Sapna Book House And Juggernaut Books Launch 'An Uncommon Love’ On Sudha And Narayana Murthy's 46th Anniversary

In a celebration as sweet as love itself, Sapna, India's largest book mall and Juggernaut Books, announced the successful launch of Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's newest gem, "An Uncommon Love: The Early Life of Sudha and Narayana Murthy." The magical evening unfolded on the 10th of February in Bangalore, commemorating the 46th wedding anniversary of the iconic couple.

"An Uncommon Love," published by Juggernaut Books, delves into the love saga of Narayana and Sudha Murthy in a manner that not only touches the heart but also tickles the funny bone. Guided by the literary finesse of Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, the creative force behind bestsellers like "The Palace of Illusions," this collaboration with the Murthys weaves a narrative that exudes charm and authenticity.

Chitra intricately handpicks significant incidents and conversations from the couple's lives, expertly moulding the narrative to encapsulate their growth. Through carefully chosen events, "An Uncommon Love" skilfully transports readers to a distinct time and place, offering a compelling journey into the essence of the characters' evolution and their loved ones as well.

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, with her signature blend of humour and heart, expressed, "Writing 'An Uncommon Love' has been an enchanting journey. The Murthys not only shared their story but also their laughter, making this book a celebration of love, life, and a good sense of humour."

On this special day, Sapna invited Murthy family, including Akshata and Rohan, as they gathered to celebrate four decades of love and companionship. The launch wasn't just a book but a love-infused experience, adorned with heart-warming conversations with Narayana Murthy, Sudha Murty, and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.

For those who believe in love stories that transcend time and algorithms, the event was a heart-warming success.

Photo Caption: Left to Right – Sudha Murthy, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Rahul Jacob and Narayana Murthy.

U.S. Polo Assn. Opens India’s Largest Store In Bengaluru, India

·         The international sports power brand U.S. Polo Assn. inaugurates an all-new Brand Store in Jayanagar, Bengaluru - the brand’s biggest store to date.

·         The largest U.S. Polo Assn. store store in India, this will also be the first store to take the new womenswear collection live offline.

U.S. Polo Assn., India’s leading casualwear brand of the globally renowned United States Polo Association (USPA), unveiled its new brand store in Jayanagar, Bengaluru. Spread across a retail space of 6190 sq. ft, the brand’s store in Jayanagar – one of the largest residential hubs in India, and an affluent mixed residential and commercial neighbourhood in Bengaluru - located across 3 floors aims to transform the retail landscape for U.S. Polo Assn. in India, inviting customers to be part of the dynamic and engaging brand story.

With an authentic connection to the sport of polo, the brand-new retail space boasts modern décor and sport-inspired accessories that weave shoppers into the brand story all through their shopping experience. The store highlights the authentic, modern, and sporty elements of the brand while showcasing elements of fashion and style, keeping the product at the core focus. The store also features a special wall that embodies the spirit of the sport of polo - classic and cool. The new store is a part of the brand’s growth strategy, which equally focuses on brick-and-mortar, omni-channel, and e-commerce, as well as overall brand marketing through storytelling.

This U.S. Polo Assn. store at Jayanagar marks a special milestone - it's the first store in India to take the new SS’24 womenswear collection live in-store, which was previously available exclusively online. The store houses the entire range of product categories that the brand has to offer- USPA Mainline, USPA Sport, Denim & Co., Womenswear, Footwear, Kidswear, Accessories and Innerwear. Polo shirts, denims, sweaters, jackets, and t-shirts are just a few of the timeless favourites that are included in the featured collection.

Commenting on the launch, Amitabh Suri, CEO, U.S. Polo Assn. India said, “Our flagship store at Jayanagar isn't just a brick-and-mortar expansion, it's a statement and one-of-a-kind experience for Bangalore customers. It speaks volumes about the prowess of U.S. Polo Assn., a brand as legendary as the sport itself, and its commitment to Indian fans. Bengaluru has been a fast-growing market for USPA over the past few years, making it the perfect choice to open our largest flagship store. Jayanagar is one of the largest residential and commercial hubs in the country. We are working to cater to the ever-evolving fashion preferences of Indian consumers, which are on par with their global counterparts.”

Currently, the brand’s retail footprint in India includes more than 400 brand stores and over 2000 shop-in-shops across 200 cities in India.

About U. S. Polo Assn.

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the country’s oldest sport governing bodies, founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through over 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. A recent, multi-year deal with ESPN to broadcast the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., has made the thrilling sport accessible to millions of households globally for the very first time.

U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB, according to License Global. In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized around the world with awards for global growth, expansion, licensing and digital presence. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, particularly in the last five years, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Modern Retail and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world.

For more information, visit uspoloassn.in or uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn & @uspoloassnindia

About Arvind Fashions Limited

Arvind Fashions Ltd is India's no. 1 casual and denim player, a lifestyle powerhouse with a strong portfolio of fashion brands catering to consumers across sub-categories and price points. With a host of renowned brands, both international and indigenous, like U.S. Polo Assn., Arrow, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Flying Machine, it has a presence across lifestyle brands and prestige beauty.

EZEE Cycles Launches 2 Electric Bicycle Variants In Namma Bengaluru

* Ezee cycles are now venturing into the electric mobility space with completely indigenous and purpose-built electric bicycles that it has developed in-house.

* To Beat the Traffic, To Save the Planet - Personal Transport Redefined Completely

* MAKE IN INDIA innovation

EZEE CYCLES, electric cycles are crafted with precision and attention to detail. Whether you seek power, style, or performance in your ride, our electric cycles deliver on all fronts. Featuring robust frames, advanced battery technology, and powerful motors, our electric cycles offer an unmatched riding experience. From conquering challenging terrains to navigating city streets effortlessly, our electric cycles empower you to travel beyond.

Addressing the media Mr. Purushottam Naik, Ezee cycles founder, after the inauguration of the cycles in Bengaluru he said “Here at Ezee Cycles, we are passionate about bringing green technologies to life.  Launching the Gaur E1, E coon s1 to create a cleaner, greener and more connected urban environment. Our electric cycles produce zero emissions, contributing to leaner air and a healthier planet. Our electric cycles are not just eco friendly, they are also designed to turn heads, explore our range of electric cycles designed to cater to diverse preferences and lifestyles.

The key feature of this cycle is using a Li-Ion rechargeable battery, detachable for charging.. They produce 30-40nm Torque with a range of 50km with full charge and up to 70km with pedal assist feature. The RALSON Balloon tyres give extra support to the suspension to make your ride easy. It also has 7 gears for better ride conditions with economical, standard and power mode.

For inaugural price and for more information, please call: 8317492639

SIDBI Unveils “Prabhaav” – An Impact Study Of The Fund Of Funds For Startups

* CRISIL’s Assessment Reveals Heartening All-Round Impact

Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), a key component of the Startup India Action Plan launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji in 2016, is today one of the flagship programmes of DPIIT, Government of India and has proven to be a game changing intervention of Government of India in country’s Startup Ecosystem. The scheme is being managed by SIDBI on behalf of, and under the overall guidance and direction of DPIIT.

In this connection, a third-party assessment of the scheme was undertaken by CRISIL, India’s premier analytics company and pioneer of AIF benchmarking in the country. CRISIL’s impact assessment report viz. Prabhaav, was unveiled today by SIDBI.

Shri S. Ramann, Chairman & Managing Director, SIDBI along with Shri S P Singh, CGM Venture Finance, presented the report to Dr Vivek Joshi, Secretary, Dept. of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, GoI, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS, Secretary, DPIIT and Shri Sanjiv, IRS, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

The Fund of Funds for Startups, which contributes to the corpus of category I & II Alterative Investment Funds (AIFs), with a mandate for investment to startups, is one of the key initiatives which has transformed India into the 3rd largest startup ecosystem in the world today, by providing a sizeable catalytic pool of risk & growth capital to startups.

The report reveals heartening all-round outcomes of this initiative of GoI on aspects encompassing multiplied flow of capital, innovative solutions, inclusiveness & diversity in coverage of startups, deepening of startup funding ecosystem in the hinterlands of the country, strengthening of governance as well as wealth creation.

Key highlights of the report indicate that as on November 30, 2023, as many as 129 AIFs have been sanctioned commitment out of FFS across segments. The scheme has already catalysed investments to the tune of ~4x of the amount drawn with ?17,534 crore invested in 938 unique startups. Thus, the scheme resulted in significant multiplier effect, promoting enhanced capital flow into this segment. While FFS largely focusses on early-stage funding in young companies, as many as 18 of its startups have already become unicorns.

The scheme has also channelised investments in startups in emerging sectors such as deep tech, agri/agri solutions, health tech, financial services, and sustainability. Implemented with emphasis on diversity & inclusiveness, after launch of FFS, 129 startups beyond Tier 1 cities have received investments aggregating ?1,590 crore. Another heartening outcome was the increasing support to women led startups as well as women led fund managers.

The scheme has ushered in a revolution in Venture Capital Space in India too, emerging as hallmark of approval for the fund managers as well. As per the survey conducted by CRISIL as part of the assessment, 89% respondents confirmed that support under FFS was instrumental in anchoring their fund raise. More than 75% respondents said they experienced a positive impact in raising non-institutional domestic capital post commitment by SIDBI under the scheme. Further, out of the AIFs supported, as high as 35% are being managed by first time Fund Managers, which will help deepen and enhance the reach of the AIF / VC funding ecosystem, as summed up by CRISIL in its assessment.

The Secretary, DFS and Secretary, DPIIT appreciated the initiatives and progress demonstrated by SIDBI in managing the scheme and the outcomes already achieved.

Since, its formation in 1990, when the risk capital and VC ecosystem for innovative enterprises and startups was nearly non-existent in the country, SIDBI has been impacting the lives of citizens across various strata of the society through its integrated, innovative, and inclusive approach. Over the last 3 decades, SIDBI has taken several pioneering steps to support building up of startup ecosystem including support out of its own balance sheet. SIDBI supported setting up of several schemes on its own before emerging as a key partner of the Government of India and several State Governments for managing their vision in Startup space through Fund of Funds interventions. Apart from FFS, it also manages ASPIRE Fund of Funds of Ministry of MSME with focus on Agro and Rural enterprises, and state focussed Fund of Funds for Uttar Pradesh & Odisha.

About Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI):

SIDBI is the Principal Financial Institution for Promotion, Financing and Development of the MSME sector. SIDBI has been playing a significant role in developing the financial services for MSME sector through various interventions including Refinance to Banks, Credit Guarantee programs, Development of the MFI sector, Contribution to Venture capital/AIF funds, MSME ratings, promoting digital lending ecosystem, etc. The Bank has proactively been working towards Energy Efficiency (EE) in MSMEs since 2005-06 using support of multilateral institutions like World Bank, ADB, GiZ, FCDO, JICA, AFD, KfW etc. for energy efficient projects. Furthermore, SIDBI has been touching the lives of citizens across various strata of society through its integrated, innovative, and inclusive approach. Be it traditional, domestic small entrepreneurs, bottom-of-the-pyramid entrepreneurs, to high-end knowledge-based entrepreneurs, SIDBI has directly or indirectly impacted the lives of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) through various credit and developmental measures.

To know more, check out: https://www.sidbi.in  

Matrimony Reports Robust Revenue Growth Of 6.2% y/y

Matrimony.com Limited, the leading online matrimony company, announced its unaudited standalone and consolidated financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2023, as approved by its board of directors.

Murugavel Janakiraman, Chairman and Managing Director said, “We are working on various enhancements and also new initiatives. These ongoing measures are expected to provide the desired momentum in the coming quarters”.

Key financial highlights for the quarter ended December 31, 2023

Consolidated

Billing at Rs 116.2 crores (decline of 0.8% q/q and growth of 4.3% y/y)

Revenue at Rs 117.3 crores (decline of 3.6% q/q and growth of 6.2% y/y)

Profit After Tax (PAT) at Rs 11.1 crores (decline of 11.3% q/q and 4.3% y/y)

Matchmaking

Billing at Rs 114.1 crores (decline of 0.7% q/q and growth of 5.3% y/y)

Revenue at Rs 114.9 crores (decline of 3.5% q/q and growth of 6.7% y/y)

Added 2.6 lakhs paid subscriptions during the quarter (growth of 1.4% q/q and 10.8% y/y)

Other highlights

Launched a ‘Safe Matrimony’ campaign aimed at increasing awareness about online frauds, with Ace Actor Vidya Balan, as the face of this campaign

About Matrimony.com limited

Matrimony.com is India’s leading consumer Internet Company managing marquee brands such as BharatMatrimony, CommunityMatrimony and EliteMatrimony.  BharatMatrimony is considered the largest and most trusted matrimony brand which has also established a considerable retail presence with over 100 self-owned retail outlets across India.  Matrimony.com has also launched Jodii – an exclusive matchmaking service for non-graduates, in 9 Indian languages. The Company delivers matchmaking and marriage related services to users in India and the Indian diaspora.  The Company has pioneered several new business models such as WeddingBazaar.com, Mandap.com and CommunityMatrimony.com, a consortium of over 300 community matrimony services.

For more details, visit https://www.matrimony.com

51st Annual IAPSMCON 2024 Inaugurated At Kasturba Medical College Mangalore

* The Department of Community Medicine at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore is hosting a three-day national conference from 8th February to 10th February 2024

Pre-conference workshops were conducted over two days on 6th and 7th February 2024

The 51st Annual National Conference of the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSMCON 2024) was inaugurated at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, setting the stage for three days of insightful discussions and knowledge exchange.

Hosted by the Department of Community Medicine at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, the conference commenced on 8th February and will continue till 10th February 2024 at the Dr. T M A Pai International Convention Center, Mangalore. Pre-conference workshops were held on 6th and 7th February 2024 to enrich the participants' experience.

The inaugural function witnessed the esteemed presence of Chief Guest Dr. R Balasubramaniam, Member-Human Resources, Capacity Building Commission of India, Government of India, and was presided over by Dr. H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE. Guests of Honour included Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, Dr. A M Kadri, National President, IAPSM, Dr. Purushottam Giri, Secretary General, IAPSM, and Dr. B Unnikrishnan, Dean KMC, Mangalore. The conference was organized under the able leadership of Dr. Rekha T, Professor and Head of Community Medicine, KMC Mangalore, as the Organizing Chairperson, and Dr. Ramesh Holla as the Organizing Secretary.

During the inaugural event, experts deliberated on the theme 'Transformations for achieving Sustainable Development Goals: Innovate, Integrate, Implement,' emphasizing the imperative of collaborative efforts to overcome challenges and make significant progress towards a sustainable and equitable future by 2030.

Speaking at the event, Chief Guest Dr R Balasubramaniam, Member-Human Resources, Capacity Building Commission of India, Government of India, commented, "Preventive and social medicine is a dedication to creating healthier communities and a better future for future generations, not just a field of study. As we come together to talk about and reflect on important public health concerns, let's keep in mind that prevention is the key to promoting wellness and equity as well as minimizing sickness. By placing a high value on prevention and promoting social responsibility, we can build a society in which every person has access to high-quality healthcare and the chance to live a happy and meaningful life. Let's travel together in the direction of a more just and healthy future."

Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, reiterated MAHE's commitment to sustainability and excellence in quality,

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, "As we gather here for the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine's Annual National Conference, we reaffirm our dedication to promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and pushing public health objectives. To address the urgent health issues facing our country, this meeting provides a forum for knowledge exchange, the sharing of best practices, and the formation of partnerships. As we set out on this joint project, let's make the most of advocacy, innovation, and research to advance preventative care, fortify healthcare systems, and enhance community wellbeing. Let's work together to create a future where everyone is healthier and more resilient. I look forward to listening to more insightful lectures and presentations on coming two days and wishing everyone the best."

The inaugural event of IAPSMCON 2024 served as a platform for researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to exchange knowledge, ideas, and best practices in the field of public health. Through engaging debates, educational workshops, and fruitful collaborations, the conference aims to drive positive change and promote the well-being of communities across the country, ultimately contributing to healthier futures for generations to come.

Admission Open For UG And PG Programs At MAHE Bengaluru: Explore A World Of Academic Excellence

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru, the esteemed off-campus of MAHE, Manipal, welcomes aspiring students to embark on a transformative academic journey. Proudly announcing the commencement of admissions for the academic year 2024-2025, MAHE Bengaluru offers a diverse array of undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs across Law, Liberal Arts, Commerce, Public Policy, Management, Engineering, Design, Regenerative Medicines, and Allied Health Sciences.

In the Commerce domain, a 4-year B. Com (Hons.) program awaits students, offering specializations in Corporate Accounting, Business Analytics, Banking and Finance, and Financial Technology. The program offers ACCA collaboration for global certifications in accounting, diverse internship opportunities, and optional international study abroad/exchange programs.

For aspiring legal professionals, Manipal Law School presents a 5-year program, offering BA LLB (Hons.) and BBA LLB (Hons.) degrees with various specializations and a three-year LLB program at the undergraduate level. The school also offers multiple LLM programs in Construction Law & Arbitration, Data privacy Law and Cyber Law, Information Technology Law, and International Investment & Commercial Arbitration. The programs have expert faculty members and adjunct/visiting faculty members from Kings College London, UK, New York Law School, USA, etc., along with regular guest lectures, workshops, and conferences by industry experts.

Manipal Institute of Technology provides a 4-year program for B. Tech enthusiasts, with specializations including Computer Science & Engineering, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Data Sciences, Information Technology, and Electronics and Communication Engineering.

In the field of Liberal Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, a 4-year BA (Hons.) program is offered, providing specializations in Journalism and Mass Communication, Psychology, English, and Double Major programs in History, Political Science, Economics, and Sociology. The courses will provide international recognition and support from renowned scholars.

In the field of Management, T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) provides a 4-year old BBA (Hons) program.

The Srishti Manipal Institute of Art Design and Technology offers various BVoC, BDes and BFA programs.

For those who would like to pursue post-graduation studies, MAHE Bengaluru offers a 2-year M. Com program with specializations in Finance & Accounting.

The Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences offers MA in Multimedia & Communication and English Language & Literature and also offers MSc in Applied Psychology.

The Department of Public Policy offers MA in the Public Policy program.

Manipal Law School offers LLM programs specializing in Construction Law & Arbitration Law, Data Privacy Law & Cyber Law, Information Technology Law, International Investment & Commercial Arbitration in regular and blended modes.

The campus also offers MSs program under Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine in research in translational immunology, research in translational neuroscience, stem cell technology, and regenerative biology.

In the Allied Health Sciences, the campus provides a 2-year MPT program with specializations in Musculoskeletal Sciences, Neurosciences, Pediatrics, and Cardio-pulmonary Sciences. Additionally, there is a 2-year M.Sc. program with diverse specializations such as Cardiovascular Technology, Clinical Psychology, and Laboratory Technology.

Also various PG diploma, MFA, MA, MPlan and MDes programs are offered under the Srishti Manipal Institute of Art Design and Technology offers various BVoC, BDes and BFA programs.

Speaking about the programs, Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro VC, MAHE Bengaluru Campus expressed his thoughts, “MAHE Bengaluru stands as a beacon for aspiring students, providing a unique blend of academic excellence and holistic development. Our UG and PG programs are designed to empower students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen fields and make meaningful contributions to academia and industries. Through innovative teaching methods and a focus on interdisciplinary learning, we aim to nurture critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills that are essential for addressing the challenges of a rapidly evolving world”.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE):

Established in 1953, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence and a Deemed to be University. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, honoured MAHE with the prestigious designation of Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. Currently ranked sixth in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience.

MAHE Bengaluru, an off campus of MAHE, excels in delivering comprehensive education to students, supported by highly qualified faculty, and dedicated mentors. The MAHE Bengaluru campus has an inspiring, future relevant learning ecosystem, on a new age tech enabled living campus. Here, the students immerse themselves, transform and discover multiple choices and opportunities. At MAHE Bengaluru, the potential for growth and the opportunities available are boundless.