Union Bank of India – Receives “PCI PIN Certification”

Union Bank of India proudly announces its achievement of the Payment Card Industry “PIN Transaction Security” (PCI PIN) certification. This certification underscores Union Bank’s proactive approach to implementing robust security measures and adhering to industry-leading standards to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all transactions processed through our systems.

PCI PIN certification is a set of security standards established to protect the processing and transmission of card PINs used in transactions. This certification ensures that systems and devices involved in PIN processing comply with security standards set forth by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) to safeguard customer’s sensitive information.

Union Bank of India has consistently demonstrated its commitment to implementing industry-leading practices aligned with international standards for managing its information systems. By adhering to stringent security measures and continuously evolving its security protocols to meet emerging threats, Union Bank of India aims to strengthen customer trust and uphold the integrity of all sensitive data entrusted to the bank.

Union Bank of India’s systems, processes and IT facilities are also ISO27001:2013, ISO22301:2019, ISO31000:2018, ISO 27701:2019 & PCI-DSS certified by international certification bodies which provide safe, secure and resilient Banking experience to its customers.

Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd Announces Q3 Results FY 2023-2024

Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited (KNPL), one of the leading Paint companies in India at the Board meeting announced its unaudited results for the third quarter of the financial year 2023-24. For the quarter, the company declared Net revenue of         Rs. 1814.9 Crores, a growth of 5.7 % over the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

EBIDTA was at Rs. 239.9 Crores, a growth of 27.3 % over the same quarter of the previous year. PAT was at Rs 157.6 Crores, a growth of 40.4 % over the same quarter of the previous year.

For the nine months net revenue was Rs. 5731.6 Crores, growth of 4.7% over the same period of the previous year. EBIDTA was at Rs. 843.7 Crores, a growth of 31.5 % over the same period of the previous year. PBT before exceptional items was at Rs. 761.3 Crores, a growth of 44.2 % over the same period of the previous year. PAT after exceptional item was at Rs 1081.3 Crores.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Anuj Jain, Managing Director, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd said, “The quarter saw good demand for Industrial coatings. Decorative demand was also good as it registered double digit volume growth, driven by the festive season.

Raw material prices were stable despite volatility in crude. Gross margins improved over the corresponding quarter last year. Company continues to see traction as regards to initiatives in the areas such as feet-on-street, digital, influencer outreach, new product launches, approvals, and projects.

Going forward with the election round the corner, rural demand is expected to pick up which should support overall volume demand in the near term. Given the evolving geo-political situation, raw material prices may experience volatility”.

Outlook of Indian Paint Industry:

The size of domestic paint industry is estimated at around Rs. 70000 crores as of March 2023. The good growth in infrastructure, core sector as well as automobile and real estate is likely to have a positive effect on the overall demand of paint for the industry in the long run.

About Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd:

Kansai Nerolac Paints now in its 104th year has been at the forefront of paint manufacturing pioneering a wide spectrum of quality paints. Kansai Nerolac is one of the leading paint companies in India and is the leader in Industrial paints. The company has eight strategically located manufacturing units all over India and a strong dealer network across the country. The company manufactures a diversified range of products ranging from decorative paints coatings for homes, offices, hospitals, and hotels to sophisticated industrial coatings for most of the industries. visit www.nerolac.com .

upGrad To Open 100 Experience & Learning Centres - Commits INR 100 Crore

upGrad, one of Asia’s largest integrated learning skilling and workforce development majors announced the launch of opening 100 offline Connect and Counselling touch-points & Learning Centres in India to augment its online growth. The first two such counselling centres have already been inaugurated in Mumbai and Delhi and the first two learning centres in Indore & Pune. Initial reactions have been strong as in the first 30 days have clocked 500+ career counselling.  The goal is for the 100 centres to counsel over half a million on their career moves & the Learning Centres to see enrollments of over 10,000 learners.

The company sets aside an initial corpus of INR 100Cr to penetrate further across non-metros and smaller towns and accelerate operations in the next 12 months. This initiative augments upGrad’s existing offline presence with over 50 Franchises and 150 channel partners. 

“India is very uniquely placed to dominate the global talent markets and therefore, in the current FY, we are integrating our offerings carefully to empower every age group with the right career guidance and high-quality learning suite and training encompassing both, long and short format courses. We've identified the high-demand geographic pockets that will allow talents beyond metros to experience the sincere handholding they need in their lifelong learning journey. Our centres are designed to enhance and ensure every learner who walks in, either existing or potential resonates with the brand DNA and mission to further support them in fast-tracking their decision-making process. In the competitive era we operate in, timely upskilling will act as a collaborative nation-building force aligning India's supremacy onto the global stage," added Mayank Kumar, Co-founder & MD, upGrad while talking about the expansion plans. 

The Centres will serve as hubs for career counselling for those looking to upskill & reskill and will have access to all of upGrad’s courses and programs in one place.

About upGrad

Started in 2015, upGrad is Asia’s largest integrated Learning, Skilling, and Workforce Development Company. The offerings range from online & hybrid Degree programs to pathway and study abroad programs to certification and Bootcamps to Diploma, Master’s and Executive Doctorate programs for working professionals. upGrad provides most of these programs to enterprise clients through its B2B arm along with recruitment and staffing services. To date, upGrad has enrolled 10 million+ learners from 70+ countries, boasts a network of 300+ direct global university partners, wide line-up of 2500+ pathway connections, and an enterprise arm with 3000 corporate partners, worldwide. www.upgrad.com

Kotak Mahindra Bank Extends Support To Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences By Providing Fully Equipped Cardiac Ambulance

* The Cardiac Ambulance will play a vital role in delivering necessary oxygen and respiratory assistance to critically ill patients in Gulbarga, Karnataka

Karnataka, February 05, 2024: Under its Corporate Social Responsibility commitment, Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (“KMBL”/“Bank”) has extended support to Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Karnataka, by providing a fully equipped Cardiac Ambulance for critical healthcare emergencies. The Cardiac Ambulance was inaugurated by Dr. Sharanaparakash Rudrappa Patil, Hon Minister of Medical Education and Skill Development, Karnataka; along with Dr. Umesh S R, Director & Dean, GIMS and R Vardharajan, Business Head - Government Business, Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Through this CSR association with GIMS, Kotak aims to strengthen access to healthcare for local communities. The fully equipped Cardiac Ambulance will provide initial emergency treatments such as cardiac and respiratory ailments. On average, it is anticipated to support close to 500 patients each month, contributing significantly to the healthcare needs of the community in Gulbarga.

R Vardharajan, Business Head - Government Business, Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited, said,"We are committed to support the healthcare needs of local communities. Through our CSR association with Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences we will provide critical support to patients with cardiac and respiratory ailments and contribute to the need for superior healthcare services in the state."

Dr. Umesh S R, Director & Dean, GIMS said, “We are delighted to witness yet another feat which resembles the commitment of Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences and is in line with the service-oriented tradition of the hospital. This latest addition of Cardiac Ambulance to serve the underserved will prove to be a blessing for cardiac patients. We thank Kotak Mahindra Bank to have supported us in fulfilling our mission to serve the poor and enhance the quality of treatment.”

Kotak Karma is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) identity of the Kotak Mahindra Group of companies.

About Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

Established in 1985, Kotak Mahindra Group is one of India's leading financial services conglomerates. In February 2003, Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd. (KMFL), the Group's flagship company, received banking licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), becoming the first non-banking finance company in India to convert into a bank - Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited.

The Bank has four Strategic Business Units – Consumer Banking, Corporate Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury, which cater to retail and corporate customers across urban and rural India. The premise of Kotak Mahindra Group’s business model is concentrated India, diversified financial services. The bold vision that underscores the Group’s growth is an inclusive one, with a host of products and services designed to address the needs of the unbanked and insufficiently banked. As on 31st December, 2023, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd has a national footprint of 1,869 branches and 3,239 ATMs, and branches in GIFT City and DIFC (Dubai).

For more information, please visit the company’s website at https://www.kotak.com/.

About Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences:

Established in 2014, affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences and Governed by National Medical Council, Gulbarga Institute of Medical College (GIMS), Kalaburagi seeks to be a centre of excellence in Medical education, training, health care and research imbued with scientific culture, compassion for the sick and commitment to serve the underserved.

GIMS aims at providing quality and affordable medical education, ensure availability of adequate and high quality medical professionals and promote equitable and universal health care. Kalaburagi being the divisional headquarters of Kalyan Karnataka region, receives patients from various parts of the region with unique concerns and demands. GIMS, with a dedicated team of health care professionals is committed to deliver an optimal health care to the patients. GIMS offers a wide range of medical specialties including Medicine & it’s allied with super specialty, Surgery & it’s allied with super specialty, Maternity and Child health care, Trauma care services etc.

The 51st Annual National APSMCON-2024 Conference Will Be Organized At Kasturba Medical College Mangalore

Dr Rekha T, Head of the Department of Community Medicine and the organizing chairperson informed that the Department of Community Medicine at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore will be organizing the 51st Annual National Conference of the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSMCON-2024) from 8th February 2024 to 10th February 2024 at Dr T M A Pai International Convention Center, Mangalore, with 2 days of pre-conference workshops on 6th and 7th February 2024.

This is the first time Mangalore is hosting this prestigious conference.

Dean of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Dr B Unnikrishnan shared the importance of the conference theme ““Transformations for achieving SDGs: Innovate, Integrate, implement”. Dr B Unnikrishnan mentioned that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations in 2015, with the aim of addressing various social, economic, and environmental challenges by the year 2030.  However, the progress towards achieving these Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been uneven, and various challenges have contributed to the slow pace of advancement. The theme encapsulates a strategic approach to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by emphasizing three key elements: innovation, integration, and implementation. This threefold approach emphasizes the need for continuous innovation, integration of sustainable practices into various aspects of society, and effective implementation of strategies to realize the SDGs. By adopting this transformative mindset, stakeholders can work collaboratively to overcome challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and make meaningful progress towards a more sustainable and equitable future by 2030.  He also announced that this conference is organized to commemorate the 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr.T.M.A Pai.

Dr B Unnikrishnan informed that Dr R Balasubramaniam, Member - Human Resources, Capacity Building Commission of India, Government of India, will be the chief guest for the inaugural ceremony, which is scheduled on 8th February 2024, at 5:30 PM. He will also deliver the prestigious Dr. T.M.A. Pai oration during the conference.

Dr Ramesh Holla, organizing secretary stated that the conference will be attended by over 1200 delegates from across the country and abroad, and feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, and workshops from prominent National and International Organizations including ICMR, WHO, and UNICEF. Dr Holla stated that the conference will feature over 700 scientific presentations, 75+ plenary sessions, and a dynamic pre-conference program comprising 20 + workshops and 70+ facilitators.

In a bid to promote a healthy and drug-free lifestyle, a walkathon under the theme, " Say Hi to Life, No to Drugs”  has been organized as a special event, in the 51st Annual National Conference of Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSMCON 2024) on  9th February at 6:30 AM. The walkathon will commence from KMC Hospital, Ambedkar Circle and conclude at  Dr T M A Pai International Convention Center. Nearly 400 registered delegates will be participating in this event.

Goldmedal Crystalline LED Floodlight: Transform Your Space With A Cool Daylight Glow

* Introducing Crystalline LED Flood Light which is Affordable, Durable, and Innovative

Goldmedal Electricals, a leading player in India's Fast Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) sector, proudly introduces its latest breakthrough – the Crystalline LED Flood Light. The Crystalline Floodlight stands out with its impressive array of features, making it a top-notch lighting solution for diverse applications, priced at Rs. 1,149 for 30W and Rs. 1,449 for 50W, combines an appealing array of features with affordability and durability

Key features of the Crystalline LED Flood Light include:

·         High Brightness: With a powerful and exceptional light output of up to 100 lumens per watt, the Crystalline Floodlight outperforms traditional lighting in terms of efficiency, resulting in significant energy savings of up to 50% and a notable decrease in electricity costs.

·         Multiple Wattage Options: The Crystalline Floodlight, which comes in 30 and 50W versions, has an isolated driver that is dependable and compliant with BIS regulations.

·         Fresnel Lens Design: The floodlight is made with an aluminium housing with Fresnel lenses, which gives it great light dispersion and endurance for a variety of uses.

·         IP66 Protection: The Crystalline Floodlight, which has an IP66 rating and is resistant to dust and rain, is a great option for outdoor illumination.

·         Longevity & Warranty: Boasting a minimum lifespan of 25,000 hours, the floodlight comes with a two-year warranty, ensuring lasting performance and customer satisfaction.

·         Voltage & Surge Protection: The floodlight operates within a wide voltage range of 100-300VAC, incorporating overvoltage protection for consistent and high-quality light output.

·         Versatile Applications: The Crystalline Floodlight finds optimal use in various settings, including small billboards, outdoor flood lighting, façade lighting, and security lighting.

·         Competitive Pricing: Priced at Rs. 1,149 for 30W and Rs. 1,449 for 50W, the Crystalline Floodlight offers an attractive combination of features and affordability.

"I am delighted to introduce our latest product, the Crystalline LED Flood Light – a lighting solution meticulously designed to meet the evolving needs of modern users," said Kishan Jain, Director at Goldmedal Electricals, in response to the introduction. “This product is an example of how to combine modern design and efficiency along with alignment of conventional choices. By adapting to individual lighting requirements, our smart chip technology improves the lighting experience and guarantees a customized, energy-efficient illumination process for maximum comfort and effectiveness.”

With its advanced Crystalline LED technology, this lighting solution unveils a perfect blend of elegance and efficiency. You can expect a radiant, energy-efficient lighting solution that not only brightens your space but also adds a touch of contemporary sophistication. Known for creating modern LED lighting fixtures and lights, Goldmedal Electricals currently offers modular switches, accessories, LED lighting, wires, cables, doorbells, fans, PVC pipes, DBs, MCBs, and more in addition to a wide selection of other products.

This World Cancer Day LG Electronics India Announces CSR Program ‘TOGETHER AGAINST CANCER’

·       Collaborates with Indian Cancer Society for this comprehensive cancer support and treatment CSR program

LG Electronics India announced the launch of its comprehensive Cancer Support & Treatment CSR Program- ‘Together Against Cancer’. This initiative underscores LG's dedication to social responsibility and aims to address the intricate challenges posed by cancer across India. The initiative is in collaboration with the renowned Indian Cancer Society (ICS), a 70-year-old organization founded by Dr. D J Jussawalla and Mr. Naval Tata, dedicated to cancer awareness, research, and patient support, registry and research.  

The program's reach is extensive, encompassing mass awareness campaigns across various platforms such as radio, cinema, and social media. In addition to these, the initiative incorporates a targeted approach with approximately 100 school, colleges and at Pubic / Pvt organisations for outreach programs. This approach of ICS with support from LG Electronics India aims to create awareness and education, laying the groundwork for a more informed and vigilant society.

Crucially, the program will conduct numerous screening camps across Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Bihar, reaching directly to over 10,000 beneficiaries and sensitizing an additional 49,000 individuals. This ambitious effort reflects LG's joint commitment with ICS for early detection and proactive intervention, which is key components in the fight against cancer.

In addition to the screening initiatives, will provide financial aid for the diagnosis and treatment of a minimum of 150 underprivileged patients in states including Delhi, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar. Also the program's holistic approach extends beyond treatment, focusing on survivorship and rehabilitation. With a specific target to support beneficiaries, counselling services, educational opportunities, vocational courses, and awareness workshops collectively aim to empower and reintegrate cancer survivors into mainstream society.

Commenting on the same, Mr. Hong Ju Jeon- MD LG Electronics India, said, “The fight against cancer requires collective efforts, and we are proud to partner with the Indian Cancer Society to launch this comprehensive CSR program. Our commitment goes beyond financial aid; we aim to address the entire spectrum of cancer care, from awareness and screening to treatment and survivorship. This initiative reflects our dedication to creating a positive impact on society and aligns with our corporate social responsibility values.”

Mrs. Usha Thorat National Managing Trustee, Indian Cancer Society said: “The collaboration with LG Electronics India marks another significant stride in our collective efforts against cancer and want to thank them for this partnership. The aim is to drive positive communication that helps reduce fear, encourage people to get themselves checked / screened regularly to stay two steps ahead of cancer. We are poised to amplify our impact and provide much-needed assistance to individuals in need. Together, we are steadfast in our resolve to make a positive difference in the lives of cancer patients and survivors.”

LG Electronics India Limited's Cancer Support & Treatment CSR Program exemplifies the company's dedication to corporate social responsibility and its vision for creating a healthier and more sustainable society. As the program unfolds, it is poised to bring hope, awareness, and support to the forefront, leaving a lasting impact on the fight against cancer in India.

About LG Electronics India Pvt Ltd               

LG Electronics India Pvt. Ltd. (LG Electronics), a wholly owned subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc, South Korea was established in January 1997 in India. It is one of the most formidable brands in consumer electronics - Home Entertainment, home appliances*, HVAC, IT hardware. In India, LG Electronics has earned a premium brand positioning and is an acknowledged trendsetter in the industry.  LGEIL's manufacturing unit at Greater Noida is one of the most eco-friendly units among all LG manufacturing plants in the world. The second Greenfield facility is located at Ranjangaon; Pune which manufacture LED TVs, air conditioners, commercial air conditioning systems, washing machines, refrigerators, and monitors.

*Home Appliances include- Refrigerator, Washing Machine, AC, Water purifier, Microwave, Fan, Dishwasher & Air purifier

About Indian Cancer Society: The Indian Cancer Society (ICS) was founded  in 1951 by  Dr. D J Jussawalla and Mr. Naval Tata as India’s first non-profit organization for cancer space. The activities of the ICS cover the entire continuum of cancer care: From awareness, screening for early detection, financial help for diagnosis and treatment, support groups, rehabilitation of cancer survivors, to research, registry and education. In addition, ICS publishes the Indian Journal of Cancer, the first indexed oncology journal in India.