Archives January 2024

Celebrity Chef Amrita Raichand, Health Ambassador for Salaam Bombay Foundation’s Preventive Health Education Programme, recently conducted a nutrition awareness and healthy budget-friendly recipe session at H.S.B.T. School, Andheri. The initiative aims to instill the importance of healthy living and provide practical nutritional knowledge to the younger generation.

Chef Amrita Raichand expressed, “I am thrilled to be visiting the students of Salaam Bombay Foundation once again and whipping up healthy and nutritious dishes on a budget with them. This time, we will be celebrating the spirit of our nation on Republic Day by cooking up some delicious dishes that are not only healthy but also reflect the diversity of our country. It’s always a pleasure to see the enthusiasm and creativity of these young minds as they learn new recipes and techniques.”

Ms. Tshering D. Bhutia, Chief Innovation Officer and Sr. VP Preventive Health, Salaam Bombay Foundation, emphasized, “Chef Amrita Raichand brings valuable practical knowledge and a carefully curated collection of recipes, all designed to motivate students to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Her association with us is serving as a powerful catalyst in promoting healthy eating and cooking habits among both students and parents alike. We are delighted to welcome her aboard. Her authentic passion for cooking and natural charisma undeniably makes a lasting impression on the students she engages with.”

On the anvil of Republic Day 2024, Chef Amrita encouraged students to bring in patriotic colours to their dishes. She taught them to prepare a tricolour healthy sandwich with fresh picks from the School’s Kitchen Garden, symbolizing the vibrant diversity of the nation. This not only added creativity to the cooking experience but also emphasized the significance of a balanced diet. Recognizing seasonal demands, Chef Amrita also introduced students to a nutritious ‘Ek Second Mein Shakti’ energy balls – a dry fruit snack, perfectly suited for cold weather.

The interactive session went beyond just cooking; it was an opportunity for the students and parents to understand the nutritional benefits of the ingredients used. This time, apart from sharing recipes, Chef Amrita also accompanies the students to the School’s Kitchen Garden, where they handpicked fresh produce, tended to by the team of student Health Monitors. Chef Amrita took the time to educate the students about the importance of incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and nuts into their daily diet to ensure a well-rounded and nourishing intake.

Hyderabad 29^th January 2024 : Wings India 2024, a pivotal event in the global aviation and aerospace industry, took place from January 18th to 21st, showcasing innovation and collaboration. The Washington State Department of Commerce, in partnership with Crescendo Worldwide, played a crucial role in elevating the event to unprecedented heights. The department initiated engaging discussions with local businesses during Wings India 2024, fostering conversations on global aviation insights and transformative collaborations through roadshows in Hyderabad and Bengaluru on January 20th and 22nd, 2024. These roadshows, organized by The Washington State Department of Commerce in collaboration with Crescendo Worldwide, aimed to provide actionable strategies for Indian businesses in aerospace and defense.

Radi Simeonova, Managing Director of Business Development at the Washington State Department of Commerce, highlighted the significance of India-Washington relations and Wings India 2024. Radi expressed excitement about showcasing Washington state’s aerospace hub strengths and learning from Indian businesses about U.S. expansion opportunities. He emphasized the partnership with Crescendo Worldwide to assist Indian businesses in understanding how the Washington state market can facilitate their entry and growth in the United States. Radi also mentioned the plans to strengthen diplomatic ties in 2024 by opening the first Indian consulate in Seattle, establishing a direct route between Washington State and India for enhanced economic and cultural relations.

Wings India 2024 featured global aviation insights, upcoming projects from industry giants such as Boeing and Airbus. The Washington State Department of Commerce provided global expansion support and encouraged networking through key exhibitions and interactions with Chambers of Commerce. Boeing made a significant announcement during the event, securing a monumental order of 150 Boeing 737 MAX planes from Akasa Air, known for their cutting-edge technology and fuel efficiency.

Boeing actively has engaged in the ‘Make-In-India’ initiative, considering it a vital opportunity aligned with its long-term business strategy in the country. With 4,000 employees and an additional 7,000 in specialized supply chain roles, Boeing India’s Engineering and Technology Center serves as a key player in global engineering expansion. The forthcoming Bengaluru campus further emphasizes Boeing’s commitment to advancing technology and promoting collaborative growth in the Indian aerospace sector.

Mr. Vishal Jadhav, Managing Director of Crescendo Worldwide, emphasized the inherent collaboration between the United States and India in aerospace and defense co-operations. He highlighted Boeing’s recent inauguration of its second-largest engineering Research and Development facility in India and expressed commitment to fostering technological partnerships between the two nations in 2024. Jadhav also outlined plans for facilitating a delegation visit of Indian Aerospace companies to Seattle, Washington, strengthening collaboration between small and medium-sized enterprises from both nations.

New Delhi, January 29, 2024: Aveya Natural IVF & Fertility Center has announced an HPV vaccine drive in partnership with Infinite Fertility. The drive will be held at Aveya‘s clinics in Delhi, Mumbai, and Siliguri during the first two weeks of February.

This groundbreaking endeavour underscores Aveya’s unwavering commitment to women’s health and the prevention of cervical cancer, a global menace claiming lives. The vaccination drive ensures accessible and affordable vaccinations for individuals in targeted regions.

Cervical cancer, predominantly caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), is a major global health concern. Aveya recognizes the pivotal role of vaccination in preventing cervical cancer and related diseases, prompting the launch of a comprehensive HPV Vaccine Drive.

The HPV vaccine stands as a powerful tool in the prevention of cervical cancer and various other HPV-related diseases. Dr. Nisha Bhatnagar, Medical Director and Sr. IVF Consultant at Aveya expresses the significance of the initiative “At Aveya, our mission goes beyond treating illnesses; we strive to prevent them. The HPV Vaccine Drive is a testament to our commitment to community health, aiming to protect individuals from the serious consequences of HPV-related diseases.”

Dr. Niti Vijay, Fertility Specialist and Gynecologist at Aveya, shares insights on the impact they aim to achieve “We envision a community where the prevalence of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases is significantly reduced. Through this drive, we aim to raise awareness, increase accessibility to the HPV vaccine, and contribute to a healthier future for our community.”

Vaccination Locations and Dates:

1. Plot A, Community Centre, Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110057
Date: February 2 & 3
2. Building 29-E, Maharshi Karve Rd, Mumbai
Date: February 8 & 9
3. 3rd Floor, Orchid Building, Sevoke Rd, Siliguri
Date: February 8 & 9

Join us in our efforts to create a community free from the risks of HPV. Together, we can make a difference in public health. Register for the HPV vaccination drive at https://ivfcenterindia.com/Aveya/HPV.html

New Delhi 29th January, 2024: Thane, Maharashtra based, VIKRAN Engineering & Exim Private Limited (“VIKRAN”/ “the Company”) confirmed the closure of the Pre-IPO placement round. India Inflection Opportunity Fund invested INR 45 crores. Also, avid value investor, Ashish Kacholia and a few others invested INR 36.5 crores in the Company. The investors together picked up approx. 11% stake in the Company. Pantomath Capital Advisors Private Limited acted as the sole investment banker and financial advisor for the transaction

VIKRAN is a fast growing EPC Company in value added projects of Power Sector (transmission lines and sub-stations), Electrification & Composite Projects, Water Infrastructure (Water Transportation and Distribution) and Railway Infrastructure.

Over the years, VIKRAN has successfully expanded its business and diversified its operations. The Company has a presence in 22 States across India, including Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, among other states.

VIKRAN is promoted by Rakesh Markhedkar, an IIM Bangalore & BITS Pilani Alumni with more than three decades of experience in managing business in Power infra and large heavy industries. He also has international experience with stints in companies like Larson & Turbo covering geographies like Middle East and New Zealand. Mr. Rakesh Markhedkar is assisted by his brother, Mr. Avinash Markhedkar, two sons Nakul and Vipul Markhedkar, and wife Kanchan Markhedkar Mr. Avinash Markhedkar is director in the company, he is an IIM Kolkata Alumni with 33 years of rich experience in execution of EPC projects, Nakul is an engineer in Electronics & Telecommunication with 8 years of experience in Procurement, Marketing and Business Development and Vipul is an MBA in Finance from NMIMS with 3 years of experience in Finance, Accounts, Taxation & Commercial Department, Kanchan Markhedkar heads the HR and Admin function in the company. She holds master’s degree in Statistics and post-graduation in Computer Science.

Backed by professional management, the Company has a well-integrated supply chain and the capability for comprehensive planning for ahead-of-schedule project completion. A team of 850 professionals, including an in-house Design & Engineering team makes it a unique proposition.

Mr. Rakesh Markhedkar, MD of VIKRAN, said, “Our vision is to be the leader in the specialised EPC segment. We endeavour to retrieve every day with an open mind and are ready to improve constantly. We have built the organisation with professional management and a strong internal control system. At a very early stage of the company, we have developed very good credentials and eligibility in Infra sector. We also implemented SAP system to access real time information from over 100 site locations across India. Our core business strategy has always been delivering the project ahead of the schedule.”

“With India Inflection Opportunity Fund coming aboard, we believe that the journey to financial success is paved with innovation, resilience, and strategic thinking. With IIOF partnership, we are confident in our ability to navigate the complexities of the market and seize opportunities that will yield mutually beneficial returns. Together, we can build a future of prosperity and growth” Mr. Rakesh Markhedkar further added.

Speaking about its investments in VIKRAN, Ms. Madhu Lunawat, CIO of India Inflection Opportunity Fund, said, “We are elated to announce our investment in VIKRAN. With unparalleled execution capabilities backed by a professional team, a clear vision, and a strong promoter pedigree, we are quite excited about the potential for growth in VIKRAN. Further, we believe that the EPC industry will be critical for India’s ambitious plan of becoming the 3^rd largest economy with a GDP of approximately UDS 8 trillion.”

VIKRAN clocked revenue of Rs. 526 crores in FY23, growing at a CAGR of 25% between fiscal 2021 to 2023. The Company had EBITDA margins of 14.4% and PAT margins of 8.2% which are one of the best in the industry. The Company had robust return ratios of a Return on Equity of 28% and Return on Capital Employed of 25%.

Pantomath Capital Advisor acted as the sole investment banker and financial advisor to the transaction.

Bengaluru  January 29, 2024: India’s largest selling diaper brand, Pampers, from the house of P&G, is worn by millions of babies every day, ensuring happy bottoms, happy babies and happy parents across India. Today, they launched the new and improved Premium Care range of diaper pants, which has been voted by Moms across India as the #1 softest and #1 all-in-one diaper.

Choosing the right diaper is one of the most important decisions a new parent makes, as babies spend majority of their day in diapers, often more than they spend in their parents’ arms. Moms and Dads are always concerned about the baby’s skin and comfort. They want a diaper in which the baby can play and move comfortably all day and sleep peacefully at night. After all, play and a good night’s sleep are very important for a baby’s growth and development.

With its unique 360 degree cottony softness, the new and improved Pampers Premium Care Diaper is soooo soft, that it makes babies feel like they are wearing nothing at all, while getting all the benefits of the all-in-one diaper. It has an inbuilt anti-rash blanket and lotion with aloe vera to protect the baby’s delicate skin from rashes. While the 10 million micropores in each diaper allow the baby’s skin to breathe; the double protection via cuffs at thigh area and magic gel offers up to 100% leakage prevention keeps the baby dry all-day and night. The diaper absorbs 2x faster than any ordinary diaper. And when it’s time to change, the wetness indicator turns from yellow to blue!

Every feature of the diaper is developed and designed to enable parents to have a worry-free and easy diapering journey for their little ones. Talking about this latest innovation, Chetna Soni, Vice President & Category Leader, Babycare, Procter & Gamble India, said “At Pampers, we strongly believe in learning from our consumers and creating products to ensure that both babies and parents have a happy diapering experience. As a result, over the years, we have been able to deliver on diverse consumer needs and create innovations which offer unmatched superior performance. When we spoke to parents, they shared with us that they seek a diaper that helps their baby play and move in daytime and have restful sleep at night, protecting their skin from any rashes or discomfort. This led to the launch of the new and improved Pampers Premium Care Diaper Pants. With 360 degree softness and a host of other features, it is so soft and comfortable that babies will feel that they are wearing nothing at all while getting all the benefits of our newest all-in-one diaper. Our unwavering commitment to addressing parental concerns and continuous innovation has solidified Pampers as the #1 diaper brand, in India and globally, nurturing happy and healthy babies.”

The launch event titled ‘India’s Softest Experience for Parents & Babies’ was attended by celeb couple and new parents Disha Parmar and Rahul Vaidya, as well as other influencers, mommy communities and Pampers moms. Attendees enjoyed first of its kind multi-sensory experience which included a ‘Diaper Walk’ showcasing every feature and technological innovation in detail to parents, to introduce them and assure them of Pampers’ superiority and innovations. This touch-and-feel experience curated by Pampers allowed parents to feel first-hand the softness of the new diapers and experience the different benefits. There was also a 360-degree immersive audio-visual experience sharing the story of the brand and a play area created for toddlers and infants in partnership with Skillmatics – India’s leading innovative toy and game company dedicated to developing learning and play experiences for children of all ages.

“As parents, we only want the best for our little Navya. Her skin is so soft and vulnerable at this stage that even the slightest discomfort can make her break out in a rash. We have been using Pampers Premium Care diapers from day 1, right from the hospital when she was born and it has been our constant companion. It is so soft and ensures there is no leakage. Navya is at a stage when she is becoming very active. Our key priority is to ensure she can play and move around with utmost comfort. She happily spends her full day in the Pampers Premium Care diaper. Watching her comfortable all day and starting to be so active and playful when in her diaper, makes us truly feel like she is wearing nothing at all with Pampers Premium Care, while getting all the benefits of this amazing diaper.” said popular TV Actress and new Mom Disha Parmar. 

New dad, singer and host Rahul Vaidya added, “Both Navya and I enjoy diaper changing time. The new and improved Premium care diaper is sooo soft with its 360 degree cottony softness, that does not just protect her skin but also makes it a pleasurable experience for me when I change her diapers. I also love the wetness indicator. The moment it turns from yellow to blue, I know it’s time for a change, making diapering duty so easy especially for a first time parent. Navya is playful and comfortable all day in them and as new parents, we couldn’t have asked for more.”

Davanagere, January 2024: Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, one of the leading private general insurers in India, has announced the inauguration of its new office in Davanagere, Karnataka. This strategic expansion aims to boost insurance penetration across tier 2 and tier 3 cities in India and provide financial stability to our citizens.

India’s growing economy is fast evolving, but with that, the landscape of risk and uncertainties are also increasing. With their expertise, Bajaj Allianz aims to bring its innovative products and solutions closer to the people of Davanagere. The Company will provide a wide range of services backed by technology to seamlessly cater to customers’ needs. The new office will serve as a strategic hub for Bajaj Allianz General Insurance to further strengthen its presence and reach its customers in the region.

Commenting on the inauguration of the new office, Mr. Amitesh Anand, National Head – Geo, at Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, said, “In today’s fast-growing economic landscape, insurance will play a pivotal role in providing a safety net of financial security amidst the uncertainties. However, there is a gap in understanding the benefits and significance of insurance, and hence, its penetration remains low. As a company dedicated to providing and reaching holistic insurance solutions to every citizen of our country, we are proactively making efforts to increase awareness of the importance of insurance across various regions in our country. Expanding our network through these office openings in tier 2 and tier 3 regions will bring us one step closer to bridging the gap between insurance awareness and accessibility, which will subsequently help in its increased adoption. With the inauguration of our new office in Davanagere, we aim to provide a range of our insurance product solutions and services well within the reach of the people in these regions, catering to all their insurance needs.”

The newly inaugurated office will offer products across all lines of business and, at the same time, educate customers on the best products as per their requirements to ensure that they are adequately insured. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance is committed to extending its products and related services to every part of the country through its efficient and vast distribution channels with a mission to contribute to the noble cause of doing good for society at large.

Bengaluru, India, January 29, 2024: Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) today released its 2024 Data Privacy Benchmark Study, an annual review of key privacy issues and their impact on business. Ahead of International Data Privacy Day, the findings highlight the growing Privacy concerns with GenAI, trust challenges facing organizations over their use of AI, and the attractive returns from privacy investment. Drawing on responses from 2,600 privacy and security professionals across 12 geographies, the seventh edition of the Benchmark shows that privacy is much more than a regulatory compliance matter.

Growing Privacy Concerns with Generative AI

“Organizations see GenAI as a fundamentally different technology with novel challenges to consider,” said Dev Stahlkopf, Cisco Chief Legal Officer. “More than 90% of respondents believe GenAI requires new techniques to manage data and risk. This is where thoughtful governance comes into play. Preserving customer trust depends on it.”

Among the top concerns, businesses cited the threats to an organization’s legal and Intellectual Property rights (69%), and the risk of disclosure of information to the public or competitors (68%).

Most organizations are aware of these risks and are putting in place controls to limit exposure: 63% have established limitations on what data can be entered, 61% have limits on which GenAI tools can be used by employees, and 27% said their organization had banned GenAI applications altogether for the time being. Nonetheless, many individuals have entered information that could be problematic, including employee information (45%) or non-public information about the company (48%).

Slow Progress on AI and Transparency

Consumers are concerned about AI use involving their data today, and yet 91% of organizations recognize they need to do more to reassure their customers that their data is being used only for intended and legitimate purposes in AI. This is similar to last year’s levels, suggesting that not much progress has been achieved.

Organizations’ priorities to build consumer trust differ from those of individuals. Consumers identified their top priorities as getting clear information on exactly how their data is being used, and not having their data sold for marketing purposes. When asked the same question, businesses identified their top priorities as complying with privacy laws (25%) and avoiding data breaches (23%). It suggests additional attention on transparency would be helpful — especially with AI applications where it may be difficult to understand how the algorithms make their decisions.

Privacy and Trust: the Role of External Certifications and Laws

Organizations recognize the need to reassure their customers about how their data is being used, and 98% said that external privacy certifications are an important factor in their buying decisions. This is the highest we’ve seen over the years.

“94% of respondents said their customers would not buy from them if they did not adequately protect data,” explains Harvey Jang, Cisco Vice President and Chief Privacy Officer. “They are looking for hard evidence the organization can be trusted. Privacy has become inextricably tied to customer trust and loyalty. This is even more true in the era of AI, where investing in privacy better positions organizations to leverage AI ethically and responsibly.”

Despite the costs and requirements privacy laws may impose on organizations, 80% of respondents said privacy laws have had a positive impact on them, and only 6% said the impact has been negative. Strong privacy regulation boosts consumer confidence and trust in the organizations they choose to share their data with.

Further, many governments and organizations are putting in place data localization requirements to keep certain data within country or region. Whilst most businesses (91%) believe that their data would be inherently safer if stored within their country or region, 86% also said that a global provider, operating at scale, can better protect their data compared to a local provider.

Privacy: a Valuable Investment

Over the past five years, privacy spending has more than doubled, benefits have trended up, and returns have remained strong. This year, 95% indicated that privacy’s benefits exceed its costs, and the average organization reports getting privacy benefits of 1.6 times their spending. Further, 80% indicated getting significant “Loyalty and Trust” benefits from their privacy investments, and this is even higher (92%) for the most privacy-mature organizations.

In 2023, largest organizations (10,000+ employees) increased their privacy spending by seven to eight percent since last year. However, smaller organizations saw lower investment, for example, businesses with 50-249 employees decreased their privacy investment by a fourth on average.

Additional Resources

• Cisco 2024 Data Privacy Benchmark Study
• Infographic
• Cisco Security Blog

New Delhi 29th January 2024: Pebble has yet again reaffirmed its position as a design leader in the Indian smartwatch market with the launch of Pebble Hive, the first-ever smartwatch with an octagonal dial. Moving beyond the world of mundane square & round dials, Pebble Hive sports a massive 6-sided octagonal 1.39” HD display, and boasts DIY Watch Faces, with a boxful of customization options. Priced at a special launch price of just Rs 1,499, the Hive, with the most unique shape, advanced calling specs, magnetic charging and unique features like world clock, has been introduced exclusively on pebblecart.com and Flipkart.com

Pebble’s co-founder Komal Agarwal spoke about the inspiration behind the smartwatch, “Most of us are hustling day and night, just like a bee, constantly moving forward to ensure we strike the right balance. Hive is an ode to everyone who is working towards making their dreams come true. It inspires them to break the shackles of ordinary and move towards excellence. In a world of squares and rounds, lets #BeHive and shine among the crowd.”

Ananth Narayanan, Founder & CEO of Mensa Brands, said, “Hive reiterates our commitment to offer a design first smartwatch with premium features at affordable price points. We shall continue to move in this direction and provide our consumers with products that resonate with their state of mind, and are loaded with features, enabling them to choose beyond the ordinary.”

Pebble Hive comes in three colour variants – Black, Blue and Green – and 500 NITS brightness for vision clarity during day time. The smartwatch further goes beyond calling and connectivity, as it has Voice Assistant for a true hands-free experience. It also boasts of an upgraded health suite that includes an activity tracker consisting of Heart Rate, SpO2, Sleep Monitoring. With more than 100 Sports Modes, it enables the user to conquer every sport. With long lasting battery and Magnetic charging, you can enjoy these features non stop.

This Made-In-India smartwatch has multiple utility-based features like World Clock, Alarm, Calculator, Calendar, Weather Update and Inbuilt Games. Being IP 67 certified, it is water and dust resistant. Crafted with Elegance, grab your Pebble Hive at pebblecart.com or Flipkart and indulge in its craftsman ship and style.

The 2024 Top Employers have been announced and NTPC Limited has been certified as a Top Employer in India by the Top Employers Institute.

Shri Dillip Kumar Patel, Director (HR), received the Award on behalf of NTPC at the Top Employers 2024 Certification Celebration Event held on 25th January, 2024, at Singapore.

Top Employers Institute is the global HR authority on certifying excellence in HR best practices. For over 33 years, the firm has been dedicated to accelerating the impact of HR strategies to enrich the world of work through certification, benchmarking, aligning and connecting Top Employers around the globe.

NTPC completed the following steps in order to qualify for the certification: HR Best Practice Survey, Validation and Audit. NTPC’s performance score was rated against an international standard and NTPC has achieved Top Employer status.

The HR Best Practice Survey covers six HR domains consisting of 20 topics including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Wellbeing and more. The survey is based on an international standard so participants are measured against globally applicable best practice. The process involved various stages of validation and rigorous assessment Participants must successfully complete the various stages in the Certification Process and achieve the required score for certification as an official Top Employer.

Being certified as a Top Employer showcases NTPC’s dedication to a better world of work which is exhibited through its “People before PLF (Plant Load Factor)” approach and progressive HR policies and people practices which contribute towards the actualization of the organizational vision and creating positive organizational outcomes and enhanced employee engagement.

Kochi: The Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH), the international body for establishing standards for spices and herbs, will convene its 7th session in Kochi from January 29th to February 2. The significant meeting of international experts from member countries will chart out new global standards for spices to ensure quality and common fair-trade practices. Spices Board India is the secretariat of the CCSCH. This committee is a part of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) which works under the joint auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The commission has over 194 member countries. The WTO recognizes the commission as the international reference point for resolving disputes related to food safety and consumer protection.

The CCSCH7 session marks a significant milestone, as it is the only Codex commodity committee currently chaired and hosted by India, underscoring the country’s pivotal role as a major producer, exporter, and consumer of spices. The meeting is expected to witness participations of around  150 delegates from 44 countries, reflecting a global commitment to advancing the standards for spices and culinary herbs. This year’s session will focus on the development of standards for six spices, namely allspice, juniper berries, star anise, vanilla, turmeric, and cardamom. The development of these standards is crucial for ensuring quality, safety, and fair-trade practices in the global spice market.

The CCSCH7 session in Kochi is a testament to India’s leadership in the global spice sector and its commitment to enhancing the international trade and quality standards of spices and culinary herbs. The outcomes of this session are expected to have a significant impact on the global spice industry, benefiting producers, traders, and consumers worldwide.