Archives August 2023

12th August 2023  To celebrate India’s 76th Independence Day, Times Prime, the country’s premier digital membership program, has joined hands with Haldiram, to spread the joy of ‘Azaadi Ka Tyohar’ by delivering over 4,000 kgs of traditional delectable ladoos. This unique collaboration is set to delight customers, as the festivities find a delicious expression through Swiggy Instamart’s seamless delivery network.

Under the collaboration, customers who place an order will receive complimentary Haldiram’s ladoos, delivered right to their doorstep via Swiggy Instamart. Over the course of the celebration, more than 4,000 kgs will be distributed across 60,000 households. This endeavor aims to evoke nostalgic memories of Independence Day school assemblies while infusing a sense of tradition into households.

Harshita Singh, Business Head and Founder of Times Prime, said, “At Times Prime, our ongoing focus is on elevating the experiences of our members. The inclusion of Swiggy Instamart in our range of offerings stands as a testament to this dedication. Our Independence Day initiative combines the essence of freedom, the privilege of choice, and the delight of reliving cherished school memories with delectable laddoos from Haldiram’s.”

Kailash Agarwal, President- Retail, QSR at Haldiram, said, “We are delighted to partner with Times Prime for this special initiative, encapsulating the rich tapestry of our heritage, to all. This gesture not only rekindles the flavors of childhood but also symbolizes the harmonious blend of diverse cultures, echoing love and togetherness. We at Haldiram’s believe in spreading the traditional taste and this initiative is a sweet reminder of our collective journey towards freedom and harmony.”

Phani Kishan ,CEO of Swiggy Instamart, said, “Our association with Times Prime signifies an important milestone in our journey to offer increased convenience and unique experiences to our customers. This Independence Day initiative serves as an ideal way to kickstart our collaboration with a traditional ladoo that will make our customers relieve the nostalgia of school days.”

Times Prime members can now avail of special Swiggy offers, including three free deliveries on food orders of a minimum order value of Rs.299, flat Rs.200 off on Swiggy Gourmet, and three free deliveries on Swiggy Instamart on a minimum order value of Rs.249.

Times Prime offers its members a wide array of benefits across news, entertainment, lifestyle, and more. To join Times Prime and indulge in these rewarding experiences, sign up today for just INR 1,199/-.

New Delhi,12th August 2023 Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading provider of cyber security solutions globally, signs a definitive agreement to acquire Perimeter 81, a pioneering Security Service Edge (SSE) company. With this acquisition, Check Point will help organizations accelerate the adoption of secure access across remote users, sites, the cloud, datacentres, and the internet, all while aiming to deliver the most secure and fastest SSE solution in the market. Under the terms of the agreement, Check Point will acquire Perimeter 81 for approximately $490 million, on a cash-free, debt-free basis.

Hybrid work is now the standard for organizations globally, and digital transformation is continuously shifting data centers to the cloud. This major shift requires an advanced approach to network security that can seamlessly adapt and respond to the needs of the modern, distributed enterprise. Gartner sees the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) market hitting $20B+ by 2026, emphasizing the need for businesses to adopt a consolidated security architecture.

Perimeter 81, launched in 2018 with a team of over 200 employees, serves more than 3,000 customers worldwide. The company recognized as a leader in the Forrester Zero Trust Wave, brings an innovative approach to SSE that combines cloud and on-device protection. Perimeter 81 is offering a unique suite of capabilities, including Zero Trust Access, full mesh connectivity between users, branches and applications. This allows remote users to benefit from fast, secure internet browsing everywhere they go, while addressing cloud privacy violations. Perimeter 81 also enables a simple and fast one-hour deployment vs. weeks with traditional solutions, emphasizing ease-of-use and streamlined management.

Check Point intends to leverage Perimeter 81´s capabilities and integrate them into Check Point Infinity’s architecture to deliver a unified security solution across the network, cloud, and remote users, powered by industry leading threat prevention. Perimeter 81 is ideally positioned to support Check Point´s vision of delivering the industry’s fastest, most secure SASE solution.

“With the advent of hybrid work and the rise of cloud transformation, the demand for security services that expand beyond the network perimeter is increasing,” says Gil Shwed, CEO at Check Point Software Technologies. “By leveraging Perimeter 81´s capabilities and integrating them into the Check Point Infinity platform we continue with our vision to deliver the best security through comprehensive, collaborative and consolidated solutions.”

“This strategic move marks an exciting period for our company, partners, and customers. By joining Check Point, a global leader in cyber security for over 30 years, we aim to deliver the premier SASE platform in the market,” says Amit Bareket, CEO at Perimeter 81. “Our interconnection represents a significant step towards a comprehensive and scalable security for the modern era. We look forward to the positive impact we will jointly create.”

New Delhi, 12th August 2023: Flavours of France converged with the elegance The Chambers, India’s premier business club, as Taj Mahal, New Delhi hosted a Rendezvous with Chef Maxime Gilbert. Bringing in culinary prowess from his celebrated 2 Michelin-starred restaurant Écriture, Chef Gilbert presented an epicurean evening of Culinary Chronicles with sophisticated and elegant delicacies for the patrons of Taj.

Having grown up in France – a country where cuisine is considered an integral part of the culture, Chef Maxime Gilbert embarked on his journey with Écriture by Le Comptoir in September 2016. Today, his vision of French cuisine comes to life at this culinary destination in Hong Kong where Western craftsmanship seamlessly merges with Eastern philosophies. By skilfully integrating traditional techniques and exceptional Japanese produce, Chef Gilbert creates dishes that exude simplicity, elegance, and a natural sophistication that plays with power and lightness.

The luxurious setting of The Chambers provided the perfect backdrop for the meticulously crafted and visually stunning dishes that adorned the curated menu. Each course was a masterpiece in its own right, designed to tantalize the senses and leave a lasting impression. The menu featured a delectable array of culinary delights, including Passion Fruit – Mushroom Custard, Jelly, Coffee, Uni paired with Chardonnay; Caviar Tart – Scalops, Celeriac, Beurre Blanc paired with Prosecco; Lamb – Loin and Shoulder, Bigornaux, Lemon Sabayon paired with Pinot Noir, Moulin de Gassac; Zucchini Tart – Citrus, Safron, Black Truffel, Beurre Blanc paired with Prosecco, Brut, Zonin; White Asparagus – Peach, Brittany Curry with Pinot Noir Rose, Black Tower; and in dessert Sourdough – Texture, Croutons, Praliné and Gourmandises – Madeleine, Salted Caramel.

Commenting on his visit, Chef Maxime Gilbert expressed, “The journey from my kitchen at Écriture to The Chambers has been a thrilling exploration of flavours, creativity and cultural connections. The opportunity to share my passion for French cuisine and artistry with the discerning patrons of Taj Mahal, New Delhi has been truly inspiring. Witnessing the guests’ genuine admiration for the intricate flavours, textures and stories behind each dish serves as a powerful reminder of the universal language that food speaks.”

Commenting on the Rendezvous, Chef Arun Sundararaj, Director of Culinary Operations – Taj Mahal, New Delhi, said. “At Taj Mahal, New Delhi, we believe in crafting experiences that transcend the ordinary, and this event was no exception. Collaborating with Chef Maxime to bring the exquisite flavours of France to our esteemed guests at The Chambers was an absolute honour. We eagerly look forward to offering our guests with more of these bespoke experiences that celebrate the art of fine dining.”

As part of the Rendezvous series presented by The Chambers, Chef Maxime Gilbert will be bringing his next showcase to Taj Bengal, Kolkata on 12th August 2023.

Hyderabad,12th August 2023: Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd., a leading building materials Company in India, announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. With 23.82 MMTPA of combined installed capacity, Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. is the fifth largest cement group in India and amongst the leading cement players in East India.

The consolidated cement sales volume for the Company increased by 7% YoY to 5 MMT in Q1 FY24. Consolidated revenue from operations during the same period improved by 6% YoY to Rs. 2,805 crores and consolidated EBITDA also improved by 7% YoY to Rs. 402 crores.

Premium products continue to remain a major thrust area for the Company and have contributed significantly, with a 37% share of the company’s cement trade volumes in Q1 FY24. The Company extended ‘Duraguard F2F’ – a premium composite cement in West Bengal and launched ‘InstaMix Superior Column Concrete’ and ‘Artiste Flooring Solution’ – specialized Ready-Mix Concrete (RMX) products in Q1 FY24, demonstrating Nuvoco’s continuous focus on product innovation.

The Company remains committed to its sustainability agenda – Protect Our Planet. The Company has amongst the lowest carbon emissions at 462 kg CO2 per ton of cementitious materials1. During the quarter, the Company successfully commissioned an Alternate Fuel Feeding system at Nimbol Cement Plant which will enable it to manage a wide range of fuels while increasing waste recycling tonnage. The Company achieved an alternate fuel rate (AFR) of 11.2% in Q1 FY24, amongst the best in the industry, a significant improvement of 5.2% YoY. The Company also maintained one of the highest cement-to-clinker ratio in the industry at 1.83 during the quarter, thus emphasizing blended cement and furthering its decarbonization initiatives.

Commenting on the performance of the Company, Mr. Jayakumar Krishnaswamy, Managing Director, Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. stated, “Cement demand continues to witness healthy growth on account of government initiatives in the infrastructure and housing segments. We anticipate an uptick in construction activities post-monsoon. Moreover, we have successfully countered the dynamic cost environment through the optimization of the power and fuel mix between pet coke, linkage coal and AFR supported by reduction in pet coke and coal prices.

Furthermore, he added, “As for the expansion projects, the debottlenecking at the Risda Cement Plant has been completed during the quarter, while the cement expansion at Haryana Plant and debottlenecking at Nimbol Cement Plant are scheduled to be completed by September 2023 which will help us to establish a stronger presence in the North. The Ready-Mix Concrete business continues to expand its footprint across the country and has commissioned three new plants during this quarter.”

Struggling to verify or confirm the NEET UG 2023 counseling’s second-round registration? Here is the complete information to know more about the updates of NEET 2023 with the AI tool of TAB INDIA.

NEET NTA EXAM 2023 began on August 9 and will conclude on August 14. During this time, students are participating in choice filling, a crucial step in the process that will continue until today. To get the form filled out efficiently use the choice filling assistance of TAB INDIA to save time. The selection process commenced on August 10 and will run until August 15 which can be seen on TAB INDIA. The seat allotment results will be disclosed on 18 August 2023 for the second round. The first-round seat allotment results were announced on July 29, 2023. On August 7, 2023, the tentative seat Matrix for round 2 AIQ seats and deemed Universities will be released on the official website. The NEET counseling for 2023 is overseen by MCC, the official authority.

NTA the NEET 2023 exam took place from 2 pm to 5:20 pm, lasting 3 hours and 20 minutes. The exam’s difficulty level was moderate to easy based on the NEET exam analysis 2023. Only 11,45,976 students qualified out of 20,38,596 applicants, NEET 2023, formerly known as AIPMT, is an annual national entrance test in India. It provides access to various medical seats, including MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, BSc Nursing, and BVc seats.

According to Mr. Anubhav Garg, Counselor & Founder of Tab India, the significance of NEET 2023, describing it as a crucial milestone in the medical field that shapes the career paths of numerous aspiring students. TAB INDIA allows students to get full access with time-saving assistance from the AI tool of TAB INDIA.

By Manavjeet Singh, MD & CEO, CLYXNS

In the last few years, we have witnessed a rise in financial debt worldwide due to rising interest rates, supply chain disruptions, hirings freezes, etc. All of this has culminated in the current scenario, where debt has become a persistent problem for both lenders and customers. Therefore, there is a need to follow the current and upcoming trends in debt collection which help in streamlining the collection, maximize cash flow, and at the same time continue to maintain a healthy relationship with the customers.

Here are some of the upcoming trends to develop a robust debt collection strategy:

Digitization and AI Automation
As AI and machine learning become more sophisticated, companies are relying on them more to perform tasks more precisely and efficiently. It has become evident that this trend would also be impacting the debt-collecting companies that are hoping to streamline their operations.

The debt collection industry has always had a history of negative press and bitter customer relationships. But, digitization has helped in reducing negativity and facilitating warmer relations. Digitization has helped in increasing speed, and simplicity, and maintaining transparency with the customers.

Omnichannel collection strategies
Companies are investing in omnichannel collection systems which will help them to maximize their reach and frequency. The emergence of omnichannel collection strategies has helped companies to approach customers through multiple channels.

Focusing on Customer Experience
Companies are trying to foster healthy relations with their customers. They are focusing on improving customer experience, which can help in reducing petty disputes or legal cases. Improving the customer experience will also help in smoother communication between both parties.

Self-service systems
Customers today want to be able to help themselves. They are interested in self-service systems which are both application-based or web-based. Self-service systems help customers sort their debt anytime, or at their convenience. Self-service systems tend to give complete control to the customers, and not be pressurized by traditional tactics like cold-callings, visits, etc.

Alternative payment methods
Companies should invest in alternative payment methods, which can help reduce delays. Customers have a variety of options to make payments at their convenience, and this method is more efficient than traditional. Currently, some non-traditional methods include google pay, apple pay, PayPal, and even cryptocurrency is getting popular.

The current need for the debt collection system requires the collecting agent to work for the customer, not against them. Customer loyalty tends to increase, promises are kept and complaints against the companies begin to vanish.

12th Aug 2023 New Delhi: Everyone who has hung outside a neighbour’s window to watch a cricket match on their TV, stood peeking over someone’s shoulder in a crowded metro just to catch the latest episode of a web series or queued up overnight to get first access to your favourite K-pop band’s merchandise will agree – if you are a true fan, you’ll do anything for an engaging experience. But, if there was an easy way to get great experiences – free and anytime you wanted, you wouldn’t have to resort to such strategies for your entertainment, would you? Picking on this insight, Rooter, India’s leading gaming and esports content platform, has launched its advertising campaign focused on a typical gaming fan’s FOMO. The first TV campaign by any gaming content platform in India, it delves into the hilarious lengths a fan will go to, to catch the most exciting game streaming and esports action, and how Rooter has become the favourite platform for Young India’s entertainment.

The quirky films show the curious protagonist getting hooked to the exciting game streams on a friend’s phone and landing in some comically painful situations while attempting to watch them. Popular eSports Caster and Analyst Ocean Sharma, has played the role of the hip and trendy friend who teases him for not knowing the obvious destination for entertaining content – Game dekhne ka itna load? To kar na Rooter download! (So much fuss to watch a game stream? Just download Rooter). Conceptualized by Rooter’s in-house team, and further developed and produced by Emotion Pictures, the campaign includes three punchy 15-second commercials.

Speaking about the context of the campaign, Piyush Kumar, Founder and CEO, Rooter said “Nothing speaks fandom in India today more than Gaming. Gaming content like live streams, eSports and more represents one-of-a-kind entertainment – full of surprises, deeply immersive, and accessible anytime, anywhere. It cuts across segments and is at the heart of how young India spends time on its screens today. This is where Rooter is making a special space for itself in their minds, their hearts and on their screens. With presence across Web, App, and Smart TV ecosystems, we have created a vast universe for viewers to watch the most top-notch gaming content in the market and for creators to find an appreciative audience. Through this campaign, Rajat and his team at Emotion Pictures have helped us tell every gaming fandom in the country where to find engaging entertainment – obviously on Rooter!”

Elaborating on the concept, Rajat Gulati, Founder & Executive Producer, Emotion Pictures said “The films are inspired by keen observations of young India’s behaviour when it comes to gaming, especially the irresistible curiosity and immersion that unfold while watching an action-packed stream. We hope to strike a chord with Indian gamers and represent their world, their emotions, and their love for all things gaming through these light-hearted, slice-of-(gamer’s)-life films. It was exciting to collaborate with an exceptional team at Rooter. The tremendous amount of confidence and courage they showed has helped us express freely right from script conception to production.”

The strategic campaign was launched for the second season of NODWIN Gaming’s BGMI Master Series (the biggest esports tournament in the country) where Rooter is the official digital streaming partner along with TV broadcast partner, Star Sports. The thematic films will be broadcast across TV, Youtube and digital streams, throughout the tournament, encouraging people to head to Rooter for their daily dose of gaming and esports action.

Bengaluru, 12th August 2023: Josh, India’s fastest-growing and most engaged short-video app, and Artium Academy, an online music education platform, have joined hands to launch “Bharat Ka Sur,” the country’s biggest ever UGC (User-generated content) anthem, in celebration of Independence Day.

The anthem was born out of the #BharatkaSur campaign, bringing together citizens, creators, artists, and musicians to echo the nation’s journey through shared musical expression. The campaign featured a 15-day hashtag challenge on Josh, garnering an impressive response, with over 18,000+ video creations contributed by passionate Josh Creators and users. From this vast collection, a few outstanding videos were selected and integrated into the anthem, representing the diverse talent and unity of Indian citizens. As a result, the anthem stands as a powerful symbol of our nation’s spirit and musical heritage, resonating with all who hear it.

The anthem, sung by Artium’s in-house talent pool of teachers, who themselves are music artists, features creators from Josh adding their unique voices to this exceptional anthem. Representing the spirit of Bharat, the 4 minutes 30 secs song was sung in 12 languages, including Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Dogri, Tamil, Telugu, Bhojpuri, Rajasthani, and Punjabi.

“Josh is proud to partner with Artium Academy to unveil “Bharat Ka Sur”, a unique anthem that showcases the talent and passion of our creators and musicians. This marks the first-ever creation of a large-scale UGC anthem created in India, and we are thrilled to see the response from our users and audiences. #BharatkaSur campaign is a testament to our commitment to empower our creator community and provide them with opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow.” – Sunder Venketraman, Head of Creator and Content Ecosystem, Josh

“Artium Academy wants to unite its learners and music enthusiasts using technology and media partnerships. We’re excited to collaborate with Josh on “Bharat Ka Sur,” an Artium Originals track showcasing talent from various parts of India. Together, we empower creators and make this a people’s campaign. ” – Vivek Raicha, Co Founder – Artium Academy

LINK TO MUSIC VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdO4FEtOkbI

In addition to the Josh app, the anthem will be available on Dailyhunt’s player and Artium Originals channel.

The campaign is supported by Delhi Police and Miraj Cinemas as the Exclusive Multiplex Partner. Other Freedom Partners are: MTV, RedFM, Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneur Association, Suramya Life Foundation, Dailyhunt and One India to name a few.

With an aim to emphasize on the issues, challenges, and way forward for the agriculture and food processing sector, Zee 24 TAAS, one of the leading Marathi news channels of Maharashtra, is all set to host Shetkari Parishad in Pune on 12th August 2023. This distinguished conclave is poised to ignite impactful conversations that hold the potential to shape a bright and progressive future for the agriculture industry.

With an ethos of ‘partners in progress’, Zee 24 TAAS extends an invitation for its upcoming Shetkari Parishad to stakeholders across the agricultural spectrum to join forces. It also presents a pivotal opportunity for curious minds to engage with and draw inspiration from esteemed leaders, driving innovation and transformation within the industry. The upcoming the conclave will comprise of insightful panel discussion series by Industry leaders and policymakers, sharing their insights on the latest trends in agriculture and provide valuable advice on how to succeed in today’s competitive market.

Emphasizing on the purpose of organising the Shetkari Parishad, Dr. Nilesh Khare, Editor, Zee 24 TAAS, “In the age of AIML Agriculture is the only sustainable way of generating employment and economic growth. Shetkari Parishad is a platform where we will try to give the skillset for the agriculture aspirants. By offering this collaborative platform, we aim to create a space where knowledge converges, ideas flourish, and partnerships are forged. This event encapsulates our collective pursuit of cultivating progress.”

Mona Jain, Chief Revenue Officer, Zee Media Corporation Limited further added, “The Shetkari Parishad recognizes the significance of empowering farmers and enabling their progress. By gathering policymakers, researchers, industry experts, practitioners, and students under a common roof, this event generates a unique space for meaningful dialogue, innovative insights, and collaborative ventures. This dynamic event provides a profound understanding of the external forces that are shaping the future of farming and food processing.”

“We, at Zee 24 TAAS have meticulously curated an impactful conclave that allows farmers in elevating their yields and incomes through the cooperative pooling of resources. Attendees can expect to explore novel technologies, best practices, and groundbreaking solutions that enhance productivity and profitability across agricultural practices,” highlighted Abhay Ojha, CEO, Zee Media Corporation Limited.

Co-presented by Pitambari Nursery Franchise & Akkudas Trading – Dudhkandi, Tourism Partner Directorate of Tourism, Banking Partner, Buldhana Urban Cooperative Credit Society Ltd and Its Associate Partners Are Kanhaiya Agro, Rajashree Lottery, Quick Start 24 Group, J.K. Oos Ropvatika, Universal Biocon Pvt. Ltd., Vidharbha Irrigation System Pvt. Ltd., Dr. Bawasakar Technology (Agro) Pvt. Ltd.

Zee Media Corporation Ltd, one of India’s leading media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 16 news channels in seven different languages, reaching more than 528+ million viewers through its linear and digital properties.

Gurugram, India –12th August 2023: Samsung’s fifth generation of foldable smartphones – Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 – have proved to be a tremendous success, securing a record 100,000 pre-bookings in India in the first-28 hours. To delight pre-booked customers, Samsung will commence early deliveries of the latest foldable starting August 11. Pre-bookings in India for Galaxy Z Flip5 and Z Fold5 opened on July 27, 2023. The devices will go on sale from August 18, 2023.

Galaxy Z Flip5 delivers a stylish, unique foldable experience from a pocket-sized device built for self-expression. The Galaxy Z Flip5’s outer screen is now 3.78 times larger and offers more usability than ever before. Galaxy Z Fold5, the ultimate productivity powerhouse with a large screen delivers the most powerful performance in the Galaxy Z series because it is the thinnest, lightest Fold yet.

Both Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 are equipped with IPX8 support, aircraft grade Armor Aluminum frames, and Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 applied to both the Flex Window and back cover. Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 come with new integrated hinge module that features a dual rail structure for diffusing external impacts.

Price and Availability:

Galaxy ZFlip5 starts at INR 99999 (8/256 GB), while Galaxy Z Fold5 is available from INR 154999 (12/256 GB). Customers pre-booking Galaxy ZFlip5 will get benefits worth INR 20000 and those pre-booking Galaxy Z Fold5 will get benefits worth INR 23000. The new devices can be pre-booked across all leading online and offline retail stores. Consumers can also pre-book on Samsung.com at: https://www.samsung.com/in/smartphones/galaxy-z-flip5/buy/