Archives May 2023

India,20th May 2023 Taco Bell, the world’s leading Mexican-inspired restaurant brand, has introduced Naked Veggie Taco – a disruptive, plant-based protein option in its diverse menu, that compliments the existing fan-favorite, Naked Chicken Taco. Encouraging consumers to #GetNaked, the brand is also launching a digital campaign to highlight the family of Naked taco offerings.

The new Naked Veggie Taco has a shell made entirely out of plant-based protein. A crusted and spice-coated protein patty, its fried shell is made up of peas, corn, and nutritious soya. Layered with nacho cheese sauce with the filling of lettuce and signature Mexican Pico de Gallo – a tangy tomato and onion mix- along with the goodness of the two-cheese blend makes it a craveable combination. The Naked Veggie Taco is available with Unlimited Pepsi at all Taco Bell restaurants across India for just INR 199*.

Emboldening the customers to #GetNaked, Taco Bell® India is urging everyone to substitute the traditionally boxed pizza and fried chicken offerings with the deliciously unique Naked Veggie and Naked Chicken tacos, respectively. The brand has also released a digital film on its social media platforms that showcases the tantalizing creations and gives viewers a mouthwatering glimpse of both offerings. To echo the messaging of the campaign, Taco Bell® India will also partner with popular content creators and encourage taco lovers across the country to try these flavorfully fetching menu items.

Commenting on the introduction of this new offering, Gaurav Burman, Director, Burman Hospitality Private Limited, Taco Bell’s exclusive franchise partner in India, said, “Taco Bell® India has established itself as the most innovative QSR in the country. I am delighted to announce that Taco Bell® India is today launching the delicious Naked Veggie Taco, our Plant-based Protein signature Taco to compliment the Naked Chicken Taco which has become one of our leading products. We worked hard to create a vegetarian option that was as delicious, nutritious, and unique as our Naked Chicken Taco. I am excited to be able to offer our customers and fans this amazing product at such good value. Please visit Taco Bell® in our stores or through our delivery partners and #GetNaked.”

Head to your nearest Taco Bell® restaurant for or simply order online via the Taco Bell App or food aggregators, and #GetNaked, today!

Mumbai,20th May 2023: The Wadhwa Group, one of India’s leading real estate development companies has concluded the Bhoomi Pujan of Father Agnel School at Wadhwa Wise City, NAINA’s (Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area) first integrated township project at Panvel. The integrated township project spread across 138 acres and part of a 450-acre land parcel to be developed by The Wadhwa Group as per global standards is a vision of sustainable growth. One of the best features of the project Wadhwa Wise City, it is only 20 minutes from Navi Mumbai airport and is located in the heart of NAINA, which is touted as one of India’s Biggest Smart City as well as India’s Biggest Airport City.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Navin Makhija – Managing Director, The Wadhwa Group said, “Panvel as a location is the most advanced infrastructure hub of India with world-class infrastructural developments coming up here. It has drawn a lot of attention from NRIs and homebuyers who are looking for an exceptional lifestyle in Mumbai. We are delighted to start the construction of Father Agnel School soon. The tie-up with the school is one such step in bringing the best-in-class educational facilities at Wadhwa Wise City.”

The objective of Father Agnel School is to provide comprehensive education to students upto Junior College. The school will be affiliated to the CBSE board and will start admissions from LKG to standard 5 for now. The spirit to create new pathways, to open new opportunities has been the Agnel hallmark ever since this institution was established by Agnel Ashram Fathers in 1982 in Vashi, Navi Mumbai. In its 41 years of existence, Agnels has progressed from one single school to a host of premier institutions in Goa, Mumbai, Ambernath, Pune, Delhi and Noida all bound by one common link – quest for excellence. Year after year the Father Agnel School has produced academic scholars, players of national and international repute and artists who have won accolades for their creative performances. The school in Vashi today has a sports complex with international level infrastructure, including a shooting range, swimming pool, two Astro turf grounds for football, hockey and athletics. It also has two floodlit Basketball Courts and a four courts indoor Badminton Academy in collaboration with Padmashree Pullela Gopichand. Pursuing excellence, nurturing children with strong values and creating an inclusive environment for all, is what the institution stands for.

Commenting on the association, Rev. Fr. Saturnino Almeida from Father Agnel School said, “We are proud to have associated with The Wadhwa Group to start a new school at their township. As the Bhoomi Pujan concludes and we seek the blessings of the Almighty, we are looking forward to begin our construction immediately and thereafter start our school operations at the earliest with primary sections at first. Other sections will be added gradually year on year. During admission, priority will be given to the students from Wadhwa Wise City. We hope this association goes a long way to produce exceptional talent and build a better future for the country.”

The integrated township currently includes 23 towers in single cluster that are planned in multiple phases, a 16 acre townhouse & bungalow cluster and 11 acres of independent plots. Notably, the township has also recently announced a Hare Krishna temple and 9.8 acres of Eco Park (Phase I) within the gated community. It will also comprise of IT parks, healthcare facilities, clubhouse, retail and shopping etc, besides Father Agnel School. This mega residential township once completed will not just be a row of concrete structures, but an impeccable mix of green & grey to render a mega lifestyle for a healthier & holistic living. Spread across a vast verdant tract, this sprawling project will offer community living at its best via its meticulously planned spaces. The project will offer ample natural beauty, vast open spaces, multitude of premium lifestyle amenities, educational and recreational facilities, all built within the township. The overall wellness is also at the top of the priority list where homes will have optimum ceiling height, ample natural light and superior ventilation. Even common spaces are designed following the sun’s path and the wind’s direction, keeping the residents vibrant with natural energy, fresh air and sunlight throughout the year. The-state-of-the-art amenities at Wadhwa Wise City are thoughtfully planned that provide a quintessential lifestyle to its residents.

Panvel is the hub for infrastructure growth and development. In recent times there has been a strong focus on Panvel as the new centre of development with tremendous Government impetus, initiatives and investment. Besides high infrastructure growth, the superior air quality and microclimate, dedicated open spaces, abundance of nature and excellent connectivity make Panvel truly the destination of the future. Planned development and infrastructure has been a major differentiator for the region compared to the other parts of the city. The infrastructure developments like the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link are the factors that are driving the demand for residential and commercial real estate in this new growth corridor.

Supporting the economic upliftment of the region, Wadhwa Wise City has become a viable and apt option for the homebuyers.

Bangalore, 20th May 2023 Godrej Agrovet’s Oil Palm Business today announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind finance offering for oil palm farmers in partnership the State Bank of India (SBI). A product jointly developed by the company and country’s leading public sector bank will enable farmers avail loan for setting up micro irrigation facility, set up fencing arrangement to protect from cattle grazing and improvement of tube well at their oil palm farms. Introduced with an objective of aiding oil palm growth by improving Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) productivity, it will act as a catalyst to maintain juvenile gardens during the gestation period of first 5 years.

Sougata Niyogi, CEO, Oil Palm Business, Godrej Agrovet said, “The partnership with SBI is a testament of our company’s efforts to improve farmer’s confidence in sustainable oil palm farming. With no income visibility during the long gestation period, this partnership will aid bridge the gap for their finance needs during the initial years.”

“The implementation of National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) has generated a new sense of excitement and momentum in the oil palm industry since its launch in August 2021. Being a leading player, we will continue to provide solution for industry’s expansion and prosperity,” he further added.

Launched initially for the oil palm farmers of Telangana state, Godrej Agrovet farmers from the states of Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Assam, Manipur and Tripura can now easily avail loan with the ticket-size of INR 1 Lac to INR 50 Crore.

Commenting on first-of-its kind Horticulture Loan, K.V.L.N. Murthy, A.G.M. ABU Hyderabad, SBI, said, “We’re happy to partner with Godrej Agrovet in nation’s quest to reduce import of oil palm. With no security needed for a loan up to INR 1.6 Lacs, the product is ideal for farmers venturing into oil palm farming for the first time. With the entire process being facilitated by Godrej Agrovet, a farmer can easily understand product integrities and apply for the same at Samadhan centers of the company. We’re confident of extending this product to more oil palm farmers of our country in the coming months.”

Godrej Agrovet is the largest oil palm processor in India and works directly with the farmers for the entire lifecycle of their crop. With 65,000 hectares of palm oil under cultivation across the country, the company plans to increase cultivation by 1 Lac hectares by 2027. Through its Samadhan centres, a one stop solution centre, it provides a comprehensive package of knowledge, tools, services, and solutions to oil palm farmers. Each Samadhan centre intends to support the planting of 2,000 hectares of oil palm and help farmers achieve a sustained productivity in mature gardens through the use of modern agricultural technologies and expert advice. The partnership with the SBI is another step to boost income and productivity of oil palm farmers.

New Delhi,20th May 2023 Bank of India today announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with emerging fintech SLO Technologies (Advarisk) to digitise Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans through its in-house lending platform.

The collaboration with SLO Technologies is a part of Bank of India’s corporate plan to digitise processing of all agriculture lending including KCC loans by 2024-25 via its loan operating system (LOS) – E-platform. It will also provide the Bank with an opportunity to introduce end-to-end agri-lending products through digital channels and improve the underwriting of all agri loans.

The public sector bank will utilise the services of SLO Technologies to monitor and on-board collaterals as well as for precision financing of new and renewal loans. The Bank also hopes to improve its asset quality.

Shri Nakula Behera, General Manager – Priority Sector and Rural Business, Bank of India, and Shri Rahul Metkar, Founder and CEO, SLO Technologies (Advarisk), signed the agreement on May 8, 2023.

The partnership with the fintech will help increase Bank of India’s digital agriculture business and give a push to the government’s Startup India initiative.

ICRI, the leading institute in India offering new-age programs, announced its new alliance with SAS to provide joint training certification for Clinical Research and Healthcare professionals. It is a one-of-a-kind joint program provided by ICRI and SAS, which allows clinical research professionals to increase their employability. ICRI is the first institute to run these allied health courses in collaboration with hospitals. SAS is a strong pharmaceutical industry presence and is widely used in clinical research for data analysis and reporting. This alliance aims to equip students with professional knowledge to inculcate industry readiness.

ICRI is a leading institute for clinical research education and training in India, offering courses and programs in clinical research, pharmacovigilance, and clinical data management, among other areas. As the demand for skilled professionals in the clinical research industry continues to grow, collaborations between academic institutions like ICRI and industry leaders like SAS will help to develop new training and educational programs to prepare students for careers in clinical research.

SAS eLearning is a set of teaching and learning tools designed to enhance a user’s learning experience. It includes self-explanatory audio-video tutorials, assessments, course notes, a certification prep guide & more.SAS has been the industry standard for data management and analytics of large volumes of data. It’s a very flexible platform that provides users with various means to manage, analyse, process, and report on data.

Commenting on the alliance, Kanishk Dugal- COO of ICRI, said, ” We are pleased with our collaboration with an industry leader like SAS. Practical exposure and job training with up-to-date technology will enhance the learning experience of our students. It will shape and prepare them for their jobs during the learning period. We are dedicated to nurturing our students with the environment and training that helps in enriching the students with the knowledge and right skills.”

19th May 2023: Alia Bhatt was felicitated with the ‘Entertainment Leader of the Year’ award at the prestigious CNBC-TV18 India Business Leader Awards 2023, held at the Jio World Convention in Mumbai.

In her acceptance speech, Alia Bhatt emphasized the importance of making choices when it comes to balancing motherhood and her career, saying, “I don’t believe in either-or situations. After motherhood, my priorities have changed, but that is my choice.” She also put a spotlight on the fact that societal pressure on women to ace every role can be overwhelming and unnecessary.

Speaking about her daughter, Alia shared that while she was attending the event, her husband, Ranbir Kapoor, was at home taking care of their daughter, Raha, and babysitting. The award-winning actress also serenaded her fans with a rendition of the song Kesariya at the end of the event.

Alia Bhatt has been a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry and this award is yet another feather in her cap. Her candid remarks about societal pressures and choices in motherhood and career are inspiring and relatable for many women out there

19th May 2023, Bangalore – HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, today announces additions to its market-leading feature phone portfolio with the new Nokia 105 2023 and Nokia 106. These phones come with an inbuilt UPI 123PAY functionality, combining the trusted reliability of Nokia phones with the convenience and accessibility of UPI, enabling users to securely and seamlessly perform digital transactions even without a smartphone.

UPI 123PAY is NPCI’s instant payment system for feature phone users who can use Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payment service in a safe and secure manner. Through UPI 123PAY, feature phone users will be able to undertake a host of transactions based on four technology alternatives such as calling an IVR (interactive voice response) number, app functionality in feature phones, missed call-based approach and proximity sound-based payments.

Featuring incredible battery life, simplicity and accessible price points, both phones offer the reassurance and reliability expected from a Nokia phone.

Ravi Kunwar, VP- India & APAC, HMD Global added “We are excited to launch the market-leading feature phones, Nokia 105 2023 and Nokia 106 4G, more relevant than ever with the introduction of UPI feature. Through the introduction of UPI feature in our feature phones, we aim to empower feature phone users with the ability to perform secure , convenient digital transactions with ease and move ahead with the times. By bringing UPI to our beloved feature phones, Nokia 105 and Nokia 106 4G, we strive to bridge the digital divide and enable financial access for all”

Ms. Praveena Rai, Chief Operating Officer, NPCI said, “We are excited to associate with HMD Global in bringing UPI 123PAY functionality to Nokia feature phones. This partnership allows us to extend the convenience and accessibility of UPI to more users, enabling secure and seamless digital transactions on affordable devices. We believe that empowering feature phone users with UPI capabilities will contribute to provide more users with the ease and convenience of using UPI and encourage the adoption of digital financial services.”

Beerud Sheth, Founder and CEO, Gupshup said, “For true financial inclusion to become a reality, payments and commerce have to come together. While this was available for smartphone users, a vast swathe of the feature phone customers were aloof from the transformative power of mobile payments. With our UPI solution for feature phones, we are proud to have built something that brings inclusive finance closer to people, empowering them along the way. We are glad to receive NPCI’s support for this initiative and work alongside Nokia mobiles to make digital payments and UPI even more ubiquitous.”

Designed to Keep You Connected
Nokia 106 4G has undergone rigorous durability testing to withstand even the toughest environments, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity no matter the circumstances. The carefully considered spacing between each button on the keymat, makes it easy to dial and text, even in the dark. IPS display technology brings clearer views with better viewing angles and colour reproduction no matter if you’re texting, browsing or gaming.

Enhanced User Experience and Improved Audio
Nokia 105’s ergonomic design and compact shape are specially moulded to feel great in the hand and easily slip into your pocket when you’re on the go.

Battery for Days
Nokia 105 is equipped with an upgraded 1000 mAh battery, 25% larger than its predecessor, providing extended standby time and allowing for uninterrupted conversations from sunrise to sunset.

Whereas, Nokia 106 4G has an increased 1450 mAh battery and delivers hours of talk time. Users can rely on the Nokia 106 4G to stay connected for weeks in standby mode, ensuring their communication needs are met without worrying about frequent recharging.

Entertainment and Functionality
Nokia 105 and 106 4G comes loaded with features designed to keep users entertained and productive. It offers a wireless FM radio, allowing users to listen to their favourite stations without the need for a headset. Additionally, Nokia 106 4G has in-built MP3 player, enabling users to bring their playlists wherever they go.

Built to Last
Nokia understands the importance of durability, and each Nokia phone is meticulously tested to ensure it can withstand the challenges of daily use. The Nokia 105 and Nokia 106 are no exception, built with passion and designed to deliver exceptional performance even in the most demanding situations.

Pricing and Availability
Nokia 105 and Nokia 106 4G will be available in India starting from 18th May priced at Rs. 1299 & Rs. 2199 respectively. The Nokia 105 will be offered in Charcoal, Cyan & Red color whereas Nokia 106 4G would be available in Charcoal & Blue Color.

New Delhi,19th May 2023 ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, a leading pharmaceutical company in India specialising in eye care, took the initiative to organise the cultural extravaganza LBO “Dhamaal” as part of the 81st All India Ophthalmological Conference (AIOC) 2023. The event served as a highlight of the conference that took place in Kochi at the esteemed Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre, located within the luxurious Grand Hyatt in Kochi.

Leveraging the talents and passions of over 8000 eye doctors in India, LBO (Life Beyond Ophthalmology) is a vibrant Facebook group that transcends the boundaries of their profession. Founded in 2019 by Dr Harshul Tak, a renowned eye surgeon from Jaipur, LBO has evolved from a modest gathering of 100 doctors to a thriving community. Not confining their talents to the digital realm, LBO also organizes physical shows at various ophthalmic medical conferences throughout India. Supporting and sponsoring this exceptional group is ENTOD Pharmaceuticals. Their exclusive partnership enables LBO to continue fostering creativity, collaboration, and a sense of community among eye doctors nationwide.

The captivating event brought together the finest talents of Indian ophthalmologists, dazzling the audience with a spectacular display of artistry and entertainment. This glamorous affair featured mesmerizing dance performances (solo and group), high-energy live bands, stunning painting displays and a breath-taking fashion show that left the audience in awe. The fashion show, curated by professional ramp choreographers, showcased the style and grace of eye doctors, complemented by the expertise of skilled makeup artists and renowned fashion designers.

“Dhamaal” showcased the vibrant cultural spirit and diverse talents of eye doctors, providing a platform for them to express their artistic prowess. ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, with its unwavering commitment to supporting the eye care community, takes pride in organising this cultural programme to enhance the conference experience and celebrate the multifaceted talents of ophthalmologists. We extend our gratitude to the more than 1500 eye doctors from across India who graced the event, making it a resounding success. We look forward to further collaborations and initiatives that enrich the lives of eye doctors and contribute to the advancement of ophthalmology” said Mr Nikkhil K Masurkar, Executive Director of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals.

This extraordinary event served as a grand showcase of the immense talents possessed by Indian eye doctors. The stage was set ablaze with their awe-inspiring performances, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. More than 1500 eye doctors from all corners of India graced the event, coming together to celebrate their shared passion for creativity and create unforgettable memories.

“We are thrilled to have witnessed the incredible cultural extravaganza ‘Dhamaal’ organised as part of the 81st All India Ophthalmological Conference. The success of ‘Dhamaal’ is a testament to the talent, passion and dedication of Indian ophthalmologists. We extend our sincere appreciation to ENTOD Pharmaceuticals for their dedicated efforts in organizing this cultural program, as well as their ongoing commitment to supporting the eye care community. The collaboration between ENTOD Pharmaceuticals and Life Beyond Ophthalmology (LBO) has fostered a sense of camaraderie and unity among ophthalmologists, further enriching the conference experience ” Dr. Harshul Tak, Director at Rawat Eye & Phaco Surgery Centre, Jaipur.

HONG KONG,19th May 2023- (ACN Newswire) – GroundUp Studios, a forward-thinking, web3-focused music label today announced its Creative Council of professional veterans in the music industry, to accelerate the pace of web3 music and art creation among its community members. As part of the announcement, Derrick Sepnio, Fergus Chow and Jae Chong will become GroundUp Studios’ first wave of award-winning producers to support the label’s community of songwriters and musicians in their career development.

GroundUp Studios’ vision is to shine a light on the impressive pool of musical and artistic talent in the region. It plans to build a comprehensive web3 ecosystem using NFTs as an access pass, to attract NFT art investors; technology enthusiasts; music and art lovers; songwriters; producers; and artists of all disciplines. As members socialize and connect, GroundUp believes that this would inspire new artistic ideas, allowing them to re-imagine the music and art they are capable of creating.

Fast-tracking Web3 Music and Art With The Creative Council

The Creative Council is GroundUp’s longer term plan to bridge undiscovered and independent artists with top-tier industry professionals in music and art. The main responsibilities of Council producers are to connect and socialize with the label’s community members; pass on valuable knowledge about music creation and production; and generally broaden their artistic horizons by sharing great music within the community. As working professionals, the producers will also keep a close eye on emerging talent within the GroundUp community, and eventually find ways to collaborate directly with them.

GroundUp’s trio of producers represent some of the most seasoned and in-demand veterans working currently in Asia. Working closely with GroundUp, the producers will evaluate opportunity gaps in the traditional music industry and develop trailblazing initiatives and projects that will shape the future of digital art and music.

“GroundUp Studios is honored to work with Derrick, Fergus and Jae – arguably three of the best producers in Asia – to re-imagine music and art using web3 technology,” said Adrian Fu, co-founder and Creative Director. “In our view, web3 is not purely about technology; rather, we see it as a new way and attitude towards the creation and monetization of music and art. I look forward to working closely with the producers to evolve music from an artistic, commercial and technological standpoint. This will ultimately deliver unique experiences for lovers of new music and art.”

New Delhi,19th May 2023 The Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA) has expressed its warm welcome to the Government of India’s announcement of the updated Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme 2.0 for the IT hardware sector. The revised scheme, which nearly doubles the overall outlay to approximately Rs. 17,000 crore, is a significant step towards bolstering the domestic manufacturing ecosystem.

Under the six-year tenure of the PLI 2.0 scheme, the government aims to attract investments worth Rs. 2,430 crore. ELCINA acknowledges that this initiative addresses a long-standing demand of the industry and commends the government for actively considering and implementing it.

The scheme offers incentives to three categories of companies- Global IT Hardware Companies, Hybrid (Global/Domestic) Companies, and Domestic Companies. Existing PLI 1.0 applicants are also allowed to apply under PLI 2.0.

Additionally, ELCINA welcomes the flexibility and migration provisions of the PLI 2.0 scheme. This feature is especially heartening as it will enable more companies to take advantage of the scheme and invest in the growth of the Indian electronics and IT industry.

Shri Sanjay Agarwal, President of ELCINA, “The PLI Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware will help India emerge as a hub for IT Hardware manufacturing and increase the country’s exports. It will encourage domestic companies to manufacture more IT hardware products in India and promote the development of the IT hardware ecosystem in the country.”

Shri Rajoo Goel, Secretary General of ELCINA, emphasized the positive impact of the PLI 2.0 scheme, stating, “This move will enable more Indian companies to grow and combine design and manufacturing capabilities, thus becoming global brands.” He further highlighted that PLI 2.0 for IT hardware will act as a catalyst for India’s $300 billion electronics manufacturing mission, a vital component of India’s trillion-dollar digital economy goal. The scheme will provide additional incentives for companies to invest in establishing their manufacturing base in India, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) incorporating Indian-designed intellectual property into their systems and products.

ELCINA believes that the PLI 2.0 scheme for IT hardware will foster sectoral growth, making India a global hub for IT hardware manufacturing. The association remains committed to working closely with the government to ensure the effective implementation of the scheme and to support the growth and development of the electronics industry in India.