Archives February 2024

Mumbai, February, 2024: Samsonite, the global leader in travel solutions, launches its exciting campaign, ‘Tested Like Samsonite’, which showcases a legacy of excellence spanning over a century. Redefining quality and durability, the campaign features influential personalities experimenting with a series of products, symbolizing perseverance and resilience.

For over 112 years, Samsonite has been synonymous with being the trusted leader in the travel solution industry. The ‘Tested Like Samsonite’ campaign is a tribute to individuals who showcase courage and strength, even during adversities. In addition to traditional testing, the campaign draws parallels between the resilient journeys of each featured individual and the quality of Samsonite’s products.

Ms. Anushree Tainwala, Executive Director – Marketing, emphasizes, “Samsonite products are not just luggage; they are a testament to our commitment to quality and durability. ‘Tested Like Samsonite’ is a celebration of resilience and quality. Our campaign captures the essence of Samsonite – durability and resilience. The purpose of the campaign is to ignite inspiration among our audience while underscoring our commitment to excellence.”

In the fourth video of the Tested Like Samsonite campaign, Mamaearth’s Co-founder & CEO, Ghazal Alagh emerges as a beacon of resilience. Reflecting on the myriad pressures of the industry, she draws parallels to the durability of her trusted Samson products. In a fascinating demonstration, Ghazal Alagh subjects the Cubelite series to an intense test of impact and pressure, demonstrating how it remarkably rebounds to its original form, hence showcasing the ability to withstand the rigors of travel. It is a testament to the commitment, she reaffirms, that the brand epitomizes – strength and reliability.

The following video features Chef Garima Arora, renowned culinary expert, who showcases the strength and toughness of the Samsonite’s EVOA series in the heart of the kitchen. Subjecting the product to a barrage of challenges with extreme impact tests, from cracking nuts on top of it to turning it into a chopping board, Chef Garima Arora elucidates Samsonite’s commitment to crafting luggage with robust materials, designed to endure the more demanding impacts. Marveling at the EVOA series’ effortless resilience with its surface barely scratched, she reaffirms, “Because you deserve what’s only been #TestedLikeSamsonite.”

The campaign also features a diverse lineup including Karun Chandhok, Milind Soman, Sania Mirza and Vidyut Jammwal, reflecting Samsonite’s commitment to diverse talents and achievements.

The 6-part video series showcases the challenges each individual overcomes in their journey. Displayed across various mediums, the campaign will feature on digital platforms, outdoor spaces, and social media networks.

This campaign marks Samsonite’s commitment to offer world-class products and redefines the boundaries of innovation in the travel industry. It embodies the enduring spirit of Samsonite’s creativity and is a symbol of strength and durability.

Lucknow, 21st February 2024– The excitement is mounting as the much-awaited Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2024 gears up to honor the nation’s sporting heroes on February 23 at Centrum, Lucknow. TOISA, India’s first popular choice for multi-disciplinary sports awards, is all set to bring together the who’s who of the sports world, government officials, and entertainment luminaries for an evening of celebration and recognition.

Established in 2015 as a national social responsibility by the Times of India group, TOISA has become a beacon for recognising and motivating sports talent in India. With a legacy of five spectacular editions, TOISA 2024 is a grand celebration of excellence across 22 sports disciplines.

Continuing the tradition of having distinguished mentors, TOISA 2024 is honored to have Mr. Mahesh Bhupathi as the Mentor for the evening. His commitment to promoting sports aligns seamlessly with the TOISA mandate, and his presence adds a unique flavor to this year’s edition.

In the past, TOISA has been graced by legendary sports personalities, including Carl Lewis, Nadia Comaneci, and P. Gopichand. This year, continuing the tradition, the event is set to host iconic figures such as Saina Nehwal, Mahesh Bhupathi, Mary Kom, Anju Bobby George, and many more.

The star-studded guest list includes luminaries from various sports, promising an evening filled with glitz, glamour, and heartfelt recognition. Athletes such as Mirabai Chanu, Gagan Narang, Rani Rampal, and others are expected to be in attendance, creating an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie.

Commenting on the anticipated event, Puneet Gupt, COO of Times Internet, said, “As we approach TOISA 2024 in Lucknow, the collaboration between TOISA and the UP government has played a crucial role in establishing a leading industry platform that acknowledges sporting achievements and highlights the state’s immense talent. We take pride in contributing to this initiative and sincerely thank the UP government for its commitment to promoting a sports culture and recognising its societal impact. Our joint efforts are shaping a promising future for Indian sports, and TOISA 2024 underscores the success of the partnership between TOISA and the visionary leadership of Uttar Pradesh.”

TOISA 2024 will witness the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award, and the UP Award for Change Maker Of The Year will acknowledge individuals who have played a pivotal role in transforming the sports landscape in Uttar Pradesh.

21st February 2024, New Delhi: Unstop, the talent discovery, engagement, and hiring platform for students and graduates, has introduced Unstop Talent Park, a unique contest that will offer a golden opportunity for students to grow and upskill themselves.

A chance to apply one’s knowledge to real challenges and learn more, Unstop Talent Park will provide students a chance to land internships that could lay the foundation for a successful career. Unstop Talent Park has two tracks – Tech and Non-tech.

The Tech track will involve an MCQ, a coding assignment, an executive summary round, and a detailed deck submission round, before the grand finale. If you are a tech, coding, or problem-solving enthusiast, then the Tech track is the one to choose. The Non-tech track will include an aptitude assignment followed by an executive summary round, and a detailed deck submission before the finale. While all B.Tech, M.Tech, M.E., and Dual Degree students are eligible for the Tech track, the Non-tech track is open to students enrolled in any field of study in any university in the country.

Those who crack the contest will be rewarded with a cash prize of INR 1 lakh, alongside an internship opportunity with a stipend of up to INR 1 lakh per month. The internship could later be converted to a full-time job offer, based on the candidate’s performance. For the first runner-up, the reward will be a cash prize of INR 50,000, while the second runner-up will receive INR 30,000. All participants will be awarded at the end of the contest. The deadline to register for Unstop Talent Park is February 29, 2024.

Ankit Aggarwal, Founder and CEO of Unstop said, “We are delighted to introduce Unstop Talent Park, a contest that promises to unlock the potential and open doors to countless opportunities for students. With an emphasis on both technological and non-technological disciplines, this contest is meticulously crafted to facilitate participants in enhancing their skills and equipping themselves for a prosperous career. We extend a warm invitation to all students to partake in this exceptional opportunity.”

21st February 2024 – Bengaluru – AQuity Solutions, an IKS Health company, has been recognized by KLAS Research as the 2024 Best in KLAS Medical Transcription Services provider. This marks the sixth consecutive year AQuity has earned top KLAS recognition for their Medical Transcription solutions. KLAS rankings are considered the gold standard in the Health Information Management and Revenue Cycle Management industries for their accurate, honest, and impartial research analytics.

“AQuity is a consistent top performer amongst Best in KLAS winning firms and one of only a small handful of vendors to retain a top KLAS ranking for such an extended period,” noted Adam Gale, president of KLAS. “Our collected survey data clearly show how AQuity’s commitment to their client’s success helps them achieve superior ratings year after year.”

“Our team takes pride in delivering solutions that support clinician wellness and productivity,” shared Jason Kolinoski, AQuity’s COO. “Transcription is still a vital service that remains the best solution for a broad range of specialties and workflow scenarios. Earning Best in KLAS year after year reflects our focus on putting customer requirements first. It’s very gratifying to earn Best in KLAS recognitions based on their direct feedback.”

“We put a high priority on how our ongoing performance is judged by our clients and take our KLAS rankings very seriously,” added Sachin Gupta, Founder and CEO of IKS Health. “Our clinical documentation solutions set the standard for workflow efficiency and burnout relief. We are proud to have our AQuity team recognized again for leading the industry in this market sector.”

Mumbai, 21st February 2024 India’s leading edtech and upskilling platform, NxtWave, gains the spotlight as its co-founders Sashank Reddy Gujjula and Anupam Pedarla are honored in Forbes 30 Under 30. Being included in this prestigious list underscores their commitment to elevate India’s tech horizon 4.0 by empowering Tier-2, Tier-3, and Tier-4 engineering college students. It recognizes 30 leaders for their ground-breaking achievements across industries. This stellar achievement comes after their last year’s notable Series A funding of INR 275 crores.

This honor is particularly noteworthy as it emerges from a highly competitive landscape, with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) reporting over 5500 recognized EdTech startups across the nation. The selection of NxtWave’s co-founders as the sole representatives in the education category highlights their massive contributions to the field.

According to a report by Morgan Stanley, India’s IT industry is expected to triple in this decade. Despite numerous opportunities, students face difficulties in securing jobs due to a lack of industry-relevant skills. After graduating from IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur respectively, Sashank and Anupam recognized this problem and were determined to solve it. They turned down lucrative job offers and together with Rahul Attuluri ( IIIT Hyderabad graduate), established NxtWave, aiming to equip the youth with modern Industry 4.0 technology skills and provide them with reliable placement support.

Since then, NxtWave has grown to be one of the fastest-growing edtech startups in the country with a complete focus on upskilling for tech careers in vernacular languages. In just 4 years, students from across 28 states and 5 union territories have enrolled in the company’s tech-focused CCBP 4.0 Academy and Intensive 2.0 programs. NxtWave has also built a strong student community of more than a lakh across 3,500+ colleges across the country.

Anupam Pedarla, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at NxtWave, said, “Youth is the strength of our nation. Equipping them with the right skills can make India a global leader. Our aim is to bring world-class technology education to every corner of India. We believe every student has a lot of potential, and with proper guidance, they can achieve incredible success. Our NxtWave students have proven this time and again. This recognition from Forbes validates the change NxtWave is bringing into the lives of thousands of young individuals.”

Sashank Reddy Gujjula, Co-founder and Head of Customer Experience at NxtWave, “This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the hard work of the NxtWave team and our students who dream big and learn consistently to secure great careers. Such accolades motivate us further towards our goal of preparing our youth for the tremendous opportunities in the technology sector.”

Over the last couple of years, the startup has forged associations with 1700+ companies which includes giants like Amazon, Google, Bank of America among others, for facilitating successful hiring of its students. Furthering its mission of improving placements for India’s youth, the company is on track to onboard 10,000 companies to hire its students in the next 2 years.

21st February 2024– In the heart of India, amidst the bustling city of Jamshedpur, lies an organization that is quietly making a difference in the lives of countless individuals, the Nav Jagrat Manav Samaj (NJMS). NJMS is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention and control of leprosy. With support from Tata Motors, NJMS has been working tirelessly to eradicate this debilitating disease and empower those affected by it. It has achieved significant milestones in reducing the incidence of leprosy in Jamshedpur and the surrounding areas. Involving over 500 local volunteers, including Tata Motors employees and other like-minded philanthropists, NJMS has had a significant impact on various aspects, such as health, education, employability and livelihood initiatives.

NJMS conducts a powerful annual door-to-door survey, reaching 75,000 people for early leprosy detection. In just three years, cases in Jamshedpur have dropped from 1.5 to 0.5 persons per 1000. Operating Antyoday Bhawan, NJMS provides free medical care, boarding and lodging to 4000+ leprosy patients. They also support children’s education and livelihood. Tata Motors’ crucial support propels NJMS’s impactful work in leprosy prevention, resulting in a significant decrease in leprosy incidence and thereby transforming lives in Jamshedpur and beyond.

Mr. Vinod Kulkarni, CSR Head at Tata Motors, emphasises, “Nav Jagrat Manav Samaj embodies the true essence of compassion and resilience in their unwavering commitment to eradicating leprosy and empowering individuals affected by this disease. Tata Motors is humbled to support NJMS in this noble endeavour, recognising their invaluable contribution to creating a leprosy-free society. Through collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication, we believe in fostering a future where every individual, regardless of their health challenges, can lead a life of dignity and inclusion.”

Bengaluru, 21st February 2024 Conrad Bengaluru announces the appointment of Ruben Nair as Marketing Manager. With diverse experience across key marketing functions, Ruben has been associated with some of the leading names in the industry like Zoo Media, Schbang Digital Solutions, Ogilvy and Mather and Grey Group India.

As the Marketing Manager at Conrad Bengaluru, Ruben will spearhead strategic marketing initiatives, brand development, sales and customer engagement strategies to further strengthen the property as a premier destination for luxury hospitality. He will be involved in strategy development as well as promotion and implementation of digital campaigns, while managing a gamut of media and PR engagements.

Prior to joining Conrad Bengaluru, Ruben was associated with Zoo Media Pvt. Ltd. His areas of expertise include implementing marketing strategies, digital marketing activations, key brand associations, in addition to PR & communications.

Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Nair shares, “I am thrilled to join the team at Conrad Bengaluru – a name to reckon with in the luxury hospitality space. In my new position, I aspire to build memorable marketing initiatives that elevate guest experience, backed by innovation, agility, and sophistication.”

Ruben holds a Postgraduate degree in Management from the Indian School of Management and Entrepreneurship and a Master’s degree in Commerce from Mumbai University. Outside work, he has a penchant for Yoga, Travel and Cycling.

New Delhi,21st February 2024: RCI, a leading provider of vacation exchange services, has announced its latest affiliation with Evaan Resorts The Forest Vines Corbett from Evaan Vacation Club to provide its discerning customers with a luxurious holiday experience. This new affiliation will provide RCI members with access to an opulent and serene vacation experience in the heart of nature.

Evaan Resorts The Forest Vines Corbett is a stunning resort located in the Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand, and is one among the several luxury properties by Evaan Vacation Club in the region. Evaan Vacation Club has carved out a distinguished position for itself in the hospitality and vacation ownership sector over the past two decades. Its rich legacy and commitment to providing poised hotel experiences have set it apart among other vacation clubs.

As part of this affiliation, RCI members can now exchange their vacation ownership for a stay at the Evaan Resorts The Forest Vines Corbett. Members will gain access to a world of exclusive privileges and benefits, including priority booking, discounted rates, unique offers, and member-only events.

“We are excited to welcome Evaan Resorts’ The Forest Vines Corbett into the RCI family, we are confident that our members will experience a perfect vacation that combines luxury and adventure.” said Robin Mills, Vice President Business Development – Europe, Middle East, Africa, India, & Asia Pacific.

The spokesperson of Evaan Vacation Club Mr. Gulvendra Singh, CEO “With a unique and dedicated chain of hotels, Evann Resorts is your one-stop solution to travel stay. We are excited to partner with RCI and offer our guests access to their vast network of vacation destinations. We believe that this affiliation will help us reach a wider audience and provide more people with an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Evaan Resorts Forest Vines Corbett.”

Evaan Resorts The Forest Vines Corbett offers a unique blend of luxury and adventure, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. With its picturesque location, the resort provides guests with an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region while enjoying world-class amenities. Whether planning a romantic getaway, a family retreat, or an adventure-filled escapade, this collaboration has got everything covered.

RCI continues to expand its network of vacation destinations, providing its members with access to over 4,100 affiliated resorts in approximately 110 countries around the world. The affiliation with Forest Vines Corbett from Evaan Vacation Club is another step towards fulfilling RCI’s commitment to offering its members unparalleled vacation experiences.

AstaGuru’s upcoming ‘Dimensions Defined’ Auction will feature a meticulously curated catalogue of Modern Indian Art, presenting significant works by iconic Indian modernists. Each piece in the auction reflects the diverse and ever-changing artistic landscape in India over the past decades. The curation offers an eclectic selection of works by eminent artists, including Jamini Roy, Amrita Sher-Gil, Rabindranath Tagore, M. F. Husain, S. H. Raza, K. H. Ara, F. N. Souza, Krishen Khanna, Ram Kumar, Jogen Chowdhury, G.R. Santosh, J. Swaminathan, K. Laxma Goud, Thota Vaikuntam, K. K. Hebbar, Bikash Bhattacharjee, Sakti Burman, Akbar Padamsee, B. Vithal, H. A. Gade, Satish Gujral and Manu Parekh amongst others. The selection also includes sculptural masterpieces by eminent artists such as Himmat Shah, Amarnath Sehgal, Dhanraj Bhagat and Prodosh Dasgupta. The auction is scheduled for February 22-23, 2024.

Talking about the upcoming auction, Sunny Chandiramani, Senior Vice President, Client Relations, AstaGuru Auction House says:”We take great care to curate a collection that traverses decades, presenting the unfolding tapestry of Indian art through the masterpieces of renowned modernists. This auction offers a distinctive opportunity for art enthusiasts and collectors to procure extraordinary pieces, each narrating a captivating story of creativity and inspiration. The thoughtfully chosen artworks, including those by luminaries of the PAG generation, mirror the diverse and dynamic artistic panorama that has significantly influenced our cultural narrative.”

Attached is a detailed release attached along with the images for your perusal. Also, I am sharing below 5 Topic Ideas that could be of interest to you.

Let me know if this works.

• Modern Indian Art & Religious Iconography: Explore interpretations of Indian religious iconography by artists like Sital Chandra Bandhopadhyay and Jogen Chowdhury in AstaGuru‘s upcoming auction.
• Remembering A Ramachandran & Gogi Saroj Pal: A tribute to the late A Ramachandran and Gogi Saroj Pal, influential Indian modernists who shaped the country’s art scene.
• Women Artists in Modern Indian Art: Discover the impactful contributions of women artists in Modern Indian Art through AstaGuru‘s Dimensions Defined auction.
• Artist Profile – Manu Parekh: Explore the unique journey and signature style of prolific modernist Manu Parekh, known for his expressive paintings of Varanasi.
• M.F. Husain’s Distinct Medium: Uncover M.F. Husain’s fusion of Indian subjects and Cubism, exploring various mediums used in his iconic works in AstaGuru‘s upcoming Dimensions Defined auction.

Mumbai, 21st February 2024: Today, there is a growing trend among real estate professionals to create sustainable environments and technology-integrated smart homes. Workspaces are undergoing a transformation, with more adaptable designs being introduced. With numerous return-to-office initiatives in progress, there is a rising demand from organisations for flexible spaces. Therefore, it has becomenecessary for a graduate in real estate to understand the intricacies of these trends in the market. Proficiency in sustainable development best practices and a comprehensive understanding of technology-enhanced homes and workspaces are essential for positioning one’s property for premium offerings. Another shift in the market is theinflux of both domestic and foreign investments in the real estate and infrastructure sectors.

Taking cognisance of the emerging trends in the real estate sector, theNMIMS MBA in Real Estate Management (REM) intends to develop managers and leaders who understand the sector, its dynamism, and complexity and are adept with the current trends in the sector. Admissions are now open to this unique MBA programme for the upcoming year 2024-25.

The MBA in REM trains students to become efficient fund managers who are capable of aiding all stakeholders in the real estate and infrastructure value chain. Imparted at the NMIMS School of Business Management, the programme is one of the few courses in India that provides students with a business outlook of the sector rather than construction. It hones the business and management skills of students in the real estate space.

The curriculum is designed to provide a strategic mix of industry experts and in-house faculties across the domains of real estate, finance, marketing, operations, strategy, technology management, civil, mechanical,electricaland engineering disciplines. Guest sessions by industry experts and academic leaders form an integral part of the programme, providing students with valuable insights and perspectives.

The course is a stepping stone to thriving career opportunities in financial institutions, architecture firms, legal firms, valuation companies, international consultants and many more. Moreover, business management skills acquired during the course are crucial for professionals with entrepreneurial aspirations.

International Property Consultants (IPCs) and acclaimed real-estate developers grace the placement programme to recruit MBA REM students. The top hirers include Cushman Wakefield, CBRE, Colliers Anarock, Godrej, Kalpataru, Rustomjee, Oberoi,and Mahindra to name a few. Moreover, corporates like Reliance Brands have hired students from the programme for asset and facility management roles. In the previous academic year, i.e. 2023-24, students successfully secured offers from international firms, namely, JLL Middle East and Shobha Developers.

Dr. Alaknanda Menon, Programme Chairperson, MBA Real Estate Management, said, “The MBA in Real Estate Management is a comprehensive programme that equips students with business and management acumen. It provides industry-specific knowledge required to shape the future of urban development.”

Eligibility Details

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering/Architecture
• Bachelor’s degree from a recognised University, preferably with 2 years of work experience in real estate.
• Candidates who have appeared for their final year degree examination can also apply; however, their admission will be provisional and will be confirmed only after producing the results.
• Submission of an AIU equivalent certificate to confirm eligibility for the programme is mandatory for those candidates who have completed their undergraduate from overseas boards / Universities.

Selection Process

• Written test followed by Personal Interview (PI) (Total 100 marks)
• A merit list will be prepared based on the candidate’s performance in the written test and personal interview.
• Candidates will be intimated regularly through call letters for test & PI on the website: <website link>