Archives February 2024

Mumbai: TimesPro, a leading Higher EdTech platform, has been prominently featured in the documentary series, ‘The Indian EdTech Story,’ produced by Edstead. The series, nowstreaming on Disney+ Hotstar, highlights the significant impact and outcomes of TimesPro in transforming the educational landscape for millions of learners across India. The series reflects its remarkable journey towards becoming one of the most sustainable EdTech players in the industry.

The documentary underscores TimesPro’s commitment to bridging the gap between the industry and academia as it showcases its profound influence on the learning experiences of countless individuals. The series focuses on the positive contributions that the EdTech sector has made, while also exploring the challenges it faces along the way. By doing so, it demonstrates how the sector continues to play a pivotal role in creating a lasting impact.

‘The Indian EdTech Story’further dwells on TimesPro’ssignificant role in Higher Education in boosting employability opportunities and integrating new-age skills through its upskilling solutions to realise its ambition of creating a highly skilled workforce for India. With learner-centricity at its core and focussing on providing learning solutions across the learner lifecycle, TimesPro shares its transformative journey to democratise education and create opportunities for all.

Speaking on being featured in ‘The Indian EdTech Story’, Anish Srikrishna, CEO, TimesPro said, “TimesPro is not just about providing learning solutions, but it is also a catalyst for change.Our commitment to driving innovation, accessibility, and affordability in education is unwavering. We believe in harnessing the power of technology, fostering collaboration between industry and academia, and prioritising learner-centricity to shape a brighter future for generations to come. This documentary serves as a testament to our mission to democratise education and drive positive change in the Indian EdTech ecosystem.”

Commenting on the release, Shekhar Bhattacharjee, Founder of Edstead expressed, “The entire objective behind producing this series was to illuminate the transformation of education into an affordable and accessible realm for millions. The series not only captures the highs and lows of the EdTech sector but also underscores its ongoing commitment to creating a positive impact.”

TimesPro’s journey in the documentary showcases its resolve to empowering learners, fostering industry-academic collaborations, and driving positive change in the Indian education landscape by providing accessible and affordable learning and upskilling opportunities for learners across the country.

New Delhi,23rd February 2024: Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd., India’s fifth-largest cement group has widened its operational presence with the inauguration of its second state-of-the-art Ready-mix Concrete Plant (RMX) as Patna-II. Situated strategically at Ranipur Milki Chak, Begampur, bypass, this plant marks Nuvoco’s continued commitment for providing top-quality building materials to the Patna region.

Strategically located approximately 24 kilometers from the first plant, Patna-II is positioned as Nuvoco’s regional flagship plant. It capitalizes on untapped market potential by providing quick access to Nuvoco’s Cement Plant in the region. Its proximity to nearby Industrial, Commercial, and Residential developments guarantee high-quality concrete solutions on time.

Mr. Prashant Jha, Chief of the Ready-Mix (RMX) Concrete and Modern Building Materials business at Nuvoco Vistas expressed his excitement at the inauguration of this latest plant, stating, “The launch of the Patna-II plant underscores Nuvoco’s dedication to providing innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry in Bihar. This new facility will not only strengthen our presence in the region but also enable us to serve our customers more efficiently.”

The Patna-II facility has a capacity of 60 cubic meters per hour and features a Twin Shaft Mixer capable of producing all grades of concrete. This includes Value Added Products (VAPs) under the brands of XCON – Xpert concrete with Nuvoco mixes, CONCRETO visualizing Self-Compacting Smart Concrete, Light Weight Concrete (Structural & Non-structural grades), Fibre Enriched Concrete, High Strength Concrete, Water & Crack Resistant Concrete, Foundation Expert Concrete. ECODURE – Range of Green Concrete, ARTISTE – Decorative Concrete Floors, and INSTAMIX – Ready to use Bagged Concrete.

Patna-II is equipped to meet the construction needs of a wide geographical area, covering Hajipur, Masaurhi, Fatua, Panapur, Sampat Chowk on Gaya Road, and the suburbs of Patna. It is positioned at the crossroads of NH22 and NH31 in eastern Patna that allows for easy access to the central, eastern, and northern areas, reducing travel time and improving market response.

Nuvoco currently operates 58 Ready-Mix Concrete (RMX) Plants across India including Patna-II, further strengthening its footprints, and aiding in the construction sector’s overall development.

Pune(S.N): iluvia, a professional haircare brand under Renaura Wellness Pvt. Ltd., has secured a Series A funding from Fireside Ventures and Multiply Ventures. This investment represents a crucial milestone for the organisation as it will play a pivotal role in the company’s efforts to assemble a high-caliber team and to fuel its brand expansion initiatives.

Founded by Nishant Gupta and Palash Pandey, both alumni of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), iluvia was created from a passion to deliver the best in self-care. The brand’s Research & Development division focuses on developing a diverse product portfolio tailored to professional haircare needs, including the development of India’s first Hard Water Shampoo. Initially incubated at VIT, Renaura Wellness later secured funding from Startups Club Incurator Network (SCIN).

Speaking on the milestone, Nishant Gupta and Palash Pandey, Co-founders, Renaura Wellness Pvt. Ltd. said, “This investment validates our vision and fuels our mission to revolutionize the professional haircare industry. With this funding, we are empowered to bolster our R&D investments while further expanding our product offerings with innovative and unique solutions for professionals as well as consumers. With Series A closed, our aim is to ramp up talent acquisition and expand our team by recruiting skilled professionals who share our passion.”

Committed to being tech-first, iluvia stands at the forefront of the professional haircare segment with a dedication to quality and innovation. Operating in a market teeming with potential, iluvia has established its presence in over 2500 salons spanning across 70+ cities in India. With robust expansion and growth plans, the brand is gearing up to increase its market penetration and solidify its position as one of the top professional haircare brands in the country. With a passion for excellence and a vision for the future, iluvia continues to revolutionize the industry, offering salon professionals and consumers a range of premium solution-driven products formulated to address huge need-gaps in the market.

Dipanjan Basu, Co-founder and Partner, Fireside Ventures added, “Our investment in iluvia is an endorsement of our commitment to building iconic and innovative consumer brands. The brand’s reliance on science and their meticulous R&D process is why they are seen as being great innovators in personal care. We believe in their vision and are very impressed with their dedication to creating truly transformative and revolutionary products which are highly efficacious and safer for consumers. At Fireside, our quest is on for brands that have an inherent value of goodness ingrained in every aspect of the product and iluvia is a perfect match.”

Addressing the achievement, Founder & General Partner at Multiply Ventures, Sanjay Ramakrishnan said, “The beauty and personal care space is growing rapidly in India and there are many ways to cater to the market’s needs. Our thesis at Multiply Ventures has been to partner with founders who solve a large niche with research-focused, Science-backed, safe products with clear deliverables on the outcome. iluvia checks all the boxes with its very focused product line-up. The distribution of the professional range of products via the salon networks and the acceptance of the same by the salon owners and the end consumers has been very encouraging. We at Multiply are happy to have partnered with Palash, Nishant, and the team at iluvia since the beginning. We started the Journey with iluvia in the seed round and are very excited that Fireside Ventures has joined us in this journey by investing in Series A alongside us.”

iluvia, presents a meticulously curated range of scientifically formulated haircare products to address diverse hair concerns while promoting overall hair health. The global haircare market valued at over USD 83 Billion in 2022, with an anticipated CAGR of 5.28% leading to USD 113 Billion by 2028*. The Indian Hair Care and Styling Products market stands at over USD 5.8 Billion**. In this landscape, iluvia’s commitment to science-backed formulations positions it as a trusted innovator operating in the premium end of the market and poised to meet the dynamic demands of the growing professional haircare market.

At the Light + Building trade fair from March 3 to 8, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, Covestro will be showcasing a wide range of innovative material developments for the lighting and building industry, including the current trends of “electrification” and “smart connectivity”. In line with the increasing demand for more sustainable products, the company also offers Makrolon® R polycarbonates made from mechanically recycled plastic waste, and ISCC PLUS-certified, mass-balanced grades from the Makrolon® RE range using biowaste and residual materials.

The company’s stand A39 in Hall 8.0 will showcase commercial luminaires from well-known manufacturers using these more sustainable types of plastic, as well as switches and sockets from the SAGATM series from ABB, a leading technology company in the fields of electrification and automation, in which Makrolon® RE is used.

However, Covestro not only offers the right plastics for increasing technical and sustainability requirements, but also supports customers from conception through product and design development to commercialization. The company’s application and material experts strive to meet customer requirements in terms of colors, materials and surface finishes (Color, Material, Finish; CMF). This also includes close cooperation with industrial designers.

Realistic virtual prototypes

The use of digital technologies in particular contributes to accelerated product development. Complex optical measurement processes can be used to create digital twins and thus photorealistic renderings that allow the appearance of the finished product to be recognized at an early stage without the need to produce complex prototypes. New color trends will be presented at the trade fair stand and digital materials can be tried out on a wallbox rendering on site.

Tailor-made polycarbonates from Covestro are available for lighting and illumination technology, covering a whole range of requirements and properties:

• High light transmission: The Makrolon^® LED range offers exceptional light transmission of over 90 percent, which improves the light output of transparent luminaire covers, lenses, light guides and other optical products. It enables more efficient lighting solutions while maintaining transparency and aesthetics.

• Different levels of translucency: Covestro offers three levels of translucency with maximum light transmission to realize customization of opacity for luminaires. The Makrolon^® DQ range ensures optimum lighting conditions without compromising on design and visual appeal.

• Diffuse reflection: Ideal for reflectors, Makrolon^® RW offers aesthetic white surfaces combined with up to 97 percent diffuse reflection in all directions. This property results in glare-free, eye-friendly light and makes it an excellent choice for various lighting applications. An opaque version is also available to avoid light emissions.

• Good thermal conductivity: The Makrolon^® TC range offers plastic solutions with maximum thermal conductivity. As an alternative to metal heat sinks, these materials not only enable weight reduction, but also design flexibility and more energy-efficient production than with the conventional material aluminum.

• Flame retardant plastics: Under the name Makrolon^® FR, Covestro offers flame retardant variants of Makrolon^® LED, DQ, RW and TC products for applications with high lighting and safety requirements. These include materials that are suitable for use in trains or other means of mass transportation.

If you would like to find out more about the functional and more sustainable material solutions for the lighting industry, visit us at the Covestro stand in Hall 8B, Stand A39.

On March 5, Covestro expert Dr. Niklas Meine will give a presentation entitled “Smart Plastics Solutions for a Circular Economy – Combining Performance, Aesthetics and Sustainability” at stand B60 in hall 5.0 from 2:30 pm.

Actress Anurekha Bhagat, known for her roles in “Khuda Haafiz: Chapter 2 – Agni Pariksha,” “Upnyaas,” and the Shahid Kapoor starrer “Farzi,” recently took on her first leading role in the Watcho Exclusives series “State v/s Ahuja”. In the series, Anurekha portrays the character of Deepa Sawant, a maid who accuses Bollywood actor Ansh Ahuja (played by Ashmit Patel) of rape. Despite her initial skepticism about joining the series, Anurekha ultimately decided to take on the role, a decision she recently explained in an interview.

Anurekha expressed, “Initially, when the series was offered to me, I was somewhat skeptical about whether to accept it or not, given its intense concept. However, Deepa’s character was so compelling that I couldn’t resist saying yes. Deepa is a complex character, which presented a challenge for me as an artist. She doesn’t fit neatly into the categories of good or bad; instead, she’s a product of her circumstances. There’s no clear dichotomy between right and wrong, only shades of grey. Exploring how she reacts to various situations was a valuable learning experience for me as an artist.

“Moreover, what strengthened my conviction to be a part of this Watcho Exclusives series was that Deepa’s character provided an opportunity for me to confront my fear of swimming and step out of my comfort zone. The team was searching for an artist who could swim, a skill I lacked, which posed an initial challenge for me. Although there was a risk of losing the role, I confronted the challenge head-on and enrolled in a local swimming class. Not only did I secure the role, but I also felt a sense of happiness and pride. ‘State v/s Ahuja’ not only helped me conquer my fears but also facilitated my growth not only as an artist but also as a person,” she concluded.

“State v/s Ahuja” tells the story of Ansh Ahuja (Ashmit Patel), a Bollywood superstar accused of rape by his maid, plunging him into a whirlwind of controversy. The series unfolds with gripping suspense, investigation, and courtroom drama, unveiling unexpected twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It raises the intriguing question: Did Ansh really commit the crime, or is there a hidden agenda at play? Produced by Suresh Thomas under Crescendo Films and Amicable Crew, the show boasts an ensemble cast, including Jaswinder Gardner, Sarika Singh, Swapnil Ralkar, Apeksha Verma, Drishti Patil, Manish Jaitley, Arjun Krishna, Vicky Baidyanath, and Harsh Gautam. The Watcho Exclusives series is streaming on Watcho.

With remote work and virtual meetings becoming a growing trend, having an excellent video conferencing bar may improve communication greatly. These devices provide crisp audio and visuals, which enhances the personal touch and interest of online meetings. The following are the top three video conference bars, which are renowned for their superb audio and visual quality, usability, and flexible features:

1. EPOS Expand Vision 5: With outstanding audio and visual quality, the EPOS Expand Vision 5 is a professional-grade video conferencing solution. With its wide-angle lens and 4K Ultra HD camera, it ensures clear visibility of everyone in the room.  The sound quality is excellent because of the integrated speaker and microphone array. It works well for companies of all sizes and is compatible with well-known systems like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Perfect for individuals looking for a dependable conferencing solution without complication, it is simple to set up and operate. Its features and performance provide excellent value for the money.

2. Panasonic KX-VC1000: High-definition video and crystal clear audio quality are hallmarks of the Panasonic KX-VC1000. Angle adjustments are possible with its PTZ camera via remote control. It is appropriate for companies with many platforms as it is compatible with different video conferencing platforms. With simple settings for setup and navigation, the KX-VC1000 boasts a straightforward user interface. Its performance and features make up for its premium price point.

3. Logitech Rally Bar: For businesses looking for a top-notch video conferencing solution, the Logitech Rally Bar is a great option. It guarantees clear communication with 4K video and cutting-edge audio features like noise cancellation. It is adaptable for users of multiple platforms and compatible with the majority of them. It is accessible to everyone thanks to its simple setup and intuitive controls. Even though it is more expensive, its features and performance make it worth the money for improved distant communication.

Bengaluru 23rd February 2024: Turtle Wax, Inc., an award-winning Chicago-based car care company, today announced the completion of 5 successful years of its operations in India. With a rich global history of over 75 years of excellence in providing car enthusiasts with formulas to meet their ever-changing needs, on this day in 2019, Turtle Wax started its India innings.

To celebrate the occasion, Turtle Wax also announced the launch of its Smart Shield™ – Paint Protection Film, exclusively across all of its co-branded Car Care Studios® in India. The PPF comes with a revolutionary self-healing topcoat, exceptional resistance to UV rays, and superior protection to OEM-painted surfaces. This is to offer unmatched scratch resistance, protection from stains, and weathering all while ensuring that a high gloss finish and optical clarity are delivered. The service comes in two variants – 5 years of warranty and 3 years of warranty.

Apart from this, Turtle Wax also inaugurated its first-ever Experience Centre in Bengaluru, India. The Centre features a 1500-sq.-ft. area dedicated to showcasing the innovation and excellence in car detailing. The Centre, the first of its type in the country, encourages existing detailers to dive into the basics to advanced skills of detailing in an easy-to-learn environment and gain an in-depth understanding of not only Turtle Wax’s journey but also its products and philosophy.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Sajan Murali Puravangara, Managing Director of Turtle Wax Car Care India Pvt. Ltd., said, “This fifth anniversary of Turtle Wax in India is a testament to our strength and the brand’s presence and commitment toward the growing Indian car care culture. It’s great to revisit the journey of these past 5 years and commemorate the strong synergies that have led to incredible success stories while capturing the hearts of auto enthusiasts and car owners. The growth across channels has been incredible, and we will focus on growing exponentially each year going forward with a focus not only on Tier I but Tier II and Tier III towns of the country. On this occasion, we also want to thank all our channel partners, customers, industry partners, and every single person who believes in the excellence of our brand.”

Mr. Denis John Healy III, Global Executive Chairman and CEO, added, “We are thrilled to be celebrating this milestone of five successful years in India. Throughout that time, India has been setting new benchmarks in the category with its expansion, footprints, distribution, and OEM approvals. India continues to be an important market for Turtle Wax globally, and it has become an integral part of our rich history. In these past five years, we have witnessed the evolving customer preferences and acceptance toward car care, which gives us the confidence to invest more in the people, infrastructure, innovative products, and world-class services to standardize the highly unorganized yet high-potential sector. We take pride in our India business and will continue to strengthen it in the coming years.”

The brand made its debut in India with three Car Care Studios® and four distributors. Since then, Turtle Wax has expanded its footprint across the country and currently has 60 Car Care Studios® and 64+ distributors spread across the country. In these past five years, Turtle Wax has reached more than people through retail, modern trade, and e-commerce channels to provide its entire global line-up of DIY (do-it-yourself) products, coupled with India-made products customized for Indian driving and weather conditions, plus DIFM (do-it-for-me) exclusive services at Car Care Studios®.

Chitradurga, Karnataka 23rd February 2024: Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Karnataka, in association with the District Hospital, Chitradurga, organized a 1-day Blood Donation Drive at the IOK premises. The drive, aimed at bolstering local blood supplies and fostering community health, witnessed an overwhelming response from volunteers and donors.

The event, organized with meticulous planning and adherence to safety protocols, brought together employees, Business Partners, Union members, workmen, mine laborers and various stakeholders with the common goal of saving lives. Amidst the backdrop of Valentine’s Day, participants demonstrated an unparalleled spirit of compassion and solidarity, symbolizing love in its purest form by giving the gift of life. A total of 45 units of blood of different blood groups was collected, at the end of the 1-day drive.

“We are thrilled by the remarkable turnout and the collective enthusiasm displayed by the community,” stated Mr. Shrishaila Gouda, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Karnataka. “This blood donation drive exemplifies our unwavering commitment to the well-being of the communities we serve. By partnering with the District Hospital, Chitradurga, we have not only reinforced the local blood banks but also underscored the importance of corporate social responsibility in addressing critical healthcare needs. The response that we have received from our donors reiterates our commitment to community welfare and our underlying motto of ‘Giving back’ to the society, through our initiatives.”

The collaboration between Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Karnataka and the District Hospital underscores the collaborative impact of such initiatives in addressing pressing healthcare needs & challenges. The Drive also served as a platform for raising awareness about the importance of regular blood donation, promoting a culture of volunteerism & dispelling myths surrounding the process.

The success of the blood donation drive carries forward Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Karnataka’s commitment towards society & overall community welfare & validates Vedanta’s core philosophy of ‘giving back’ to society & #TransformingCommunities throu

Dr. Divya Natarajan Consultant Ophthalmologist, Child Sight Institute, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad.

Hyderabad, 22nd February 2024: As the academic year comes to an end, millions of students are preparing for their final exams. This is a period of high expectations, anxiety, and long hours of studying. However, in the midst of all this exam preparation, one crucial aspect is often overlooked: the health of their eyes, which are their most valuable asset.

With the ever-increasing demands of digital learning and screen time, coupled with the strain of prolonged study sessions, students experience unprecedented levels of eye fatigue and discomfort. Symptoms such as dry eyes, headache, blurred vision, and migraine have become a common concern among both students and parents. These issues can make it more difficult for children to perform well in school and can increase their stress levels. Additionally, students with vision impairment may need to spend even longer studying. It is important for everyone involved – students, parents, teachers, and doctors – to work together to prioritize good eye health for students.

To combat eye strain and enhance efficiency during demanding study hours, students can adopt various safety measures to ensure a healthier and smoother studying experience.

Get a comprehensive eye examination: Before diving into the study break, it’s advisable for students to undergo an eye examination by an ophthalmologist. This helps rule out any changes in glasses prescription and identifies any potential eye issues that may arise during prolonged study sessions.

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Taking regular breaks during study sessions is essential to prevent discomfort from prolonged near activity. Adhering to the 20-20-20 rule—looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—helps relax the eye muscles and shift focus from near to far distances.

Frequent blinking: Encourage students to blink frequently to prevent dryness, itching, and eye fatigue, which can occur during extended study sessions.

Maintain correct posture: Maintaining a proper posture and reading distance helps prevent neck and back problems. Students should sit upright with their backs straight to avoid excessive strain on their necks and backs.

Limit digital gadget use: While it may be unavoidable at times, students should restrict their use of digital gadgets. When using screens, opt for larger screens positioned at eye level and use screen protectors to reduce glare and adjust brightness levels for comfortable viewing.

Avoid direct exposure to air conditioning: Sitting directly in front of air conditioners, coolers, or fans can dry out the eyes. Students should sit in well-illuminated, ventilated rooms to reduce eye strain and discomfort.

Prioritize physical activity and sleep: Encourage students to engage in at least an hour of physical activity daily and maintain a healthy sleep schedule to promote overall well-being and relaxation.

Stay hydrated: Dehydration during the scorching summer months can exacerbate restlessness and migraine. Ensure students remain hydrated and consume a healthy diet to support their overall health and well-being.

Let’s create a supportive environment and offer emotional support to students during these stressful exam periods. Prioritizing eye care and adopting healthy habits can help students navigate exams with greater ease and efficiency.

Experience a gastronomical adventure at Aromas of Firdaus: A window to the culture and cuisines of the lands of Arabia. Indulge in authentic delicacies, meticulously prepared to perfection. From savory mezze to aromatic tagines, our menu celebrates traditional cuisine. Immerse yourself in the lively ambiance, accompanied by live music and the warmth of loved ones. Join us for an unforgettable brunch experience, featuring a tantalizing array of flavors amidst a vibrant setting. With pool access, live grills, and both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s an experience not to be missed.

When: Every Saturday

Where: HYBA, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre

Time: 12.30 PM-01.30 PM

For reservation- 7337399479