Archives February 2024

Ahmedabad, 17 February 2024 – Malabar Gold & Diamonds, a leading gold retail brand in the country, is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its “Hunger Free World” initiative in Ahmedabad at the Malabar Gold showroom on Satellite Road (Shivaranjani).

Launched in February 2023, the initiative has successfully distributed over 3,00,000 meals to those in need, with a total expenditure exceeding 72,00,000/- INR. In collaboration with the NGO “Thanal,” Malabar Gold & Diamonds has played a crucial role in providing daily meals to 1000 people across various locations in Ahmedabad. The initiative operates through a central kitchen in the city, delivering food to beneficiaries using rickshaws and vans.

M. P. Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, said, “As we celebrate the one-year milestone of our ‘Hunger Free World’ initiative, we reflect on the profound impact it has had on the lives of the underprivileged in Ahmedabad. Our commitment extends beyond providing meals; it aims to foster sustainable change and empower communities. We firmly believe that collective efforts can bring about enduring positive transformations, and this anniversary serves as a testament to that belief.”

The distribution areas encompass prominent locations such as Sanand Chokdi, Sarkhej, Vasna, Anjali, Paldi, Jamalpur, Sidisaiyed Mosque, Khanpur, Shahpur, and more. The diverse menu of vegetarian meals includes Dal Rice, Sabji Roti, Parata Sabji, Thepla, and others. The team ensures comprehensive coverage of localities, including temples, mosques, and other public spaces.

Under the visionary leadership of its chairman, M.P. Ahammed, Malabar Group dedicates 5% of its net profit to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, with a focus on giving back to society. The “Hunger Free World” initiative is a significant part of this commitment, aiming to address the issue of hunger in the community.

Hyderabad, February 17, 2024: BioAsia, Asia’s premier biotechnology and life sciences forum, is proud to announce the expansion of its global network with the addition of new international partners for the 2024 edition. Earlier, Flanders had joined the event as the international region partner. Joining forces with Flanders, BioAsia welcomes Western Australia, Ireland, and Queensland as esteemed partners, further solidifying its position as a leading platform for innovation and collaboration in the life sciences sector.

 While announcing Global partners, Mr. D Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Industries and IT, Government of Telangana said, “It is a great time for life sciences in India, particularly in Telangana. With these new international partnerships, we are taking Telangana to newer heights focussed on economic growth and job creation. But importantly it is about exchanging knowledge, technology transfer to pace up research and innovation.”

 The inclusion of these prestigious regions as global partners underscores BioAsia’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and driving progress in healthcare and biotechnology. With a shared vision of advancing scientific discovery and improving global health outcomes, BioAsia and its partners are poised to create new opportunities for growth and development in the life sciences industry. Each partner brings unique expertise and resources to the table, contributing to BioAsia’s mission of catalysing innovation and driving progress in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

 Western Australia, renowned for its cutting-edge research and development initiatives, joins BioAsia with a wealth of knowledge in biotechnology and medical innovation. The delegation will be led by Ms. Amber Jade Sanderson, Hon’ble Minister for Health and Mental Health, Western Australia and comprise of about 40 members representing Industry, Research / Academia and Start-ups.

 “We are thrilled to partner with BioAsia 2024, a premier platform for advancing innovation in the life sciences industry. Western Australia’s commitment to healthcare excellence aligns perfectly with Telangana and BioAsia’s mission, and we look forward to leveraging this partnership to drive impactful collaborations and accelerate breakthrough discoveries. Together, we aim to shape the future of healthcare and improve outcomes for patients around the world.” said Ms. Amber- Jade Sanderson, Hon’ble Minister for Health and Mental Health, Western Australia.

 Ireland, a global powerhouse in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices, brings its rich legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship to the BioAsia platform. Ireland’s life sciences sector has a global reputation for operational and innovational excellence with over several leading industry names including  Novartis, AbbVie, Janssen, Pfizer, Sanofi, Lilly, AstraZeneca, MSD, Bristol Myers Squibb and Takeda, who have significant operations contributing to exports of €116+ billion annually.

 Queensland, recognized as a hub for healthcare innovation and excellence, offers BioAsia valuable insights and resources in the fields of biopharmaceuticals, medical technology, and digital health. As a leader in fostering industry-academia partnerships, Queensland’s involvement will undoubtedly bolster BioAsia’s efforts in driving transformative change and breakthrough discoveries.

 Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary of the Industries & Commerce and Information Technology, Govt of Telangana said, “BioAsia got scaled at an unprecedent level with every passing year. This year we have Western Australia, Queensland & Ireland coming together as additional partners this year. This will elevate the pace of research through sharing of resources and information exchange as countries come in collaboration. We look forward to the association.”

 “We are thrilled to welcome Western Australia, Ireland, and Queensland as our newest global partners for BioAsia 2024,” said Shakthi M. Nagappan, CEO of BioAsia. “Their participation at BioAsia enhances the diversity and expertise of our vibrant lifesciences ecosystem, enabling us to better serve the needs of our global community and drive meaningful impact in the field of life sciences.”

 With the theme of – “Data & AI: Redefining Possibilities, to deliberate the possibility of reshaping the future of healthtech delivery paradigm in the country.”, BioAsia 2024 is all set to be held between 26th to 28th February 2024 in Hyderabad. Over the three days, prominent industry leaders, distinguished scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs will come together to discuss humanizing healthcare and will hold constructive discussions on how cross-sectional ecosystems can be integrated, how disruptive technologies can be best utilized, and how we can drive quality healthcare with accessibility and affordability at the forefront in the near future.

Bengaluru–17th February 2024– Rapture Innovation Labs Pvt. Ltd., a trailblazing audio technology startup is happy to announce the addition of yet another feather in its cap – the IESA Technovation Awards 2024 for the Best Startup: Product Innovation for the year 2024 along with Innovation in Manufacturing conferred to them at the recently concluded IESA Vision Summit 2024.

 Rapture won the award for its groundbreaking headphones, Sonic Lamb, launched recently.

 Rapture Innovation Labs’ Sonic Lamb Headphones, featuring the world’s first and patented Hybrid Driver Acoustics that allows users to feel the music through bone and skin conduction stands tall on innovation, quality and excellence.

 The “IESA Technovation Awards” is the most prestigious awards of the ESDM industry. Each year IESA Technovation awards recognize and honours most innovative and impactful individuals and organizations for their contributions to India’s Electronics Design and Manufacturing industry and ecosystem. This ecosystem is growing significantly in the areas of Semiconductor & Fabless Products, Electronics Products, Manufacturing and Design Services. Technovation industry awards this year recognize the contributions in the above areas from Large Enterprises, MSME companies and start-ups.

 Co-founded by Navajith Karkera and Jagath Biddappa, Rapture Innovation Labs has redefined the boundaries of audio technology and gained widespread acclaim for its groundbreaking product in the audio industry.

 The Sonic Lamb Headphones features the world’s first and patented Hybrid Driver Acoustics that allows users to feel the music through bone and skin conduction. It’s designed, engineered, and proudly made in India for the world shipping to over 50 countries embodies the company’s commitment to innovation and represent India on the global stage for innovation, quality and excellence in audio

 Mr Navajith Karkera, Co-Founder and CEO of Rapture Innovation Labs, said, “We are honoured to have been conferred with the Technovation Award. This recognition affirms our dedication towards design, engineering and manufacturing premium hardware products in India for the World. We are proud to contribute to India’s electronics design and manufacturing sector and showcase our world- class audio products on a global stage.”

 Rapture Innovation Labs continues to invest in research to work towards creating more pathbreaking products in the audio category. The enthusiastic acceptance of Sonic Lamb Headphones, the first milestone in the company’s journey, has fuelled its efforts to create products that set new benchmarks in excellence.

Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi, announces the appointment of Mr. Vaibhav Gautam as the Director of Food & Beverages. As the leading luxury destination in the city, Mr. Gautam eagerly anticipates leveraging his extensive hospitality expertise to enhance overall guest satisfaction in this influential role.

Boasting a robust background, Mr. Vaibhav Gautam brings an extensive proficiency from his previous roles as Food & Beverage Manager and Associate Director at prestigious establishments such as Sofitel Mumbai BKC and The Khyber Himalayan Resorts & Spa, Gulmarg. With a career marked by success and notable contributions to renowned establishments, Mr. Vaibhav is well-positioned to lead the culinary experiences at Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity. His proven leadership skills are poised to enhance the overall dining and beverage offerings, aligning seamlessly with the hotel’s unwavering commitment to excellence in hospitality. The appointment of Mr. Vaibhav Gautam reflects Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity’s dedication to providing guests with exceptional services and elevating premium guest satisfaction.

Pride Hotels Group has strategically positioned itself in approximately 56 exceptional locations across India, offering a total of 5,500 rooms, 102 restaurants, 152 banquet facilities, lawns, and conference halls. The group operates and manages a range of hotels under various brands, including “Pride Plaza Hotel,” an Indian Luxury Collection; “Pride Hotel,” conveniently located central business hotels; “Pride Resort,” situated in mesmerizing destinations; mid-market segment hotels known as “Biznotel by Pride”; and a fresh concept of premium luxury serviced apartment stays, “Pride Suites.” These brands have earned acclaim from celebrities, corporate clients, as well as domestic and international tourists.

Pride Hotels Group’s current locations span New Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Nagpur, Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa, Jaipur, Indore, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Mussoorie, Puri, Gangtok, Anand, Alkapuri, Manjusar (Vadodara), Sasan Gir, Dwaraka, Ambaji, Rajkot, Bhopal, Haldwani, Ranakpur, Rishikesh, Digha, and Rudraprayag, among others. Upcoming destinations include Daman, Bhavnagar, Surendranagar, Agra, Dwarka, Jabalpur, Gangtok, Bharuch, Nainital, Jim Corbett, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Lucknow, Varanasi, Rajkot, Kanpur, Neemrana, Mysore, Gurugram, Aurangabad, Halol, Yavatmal, Greater Noida, Motera (Ahmedabad), Lonavala, Ambaji, Veraval, Amritsar, and many more.

 17th February 2024: Mortein, one of the world’s leading brands in pest control, has released an ad film under its ongoing campaign, #MorteinKiRakshaJyoti, expressing gratitude to the caregivers of the society. The film encourages people to recognize the selfless work of the community workers, who are working round the clock and extend the “Raksha Jyoti” to them and safeguard them from mosquito-borne diseases.

To stay protected from disease-carrying mosquitoes, every family relies on various pest control solutions, however, the individuals who tirelessly ensure the safety of the entire society are often exposed to diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya. With this campaign film, Mortein emphasizes the importance of taking care of those who care for society, providing them with the shield of Mortein’s protection.

Saurabh Jain, Regional Marketing Director, South Asia – Hygiene, Reckitt said, “For years, Mortein has been a trusted pest control solution across Indian homes and is committed to protect families against mosquito-borne diseases. With the release of our film, we want to draw attention to the health and safety of the community workers, the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to ensure our security. The film’s core message ‘Unki raksha kare jo roz hamari raksha karein’ urges people to protect the protectors with Mortein Liquid Vaporisers, safeguarding them from disease-carrying mosquitoes.”

Conceptualised by Havas Worldwide India, the film beautifully captures the message in a poignant scene, where a mother and her kids demonstrate compassion to the security guard of their housing society by providing him with a Mortein liquid vaporizer for his cabin. The film highlights the selfless dedication of the community workers who are consistently looking out for the world and ensuring our overall safety. The mother then urges her kids to protect the ones who protect the world, hence encapsulating the campaign message – ‘Unki raksha kare jo roz hamari raksha karein’ with Mortein.

Anupama Ramaswamy, Chief Creative Officer, Havas Worldwide India said, “Mortein’s mission against mosquito-borne diseases sparked our inspiration. Having grown up under the protection of diligent security guards, we now recognize the risks they face. Identifying an opportunity for meaningful change through compelling storytelling, our goal is singular: to enhance the lives of community workers under Mortein’s Raksha Jyoti initiative. We envision extending this effort to contribute to a Malaria and Dengue-free India.”

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aVmtjc7314

Creative Agency Credits:

Anupama Ramaswamy, Chief Creative Officer

Tarun Jha, Chief Executive Officer

Anirban Mozumdar, Chief Strategy Officer

Kundan Joshee, Managing Partner

Avinash Chandra, Vice President

Annie Joshi, Associate Account Director

Kokila Srivastava, Copy Supervisor

Anuraag Srivastava, Vice President – Strategy

Aatur Sharma, Films Consultant

Production house: The Film Folks

Director: Pooja Khemani

VIJAYAWADA, India,17th February 2024 —HCLTech, a leading global technology company, will conduct a recruitment drive on February 17 at its campus in Gannavaram, Vijayawada to recruit people for more than 500 positions across technologies.

HCLTech’s recruitment drive presents opportunities for professionals with three or more years of work experience across technologies (including Java Full Stack Developers, Java + AWS Developers, Microsoft .Net Developers, Oracle/PLSQL Developers, SAP: ABAP, Hana, Basis, C/Linux Developers, and SQL/Oracle DBA).

“HCLTech Vijayawada campus was established on Feb 14, 2020, and in just a short span of time, it solidified its position as one of the largest IT services employers in Andhra Pradesh. Our diverse workforce here now serves over 100 global clients with expert skills in the latest and most niche technology advancements. Through the mega recruitment drive, we are excited to welcome stellar minds to the team,” said Shiva Prasad, Associate Vice President, and Center Head of Vijayawada, HCLTech.

Spanning across 30 acres, HCLTech’s Vijayawada campus holds the prestigious Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Platinum certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness. Women represent 43% of the workforce at HCLTech’s Vijayawada campus.

HCLTech has a global footprint across 60 countries and is rated as Top Employer in 26 of these countries. Its Comprehensive portfolio spanning digital, engineering, cloud, AI and software to help clients navigate end to end digital transformation.

Mumbai, 17th February 2024: ManipalCigna Health Insurance has announced the launch of its latest campaign, “Mere Choice ka Health Insurance” (MCHI) to empower young adults in Navigating Adulthood with Financial Security of Health Insurance. As young adults embark on the journey of adulting, they are faced with a myriad of first-time experiences from budgeting and financial planning to experimenting, caregiving for parents, taking self-care and in this journey ManipalCigna is proud to stand alongside them as an expert partner as they take their first step into Health Insurance.

Commenting on the new brand films, Sapna Desai, Chief Marketing Officer at ManipalCigna Health Insurance said, “Health Insurance as a category typically targets families, individuals of a certain age, but there’s also a “New to Health” individuals, stepping into adulthood, who face significant decisions like purchasing health insurance amidst their daily responsibilities. Based on this insight we have launched our latest campaign Mere Choice ka Health Insurance or #MCHI. The campaign #MCHI (Mere Choice ka Health Insurance) as synonymous with ManipalCigna, aims to make ‘Health Insurance’ an intrinsic part of the adulting journey so young adults, who live in the fast lane, are better prepared. Desai further added, “Recent IRDAI data also highlights that Young Adults are much more financially savvy than previous generations and that 70% of young adults actually have financial security as one of their key life goals. Most likely, young adults understand that having a health insurance is a first step to adulting. With this campaign we want to communicate that investing in health insurance early in life is not just cool, but also the smarter thing to do, as it ensures lower premiums and broader coverage options, securing both health and financial stability in every step of the adulting journey.”

Nikhil Shahane, Chief Operating Officer of 21N78E Creative Labs, the agency behind the campaign, added, “In a category that is typically associated with T&Cs and belonging to “the parents” we wanted to find a way to be relevant to the young adults. And one need not look beyond their messages to see that Emojis and Acronyms are an integral part of our lives now. For a financially savvier younger generation, we wanted to make sure that our communication resonated with them in a nuanced and relevant manner. The answer was staring us in our face. And what better way to land everything that ManipalCigna has to offer than by inserting the brand into contextually relevant conversations, in a way that can be appropriated by the customers themselves.”

The campaign Mere Choice ka Health Insurance features protagonist Hrishi and Mishi, a young couple aged between 25-28, who live together and skillfully navigate their journey to adulthood, with the safety and peace of mind provided by ManipalCigna Health Insurance. The four-part films highlight some of the key features that are available with the comprehensive products of ManipalCigna Health Insurance especially for the youth such as Cashless OPD, Global Cover, Preventive Health check-ups, Unlimited tele-consultations, Non-Medical Expenses and their quick and easy claim settlement. For couples planning parenthood, it provides cover for assisted reproductive treatment and newborn expenses such as maternity cover of a Sum Insured of Rs.1 lac and first-year vaccinations. It also highlights ManipalCigna’s expertise in the health insurance industry to provide high-quality healthcare experience to its customers.

The UPS India Technology Centres and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support skill development for India’s diverse talent pool. The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri. Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India.

According to the India Skills Report, only 49% of Indian youth meet employability standards, highlighting the critical need for initiatives to close the education-employment gap. India’s goal of becoming a US $5 trillion economy is a collaborative effort that will unlock opportunities for India’s workforce. Industry ready technology skills can help meet this goal by preparing India’s youth for local and global opportunities.

The UPS India Technology Centres and NSDC will provide skilling programs and initiatives focused on technology, logistics, and supply chain management, including:

Community bootcamps, workshops, career counselling, technical training, management and soft skills training, aimed to prepare India’s next generation workforce.
Continue to work with similar youth initiatives such as the Tamil Nadu government’s skill development program – ‘Naan Mudhalvan’.

“UPS is excited to support the government’s aim to skill our youth with speed and high standards to achieve its vision of a ‘Skilled India’. We are grateful for the support from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the NSDC. Through our partnership with the NSDC, UPS and the UPS India Technology Centres are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable world that empowers local talent from diverse background and shine a spotlight on the vast potential of India’s talent pool.” said Dr. Subramani Ramakrishnan, Vice President, UPS India Technology Centre.

Waimea, the American denim brand synonymous with urban street style, proudly announces the launch of its latest SS’24 collection. Tailored for the daring and adventurous, this collection showcases a fusion of bold aesthetics and over-the-top jeans.

Inspired by the pulsating energy of the streets, the collection captures the essence of individuality and self-expression. Designed to resonate with sneakerheads and rap-music artists, this line speaks volumes to those who thrive on pushing boundaries and making a statement through their attire.

At the heart of Waimea’s philosophy lies a commitment to crafting denim apparel that not only exudes style but also embodies resilience and strength. Each piece in this collection is designed to withstand the demands of an urban lifestyle while reflecting the wearer’s unique personality and attitude.

“We are thrilled to introduce our latest collection, where we are transforming from the classic skinny jeans to stacked jeans which embody the new bootleg fit for this generation,” saidMahesh Khemlani, Creative Director at Waimea. “With this collection, we aim to empower individuals to embrace their true selves and embrace their unique sense of style without hesitation.”

Drawing inspiration from iconic denim brands, Waimea’s collection seamlessly blends elements of street culture with a touch of luxury, creating a truly distinctive aesthetic that resonates with today’s fashion-forward generation.

From statement denim jackets adorned with bold graphics to distressed jeans that exude effortless coolness, each piece in Waimea’s collection is a testament to the brand’s dedication to innovation and authenticity.

IDBI Bank has introduced its latest offering of “Special Limited Period Callable FD Offer of 300 Days” with peak rates of 7.55% p.a. This initiative is introduced under the Utsav FD scheme, and caters to customers seeking attractive rates in shorter tenures. Besides this, the existing Utsav FDs for 375 and 444 days continue to offer competitive rates of up to 7.60% p.a. and 7.75% p.a. respectively.