ABCF And NISM Collaborate To Conduct Financial Literacy Program For Youngsters

~ Targets to educate over 40,000 youngsters in Tier-II and Tier-III locations ~

Aditya Birla Capital Foundation (“ABCF”), the CSR arm of Aditya Birla Capital and the National Institute of Securities Market (“NISM”), an educational initiative of SEBI, have announced their collaboration to conduct a customised Financial Literacy Program for youngsters, in over 60 cities, across Tier-II and Tier-III locations, pan-India.

The program endeavours to create financial awareness, this program will reach out to more than 40,000 college students, who will undergo an intense 10-hour financial literacy classroom training, facilitated by NISM-certified trainers. On successful completion of the training, participants will be given a certificate by NISM and Aditya Birla Capital Foundation.  

Furthermore, to promote the habit of savings, financial planning and investing, the module will help deliver knowledge of financial and securities markets in a simplified manner. The aim is to enable students understand the framework of personal finance, diverse investment and savings opportunities, pre-requisites of engaging in securities markets and various risk assessment and mitigation strategies. The course will also help the participants to develop future-ready skills and explore careers in the financial services sector. 

Mrs. Vishakha Mulye, Director, Aditya Birla Capital Foundation and CEO, Aditya Birla Capital Limited, said, "Empowering the youth with financial knowledge is pivotal in today's dynamic economic landscape. Financial education is like a life-skill and if imparted to youngsters at an early age, it will help to develop responsible financial behaviour and mindset to take charge of their financial well-being in the future. Our collaboration with NISM demonstrates our commitment to provide the right knowledge and skills necessary for future generations to make informed financial decisions and do well in their careers”.

Dr. CKG Nair, Director, NISM said, “NISM is tasked with the objective of enhancing awareness on the systems, products, and processes in the securities markets to a large number of stakeholders in the eco-system and to create a cadre of well-informed practitioners in tune with the regulatory objectives. This joint initiative between NISM and ABCF is an ideal platform to achieve the objective of well-informed participants in the securities markets”.

ABCF and NISM will conduct these trainings across various states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Assam.

About Aditya Birla Capital Foundation (ABCF)

Aditya Birla Capital Foundation (“ABCF”) is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Aditya Birla Capital for undertaking its developmental projects. Mrs. Rajashree Birla, Chairperson, ‘The Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development’, is ABCF’s mentor; Mrs. Vishakha Mulye, CEO, Aditya Birla Capital Limited, Mr. Subhro Bhaduri, CHRO, Aditya Birla Capital Limited and Dr. Pragnya Ram, Group Executive President, Group Head - CSR, Legacy, Documentation & Archives serve as Directors. ABCF is committed to drive programs for inclusive growth and development of the underserved sections of society. Its engagement is primarily focused on women centric programs in the areas of healthcare, education, women empowerment, sustainable livelihood, sports, amongst others. Up until now, ABCF has made a qualitative difference to enrich the lives of over 5.5 Lakh people and is reckoned as a Force for Good amongst beneficiaries.

About National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM)

The National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) is a public trust established in 2006 by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the regulator of the securities markets in India. The institute carries out a wide range of capacity building activities at various levels aimed at enhancing the quality standards in securities markets. NISM has embarked on a fast-track expansion of its activities, which will position the institute as a leading player in knowledge dissemination and skills enhancement in the financial markets’ domain. The mission for NISM is to add to market quality through educational and research initiatives that would support, enable, and expedite an entire gamut of high-quality knowledge services in the securities industry.

Wild Stone Redefines Boldness; Launches Its Latest Badass Collection of Perfumes

Wild Stone, the renowned male grooming brand under McNROE announced the launch of their new digital film for the launch of “Badass Perfume Collection”. The collection features an exquisite trio of fragrances - Whisky, Cigar, and Ammo, which redefine personal style and attitude, elevating the rebellious spirit with an irresistible charm that's just too cool for the good guys.

The latest digital film by Wild Stone will be amplified on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. The exhilarating script opens with a charismatic man's entrance at the upscale party, grabbing everyone's attention with his enchanting fragrance, and leaving everyone intrigued. Men and Women are both spellbound with his confidence while acknowledging his enigmatic aura. The visual represents the Sigma male power, showcasing his confidence and strength while being the center of attraction. The visual narrative unfolds the essence of a true Sigma male, showing strength and charm. 

Mr. Ankit Daga, Director at McNROE Consumer Products Pvt Ltd, expressed his thoughts on the launch of ‘The Badass Collection’ and said, “Enriched with the very essence that characterizes a Sigma Man, our collection boasts three distinct Perfumes which embody the spirit of their names - Whisky, Cigar, and Ammo. Each fragrance invites individuals to embrace their self-expression and revel in their distinctiveness through an enchanting sensory journey."

Embark on an extraordinary sensory exploration with the Badass Collection Perfumes by Wild Stone. Dive into the rich warmth of Whisky, where cognac, whisky, and nutmeg ignite your senses. Indulge in the smoky allure of Cigar, crafted with geranium, patchouli, tobacco, and musk. Lastly, experience the earthy robustness of Ammo, infused with pepper, cashmere, and amber, all inspiring confidence and charm.

About McNROE:

McNROE Consumer Products Pvt Ltd, the parent company of Wildstone, Secret Temptation, and CODE, is a leading Indian FMCG manufacturer with expertise in the personal care domain. With a loyal customer base spanning rural and urban India, our expansive distribution networks cater to a wide audience.

NSDL Announces Acquisition Of Office Premises From IDFC First Bank

National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) is pleased to announce that NSDL has entered into an agreement for the purchase of office premises from IDFC First Bank Limited ("IDFC BANK"). 

The transaction involves the acquisition of office premises situated at Naman Chambers, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai – 400 051. 

The agreements have been executed between NSDL and IDFC BANK. 

FADA Releases Sep’23 Vehicle Retail Data For The State of Karnataka

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) today released Vehicle Retail Data for Sep’23 for the State of Karnataka.  

Sep’23 Retails 

Commenting on how Sep’23 performed, FADA Karnataka State Chairperson, Mr Dharma Teja G said, 

 “Karnataka has grown overall 15.61% YOY, with 3W and 2w segments exceptionally well with growth of 84 & 22% respectively. We hope the same momentum will continue into the festive season.”  

India’s Space Economy Has Potential To Reach Rs 35,200 Crore By 2033 With 8% Of Global Share

* IN-SPACe unveils decadal vision and strategy for Indian space economy

India's space sector has the potential to grow from $8.4 billion currently to $44 billion in the next decade. IN-SPACE-e, an autonomous body under the Department of Space, has rolled out a white paper on how to grow the space economy.

The decadal vision addresses creation of demand, local manufacturing capabilities, infrastructure and provides a clear and comprehensive regulatory framework that will encourage and facilitate NGE (non-governmental entities) participation in the growth of the space sector. 

Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) unveiled the decadal vision and strategy for the Indian space economy, on October 10. Infact, 

IN-SPACe is the single-window, autonomous, nodal agency under the Department of Space. The decadal vision and strategy has been developed by IN-SPACe and ISRO along with other stakeholders.

At present, the Indian space economy is valued at around Rs 6,700 crore ($8.4 billion) with a 2% share in the global space economy.

As per IN-SPACe’s projection, India’s space economy has the potential to reach Rs35,200 crore ($44 billion) by 2033 with about 8% of the global share.

At present, the share of the domestic market is Rs 6,400 crore ($8.1 billion). The export market share is Rs 2,400 crore ($0.3 billion). The aim is to increase the domestic share to Rs 26,400 crore ($33 billion), and the export share to Rs 88,000 crore ($11 billion).

Besides, an investment of Rs 17,600 crore ($22 billion) is envisioned in the next 10 years

The decadal vision addresses creation of demand, local manufacturing capabilities, infrastructure and provides a clear and comprehensive regulatory framework that will encourage and facilitate NGE (non-governmental entities) participation in the growth of the space sector.

Dr. Pawan Goenka, chairman, IN-SPACe said, “As we unveil the decadal vision for Indian space economy, we emphasise that the future of the Indian space sector is a shared endeavour. Hence, our strategy fosters an era of collaboration between all stakeholders to accelerate growth. ISRO is opening its doors wider than ever to private sector participation, so that together, we can successfully boost the space economy for a resurgent Aatmnirbhar Bharat.”

Elaborating on the salient features of the decadal vision and strategy, Dr. Goenka said that the space ecosystem is broadly divided into three groups – Space-for-Earth, Access-to-Space and Space-for-Space.

S. Somanath, Secretary, DoS and Chairman, ISRO said, “The recent space sector reforms by the Government of India has given a thrust in enabling the private sector to play a significant role in the development of the Indian space ecosystem. The decadal vision defines a roadmap on how the Department of Space along with IN-SPACe and ISRO will drive the emergence of private players. We are already witnessing the early signs of success of this endeavor."

Salient Features of the Decadal Vision and Strategy

The space ecosystem is broadly divided into three groups – Space-for-Earth, Access-to-Space and Space-for-Space.  Decadal Vision and Strategy for Indian Space Economy will be achieved through ten key strategic and enabling capabilities viz.

1.    Demand Generation

2.    Earth Observation (EO) platform

3.    Communication Platform

4.    Navigation Platform

5.    Research & Development

6.    Ecosystem

7.    Creation of a talent pool

8.    Access to Finance

9.    International Synergy and Collaboration

10. Policy and Regulation

The space economy decadal vision will create a thriving space ecosystem and expedite the emergence of India as a global space hub.

WION Announces Mission Sustainability – A Pioneering Initiative For A Sustainable Tomorrow

* In an interconnected world where challenges are shared, resources are pooled, and wisdom is collective, the journey towards a greener tomorrow through collaborative actions at every level has begun. WION, India’s first and only global news platform, has joined forces with the drivers of change to chart a roadmap for a sustainable and responsible economy, announcing the launch of ‘Mission Sustainability – No Action, Not An Option!’ initiative. This on-ground event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 11th October 2023, in New Delhi, and aims to galvanize global efforts towards a greener future.

WION’s Mission Sustainability will feature strategic conversations with key industry leaders focusing on critical topics such as 'Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its implementation,' 'New-age solutions for a sustainable tomorrow,' and 'Corporate Sustainability and Responsible Business Practices – Adopting Inclusive Action'. Additionally, attendees will also witness insightful fireside chats on 'Sustainable Mobility' and 'Sustainability Warriors – the harbingers of change with notable speakers such as Kavinder Khurana, Managing Director of Tesla Power USA; Akash Gupta, Co-founder & CEO, Zypp Electric and moderated by Ankit Awasthi, Head - New Mobility Practice, Automotive Industry Consulting Group, NRI Consulting & Solutions and Swami Prem Parivartan (Peepal Baba) – an Environmentalist & Founder of GiveMe Trees, respectively. 

The upcoming Mission Sustainability Conclave is poised to be a landmark event, bringing together thought leaders, policymakers, industry associations, innovation hubs, and climate activists to chart a course towards a sustainable future. It also aims to create awareness and inspire action for the realization of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaking about the relevance of Mission Sustainability, Madhu Soman, Chief Business Officer, WION, said "At WION, we recognize that the path to sustainability requires collective effort.  WION's Mission Sustainability is more than an event; it's a movement.  We are empowering individuals, corporations, and the government to present actionable solutions and embrace sustainable practices and work together towards a common goal – a sustainable and responsible future."

The conclave will be live streamed from 6 PM onwards across WION's digital and social platforms, and the highlights will be aired on the WION channel in the subsequent week. WION is the most subscribed news channel on YouTube with nearly 8 Million subscribers.

About WION:

WION (World is One) is an English global news brand from Zee Media with a presence in over 190 countries. It focuses on delivering global news from an Indian perspective.

Website: www.wionews.com

Zee Media Corporation Ltd, one of India's leading media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 16 news channels in seven different languages, reaching more than 528+ million viewers through its linear and digital properties.

Costa Coffee Continues To Brew Success; Celebrates The Opening Of Its 150th Store In New Delhi

Costa Coffee, Coca-Cola’s leading coffee brand in the commercial beverage categories in India, is thrilled to announce the opening of its 150th store in India, in Rajouri Garden, New Delhi. This achievement is a testament to Costa Coffee's unwavering commitment to expanding its presence and delivering exceptional coffee experiences to enthusiasts across the nation.

Costa Coffee entered the Indian market in 2005 opening its inaugural café in Connaught Place, New Delhi, the beginning of its journey in India. Last year, in collaboration with Devyani International, Costa Coffee embarked on a significant expansion journey in India, adding approximately 60 stores. Building on this momentum, Costa Coffee aims to strengthen its presence in both existing markets and new cities across the country, with an ongoing goal to open new stores across the top 8-10 Indian cities. Tapping into specialised channels at airports, highways, and healthcare remains a priority.

India's coffee industry is experiencing a captivating shift towards specialty coffee and premiumization, notably among urban millennials who have turned coffee shops into lively communal hubs. This transformation is particularly striking in a country known for its tea culture. Costa Coffee is at the forefront of this evolution, aligning with changing consumer preferences and fostering this dynamic coffee culture.

The 150th Costa Coffee store reflects Costa Coffee's commitment to serve handcrafted and locally sourced coffee. Designed in line with Costa Coffee's artistic and innovative design language, the store aims to provide a comfortable and vibrant space for coffee lovers to indulge in their favourite brews. 

Vinay Nair, General Manager, India & Emerging Markets, Costa Coffee, expressed his excitement about reaching this significant milestone, saying, “India is a key market for us globally and we are proud to commemorate the opening of our 150th store. This milestone truly highlights the overwhelming love and support we have received from coffee enthusiasts across India. Our aim is to extend our presence to every corner of the nation, and we remain committed to achieving this vision through our continuous expansion efforts, ensuring remarkable coffee experiences for all."

Costa Coffee's extensive menu boasts a range of signature coffee offerings, including the beloved Flat White, Classic Corto, Café Caramela, and many more, all carefully handcrafted from locally sourced coffee beans. By collaborating with local farmers and skilled baristas, Costa Coffee ensures that each cup is a testament to the quality and excellence it represents.

About The Coca-Cola Company

Coca-Cola in India is one of the country’s leading beverage companies, offering a range of high-quality and refreshing beverage options to consumers. The company in line with its vision of ‘Beverages For Life’ offers a wide portfolio of products which includes hydration, sports, sparkling, coffee, tea, nutrition, juice and dairy based products. In India its beverage range includes Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Thums Up, Charged by Thums Up, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Maaza, Minute Maid range of juices. The Company also offers hydration beverages including Limca Sportz, Smartwater, Kinley, Dasani and Bonaqua packaged drinking water and Kinley Club Soda. Premium products constitute Schweppes and Smartwater. In addition, it offers Costa Coffee range of tea and coffee. The Company is constantly transforming its portfolio, from reducing sugar in its drinks to bringing innovative new products to market.

The Company along with its owned bottling operations and franchise bottling partners has a strong network of close to 4 million retail outlets through which it refreshes millions of consumers across the country. It seeks to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable agriculture initiatives and carbon emission reductions across its value chain.

Globally together with its bottling partners, The Coca-Cola Company employs 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.