Archives February 2024

Mumbai, 16th February 2024: Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming platform has been making waves with its varied content library. The streaming service recently released the final season of its most loved teen drama series, Crushed. With the commencement of a new school year, this season narrates how Aadhya, Jaz, and Zoya’s friendship endured despite conquering challenges over time. While Prateek finds himself in a precarious situation where his friendship with Zoya becomes untenable over time. The characters progressively come to terms with their differences as their journey advances. The plot thickens and the characters work out their disagreements over the season. The series ends with our characters realizing that learning, making mistakes, growing, unlearning, and letting go are all part of the amazing journey that is life.

Rudhraksh Jaiswal who essays the role of Samvidhan, makes a comeback this season, giving us more reason to not miss the show. While talking about his experience working with co-stars, he shared, “Every project is unique, and you approach it with a fresh perspective and meet new individuals. Everybody has such distinct ideologies, predetermined beliefs, and other characteristics. Everything about the way they envision the character and the scenes they have planned will be different as you just arrive believing that this will be a different kind of endeavor. The belief system just brings everyone in sync by attempting to imply that. And you’re going for the right objective, in my opinion, and everything falls into place because, when everything lines up, you seem to be traveling in the same direction and working toward the same objective.And teamwork is all about it, and that is what a team is. And naturally, we’re thrilled that we were headed in the correct direction and with the right people. We managed to complete everything on schedule.”

Created by Dice Media, Crushed Season 4 will feature Rudhraksh Jaiswal, Aadhya Anand, Naman Jain, Arjun Deswal, Urvi Singh and Anupriya Caroli amongst others. Get ready to dive into the lives of the audience’s most loved teens and embark on a journey of nostalgia, love, and friendship with the final season of Crushed. All 4 seasons of Crushed are now streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV, available on the Amazon shopping app, FireTV, and Play Store.

16th February 2024: OneEarth Foundation, a leading non-profit organization committed to environmental sustainability, is set to embark on a unique campaign titled “Drive Against Plastic Pollution” to raise awareness about the critical issue of marine plastic pollution and its impact on Goa’s coastlines and marine biodiversity.

The campaign, which is part of OneEarth Foundation’s larger “Wave of Change” initiative, will involve a 120-kilometer kayak expedition across the Goan coastline, engaging communities through beach cleanups, school and college workshops, mangrove cleanups, educational walks, and ghost net awareness programs. The campaign was started today by Keri Sarpanch Dharti Nagoji and attended by students of New English High School.

“Harnessing the power of local communities, OneEarth Foundation has launched a groundbreaking campaign in Goa. This 30-day-long initiative, from February 1st to March 1st, empowers Goans, especially the younger generation, to become active warriors against plastic pollution. This strategic effort holds immense promise for protecting Goa’s precious coastal ecosystems and securing a sustainable future for generations to come, said Ferdin Sylvester, Co-Founder & Director of OneEarth Foundation.

The first 15-day of the campaign was focused on raising awareness among students through workshops and seminars held in schools, which aimed to educate them about the initiative and invite them to participate actively”, he explained.

The collected plastic waste will be sent for processing to ensure it never ends up back in the ocean. The entire campaign will be documented in a film capturing the journey, the people involved, the challenges faced, and the impact of collective action against plastic pollution. This documentary aims to inspire similar actions worldwide.

OneEarth Foundation now invites individuals, communities, and organizations to join their efforts in tackling this critical environmental issue. By participating, you can contribute to a cleaner, healthier ocean and protect the natural beauty of Goa’s shores.

InSight, the flagship conclave presented by WION & Zee Business, recently convened an esteemed gathering of industry leaders, esteemed journalists, and visionary moderators to illuminate the path forward for India’s future. This landmark event served as a platform for insightful discussions, thought-provoking fireside chats, and engaging sessions, all aimed at deciphering the complexities of the past year and charting a visionary course for the year ahead. The conclave showcased the unwavering commitment of both media giants to deliver insightful and engaging content that resonates with viewers globally. It was streamed live on WION & Zee Business’ respective YouTube channels.

The on-ground conclave comprised of a fireside chat with the Guest of Honour, General V. K. Singh (Retd), Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Civil Aviation. Subsequent sessions delved into diverse topics including ‘Changing Investment Trends and the Future Ahead’, featuring D.P. Singh, Deputy Managing Director and Joint CEO, SBI Mutual Fund, engaging in thought-provoking dialogue with Anil Singhvi, Zee Business, and Vikram Chandra, WION. The conversation explored the evolving dynamics of investment and the burgeoning participation of retail investors in shaping market trends. A strategic conversation on ‘Accelerating Progress – Mapping the Evolution of India’s Automotive Landscape’ featured Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India and Vikram Pawah, President & CEO, BMW Group India.

Madhu Soman, Chief Business Officer of WION & Zee Business, lauded the success of InSight, stating, “As we reflect on the success of this conclave, we are reminded of our core mission—to inform, to inspire, and to empower. The overwhelming response affirms that our efforts to create a platform for meaningful discourse have struck a chord with our audience, driving us to continue pushing the boundaries of content delivery.”

Mona Jain, Chief Revenue Officer of Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL), echoed this sentiment, highlighting, “InSight exemplifies our dedication to fostering informed dialogue and facilitating knowledge-sharing among industry leaders and experts. As we navigate the complexities of an ever-changing world, events like these play a crucial role in shaping our collective understanding and driving positive change.”

In addition to the enriching discussions, attendees were treated to a special performance by Anirban Dasgupta, Stand-up Comedian and writer, adding a touch of humour and entertainment to the proceedings.

As InSight drew to a close, attendees left with renewed optimism and determination. Armed with their insights, participants are ready to tackle the challenges and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead in 2024 and beyond. Watch the full stream on WION & Zee Business’ YouTube channels.

Bengaluru, 16th February 2024: Determined to build over the strong travel momentum witnessed in the previous year, South African Tourism wrapped up the penultimate chapter of its 20th Annual India Roadshow at ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru. Kickstarted on 12th February in Jaipur along with a panel discussion on 11th February, the trade schedule entered the streets of Delhi on 13th February and Ahmedabad on 14th February. The trade schedule will now move forward and conclude in Mumbai on 16th February.

India is currently one of the fastest growing outbound travel markets, outpacing Asia and many countries around the world. The country is amongst the top-3 focus markets for South African Tourism and holds immense potential in the years to come. The 20th multi-city schedule achieves a vital milestone for South African Tourism, marking more than two decades of its growing investments in India. Led by Ms. Neliswa Nkani – Hub Head – Middle East, India and Southeast Asia, South African Tourism the event welcomed nearly 350 travel trade partners in Bengaluru and shared critical local market insights enabling them to capitalize on growing demand. In addition, the tourism board partnered with the hotel to offer authentic South African cuisine and a glimpse of its culture to the guests.

Strengthening the relationship between Rainbow Nation’s indigenous businesses and Indian buyers, the roadshow hosted 42 prominent trade exhibitors from South Africa. The congregation allowed Indian trade partners to evaluate their inventory and identify potential future collaborations. It is worth noting, amongst the local businesses were 14 SMMEs who along with their counterparts presented a portfolio comprising of 40% new products showcasing diversified and affordable offerings. Such events present businesses from both the nations a platform to engage and establish mutually beneficial partnerships.

Commenting on the occasion Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – Middle East, India and South East Asia, South African Tourism said “The 20th Annual India Roadshow marks more than two decades of South African Tourism’s commitment to the Indian market. 2023 emerged as another successful year for us and we witnessed 43% increase in travellers from India compared to its previous year. This achievement would not have been possible without relentless efforts from our Indian trade partners and the affection showered upon the Rainbow Nation by India travellers; we are truly grateful.”

She continues “Post resumption of travel activities we have seen India’s outbound tourism market bounce back much stronger compared to rest of the world. Given the immense potential that lies in the Indian market, it continues to remain amongst our top three focus market for 2024 and holds a position of strategic importance. We hope to keep this momentum going and welcome “more & more” Indian travellers to the Rainbow Nation.”

Emerging as one of the fastest markets for South African Tourism in India, Bengaluru displayed a significant growth of 80% in arrivals in 2023. Overall, too, South Africa witnessed a 43% increase in inbound travellers from India on a year-on-year basis. Interestingly, amongst inbound travellers from Bengaluru 53% visited the Rainbow Nation for business purposes. To further propel this momentum, the tourism board will continue with its efforts to improve accessibility and encourage dialogues aimed at establishing direct routes to boost tourism and trade between the two nations.

Promoting the destination through the eyes of Indian influencers and entice consumers to explore new provinces, South African Tourism is currently running its flagship “More & More” brand campaign across target cities. The tourism board is also set to host its renown Corporate Think Tank in the coming months to engage with Indian corporates and address their business and MICE travel needs. At present, several stop-over flights fly from India to South Africa, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Air Seychelles.

India,16th February 2024 Happiest Minds Technologies Limited (NSE: HAPPSTMNDS), a ‘Born Digital. Born Agile’, Mindful IT Company, today announced its strategic partnership with Soroco, an AI company.

Through this partnership with Soroco, Happiest Minds brings intelligence to automation discovery with process and task mining. Leveraging Soroco’s flagship Scout AI model, which generates a work graph (a map of hidden pain points teams face and their impact on business outcomes), and their combined expertise in graph technology and digital automation solutions, the partnership aims to help organizations solve complex business problems, make data-driven decisions, improve operational efficiency and cost savings, and ultimately discover, monitor, and improve their operational processes.

Ram Mohan, CEO, Infrastructure Management and Security Services, Happiest Minds, said, “Happiest Minds has always believed in forging the right kind of strategic partnerships in the industry to deliver cutting-edge technology and superior digitally engineered platforms. We foresee a long-standing association with Soroco on our Automation and AI-led services. We hope together, we innovate and deliver futuristic solutions and services that will help our customers transform their technology ecosystem and meet their business goals.”

Samson David, CEO, Soroco, said, “We are pleased to announce this strategic alliance with Happiest Minds. Their expertise in digital transformation seamlessly aligns with customers leveraging Soroco’s Scout AI model to gain unparalleled visibility into operational bottlenecks. This enables us, together, to deliver exceptional enterprise outcomes—increasing revenues, reducing costs, enhancing overall experiences, and managing risks.”

Ramu MR, Vice President and Head of CoE, Digital Process Automation, Happiest Minds, said, ”We at Happiest Minds continuously aim to support our customers digitize their businesses leveraging digital enablers with a consultative approach. The partnership with Soroco will enable us to reduce time to value by offering innovative solutions bridging potential digital hotspots, application scaling, and unified process intelligence leveraging its AI-driven work graph platform, Scout. We are confident that this strategic partnership will mutually drive faster digital transformation maturity attainment to our current and future customers to become more efficient and more effective.”

Commenting on this partnership, Munjal Jhala, VP, Global Head of Channels & Alliance at Soroco, said, “This alliance aligns perfectly with our mission to change how the world gets work done. By leveraging our flagship Scout AI model and combining it with Happiest Minds’ digital transformation expertise, we are poised to achieve tangible business results. We look forward to a successful and transformative collaboration that brings cutting-edge solutions to our customers, setting new benchmarks in the realm of AI & Automation.”

Happiest Minds has continuously been at the forefront of embracing new technologies and adopting innovative methods to put these technologies to best use. The newest business unit, ‘Generative AI Business Services (GBS),’ is proof of that. Happiest Minds has also been recognized among the Top 50 India’s Best Workplaces™ in IT & IT-BPM and Top 50 India’s Best Workplaces™ for Building a Culture of Innovation 2023, which stands as a testament to the grit and determination with which the organization operates.

“We really appreciate this move of IRDAI. It again reinforces the customer centricity of our insurance regulator in ensuring greater transparency for policyholders. Sometimes, in the rush of buying policy esp around FY end, customers tend to believe what’s being said and basis that finalise the buying decision. The nitty gritty around specifics are only known once the policy document is received and given the complexity in certain products, it takes a longer time to review and understand the finer details. We are in the favour of making the free-look period to 30 days a standard for all the life and health insurance policies for the customers. It enables the customers to review the policies in detail, not only just to understand but also if they have any query or confusion regarding the same.

Given that the scope of coverage comes with conditions and clauses of exemption, it becomes complex for customers to understand quickly. We are confident that by extending the free look period to 30 days, it will allow ample time for policyholders to be thorough in their understanding and help curb the malpractice of misselling.

Along with the 30 days period, there should be a helpline of an advisory panel given by life insurance companies during those 30 days’ time where customers can call and get suitable solutions for their queries and clarify their doubts. This will help the customers to understand the policy dynamics directly from the insurers and in case there’s a mismatch of the expectations and a policy offering,

Hyderabad, 16th February 2024: Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya – India’s only AI-powered learning platform delivering outcomes at scale – continues to soar to new heights. It proudly announces a remarkable result in JEE Main 2024, Session 1 examination. Based on last year cut-offs, 20%+ of our enrolled learners will qualify for JEE Advanced 2024. Among those, 10% of learners have achieved a score in the 99th percentile or higher, and a few learners have also scored in the 100th percentile in Physics and Mathematics. About 12 lakh learners appeared for JEE Main Session 1.

Congratulating the achievers, Ms. Sushma Boppana, Co-founder of Infinity Learn and Academic Director of Sri Chaitanya Group, said, “We are thrilled with the exceptional performance of our learners in JEE Main 2024 Session 1, reinforcing Infinity Learn’s leadership in delivering outcome-based learning at scale. This achievement underscores our commitment to excellence and dedication to nurturing learners’ aspiration of studying in top engineering colleges.”

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Ujjwal Singh, Founding CEO, Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, said,
“Heartiest congratulations to the outstanding achievers of JEE Main 2024, Session 1! Our commitment to delivering results has always been guided by our core principle, ‘Baccha Seekha Ki Nahi’ – focusing on delivering outcomes. Today we take immense pride that Infinity Learn as an EdTech platform has achieved such outstanding results. The fact that 10% of our learners have reached the 99th percentile or higher, with some even achieving a perfect 100th percentile in Physics and Mathematics, is truly exceptional. This success underscores the profound impact and effectiveness of our online education. Infinity Learn is steadfastly progressing towards becoming the leader in Tier 1 college admissions by 2027.”

Infinity Learn platform is bringing quality education to every nook and corner of the country with over 50% results coming from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The AI-powered platform provides quality content, adaptive tests, personalized learning-paths, and a whole immersive experience with live classes for learners looking for credible alternatives to traditional coaching.

Colour Yellow Productions unveils strategic leadership moves as Saeed Akhtar is appointed as Business Head while Sandeep Nair is elevated to Head of Content for Films & OTT

Mumbai, India: With ambitious projects on the horizon, Aanand L Rai’s Colour Yellow Productions announces pivotal leadership changes, signalling a strategic shift in their business outlook. The renowned filmmaker shared insights into these significant appointments and the production’s future ventures.

Aanand L Rai has roped in Saeed Akhtar as the newly appointed Business Head of Colour Yellow Productions. On Akhtar joining the team, Rai expressed, “Saeed Akhtar brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our production house. His strategic acumen and industry insights align perfectly with our vision for growth and innovation.”

Commenting on the appointment, Saeed Akhtar, Business Head – Colour Yellow Productions, stated, “I am elated to be a part of a defining production house like Colour Yellow Productions. Aanand L Rai’s commitment to storytelling and innovation in cinema resonates with my own values. I look forward to contributing to the studio’s continued success.”

In a strategic move, Sandeep Nair has been elevated to Head of Content for Films & OTT. Rai highlighted the decision, stating, “Time and again, Sandeep has displayed exceptional dedication and creativity. Elevating him to this position is a testament to our commitment to nurturing talent within our organisation.” Commenting on his new role, Sandeep Nair, Head of Content (Films & OTT) stated, “This role is a tremendous responsibility and I am excited to bring fresh ideas and collaborative energy to the evolving landscape of storytelling.”

While Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma, the creative minds behind Colour Yellow Productions, are gearing up to embark on ambitious projects that promise to redefine storytelling in Indian cinema, the duo’s focus is on producing content that resonates with a diverse audience. “We believe in pushing creative boundaries, and the upcoming projects will reflect that commitment,” Himanshu Sharma stated. The strategic appointments and ambitious projects underscore the Productions’ commitment to staying at the forefront of the entertainment industry’s evolving landscape.

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16th February 2024: News18 Lokmat successfully hosted the Navi Mumbai conclave, an exclusive event that brought together industry experts to discuss the growing real estate landscape in Navi Mumbai. Held on January 31st, the conclave featured meaningful conversations surrounding growth prospects and emerging opportunities in the region’s real estate sector.

The event witnessed the presence of industry leaders, including Housing Minister Shri Atul Save, who talked about the government’s efforts in developing Navi Mumbai and its future. Followed by Minister Save’s perspective on creating impactful strategies and initiatives to foster the city’s growth.

The major highlight of the event was an engaging panel discussion with prominent guests, including Mr. Prakash Baviskar, CMD, Baviskar Group; Mr. Rajiv Gurav, Director, Urban Analysis and Solution Consultancy Services; Mr. Pritam Mhatre, Director, J.M. Mhatre Infra Pvt. Ltd; Mr. Shahaji Patil, Managing Committee Member Builders Association of Navi Mumbai (BANM) & Partner of SM Developers, Builders Association of Navi Mumbai; Mr. Devang Trivedi, Trustee of Builders Association of Navi Mumbai (BANM) & Partner of SM Developers, Builders Association of Navi Mumbai (BANM); Mr. Rahul Hajare, CEO, DDSR Group Builders and Developers; Mr. Ganesh Deshmukh, Commissioner, Panvel Corporation; Mr. Somnath Shantaram Kelan, Assistant Director of Town Planning NMMC; Mr. Shekhar Bagul, Secretary, Indian Institute of Architects, Maharashtra Chapter and Mr. Mahadev M Chief, Transportation and Communication Division, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority

During the discussion, the panelists engaged in compelling discussions on affordable and luxury housing, and the various factors that influence the real estate market dynamics in Navi Mumbai. The Navi Mumbai conclave promises to offer viewers an exclusive insight into the deliberations and key takeaways from the event. The event was co-presented by News18 Lokmat and Chetak Minerals.

Bengaluru, Feb 15

Bengaluru’s iconic restaurant, IDC Kitchen (Idli, Dosa, Coffee), a chain of vegetarian South Indian self-service restaurants has successfully secured INR 1.5 Crore debt from Peter Thiel’s Valar Ventures-backed financing platform, Velocity. These funds will be directed towards marketing initiatives and other inventory-related expenses, enhancing IDC’s outreach and sustaining its commitment to delivering an authentic South Indian culinary experience. This strategic collaboration with Velocity reinforces IDC’s leadership in the Indian Quick service restaurant (QSR) landscape.

“As we embark on the next phase of our journey, IDC Kitchen signifies more than just a culinary service; it’s a transformative culinary journey. With the support of Velocity and the unwavering love of our patrons, we are thrilled to bring the essence of South India to doorsteps across the nation. This new chapter, fueled by the recent funding from Velocity, allows us to not only maintain our high standards but also elevate the IDC experience for our valued customers. We are passionate about redefining the dining landscape and are eager to share the authentic taste of South India with enthusiasts everywhere.” – Abhishek Baldota, Director of IDC – Idli Dosa Coffee.

Established in 2012, IDC Kitchen has been at the forefront of the QSR kitchen revolution in India. Originating as a single outlet, IDC has flourished into a dynamic culinary venture with 11 locations in Bangalore, 2 in Mumbai and 1 in Raichur and INR 30 Crore in revenue per annum, extending the diverse flavors of South India to enthusiasts nationwide. The brand stands for serving the best quality South Indian food at an affordable price point. As a trailblazer in the field, IDC continues to redefine the dining experience in the evolving culinary market.

Specializing in South Indian cuisine staples – Idli, Dosa, and Coffee – IDC Kitchen’s success is anchored in its steadfast dedication to authenticity and quality. Crafted by experienced chefs using fresh ingredients and traditional techniques, each dish delivers an unmistakably true taste.

IDC Kitchen, driven by authenticity and innovation, directly delivers the essence of South India to homes through a user-friendly online ordering system. Hygiene, customer service, and consistency are the pillars of IDC Kitchen’s success, recognized as one of the industry’s most hygienic South Indian restaurants. This commitment, coupled with the online food delivery model, has allowed IDC Kitchen to grow and maintain high standards even as it expands.

Atul Khichariya, COO & Co-Founder of Velocity adds, “At Velocity, we are thrilled to contribute to the growth and success of IDC through our recent funding of INR 1.5 Crore. This partnership opens up new avenues in the dynamic landscape of restaurants and QSR chains, and we believe that IDC’s commitment to authenticity and innovation aligns seamlessly with our vision. I am confident that this infusion of funds will not only fuel IDC’s brand growth but also set new benchmarks in the restaurant and QSR industry. We look forward to witnessing the continued success of IDC as it persistently redefines the culinary experience for patrons across India.”

The QSR Restaurant market size is expected to be valued at 38.71 billion USD by 2029 as compared to its current valuation of 25.46 billion USD, according to Mordor Intelligence. The rise of online food ordering and factors, such as low start-up costs, ease of operations, and localized menus, are expected to drive the growth further in the coming years. Given the favourable demand outlook, the domestic QSR industry is looking at aggressive store capex over the medium term.

Velocity, a leading financier of digital native brands, has been instrumental in funding a range of successful restaurants and cloud kitchens, including Caters Point, Brahma Brews, BurgerRama, Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria, Oven Fresh, Crave by Leena, and Smoor. Beyond IDC, these ventures highlight Velocity’s commitment to elevating the restaurant and cloud kitchen industry, fostering innovation, and supporting diverse culinary experiences. This strategic funding approach showcases Velocity’s significant role in shaping the success of various culinary ventures across different cuisines and concepts.