Archives June 2023

Nestlé Health Science collaborates with IAPEN to strengthen awareness on Gut Health Management

Nestlé Health Science

As part of its commitment to enable people to live healthier lives, Nestlé Health Science collaborated with the GI Core Committee at Indian Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition on World Digestive Health Day. Nestlé Health Science, a part of Nestlé India has roped in strategic partners, clinical research, and advanced education association to drive awareness on gut health management. The collaboration is aimed at providing education on possible solutions to gut issues and positively impact the confidence and lifestyle of those who suffer from it.

Through the collaboration, Nestlé Health Science reached out to more than 800 Healthcare Practitioners (HCPs) across 26 chapters of IAPEN. The Healthcare Practitioners were briefed on the role of Prebiotics & Immunonutrients in gut health along with probiotic supplementation, and Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum (PHGG) as a novel gut health solution. The educational session was led by Dr Biju Pottakkat, Associate Dean Research and Head, Surgical Gastroenterology, JIPMER and Dr Amit Goel, Professor & Head of Hepatology, SGPGIMS, Lucknow followed by Dr Jalil Benyacoub, Global Medical Affairs Lead, Nestlé Health Science, Chairman, ILSI Europe, PhD, University of Lausanne.

Dr Sreemathy Venkatraman, Clinical Dietitian & National Executive Committee member IAPEN India commented “Many patients are in need for a gut health solution that is not only effective but is also gentle on the body. Today’s engagement was to educate our colleagues how a combination of prebiotic and immunonutrients can help improve the gut health of any individual. We are happy to see reputed organizations in this space are trying to address a strong need gap.”

Mansi Khanna, Head, Nestlé Health Science commented, “We are proud to collaborate with a reputed body like IAPEN to drive awareness around a category that people are usually hesitant to talk about. At Nestlé Health Science India we strive to empower individuals with the power of nutrition to help them live healthier lives, including advanced innovative solutions. We recently launched Resource Fiber Choice, a unique gut health solution to address a key consumer need gap. It contains PHGG (Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum) which is a prebiotic dietary fiber that is proven to help relive constipation and improve gut health. It is also rich in immune nutrients, easy to consume and can be mixed in water or any beverage and food.”

Nestlé Health Science is a global leader in the space of nutritional science. It focuses on advancing the therapeutic role of nutrition to change the course of health management for consumers, patients, doctors, nurses, and its partners in healthcare. The key products include- RESOURCE High Protein, OPTIFAST and RESOURCE Diabetic, PEPTAMEN, RESOURCE Dialysis and Thicken Up Clear. Nestlé Health Science also has a dedicated team of clinical experts who engage with healthcare practitioners across India for awareness and education.

Venus Remedies consolidates its position in oncology space with Saudi marketing approval for Docetaxel

Mumbai,2nd June 2023 In a decisive step towards making its entire oncology product portfolio available in Saudi Arabia, Venus Remedies Ltd, a well-known provider of affordable cancer drugs worldwide, has secured a marketing authorization from the largest market in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region for Docetaxel, a widely used chemotherapy drug.

The development comes three months after the company received good manufacturing practices (GMP) certification from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) for all its production facilities at its unit in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh.

The demand for Docetaxel has been steadily increasing the world over with the rising incidence of breast, prostate, stomach and non-small cell lung cancers, for which this chemotherapy drug is used as a first line of treatment. Docetaxel-based treatment has particularly improved the survival rate among men in castration-sensitive prostate cancers. The $102-billion global Docetaxel market is projected to grow to $184 billion by year 2030 at a CAGR of 10.22%.

The marketing approval for Docetaxel from Saudi Arabia, a $7.8-billion pharmaceutical market (as in 2021) which is expected to grow to $13.1 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 5.4 percent, signifies a major step in the global expansion strategy of Venus Remedies in the oncology space. Hailing the achievement, Saransh Chaudhary, President, Global Critical Care, Venus Remedies, said, “This approval will enable us to solidify our existing foothold in the GCC and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions by streamlining the registration process for our oncology drugs there, ultimately benefiting a large population in need of advanced cancer treatments.”

Venus Remedies is already a market leader for its key antibiotic products in Saudi Arabia, where it has nine marketing authorizations, including three in the oncology segment. “SFDA’s recognition of the efficacy, safety and quality of our oncology drugs is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Saransh.

Since Saudi Arabia also happens to be the leading country in the Gulf in terms of quality benchmarks, this approval is expected to pave the way for marketing authorizations from other countries in the GCC and MENA regions which consider SFDA as a reference authority. Expressing the company’s unwavering commitment to make a positive impact on global health by providing advanced oncology treatments, Venus Remedies Executive Director Akshansh Chaudhary said, “We are proud to offer a diverse portfolio of high-quality medications to extend our presence in key global markets.”

Venus Remedies has, of late, been rapidly consolidating its position in the oncology space. Its German subsidiary Venus Pharma GmbH secured a marketing authorization from the UK for the key chemotherapy drug Cisplatin only last month, thus expediting the process of registering its oncology products in many other countries which consider the UK as a reference point for fast-tracking registration. The company followed this up with marketing authorization for two more widely used cancer drugs from the Philippines, the second largest market in the ASEAN region, and Iraq, a sizeable market in the MENA zone.

KCCA introduces new, career-enhancing F&B Service Associate Programme

Panaji,1st June 2023– Even as students in the state have begun shortlisting their vocations this summer, Goa’s only culinary B-school Kamaxi College of Culinary Arts (KCCA) has made a foray into Food & Beverage Service with a new course ‘Food & Beverage Service Associate Programme’ for their new academic year 2023-24.

The Food & Beverage Service Associate Programme is a comprehensive six-month course designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in the dynamic food and beverage industry. Accredited by the New Delhi-based Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) under the National Skill Development Council (NSDC), the programme is set to revolutionise hospitality education in Goa.

Under the guidance of experienced faculty and industry experts, students will receive hands-on training in various aspects of food and beverage service. From table set ups, menu planning, service techniques, buffet setup, guest handling, wines, spirits, cocktails, coffees and even entrepreneurship, the programme covers a wide range of topics that are vital for success in the industry.

“The Food & Beverage Service Associate Programme will deliver knowledge of the industry, cuisines, culinary techniques, and service standards to our students. Practical skills in food presentation, beverage service, and delivering guest delight will be taught. Completing the course will open up global career opportunities in restaurants, hotels, bars, cruise liners and event management. Specialised training will promote professional growth, while customer service skills are transferable across sectors. The course will also equip students for entrepreneurial ventures in the food and beverage industry, such as opening their own restaurant or catering service,” said S T Vinodkumar, Principal of KCCA.

To apply for the F&B Service Associate Programme at KCCA, candidates can apply at https://www.kamaxicollege.edu.in/. The admissions for the course will begin from July 2023.

100 Million Women Per Year Will Need to Adopt Mobile Internet to Close the Gender Gap by 2030, Gsma Report Reveals

1st June 2023 India: Over 800 million women will need to adopt mobile internet in order to close the digital gender gap by 2030 across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), according to the latest Mobile Gender Gap Report published by the GSMA today.

The latest figures indicate that the gulf between the numbers of men and women using mobile internet will not be closed without an enhanced effort by a broad range of stakeholders. Progress in reducing the mobile internet gender gap remains stalled, with women in LMICs19% less likely than men to use it, equating to around 310 million fewer women than men.

If the gap remains unchanged, current forecasts suggest that only 360 million more women(less than half of the 800m target)are expected to start using mobile broadband by the end of the decade.

The Mobile Gender Gap Reportanalyses mobile ownership and mobile internet usage in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The report provides figures that uncover the scale of the mobile gender gap in each region, a review of the barriers to mobile ownership and internet adoption, and recommended actions for stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, mobile operators and NGOs.It is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) via the GSMA Mobile for Development Foundation.

Other key findings from the report include:

  • • While almost two-thirds (61%) of women across LMICs are now using mobile internet,their rate of adoption has slowed for the second year in a row – with only 60 million women adopting mobile internet in 2022, versus 75 million in 2021.
    • 900 million women across LMICs still aren’t connected to mobile broadband, of which two-thirds live in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
    • Once women own a smartphone, their awareness and use of mobile internet is almost on par with men. Despite this, women are 17% less likely than men to own a smartphone in LMICs, translating into around 250 million fewer women than men.
    • There are still 440 million women across LMICs who do not own a mobile phone and are difficult to reach.
    • For mobile users who are already awareof mobile internet, the top-reportedbarriers to adoption are still affordability(primarily of handsets), literacy and digitalskills, and safety and security concerns.
    • The majority of men and women who use mobile internet believe it has an overall positive impact on their lives and use it every day, with little difference between women and men.
    • Mobile ownership and mobile internet usage deliver significant benefits to women and their families, the economy and business.

“Mobile phones are the primary, and often only, source of internet access in LMICs, particularly in rural communities, so it’s alarming to see women’s digital inclusion slow for the second year in a row,”said Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA. “Greater collaboration across all stakeholders in the digital community, from governments to operators, NGOs to internet companies, is needed to enable more women to access and use mobile internet and ultimately ensure women are not being left behind in an increasingly digital world.”

In 2016, the GSMA launched the GSMA Connected Women Commitment initiative, to support mobile operators reduce the gender gap in the customer base of their mobile internet or mobile money services. Since its inception, over 40 mobile operators across LMICs have made formal commitments to reduce the gender gap, collectively reaching over 65 million additional women, and delivering significant socio-economic benefits to underserved women, their communities, and the economy.

Mobile network operators (MNOs) have been able to narrow the mobile gender gap by taking informed, targeted actions to address women’s needs and the barriers they face to mobile internet adoption and use. But to fully address the issue, and achieve meaningful progress, will require increased focus and targeted action from all stakeholders, including MNOs, internet companies, policymakers and regulators, and the development community.

41% of New Housing Supply in Top 7 Cities Sold in Q1 2023, from 26% in Q1 2019

Mumbai,1st June 2023 While ready-to-move-in homes still top the wish-list of most home seekers in the top 7 cities, newly launched units are gaining increasing acceptance. This traction has been building up ever since branded developers started cornering the fresh supply market with projects that elicit buyer confidence and have all the features they seek. Latest ANAROCK Research data shows that out of approx. 1.14 lakh homes sold in Q1 2023 across the top 7 cities, over 41% were in newly launched projects.

Notably, the sales share of newly launched homes was much lower in the corresponding period of 2019, when just 26% of approx. 78,520 sold homes were in new projects. In Q1 2022, of approx. 99,550 units sold in the top 7 cities, 36% were launched during the same quarter.

Among the top 7 cities, Hyderabad accounted for the highest sales share of new units. Of approx. 14,280 units sold there in Q1 2023, approx. 46% were launched in the same period. NCR saw the lowest absorption of newly launched homes – of 17,160 units sold in Q1 2023, just 30% were launched during the quarter. The remaining units sold were in projects launched before Q1 2023. However, NCR has seen a remarkable change in the given period.

Anuj Puri, , Chairman – ANAROCK Group, says, “For the longest time, ready-to-move-in homes remained in highest favor with homebuyers because of the previously abysmal project completion track record in many areas of the country. This is now changing – under-construction homes in new launches are increasingly finding takers, though ready-to-move homes retain the top demand slot.”

There are two reasons for this, explains Puri. “Firstly, much of the new supply is by well-funded branded developers who will comply with RERA regulations and complete their projects as per schedule. In Q1 2023, of 1.14 lakh new units launched in the top 7 cities, the branded vs non-branded developer share ratio stood at 59:41 while back in 2015, it was the reverse at 41:59. Secondly, investors are back on the housing market. Early-stage under-construction homes offer the kind of cost arbitrage that make residential real estate attractive to investors, who has largely given housing a miss over the last 3-4 years. It is a heartening trend for the residential market in remaining 2023.”

This trend bears watching, as it has strong mid-to-long-term implications for the Indian residential property market. While the return of investors is positive for overall sales, an end-user-driven market helps keep prices in check. Accelerated investor activity has historically led to unreasonable price hikes which eventually throttled back the overall housing market growth story.

City-wise Absorption Trends

At 30%, NCR saw the lowest sales share of newly launched units in Q1 2023. Another city with comparatively low fresh supply absorption share is Kolkata at 32%. Interestingly, MMR, which saw the second lowest absorption of newly-launched units in Q1 2019 with a 24% share, saw its sales share of new units jump to 40% in Q1 2023.

  Q1 2023 Q1 2019
City Total Units Sold % Share of New Launch Absorption Total Units Sold % Share of New Launch Absorption
NCR 17,160 30% 13,740 21%
MMR 34,690 40% 24,010 24%
Bangalore 15,660 43% 15,580 28%
Pune 19,920 45% 12,340 35%
Hyderabad 14,280 46% 5,400 28%
Chennai 5,880 41% 3,430 29%
Kolkata 6,190 38% 4,020 24%
Total 1,13,780 41% 78,520 26%

Source: ANAROCK Research

  • In MMR, of 34,690 units sold in Q1 2023, approx. 40% were fresh launches. In same period 2019, of 24,010 units sold, 24% were in new units
  • In NCR, of 17,160 units sold in Q1 2023, approx. 30% were launched in the same quarter. In Q1 2019, of 13,740 units sold, the sales share of newly launched units was lower at 21%
  • In Chennai, of 5,880 units sold in Q1 2023, newly-launched units accounted for a 41% share – up from 29% of 3,430 units sold in Q1 2019.
  • In Kolkata, of 6,190 units sold in Q1 2023, over 38% were newly-launched. In Q1 2019, approx. 4,020 units were sold, of which 24% sales were of newly-launched units
  • In Bengaluru, of 15,660 units sold in Q1 2023, the sale share of newly-launched units was 43% – up from 28% of 15,580 units in Q1 2019
  • In Pune, of 19,920 units sold in Q1 2023, the sale share of newly-launched units was 45% – up from 35% of 12,340 units in Q1 2019. The city saw the second highest sales share of new launched units after Hyderabad.
  • Hyderabad had the highest sales share of newly-launched units among the top 7 cities. Of approx. 14,280 units sold in Q1 2023, 46% were launched in the same period – significantly up from 28% of approx. 5,400 units in Q1 2019.

 

THE GREAT INDIAN PIZZA ADVENTURE, A quest to discover the ultimate Indian Pizza

THE GREAT INDIAN PIZZA ADVENTURE

1st June 2023  Rediscover Indian cuisine like never before! The Great Indian Pizza Adventure is a celebration of the extraordinary span of Indian food through the universal device of pizza. Is pizza really Italian? Watch The Great Indian Pizza Adventure and you might think otherwise!

The series revisits everyone’s go-to dish, the Videsi Pizza and recreates it in all-new desi avatars. Follow Jasper Reid, the man known for bringing in the famous Jamie’s Pizzeria and Jamie’s Italian chains to India, as he sets out on a mission to create 10 Indian Pizzas inspired by 10 Indian cuisines.

Watch him employ aromatic masalas, delicious gravies, local ingredients, regional recipes and age-old methods of cooking. Imagine a Mughal-inspired Nihari Pizza, a Bengali Chingri Malai Pizza, an Amritsari Fish Pizza and more! The Great India Pizza Adventure is where Indian flavours meet Italian sourdough.

To create Pizzas that win the desi hearts, Jasper meets food historians Salma Yusuf Husain, Prima Kurien, Tanushree Bhowmik, the late Dr Ashish Chopra and many more. He talks to India’s top food influencers like Gaurav Wasan and Sukrit Jain. He spends time with Celebrity Chefs Manish Mehrohtra, Kunal Kapur, Sabyasachi Gorai, Ashish Bhasin and food entrepreneur Raj Sanghvi. He meets home cooks, restaurant owners and many others who lend him a helping hand. It’s a total jamboree. Who will make the best Indian Pizza? Watch the show and find out!

3 months of Good Food showcased exclusively on GOODTiMES! The series will see a weekly release on GOODTiMES TV, starting 4th June 2023, every Sunday at 7 PM along with short format content posted across GOODTiMES’ digital platforms throughout the week! Tune in to watch Jasper’s journey of creating 10 Pizzas inspired by iconic Indian cuisines.

Jasper Reid, TV Chef and Promoter of Dolomite (Jamie’s Master Franchisee for India) said: “I’m crazy about pizzas and I’m crazy about India and the idea was to arrange their marriage! I know pizzas but our dream is to learn Indian cuisines and cultures and the humble pizza acts like a passport for making friends and creating amazing new pies. Our partner Jamie Oliver has spent his entire career using food to make good things happen and The Great Indian Pizza Adventure is just another part of this journey.

And it’s incredible what we’ve been able to create using classic Indian recipes transformed into pizzas. On one level it’s pure fun and a way of meeting communities. On another level, it’s about showing that an international brand respects local culture and cuisines and becomes a better brand by discovering its desi side. I’m a go, but I’m better as a desi Gora!”

Arati Singh, Chief Executive Officer, GOODTiMES said, “Who doesn’t love pizza? But we also can’t live without Indian food, right? So, we took Pizza, the universal favourite food of the planet, and paired it off with the most iconic Indian flavours, to present viewers with the most mouth-watering desi pizzas ever made!

We are very excited to partner with Dolomite Restaurants Pvt. Ltd, the all-India Master Franchisee for Jamie Oliver Restaurants in India, to bring you The Great Indian Pizza Adventure, a super delicious series where Jasper discovers Indian cuisine from its roots and creates the most delectable, decadent and never-tried-before Indian Pizzas. Jasper will explore the hidden gems of Indian tradition, culture, cooking forms & ingredients and cook alongside some eminent chefs and experts to come up with pizza recipes that will leave you wanting for more.

A series that serves you 10 episodes full of adventure, humour and a whole lot of desi pizza pies. Make sure you grab a slice of the show! Stay tuned to Goodtimes as we keep delivering new, entertaining, exciting & the latest content in the lifestyle space, every day!”

Singapore Airlines Extends Unlimited Complimentary in-flight Wi-fi to Customers in All Cabin Classes

Singapore Airlines (SIA) customers will enjoy the most comprehensive free unlimited Wi-Fi access in the airline industry from 1 July 2023, when the service is extended to all travellers in all cabin classes, including Premium Economy Class and Economy Class.

This enhanced Wi-Fi offering will be available virtually across the entire aircraft fleet[1] and almost the entire global SIA route network.

As a result, customers across all cabin classes will be able to stay connected with loved ones, work online, or keep up to date with the latest news or their social media feeds, even from 36,000 feet in the sky.

To enjoy this service, customers must enter their KrisFlyer membership details at the point of booking through the Manage Booking online option, or at check-in. Non-KrisFlyer members may also sign up for their free membership online or on board their flight via the SIA digital content portal on their personal mobile devices to enjoy the complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi.

Suites, First Class, and Business Class customers, as well as PPS Club members[2] will continue to enjoy access to free unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi. Since February 2023, KrisFlyer members travelling in Premium Economy Class and Economy Class have enjoyed complimentary three- and two-hour Wi-Fi surf plans respectively.

Mr Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Vice President Customer Experience, Singapore Airlines, said: “In today’s increasingly hyper-connected world, high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity is one of the most important requirements for our customers. Giving them access to free unlimited Wi-Fi is yet another milestone in SIA’s continuous effort to offer an exceptional end-to-end travel experience. With this enhanced offering, our customers will be empowered to stay connected, entertained, and productive, even at 36,000 feet in the sky.”

RHI Magnesita India reports 37% rise in revenue for FY 2023

Bangalore,1st June 2023 RHI Magnesita India Limited, the leading manufacturer and supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems and solutions, has reported consolidated financial results for the period ended March 31, 2023. The company ended the FY 2022-23 with consolidated income of Rs. 2,741 crores, as compared to Rs 2,005 crores for the FY 2021-22. Adjusted EBITDA before one time and exceptional item stood at Rs 439 crores at 16% against Rs. 393 crores in the previous financial year.

Commenting on the results, Parmod Sagar – MD & CEO of RHI Magnesita India said, “In FY23, we remained committed to the Indian market and ramped up our capacity with the acquisition of Dalmia OCL and Hi-Tech Chemicals. These acquisitions aim to help us serve our customers with a local for local approach and evolve India as a hub to serve other regions. We are well on track to achieve our integration synergy targets through these acquisitions, and we are excited for the future.

Consolidated Quarter-to-Quarter Comparison

The total income for the quarter ending March 31, 2023, stood at Rs. 881 crores, 49% growth Q-o-Q as against Rs. 592 crores in the quarter of March 2022. Adjusted EBITDA before one time and exceptional item stood at Rs 118 crores at 13.4% Vs Rs. 140 crores in the same quarter in the previous year.

The Board of Directors have proposed a dividend of Rs. 2.50 per share (250% on equity share of par value of Re 1) in the meeting held on May 30, 2023, which is subject to approval of the members of the Company in the Annual General Meeting.

The Marcom Avenue Announces Launch of The Woah Films: A Premier Production House

The Marcom Avenue  Announces

1st June 2023 The Marcom Avenue (TMA), a leading 360-degree marketing agency, is thrilled to announce the launch of its own production house, The Woah Films. With more than 300 brands under their belt and a team of over 100 employees, The Marcom Avenue is currently one of the most prominent names in the marketing industry in India.

Woah Films aspires to establish itself as a comprehensive hub catering to all production requirements, providing a wide array of services encompassing Brand Films, DVCs, Script Writing, Video Production, 2D and 3D Animation, Concept Photoshoots, Product Photoshoot, Artist Management, VFX & Post, and CGI & Animation. Drawing upon The Marcom Avenue’s extensive industry expertise and experience working with esteemed brands like Reliance MET City, Titan, Varun Beverage Limited, etc., Woah Production aims to collaborate with talented artists, filmmakers, and creators to produce captivating and groundbreaking content.

“We are incredibly excited to introduce The Woah Films to the world,” said Sagar Virmani, Group Account Head, The Marcom Avenue. “Our new venture will cater to the paradigm shift in advertising, moving away from standard TV commercials (TVCs) towards short videos keeping the art of storytelling still intact. The virality factor of the content relies on a compelling storyline that addresses pain points and touches hearts. In the information age, people are bombarded with information, resulting in a significantly reduced attention span. If your content fails to capture attention within 3-4 seconds, it is likely to be scrolled away. We recognize the importance of integrating technology into the realm of video production, and with AI in the picture, the game has completely changed. Our team comprises exceptional individuals equipped with state-of-the-art resources and modern studios, enabling us to bring each story to life.”

At The Woah Films, artistic expression and innovation are at the core of everything they do. The production house aims to foster a collaborative environment that encourages creativity, experimentation, and the exploration of new storytelling techniques. By embracing emerging technologies and industry trends, Woah Production is determined to push the boundaries of visual storytelling and redefine entertainment experiences.

With its cutting-edge facilities and top-of-the-line equipment, The Woah Films is well-equipped to handle projects of any scale. The production house has an experienced team of directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, and post-production experts who possess a deep understanding of the industry and are committed to delivering exceptional results. From pre-production planning to post-production editing and distribution, The Woah Films offers end-to-end solutions to ensure seamless execution and client satisfaction.

Celebrating Excellence in Filmmaking: Pune Short Film Festival Honors Diverse Talents

The Thirteenth Pune Short Film Festival showcased an array of exceptional films, leaving the audience captivated and inspired. From heartwarming stories to thought-provoking narratives, this year’s festival celebrated the talent and creativity of filmmakers from India and beyond. Sparsh, directed by Thimmappa Golhar, emerged as the shining star, winning the coveted Best Short Film award. Avinash Pingle’s Lollipop garnered recognition for its director, securing the Best Director award, while Milind Gandhale’s Abhija claimed the Best Screenwriter accolade.

Celebrating Excellence in Filmmaking

Organized by the Marathi Film Parivar Sanstha, the festival’s prize distribution ceremony was a momentous occasion. Esteemed senior writers Srikant Kulkarni, Subhash Chandra Jadhav, Vinayak Kulkarni, and renowned photographer Ram Zond presented the well-deserved awards to the winners. With over 100 captivating short films screened during the three-day event, the jury had the difficult task of selecting the most outstanding creations. Ultimately, 40 short films were recognized across various categories, showcasing the festival’s commitment to celebrating excellence.

Anakhi Baate triumphed as the Best Indian Short Film, captivating the audience with its powerful storytelling. Rohit Nanavare was honoured with the Best Indian Director award for his exceptional work in Laadu, while Anup Dhekane’s compelling narrative in Bakru earned him the Best Indian Writer award. Amit Jadhav’s Hapas Kir stood out as the Best Short Film in Pune, impressing the jury with its unique approach. Furthermore, Sakshi Shinde’s thought-provoking Soch earned her the prestigious title of Best Female Director.

In the Marathi category, Dr Swanand Wagh’s Kaw Kaw took home the Best Marathi Short Film award, showcasing the brilliance of Marathi cinema. Sandeep Mogul was recognized as the Best Marathi Director for his outstanding work in Dhekal, and Advait Dhavale’s creative storytelling in Ganachakkar earned him the Best Marathi Writer award. These talented individuals contributed to the richness and diversity of Marathi cinema, captivating audiences with their distinctive vision.

The festival also extended its platform to international filmmakers, recognizing their exceptional contributions. Love After Death emerged as the Best International Short Film, captivating viewers with its poignant narrative. Omkar Naik’s How to Survive Your In-Laws showcased his directorial brilliance, earning him the Best International Director award. Shriya Bhagwat’s screenplay for Mr Singh Death stood out, securing her the prestigious title of Best International Screenwriter.

The Thirteenth Pune Short Film Festival served as a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of filmmakers worldwide. Through their exceptional storytelling, they captured the hearts and minds of the audience, igniting conversations and leaving a lasting impact. As the festival came to a close, it left the audience eagerly awaiting the next edition, which promises to be even more remarkable, celebrating the boundless creativity and ingenuity of the world of short films.