Archives February 2024

MSWIL delivers a robust performance with Revenues of Rs 2,117 crores and PAT of Rs. 168 crores for Q3FY24

Mumbai 01st February 2024: Motherson Sumi Wiring India Limited (MSWIL) today announced its financial results for the fiscal 2023-24 third quarter, which ended on 31st December 2023.

Mr. Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Chairman Motherson Sumi Wiring India Ltd., said, 

“These strong quarterly numbers are the result of customer trust and our operational efficiencies. We remain focused on delivering high-quality products and solutions to our customers and supporting them in their plans. We will continue to invest in capacities to meet the future demand. I want to thank and congratulate our teams for their efforts and commitment, which have contributed to this stellar performance.”

Key Highlights 

  • Highest ever Quarterly Revenue & EBITDA
  • Maintained status of a debt-free company
  • Proudly supplying wiring harness solutions to leading automotive OEMs in India.
  • New-age innovative capabilities are in place, serving all powertrain requirements (ICE, Electric, Hybrid, etc.)
  • Expanding capacities to support customer expansion plans.

Financial Performance 

Q2FY24 INR Crores Growth on YoY basis
Revenues 2,117 +25%
EBITDA 262 +46%
PBT 219 +55%
PAT 168 +58%

Motherson Sumi Wiring India Limited (MSWIL) 

Motherson Sumi Wiring India Limited (MSWIL) is a leading and fast-growing full-system solutions provider to OEMs in the wiring harness segment in India. Motherson Sumi Wiring India is a joint venture between Samvardhana Motherson International Limited (SAMIL) [Formerly Motherson Sumi Systems Limited] and Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. (SWS). The company is prepared to meet the customer needs at every stage of the supply chain, from initial product design and validation to tool design and manufacturing, finishing, processing, assembly, and finally, production of integrated cutting-edge Electrical and electronic Distribution Systems for the power supply or data transfer across vehicles. Motherson Sumi Wiring India Limited has a product profile that benefits from favourable industry trends of premiumisation, which leads to an increase in automobile electrification, and supports current and future automotive trends. (CIN – L29306MH2020PLC341326) www.mswil.motherson.com

BioAsia 2024 confers the Genome Valley Excellence Award

Hyderabad, 1  February, 2024: The 21st edition of BioAsia – the marquee healthcare and Life Sciences event, organized by the Government of Telangana, has announced that the coveted Genome Valley Excellence Award for the year 2024 will be conferred upon Noble Prize winning Paediatrician and Professor Gregg L. Semenza.

International Advisory Board of BioAsia consisting of personalities of national and international reputation including the likes of Dr. Ajit Shetty (Corporate Vice President Global Operations, Johnson & Johnson USA (retd.) and Chairman Emeritus, Janssen Pharmaceutica, Belgium); Dr. Makarand Jawadekar, (Former Director, Pfizer, US); Dr. Robert Naismith, (Former Chairman, JUJAMA, US), among others have made the final selection of the awardee, in light of his prominent ground-breaking discovery in unveiling the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1 protein), a pivotal discovery controlling gene expression in response to fluctuations in oxygen availability.

Professor L. Semenza is currently the C. Michael Armstrong Professor of Genetic Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA. His pioneering work in the field is critical in the treatment of diseases such as cancer, anemia, blinding eye diseases, and cardiovascular disorders.

covid

Professor L.Semenza had discovered how cells can sense and adapt to changing oxygen availability. During the 1990s. he identified a molecular machinery that regulates the activity of genes in response to varying levels of oxygen. The discoveries may lead to new treatments of anemia, cancer, and many other diseases. He received the eminent noble prize in Physiology or Medicine in the year 2019 for the discovery on “how cells sense and adapt to oxygen availability”.

Speaking on the announcement of the 2023 Genome Valley Excellence Award, Mr. D Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Industries and IT, Government of Telangana said, “I am thrilled that the award committee has decided to confer the prestigious Genome Valley Excellence Award upon Professor Gregg L. Semenza during the 2024 BioAsia. His groundbreaking discovery in unravelling the scientific mysteries stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to scientific excellence and innovation. I commend Professor Semenza for his outstanding contributions to the field of molecular biology and extend my best wishes for continued success in his future endeavors. His work serves as an inspiration to aspiring scientists and underscores the transformative power of knowledge in shaping a better tomorrow for humanity. I look forward to welcoming him in Hyderabad and I am sure his visit will energize our scientific community to further Hyderabad’s contribution to biomedical innovation.”

“The Genome Valley Excellence Award has achieved the stature of most eminent awards in the field of life sciences. Year on year distinguished personalities have been presented with this coveted honour. Professor Gregg L. Semenza’s pioneering research has not only deepened our understanding of the intricate mechanisms governing gene expression but also holds immense promise in advancing medical science and improving healthcare outcomes. BioAsia feels honored to host such a renowned personality.” said Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS Principal Secretary (I&C), Government of Telangana.

“The significance of the Genome Valley Excellence Award lies not only in honoring outstanding individuals like Professor Gregg L. Semenza but also in highlighting the collective efforts of the lifesciences community towards advancing scientific knowledge and improving human health. Over the years, the Genome Valley Excellence Award has garnered prominence as a coveted recognition within the lifesciences fraternity and has become synonymous with groundbreaking innovation, cutting-edge research, and transformative impact, inspiring individuals and organizations to strive for excellence in their pursuit of scientific advancement. As we celebrate the remarkable contributions of Professor Semenza and other luminaries honored with the Genome Valley Excellence Award, BioAsia reaffirm its commitment to recognize the efforts of incredible personalities addressing global health challenges and create a better future for humanity.,” said Mr. Shakthi M. Nagappan, CEO, BioAsia and Director of Lifesciences and Pharma, Government of Telangana.

Some of the past Genome Valley Excellence Award winners include Nobel laureates such as Dr. Kurt Wuthrich, Ada Yonath, Harald zur Hausen, Barry Marshall, Martin J Evans, Food Laureates, Lasker Awardees, and eminent leaders like CEO of Novartis Mr. Vas Narasimhan, Richard W. Vague Professor in Immunotherapy and CAR-T cell therapy pioneer, Dr. Carl June, CEO of GAVI Dr. Seth Berkley, among others. Last year, the Genome Valley Excellence award was presented to Dr. Drew Weissman, professor at the Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, for his breakthrough pioneering research and development of effective mRNA COVID-19 vaccine that has helped save billions of lives globally. In 2021, it was awarded to Padma Bhushan awardees Dr. Krishna Ella and Mrs. Suchitra Ella of Bharat Biotech International Ltd. for the development and commercialisation of vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin. In 2022, it was awarded to Prof. Robert S. Langer, in light of his pioneering research that has led to the development of the first commercial mRNA vaccines used for variety of infectious diseases.

Eden Realty Group’s Tallest Sky Gardenat Solaris Shalimar in Howrah is Getting Unprecedented Response

Kolkata, February 01st, 2024: Solaris Shalimar has seen unprecedented sales during the launch of their new towers. The new 18 storeyed towers will be crowned with Howrah’s tallest Sky Garden overlooking Ganges and the Botanical Garden.

Eden Realty Group’s MD Mr. Arya Sumant said, “Being born in Howrah, this project holds a sentimental value to me, and it fills me with pride that we are able to make an affordable project with best-in-class amenities and superb connectivity for the MIG segment. We have currently got 648 flats on offer and whose allotment will be done through E-Lottery process.”

When asked about the response to the launch campaign, the Group’s JMD Mr. Kumar Satyaki replied, “Sales numbers have been unbelievably good with over 2000 people already visiting the site in first 12 days. Apart from sales at the site office, we have sold over 2500 online form through our online portal Surehomz from buyers who couldn’t come to the site at all. We are accepting application till 12th February.”

With this project, Eden Realty has now got over 48 Lakhs square feet under active construction as on date. They have already delivered over 53 Lakhs square feet of habitable space which makes their total construction area cross the 1 Crore square feet landmark.

Experience the Essence of Spring at Conrad Pune: Indulge in Al Di La’s Exclusive Weekend Asparagus Special!

Experience the Essence of Spring at Conrad Pune: Indulge in Al Di La's Exclusive Weekend Asparagus Special!Savor the vibrant flavours of farm-fresh asparagus expertly crafted into delectable dishes by our talented chefs. At Al Di La, we believe in bringing you the best of each season, and our Weekend Asparagus Special is a testament to that commitment. From appetizers that tease your taste buds to mains that leave you craving for more, our menu is a symphony of asparagus-infused creations. Each dish is meticulously prepared to highlight the unique taste and texture of this beloved spring vegetable.

Enjoy a visual and gastronomic feast as our culinary experts transform asparagus into culinary masterpieces.

The Weekend Asparagus Special is a celebration of colour, aroma, and taste, ensuring a memorable dining experience for you and your loved ones.

Complement your asparagus-themed meal with our curated selection of wines and beverages. Our staff is ready to guide you through the perfect pairings, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Our Weekend Asparagus Special is available for a limited time only, so don’t miss the chance to indulge in the seasonal magic. Join us every weekend of February to explore the diverse flavors and culinary possibilities that asparagus brings to the table.

‘Made in India’ Galaxy S24 Series Goes on Sale in India

‘Made in India’ Galaxy S24 Series Goes on Sale in IndiaBengaluru, India 01st February 2024: Galaxy S24 series, Samsung’s recently launched flagship, will go on sale in India starting today. The ‘Made in India’ Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 smartphones come with Live Translate, Interpreter, Chat Assist, Note Assist and Transcript Assist features. AI built into Samsung Keyboard can also translate messages in real-time in 13 languages, including Hindi. In the car, Android Auto will automatically summarize incoming messages and suggest relevant replies and actions.

Galaxy S24 series is being manufactured at Samsung’s Noida factory in India. Samsung has secured record pre-bookings for Galaxy S24 series, making it the most successful S series ever in India. Galaxy S24 series marks a milestone in the history of search as the first phone to debut intuitive, gesture-driven ‘Circle to Search’ with Google. Users can circle, highlight, scribble on, or tap anything on Galaxy S24’s screen to see helpful, high-quality search results. For certain searches, generative AI-powered overviews can provide helpful information and context pulled together from across the web.

Galaxy S24 series’ ProVisual Engine is a comprehensive suite of AI-powered tools that transform image capturing abilities and maximize creative freedom. The Quad Tele System on Galaxy S24 Ultra now comes with a new 5x optical zoom lens that works with the 50MP sensor to enable optical-quality performance at zoom levels from 2x, 3x, 5x to 10x, thanks to Adaptive Pixel Sensor. Images also show crystal clear results at 100x with enhanced digital zoom.

With upgraded Nightography capabilities, photos and videos shot on Galaxy S24 Space Zoom are brilliant in any conditions, even when zoomed in. Galaxy S24 Ultra’s larger pixel size, now 1.4 μm, is 60% bigger, helping capture more light in dim conditions. Wider optical image stabilizer (OIS) angles and enhanced hand-shake compensation help reduce blur. Both front and rear cameras are equipped with Dedicated ISP Block for noise reduction.

Galaxy AI editing tools on Galaxy S24 series enable simple edits like erase, re-compose, and remaster.  Edit Suggestion uses Galaxy AI to suggest perfectly suitable tweaks for each photo, while Generative Edit can fill in parts of an image background with generative AI. Anytime Galaxy S24 deploys generative AI to amplify an image, a watermark will appear on the image and in metadata.

The new Instant Slow-mo can generate additional frames based on movements to smoothly slow down action-packed moments for a more detailed look. Super HDR reveals lifelike previews before the shutter is ever pressed.

Galaxy S24 Ultra is equipped with Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy that delivers remarkable NPU improvement for incredibly efficient AI processing. In all three Galaxy S24 models, 1-120 Hz adaptive refresh rates improve performance efficiency.

Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with a 1.9 times larger vapor chamber, improving device surface temperature while also maximizing sustained performance power. Ray tracing enables life-like visuals with superior shadow and reflection effect. Galaxy S24 reaches 2600nit peak brightness, making it the brightest Galaxy smartphone ever. Corning® Gorilla® Armor on the Galaxy S24 Ultra is optically enhanced for superior durability.

Galaxy S24+ comes with a 6.7-inch and Galaxy S24 has a 6.2-inch display. Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 6.8-inch flatter display, optimized not just for viewing but also for productivity. Galaxy S24+ now supports the same level of QHD+ found on Galaxy S24 Ultra. Galaxy S24 Ultra is the first-ever Galaxy phone to feature a titanium frame, enhancing device durability and longevity.

Galaxy S24 series is secured by Samsung Knox for safeguarding critical information and protection against vulnerabilities with end-to-end secure hardware, real-time threat detection and collaborative protection. Galaxy S24 users have full controllability over how much they allow their data to enhance AI experiences, through Advanced Intelligence settings, which can disable online processing of data for AI features.

Galaxy S24 series continues Samsung’s commitment to extending the product lifecycle, offering seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates to help users reliably experience the optimized performance of their Galaxy devices for even longer. 

Launch Offers

Consumers purchasing Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S24+ will get benefits, while those buying Galaxy S24 . Consumers can also opt for No Cost EMI upto 24 Months on purchase of S24 Series.

Shaping a Positive Business Landscape in Budget 2024

By Rakesh Raghuvanshi, Founder and CEO, Sekel Tech 

With the impending Union Budget 2024 announcement on February 1, the entrepreneurial community is actively engaging in a constructive dialogue, putting forth nuanced expectations for reforms that would fortify the business environment. One of the primary concerns drawing attention is the taxation of Employee Stock Options (ESOPs) for startups.

Presently, the budget lacks specific provisions offering relief to startups, leading to a taxation burden on employees of unlisted companies even before realizing any liquidity from exercising options. This dynamic has repercussions on talent acquisition and retention for cash-strapped startups and instigates investor hesitation due to unclear ESOP tax implications. A thoughtful proposal suggests exploring alternatives such as deferring taxation on exercised ESOPs until liquidity events or introducing a graded tax system based on holding periods.

Another pivotal consideration is the differentiation in Capital Gains tax rates between listed and unlisted shares. This divergence creates an uneven investment landscape, potentially hindering investments in unlisted companies and impacting the growth trajectory of startups and early-stage ventures. Entrepreneurs advocate for parity in capital gains tax rates for both listed and unlisted shares, not as a complaint but as a strategic move to foster a more balanced and equitable investment environment.

The uncertainty surrounding Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) taxation has also caught the attention of the entrepreneurial community. The lack of clarity on guidelines affects investor confidence, potentially impeding investments in AIFs, crucial for channelling capital into various sectors, including startups. Entrepreneurs propose the necessity for clear and comprehensive AIF taxation guidelines, emphasizing that this step would not only boost investor confidence but also attract capital to diverse segments, contributing to overall economic growth.

The ongoing discussions around the discrepancies in tax rules for service export payments (SEP) and export license (EL) levies highlight the need for streamlined regulations. These disparities can lead to confusion and compliance burdens, inadvertently affecting export-oriented businesses. Entrepreneurs, in a balanced approach, advocate for uniformity in tax regulations for SEP and EL levies, recognizing the potential benefits of simplifying compliance processes and fostering international business growth.

A potential expansion of the angel tax to foreign investors, while on the horizon, raises thoughtful concerns within the business community. Entrepreneurs express the need for clarity and specific details on the potential impact of an expanded angel tax on foreign investors. This is not a complaint but a prudent call for a well-defined threshold or exemptions to ensure a continuous inflow of capital, maintaining a healthy environment for entrepreneurship.

In actively engaging with these concerns and proposing constructive solutions, the business community aims to contribute positively to shaping a policy environment that supports Indian businesses, particularly startups. The aspiration is that the Union Budget 2024 will take cognizance of these considerations, fostering an environment conducive to growth, innovation, and sustained entrepreneurial success. The tone is not one of complaint but of collaboration, recognizing the shared goal of a thriving business landscape.

Medica Superspecialty Hospital celebrates the Brain Tumour Bravehearts

New Delhi, 1st February ’24: Medica Group of Hospitals, the leading private hospital chain in Eastern India, organized an inspiring programme for brain tumour survivors at the hospital today. Recognizing the life-threatening nature of brain tumours and the intricate challenges involved in treating them without causing long-term damage, Medica’s team of highly experienced neurosurgeons have achieved commendable success over the past years. The success is attributed to the unwavering faith and support of patients and their families. During the event, Dr. L.N. Tripathy, Director of Medica Institute of Neurological Diseases (MIND), Senior Consultant, Brain and Spine Surgeon; Dr. Harsh Jain, Senior Consultant – Brain and Spine Surgeon and Dr. Sunandan Basu, Senior Consultant, Brain and Spine Surgeon and ably supported by Dr. Pradip Kumar Mondal, Consultant, Medical & Hemato-Oncology and Dr. Sayan Das, Senior Consultant & Head Radiation Oncology. The programme celebrated the stories of over 20 survivors for their extraordinary journeys, demonstrating that they now not only lead normal and fulfilling lives but also act as sources of inspiration to all other fellow patients.

Brain tumour

During the gathering, Dr. L.N. Tripathy, shared, “In the field of neurosurgery, addressing brain tumours is not merely a surgical procedure; it’s a commitment to not only clinically address the tumour, but also to teat holistically through post-surgical radiation & chemotherapy support and rehabilitation through physiotherapy. We have treated complex brain tumour cases at Medica due to excellent clinical team and the latest technologies. Creation of the support group is to give our patients a platform so that they can share their experiences and give moral support to each other. This group will enable these patients to come back once again to the mainstream of life and lead normal & fulfilling lives.”

Dr. Harsh Jain, shared, “It brings us immense joy to witness everyone present here in a state of well-being and high spirits. At Medica, our commitment is to provide treatment as per global standards in terms of clinical expertise and technology support. We have constituted an internal Tumour Board where we discuss these complex cases across clinicians from concerned disciplines. This board consists of neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, neuro-pathologists, and neuro-radiologists, fostering a comprehensive and collaborative approach in addressing these critical cases.”

Dr. Sunandan Basu emphasized, “The collective presence of every survivor in this room highlights that patients need not go elsewhere or other parts of the country for treatments. At Medica we have successfully treated these patients not just from the state but all. Across Eastern India. Their personal journeys serve as powerful testaments to overcoming adversity and standing tall.”

During the meet, one of the male patients, a 33-year-old, shared his journey and expressed, “I have had a long history of impaired vision. In 2018, doctors recommended I should get a CT scan and MRI, which later showed a large pituitary tumour. I had my operation on 13th October’ 18, and I am immensely grateful to the dedicated hospital staff at Medica, who played a pivotal role in my journey. Thanks to their unwavering commitment and expertise, I am now doing well, back to my work, and embracing life with renewed vigor.”

Another male patient, a 38-year-old, shared, “Before being diagnosed with brain tumour, I was plagued by persistent headaches and forgetfulness, which cast a shadow over my daily life. Thanks to the timely intervention and skillful surgery performed on 30th September’22, I am now on the path to recovery. Grateful for the meticulous care and expertise of the doctors, I have not only overcome the challenges but have also returned to my work seamlessly.”

A 35-year-old lady, who had her c-section and brain tumour operation on the same day, in the same operation theatre, shared her journey, “Facing a brain tumour diagnosis during the last trimester of my pregnancy was a nightmare. The problems in vision and recurrent headaches became a serious concern for both me and my unborn child. However, the compassionate efforts of the obstetricians and neurosurgeons, helped me to sail through the adversity in an informed manner where the clinicians kept me updated about the line of treatment at each step. The decision to perform a caesarean section to deliver my baby, followed by a successful brain tumour surgery not only saved my life but also the life of my child. It’s been 4 months since my operation and I do feel happy & confident that I have passed that dark stage of my life and leading a normal life.”

Mr. R. Udayan Lahiry, Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals, stated, “As per the National Library of Science, it’s estimated that approximately 10 out of every 100,000 individuals in India are diagnosed with central nervous system tumours, and around 2% of these cases are malignant. Over the past 14 years, our neurosurgeons have consistently achieved high success rates in treating brain tumours. Today, I am overwhelmed to hear the success stories from these survivors. Their feedback is invaluable to us. It strengthens our resolve to continue making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who are suffering.”

Mr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Jt. Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals, shared, “The neurosurgery department at Medica has been doing exemplary work since the inception of the hospital. Approximately 1100 complex tumour cases have been operated and this has been possible with the expertise of our clinicians coupled with the latest technologies that we use. Performing such complex cases are now more cohesive with support from the Medica Oncology department as post-surgical Radiation & Chemotherapy services could be availed under one roof. We have not only catered to such patients from Bengal but also from neighbouring North-Eastern states and SAARC countries like Nepal, Bhutan & Bangladesh.”

PVR INOX announces results for the Quarter & 9 months ended 31st Dec’23

PVR INOX announces results for the Quarter & 9 months ended 31st Dec’23Gurugram,01st February 2024: PVR INOX Limited today announced its unaudited consolidated financial results for the quarter and the 9 month period ended December 31, 2023.

As the PVR INOX merger became effective from 6th February 2023; Q3 FY’24 & 9M FY’24 reported results for the company are not comparable with earlier periods. The previous year numbers mentioned below are on a proforma PVR + INOX combined basis for like to like comparison.

During the quarter, the company recorded 36.5 mn admissions with an ATP of INR 271 (YoY growth of 14%) and SPH of INR 132 (YoY growth of 8%). This led to a 14% increase in ticket sales, an 8% rise in Food & Beverage sales, and a 23% boost in Ad sales when compared to proforma figures from Q3 FY’23.

Due to the cricket world cup hosted in India, the first half of the quarter had a muted start. The Tamil film ‘Leo’, which grossed over INR 4,000 mn, and the Hindi film ‘12th fail’, which brought in over INR 650 mn, were the two big hits of October. In November, Tiger 3 grossed INR 3,400 mn, making it the biggest movie for the month.

December emerged as the highest grossing month of 2023 with stellar performance of films released during the month. Hindi film ‘Animal’, which grossed over INR 6,500 mn, became a phenomenal success and the second highest grossing Hindi film of all time. Other notable releases during the month included ‘Salaar’ grossing INR 4,800 mn, ‘Dunki’ grossing INR 2,700 mn and ‘Sam Bahadur’ grossing an impressive INR 1,100 mn till date.

Box office in January has started off on a decent note with ‘Hanuman’ (Telugu) grossing INR 1,900+ mn, ‘Guntur Kaaram’ (Telugu) grossing INR 1,400+ mn and ‘Fighter’ (Hindi) continuing its run with INR 1,400 mn till date. Looking forward, we are optimistic about the compelling content line-up across all languages. In the upcoming months, we have several exciting Hindi movie releases to look forward to including ‘Teri Baaton Main Aisa Uljha Jiya’ starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon and ‘Article 370’ starring Yami Gautam in February; ‘Yodha’ starring Siddharth Malhotra, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ produced by Aamir Khan, ‘Shaitaan’ starring Ajay Devgn and Madhavan and ‘The Crew’ starring Kareena Kapoor and Diljit Dosanjh in March.

From South we have some big films in February like ‘Lal Salaam’ in Tamil starring Rajinikanth, ‘Eagle’ in Telugu starring ‘Ravi Teja’ and ‘Operation Valentine’ in Telugu & Hindi starring Varun Tej. We also have a line-up of some other exciting titles in other regional languages including Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi and Punjabi.

From Hollywood, we have ‘Argylle’ and ‘Madame Web’ in February; ‘Dune Part 2’, ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ and ‘Arthur the King’ in March. We are excited to bring a diverse and captivating cinematic experience to our audience in the months ahead.

We have been working hard to achieve the full potential of our merger. We are happy to update that the integration process has been moving along well and producing significant operational savings.

PVR INOX continues its strong growth momentum, with 29 new screens openings in 7 cinemas during the quarter and a total of 97 new screens in 19 cinemas in 9M FY’24. By exiting 62 underperforming screens during 9M FY’24, we continue to focus on profitable expansion. We’re firmly on track to open a total of 160-170 new screens in FY’24, and will fund this growth through internal accruals. Currently, our screen portfolio includes 1,712 screens in 360 cinemas across 113 cities in India and Sri Lanka.

Over the past 9 months, the company has managed to reduce its net debt by INR 2,188 mn, from INR 14,309 mn on March 31, 2023 to INR 12,121 mn on December 31, 2023.

Commenting on the results and performance, Mr. Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR INOX Ltd., said, “It is really heartening to see that in the year 2023, India stands out as the sole major market worldwide to surpass the pre-pandemic peak in box office collections. The Indian box office witnessed a notable 12% increase, reaching INR 1,22,260 mn in 2023, compared to INR 1,09,480 mn in 2019. In 2023, the Hindi box office experienced a remarkable comeback boasting 4 highest-grossing Hindi films of all time – each surpassing the INR 5,000 mn mark. Besides, a diverse range of mid-scale movies across different languages showcased robust performances at the box office. These statistics underscore the resilience of the Indian cinema industry as a preferred medium of entertainment. We expect even greater and more impressive results from this industry in the coming years.”

MINDSPRINT Embraces Cloud-First ERP Strategy with SAP GROW, for its business acceleration

MINDSPRINT Embraces Cloud-First ERP Strategy with SAP GROW, for its business accelerationIndia 01st February 2024:  MINDSPRINT, the differentiated digital technology and business solutions partner to global businesses through talent, technology, and insights-driven services today announced that it has selected the GROW with SAP solution to optimize internal processes for sustainable growth.

GROW with SAP is an SAP offering designed to support midsize organisations to harness the proven benefits of cloud ERP, with customers immediately able to adopt pre-configured best practices as well as embedded AI and automation capabilities. By implementing GROW with SAP, MINDSPRINT will take full advantage of cloud ERP to unlock agility, streamline its operations, and gain actionable insights.

The GROW with SAP offering will help MINDSPRINT ensure effective margin management by aligning the right resources with projects, leading to on-time delivery and optimal profitability. This will help it gain instant visibility into project costs and profitability, enabling quick data-driven decisions, procurement control, working capital management, and profitability optimization. GROW with SAP simplifies financial management and allows for robust governance and compliance enabling Mindsprint to serve its clients better and scale its business.

Dharmender Kapoor, Chief Executive Officer, of MINDSPRINT, said, “The decision to adopt GROW with SAP marks a significant milestone in our pursuit of customer-obsession. We are dedicated to creating purpose-built digital solutions that will help global enterprises prepare for the future. We believe that this flexibility to define our processes and automate them will result in faster ‘time to value,’ improved resource utilization, and will empower our team to deliver exceptional results for our clients.”

Verena Siow, President & Managing Director, of Southeast Asia at SAP, said, “Businesses today are faced with the volatility of economies, ever-changing consumer behavior, shifting markets, access to raw materials, shipping, and more. With GROW with SAP, MINDSPRINT will be powered by a cloud compliant, modern, flexible ERP that can be updated, and scaled simply.”

“MINDSPRINT will also be able to tap into industry best practices that power the world’s leading companies, gain greater governance and visibility into their operations, while benefiting from a unifying and data-driven approach to process analysis and improve decision-making to future-proof their business,” added Siow.

MINDSPRINT anticipates a range of business benefits from this collaboration, including integrated Cloud ERP with a modern UX, intelligent applications with machine learning integration, faster time-to-staff, enhanced resource utilization, superior customer experiences, and robust governance and compliance. This transformation facilitates MINDSPRINT’s commitment to agility, flexibility, and customer-centricity in an ever-evolving industry landscape.

Experiential agency, White redefines positioning with a new brand visual identity and logo

Experiential agency, White redefines positioning with a new brand visual identity and logoMumbai, India 01st February 2024: White, a leading independent brand experience company specializing in creating meaningful brand experiences with powerful storytelling, announces its visual rebranding and reveals a new logo. This strategic transformation marks a significant milestone for the company as it embraces a new identity and embarks on a vision to harness the power of experiences for brands and help them connect with their audiences on a human level. In addition to this, the agency fortifies its core differentiator with an integrated approach to amplify the brand‘s message using the most impactful medium or combination of media.

White, with a renewed focus, will continue to stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving landscape of brand experiences while embracing a refreshed vision and brand identity. With an intent to create memorability with a clean aesthetic and a touch of playfulness, the rebranded logo and identity seek to convey a ‘contemporary longevity’ with a modern yet timeless design, relevant in the long term. The visual elements of the rebrand reflect the company’s dynamic approach to shaping brand experiences in an ever-changing world.

Speaking on the rebranding, Vishesh Sahni, Founder and CEO, White, said, “We have undertaken this transformative rebrand journey as a conscious, strategic shift. Our impact lies in crafting some of India’s most captivating experiences which we have largely succeeded in, because of our visceral understanding of ‘culture’. Whether it is building cultural narratives for brands, tapping into globally relevant cultural trends, or even creating its own industry-standard culture, our rebrand is intended to encapsulate this approach. In today’s ever-evolving field of brand experiences, it only makes sense for us to set new benchmarks and call ourselves ‘Creators of Culture-first Experiences.’”

With nearly a decade-long track record, White has amassed a wealth of over 100 partner brands; and more than 80 ‘custodians of culture’, across its 3 offices in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Solidifying its position as a creative force shaping brand experiences, the agency is driven by a deep understanding of human emotion, giving rise to innovative and thought-provoking concepts. Having consistently challenged the norm of experiential marketing in India, White has created intrigue with meaningful collaborations; compelling installations, rich story craft, and tech-driven concepts that foster engagement.

Some standout projects of White include the 15th and 16th editions of the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour, featuring evolved formats and culture-forward collaborations. In the last quarter alone, the agency has acquired various noteworthy clients and executed prominent experiences for them. These include the global launch of Indian Single Malt Whisky Longitude 77 and the Indian launch of Don Julio tequila; ultra luxury festive immersions for HNI guests of Cartier & Burberry; stirring interventions for Apple and an experiential offsite for Philip Morris India.