Archives September 2023

Mumbai, 25th September 2023: Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (FIED) a center of excellence of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kashipur, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, is launching the first of its kind Agri Consortium in India.

A two-day event, to discuss and finalize consortium titled ‘Agriculture Consortium of Higher Education and Research Institutions’, will be organized on September 25 and 26, 2023 by FIED at the IIM Kashipur campus in Kashipur (Uttarakhand), which will be attended by participants from Agriculture Universities and Research Institutions from across India.

This Agri Consortium will focus on promoting agri-entrepreneurship as a tool for India’s economic growth, promoting agriculture startups, the role of higher academic and research institutions in South Asian economies, and government efforts. For 2 days, there will be a panel discussion and expert talks were promoting agriculture in higher education institutions, Agri Consortium is set to promote innovation, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among leading Agri entrepreneurs, researchers, and educational institutions. Agri Consortium 2023 will mark a significant milestone in the journey towards fostering sustainable agriculture entrepreneurship and harnessing the potential of agri startups to drive economic development in India and South Asian economies.

Agriculture consortium 2023 will be attended by participants from Agriculture Universities and Research Institutions from India. In addition, Agri Business Incubation centers and knowledge partners working in RKVY RAFTAAR Scheme supported by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt of India will also participate sharing their journey & challenges in promoting agri entrepreneurship.

Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (FIED) is the incubation center of IIM Kashipur with an objective to nurture and strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem of India. It is fully owned & hosted in the campus of IIM Kashipur with a dedicated space of 20,000 square feet. FIED incubates the most promising startups of India in the domain of agriculture, education, healthcare, logistics & supply chain, green energy, waste management, tourism and hospitality, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable development goals.

“Decoding the Mystery of 3,6 & 9”

Unlocking the Secrets of Human Existence, Spirituality, and Consciousness

New Delhi, 25th September, 2023: Renowned global spiritual healer and thinker, Hitesh Chakraworty, has announced the launch of his groundbreaking book, titled “Decoding the Mystery of 3, 6 & 9.” This highly anticipated work delves into the profound depths of human consciousness, shedding light on the enigmatic interplay between family conscience, group dynamics, and the path to true self-discovery.
Nikola Tesla, the visionary inventor, was once known for coining the mystery surrounding the numbers 3, 6, and 9. Inspired by Tesla’s insights, Hitesh Chakraworty embarked on extensive research and experimentation with these numbers. His relentless pursuit has led to the unraveling of a hidden mystery, and through his new book, he aims to share his findings with mankind.

Beyond the intricate web of family conscience and societal dynamics, Chakraworty’s revelations unveil a captivating narrative of encounters with beings from dimensions beyond our own. These revelations stem from Chakraworty’s firsthand experiences, providing an intriguing glimpse into the vast diversity of existence. Through personal accounts of venturing into their dimensions, he unravels the complexities of these interactions, shedding light on the challenges and insights they entail.

As Chakraworty navigates the uncharted waters of cosmic encounters, readers will get to contemplate the intricacies of these connections. His revelations prompt a reevaluation of humanity’s place in the universe and challenge conventional perspectives on life, existence, and the realms that lie beyond.

In “Decoding the Mystery of 3, 6 & 9,” Hitesh Chakraworty also reveals a startling revelation – the human mind, which is intrinsically connected to the source of human existence, operates in an unconscious state due to the influence of family and group conscience. By unraveling the mysteries hidden within the numbers 3, 6, and 9, Chakraworty demonstrates that transcending the constraints of the mind can lead to liberation from the cycles of life and death.

Hitesh Chakraworty’s profound insights are accompanied by a poignant understanding of societal dynamics. He explores how the experiences of women, including hatred, violence, abuse, inequality, and injustice, contribute to creating a depressive environment in both society and nature. Chakraworty’s book presents a thought-provoking perspective on the interconnectedness of human emotions and the environment we inhabit.

According to Hitesh Chakraworty, “The journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening is a deeply personal one. We must look within ourselves to unlock the mysteries of our existence and find true freedom. My book aims to guide readers on this transformative journey, offering insights that challenge conventional wisdom and open the doors to a higher understanding of life.”

Hailing from India, Hitesh Chakraworty is a revered Global Spiritual Healer who has seamlessly integrated his vast experience into the realms of healing and wellness. Formerly a corporate professional, Chakraworty’s quest for deeper meaning led him to explore the mysteries of spirituality. His journey culminated in the creation of “Decoding the Mystery of 3,6 & 9,” a testament to his unwavering dedication to unlocking the secrets of human consciousness.

“Decoding the Mystery of 3, 6 & 9” is poised to become a cornerstone in the realm of spiritual literature, guiding readers towards a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. For those seeking enlightenment and a fresh perspective on human existence, this book is a must-read. The book is available on Amazon, Flipkart, and NotionPress.com. It’s also accessible in 130 countries, including the US and UK, priced at INR 1500 and $45, respectively.

Mumbai, 23rd September 2023– Nahar Group, a pioneer in championing green initiatives, once again demonstrates its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement. The renowned real estate developer recently organized a two-day workshop, titled “Eco-friendly Ganesha & Makhar Workshop,” at Nahar’s Nectarfield Club on September 16th and 17th, 2023.

Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, often involves the use of non-biodegradable materials in the creation of Ganesha idols and decorations, leading to environmental concerns. In response to this, Nahar’s Nectarfield Club took the initiative to host this innovative workshop, with the aim of promoting eco-consciousness and nurturing artistic talents within its community.

The workshop, attended by approximately 250 residents of Nahar’s Amrit Shakti community, offered an immersive experience in crafting eco-friendly Ganesha idols and Makhar while emphasizing the use of sustainable materials. Key highlights of the event included:

1. Workshop Dates :

– Makhar Workshop: September 16, 2023

– Eco-friendly Ganesha Idol Workshop: September 17, 2023

2. Venue: Nahar’s Nectarfield Club, Nahar’s Amrit Shakti

3. Attendance: Approximately 150 participants on Day 1 and 200 participants on Day 2

4. Workshop Focus:

– Eco-friendly Ganesha Idol Crafting: Participants learned to create Ganesha idols using Shadu Miti, an eco-friendly clay that is free from harmful chemicals and degrades rapidly in water. This sustainable alternative ensures that the immersion of Ganesha idols does not harm the environment.

– Makhar Making: The workshop also featured the creation of Makhar (decorative arches) using newspaper and cardboard, promoting the use of recycled materials in festive decorations.

One of the remarkable additions to this year’s celebration was the installation of an artificial immersion pond, designed to facilitate the eco-friendly immersion of Ganesha idols. This pond not only provided a safe and convenient space for residents to perform Visarjan (immersion) but also served as a testament to Nahar Group’s steadfast commitment to sustainable traditions.

Ms. Manju Yagnik, Vice Chairperson of Nahar Group and Senior Vice President of NAREDCO said that, “At Nahar Group, we believe in fostering a sense of community while also being responsible stewards of the environment. The Green Ganesha project is a perfect embodiment of these principles. We are thrilled to see the enthusiastic participation of our residents in embracing eco-consciousness and artistic expression.”

Nahar Group’s Green Ganesha Reloaded initiative stands as a shining example of how traditional festivals can be celebrated with creativity and eco-consciousness at the forefront. The company continues to lead the way in promoting sustainable living and responsible community engagement.

Bengaluru, 23rd September 2023 Tata Motors, one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, today took a significant leap forward in promoting sustainable mobility with the launch of the new, revolutionary Ace EV in Nepal, with its sole authorized distributor, Sipradi Trading Pvt. Ltd. The new Ace EV, an advanced, zero-emission, four-wheel small commercial vehicle (SCV), is a green and smart transport solution ready to serve a wide variety of intra-city applications. The launch of Ace EV in Nepal marks its debut in the global market and promises to redefine eco-friendly transportation. The first fleet of the revolutionary Ace EV was delivered to its customers in Kathmandu. The electric version of the ever-popular Ace is an eco-friendly mobility solution for environmentally conscious companies.

Commenting on the momentous occasion, Mr. Anurag Mehrotra, Head – International Business, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicle Business, said, “Electrification of passenger and cargo transport is an irreversible trend. At Tata Motors, our commitment to accelerate the adoption of cleaner and greener transport solutions is gaining greater strength. The introduction of the Ace EV marks a major milestone in our journey to deliver zero-emission cargo mobility in Nepal. With Sipradi Trading Pvt Ltd.’s strong sales and service expertise and their dedicated support for many decades, the electric commercial vehicle will play a pivotal role in shaping net-zero goals of businesses in Nepal. The Ace EV is designed and engineered to perfectly suit the requirements of intra-city cargo transportation and will deliver superior value proposition to all stakeholders who are driving towards a carbon-neutral future. Nepal flourishes with clean electricity through its hydroelectric projects, and the launch of the new Ace EV will further complement the country’s stride towards clean energy. We are much encouraged with the support and response received from our customers in Nepal, with whom we begin this journey of zero-emission cargo mobility.”

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Siddhartha SJB Rana, Executive Chairman, Sipradi Trading Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are delighted to launch the Ace EV with Tata Motors and it marks the beginning of the new era in Nepal’s eco-friendly transportation. For decades, Tata Motors and Sipradi Trading Pvt Ltd. have been working together to deliver quality-led mobility solutions in Nepal, and consistently delivering outstanding vehicles that have earned the trust of the Nepalese market. Tata Motors has always been ahead of the curve in delivering top-of-the-line products. Ace EV embodies our shared vision for a sustainable future in the country. We are confident that this remarkable vehicle will contribute towards a cleaner, greener Nepal.”

The new Ace EV, co-developed in rich collaboration with its users and supported by a diligently curated ecosystem, offers a holistic solution for e-cargo mobility. In addition to addressing the core need of timely cost-effective and efficient last-mile deliveries, the Ace EV also serves the future commitment and aspirations of its conscientious customers to achieve net zero carbon footprint. The fleet of Ace EV will be supported by a dedicated team of experts for 24×7 support and state-of-the-art Electric Vehicle Support Centres (EVSC). The vehicle also comes equipped with a feature-rich telematics system for real-time vehicle tracking and efficient fleet management.

SYDNEY, Australia and NOIDA, India, Sept 22, 2023: HCLTech, a leading global technology company, and ANZ, one of Australia’s four largest banks and the largest banking group in New Zealand and the Pacific, have expanded their relationship with a new engagement that will transform ANZ’s digital employee experience across 33 countries. HCLTech leverages next-generation technologies including extended reality, GenAI and IoT-powered workspaces to enable experiential, sustainable and inclusive workplaces for enterprises.

“We’re excited to continue our long-standing and strong relationship with HCLTech. ANZ is committed to leveraging technology to deliver employee-centric services, and HCLTech’s deep domain expertise will accelerate this journey,” said Vinit Jha, Domain Lead, Employee Experience, ANZ.

“We are delighted to expand our decade-long relationship with ANZ and support its next stage of digital transformation as it focuses on fostering a better digital experience for its employees and customers,” said Michael Horton, Executive President and Country Manager, Australia and New Zealand, HCLTech. “This engagement represents one of the largest digital workplace transformations and managed services engagements in the region.”

HCLTech will provide ANZ with digital workplace services and experience management across end user devices and applications including laptops, mobile phones and tablets.

Cathay is excited to announce that its new premium travel lifestyle brand is officially rolling out to markets around the world, celebrating passion for travel as a way of living under the “Cathay” master brand and simplifying the way our customers interact with us.

Cathay represents much more than airline travel. It represents our evolution into a premium travel lifestyle brand consisting of a host of complementary categories – flights, holidays, shopping, dining, wellness and payment. Asia Miles is our currency to earn and burn under these pillars.

Around the world, Cathay will now be our master brand while Cathay Pacific remains the brand of our airline, and proudly so.

Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “This month of September marks 77 years since the Cathay story first began with a single Douglas DC-3 aircraft nicknamed ‘Betsy’ and a drive to connect the world and its people. As the habits and needs of our customers have changed over the years, so too have we. Our evolution into Cathay marks an exciting new chapter in our history, and reflects our renewed focus on the customer and our determination to fulfil our vision of becoming one of the world’s greatest service brands.”

Customers across the globe can look forward to an array of new and aspirational offerings in holidays, shopping, dining, wellness and payment, providing more opportunities for us to engage with our customers every day.

To celebrate the rollout of Cathay around the world and inspired by its purpose to move people forward in life, the brand has launched its first global campaign in three years – Feels Good To Move. This campaign is a celebration of humanity’s innate urge to move, starting from our very first heartbeat, and every piece of content is an irresistible call to get moving.

General Manager of Brand, Insights and Marketing Communications Edward Bell said: “This campaign goes straight to the heart of why Cathay exists as a premium travel lifestyle brand – a brand that aims to enable us to live the premium travel lifestyle, every day. Since our beginnings, Cathay has always been about forward progress. Restlessness is in our DNA. This campaign is a celebration of how good it feels to move.”

Mumbai, 23rd September 2023– It takes just seven seconds to turn a “yes” into a “no”, before a decision made from instinct gives way to logic, reason, and hesitation. Every experience born from saying “yes” opens something hidden within each of us, unlocking something new– from what moves us, what makes us and even what we can’t stand. Today, the iconic Levi’s® brand launched its campaign “For Now, For A Lifetime” that celebrates these moments and how they go onto be memories that stay with us, and ultimately shape each and every one of us.

The brand’s “For Now, For A Lifetime” campaign captures what following your instinct looks like. The film, inspired by real-life moments and instances, starts with Deepika Padukone sneaking away from a set, hopping into an auto-rickshaw and disappearing into the night. Her impromptu adventure becoming the thread that ties together characters’ experiences from ordinary to extraordinary moments, capturing a spectrum of emotions from joy, to the rush, laughter, but also the calm and bittersweet.

In pairing a dark denim shirt and lighter high-loose jeans or a perfectly coordinated, jumpsuit-like look, Deepika Padukone brings a fresh & modern take to denim in this new campaign. Anchored by iconic product – timeless, but always on-trend blue jeans, the for-all-seasons trucker jacket, and a wide range of much-loved graphic tees.

“The ‘For Now, For A Lifetime’ campaign is an embodiment of what it truly means to Live in Levi’s® and how our product is so deeply woven into our consumers’ lives. This campaign, featuring Deepika Padukone, is a celebration of moments when you can truly be your most authentic self. Enabling this for our consumers is what we strive to do, from how we create our product to how we bring it alive for our consumers.” said Amisha Jain, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, South Asia-Middle East, Africa and Non-EU markets (SAMEA), Levi Strauss & Co.

The campaign is a showcase of the brand’s new offerings. Expanded ranges of relaxed & baggy fits for men & women, Overdyed & colored jeans play into consumers looking to denim as an extension of their self-expression. From cargo pants to chinos, and varsity jackets to sweatshirts and pretty blouses for her to statement shirts for him, the Levi’s® brand continues to build on its product legacy and heritage while meeting constantly evolving fashion-conscious consumers with on-trend & relevant products.

The International Teachers’ Olympiad, the world’s largest multinational olympiad for teachers, recently launched its second edition in September. The Olympiad has already garnered an impressive registration count exceeding 70,000 registered teachers globally. Not to forget, the registrations are still coming in. These teachers hail from 90+ countries including India, UAE, Nigeria, USA, and Indonesia, among many others, and represent 10,000 schools worldwide.

Launched in 2022 by Suraasa, ITO offers teachers a secure and non-judgmental space to assess their skills, access actionable recommendations, and chart their path to becoming exceptional.

Three weeks after the Olympiad, every participant teacher receives a performance analysis report and an international certificate. This report provides valuable insights into their global standing, highlighting their strengths, and suggesting areas for improvement. Top achievers are honored with certificates of merit and badges of honor, while the top 100 teachers also receive well-deserved cash rewards worth INR 30 Lakhs.

Moreover, in a recent development, the U.S. based International Teachers’ University has announced a generous scholarship programme designed to recognise and reward Top 500 teachers of the ITO 2023. Scholarships worth a staggering INR 5 Crores have been earmarked for these 500 teachers who distinguish themselves.

Rishabh Khanna, Founder & CEO of Suraasa, shared his excitement: “ITO 2023 is building on the incredible success of 2022. The response from educators worldwide has been phenomenal. With ITO, we are committed to equipping teachers with the tools, knowledge, and recognition they need to excel annually. The significant reward announced by International Teachers University, USA, has further solidified our efforts. This truly makes ITO 2023 the best ITO yet.”

The benefits of participating in ITO 2023 extend beyond cash rewards and certificates. Each month, participant teachers also receive an improvement plan, crafted by international teacher trainers. These plans guide teachers on the areas to focus on, helping them further enhance their teaching abilities.

The registration window for the International Teachers’ Olympiad 2023 will remain open until September 30, 2023. Interested teachers can complete their registration online via https://suraasa.co/international-teachers-olympiad at a nominal registration fee of INR 549. The Olympiad will be held on 7th October 2023 at 05:00 PM IST in the English language.

Pallavi Govind, Former Vice Principal who participated in 2022 and has registered herself again for 2023, says “Participating in ITO 2022 was a transformative journey for me as an educator. The resources, insights, and connections I’ve gained have enriched my teaching and inspired me to aim for excellence. I have registered once again to assess my growth over the course of one year.”

International Teachers’ Olympiad stands as a beacon of empowerment for teachers. It goes beyond being a mere competition; it is a celebration of the dedication and passion that teachers bring to their classrooms every day. By recognising their tireless efforts and validating their commitment to excellence, ITO helps teachers discover their true teaching potential. With the support, resources, and recognition ITO provides, teachers worldwide are better equipped to inspire, influence, and create a brighter future.

23rd September 2023: As India advances technologically and digitally, financial inclusion will ensure economic growth and poverty reduction. As millions in rural areas struggle to access banking services, ATMs are vital for financial inclusion, especially in distributing subsidies.

With the intent to discuss this issue, The Dialogue, a tech policy think-tank, organized a webinar to deliberate and understand India’s financial inclusion efforts more contextually. The event was moderated by Mr. Kazim Rizvi, Founding Director of The Dialogue.

Speaking on the issue, Dr. Arpita Mukherjee, Professor, Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), said, annual ATM deployment has been declining in the recent past. It was growing at 6% during 2021-22, but as per the RBI data, this rate has declined to a meager 2% (2022-23). We need to ensure that the commercial viability of setting up ATMs in underserved areas is considered and the interchange fee between the ATM provider and the Bank is tweaked to make this effort viable. Tailoring financial inclusion efforts towards formalizing one’s access to financial services, is a key point that often gets underscored. Digital and Traditional payment modes must be worked upon in tandem to boost financial inclusion efforts together.

Mr. Sudhakar Kaza, Managing Director (Retired), Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran and Former Principal Chief General Manager, of Reserve Bank of India, said, India has approximately 2.5 to 2.6 Lakhs ATMs, which is too low for the country. We need to have at least one ATM per village to synergize digital and traditional payment transactions. RBI should invite more companies to become White Label ATM Operators which gives a fillip to ATM expansion in the country. Primarily, there is a need to focus on five key areas i.e. subsidizing the infrastructure for ATMs, insurance of cash in transit which should be borne by banks or the government, ensuring customer protection and quick grievance redressal, nearest bank branch providing cash to ATMS and BCs and availability of currency notes in lower denominations for underserved areas.

Mr. Kazim Rizvi, Founding Director, The Dialogue said “Digital payments and cash-based payments do not operate in conflict but are complementary services. For rural and remote areas that primarily rely on cash, the proliferation of cash-in and cash-out points is extremely important. Financial inclusion efforts should be holistic and inclusive in nature.

Mr. K. Srinivas, Managing Director and CEO, of India 1 Payments, said, Currently, Interchange is pegged at a significantly lower level than cost per transaction. This urgently requires a one-time correction. Further, amidst the continuously rising operational costs of ATMs, we need an interchange fee that is fixed to an index that adapts dynamically. The above two moves by the regulator/NPCI would rekindle the interest of ATM operators who are currently struggling with bulging losses. Interchange fee should be set at a level that enables ATM deployers to earn a reasonable return on their investment.

Despite the digital revolution’s role in boosting economic growth, ATMs remain essential for rural Indian citizens. They complement digitization efforts and prevent financial exclusion in remote communities

Bengaluru,23rd September 2023: Tanishq, India’s largest jewellery retail brand from the house of Tata has expanded its retail footprint in Jayanagar, Bengaluru with the re-launch of its grand store today. The store was inaugurated by Mr. Bhaskar Bhat, Director, Tata Sons Private Limited and Mr Ajoy Chawla, CEO, Titan Company Limited, Jewellery Division at 5:00 PM. As part of the inauguration, the brand is running an irresistible offer wherein customers can get free Gold coins* with every jewellery purchase. This offer is valid from 22nd to 24th September 2023. The store is located at Tanishq, No.3, (old no 18), 9th Main, diagonally, opposite Pai Viceroy’s hotel, Jayanagar 3rd Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560011.

Spanning across, 12000 sq.ft., the store presents an extensive selection of iconic Tanishq designs across vibrant colour stones, dazzling gold, shining diamonds, exquisite polki, and precious kundan jewellery. Each piece comes with an intricate work of art, rich in splendour and unique design sensibilities. The store also has an Exclusive High-Value Studded Zone along with a special zone which caters to wedding customers and is exclusively equipped with stunning jewellery pieces from Rivaah- a dedicated wedding jewellery sub-brand of Tanishq. Rivaah is designed keeping in line with the sensibility of Indian women from across the country and has evolved as a one-stop destination for wedding shopping. Additionally, the store features a wide range of plain and studded jewellery designs from Mia by Tanishq with unique inspiration and excellent craftsmanship.

Speaking on the relaunch, Mr. Vasudeva Rao, Regional Business Manager, Tanishq, Titan Company Limited said, “We take immense pride in reintroducing our grand store in Bengaluru today. At Tanishq, customer satisfaction drives at every step we take. As the nation’s most cherished jewellery brand, our continuous aspiration has been to remain within reach for our customers. Our store showcases an exquisite array of jewellery designs in Gold, Diamond, Polki, Kundan and Bridal collections, catering to a variety of preferences. We are filled with great enthusiasm as we augment our existing footprint within the Garden City of India. We anticipate that our customers in Bengaluru will embrace and relish the unparalleled journey we’ve crafted within this expansive store.”

*T&C apply.