Archives 2023

Novotel Pune is excited to announce a spectacular Christmas Special Brunch, promising an unforgettable experience for families and friends seeking festive cheer and delectable delights. Join us on December 24 and 25 for culinary affair along with a special two-hour extravaganza featuring live entertainment, refreshing beer, and sangria that will add a perfect touch of merriment to your holiday celebrations.

Dive into the festive spirit with an array of Christmas special dishes curated by our talented culinary team. Indulge your taste buds in the exquisite flavors of our Honey Mustard Glazed Turkey with Cranberry Sauce, a succulent centerpiece that promises to elevate your Christmas dining experience. Savor the rich and flavorful Plum Cake, a traditional holiday treat that will sweeten your celebrations. Don’t miss out on the classic Yorkshire Pudding, a delightful addition to the festive spread that adds a touch of British charm.

For those with a penchant for savory delights, our Oven Roasted Lamb with Bread Pudding is a must-try, showcasing a perfect fusion of flavors that will leave you craving for more. Pair these culinary delights with our specially crafted Christmas-themed cocktails, beers, and sangria, available for two hours to ensure a spirited celebration.

Novotel Pune welcomes you to join us in creating cherished memories this Christmas. Make reservations now to secure your spot at the Christmas Special Brunch and indulge in the festive magic.

What: Christmas Special Celebration

Where: The Square, Novotel Pune

When:

December 24, Christmas Eve dinner – 7 pm to 11 pm – Adult – INR 1899 ++

December 25, Christmas Brunch – 12:30 pm to 4 pm – Adult – INR 1999 ++

December 25, Christmas Dinner – 7 pm to 11 pm – Adult – INR 1899 ++

New Delhi, 20th December 2023 The fifth edition of Times Prime’s ‘The Gourmet Table’ recently concluded at The Lodhi, New Delhi, in collaboration with the renowned Indian Accent. This exclusive event, held on December 18th, was a sold-out success, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s culinary landscape.

Head Chef Manish Mehrotra meticulously orchestrated the evening at The Lodhi as a symphony of flavors and aromas. Guests were treated to a chef’s tasting menu that skillfully blended traditional Indian tastes with contemporary global influences. The menu highlighted a variety of dishes, with a particular emphasis on fresh seafood and vegetarian options, showcasing the best of seasonal produce.

An extraordinary feature of this culinary event was the hand-selected wines from Aspri Spirits. These wines, perfectly paired with the menu, add an international dimension to the gastronomic experience.

Harshita Singh, Business Head at Times Prime, reflected on the event’s success, saying, “The fifth edition of ‘The Gourmet Table’ at The Lodhi with Indian Accent was a landmark in our series of exclusive dining experiences. We are overwhelmed by the positive response and proud to have provided our Times Prime members with an unforgettable evening.”

The success of this event has set a high benchmark for future editions of ‘The Gourmet Table’. Times Prime continues to commit to offering unique and memorable experiences to its members.

Gurugram, 20th December 2023: Pramerica Life Insurance, one of the fastest-growing life insurers in India, has been honored with two prestigious awards that underscore its commitment to innovation and exceptional customer service. The company won the “AI/ML Market Disruptor of The Year” award in the AWS Enterprise Segment at the prestigious Amazon AI Conclave 2023 held in Bengaluru, and was runner-up for the “Moment of Truth (Claims Experience) – Life Insurance” award at the 15th Global Insurance Summit & Awards by ASSOCHAM in Mumbai.

Delighted with the win, Pankaj Gupta, MD&CEO of Pramerica Life Insurance, said, “We are immensely proud to receive the distinguished awards, that signifies our relentless pursuit of innovation and customer-centric excellence. Technology and superior customer service will continue to be at the forefront of our efforts as part of our commitment towards a superlative customer experience. We thank Amazon Web Services and ASSOCHAM for these wins. These will further inspire our talented teams to keep working on newer ways of enriching customer experience.”

The “AI/ML Disruptor of the Year” award recognizes company’s Machine Learning (ML) underwriting predictive risk scoring model. This advanced model, excels in singling out high-risk customers resulting in faster and more prudent policy issuance. The company also witnessed a substantial decrease in policy downtime, ensuring operational efficiency and customer delight.

The “Moment of Truth (Claims Experience)” award is a testament to the company’s dedication towards swift claims settlement and initiatives that prioritize exceptional customer experiences. Making a claim is the moment of truth for the policyholders and the insurance company. Pramerica Life Insurance has been keeping its promise to its customers with a 98.80% Claims Paid Ratio for FY22-23. Through its customer-centric initiative – Pratigya Kavach, the brand promises to settle the claims within 48-72 hours. A dedicated Claims Relationship Officer and Claims Helpdesk are also available to assist claimants with timely claim-document submission.

Acknowledging its role as a pioneer in serving the defense community, the company proudly upholds its industry-leading 100% claims guarantee* for this segment.

“Winning these prestigious awards reaffirms our dedication to exceeding customer expectations, but more importantly, it reminds us of the profound responsibility we hold,” says Karthik Chakrapani, Chief Business Officer of Pramerica Life Insurance. “Insurance isn’t just a product; it’s a promise of security. We strive to deliver on that promise through transparency, efficiency, and a passionate commitment to customer well-being. Initiatives like ‘Pratigya Kavach’ and our 100% claims guarantee* for the defence community are expressions of our core values and our respect for the soldiers who protect a billion lives. We’re a company driven by a sense of duty, and these awards are a catalyst to continue pushing the boundaries of customer-centric excellence.”

[Delhi, 20th December 2023] – Following the tremendous success of the previous year, Arttd’inox, India’s leading premium homeware, proudly hosted the second edition of the ‘Arttd’inox 3D Challenge 2.0’. Powered by Jindal Lifestyle Ltd, this design competition welcomed the participation of budding architects and design students, providing a platform to showcase their creativity and make a significant impact on real-life scenarios through innovative product designs that enhance consumer lifestyles.

Arttd’inox, synonymous with introducing discerning shoppers to luxury, elegance, and eco-consciousness, is also dedicated to cultivating innovative, creative thinking and decisive skills among emerging designers. The Arttd’inox 3D Challenge witnessed the participation of 256 students from India’s renowned design institutions, including IIT Delhi, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, National Institute of Design, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi, NID Ahmedabad, NIT Trichy, School of Planning and Architecture (Dept. of Industrial Design), New Delhi, SrishtiManipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Chandigarh University, Lovely Professional University, Amity University, IIAD, and more.

This event served as a unique opportunity for budding designers to not only showcase their talent but also gain widespread industry recognition, fortify their capabilities, and enrich their portfolios with meaningful contributions to the world of design. The competition comprised two separate categories: the ‘Kitchen Design Category,’ focusing on innovative solutions for the central space of homes, won by Himani T & Anwesha Saha from RV College of Architecture, Bengaluru. The second category, ‘Product Design,’ encouraged participants to exhibit creativity in shaping future lifestyle products, with Siddhartha Sharma from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Bhopal, emerging as the winner.

The competition was evaluated by a prestigious panel of judges, each renowned in their respective fields. The judges included: Dr Esther Schmidt, Director of the Center for Historic Houses and Associate Professor at OP Jindal Global University; PunitJasuja , Founder of Secondfloor Design, GarimaTharija, Founder G&D Designs, Amit Khanna, Architect at AKDA; RishikeshLokhande, Architect at Designnotion; Alex from Alex Davis studio; Mrs. Deepika Jindal, Creative & Managing Director of Jindal Lifestyle Ltd; In addition to the competition, the event hosted a compelling panel discussion led by esteemed industry experts and visionaries who delved into topics such as sustainability, the future of design, perception of stainless steel in premium homeware, the convergence of functionality and aesthetics, and more. Notable panellists included Mrs. Deepika Jindal, Aashi Gupta, N. Roshan Singh, PunitJasuja, Manish Gulati &Ankur Ahuja.

On the successful completion of the event,Deepika Jindal, Creative & Managing Director of Jindal Lifestyle Ltd, expresses, “Competitions like the Arttd’inox 3D Challenge aim to play a pivotal role in providing students with a profound understanding of real-world dynamics and inspiring inventive solutions. My advice to all the participants has always been that victory is just one aspect; participation alone offers invaluable real-world feedback crucial for the development and understanding of design. Witnessing the significant number of students participating has genuinely thrilled me. I eagerly await the emergence of more ingenious ideas as students, armed with newfound knowledge of stainless steel, approach the material with creativity.

Spearheading such innovative competitions, Arttd’inox champions a forward-thinking approach in the ever-evolving realm of the design landscape. With a firm belief that traditional design education must align with the dynamic job market to help students understand and contribute to real-world demands. The brand looks forward to the lasting influence of innovative design ideas and inspiring advancements in premium homeware.

Chennai 19th December 2023: The fintech bond platform, IndiaBonds.com, announced the launch of the Portfolio Analysis Tool for retail bond investors. This tool is designed to cater to the convenience needs of retail bond investors wherein they can now carry out their portfolio analysis, manage cashflow timelines, and also receive cashflow payout reminders.

Owing to this tool, retail investors will be enabled to have a comprehensive analysis of their bond portfolio across risk factors like credit ratings of the bond, exposure, and concentration. It will also help them to plan their finances better as they will be able to see their entire future cashflows from all bonds including interest and redemption. Additionally, they can now even add bonds that may been bought anywhere else to see entire risk in one place.

Mr. Vishal Goenka, Co-Founder, IndiaBonds.com, said, “For ease of doing bond investment, we have heavily invested in our technology and are continuously striving to provide seamless user experience to our investors. Through our fintech-led online bond platform, we are empowering our investors to navigate through their bond investment journey and the free Portfolio Analysis Tool is a must have for everyone.”

He added, “To overcome the awareness-related barrier, we have plugged in educational content in written and video formats. Additionally, we have an in-built Bond Calculator which enables users to instantly calculate bond yield and price; and get complete transparency on pricing of thousands of bonds and make easy calculations of Government and Corporate Bonds.”

He further stated that now with the introduction of the Portfolio Analysis Tool, investors will be further empowered to keep track of investments and related timelines.

Bengaluru,19th December 2023 In a move to foster skill development of industry and academia in the space sector, IN-SPACe, in collaboration with ISRO and leading academic institutions, announced a comprehensive short-term course focused on Orbital Mechanics, Attitude Dynamics and Control, Space-Based Navigation, and Mission Planning. The course, providing hands-on experience in various aspects of space technology, including mission planning, launch window optimization, and dealing with mission constraints. This 2nd five-day residential program started on December 17, 2023 at ISRO Guest House, Devanahalli, Bengaluru.

Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, Promotion Directorate, IN-SPACe said, “This initiative is a learning platform created by IN-SPACe to translate the government’s vision for the space sector into tangible skills and knowledge in space technology. The course contents are designed to train participants in developing the ‘brain’ of a satellite, that is, the on-board computer and other systems to enable the satellite to perform autonomously in space. The course will empower individuals with the skills needed to contribute significantly to India’s space missions, and nurture the next generation of space specialists.”

The course is designed and implemented by IN-SPACe drawing experienced faculty from ISRO, leading academic institutions and industry. With a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, essential for the next generation of space scientists and engineers, the short-term course will equip participants with the fundamental principles essential for mission planning, executing and optimizing space mission operations.

The course is open to academicians, industry executives, graduates, post-graduates and researchers. Participants will gain in-depth exposure to developing mission profiles, optimizing launch windows, and navigating the myriad of challenges inherent in space missions.

The course’s curriculum aims to equip participants with the foundational principles and hands-on experience vital for planning and optimizing space mission operations. The course will include immersive sessions on developing mission profiles, optimizing launch windows, and handling mission constraints. It will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the core principles essential for mission planning, executing and optimizing space mission operations. The modules will cover Mission Planning, Design, Simulation and Analysis; Orbital Dynamics and Mission Planning; Space Based Navigation and NavIC as a sensor; Sensors, Attitude Estimation, Dynamics and Control; Spacecraft Autonomy and On-board Software Development; and Proximity Operations. Sessions on the practical aspects on Spacecraft Orbit Modelling and Spacecraft Simulation Environment will be conducted by the ANSYS Team, and on AI for space applications using MATLAB by the MathWorks India team.

Bengaluru: 19th December 2023: Presidency University, a shining example of educational excellence, held Gurusamarpane, an esteemed occasion honouring the steadfast commitment and labour of teachers, on December 16, 2023. The ceremony, which took place from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm, was a significant occasion for honouring the teaching fraternity’s priceless achievements.

The highlight of Gurusamarpane was the felicitation ceremony, where the esteemed Principal and dedicated teachers were acknowledged for their exceptional service to the academic community. Dr. Nissar Ahmed, the Chancellor of Presidency University, and Mr. Suhael Ahmed, Vice Chairman, Presidency Group of Institutions, graced the occasion and shared their insights on the significance of educators in shaping the future along with other guests. The Vice Chancellor of Presidency University, Dr. Anubha Singh, and the Registrar, Dr. Sameena Noor Ahmed Panali, graced the occasion and spoke to the esteemed visitors.

Dr. Nissar Ahmed, Chancellor, Presidency University expressed, “Teachers are the architects of a progressive society, moulding the minds that will shape our future. Gurusamarpane is a heartfelt tribute to their tireless efforts and an acknowledgment of their pivotal role in nurturing intellect and character. It is through the guidance and mentorship of teachers that students not only acquire knowledge but also develop the essential skills and values that define their journey beyond the classroom. In celebrating Gurusamarpane, we not only honour the educators of today but also recognize the profound impact they have on the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow.”

Mr. Suhael Ahmed added, the dedication of teachers goes beyond textbooks, they instil values, foster critical thinking, and ignite the flame of curiosity in every student. In acknowledging their tireless efforts, we not only recognize the individual brilliance of each teacher but also celebrate the collective impact they have on shaping the intellectual landscape of our institution. As we express our gratitude through Gurusamarpane, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing an environment where both educators and students thrive, creating a legacy of knowledge, wisdom, and lifelong learning.”

Mumbai, 19th December 2023: Avashya Foundation, CSR arm of Allcargo Group, an Indian born global logistics conglomerate has announced successful completion of its Women Empowerment and Livelihood project for the development of the underprivileged communities in Maharashtra. Under this Women Empowerment and Livelihood project, the Group offers three months basic and advanced tailoring and personality development training to uplift and empower marginalized and underprivileged women at Dhamani and its surrounding villages ie, Panvel taluka in Raigad district and Ishwar Nagar in Digha, Navi Mumbai.

This initiative has been implemented in collaboration with Sankalp Manav Vikas Sanstha, an NGO working towards socio-economic upliftment by promoting textile-based entrepreneurship for underprivileged communities in Maharashtra.

At a felicitation program held at the training & production centre in Dhamani and Ishwar Nagar, Dr. Nilratan Shende, Head – CSR, Allcargo Group handed over certificates to 240 women beneficiaries who availed the training at the respective centres.

Allcargo Group has been implementing textile-based training at the Dhamani and Ishwar Nagar since 2021. The project has so far impacted over 410 women. More than 65 percent of the beneficiaries have joined the production centres to stitch bags and apparels. Income earned by the beneficiaries is further invested in health and education of their children. After completing the three-month training, a beneficiary becomes self-reliant by working at the production centres or at home.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Nilratan Shende, Head – CSR, Allcargo Group said, “Women Empowerment and Livelihood project is in line with Allcargo Group’s core philosophy of CSR activities which aim to create a positive social and economic impact on the community. We are extremely delighted to see the encouraging participation from women belonging to the less-privileged sections from the areas around Dhamani and Ishwar Nagar. The intent of the project is not only to offer tailoring training to women from disadvantaged families but also to provide them a holistic livelihood, life-skill and professional training support so that they can become self-reliant to stitch a bright future for themselves and for their families. We are thankful to Sankalp Manav Vikas Sanstha for partnering with us in our mission and helping us in expanding the reach of this uniquely-designed project. The response has further motivated us to impart training to as many women as possible under the project to make a larger impact. We aim to train 400 women under this project by March 2024.”

In addition to offering basic and advanced tailoring training, Allcargo Group’s Women Empowerment and Livelihood project also organises personality development sessions on effective communication, online and physical market linkages, marketing and digital marketing skills, financial literacy, leadership, personality development, women group, career guidance, etc. The goal is to provide 60-70 percent of trained women self-employment in their locality.

Sankalp Manav Vikas Sanstha initiated on-ground awareness drive to promote this project in villages surrounding Dhamani such as Lahan Dhamni, Mothi Dhamni, Dehrang, Baapdevwadi, Dodhani and Houshachiwadi. The volunteers also visited areas close to Ishwar Nagar such as Anant Nagar, Bhola Nagar, Banjara Pada, Kalwa slum and Buddha Vihar to enroll participants for the three-month training modules.

Bangalore, 19th December 2023 Aster CMI Hospital today launched Heart Failure Clinic and expanded cardiac expertise with a one-of-a-kind daycare Clinic for heart failure management that will provide integrated medical services for cardiovascular ailments. These units will offer a wide range of diagnostics as well as therapeutic services for patients having heart-related ailments, alleviate cardiovascular disease symptoms, minimize complications, and recommend measures to slow down and reverse the progression of underlying diseases.

Inaugurating the Clinic, Mrs. Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar, renowned Kannada Film Producer said: “Heart-related ailments are on the rise in India and there is immediate need for such dedicated clinics that can educate the public on do’s and don’ts of healthy living, the importance of regular screenings and early medical interventions.” Mrs. Rajkumar also advised the public to not let misinformation hold back and take charge of health.

“Despite medical progress, heart failure patients still face high illness and death rates, fueled by the double whammy of devastating readmissions and draining societal costs. Specialized clinics like this are proactive answers. By offering immediate expert care, one can slash readmissions and improve patient outcomes, a win-win for individuals and society,” said Dr. Nagamalesh U M, Lead Consultant – Cardiology, Interventional Cardiologist, Director – Heart Failure, Transplant & MCS Clinic, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. SGS Lakshmanan, COO, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore said, “We are glad to announce that the Heart Failure Clinic and Daycare Centre Clini is spearheaded and monitored by multi-disciplinary experts and dedicated cardiologists. Moreover, with the rapid evolution of medical inventions in the field of heart failure management, a dedicated well-equipped setup will offer the latest treatments and do justice to the patient’s health.”

The event witnessed a meet-up of heart transplant survivors who shared their journey from the pre-surgery to the peaks of recovery, triumph, and transformation. It was a celebration of resilience, a chorus of “I lived!”

Bangalore, 19th December 2023: Uber today rolled out the round trip feature on its flagship long-distance product, Intercity. The new feature will allow passengers to book single or multi-day return on outstation travels with Uber, while retaining the same car and the driver.

The feature, live across all cities, empowers users with a much higher level of flexibility and convenience on their business or leisure trips. Riders can now book outstation round trips for as many as 5 days. The vehicle and the driver will be with the rider through the duration, with the enhanced flexibility of adding stops as they go.

The option to reserve rides up to 90 days in advance has been designed to help in better journey planning for planned, outstation travel. The feature is beneficial for drivers, too, as this gives them the option to lock in higher earnings and plan their days ahead. The fare for round trips includes waiting time and overnight lodging fees (for multi-day trips) to ensure the drivers are compensated for their time.

Commenting on the launch of the new feature, Shweta Mantri, Head of New Mobility, said, “This innovative feature caters to a whole new set of travellers who seek extended flexibility and convenience. Outstation travel in taxis has largely been an unorganised market so far, and Intercity round trips change that game entirely with the host safety and tracking features available on all Uber rides. We are excited to redefine the future of long-distance road travel.”

This will also further eliminate the obligation to manually book a local taxi service for a travel journey; with the added advantage of tracking the journey through the app, making the trip safer and much more reliable.

Steps to book an Intercity Round Trip:

• Click on ‘Intercity’ from the suggestions bar. (Click ‘See all’ if ‘Intercity’ not visible on the home screen)
• Select ‘Round Trip’ and enter your destination
• Select ‘Leave Now’ if car is required immediately
• Select ‘Reserve’ and enter your pick up date and time to pre book the car for later
• Select your return date and time, you can keep the car for up to 5 days
• Select your preferred vehicle type
• Check all the booking details on the confirmation screen and book your round trip