Minister of Forest Eshwar Khandre Launches Bamboo 4 Bengaluru, An Initiative By Bamboo Society of India And The Green School Bengaluru

The Forest Minister of Karnataka, Eshwar Khandre, officially launched the Bamboo 4 Bengaluru initiative by unveiling the logo and website. The initiative is a collaborative effort between The Green School Bengaluru (TGSB) and the Bamboo Society of India, aimed at addressing environmental concerns in the city of Bengaluru. The Managing Director of TGSB, Usha Iyer and Punati Sridhar, IFS Retd. Chairman represented their organisations

The launch event was attended by prominent members of the forest department, including Brijesh Kumar Dikshit, PCCF(HoFF), Shri.D.A.Venkatesh IFS retd. GC Member BSI, and Shri.Paramashvaviah retd. DCF and Treasurer, BSI, Nikhil Gowda Kedambadi, Manju Chakrawati, the head of TGSB, and staff and children of the school were also present at the ceremony.

The Hon. minister of Forest, ecology and Environment said, “Growing Bamboo is the need of the hour. The Bengaluru city is experiencing issues with water shortage and this is the best way to conserve water and by cultivating bamboo we can recreate it as a bamboo city. ”In addition, esteemed minister stressed on the fact that bamboo trees releases more oxygen and reduces carbon as compared to the other trees. The said meeting highlighted the need of such innovative and eco-friendly project in collaboration with Bamboo Society of Bengaluru and Karnataka Forest Department to benefit Bengaluru environment.

Punati Sridhar, IFS added to this and said,” The initiative focuses on planting bamboo to combat pollution and water scarcity, with the goal of creating a 'bamboo city' in Bengaluru. The program involves students from The Green School Bengaluru planting 30,000 bamboo plants to make the city greener and reduce pollution levels. Bamboo also plays a crucial role in rainwater conservation, with some species capable of being planted even in small household sites. Using of bamboo in construction in Bengaluru can project it as a eco-friendly city. Thornless bamboo species like Tulda, Oliveri, and Stocksii balcooa, polymorpha, brandisii, bamboos, Strictus, Nutans, etc are recommended for open spaces in Bengaluru. Collaboration between the Bamboo Society of India, The Green School Bengaluru, Forest Department, and BBMP can lead to a substantial difference in the city's environment. This initiative sets a positive precedent that can be emulated by other schools and organizations in Bengaluru in the future.”

Ms. Usha Iyer , Managing Director of the Green School Bengaluru Says ,”The initiative aligns with the zero energy, zero carbon, and zero waste philosophy of The Green School Bengaluru. , We have  announced  that the fastest planter who successfully plants 100 bamboo trees within the allotted time frame and maintains them until the end of the program will receive a trip to New York with family to attend the climate week there “

The gathering witnessed the moment of the day where the logo and website for the project was launched by the Hon. Minister. Further, there was an assurance to support this project by providing 30,000 plants.

“Through Bamboo 4 Bengaluru, we hope to make a significant impact on the city's environment and create a more sustainable future for Bengaluru. “Nikhil Gowda Kedambadi concludes.

‘Bamboo 4 Bengaluru ‘is creating a greener and more sustainable city by increasing the number of bamboo trees in the urban environment

For more information, please visit the Bamboo 4 Bengaluru website at www.bamboo4Bengaluru.org

About TGSB:

The Green School Bangalore is the only zero energy, zero carbon, and zero-waste school designed from the most organic materials available to support global sustainability in every way and has adopted SDG 2030 by the UN. It’s a school that supports global sustainability in every way. The school focuses on green awareness for students and staff with programs, resources, and events to promote healthier food and nutrition, indoor air quality, and the 3Rs: reducing, reusing, and recycling. A source of green curriculum, TGSB is dedicated to the “implementation of environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient systems and practices in K-12 schools.”

For more information log on:: https://thegreenschoolbangalore.com/

Ozonetel Appoints Shalil Gupta As The New Managing Director

* Expands the executive leadership team to enhance the platform offerings and drive growth across global markets.

Ozonetel, an industry-leading unified customer experience intelligence (CXi) platform, today announced the appointment of Shalil Gupta as Managing Director (Global Growth). In this executive role, Shalil will lead the charter to expand the company’s footprint across global markets, establish a strong CX consulting practice to advise enterprise customers, and drive business growth.

Additionally, Ozonetel is increasing investments in people and technology to enhance its AI-engineered CXi platform and expand use cases to all touchpoints across the customer lifecycle.

Shalil is a senior business and technology leader with over 25 years of experience. He has held leadership roles at Hindustan Times, International Data Corporation (IDC), GE Capital Services, Royal Bank of Scotland with a proven track record of growth across geographies. He was named one of Forbes India’s Top 100 Great People Managers.

Atul Sharma, Founder & CEO of Ozonetel said, “AI is changing the way enterprises traditionally engaged with customers across marketing, sales, and service. Ozonetel is expanding its foundations into areas where AI will play a larger role in the CX landscape. Our CXi platform continues to drive remarkable growth for our customers, solidifying our position as a leader in customer experience.”

Atul added, “We are delighted to have Shalil on board. He is an outstanding leader and a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies. Shalil’s insights will be valuable as we continue to push the boundaries of innovation in the CX space.”

“Today, every enterprise is going through a transformation and are reimagining their customer playbooks with AI at its core. The global CX market is projected to be USD 90+ bn in the coming years, and platforms that power seamless customer interactions, across journeys and touchpoints, will generate significant value for all stakeholders. I am excited to join Ozonetel at a pivotal moment in its growth journey and strongly believe in the team’s vision to lead CX innovation globally.” said Shalil Gupta.

Today, with its unified approach to CX, Ozonetel has established itself as a partner for global enterprises. Top brands have successfully leveraged Ozonetel’s CXi platform to transform customer experience and accelerate growth, winning prestigious industry awards.

About Ozonetel

Ozonetel is an industry-leading unified customer experience intelligence (CXi) platform that helps enterprises engage, convert, and retain customers, at scale. The AI-engineered platform empowers businesses to orchestrate journeys across a multitude of touchpoints, power billions of personalized conversations, and gain a 360º view of customers across the lifecycle. 3,500+ global brands trust CXi to capture the pulse of customers, drive cohesive experiences, and increase lifetime value. Ozonetel has received numerous industry awards and accolades for product innovation and CX transformation. For more information, please visit www.ozonetel.com

20 Summers, One Abu Dhabi: One Summer Isn’t Enough To Experience It All

The most unique summer vacation recently took place, with Experience Abu Dhabi inviting 20 people named 'Summer' from around the world for the trip of a lifetime in the UAE capital.

Visiting the destination for the first time, the 20 Summers discovered that ‘One Summer Isn’t Enough’ in Abu Dhabi – with something for everyone to see, do and enjoy.

Inspire your next summer adventure and watch their journey unfold: 20 Summers, One Abu Dhabi - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHtVoYO0DQc

The 20 Summers and their special guests enjoyed a fun-filled three-day journey, blending cultural immersion, exhilarating activities and relaxation, guided by the 101 Abu Dhabi Do’s—a curated selection of enriching moments that highlight opportunities for adventure and discovery at every turn.

From conquering the world’s tallest indoor flight chamber at CLYMB Abu Dhabi to having breakfast with giraffes at Emirates Park Zoo, all the Summers had an epic adventure. The Summers kayaked through meandering mangroves at sunrise, lounged beachside at Café del Mar and enjoyed a traditional Emirati breakfast at Abdulrahman Al Zaabi’s home.

Adrenaline-Fueled Adventures and Cultural Explorations

With so many ways to experience Abu Dhabi, the Summers’ summer itineraries were packed with memorable moments – with snowball fights at Snow Abu Dhabi and meeting the capybaras at The National Aquarium.

The Summers sparked their creative side with a visit to the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi before attending a crafts workshop at Manarat Al Saadiyat, using traditional Arabic techniques to create a bespoke souvenir. Meanwhile, the adrenaline seekers visited Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi to bond over thrilling rides and meet their favourite superheroes.

Each Summer also visited some of Abu Dhabi’s iconic and architecturally renowned landmarks, including the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Hosn and the House of Artisans.

One City, Many Flavours

The Summers were treated to a delightful culinary experience during their time in Abu Dhabi. At Bab Al Qasr, they dined in darkness, relying on their sense of taste and smell. They savoured local Emirati delights – delicious dough balls with date syrup and Emirati pancakes – at Luqaimat and Chebab. For a taste of the region, they dined at Li Beirut, a Lebanese culinary gem renowned in Abu Dhabi for its innovative fusion of traditional and contemporary flavours.

The Summers also explored international flavours with Mediterranean cuisine at Mika, Argentinian delicacies at Mate, Peruvian dishes at COYA, and delicious Italian recipes at Antonia.

To explore the full list of 101 Abu Dhabi Do’s, visit: www.visitabudhabi.ae

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae

SAP Labs India Extends Collaboration With PSGiTech To Deepen Industry Research

* With this partnership, we are aiming to leverage academic collaboration to drive significant technological innovations.

SAP Labs India and PSG Institute of Technology and Applied Research (PSGiTech) Coimbatore have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for two years. The renewal aims to continue to provide students with industry exposure, undertake collaborative research projects, and develop thought-leadership focused on SAP technologies.  Academia collaborations are key to SAP Labs India’s commitment to fostering an innovation mindset among students. By partnering with top educational institutes in India, SAP Labs India continues to explore research engagements on industry-relevant topics, driving progress and innovation.

This collaboration is set to engage students from PSGiTech through various initiatives, including hackathons based on challenge statements and relevant emerging topics. Additionally, SAP Labs India will conduct knowledge-sharing sessions through Research Engagement and Collaboration Hub (REACH by SAP Labs India) to empower faculty and students with expertise in SAP and related technologies. The partnership also encompasses co-authoring of books and research papers and organizing expert sessions on topics of joint interest. SAP Labs India has been working with PSGiTech on several topics including Low-Code No-Code, coding constructs for energy efficiency, cloud deployment, cloud cost management, and many more.

Sindhu Gangadharan, MD, SAP Labs India, and Vice Chairperson, nasscom, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, “At SAP, we believe that innovation is the cornerstone of progress. Partnering with academic institutions like PSGiTech allows us to tap into a rich pool of talent and fresh ideas, driving technological advancements that can shape the future. In today’s fast-evolving tech landscape, particularly with the rise of generative AI, it is crucial for students to augment their education with hands-on industry experience and deep subject matter expertise. Our collaboration with PSGiTech provides students with the opportunity to build and showcase their innovative capabilities, co-develop solutions to real-world challenges, and prepare for a dynamic workforce. We are excited to continue this journey of research and innovation with the faculty members and students of PSGiTech.”

Dr N Saravanakumar, Principal-PSGiTech added, “The ongoing association between PSGiTech and SAP Labs India is more than a partnership; it’s a shared vision that recognizes the power of collaboration between academia and industry. By combining SAP Labs India’s industry knowledge and technical acumen with PSGiTech’s academic excellence, we are setting new standards for industry-academia partnerships. The collaboration with SAP provides our students with access to modern approach, cutting-edge technologies, and real-world projects, enabling them to learn, explore, and grow into industry-ready professionals. We look forward to continuing this journey and contributing to technological advancements on a global scale.”

Moreover, SAP Labs India and PSGiTech will hold joint workshops to address challenges collaboratively, explore internship and project opportunities for students, and facilitate periodic visits to SAP Labs India Bangalore campus for nominated representatives and students of PSGiTech to strengthen their ties. The collaboration also includes the Teachers Industry Immersion Program that aims to bridge the gap between theoretical classroom learning and real-world applications of technology in the industry. This program equips teachers with the knowledge and resources to effectively integrate SAP technology and industry trends into their curriculum, exposes them to the latest advancements and future directions of SAP technology, and sparks new ideas for engaging students in STEM fields.

About SAP

SAP’s strategy is to help every business run as a sustainable intelligent enterprise. As a market leader in enterprise application software, we help companies of all sizes and in all industries run at their best: 87% of the world’s total global commerce touches an SAP® system. Our machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics technologies help turn customers’ businesses into sustainable intelligent enterprises. We help by providing people and organizations with deep business insights and foster collaboration that helps them stay ahead of their competition. SAP simplifies technology for companies so they can consume SAP software the way they want – without disruption. Our end-to-end suite of applications and services enables business and public customers across 25 industries globally to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and make a difference. With a global network of customers, partners, employees, and thought leaders, SAP helps the world run better and improve people’s lives.

For more information, visit www.sap.com

Hero MotoCorp Expands Premia Network, Inaugurates First 'Hero Premia' Store In New Delhi

Aligned with its holistic premiumization strategy, Hero MotoCorp, world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, inaugurated its first ‘Premia’ store in New Delhi today.

Located in the prominent auto-hub of Naraina industrial area, the store displays eight models and features separate zones for Hero, VIDA, and Harley-Davidson products.

Hero MotoCorp has been rapidly expanding its network of premium stores across the country, with over 40 Premia stores now operating in over 35 cities.

Hero Premia stores feature modern architecture, appealing design, and engaging new-age digital technologies. They deliver a best-in-class premium experience, with professionally trained Premia Sales consultants offering personalized advice to customers. Additionally, the Premia Service delivers a delightful in-service experience through exclusive technical experts.

At the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp handed over the keys of the Mavrick 440, VIDA V1 and Harley-Davidson X440 to the store’s inaugural customers.

Hero Premia stores showcase Hero MotoCorp’s wide range of premium products such as Mavrick 440, Harley-Davidson X440, Karizma XMR, Xpulse 200 4V, Xtreme 160R and VIDA V1. The outlets also feature merchandise and accessories from Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson.

Britannia The Laughing Cow Cheese Launches A One-Of-A-Kind Content Hub, “Cheeseitup.in” Bengaluru

~Curated in collaboration with Mindshare and Times Network, CheeseItUp.in is an innovation digital solution to providing awareness about everything cheese for cheese enthusiasts of all ages~

Cheese is a versatile ingredient that brings joy to meals and elevates even the simplest dishes. Embracing this essence, Britannia The Laughing Cow Cheese has launched CheeseItUp.in, (https://cheeseitup.timesfoodie.com/) a unique content hub for cheese enthusiasts of all ages.

Curated in partnership with Mindshare and the Times Network, this digital hub aims to build a community for cheese lovers. It offers a wide range of information on various types of cheese, recipes, DIY videos, blogs, and more. CheeseItUp.in offers easy and snackable content that makes everyday meals tastier by incorporating different types of cheese from Britannia The Laughing Cow Cheese. Whether you want quick snack ideas or gourmet recipes, the platform offers engaging, user-friendly content, ensuring that the recipes are easy to follow. Users can easily save and download recipes that are tailored to their preferences.      

In 2022, Britannia Industries and French cheese maker Bel Foods entered a joint venture and formed Britannia Bel Foods and launched the co-branded cheese portfolio as Britannia The Laughing Cow Cheese. The CheeseItUp.in platform is a step forward in making cheese a beloved and versatile ingredient in every kitchen.

Abhishek Sinha, CEO Britannia Bel Foods, and CBO Britannia Dairy, said, “CheeseItUp.in is Britannia The Laughing Cow Cheese’s effort for all cheese enthusiasts and novices who are constantly looking for gathering knowledge about the product category. After the joint venture between Britannia and Bel group, we began the journey of creating awareness about the category benefits, with borrowed learnings and expertise from the French conglomerate. We realised that as a nascent category in India, the awareness about cheese, its benefits, and usage is still limited and fragmented. We took up this challenge with our partners – Times Network and Mindshare to build an inclusive platform which could cater to this gap for all Indians.”

Commenting on the partnership, Rohit Gopakumar, CEO- ZENL & BCCL(TV Division) said, “Our endeavour is always to provide a balanced platform for both our audience and clients. The satisfaction of achieving brand objectives through targeted content offerings excites our team. Britannia has consistently led the way in creating cutting-edge communication ideas for its various products. This partnership between Britannia The Laughing Cow Cheese and Times Network Digital platforms will undoubtedly break new ground in the cheese category. Collaborating with Britannia and Mindshare to introduce a new and innovative concept that marries content with brand thought leadership is the way forward for deep audience engagement. It's time to CHEESEITUP!"

Speaking on the partnership, Rohit Chadda, President & COO - Digital, Times Network said, “Content-driven commerce strategically integrates content into the shopping process to provide customers with the highest quality experience. Times Network Digital has the largest base of premium, influential audience in the country across news & lifestyle categories. Our brand TimesFoodie.com, an industry-leading platform in food content, is the perfect partner to create such a food destination for Britannia. The idea of ‘CheeseItUp.in’ is to instil product knowledge and usage, while also taking an innovative approach to ecommerce that directly drives revenue for the brand.”

Amin Lakhani, CEO, Mindshare, shared, “CheeseItUp.in isn't just a platform, it's your fun and flavourful culinary playground! We want to make cheese a delicious and healthy part of everyday meal planning. We use real consumer data to craft healthy and inspiring recipes with Britannia The Laughing Cow cheese. It's connected commerce powered by content. Mindshare has architected a partnership between Britannia Bel Foods and Times News Network. Get ready to experience a whole new world of cheese-based creations! We are excited to see how this platform will revolutionise the way people enjoy Britannia The Laughing Cow cheese in their daily lives.”

Additionally, the integration of quick commerce platform with ‘Cheeseitup.in’  allows consumers to purchase cheese in a few clicks, seamlessly transitioning from CheeseItUp.in to savouring the Britannia Laughing Cow cheese delights.

(https://cheeseitup.timesfoodie.com/)

Suzuki-Backed Next Bharat Ventures Signs Strategic MoU With 3one4 Capital And Antler India To Empower Early-Stage Startups

*  Next Bharat will closely work with 3one4 Capital and Antler India to nurture and empower early-stage startup ecosystems. The initiative aims to amplify support with the twin goals of creating impact by enabling entrepreneurship in both the mainstream business and social arenas across India.

*  Applications for the 4-month Next Bharat Residency Program are open until 12th August 2024. Shortlisted social impact entrepreneurs from the program will be aided with funding starting from INR 1 Cr onwards.

Next Bharat Ventures, a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corp Japan, dedicated to supporting early-stage impact-based startups in India, signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with renowned venture capital funds 3one4 Capital and Antler India, which invest in early-stage startups both in India and internationally.

Siddarth Pai, Founding Partner at 3one4 Capital, alongside Vipul Nath Jindal, Managing Director and CEO of Next Bharat Ventures, signed the MoU. In parallel, Lakshmikant PB, Director - Finance at Antler India, also signed an MoU with Vipul Nath Jindal. Next Bharat will closely work with 3one4 Capital and Antler India to provide strategic guidance, funding opportunities, and extensive networks to early-stage startups in both the mainstream business and social arenas through a cohort-based approach.

Vipul Nath Jindal, Managing Director and CEO of Next Bharat Ventures, commented on the signing of the MoUs, “At Next Bharat, we believe in the transformative power of socially driven entrepreneurship to create a positive impact on the informal and rural economies of the country. Forging strategic associations with Antler India and 3one4 Capital is a conscious move towards nurturing and empowering the early-stage startup ecosystem. We look forward to a successful collaboration that will pave the way for a new generation of socially conscious entrepreneurs in India.”

Siddarth Pai, Founding Partner at 3one4 Capital, added, “We look forward to partnering with Next Bharat Ventures to accelerate the impact entrepreneurship category in India. At 3one4 Capital, we specialize in leveraging our extensive network and data-driven insights to identify and nurture high-potential startups from the early stage. By combining our strategic expertise in early-stage investments with Next Bharat's focus on socially impactful enterprises, we aim to provide comprehensive support to further the mission of entrepreneurship and value creation in India."

Rajiv Srivatsa, Partner & Investor at Antler India, stated on the collaboration, “Our association with Next Bharat Ventures is a step towards amplifying our shared vision of driving impactful change in the world through entrepreneurial ventures. We have a tailored approach to nurturing startups through our high selectivity and Antler Residency Platform. We hope the global expertise of Antler in cohort-based investments and Next Bharat’s vision to create social impact in India 2 and India 3 can together help scale solutions that will make a significant difference in India’s current entrepreneurship landscape"

Entrepreneurs working in the social impact space can apply for the 4-month Residency Program by Next Bharat Ventures. The application process, extended until 12th August 2024 (Monday), is designed to ensure broad participation, including WhatsApp-based submissions, with a maximum 2-week application review time. The program is scheduled to commence on 14th October 2024.