Archives February 2024

Bengaluru, February 29, 2023: CoinDCX, one of India’s most valued VDA exchanges, marked the commencement of their flagship event – UNFOLD 2023, a premier Web3 event.The annual event is designed to support the innovative spirit of Web3 startups, and took place in the heart of India’s Silicon Valley, Bengaluru.The event is the perfect platform for aspiring Web3 founders to connect with potential investors, partners, and customers, propelling their entrepreneurial journey to new heights.

The inaugural day of UNFOLD 2023 kicked off with an opening address by Shri Priyank Mallikarjun Kharge, Minister for IT/BTKarnataka. He said,”The Government of Karnataka is willing to Listen, Learn and Adapt new technology and we are here to support the industry.In the burgeoning realm of Web3, our government is committed to not only observe and absorb but also to evolve with this digital frontier. We eagerly anticipate the establishment of a regulatory sandbox. We firmly believe that a thriving startup ecosystem, especially in disruptive technologies like blockchain and Web3, will forge numerous job opportunities. For in the progress of Karnataka lies the progress of our entire nation.”

He went on to explain that as there is already The Karnataka Innovation Authority that has been set up during his previous tenure could be now utilized for the developers to thrive in the same sandbox environment until they come out with legit regulatory policy.

While addressing the audience, Mr.Sumit Gupta, Co-Founder, CoinDCX said, “the Web3 industry is expected to grow to ~$7T market cap by 2030. Web3 applications are poised to impact the lives of more than 1 billion users globally. Traditional assets, with a total value locked surpassing $10 trillion, will be seamlessly integrated onto blockchain networks.A remarkable 50% of internet users will possess on-chain identities, ushering in a new era of digital sovereignty. Furthermore, major web2 industry leaders will make the leap onto blockchain technology. India is set to foster and nurture over 100 unicorn companies, firmly establishing its prominence within the web3 domain.”

One of the key highlights of the event was the launch of a report titled ‘The Web3 Landscape in India: Unlocking its Potential and Prowess’ by the Bharat Web3 Association.’

The report highlights several key insights on the Indian Web3 Landscape:

• india is home to over 900 Web3 startups, with five achieving unicorn status as of 2023.
• Web3 is projected to contribute $1.1 trillion to India’s GDP by 2032.
• India is a global leader in grassroots crypto adoption and ranks in the top five across various categories.
• As of 2022, 11% of the global Web3 developer pool is in India.
• India’s talent pool in the blockchain industry is expected to grow by over 120% in the next 1-2 years.
• The retail sector (37%) and the financial services sector (15%) are expected to drive Web3 and metaverse adoption.

During the report launch, Mr. Dilip Chenoy, Chairman, Bharat Web3 Association, emphasized that the global Web3 market is poised for explosive growth, with a projected CAGR of 44% until 2031, reaching a valuation exceeding USD 44 billion. India, boasting over 900 startups in the Web3 sector, is ideally positioned to seize this opportunity, with Indian employees contributing 11% of the global Web3 talent. By as early as 2030, Web3 could potentially contribute over USD 1 trillion to the Indian economy in alignment with the Digital India Mission.

Many eminent global Web3 leaders and entrepreneurs like Jesse Pollak, Founder, Base, Emin Gün Sire, Founder Ava Labs, Raj Gokal, Cofounder, Solana Labs, Balaji Srinivasan, Ola Doudin, Co-Founder and CEO, BitOasis, Mo Shaikh, Aptos participated in various panel discussion and fireside organized during the event. A 3-day multichain hackathon with over 800 developers was launched who will be solving complex challenges in the multichain ecosystem. The event will also has a Demo Day where 15 shortlisted startups from over 100 registrations will pitch front of marquee investors like CoinDCX Venture, Pi Ventures, Mumbai Angels, Global Coin Research, Alphawave Global, Dorahacks Ventures, Hashed EM, Draper Dragon, and IOSG Venture for an impressive pool of $1 million in potential funding.

“India stands on the cusp of Web3 leadership, driven by its thriving startup community, technological expertise, and a rising enthusiasm for decentralized technologies. This situation offers India the chance to transition from being a provider of skilled professionals to an innovation hub. To tap into this potential to the fullest extent, India must place a strong emphasis on education, innovation, and a well-balanced regulatory framework,” concluded Mr. Gupta.

Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, successfully treated a young boy suffering from severe occipital neuralgia, a debilitating condition causing intense headaches. The patient, whose identity remains confidential, had been enduring excruciating pain for the past one and a half months, leading to prolonged absence from school and multiple unsuccessful consultations with various specialists in Uttarakhand.

Upon seeking treatment at Wockhardt Hospitals, the patient was under the expert care of Dr. Sheetal Goyal, a distinguished Senior Neurologist renowned for her expertise in managing complex neurological disorders. Dr. Goyal’s comprehensive evaluation revealed the patient’s symptoms, including electric shock-like sensations and frequent attacks, indicative of occipital neuralgia.

Following a thorough examination and diagnostic tests, including MRI Brain and MR angiography, which showed no abnormalities, Dr. Goyal initiated a tailored treatment plan. The patient underwent a combination therapy of antiepileptic drugs and received bilateral occipital nerve blockage using Injection, administered on the same day of admission.

Remarkably, the patient experienced complete relief from pain by Day 4 of his hospital stay. Subsequent follow-up appointments confirmed the sustained absence of headaches, allowing the young boy to resume his academic pursuits after an extended absence.

“Occipital neuralgia can be a monstrous yet benign-looking headache, significantly impacting one’s quality of life,” commented Dr. Sheetal Goyal, Senior Neurologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central. “Our success in treating this case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and targeted interventions. Utilizing techniques such as occipital nerve blockage with Botulin toxin can offer effective relief for patients with refractory occipital neuralgia.”

Occipital neuralgia is characterized by intense pain resembling sharp, jabbing electric shocks in the back and neck region. Occipital nerve blockage works by interrupting the pain signals transmitted by the occipital nerves to the brain, providing substantial relief for sufferers.

Wockhardt Hospitals remains committed to delivering exemplary care and innovative treatments for neurological conditions, ensuring patients can regain their health and resume their daily activities without undue suffering.

Gift a journey of beauty this women’s day to your favorite woman with Tinge’s curated sets for face, eyes and lips handmade to perfection. Each of their four unique sets are crafted with their best selling products suiting different needs & occasions.

All sets are planned keeping in mind Indian skin tones and Indian weather making it an apt gift this season. Each set is curated with four to five products from face wash, moisturizer, lip balm, lip mask, lipstick, mascara, eye pencil, eye liner, multishade stick, makeup brushes and brush cleaner. One can choose one or all of the four sets to give to the special women in their life be it their mother, daughter, sister, friend or spouse. The four sets are:

• A Tinge of Joy
• A Tinge of Love
• A Tinge of Hope
• A Tinge of Gratitude

All their products are Dermatologically tested. Vegan, Cruelty free and suitable for all skin types.

Glam up the inner Diva of your favorite Woman this Women’s Day and let them adorn the comfort and beauty that transcends the ordinary.

Available Online:  Amazon, Nykaa, Myntra

Available Offline: Mumbai, Bengaluru, Goa

SET DETAILS AND DESCRIPTION

A Tinge of Joy:

This face kit is a set of four products: A multishade stick, mascara, eyeliner and eye pencil.

Revel in the velvety-smooth application as the Multishade Stick Stranger effortlessly glides across your skin, leaving behind a rich and luscious pigment in a light pink hue. Poses no risk of irritation even with daily use. The vibrant, full coverage stick is apt to use on eyes, lips and cheek. The Grease Mascara is enriched with natural gums that helps create a long-lasting film that not only accentuates but also sets your lashes with a remarkable staying power. Infused with Vitamin E, this mascara strengthens, lengthens, and thickens your eyelashes over time. It is a nourishing treatment for your lashes that prevents breakage and keeps your eyelashes healthy. The single stroke Spider Eyeliner is a highly pigmented black, water resistant liner enriched with Vitamin E. Intensify your eye makeup with a lavish, full coverage eye pencil – Dark knight that transforms your look with every application.

A Tinge of Love:

This face kit is a set of five products: A face wash, face moisturizer, 2 face brushes and a brush cleaner

The deeply moisturizing Tinge Face Wash comes with the benefits of five natural plant extracts and AHA’s to promote healthier and younger looking skin. It stimulates cell rejuvenation that leaves your skin feeling fresh and smooth. The Appetite Moisturizer improves hydration, supports barrier function and quenches skin’s thirst for the ultimate reflection of wellness. It strengthens the corneum layer of the skin and shows visible hydration in 8 hours of application. The All Rounder Brush and Concealer/Contour Brush are handmade sheesham wood brushes designed by Sabrina Suhail, Founder, Tinge Cosmetics and are apt to use for multiple uses. Comes with synthetic fiber and brass ferrule giving it an aesthetic look. The brush cleaner is a game-changing formula designed to elevate your makeup application experience by providing instant cleansing and sanitization. Enriched with glycerin the cleaner keeps your brushes both impeccably clean and luxuriously soft.

A Tinge of Hope

This face kit is a set of four products: The Channel Lip mask, Epic crush Lipstick, Soot Mascara and Dark Knight eye pencil.

The Channel lip mask is effective in restoring lip hydration and healing chapped lips. They nourish the lips from within and revive the natural color of lips with continued use. The super moisturizing wax lipstick – Epic Crush is a full coverage vibrant brown-pink hue. It is rich in antioxidants and works as a good treatment for anyone with constant dry lips. The Soot Mascara is enriched with natural gums that helps create a long-lasting film that not only accentuates but also sets your lashes with a remarkable staying power. Infused with Vitamin E, this mascara strengthens, lengthens, and thickens your eyelashes over time. It is a nourishing treatment for your lashes that prevents breakage and keeps your eyelashes healthy. Intensify your eye makeup with a lavish, full coverage eye pencil – Dark knight that transforms your look with every application.

A Tinge of Gratitude

This face kit is a set of five products: The Appetite Moisturizer, Unread Lip Mask, Earth wax Lipstick, Grease Mascara Soot and Hamlet eye pencil.

The Appetite Moisturizer improves hydration, supports barrier function and quenches skin’s thirst for the ultimate reflection of wellness. It strengthens the corneum layer of the skin and shows visible hydration in 8 hours of application. The Unread lip mask is effective in restoring lip hydration and healing chapped lips. It easily penetrates the lips, thus nourishing the lips from within and reviving its natural color with continued use. The super moisturizing wax lipstick – Earth is a full coverage sandstone brown-pink hue. It is rich in antioxidants and works as a good treatment for anyone with constant dry lips. The Grease Mascara is enriched with natural gums that helps create a long-lasting film that not only accentuates but also sets your lashes with a remarkable staying power. Infused with Vitamin E, this mascara strengthens, lengthens, and thickens your eyelashes over time. It is a nourishing treatment for your lashes that prevents breakage and keeps your eyelashes healthy. Intensify your eye makeup with a lavish, full coverage brown coloured eye pencil – Hamlet that transforms your look with every application.

New Delhi, February 28th 2024: Accio Robotics,, is set to introduce its latest groundbreaking product, AccioPick Air, at the prestigious ‘LogiMAT 2024’, an International Trade Show for Intralogistics Solutions and Process Management. To be held at IEML, Greater Noida, the event will focus on solutions that are designed on the Representing a leap forward in warehousing technology, AccioPick Air is a cutting-edge Mobile Automated Storage and Retrieval System (mASRS) that robotically combines the strengths of fixed and flexible automation to redefine operational efficiency and adaptability in medium to high throughput applications.

AccioPick Air offers a set of key features that redefine warehousing automation. The robot’s unique capability to latch onto storage aisles and climb vertically enhances space utilisation and retrieval speed. Its core functionality lies in the seamless, reliable, and accurate retrieval and delivery of bins to the induction station. Employing a hybrid automation approach, Accio Pick Air integrates fixed and flexible automation elements, ensuring stability and adaptability to various storage layouts.

Furthermore, the decoupling of bin retrieval and transportation allows dynamic task allocation, enabling any child robot to retrieve a bin and dock with any available mother robot, effectively reducing wait times. The system simplifies operations by eliminating the need for specific tote-to-robot pairings, thereby reducing tote marrying complexity. The mother robot efficiently transports the child robot and tote, streamlining the retrieval and delivery processes.

Accio Pick Air’s continuous retrieval and return process minimises idle time, ensuring consistently productive robot operations. The system further addresses the challenge of aisle congestion by allowing empty child robots to travel underneath aisles without totes, optimising space usage. Its flexibility and scalability shine through dynamic task allocation based on robot availability and location, providing an easily scalable solution for varying demands.

Tuhin Sharma, Co-Founder, Accio Robotics, said, “AccioPick Air marks a veritable paradigm shift in warehousing automation, seamlessly blending innovation with efficiency. Its unique features are set to push and redefine the possibilities of operational excellence. Accio Pick Air is not just a standard robotic system; it’s a catalyst for heralding an exciting era of streamlined, adaptive, and productive warehouse solutions that will set new innovation benchmarks for the entire industry.”

The system promises an optimisation of picking labor force by about 90%, and increases the pick rates by about 5 times. The vertical advantage of the robot also promises to save about 85% of the space as opposed to manual picking operations.

Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida campus celebrated National Science Day, on the theme “Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat”. 28th February is celebrated as National Science Day to mark the discovery of phenomenon of scattering of photons by Indian Scientist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, which was later known as ‘Raman Effect’, for which he received the Nobel Prize in 1930, and that was the first Nobel Prize to any person of Indian origin in the field of Science.

Addressing the students, Chief Guest, Dr. Anand Swaroop, Senior Principal Investigator and Chief N-NRL, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA, averred, “Today there is a huge participation of women in STEM area, which is very encouraging and shows the growing interest of women in science and technology. India has come a long way, and all the facilities, technologies and infrastructure are available in India which were not there earlier. Sharing his mantras for success, he said that the youth must never be afraid of taking risks and the joy lies in the journey. Also, it is not about how many times you fall down, but how many times you get up and move forward”, added Dr. Swaroop.

Guest of Honour, Mr. Pradnyil Usgaonkar, Director – Operations & CEO at Elcom Innovations, said, “Amity University is doing a great work in technology and a lot of start-ups launched by Amity students are doing very well. Youth have a major role to play in the development of the country since youth power is both the carrier of change and also the beneficiary of change. Today’s youth are witnessing the era of highly advanced technology, drones, green energy, digital payments, OTT platforms, Quantum Computing, and a developing manufacturing infrastructure and therefore, they must make optimum use of the resources and opportunities available to them.”

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, stated, “National Science Day is a day of great significance which motivates us to work for the benefit of the society and country by fostering research and innovation through science and technology. India is known for innovation and scientific temperament but due to the various foreign invasions, it lost its glorious scientific past. However, India is again reviving its lost glory in the field of science and technology and under the NEP 2020, innovative mindsets of the young budding scientists are working on path-breaking research and contributing immensely to the changing landscape of S&T in the country.”

Highlighting the significance of National Science Day, Dr. W. Selvamurthy, President, Amity Science Technology and Innovation Foundation, asserted, “Amity is a research and innovation driven University and it is our constant endeavour to encourage the students to work for the nation and a nation can only develop through science & technology. Therefore, new innovations and research should be constantly pursued so that India can become a developed country.”

On this occasion, Technical Sessions on topics such as “Neuroscience & Neurotechnology: A Future Perspective”, “Indigenous Technologies”, “Semiconductors recent division in road ahead”, “Role of Science & Technology in Homeland Security” and “Atom in service for mankind: Prospects of Industry, Academia, Health care and Research” were also conducted wherein experts Dr. Sandeep Kumar Tiwari, Former Scientist G, Technology Management Directorate, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi, Dr. Shalini Sehgal, Professor, Department of Food Technology, Bhaskaracharya, College of Applied Sciences , (University of Delhi), Dr, Arvind Kumar, Deputy Director, KTH Life Science Platform & Associate Professor, Div. of Computational Science and Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden and Prof. (Dr.) Rajendra Kumar Sarin, Professor, National Forensic Science University, New Delhi, shared their views. In addition, a Poster Presentation and Science Quiz Competition were also held.

Also present were Dr. B.C. Das, Chairman, Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Dr. Sunita Rattan, Director Amity Institute of Applied Sciences, Prof. (Dr.) Subhrajit Biswas, Director, AIMMSCR, and the distinguished scientists and students of Amity.

• Bengaluru hosts the first leg of the tournament with over 70 CXOs attending the city chapter
• The upcoming Mumbai & Delhi editions are set to see participation from over 150 + CXOs of leading corporates
• Participants will get to play with renowned professional golfer

Vi Business, the enterprise arm of the leading telecom operator Vi, is back with the 13^th edition of its multi city corporate golf tournament – Vi TeeWalk 2024. Themed around partnerships leading to #RoadToVictory, Vi TeeWalk 2024 held its first city chapter for this year at the Prestige Golf Shire, Bengaluru with more than 70 senior corporate leaders from the city participating in the tournament.

Vi TeeWalk 2024– Bengaluru chapter was played in Texas Scramble format with each team consisting of four players.

• Winner: Team comprising of Arindam Chatterjee, Srinivas K, Harishwar Reddy and Rajesh Rao bagged the first position.
• 1^st Runner Up: Team of Rajeev Ahluwalia, Jatinder Salwan, Nilanjan Roy and Atul Ujagar 
• 2^nd Runner Up: Team of Ravindra Takkar, Varun Berry, Pradeep Kar and Kazo Nishimura finished as the second runner up.

The annual golfing event Vi TeeWalk 2024 that marries the enduring sport of golf with seamless networking opportunities both on and off the course, is set to bring together another 150+ top CXOs from multiple industries for the upcoming Mumbai & Delhi editions.

Introducing a new feature in this year’s edition, the participants of Vi TeeWalk 2024 in each city will get a chance to play and engage with a professional golfer.

As part of the programme, participants of the Bengaluru edition got an opportunity to play with the professional golfer Riddhima Dilawari, a 13 time winner on the Women’s Professional Golf Tour of India.  The Sunshine Ladies Tour member will also be in Mumbai while the Delhi leg participants will get an opportunity to play with Neha Tripathi, a 19 time winner on the Women’s Professional Golf Tour of India and finished second on the Order of Merit for 2023 season

Commenting on the 13^th edition of Vi TeeWalk 2024, Arvind Nevatia, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Vodafone Idea Limited, said “Over the years, Vi TeeWalk has earned a reputation as one of the most anticipated events in the corporate calendar, providing a dynamic forum for industry leaders to connect and engage. Vi TeeWalk 2024 is more than just a golf tournament; it is a testament to our commitment to building enduring relationships with our enterprise customers. Keeping it in line with the theme for the year #RoadToVictory, Vi TeeWalk 2024 aims to create a platform that brings different stakeholders at one platform for meaningful interactions, networking, and collaboration. We look forward to an exciting tournament that exemplifies the spirit of Vi Business.”

Vi TeeWalk 2024 is more than just a golf tournament; it is an initiative aimed at strategically engaging with the CXOs. Golf is a popular sport, particularly followed by CXOs. According to reports, at least 90 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs play golf, with 80 percent of them stating that it helps establish new business relationships. Vi TeeWalk 2024 promises an unparalleled experience for participants, combining competitive golf with business advancement opportunities. The tournament underscores Vi Business’s dedication to meaningfully engaging with its enterprise customers in a relaxed and sporting environment, creating innumerable opportunities for strategic collaborations.

India, 29^th February 2024: Amidst unwavering homebuyer confidence aided by a favourable interest rate cycle and positive economic outlook, housing demand scaled up and prices across the top eight[1] cities in India surged by about 20% in the last two years (2021-2023). Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Kolkata have witnessed the highest rise in average housing prices at about 30% in 2023 compared to 2021 levels. This robust growth is underpinned by a notable uptick in housing demand, particularly in the mid and luxury segments. Amidst significant new launches, developers were able to successfully pass on the rising cost of construction in most cases.

Overall, the unsold inventory saw a notable drop in 2021 and largely continued to remain rangebound until 2023 end, despite significant influx of new supply. During 2022 and 2023 housing markets across the major cities saw an increase in new property launches, in mid and luxury segments. In cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, MMR, and Pune new supply surged 2-2.5 times in the last two years, reflecting robust activity and improved developer-market sentiment. With healthy visibility of upcoming projects from established developers and unchanged repo rate, the residential market will see sustained growth in the short to medium term.

Mr. Boman Irani, President of CREDAI National stated, “The year-on-year increase in housing prices is a combination of a number of factors – characterized by strong, robust demand from homebuyers – especially for mid and premium segments, along with the existence of a conducive buying eco-system coupled with healthy macro-economic factors, and the rise in prices of construction materials. The ongoing momentum also encouraged numerous developers that has led to the increase in housing supply across major cities in India. We expect both – housing demand and supply – to thrust forward in 2024 not only in top 8 cities but in Tier II, III regions as well.”

“Housing prices continued to reflect strong market momentum and saw a 9% annual rise in 2023. The year outperformed in several areas including uptick in high-end & luxury segments, scaling new peak in sales volume, infrastructure led development, resulting in deeper price discovery across most of the markets. During the year, all the eight major cities witnessed an increase in housing prices, with Bengaluru, highest at 21% YoY, followed by Kolkata at 11%. Looking ahead to 2024, the market is well poised to maintain its current trajectory, with the mid and luxury segments expected to thrive further, offering lucrative opportunities for investors and homebuyers alike,” Badal Yagnik, Chief Executive Officer, Colliers, India   

Pan India residential price trends (2021-2023) (in INR/sq ft) –

Source: Colliers, Liases Foras

All the prices are based on carpet area

Bengaluru saw heightened residential activity during 2021-2023

Bengaluru noted a significant 31% increase in housing prices during 2021- 2023. The city’s rising streak has been largely consistent over the last two years backed by noticeable uptick in demand for residential properties near IT localities like Whitefield, KR Puram, and Sarjapur. The peripheral and outer East and West sub-markets witnessed the highest price hike in the last two years in the range of nearly 50-60%. Additionally, the city saw an average 2X rise in new launches in 2023, compared to 2021, with significant surge in luxury and ultra-luxury property launches in peripheral areas within the North and East sub-markets, as they emerge as prominent IT hubs.

Housing prices in MMR continues to witness a rise; unsold inventory swells

Average housing prices in MMR, the most expensive residential market amongst the top eight cities saw a modest yet steady 2% increase during 2023 compared to 2021 levels. Post-Covid-19, housing prices in MMR dipped and were steady henceforth for about three years. After a hiatus, prices increased during 2023 and inched closer to pre-Covid levels indicating recovery in the market. The sub-market of Panvel saw a significant surge with a 20% rise in the last two years, followed by Western Suburb (beyond Dahisar) and Navi Mumbai. The completion of the key infrastructure projects like Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and key metro lines, have led to a surge in prices in submarkets in and around Navi Mumbai and Western suburbs. With several upcoming major projects, housing prices are further expected to increase in the foreseeable future.

“Over the last two years from 2021 to 2023, cities like Delhi NCR, Chennai and Pune, registered a notable decrease in unsold inventory. While Delhi NCR led the pack with significant 19% drop, Chennai and Pune followed closely with about 5-10% drop each, during the two-year period. With an expected steady rise in income levels coupled with positive market sentiment, the demand momentum is likely to remain strong in these markets,” said Vimal Nadar, Senior Director and Head of Research, Colliers India.

“The current state of real estate is the most productive when sales, supply, and prices are growing, and the price rise is not speculative. These factors work in harmony in a balanced and healthy real estate market.”,

Blake Hammond brings more than 20 years of culinary experience to the corporate food service company.

(St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 29, 2024) – Apex Restaurant & Market Solutions recently hired Blake Hammond as Executive Chef for its Elite Cuisine corporate dining and catering services. His responsibilities include overseeing the company’s food preparation processes, as well as creating diverse menus focused on variety and quality. Hammond will manage a kitchen staff who will provide nutritional meals for their customers.

Hammond brings more than 20 years of culinary experience to Apex Restaurant & Market Solutions, the largest independently owned corporate food service company based in Missouri with offices in St. Louis, Kansas City, Colorado, and Iowa.

Prior to joining Apex, Hammond was the Director of Operations for MG Foods, which was known as Company Kitchen before being acquired by Compass Group USA. He previously served as the Chef/Director for the company’s commissary in Kansas City. Hammond worked for nearly 15 years in various capacities including as Executive Chef at Rock Island Arsenal, an Army base in Illinois with three different cafes where he helped feed 3,000 customers per day. Earlier in his career, Hammond served as the PGA Tour’s Executive Chef for eight years.

“Blake is a strategic operations innovator who builds effective teams to carry out his culinary vision,” said Apex Restaurant & Market Solutions Founding Partner Jim Schweppe. “We welcome Blake as both a team leader and talented addition to our organization, and we look forward to all he will accomplish in the upcoming years.”

Apex Restaurant and Market Solutions

Apex is a full-service provider that supplies catering, in-office cafes and coffee, and vending services for its corporate clients. Apex has more than 270 micro markets located in office and manufacturing facilities across Missouri, Colorado, and Iowa. These convenient self-checkout markets offer employees a wide selection of healthy food and quality beverage options. Approximately 10% of Apex’s micro markets are hybrid facilities, which feature a chef-prepared hot food component available for purchase. Apex also offers Elite Cuisine, its flagship culinary experience that handles all corporate dining and catering services. For more information about Apex Restaurant & Market Solutions, call (866) 607-4400 and visit www.apexrefresh.com.

Spring is here, and to commemorate this season of bloom, savor the breakfast menu at Camillo’s! On their newly introduced breakfast menu are dishes made from organic and locally sourced ingredients. With morning staples such as yogurt, muesli, porridge, fruit salads, ‘egg-cetera,’ Camillo’s is an ideal joint to enjoy a hearty breakfast.

Plating up an all-American breakfast of champions, the restaurant indulges diners with their breakfast offerings. Savor the delectable classics, such as the Ham & Cheese Sandwich, paired with a variety of protein options and egg preparations. Don’t miss out on the fluffy waffles topped with whipped cream.

For the healthy eaters, they have a Choice Of Cereal (CORNFLAKES/MUESLI/CHOCOS) and Choice Of Fruit (WATERMELON/ BANANA/ SEASONAL); contrary to that, the not-so-conscious can try the Masala Omelette—bite into this mouthwatering combination of eggs and veggies now. Enhance your meal with ‘Breakfast in a Bottle’—a selection of beverages perfectly complementing the dishes.

Whether you’re craving classic favorites or new delights, Camillo’s breakfast menu has something for everyone. Start your mornings with a savory assortment, including crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and melted cheese!

Exploring the impactful realm of corporate social responsibility (CSR), this compilation spotlights five influential women driving positive change through their thought leadership. Each individual, holding key positions in diverse sectors, contributes uniquely to sustainability and social impact. From finance to environmental initiatives, these leaders integrate holistic perspectives, emphasizing the symbiosis between corporate success and societal well-being. Witness the convergence of financial acumen, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to sustainable practices, all shaping a brighter future.

1. Anju Kanodia – Executive Director at Lumina Datamatics

Anju S. Kanodia has been Lumina Datamatics’ Executive Director since 2018. She manages treasury and surplus funds, actively engaging in strategic initiatives. Anju advocates a holistic view of sustainability, integrating long-term perspectives into decision-making. Embedding sustainable practices within Lumina Datamatics, she believes it enhances efficiency, innovation, and brand reputation while reducing costs. Believing in the transformative impact of community development on societal well-being, the organization is dedicated to creating a more prosperous and sustainable future. In a specific initiative, they partnered with Space Kidz India, successfully launching a satellite into outer space and empowering 750 teenage girls across 75 rural schools with opportunities to explore diverse skill sets and potential careers in Space. Anju’s leadership combines financial acumen with a commitment to sustainable practices.

2. Anupam Nidhi – Head Corporate Social Responsibility at Hindustan Zinc

Anupam Nidhi, leading CSR at Hindustan Zinc Limited, brings over two decades of experience, leaving an impact on CSR within Reliance Group. Based in Udaipur, she spearheads nationwide projects, excelling in microfinance, employability, and environmental initiatives. Recognized as a “Young Leader” for CSR, Anupam holds degrees in Management, Labour Law, and Agriculture, assessing corporations on Sustainability excellence. Grounded in pragmatic realities, she champions sustainability, receiving accolades for her impactful leadership. Anupam’s commitment to CSR extends to her involvement in disability and deaf cricket, showcasing her dedication to positive social impact.

3. Roma Balwani – Director at Strategic Resources Group and Sr. Advisor for Brand & Communications at Vedanta Group

Roma Balwani is a stalwart with over three decades of experience, positioning Vedanta as a top-10 sustainability company in India. As the President of Group Communications and Sustainable Development at Vedanta Resources plc, Roma aligns communication and sustainable development strategies, achieving significant milestones. She champions best practices in sustainability and CSR, focusing on health, safety, and environmental measures. Roma’s community development initiatives benefit over 4 million people globally, emphasizing the ‘Social License to Operate.’ A recipient of the PRCI Lifetime Achievement award, she actively contributes to disability cricket, epitomizing leadership in CSR and sustainable development.

4. Namita Vikas – Representing YES BANK as the member of the Advisory Council of the Green Bond Principles and Social Bond Principles Executive Committee, ICMA

Namita Vikas, a senior business leader with 30 years of global experience, specializes in climate change strategy and sustainability. Recognized for her contributions, Namita has a strong track record in mainstreaming sustainability, ESG, and responsible investing. Pioneering Responsible Banking at YES BANK, she led the issuance of India’s first Green Bond and served as Chairperson of UN NCFA. As a certified independent director and prominent speaker at global platforms, Namita actively contributes to sustainability and responsible business practices. Her multi-faceted expertise positions her as a leader shaping sustainability and climate action.

5. Sushama Oza – Consultant – Select Adani Group of companies for Sustainability & ESG

Sushama Oza, Director of Strategy and Sustainability at Adani Foundation, oversees CSR projects across twelve states, aligning with the Adani Group’s vision of nation-building. With degrees in home science and social work, she emphasizes the Foundation’s commitment to Education, Community Health, Sustainable Livelihood Development, and Community Infrastructure. Flagship initiatives like Suposhan and Swachhagraha underline their focus. Ms. Oza acknowledges challenges, particularly in obtaining trained personnel, but is open to training individuals. She values platforms like the India CSR summit, fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and avoiding the reinvention of strategies in the pursuit of common goals.