Archives February 2024

National 6th February’24: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) organized Cancer Awareness Event, on the occasion of World Cancer Day which falls on Feb 4 every year. The workshop was a part of JICA’s “Achhi Aadat (Good Habit) Campaign”— a campaign which aims to educate and raise awareness about the significance of hygiene in preventing diseases. Aligned with the upcoming World Cancer Day, the event aimed to impart knowledge to school children aged 15 years and above. More than 200 students of Sarvodaya (Co-ed) Senior Secondary School in Patparganj attended the event.

Several interactive activities were organized to contextualize cancer to school children and enhance their awareness. During the workshop, children were shown a video which explained the social determinants of cancer. JICA representatives and Physicians expounded on significance of early detection. Through a ‘Nukkad Natak’, health-promoting factors as well as the importance of community support for cancer patients was also displayed. Overall, the event aimed to provide comprehensive insight to children about cancer, with special emphasis on the importance of early detection.

New Delhi, 6 February 2024, Union Bank of India proudly announces its achievement of the Payment Card Industry PIN Transaction Security (PCI PIN) certification. This certification underscores Union Bank’s proactive approach to implementing robust security measures and adhering to industry-leading standards to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all transactions processed through our systems.

PCI PIN certification is a set of security standards established to protect the processing and transmission of card PINs used in transactions. This certification ensures that systems and devices involved in PIN processing comply with security standards set forth by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) to safeguard customer’s sensitive information.

Union Bank of India has consistently demonstrated its commitment to implementing industry-leading practices aligned with international standards for managing its information systems. By adhering to stringent security measures and continuously evolving its security protocols to meet emerging threats, Union Bank of India aims to strengthen customer trust and uphold the integrity of all sensitive data entrusted to the bank.

Union Bank of India’s systems, processes and IT facilities are also ISO27001:2013, ISO22301:2019, ISO31000:2018, ISO 27701:2019 & PCI-DSS certified by international certification bodies which provide safe, secure and resilient Banking experience to its customers.

Mumbai/Delhi, 6th February 2024: The Healthy Indian Project (THIP), a distinguished health information platform in India, is included as a member of the World Health Organization’s Vaccine Safety Net (VSN). This significant milestone underscores THIP’s commitment to delivering credible and verified vaccine safety information to the people of India.

VSN, established by the World Health Organization (WHO), serves as a global network of websites that provide trustworthy and verified vaccine safety information. By joining this esteemed network, THIP strengthens its role as a reliable source of verified vaccine safety information, contributing to the global effort to disseminate accurate and science-based details regarding immunization.

As a member of VSN, THIP will continue to provide evidence-based content, empowering individuals across India with the verified vaccine safety information they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Sudipta Sengupta, Founder and CEO of THIP, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration, stating, “Becoming a part of the Vaccine Safety Net is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing the Indian population with accurate and verified vaccine safety information. We are honored to contribute to the global effort in ensuring that individuals have access to verified vaccine safety information.”

VSN is continuously expanding. To date, 110 websites from 45 countries provide vaccine safety information in 43 languages.

THIP’s inclusion in VSN signifies a recognition of its efforts to promote public health and ensure that individuals have access to verified vaccine safety information in the critical domain of vaccination, and will further enhance its role in disseminating accurate and verified health information to the diverse population of India.

The Healthy Indian Project (THIP) is a prominent health information platform in India, dedicated to providing credible and verified health information, with a focus on verified vaccine safety information, to the diverse population of the country.

February 2024: India’s much-loved content company, Terribly Tiny Tales (TTT) has consistently woven heartwarming tales around the threads of love and cherished connections, striking a chord with its audience.  TTT’s flagship IP, ‘Butterflies’ (that captures love in various dynamics) and Valentine’s have been synonymous for years now, with the colossal success and in collaboration with Hershey India for the last two seasons. This year for its much-anticipated 5th season, ‘Butterflies’ powered by Hershey India is set to scale new heights to usher in Valentine’s Day 2024 while retaining the original core of the IP. In a significant stride towards innovation and infusing a special touch into the campaign, TTT is not only expanding its creative prowess but also venturing into the tech domain by launching a custom dedication website for #YourForevers which will be live till February ‘24. With this distinct, cutting-edge portal fueled by Generative AI, TTT empowers users to craft customized SMS messages for their loved ones – adding a layer of sentiment to their storytelling. This strategic move positions TTT at the intersection of content and technology, reaffirming its commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering unique experiences to its audience.

This season, with the help of this brand-new generative AI-focused website, TTT ‘helps you voice for every relationship of your choice’. The platform aims to create tailored dedications, celebrating all kinds of love this Valentine’s – be it the enduring love between friends and couples, or the cherished family bonds or the nuanced dynamics of sibling relationships or any other forms of connection. The AI process seamlessly integrates user inputs, generating personalized dedications with custom images and songs in a classic retro style, thus delivering a tailored mixed tape that captures both present love and futuristic storytelling in mere seconds.

For example, consider a scenario where a friend desires to convey the essence of their bond. The user inputs all the key details into the generative AI platform about their friendship – shared experiences, defining moments, and the emotions he/she wishes to express. The AI weaves this data into a heartfelt poem, incorporates a customized image that resonates with the message and sets it all to a selected song that holds a special meaning. This unique creation, celebrating their friendship is then delivered directly to the recipient’s inbox.

The entire campaign caters to a diverse audience of all age groups and revolves around the simple concept that being romantic at heart doesn’t always translate to romantic actions, and TTT addresses this challenge at scale, maintaining a personalized touch at the same time.  While creative storytelling remains at TTT’s core, the brand is adopting fresh, modern formats to narrate familiar tales in 2024.  Moreover, top dedications on the platform will stand a chance of becoming a film in Butterflies S5.

Anuj Gosalia, Founder and CEO of TTT, said, “With the world moving towards generative AI, we have stitched real love and Artificial Intelligence together by building the country’s largest dedication portal to help you express your love this Valentine’s. Personalization is a powerful tool for making consumers feel valued and understood. We have been working on this project since November ‘23  and, as we launch this website just ahead of the romantic season, we invite you to join us in the art of personalized storytelling. Also, stay tuned for the upcoming 5th season of ‘Butterflies,’ our flagship web series in collaboration with Hershey India – capturing diverse love dynamics with its rich storytelling which has always kept the audience enraptured. We’ve pulled out all the stops to make this season bigger and better.”

Ankit Desai, Marketing Director, Hershey India, said, “Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love in its myriad expressions, from the profound connection between spouses, to the bittersweet relationship between siblings, and the everlasting ties shared with parents. Over the past three years, we have been building and strengthening the ethos of our campaign ‘YourForevers’. To bring alive this, we are thrilled to yet again associate with Terribly Tiny Tales for the upcoming season of ‘Butterflies’. As we eagerly anticipate the romantic tales and heartfelt content that will surely strike a chord with the viewers, we are equally excited about TTT’s launch of their Generative AI portal that adds another dimension to the campaign. Embodying innovation at its core, this portal is a canvas for heartfelt messages, elevating the art of expressing love in the digital age. Our strategy seamlessly integrates creativity, strategic execution and cutting-edge technology, enabling heartfelt connections across diverse relationships. Through the AI portal, we want to enable consumers to express love to their forevers while providing a truly personalized and meaningful experience.”

Strategically slated for a pre-Valentine’s Day launch, the website launch campaign will leverage social media platforms for widespread promotion.  Additionally, TTT will be collaborating with multiple influencers, who will use the portal to dedicate original songs and express how they feel. The brand is eyeing to generate 10K + submissions through the portal and maintaining a dynamic buzz around the campaign.  So, unleash the power of personalized storytelling, create unique dedications, and make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable for your loved ones. Just like love has no limits, so does the portal! Feel free to utilize it as many times as you want to.

Log in to the website: https://yourforevers.hersheyland.in  and now and let your messages speak volumes.

New Delhi, 06 February 2024: Taj Mahal, New Delhi announces the launch of Blind Bakes Cafe, an initiative aimed at empowering visually impaired women, in association with NAB India Centre for Blind Women & Disability Studies. The initiative represents a significant step towards inclusive hospitality and reinforces Taj Mahal, New Delhi’s commitment to social responsibility.

Speaking on the launch Mr. Satyajeet Krishnan, Area Director – Operations and General Manager, Taj Mahal, New Delhi said, “Our longstanding partnership with NAB takes on a new dimension today. With the launch of this Cafe, we remain steadfast in our commitment towards equality, inclusion and sustaining livelihoods. While we provide culinary and housekeeping skills to members of NAB, we are privileged to savour the delightful creations crafted by their team in our associate dining room.”

Ms. Shalini Khanna Sodhi, Founder Director NAB India Centre for Blind Women and Disability Studies said, “Blind Bake is an unparalleled story of diversity and inclusion. Blind chefs have shown us that nothing is impossible. An amazing initiative of Taj Mahal, New Delhi to empower the training enterprise by visually impaired women to invite Blind Bake in their staff cafeteria.”

The initiative is inspired by IHCL’s core values and the profound words of Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, Founder, Tata Group “In a free enterprise, the community is not just another stakeholder in business, but is in fact the very purpose of its existence”. Through this initiative, Taj Mahal, New Delhi, strives to create meaningful opportunities for the visually impaired community, aligning seamlessly with the ethos of Paathya, the sustainability and social impact framework by IHCL.

Derived from the Sanskrit term पथ्य, inferring a path, Paathya encapsulates IHCL’s initiatives to lead positive change with its core values of Trust of all stakeholders, Awareness around the needs of our ecosystem and Joy at heart. Taking ahead its over a century old legacy, Paathya forges a journey focused on Environmental Stewardship, Social Responsibility, Excellence in Governance, Preserving Heritage, Value Chain Transformation, and Sustainable Growth.

New Delhi, 6^th January, 2024: One of India’s leading private life insurance firms, Ageas Federal Life Insurance (AFLI) today announced the launch of its latest offering, the Multicap Fund, as part of its ULIP (Unit Linked Insurance Plan) portfolio. This open-ended fund is designed to deliver returns by strategically investing in a diversified portfolio of listed companies spanning various market caps.

“We are excited to present a new addition to our ULIP portfolio, targeting capital appreciation returns via diversified investments across various market caps. Our commitment to providing innovative and value-driven solutions is reinforced with the introduction of the Multicap Fund. This strategic addition to our ULIP portfolio aims to deliver attractive returns for our customers while ensuring diversification and risk management,” said Vighnesh Shahane, MD & CEO of Ageas Federal Life Insurance.

The launch of the Multicap Fund underscores Ageas Federal Life Insurance’s continuous efforts to enhance its product offerings and meet the evolving financial needs of its customers,” Shahane added.

As of February 5^th, 2024, the Multicap Fund will be incorporated into the following products:

• Platinum Wealth Builder
• Smart Growth Plan
• Wealthsurance SP II

The Multicap Fund is designed to help customers grow their capital by investing in a carefully curated blend of well-established blue-chip companies, emerging blue-chip companies, mid-cap companies, and select small-cap companies. With a focus on the medium to long term, the fund aims to spread risks by investing in stocks across various sectors, providing customers with a diversified and potentially rewarding investment strategy.

Key details of the Multicap Fund include:

• Fund Name: Multicap Fund
• Investment Objective: Capital appreciation through a diversified portfolio across market caps.
• Investment Horizon: Medium to long term.

The launch of the Multicap Fund underscores Ageas Federal Life Insurance’s continuous efforts to enhance its product offerings and meet the evolving financial needs of its customers.

Mumbai, February 06, 2024: Weddingbazaar, India’s largest wedding planning platform from the Matrimony.com group, conducted a first-of-its-kind survey to identify the top wedding destinations in India. The survey, which saw the participation of over 3,000 individuals, helped understand the expectations of couples-to-be. Uttarakhand, Jaipur, Goa, Alibaug, Kasauli, Udaipur, Kolkata, Agra, Mussoorie, Vizag, and Kerala emerged as other preferred choices for destination weddings.

A poll was also conducted on Weddingbazaar Instagram story on similar lines and revealed that Lakshadweep Islands emerged as the second most sought-after destination in 2024, only after Udaipur.

Speaking about the choices, Arjun Bhatia, Chief Marketing Officer, Matrimony.com said, “There has been a gradual surge in interest for Lakshadweep, and it has now found a place on our list. While Rajasthan remains a favoured choice among couples, it’s nice to see the enchanting Lakshadweep Islands gaining popularity. This trend is particularly delightful as it signifies that people are exploring and embracing a wider array of destinations in India for hosting weddings, showcasing the growing diversity in choices.”

The survey revealed that couples wishing for a sun-kissed beachy landscape surrounded by lush greenery voted for Lakshadweep Islands, while the majestic destination of Udaipur was chosen by those who wished to nurture the royals in them. For lovers of heritage and culture, places like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kolkata, and Agra were their natural choices. Places like Uttarakhand, Kasauli near Shimla, and Mussoorie became the ultimate choice of couples wishing for a perfect climate and fantastic scenery. With all its beaches and mouth-watering seafood, places like Goa, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Alibaug continued to be on the list. In the south, the dreamy backwaters of Kerala and affordable Vizag made it to the list.

Couples can choose makeup artistes, photographers, planners, decorators, venues, and mehndi artistes from Weddingbazaar.  WedAssist – a wedding planning assistance service provided by them helps to save time and money in planning the wedding.

Bengaluru, February 06^th, 2024: Workplace Solutions Pvt Ltd, dedicated to providing tailor-made product solutions for Commercial Office Fit-outs, proudly unveiled MillerKnoll’s largest showroom in India at Bengaluru, Ulsoor Road. MillerKnoll, a global collective of dynamic design brands, is well known world over for award-winning modern furniture designs and inventive furnishings that improve the human experience wherever people work, heal, learn and live. Within the MillerKnoll collective, brands share a common dedication to unique design, meticulous craftsmanship and research-backed innovations. Extending footprint in south market, marks the fifth dedicated dealer led showroom for MillerKnoll, strategically positioned across major Indian cities.

The inauguration ceremony, hosted in Bengaluru, immersed attendees in a diverse portfolio of iconic design brands curated under the MillerKnoll umbrella. Encompassing over 12000 square feet of space spread across 5 levels, the showroom is meticulously designed to narrate the MillerKnoll story, providing customers with an immersive shopping experience that showcases the brand’s design approach, innovative concepts, and commitment to sustainability.

Sushant Singh, Director, Workplace Solutions, emphasized the significance of Bengaluru as a pivotal market for MillerKnoll that redefines furniture design for the 21st century in harmony with the everchanging needs of architecture and design community. Singh expressed, “We are thrilled to launch the brand in Bengaluru, thus bringing an exclusive opportunity for enthusiasts to experience the best of designs and to redefine the modern workplace. Assisting in MillerKnoll’s India journey brings immense pleasure, offering Bengalureans easy access to a vast array of design options within their home city.”

Commenting on this milestone Dominik Ramminger, VP, International Channel Development, MillerKnoll, said, “For the brand these launch events symbolize a commitment to the Indian market. It’s an opportunity to collaborate with dealers like Workplace Solutions to showcase the collective’s diverse portfolio strategically in the south, north and west of India. For dealers, it’s a golden opportunity to represent a global leader in modern design, offering an unparalleled array of products for homes, offices and beyond. The recent launches in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and today in Bengaluru is just the beginning, as we have ambitious plans to extend our reach even further in the Indian market”.

This recent expansion is just the beginning, as MillerKnoll envisions further growth in the Indian market. The grand opening of the Bengaluru showroom promises to be a landmark event, introducing a remodel and refresh that brings a fresh perspective to the portfolio of products. Situated at #8/3, Opposite Sunrise Chambers, Ulsoor Road, Bengaluru- 560042, the MillerKnoll showroom is now open for scheduled customer tours and prospective buyers can contact their MillerKnoll sales representative to arrange a curated tour.

In 2021, following Herman Miller’s merger with Knoll, Herman Miller was renamed MillerKnoll, and the brands’ shared legacies of sustainable and inclusive design were brought together.

HSNC University’s Faculty of Science and Technology marked a historic milestone by organizing the inaugural international conference on artificial intelligence (AI). The event, titled “Artificial Intelligence Horizons: Navigating Future Frontiers,” took place at the university’s Mumbai campus, attracting esteemed experts, academicians, and professionals from diverse fields. It was the initiative of Dr Hemlata K Bagla.  The organizing team led by Dr Rakhi Gupta as the convener of the conference was applauded by the Honorable Vice Chancellor.

The Two-Day International Conference, “AI Horizons: Navigating Future Frontiers,” was held on February 2 & 3, 2024. The event, featured 50 research paper presentations by UG and PG students, teachers, and insightful panel discussions, was graced by Padmashri Deepak Phatak as the keynote speaker, Mrs. Monika Garg IAS as the chief guest, and Dr. Vikas Chandra Rastogi as the guest of honor. The conference was organized by the Faculty of Science and Technology at HSNC University, Mumbai, and guided by Mr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost of HSNC University, Mumbai, and Dr. Tejashri Shanbag, Executive Director of K.C. College, provided a comprehensive exploration of AI. The conference brought together thought leaders to delve into the profound impact of AI on the future. The esteemed guests included Padma Shri Dr. Deepak Phatak, Professor Emeritus in the Computer Science and Engineering Department at IIT Bombay, and Dr. Meenakshi Arya, a research scientist from Iowa State University, who joined online from the United States.

Chaired by Dr. Raki Gupta, with the collaborative efforts of the university, the conference provided a platform for insightful discussions on the practical applications, impact, and usefulness of AI in various sectors. Notable AI experts such as Smita Bagla, Ankit Garg, Surbhi Kaul, and Aniruddh Khopade from Square Yards shared their expertise during engaging panel discussions. The conference also witnessed the participation of government dignitaries, including Monica Garg, Additional Chief Secretary in the Uttar Pradesh government, and Vikas Rastogi, Chief Secretary (Higher and Technical Education) in the Maharashtra government. Their presence highlighted the significance of AI in shaping the future of education and technology.

Prominent academics, including Associate Professor Dr. Alankar from IIT Bombay, Dr. Ajay Patil from North Maharashtra University, and Assistant Professor Dr. Ojas Satbhai from Pandit Deendayal Energy University, contributed to enlightening panel discussions. Additionally, the event featured the insights of author and inventor Shrikant Shiralakar and AI specialist Mangesh Karahadkar.

The conference not only showcased cutting-edge developments in AI but also addressed the curiosity of the younger generation through interactive sessions. This pioneering initiative by HSNC University underscores its commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and innovation in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.

Bengaluru, 06^th February 2024: LG Electronics India announced the launch of its comprehensive Cancer Support & Treatment CSR Program- ‘Together Against Cancer’. This initiative underscores LG’s dedication to social responsibility and aims to address the intricate challenges posed by cancer across India. The initiative is in collaboration with the renowned Indian Cancer Society (ICS), a 70-year-old organization founded by Dr. D J Jussawalla and Mr. Naval Tata, dedicated to cancer awareness, research, and patient support, registry and research.

The program’s reach is extensive, encompassing mass awareness campaigns across various platforms such as radio, cinema, and social media. In addition to these, the initiative incorporates a targeted approach with approximately 100 school, colleges and at Pubic / Pvt organisations for outreach programs. This approach of ICS with support from LG Electronics India aims to create awareness and education, laying the groundwork for a more informed and vigilant society.

Crucially, the program will conduct numerous screening camps across Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Bihar, reaching directly to over 10,000 beneficiaries and sensitizing an additional 49,000 individuals. This ambitious effort reflects LG’s joint commitment with ICS for early detection and proactive intervention, which is key components in the fight against cancer.

In addition to the screening initiatives, will provide financial aid for the diagnosis and treatment of a minimum of 150 underprivileged patients in states including Delhi, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar. Also the program’s holistic approach extends beyond treatment, focusing on survivorship and rehabilitation. With a specific target to support beneficiaries, counselling services, educational opportunities, vocational courses, and awareness workshops collectively aim to empower and reintegrate cancer survivors into mainstream society.

Commenting on the same, Mr. Hong Ju Jeon- MD LG Electronics India, said, “The fight against cancer requires collective efforts, and we are proud to partner with the Indian Cancer Society to launch this comprehensive CSR program. Our commitment goes beyond financial aid; we aim to address the entire spectrum of cancer care, from awareness and screening to treatment and survivorship. This initiative reflects our dedication to creating a positive impact on society and aligns with our corporate social responsibility values.”

Mrs. Usha Thorat National Managing Trustee, Indian Cancer Society said: “The collaboration with LG Electronics India marks another significant stride in our collective efforts against cancer and want to thank them for this partnership. The aim is to drive positive communication that helps reduce fear, encourage people to get themselves checked / screened regularly to stay two steps ahead of cancer. We are poised to amplify our impact and provide much-needed assistance to individuals in need. Together, we are steadfast in our resolve to make a positive difference in the lives of cancer patients and survivors.”

LG Electronics India Limited’s Cancer Support & Treatment CSR Program exemplifies the company’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and its vision for creating a healthier and more sustainable society. As the program unfolds, it is poised to bring hope, awareness, and support to the forefront, leaving a lasting impact on the fight against cancer in India.