Tata CLiQ Luxury, our commitment to curate exceptional shopping experiences finds a perfect expression through yet another exclusive partnership with Rado. We take immense pride in our distinguished watch brand portfolio, with Rado standing out as a beacon of innovative design. With a legacy of pioneering design and an unparalleled fusion of high-tech materials, Rado has redefined the art of watchmaking. Today, we are pleased to announce the launch of their latest series of timepieces from the True Thinline x Great Gardens of the World Collection. This collection not only captures the essence of nature's beauty but also showcases Swiss precision in a truly distinctive manner. We look forward to continuing to curate an exclusive online assortment for our discerning watch enthusiasts."

In the R27113152 model, Chapter 8 is inspired by the Loulu Lelo palm tree. The polished black case and dial mimic the structured elegance of the pleated leaves of this tree. The mood of the dial harmonises with the dark case and is accentuated by yellow gold-coloured hands, echoing the tree's leaves. The timepiece uses the same premium Rado R766 movement, offering a remarkable 64-hour power reserve. All models in the new series are equipped with a NivachronTM antimagnetic hairspring for highly reliable precision. The mood of the dial, guarded by a box-shaped sapphire crystal with antireflective coating on both faces, strikes perfect harmony next to the dark case.

The R27118902 model, Chapter 9, pays homage to the Araucaria tree with its serene white, high-tech ceramic case. The white mother-of-pearl dial is delicately engraved to mirror the playful outlines of the Chilean tree's leaves. The smooth contours of high-tech ceramic, particularly sensuous and palpable in white, are a clever contrast to the pointed extremities of the tree leaves, especially against the cool, radiant mother-of-pearl, a smart look that watch-lovers will appreciate. Like the other chapters, the watch has a titanium case back with a sapphire crystal window. A subtle motif showing the growth rings of a large, noble tree trunk in cross-section is used as a background on the case-back and repeated on the display boxes of the collector's trio sets and the special edition card included with the timepieces.

The R27088122 model, Chapter 10, draws inspiration from the mystique of the Yemeni Dragon Blood Tree. features a plasma-high-tech ceramic monobloc case in those mysterious grey tones typical of plasma treatment. The dial is a splendid creation in two layers, where a rose-gold-coloured backplate shows through a skeletonized top layer, smartly cut out in organic shapes reminiscent of the mesmerising, intricately entangled branches of the Yemeni Dragon Blood Tree. The elegant pink-gold hour and minute hands showcase the pinnacle of watchmaking artistry.

About Tata?CLiQ?Luxury:

Redefining the term luxury in India – one that reflects the flawless values of thoughtfulness, authenticity, timeliness, and quality – Tata CLiQ Luxury embraces the principles of the Slow Commerce brand philosophy to enhance consumers’ online luxury shopping experience. Here, the attention shifts to finer details, to craftsmanship and heritage, and to the tranquillity and value of an experience, where browsing is a delight, and quality is nurtured. 

As India’s premier luxury lifestyle platform, Tata CLiQ Luxury offers premium & luxury brands across a range of categories, including Accessories, Apparel, Beauty & Fragrances, Fashion, Gourmet, Handbags, Home, Sneakers & Footwear, Stationery, and Watches. The platform delivers an unparalleled shopping experience through a careful curation of brands, thoughtfully developed brand stores, luxury delivery and unboxing experiences designed to bring luxury shopping to the customer's doorstep, and personalised privilege programmes, managed by attentive relationship managers. 

Tata CLiQ Luxury is committed to responsible business practices. In an endeavour to support our green goals, the circular packaging programme allows customers to return their empty packaging boxes after their purchase is received, thereby enabling the brand to recover, refurbish, and reuse them.