Archives April 2023

[Shenzhen, China, April 04, 2023] Huawei released its 2022 Annual Report today. The company reports steady operations throughout 2022, having generated CNY642.3 billion in revenue and CNY35.6 billion in net profits. Huawei continues to strengthen its investment in R&D, with an annual expenditure of CNY161.5 billion in 2022, representing 25.1% of the company’s annual revenue and bringing its total R&D expenditure over the past 10 years to more than CNY977.3 billion.

“In 2022, a challenging external environment and non-market factors continued to take a toll on Huawei’s operations”, said Eric Xu, Huawei’s Rotating Chairman, at the company’s annual report press conference. “In the midst of this storm, we kept racing ahead, doing everything in our power to maintain business continuity and serve our customers. We also went to great lengths to grow the harvest – generating a steady stream of revenue to sustain our survival and lay the groundwork for future development.”

Also present at the event was Sabrina Meng, Huawei’s CFO. She noted, “Despite substantial pressure in 2022, our overall business results were in line with forecast. At the end of 2022, our liability ratio was 58.9% and our net cash
balance was CNY176.3 billion. In addition, our balance of total assets reached one trillion yuan, largely composed of current assets such as cash, short-term investments, and operating assets. Our financial position remains solid, with
strong resilience and flexibility. In 2022, our total R&D spend was CNY161.5 billion, representing 25.1% of our total revenue – among the highest in Huawei’s history. In times of pressure, we press on – with confidence.”

Eric Xu speaking at the press conference Sabrina Meng speaking at the press conference In 2022, revenue from Huawei’s carrier, enterprise, and consumer businesses was CNY284 billion, CNY133.2 billion, and CNY214.5 billion, respectively.

Huawei is a strong proponent of growing together with its ecosystem partners and believes that openness and collaboration lead to shared success. The company has continued to open up its platform capabilities across its HarmonyOS, Kunpeng, Ascend, and cloud portfolio, focusing on improving developer experience as well as enabling and supporting its ecosystem partners on all fronts. Huawei currently works with more than nine million developers
and over 40,000 ecosystem partners to fuel ecosystem-based innovation and create greater value for its customers.

“2023 will be crucial to Huawei’s sustainable survival and development,” Xu noted. “Plum blossoms tend to grow sweeter from a harsh winter’s freeze.

Today, Huawei is like a plum blossom. While it’s true that we have considerable pressure ahead of us, we have what it takes to come out the other end – with opportunities to grow, a resilient business portfolio, a unique competitive edge, the enduring trust of our customers and partners, and the courage to invest heavily in R&D. We are confident in our ability to rise above any challenge that comes our way, laying a solid foundation for sustainable survival and
development.”

All financial statements in the 2022 Annual Report were independently audited by KPMG, an international Big Four accounting firm. To download 2022 Annual Report, please visit https://www.huawei.com/en/annual-report/2022
Note: The 2022 closing exchange rate is US$1.00 = CNY6.9533

India, 04 April 2023: Hungama Digital Media, India’s leading digital entertainment company, unveils the honourees of its initiative, Hungama Game Changers – 2023. The 50 professionals bestowed with the recognition as Game Changers hail from the industries of music, video, and gaming. By recognizing and celebrating the remarkable achievements of these change-makers, Game Changers also serves as a powerful platform to showcase them as role models for aspiring young women. Through this initiative, Hungama Digital aims to remain committed to igniting a chain of inspiration for the next generation of women to challenge the status quo and pursue their dreams without limitations.

The achievers for 2023 were chosen by a multi-faceted advisory panel through several rounds of selection. The panel included Megha Tata – Managing Director, Discovery Communications India, Kanan Rai – Ex Business Head, Google Play, Ashvini Yardi – Hindi Film Producer, Merlin D’souza – Music Director, Nirmika Singh – Poet, Journalist and Music curator, Arranger, Composer, Raunaq Roy – Vice President, Hungama Digital Media, Preeta Sukhtankar – Founder, The Label Life, Soumini Sridhara Paul – Senior Vice President, Hungama Digital Media and Poornima Seetharaman – Director of Design, Zynga.

Speaking on the winners Neeraj Roy, Founder & MD, Hungama Digital Media said, “As we celebrate the achievement of these 50 exceptional women who have shattered the glass ceilings and inspired a generation, let’s remember that progress for women means progress for all of us. Their incredible achievement in the entertainment industry, from music to gaming, are paving the way for future generations of women to follow in their footsteps. With their creativity, passion, and drive, they are proving that there are no limits to what women can accomplish. To all the 50 extraordinary women, congratulations on your well-deserved recognition and I wish you continued success and more power!”

Megha Tata said, “It was an absolute pleasure to be part of the jury for Hungama Women Game Changers 2023 and witness the exceptional achievements of these remarkable women. Their relentless pursuit of success is truly inspiring and serves as a shining example of the tremendous potential that women possess. As we celebrate their accomplishments, let us also recognize the obstacles they have overcome and the barriers they continue to break. Together, let’s continue to empower and support women in their pursuit of excellence.”

Adding on, Poornima Seetharaman shared, “By recognizing and honouring women for their excellence, we are creating a culture of inclusivity and diversity, where talent and hard work are the only parameters for success. I am proud to be on the advisory panel of the Hungama Women Game Changers, an initiative that recognizes these empowering women who overcome challenges and unleash their full potential. Let us continue to support and encourage more women to make a mark in their respective fields and create a brighter future for all.”

Hungama, recently launched the first season of a podcast series with the ‘Women Game Changers 2022’, a deep dive into their success stories. Stay tuned for Season 2, with more empowering stories that will inspire, motivate, and showcase the limitless potential of women.

Please find the list of Women Game Changers 2023 in the press release.

GURUGRAM, India – April 04, 2023 – Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, has announced it will set up 15 premium experience stores across top metro cities in India by end of 2023, bringing in exciting new technology experiences for consumers and creating a benchmark in premium electronics retail in the country.

The new experience stores will come up at iconic locations across top metro cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chandigarh.

These stores will showcase Samsung’s complete product ecosystem through exciting zones such as Samsung SmartThings, Smartphones, Audio, Gaming, Lifestyle Screens, Consumer Electronics, Home Theatre, and Wearables, showcasing its multi-device connectivity with SmartThings.

The SmartThings zone will showcase how Samsung’s connected living ecosystem can create convenience for consumers in their daily lives. This includes highlighting how a smartphone, refrigerator, AC, home theatre, TV and other devices can connect to each other and provide convenience to consumers. The SmartThings zone will also include scenarios such as Work from Home to show how a Samsung monitor, laptop, tab and smartphone connect to improve productivity, or how you can switch on your ACs remotely so that the your home is cooled even before you reach or even a home kitchen experience.

For young gaming enthusiasts, these experience stores will have dedicated gaming zones where they can spend time on their favourite games. They can experience the power of Samsung Galaxy S23 flagship smartphones and Samsung’s premium Odyssey Ark gaming monitors as they play.

“As a brand focused on ever evolving customer’s needs, we have seen that demand for our premium products has increased with nearly two thirds of our consumers choosing a premium device at our Samsung Experience Stores. To tap into this growing consumers demand, we are setting up 15 Premium Experience Stores across India that will offer the widest portfolio of Samsung’s curated premium products as well as experiences such as our SmartThings ecosystem, Gaming, Lifestyle Screens, product customization,” said Mr. Sumit Walia, Senior Director, D2C Business, Samsung India.

“These products and experiences will not only provide our customers with an in-person, immersive look at Samsung technology but also help them engage with the brand more meaningfully,” he said.

Consumers, especially Gen Z and millennials, will have the opportunity to attend the many Galaxy Workshops and activities that will be organized at the premium experience stores as part of the Learn @ Samsung initiative. These Galaxy Workshops will be around photography, video-editing, gaming, music, coding, doodling, baking and many other topics, helping young consumers pursue shared interests as well as learn about Samsung’s innovations and how to use their smartphones and other Samsung products more efficiently.

At the customization counter, young consumers can have a DIY smartphone cover customization experience using stickers and other accessories.

Samsung’s new premium experience stores will also offer a phygital experience through Samsung’s Store+ endless aisle platform. With Store+, consumers can buy any Samsung product, from among 1,200 options across its portfolio, even if they are not available at the stores. Consumers can buy products using a Store+ digital catalogue and it is delivered directly to their home. Consumers can also access Samsung’s digital lending platform Samsung Finance+ and Samsung’s device care plan for Galaxy smartphones, tablets and smartwatches Samsung Care+ at the stores.

Consumers visiting the premium experience stores will also be able to get hassle-free after sales service for their smartphones and book service calls for their consumer electronics products at home.

April 04, 2023! Karur Vysya Bank has entered into an arrangement with SBI Life Insurance to market their insurance schemes through the branches of the Bank.

Commenting on the arrangement, Shri B Ramesh Babu, MD & CEO of Karur Vysya Bank said, “KVB with its tradition spanning over 105 years is a major player, particularly in the States of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. KVB offers an entire range of financial services through tie-ups with leading service providers. In an attempt to offer a wider choice to its customers in the life insurance sphere, KVB has today inked an agreement with SBI Life. I am sure that together both of us will be able to provide not just choice but quality options to the customers in the days to come.”

Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Mahesh Kumar Sharma, MD & CEO, SBI Life Insurance, said, “Partnership alliances provide a boost to the insurance sector by making holistic insurance solutions accessible to the larger populace across the country. We are thrilled to collaborate with Karur Vysya Bank, which brings with it a vast experience of over a century, adding value to its customers. We look forward to strengthening the financial immunity of Karur Vysya Bank’s customers with our value-packed life insurance solutions and tech-enabled services. We are confident that the partnership will further enable us to expand the insurance market across the bank’s presence in the country.”

Mumbai,4 April 2023: GOOD FLIPPIN’ BURGERS® has announced the launch of two new outlets in Thane Wagle Estate and Mira Road, in Mumbai. With the launch of these new outlets, the burger brand will look at bringing its delicious offerings to new consumers from the extreme ends of the city as well.

The Thane Wagle Estate outlet is a curbside pickup, providing customers with signature dishes straight to their doorstep through online orders and delivery services. With this outlet, they aim to cater to the needs of customers who prefer to enjoy food from the comfort of their homes or offices.

The Mira Road outlet, on the other hand, is a hybrid establishment offering a range of dining options, including dine-in, takeaway, and delivery services. With outdoor seating available for about 12, this outlet is the perfect place to enjoy a delectable meal with friends or family in a pleasant outdoor ambiance.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of our two new outlets in Mumbai, which will bring our offerings to even more people in the Thane and Mira Road areas. We understand that in large cities like Mumbai, we reach as close to our consumers as possible to give them the best experience of our burgers. We believe food is an experience that should be savored and enjoyed to the fullest, and we are committed to providing just that to our customers,” says Viren D’Silva, Co-founder of GOOD FLIPPIN’ BURGERS®.

Whether looking for a quick and convenient meal on the go or a leisurely dining experience with friends and family, GOOD FLIPPIN’ BURGERS®’s new outlets in Thane Wagle Estate and Mira Road sure have something for everyone. Pay a visit today and discover juicy and flavourful burgers.

New Delhi, 4 April 2023: Sony has announced the FE 50mm F1.4 GM lens (model SEL50F14GM) as its newest addition to its acclaimed G Master full-frame lens lineup. This e-mount lens expands the Sony offerings with a premium 50 mm prime lens packed into a remarkably compact and lightweight design. Even at F1.4, FE 50mm F1.4 GM delivers first-class image quality, including high-resolution and naturally rendered bokeh known to Sony’s top-tier G Master™ series. When paired with the latest Sony cameras, it is an ideal option for a wide variety of uses in both still and video including portraiture, landscape, travel, and wedding.

“At Sony, we are evolving our products to the needs of today’s content creators and are proud to announce the newest innovation with the FE 50mm F1.4 GM lens, the latest addition to the E-mount lens line-up. This prime lens is a great choice for both photography and videography use and delivers exceptional image quality at 50 mm, which is one of the most popular focal lengths. The versatile lens packs Sony’s latest G Master technology in such a compact form factor.” said Mukesh Srivastava, Digital Imaging Head, Sony India.

1. Sharp imagery and beautiful bokeh

The advanced optical design and elements unique to Sony’s top-of-the-line G Master™ series brings outstanding image quality to FE 50mm F1.4 GM. Spherical aberration control at both the design and the manufacturing stages contributes to beautiful bokeh. The lens offers naturally rendered bokeh with an 11-blade circular aperture and sharp realism is offered throughout maximum aperture range. Deep, creamy bokeh at F1.4 is ideal for a variety of shooting scenarios including making portrait subjects stand out from their surroundings.

FE 50mm F1.4 GM is packed with two XA (extreme aspherical) elements that effectively correct field curvature and most types of aberration. This lens is also designed with one ED (extra-low dispersion) glass element that suppresses chromatic aberration to maintain clear and sharp images without color bleeding. The design combination of the XA and ED elements helps achieve high resolution throughout the entire frame. Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II on the lens suppresses reflections even in a backlit scene.

In addition, the minimum focusing distance of FE 50mm F1.4 GM is just 0.41 meters and the maximum magnification is 0.16x when autofocus is used[i]. This level of close-up performance provides extra flexibility when shooting both stills and videos.

2. Remarkably compact design for maximum versatility

The FE 50mm F1.4 GM has Sony’s most advanced optical design technology including precisely positioned XA elements, high-thrust XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors, and the latest compact circular aperture unit. These elements are critical for realising a large-aperture, high-resolution lens that is only 80.6 mm in diameter, 96.0 mm in length, and 516 grams in weight. These measurements allow for a lens that is 33% lighter and 15% less volume when compared to conventional models with the same specifications[ii].

The compact size of FE 50mm F1.4 GM paired with a Sony camera body makes this lens extremely versatile in both still and video shooting situations. With this type of mobility and low-light performance, this lens is a great choice for everything from portraits, landscapes, weddings, and travel. The compact size also makes it an ideal lens selection for gimbal and drone operation.

3. Fast, precise, and reliable autofocus

The FE 50mm F1.4 GM’s autofocus is extremely fast and precise, making it an ideal choice for reliable content creation. The autofocus is as much as 1.9x faster[iii] than conventional models with the same specifications2. The lens’s focus group is driven by Sony’s high-thrust XD linear motors and incorporates an advanced control algorithm for a smooth, responsive focus drive. When paired with the latest Sony’s Alpha cameras, this lens can quickly acquire focus and track subjects, even when using the shallow depth of field available at F1.4.

The XD linear motors and control algorithm optimizes the response to control signals so that focusing is precise, and the vibration is minimized for refined, quiet AF operation. This is extremely advantageous when shooting movies allowing movie subjects to be smoothly captured and tracked even when shooting at 120 fps or other high frame rates. The ability to leave focus to the camera when shooting solo or with a small team can dramatically enhance efficiency and creative flexibility. The FE 50mm F1.4 GM features the latest lens technology to reduce focus breathing to ensure that the highest quality images are captured. In addition, FE 50mm F1.4 GM supports the breathing compensation[iv] function provided in compatible Sony Alpha cameras.

4. Intuitive operability and outstanding reliability

The lens has been designed intuitively to help provide creators with maximum workflow efficiency while shooting. Linear Response MF ensures that the focus ring responds directly and repeatably to subtle control when focusing manually. As an exciting evolution to the premium G Master line-up, FE 50mm F1.4 GM also features an iris lock switch, which is the first ever to be offered on a Sony prime lens. Additionally, this lens features a 67 mm thread mount, allowing for a filter to be interchangeable with the FE 24mm F1.4 G Master and FE 35mm F1.4 G Master lenses.

Focus hold buttons and a focus mode switch provide extra shooting versatility for content creators. Customizable focus hold buttons are present in two locations, which can be further assigned to several other functions from the camera’s menus. The focus mode switch makes it possible to switch between autofocus and manual focus on the fly, to quickly adapt to changing shooting conditions.

The FE 50mm F1.4 GM’s front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels and allows for easy removal of fingerprints, dust, water, oil, and other contaminants. A dust and moisture-resistant design[v] provides extra reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions. These additions allow creators to use the lens with confidence in almost any shooting environment.

Pricing and Availability

The new FE 50mm F1.4 GM lens will be available across all Sony Centers, Alpha Flagship stores, e-commerce websites (Amazon and Flipkart), www.ShopatSC.com portal and major electronic stores across India from 3^rd April 2023 onwards.

Mumbai, April 04, 2023: The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Mumbai announced today that Ranu Vohra will be taking over as the President of TiE Mumbai from April 2023 onwards for a period of two years. Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma will be the President-Elect for the same period.

TiE Mumbai has made significant positive strides over the past 24 months in all aspects of its operations and outreach to entrepreneurs. In the last 2 years, TiE Mumbai has seen tremendous transformation, and new energy with strategic vision and direction to foster entrepreneurship in the ecosystem. Post-pandemic, TiE Mumbai successfully managed to migrate from digital space and moved back into the world of physical meetings, events, and catch-ups.

Welcoming Ranu Vohra and Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Amit Mookim, Past President, TiE Mumbai said, “Over the last 2 years, TiE Mumbai’s charter member base has grown 2x. TiE Mumbai’s revenue base through a mix of TiEcon, Open Innovation programs, Membership has grown by 2x and is slated to grow to 3x revenue by the end of this year. Today we are tightening our Governance Structures, building a Robust Team, Board and Charter Members with a 3-5 year Vision and Leadership in mind. Ranu and Apoorva have been a part of the TiE Mumbai leadership and the TiE network for a long time. They together are well positioned to scale TiE Mumbai even further and continue this growth trajectory.”

Commenting on his election, Ranu Vohra, President, TiE Mumbai said “TiE Mumbai has been the crucible for innovation and for entrepreneurs to interact, learn from one another and build more sustainable, robust businesses. Mumbai continues to offer significant advantages to the growing cohort of entrepreneurs and in offering a great start-up ecosystem, which is so vital for companies to start and prosper. TiE Mumbai will be central to entrepreneurs as they go along in the journey to become more meaningful and responsible corporate citizens for the country. Besides, as the financial capital of India,

Mumbai offers companies the resource they need the most as they build on their value proposition. My vision is to continue its rich legacy and bring Mumbai higher on the country’s startup map through TiE. I would like to thank the Past Presidents and the current Board of TiE for electing me to this position. I would also like to thank the outgoing President, Amit Mookim, in strengthening TiE and continuing the rich legacy despite a tough COVID environment.”

In the past two years, under the leadership of Amit Mookim, TiE Mumbai has made tremendous progress and has achieved several feats. TiEcon 2022 was an overwhelming success with 27 Unicorns, 3600 Delegates, 1500+Startups and a fantastic mix of Leaders and Officials. This was a major boost to the startup ecosystem and TiE Mumbai’s memberships, thus creating a healthy surplus for the organization.

During the height of the pandemic, TiE Mumbai pivoted to starting Open Innovation programs for corporates. TiE Mumbai helped these corporates from Designing, building value for startups, executing the program (cohorts) to holding a demo/graduation day as a part of the entire exercise. Today, TiE Mumbai is viewed as one of the successful partners in India to help corporates in their Open Innovation Strategy and Programs. It won the “Most Innovative Program” among all the other chapters at the last Rome Retreat. It has also organized several Thought Leadership Series, investor connects, and venture-to-invest classes during this period. TiE Mumbai Special Interest Groups viz. Fintech, Healthcare, Food Network. Media and Retail created excellent value for Start-ups. TiE Mumbai has also been highly active in engaging with other chapters both in India and across the globe. TIE Mumbai’s intra-chapter index has gone up notches over the past couple of years.

Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, President-Elect, of TiE Mumbai added, “We are witnessing a staggering growth momentum in the Startup sector in India. I am very excited about my new role at TiE Mumbai, which will help me contribute to this trajectory. I congratulate Amit Mookim on an extremely successful tenure at TiE Mumbai. I look forward to closely working with Ranu Vohra and the board to continue this momentum with a focus on structured mentoring thus adding value to the various stakeholders by fostering entrepreneurship, boosting innovation, knowledge sharing and funding. TiE Mumbai is at an inflection point in its current journey, ready to scale up and take on more initiatives to address the larger issues of our ecosystem.”

“In their new roles, Ranu Vohra and Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma will together charter the path of building a concrete leadership team for the Startup ecosystem with a 5-year view. Their combination works significantly well since Ranu brings with him his rich experience with late-stage startups coupled with solid investments in that space while Apoorva adds immense value as he has built a strong investment network for early to growth stage companies. Their combination covers the entire breadth of the industry effectively.” said Harish Mehta, Author – The Maverick Effect, Co-Founder & First Elected Chairperson -of NASSCOM, Chairman Past Presidents Council- TiE Mumbai, Founder and Chairman – Onward Technologies Ltd.

The new leadership team will further leverage TiE Mumbai’s presence and initiatives, and strengthen the startup connect with the investor, government, corporate and trade networks and build knowledge and agenda driven programs to enhance Mumbai’s presence as a preferred destination for startups. Profile of Ranu Vohra Ranu Vohra is the co-founder of Avendus Capital, a leading financial services organization, and currently serves as its Executive Vice Chairman. He along with his fellow co-founders has been responsible for Avendus’ overall growth over the last 23 years. He has spent the last 28 years in the Indian financial services industry concluding several marquee transactions in investment banking and private equity. He is based in Mumbai.

He has worked alongside several notable entrepreneurs in helping them chart their growth journeys, capital raising, M&A, restructuring and in reaching their goals for success. Prior to co-founding Avendus, Ranu worked with a Tampa (USA) based technology and media investment bank, Communications Equity Associates (CEA) and Hinduja Finance, a diversified financial services firm. He holds an MBA degree from FMS, New Delhi and has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from IIT, New Delhi.

 Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma an Entrepreneur, Angel Investor, and Visionary is a founding father of the startup ecosystem in India and has been mentoring & investing in startups since 2002. He has curated, incubated, and led seed investments of over 100 startups to date. He co-founded Venture Catalysts, 9Unicorns, Elev8, and Beams Fintech Fund. Dr. Sharma has been awarded by The President of India, Mr. Ratan Tata & Mr. Narayan Murthy for his milestone contributions to the startup movement in India. He holds a Ph.D. in Incubation. The Economic Times ranked him among the top 10 most active angel investors for three consecutive years.

India April 04 2023: CureBay, an innovative health-tech platform focused on bringing high-quality and affordable healthcare to underserved patients in rural India, has announced the appointment of Vasant Nangia as President effective 3 April. In his new role, Nangia will forefront CureBay’s operations and spearhead its efforts to augment its reach and impact across the region.

With Vasant’s appointment, CureBay now aims to rapidly scale up from its current 30 e-clinics and pharmacies to building a world-class health-tech enterprise, by harnessing innovative technology and rapidly building seamless infrastructure across geographies.

An alumnus of IIM Calcutta, Vasant Nangia recently stepped down as the CEO of Chumbak Design, a home and lifestyle retailer acquired by GOAT Brand Labs earlier this year.

Having built a crack team with domain experts in healthcare and technology, Priyadarshi, Founder & CEO of CureBay, while sharing his views on bringing in Vasant, said “Vasant brings in years of experience not just in transformational leadership but also in executional excellence. His onboarding will help the entire leadership team at CureBay as we make strong strides towards redefining how affordable healthcare services will be made accessible to a billion people. I am eagerly looking forward to growing CureBay by leaps and bounds as we start this new financial year together.”

Speaking on his appointment and collaborating with Priyadarshi for the third time, Vasant Nangia, said, “I am delighted to collaborate once again with Priyadarshi and equally thrilled to be a part of CureBay. The platform’s outstanding work in connecting patients from underserved markets to reliable healthcare providers across the chain is truly commendable. I am excited to join the stellar team at CureBay to take its operations to the next level and make a positive impact. It is an honour to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to improving healthcare access and outcomes for millions of individuals in rural India, and I am excited to contribute my expertise and experience towards this noble cause.”

Both the industry veterans along with a few colleagues introduced the Karatmeter, a device to quickly and non-destructively measure the purity of gold, that transformed the jewellery industry and catapulted an ailing Tanishq to becoming the blockbuster revenue and profit earner for Titan.

Following his successful tenure at Tanishq, Vasant co-founded Oyzterbay.com along with Priyadarshi to provide contemporary and affordable jewellery for the burgeoning young Indian population. The Oyzterbay team was acquihired by the US-based Fossil Group in 2007 where Vasant further played a vital role in establishing Fossil India as one of the group’s largest global subsidiaries. He then relocated to Hong Kong as Fossil Group’s Senior Vice-President.

Co-founded in 2022 by Priyadarshi Mohapatra along with Shobhan Mahapatra and Sanjay Swain, CureBay was established with the goal of creating a similar transformation in healthcare – building an innovative model for delivering last mile in healthcare services through a tech leveraged hybrid model. The platform has recently closed a Series A funding round of INR 50 crore led by Elevar Equity, positioning the organization for further growth and expansion.

India, April 3, 2023: AAFT University, a leader in professional education, proudly welcomes renowned Bollywood actor Shreyas Talpade for an exclusive masterclass, designed to inspire students and other attendees. Entitled ‘Behind the Scenes: Exploring the Film Industry with Shreyas Talpade,’ the interactive session took place on April 1, 2023, 3 PM at the University Campus.

A critically acclaimed force in Hindi and Marathi cinema, Shreyas Talpade has contributed to outstanding films such as Om Shanti Om, Iqbal, The Golmaal Series, Dil Dosti Etc, Kaun Praveen Tambe, Houseful, and Apna Sapna Money Money. The Mumbai-born actor, director, and producer boast a number of accolades, including the ‘Zee Cine Award for Best Actor’ for Iqbal, and the ‘Stardust Breakthrough Performance Award for Om Shanti Om.

Committed to providing skill-based learning opportunities, AAFT University has curated numerous sessions with industry experts and renowned celebrities. These events offer students unique insights and networking prospects. Shreyas Talpade, a beloved icon, will certainly inspire those aspiring to join the film industry.

Akshay Marwah, Co-Founder of AAFT University, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to welcome a self-made star like Shreyas Talpade, who embodies humility, raw talent, and dedication. This special session presents an invaluable opportunity for our students and expert faculty to gain insights from Mr. Talpade’s years of experience in the film industry. We are honored to have him join our AAFT family.”

Mohit Marwah, Co-Founder of AAFT Online, added, “Shreyas Talpade’s presence at our university is a testament to our commitment to providing top-notch, industry-relevant experiences for our students. His vast knowledge and unique perspective on the film industry will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our students and faculty alike. We are truly grateful for his involvement in this special masterclass.”

Mr. K.L Ganju, o.c.v.c (cdr.), Consul General (Hy.) and Advisor to the Foreign Minister, Union of Comoros, President & Members of Board of Directors of Honorary Consular Corps Diplomatique-India host an evening to acknowledge Consular Day that beheld the momentous felicitation of “Vivek Burman (Dabur) Peace Prize” bestowed to Padma Shri Mr. Jatinder Singh Shuntyji and Hon’ble Mr. Suresh Chukkapalli, Honorary Consul General of South Korea. The occasion was adorned by the presence of H.E. Mr.V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, H.E. Mr. Alem Tsehaye Woldemariam, High Commissioner of Eritrea and Dean of the Diplomatic Corp and Padma Shri awardee, Excellency Mr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) at ITC Maurya, Delhi.