Archives September 2023

Ludhiana: Unicommerce, India’s leading e-commerce enablement SaaS platform, concluded its business-focused event, eKumbh, in Ludhiana on Friday. The event drew in more than 350 businesses, including online sellers, direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, and traditional retail enterprises from all over the state’s business community. Businesses from different cities in Punjab gathered at the event to explore various technologies that can assist them in expanding their operations.

During this one-day event, prominent figures from the e-commerce and retail-tech sectors shared their insights on essential topics such as Customer Experience, building sustainable businesses, Digital Marketing, Direct-to-Consumer strategies, and more. The event featured three informative presentations by Unicommerce, Amazon Global, and Tally, followed by a question-and-answer session. This gave the audience valuable insights into how technology can fuel their business growth.

The event was organized by Unicommerce with the goal of providing a platform for sellers in Punjab to learn from industry experts and interact with leading technology providers like Jiomart, Sell N Grow, Wondersoft, and others.

Speaking on the success of E-Kumbh, Kapil Makhija, CEO of Unicommerce, said, “We are delighted to be here and the response from the local businesses is truly overwhelming. The huge turnout at the event is a testimony that businesses are eager to adopt technology, they simply require the appropriate service provider to offer guidance and affordable technological solutions. Unicommerce is fully committed to working and collaborating with these businesses and providing them with an affordable and easy-to-deploy technology platform that can help them simplify their e-commerce operations.”

Unicommerce provides a complete tech stack that includes order management, warehouse management, inventory management, multi-vendor management and omnichannel retailing solutions. The company processed over 620 million transactions annually for sellers across the country and international geographies. The company has digitised over 8000 warehouses and 300+ stores located across India, UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Gone are the days of conventional love narratives that reduce protagonists to mere puzzle pieces, incomplete without their counterpart. The repetitive girl-meets-boy trope has held sway for too long, neglecting individuality for the sake of an eventual ‘happily ever after.’ It’s time to break free from this syrupy script. Today, we crave love stories that empower, that transcend partnerships to celebrate the individual. In the realm of OTT, Indian web series and audio series emerge with fresh narratives. These tales not only boast well-crafted characters but also defy fairytale endings, embracing the beauty of the unexpected. Love might not always be the conclusion, but these stories remind us that what truly matters is you.

Here are 5 must-binge Unconventional Love Stories on OTT

Mismatched

Mismatched brings together Dimple, an ambitious woman with no interest in love, and Rishi, a romantic who adores Bollywood’s old-school ideals. The series defies conventions by portraying Dimple as non-conforming to traditional romance expectations. As their unlikely love story unfolds, it challenges norms and expectations. Amidst budding feelings, unforeseen events disrupt their path, leaving viewers with both anticipation and questions. Will Dimple and Rishi’s connection endure? The series surprises with twists and an unexpected ending, urging fans to await the next season for resolution. A refreshing take on romance, Mismatched streaming on Netflix keeps us hooked with its unconventional narrative and uncharted journey of love.

Superstar’s Hidden Wife

Superstar’s Hidden Wife by Pocket FM is an extraordinary audio series unraveling the unconventional romance between Prachi, an unassuming tea vendor, and Arnav, a renowned superstar. Arnav’s annoyance evolves into an unexpected bond as Prachi safeguards him unknowingly. Driven by an ominous horoscope, Arnav’s grandfather orchestrates their secret union. Prachi’s role as Arnav’s assistant leads to intricate emotions and Arnav’s transformation from disdain to longing, amidst threats and interference from his ex, Mihika. As Prachi explores Arnav’s past, their connection deepens, unveiling her own battles worsened by Arnav’s presence. Dramatic events, including heartrending divorce and reunions, reveal truths and conquer adversities. A climactic rescue cements their bond, culminating in parenthood. Written by Muskan Kumari Superstar’s Hidden Wife is an emotional rollercoaster, showcasing love’s resilience against all odds.

Bandish Bandits

Bandish Bandits harmonizes the worlds of Radhe and Tamanna, whose musical passions unite them despite stark differences. Radhe, a traditionalist aspiring in Indian Classical music, contrasts with Tamanna, a pop sensation who seeks shortcuts. An initially playful dynamic evolves into an intimate love story. In a departure from the trope of heartbreak driving success, Radhe’s love for Tamanna catalyzes his musical growth. Their unwavering support suggests an unbreakable bond, until Tamanna’s departure for Radhe’s betterment fractures expectations. Her return during a crucial performance revives hope, but her ultimate departure to resurrect her own career results in a bittersweet ending. With anticipation, viewers await the next season, pondering the fate of this musical romance. Bandish Bandits on Prime Video strikes a poignant chord, echoing the complexities of love and aspirations.

ImMATURE

ImMATURE delves into the lives of three high school boys – Dhruv, Chacha, and Chutney, navigating the roller-coaster of teenagehood. With friendships, first loves, and heartbreaks, the trio grapples with the typical teenage challenges. Sixteen-year-old Dhruv, eager to grow up quickly, enlists the help of his school buddies Kabir and Susu to win the heart of his first crush, the accomplished Chhavi. The series captures the essence of adolescence with its relatable experiences, humor, and the pursuit of young love in a charming and endearing way. Watch ImMATURE on Prime Video.

Never Kiss Your Best Friend

Never Kiss Your Best Friend navigates the complexities of friendship and love. Beyond the cliché, it layers its plot with depth. Tani realizes her love for Sumer after failed relationships, but her confession falters due to circumstances. Reuniting years later, they find love. Yet, the seeming perfection unravels as the second season reveals their breakup, challenging the notion of a destined couple. The series defies convention, exploring the sobering reality that apparent soulmates may not ensure lasting happiness. Never Kiss Your Best Friend on Zee5 captures the intricacies of emotions and friendships, echoing the unpredictable nature of love’s journey.

2nd September 2023– Bringing a revolution to the Indian mithai world, Master Chef Ajay Chopra is set to launch Kshir & Canelé which aims to be India’s first go-to destination for modern, gourmet mithais and pastries. Kshir & Canelé is a wonderful juxtaposition of Indian mithai and pastry with global flavours, revolutionising the mithai space and offering a melange of flavours for one to indulge in! Award-winning Public Relations and Social Media agency Crosshairs Communication has bagged the PR mandate for the same.

Crosshairs will be responsible for crafting and managing the brand’s launch, key messaging and updating relevant communication nationwide. The brand stands for purity and innovation, and is Chef Chopra’s imagination and culinary expertise to change the perception towards Indian sweets and patisserie by marrying it with international flavours that will tantalise the global palate. These culinary masterpieces bring together nostalgia and novelty, offering revolutionary flavours inspired by a multicultural heritage.

Stuti Jalan, Founder & Managing Director of Crosshairs Communication, said “Crosshairs Communication persistently strives to meet the expectations of the institute. We have a team of experts who outline strategic communication objectives and image-building requirements. It is an honor to be a part of one of the launches of India’s first modern gourmet mithai by Master Chef Ajay Chopra.”

New Delhi, 2nd September 2023:Grip, India’s leading multi-asset alternative investmentplatform,has received the Online Bond Platform Provider (OBPP) licence under the new regulatory framework from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and is now registered as a Stock Broker in Debt segment with National Stock Exchange (NSE). The licence allows Grip to continue facilitating investments in Corporate Bonds, Securitized Debt Instruments (SDI), and other SEBI or RBI-regulated products (like SGBs and G-Secs) for retail investors in complete compliance with the regulatory framework. This licence held by Grip’s 100% owned subsidiary, Grip Broking Private Limited, reinforces the company’s unwavering commitment to ensuring transparency, safeguarding investor interests, and following regulatory compliance.

In November 2022, SEBI introduced the OBPP regulations, with the objective to democratize investment options for retail investors and deepen the corporate bonds’ market while protecting the interest of retail investors. The OBPP framework and related amendments made it possible for retail investors to participate in private corporate debt issuances, including corporate bonds, at a reduced transaction value of INR 1 lakh while enjoying heightened transparency and safety.

In compliance with the OBPP regulations, Grip also became the first platform to launch SDI-driven products such as LeaseX, InvoiceX, LoanX, and BondX. Each of these investment products provides investors a secured opportunity to earn fixed returns by investing in receivables from one or more entities either in the form of lease rentals, discounted invoices, or loan repayments. Grip listed the first-ever SDI-driven product LeaseX on NSE on October 7, 2022.

On securing the OBPP Licence, Nikhil Aggarwal, Founder & CEO, Grip, stated, “We deeply appreciate SEBI’s forward-thinking approach to support the growth of the wealth-tech industry and create an enabling regulatory regime for retail investor participation. The OBPP regulations have combined measures to grow the market while also protecting investor interests. The addition of products like SDIs which are listed and credit-rated will be game-changers to ensure more Indians can access wealth-creation options with the comfort, security and low transaction costs possible through an online platform. We believe these regulations will help with the creation of a very large and sustainable alternative investment industry and we are committed to continue operating in compliance with current and future regulatory frameworks.”

Aashish Jindal, Co-Founder & CPO, Grip added, “Grip is in the process of upgrading its website gripinvest.in and processes to offer users a seamless KYC and payment experience through the NSE Request for Quote (RFQ) API integration in compliance with SEBI guidelines. The RFQ integration will boost transaction security, ensuring all investments are directly settled via the stock exchange, with fund and securities transfers managed through Clearing Corporations. This integration will enable users to invest in smaller transactions and open up additional payment modes such as UPI and Net Banking.”

The landscape of online trading has undergone a significant transformation over the years, and one of the most disruptive innovations has been the emergence of discount brokers and zero brokerage platforms. These platforms have redefined the way investors and traders participate in the financial markets, bringing down costs and expanding access like never before. In this article, we will delve into the concepts of discount and zero brokerage, and take a closer look at some prominent players in the field, including Shoonya by Finvasia, Zerodha, Groww, Angel One, and Upstox.

The Evolution of Zero Brokerage Platforms and Discount Brokers

Traditional brokerage firms have historically charged commissions or fees on trades, which could significantly eat into the profits of traders and investors. Discount and Zero brokerage platforms emerged as a response to this challenge, aiming to democratize trading by eliminating these fees altogether. Presenting another form of low-coast trading, discount brokers charge a flat or fixed fee per trade, usually regardless of the size or value of the trade. Following are some prominent zero/discount brokerage platforms in India:

• · Shoonya by Finvasia: A notable example in the zero brokerage space, Shoonya by Finvasia offers zero-brokerage trading on stocks, derivatives, currencies, commodities, mutual funds, SIPs, bonds and ETFs across NSE, BSE, MCX and NCDEX. This innovative approach has garnered attention, particularly from active traders, allowing them to execute trades without the burden of traditional brokerage costs. Shoonya by Finvasia also has a dedicated portal for mutual fund investing called SMART (Simplified Mutual Fund Analyzer for Research and Trading), that allows investors to access direct mutual funds across categories such as equity, debt, hybrid, liquid, tax saving, balanced, etc., without paying any commissions or fees.
• · Zerodha: Zerodha is a leading name in the online trading space. Its disruptive approach to trading introduced flat fees for intraday and delivery trades, making it a discount broker. Despite not being a pure play zero brokerage player, the platform nevertheless is shattering the traditional brokerage model. Zerodha’s success has inspired several other players to enter the discount brokerage arena.
• · Groww: Groww initially gained popularity as a mutual fund investment platform. However, it gradually expanded its services to include stock trading as a discount broker. This move attracted a large user base, particularly among newcomers to the stock market who value the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of discount brokerage.
• · Angel One: Angel Broking’s Angel One platform offers zero brokerage services on equity delivery trades, and charges a flat fee of Rs. 20 per trade for other segments. The platform provides a user-friendly interface and a range of trading and investment options. Angel One’s discount brokerage approach has positioned it as a strong contender in the online trading industry.
• · Upstox: As a discount broker, Upstox has gained a substantial user base with its business model. The platform offers a suite of trading tools and technologies to empower traders and investors. Upstox’s commitment to low-cost trading has contributed to its rapid growth.

Why Discount/Zero Brokerage?

Zero brokerage platforms offer some significant advantages to traders in online trading space, irrespective of their expertise:

• · Cost Advantage: According to a study by Finology, traders who switch to zero brokerage platforms can save anywhere from 50% to 95% on trading costs compared to traditional brokerage firms. This significant reduction in costs has played a pivotal role in attracting a diverse range of investors, from beginners to seasoned traders.
• · User Engagement: The user engagement with discount brokers and zero brokerage platforms has been impressive. Zerodha, for instance, has surpassed over 5 million active traders as of 2021. The ease of access and lower costs have encouraged increased participation in the stock market.
• · Millennial Preference: A survey conducted by Moneycontrol found that millennials show a strong preference for investing via digital platforms. This trend can be attributed to millennials’ affinity for technology, cost-consciousness, and willingness to explore new avenues for investment. By charging discounted or zero commission and fees on trades, combined with intuitive user interface, discount brokers and zero brokerage platforms make an attractive option for millennials.
• · Expanding Market Access: Discount and zero brokerage platforms have led to the democratization of trading. A report by the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) highlights that the rise of online trading, including zero brokerage platforms, has contributed to increased market participation from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, thus expanding the reach of the stock market.
• · Tech-Driven Innovation: The success of discount brokers and zero brokerage platforms is intertwined with technological innovation. Shoonya by Finvasia, Zerodha, Upstox and other such investment partners provide advanced trading tools, real-time data, and intuitive interfaces that empower traders to make informed decisions.

The Road Ahead

While discount brokers and zero brokerage platforms have certainly disrupted the trading landscape, the future holds even more possibilities. Here are some potential directions for the future of online trading:

• · Advanced Trading Algorithms: The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning could enable platforms to offer advanced trading algorithms, personalized recommendations, and risk management strategies.
• · Global Access: The rise of blockchain technology and tokenization could pave the way for seamless global trading, allowing investors to access markets around the world with ease.
• · Educational Resources: New age trading platforms may increasingly focus on providing comprehensive educational resources to empower traders and investors with the knowledge they need to navigate the markets successfully.
• · Social Trading: The convergence of social media and trading could lead to the emergence of platforms where users can follow successful traders, learn from their strategies, and even automatically replicate their trades.

Conclusion

Discount brokers and zero brokerage platforms have reshaped the world of online trading, making it more accessible and cost-effective for a wide range of participants. The success of platforms like Shoonya by Finvasia, Groww, Angel One, Zerodha, and Upstox underscores the demand for low-cost, tech-driven trading solutions. As technology continues to evolve, the future of online trading holds exciting prospects, from advanced algorithms to global market access, ultimately empowering traders and investors like never before.

Enclosed is the listicle for your reference, requesting you to please have a look and let me know if you can use the same over your esteemed platform.

MRG School orchestrated the dazzling ‘Confluence 2023’ interschool festival, witnessing the participation of more than 400 students from 23 distinguished schools of the region, where heights of talent and the spirit of teamwork came together. The event showcased an enchanting interplay of creativity, skills, and unity as students collaborated to create unforgettable memories.

Students had the opportunity to showcase their artistic skills, intellectual understanding, and sporting spirit through a plethora of events and activities, including role play, music performances, dance presentations, nukkad natak, Sanskrit karaoke, graffiti painting, short documentary/film shooting, etc. The festival resonated with moments that glistened with exceptional talent and fervour.

Ms. Ayushi Jain, Interschool Incharge, said, “We are really grateful for the remarkable zeal and participation exhibited by all the students in embracing the theme of “People, Planet, and Prosperity” during the CONFLUENCE this year. The enthusiasm displayed by the students not only created an electrifying atmosphere but also set an example for others to follow.”

Speaking about the event, Ms. Anshu Mital, Principal, MRG School, said, “We are thrilled to have witnessed the remarkable culmination of efforts and talents at the ‘Confluence’ interschool festival. This event provided a platform for students of different schools to showcase their abilities and fostered a sense of unity and collaboration among them. It’s heartwarming to witness young minds coming together with such enthusiasm and creative energy. We are grateful to all the schools who came together to be a part of this unforgettable event.”

The festival also threw a spotlight on the importance of unity and collaboration, transcending boundaries to create an atmosphere of collective growth and learning. Students’ active involvement went above and beyond in promoting awareness about the critical issues that revolve around the well-being of our people, the conservation of our planet, and the pursuit of prosperity for all. With ‘Confluence,’ MRG School continues its legacy of nurturing holistic development and providing a platform for young minds to flourish. The event was a celebration of talent, unity, and unforgettable memories.

Mumbai, 2nd September 2023PSB Alliance, the entity setup by India’s 12 Public Sector Banks (PSBs), has appointed Veefin Solutions Ltd. to deploy and administer a Unified cloud-based Supply Chain Financing (SCF) ecosystem in the country. This is the first time in the world when so many large banks have come together to setup a SCF and SME finance ecosystem to provide SME customers with financing, sourced through various Fintechs and B2B marketplaces. This cloud-based platform will go live within this financial year.

This initiative of PSB Alliance is consistent with the Indian government’s efforts to encourage PSBs to build technology solutions to expedite the credit decisioning process, and loan disbursements to the MSME segment.

Veefin’s unified digital platform will standardize all interactions and enrich the credit requests with new-age data and analytics while connecting the lenders’ core banking systems with corporate and SME sourcing partners like Fintechs, B2B marketplaces, SME account service providers, e-invoicing players. The unified platform will enable PSBs and other lenders to get better access to SMEs, lower the cost of sourcing loans, and eliminate the need for capital investment and resources in establishing their own tech stacks and connecting with hundreds of parties. SMEs will get access to supply chain financing from PSBs, other banks, and NBFCs through this platform.

Veefin is a global pioneer in SCF solutions and the clear market leader in SCF deployments amongst the lenders in India. The technology player enjoys partnerships with some of the top global banks and financial institutions for its SCF platform.

Rajinder Mirakhur, CEO and Managing Director, PSB Alliance said, “With the unmet credit needs of MSMEs estimated to be INR 20-25 Tn, the time has come to unify and collaborate for the national cause of supporting one of the most crucial pillars of the Indian economy. This project, brings all the PSBs together as a cohesive force, powered by their combined balance sheet strength and resources, to reduce the cost of sourcing customers and expand their opportunity to provide access to credit. Veefin Solutions’ domain expertise in SCF aligns with PSB Alliance’s aim of providing the greatest technology platform for our partner institutions that is simple, unified, and expedites faster go-to-market.”

Raja Debnath, Managing Director of Veefin Solutions Ltd. said, “This opportunity to deploy a unified platform that will bring all PSB banks, private and small finance banks, and NBFCs together to provide liquidity to the ecosystem of B2B marketplaces and fintech players who are all attempting to provide financing to SMEs is unprecedented in its scale and aspirations. We commend the forward thinking that PSB Alliance has demonstrated in embarking on this nation building project. Veefin has been chosen to not only supply the technical solution, but also to manage this entire ecosystem. This partnership is an endorsement of the role that Veefin has been playing in developing the SCF ecosystem and platform in the country.”

Eric Anklesaria, Head of Strategy, PSB Alliance added, “This is the first time in the world that a program of this size and complexity is being undertaken. This unique unified, cloud-based platform will power all the PSBs to play to their strengths, which is providing capital at the scale that only the PSBs can deploy. There has been a long felt need within the PSBs to have such a platform that would ease the challenges of integrations with tens and hundreds of data providers and platforms. Maximum number of lenders including a few PSBs are already using Veefin. Their platform is a ready-to-use product that makes multiple integrations with fintechs and marketplaces a thing of the past for banks. We believe this will be a game-changer for the SCF business in the country.”

The products supported on the platform will have all SCF variations including Sales Invoice Discounting, Purchase Invoice Discounting, Factoring, Reverse Factoring, Dynamic Discounting, Distributor Financing, Inventory Financing,

Deep Tier Vendor Financing. In addition, all variants of MSME Loan Products including Term Loan, Overdraft, Loan against Property, other Collateral based loans, CGTMSE loans and Mudra loans will be offered through the platform.

PSB Alliance includes Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Punjab National Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, State Bank of India, UCO Bank and Union Bank.

2nd September 2023, Mumbai: Driven by the philosophy of Omotenashi and a commitment to offer exclusive & luxurious experiences to its guests, Lexus India has introduced ‘Taste of Trails’ a new experiential program as part of Lexus Life and Taiken Card offering. The new program will create unforgettable gastronomic encounters for its discerning guests in India.

The program is being introduced with the one of its kind collaboration with Masque, India’s culinary gem, that has been on the top of many well-revered ‘World’s Best Restaurant’ lists since its introduction. Lexus’ involvement as the exclusive crafts and luxury mobility partner brings innovation, as well as an amazing experience to Lexus guests at Masque. Chef Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park and Chef Totlani of Masque will serve up a 10-course, plant-based menu that bridges each of their approaches to food, cooking and cuisine.

Creating food and elevating that into culinary art is fundamentally human and comprises an evolved level of craft. This thoughtful detail and craftsmanship are basic cultural pillars supporting the Lexus brand. This gastronomic experience is in line with the Lexus Taiken Card’s offerings. The Lexus Taiken Card was introduced to provide experiences to the world’s most sought-after events. It provides exclusive access* to the most amazing events and bespoke experiences. The card not only enhances the ownership experience but also creates a strong connection between customers and the brand, fostering a sense of loyalty and admiration for the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that Lexus represents. This service was created as a tribute to the guests who are genuine connoisseurs of experiences, whether it is an award show after party, a celebrity meet-and-greet, or a VIP box at a sporting event, among many others.

Commenting on the culinary partnership, Naveen Soni, President, Lexus India, said, “We are extremely pleased to be Masque’s exclusive crafts and luxury mobility partner. As veteran Lexus owners know, driving a Lexus isn’t just a premium automotive experience—it’s an expression of a life well-lived. This collaboration is in alignment with Lexus’ core values of passion, dedication, and imagination. As with the exemplary hospitality that Masque honours, it attests to our brand values of innovation, craftsmanship, and authenticity, making this collaboration a perfect fit.”

 Aditi Dugar, Founder of Masque says, “We’re grateful to be able to work with the Eleven Madison Park team here in Mumbai, and to the team at Lexus India for being an integral support both to this collaboration and to the research and development that has gone into this season’s tasting menu. We share a passion for our respective crafts that makes this partnership a seamless one.”

 Situated in Mumbai, Masque restaurant was established in 2016 by Aditi Dugar and a pioneering concept under Chef Varun Totlani’s culinary guidance. Masque has earned global recognition by being a part of the top 100 restaurant lists. This exquisite restaurant uniquely blends tradition and innovation, driven by locally sourced ingredients from farmers, producers, and foraging trips. Its culinary ethos spotlights local elements and maximizes flavors from India’s rich produce.

Masque along with Eleven Madison Park, the New York restaurant that has built an unmatched legacy for itself, will deliver a one-of-a-kind dining experience with a 10-course meal. This gastronomical journey will be embarked upon by Chef Daniel Humm. Under his leadership, Eleven Madison Park has earned several accolades, including 4 stars from the New York Times and 3 stars from the Michelin Guide – the first and only plant-based restaurant in the Guide’s history to do so.

For the entirety of the year, Lexus guests can savour contradicting dishes like the Barbecued Sea Bass, fried Idiyappam and Shallot Chai to create an intriguing dish that has never been attempted before – ‘The Lexus Soiree’. While the Sea Bass Barbecued makes for a great summertime dish, the fried idiyappam calls for the traditional idiyappam maker and the Shallot Chai is a Middle-Eastern tea made with a special member of the onion family that has a milder, delicate flavour. These delectable dishes will be presented by Chef Totlani of Masque.

 The Masque x Eleven Madison Park dinner in collaboration with Lexus India will be held on 1st and 2^nd September at Masque, Unit G3, Shree Laxmi Woollen Mills, Shakti Mills Lane, off Dr. E. Moses Road, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 011.

Mumbai: Driven by the philosophy of Omotenashi and a commitment to offer exclusive & luxurious experiences to its guests, Lexus India has introduced ‘Taste of Trails’ a new experiential program as part of Lexus Life and Taiken Card offering. The new program will create unforgettable gastronomic encounters for its discerning guests in India.

The program is being introduced with the one of its kind collaboration with Masque, India’s culinary gem, that has been on the top of many well revered ‘World’s Best Restaurant’ lists since its introduction. Lexus’ involvement as the exclusive crafts and luxury mobility partner brings innovation, as well as an amazing experience to Lexus guests at Masque. Chef Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park and Chef Totlani of Masque will serve up a 10-course, plant-based menu that bridges each of their approaches to food, cooking and cuisine.

Creating food and elevating that into culinary art is fundamentally human and comprises an evolved level of craft. This thoughtful detail and craftsmanship are basic cultural pillars supporting the Lexus brand. This gastronomic experience is in line with the Lexus Taiken Card’s offerings. The Lexus Taiken Card was introduced to provide experiences to the world’s most sought-after events. It provides exclusive access* to the most amazing events and bespoke experiences. The card not only enhances the ownership experience but also creates a strong connection between customers and the brand, fostering a sense of loyalty and admiration for the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that Lexus represents. This service was created as a tribute to the guests who are genuine connoisseurs of experiences, whether it is an award show after party, a celebrity meet-and-greet, or a VIP box at a sporting event, among many others.

Commenting on the culinary partnership, Naveen Soni, President, Lexus India, said, “We are extremely pleased to be Masque’s exclusive crafts and luxury mobility partner. As veteran Lexus owners know, driving a Lexus isn’t just a premium automotive experience—it’s an expression of a life well-lived. This collaboration is in alignment with Lexus’ core values of passion, dedication, and imagination. As with the exemplary hospitality that Masque honours, it attests to our brand values of innovation, craftsmanship, and authenticity, making this collaboration a perfect fit.”

Aditi Dugar, Founder of Masque says, “We’re grateful to be able to work with the Eleven Madison Park team here in Mumbai, and to the team at Lexus India for being an integral support both to this collaboration and to the research and development that has gone into this season’s tasting menu. We share a passion for our respective crafts that makes this partnership a seamless one.”

Situated in Mumbai, Masque restaurant was established in 2016 by Aditi Dugar and a pioneering concept under Chef Varun Totlani’s culinary guidance. Masque has earned global recognition by being a part of the top 100 restaurant lists. This exquisite restaurant uniquely blends tradition and innovation, driven by locally sourced ingredients from farmers, producers, and foraging trips. Its culinary ethos spotlights local elements and maximizes flavors from India’s rich produce.

Masque along with Eleven Madison Park, the New York restaurant that has built an unmatched legacy for itself, will deliver a one-of-a-kind dining experience with a 10-course meal. This gastronomical journey will be embarked upon by Chef Daniel Humm. Under his leadership, Eleven Madison Park has earned several accolades, including 4 stars from the New York Times and 3 stars from the Michelin Guide – the first and only plant-based restaurant in the Guide’s history to do so.

For the entirety of the year, Lexus guests can savour contradicting dishes like the Barbecued Sea Bass, fried Idiyappam and Shallot Chai to create an intriguing dish that has never been attempted before – ‘The Lexus Soiree’. While the Sea Bass Barbecued makes for a great summertime dish, the fried idiyappam calls for the traditional idiyappam maker and the Shallot Chai is a Middle-Eastern tea made with a special member of the onion family that has a milder, delicate flavour. These delectable dishes will be presented by Chef Totlani of Masque.

The Masque x Eleven Madison Park dinner in collaboration with Lexus India will be held on 1st and 2nd September at Masque, Unit G3, Shree Laxmi Woollen Mills, Shakti Mills Lane, off Dr. E. Moses Road, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 011.

This September, MX Player brings you an exciting mix of stories with a blend of drama, action, romance, and fantasy that will transport you to a new world of emotions. From gripping dramas to thrilling action and enchanting fantasies – let MX Player’s VDesi slate immerse you in a cinematic experience like none other, all from the comfort of your home.

6th September 2023 – The Rebel Princess

The Rebel Princess, a Chinese drama, follows the story of Wang Xuan (Zhang Zi Yi), a young woman forced into marriage with powerful but low-born general Xiao Qi (Zhou Yi Wei). Their strong bond helps them navigate power struggles and plots threatening the Imperial court. They rise to power and become joint emperors, but the Imperial family schemes against them. The series is directed by Cheng Yuan Hai and Hou Yong and is adapted from Mei Yu Zhe’s novel. Watch ‘The Rebel Princess’ in Hindi on MX Player from 6th September 2023.

16th September 2023 – Black Fox: Age of the Ninja

Black Fox: Age of the Ninja is a Japanese film set in the Samurai and Ninja era. Rikka Isurugi, raised as the future head of the Kitsune ninja clan, meets Miya, who seeks the clan’s help against the Negoroshu gang. Despite her reluctance to kill, Rikka confronts Negoroshu, leading to an unexpected alliance with Miya. As they bond, a hidden figure manipulates Negoroshu against Miya. Spanning 3 episodes, the film unveils the mysterious character’s motives and challenges Rikka to risk her life to save her friend. Watch ‘Black Fox: Age of the Ninja’ in Hindi on MX Player and experience the action from 16th September 2023.

20th September 2023 – Familiar Wife

Familiar Wife, a romantic fantasy K-Drama, follows the story of a married couple living entirely different lives after their fates magically change through an unexpected incident. Cha Joo-hyuk has been married to Seo Woo-Jin for five years. A strange incident happens, and Joo-hyuk makes a decision that unexpectedly impacts his life and those around him. Suddenly, his life with Woo-Jin and his best friend, Yoon Joong-hoo, is gone, and he is leading a very different life. How will his first love, Lee Hye-won, factor into his new life? And will it be possible to get his old life back. Watch ‘Familiar Wife’ on MX Player in Hindi to unravel the mystery from 20th September 2023.

27th September 2023 – Clean With Passion For Now

‘Clean With Passion For Now’ is a K-Drama that follows the story of Jang Sun Gyeol (Yoon Kyun Sang), who has wealth and good looks but suffers from germophobia. He owns a cleaning company and meets messy Gil Oh Sol (Kim Yoo Jung), who joins his company. Oh Sol’s carefree nature clashes with Sun Gyeol’s cleanliness obsession. With her support, Sun Gyeol overcomes his fears and discovers love. The heartwarming series shows how love can bloom in unexpected places. Watch ‘Clean with Passion For Now’ in Hindi on MX Player from September 27, 2023.

Witty Group of Institutions, founded by the renowned educationist couple, Dr. Vinay Jain and Dr. Raina Jain has four state-of-the-art campuses situated at Udaipur, Bhilwara, Malad, and Borivali offering CBSE, ICSE, ISC and IGCSE – A Levels certifications. The top-ranked schools are known for the value-based quality education offered along with the most upbeat infrastructure and facilities that kindle student interest in innovative pursuits to make them inquisitive, informed, self-aware and ethical citizens.

GSF, founded and headquartered in Singapore, is a not-for-profit entity focused on the K12 education sector. It owns and operates a network of 64 international schools across eleven countries, which offer multiple curricula from IB to Cambridge IGCSE, through a data-driven, technology-intensive approach. Founded in 2002, Global Schools Foundation is a community-oriented institution whose mission is to nurture young minds into global leaders of the future. Students of GSF schools have been recipients of several top accolades in IB & Cambridge curricula.

In 2021, GSF was recognized as the “World’s Most Awarded Network of Schools” by World Book of Records, WK & Switzerland, for being a recipient of 235 awards in different categories from innovation to sustainability.

Welcoming the partnership, GSF Chairman Mr. Atul Temurnikar said, “We are delighted to work with Witty leadership to support their vision of high academic standards to students. In the next few years, we will assist Witty to establish more campuses pan India.”

“We are thrilled and excited to be partnering with GSF. This partnership will open up a panorama of opportunities for our children and staff. The diversified geographies that GSF operates in will help students and teachers exchange ideologies and learning methodologies. The strong IT infrastructure and education pedagogy of GSF will help all our schools and its stakeholders attain the next level of excellence. It will also help us expand our education network from schools to higher education and skill based education projects”, commented Dr. Vinay Jain, Founder – Witty Group of Institutions.

Dr. Raina Jain, Co-founder said, “this partnership will help strengthen our ideology of igniting the spark of genius in every child. We look forward to working closely with GSF to the best of our capabilities in preparing our students for the 21st century.”

This strategic partnership between Witty Group of Institutions and GSF will help both groups leverage their strengths, and will help them expand their reach and ideologies. The schools will now benefit from the synergies, learning technologies and innovation capabilities of GSF.

Anand Rathi Advisors (ARAL) played a significant role in facilitating the strategic partnership between Witty Group of Institutions and Global Schools Foundation, by leveraging its deep expertise and knowledge in the Education sector. ARAL believes that this strategic partnership will result into immense opportunities for both groups in terms of geographical integration and augmenting operational capabilities.