Archives February 2024

Mumbai, 14 February 2024: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently released their much awaited fourth and final season of its popular teen romance series, Crushed. Taking the story forward, this season dives deeper into the lives of Aadhya and her friends as they deal with new challenges and dynamics in their school life. The storyline takes a romantic turn with the sudden return of Samvidhan, resulting in an emotional conflict between him and Aadhya. The series boasts a wholesome blend of emotions, drama, and heartwarming moments. It stars Aadhya Anand, Arjun Deswal, Rudhraksh Jaiswal, Urvi Singh, and Naman Jain in key roles.

Talking about her character, Aadhya Anand, who essays the role of Aadhya Mathur in the series, shared, “As an actor and individual alike, there was a lot to learn from all four seasons. In the series, my character comes across many situations, which I too had to tackle in real life. Thanks to my character, I was able to grow along with her. I think Aadhya Mathur has come a long way, and the same goes for me too. I think one faces a lot of battles in their teenage years, as has Aadhya. And all of them combined have made her a stronger person.”

She further shared her thoughts on the series’ relatability quotient. “There are many instances that I relate to. In Fact, the whole show is highly relatable for that matter. I believe that Crushed is one such story that will resonate with everyone. There is a lot to take away from the show,” expressed Aadhya.

Get ready to dive into the lives of audiences’ beloved teens and embark on a journey of nostalgia, love, and friendship with the final season of Crushed. Created by Dice Media and directed by Mandar Kurundkar, all 4 seasons of Crushed are streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV, available on the Amazon shopping app, FireTV and Play Store.

Chennai, February 14, 2024: UltraTech Cement’s grinding unit, Arakkonam Cement Works, located in Ranipet district of Tamil Nadu, has through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative helped over 2,000 rural women from low income families secure sustainable livelihoods and enhance their standard of living.

Arakkonam Cement Works unit adopted five villages namely, Kumpinipet, Melpakkam, Thandalam, Parithiputhur and Chitteri, located in the vicinity of the unit as part of its CSR initiative to help secure sustainable livelihoods for women from marginalised sections of the community. The women in these villages were dependent on unskilled labour, animal husbandry and agriculture to earn their livelihoods. As the work was seasonal and erratic, the women remained financially dependent. Given the potential of tailoring and embroidery for self-employment as well as employment in the local textile units, the unit CSR team setup a training facility and commenced free tailoring and embroidery training for the women.

So far, 2,202 women from three villages of Chitteri, Thandalam and Parithiputhur have been trained. After successful completion of the training, the women were awarded certificates. Training for women from the other two villages is currently underway. About 800 of the trained women have been gainfully employed in local textile companies such as Ammayapper Textiles. The other trained women have also been able to augment their income by providing tailoring services locally.

UltraTech undertakes its social initiatives under the aegis of The Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development with Mrs. Rajashree Birla as its Chairperson. UltraTech’s CSR focus areas are education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, community infrastructure and social causes. UltraTech reaches out to more than 1.6 million beneficiaries in over 500 villages in 16 states across India through its CSR programmes.

Gurugram, 14 February 2024: The fourth edition of The Times of India Gadgets Now Awards unfolded in a spectecular ceremony, showcasing the pinnacle of innovation and technology. OnePlus emerged as the star of the night, securing an impressive nine awards, while Apple and Samsung claimed the top accolades in the smartphone and other digital product categories.

The Times News Network hosted the event, featuring competition between the tech industry titans in 15 categories, including both Jury Choice and Popular Choice awards. OnePlus showcased its dominance, with the OnePlus 11R and OnePlus Nord 3 winning in both the Jury and Popular Choice categories for Best Affordable Premium Smartphone and Best Affordable Smartphone, respectively.

Samsung stole the spotlight in seven categories, including Best Smartphone, Best Camera Smartphone, and Best Foldable Smartphone, all claiming Popular Choice. The jury’s pick for Best Smartphone was Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro, while AirPods Pro USB-C and MacBook Air 15 took home Popular Choice awards for Best Audio Device (TWS Earbuds) and Best Laptop, respectively. The Google Pixel 8 Pro earned the jury’s recognition as the best camera smartphone.

Raju Pullan, Senior VP of Samsung’s India mobile business, expressed delight at the strong market response to their top-end Galaxy and Fold series. Baljinder Singh, Director of Apple’s top premium reseller, Unicorn, shared that the iPhone 15 had a resounding response among buyers, with healthy numbers continuing into the new year. OnePlus Marketing Director Ishita Grover emphasised the sustained demand for the company’s products.

The Popular Choice Awards were determined through extensive online public voting. A distinguished panel of business professionals, including Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Prabhu Ram, Prasad Sanyal, Manisha Singh, Saurabh Srivastava, and Upasana Joshi, chose the Jury Choice winners at the same time.

Prasad Sanyal, Business Head of Times of India Digital, congratulated the winners, stating, “The Gadgets Now Awards are a celebration of cutting-edge technology and unparalleled innovation.” He emphasised the meticulous selection process that the jury undertook and the enthusiastic public participation in selecting their favorites.

The Gadgets Now Awards, an annual initiative by the Times of India, aim to recognise technology that not only makes lives more accessible but also plays a pivotal role in shaping our future.

Check out the full winners list.

Special Recognition

• Leading brand in the storage & memory industry: Crucial By Micron

• Innovative Security Solution provider in the Country: Sparsh CCTV

Bangalore, February 14, 2024: Supertails, a full-stack tech–enabled pet–care startup, has raised INR 125 crores in Series B funding led by RPSG Capital Ventures and existing investors Fireside Ventures, Saama Capital, DSG Consumer Partners and Sauce VC. This funding will be deployed by the company to enable business growth through the acquisition of new customers and investments in technology, along with the expansion of healthcare services including Supertails Pharmacy. Supertails also plans to use the funds to foray into offline business strategy and build an omnichannel experience for consumers.

Founded in June 2021 by a trio of pet lovers – Varun Sadana, Aman Tekriwal, and Vineet Khanna, Supertails aims to lead the pet care market by addressing the evolving needs of pet parents through their customized offerings. The pet population in India stands at approximately 35 million, growing at a CAGR of 15%+. As the trend towards nuclear families and urban lifestyles continues to rise, the companionship of pets is becoming increasingly popular. For many households, pets have now become essential members of families, leading to a growing demand for a variety of pet-related products and services.

Supertails aims to double down on its growth and expansion plans to achieve an ARR of INR 500 crores in the next two years.

Speaking on the funding, co-founders Aman Tekriwal, Varun Sadana and Vineet Khanna of Supertails said, “We built Supertails with a clear mission of creating immense customer love by simplifying and enriching the experience of pet parenting for everyone. The unwavering support from our investors has been pivotal in shaping our journey towards creating a one-stop platform for pet parents, addressing all their needs. As passionate pet parents ourselves, we deeply understand the integral role pets play in our lives. With this recent round of funding, we envision building an even more organized and easily accessible ecosystem, tailored to the diverse and evolving needs of Indian pet parents. This injection of funds will empower us to expand our offerings, enhance the user experience, and ultimately strengthen the bond between pets and their devoted parents. We are grateful for the trust and enthusiasm our investors have shown, and we are excited about the positive impact we can make in the lives of pet parents everywhere in the country.”

Abhishek Goenka, Managing Partner, RPSG Capital Ventures said, “We have always had a keen interest in Indian D2C companies and we strongly believe in the growing Indian pet care market. We are excited to collaborate with Supertails as their innovative platform has gone beyond conventional pet care. With increasing disposable income and a rising trend in pet parenthood, the pet care industry holds significant potential in the future.  As we expect India’s pet economy to grow over the next decade, Supertails‘ expansion aligns perfectly with the current landscape. We are excited to see what Varun, Aman, and Vineet have planned for the next chapter of Supertails.”

Kanwaljit Singh, Founder and Managing Partner at Fireside Ventures added “Supertails has had an incredible journey over the past 2 years and we are proud to have witnessed it since their early days in the market. Catering to the ever-evolving needs of Indian pet parents, Supertails has successfully managed to build a full-stack platform offering for its consumers. We look forward to seeing them strengthening their position in the Indian pet care market and fulfilling their aim of creating a stronger pet care community.”

Since its inception, Supertails has focused on handholding pet parents throughout their pet parenthood journey. The Supertails app provides the largest assortment of food, treats, accessories, and other pet essentials. To further support pet parents, they introduced a pet pharmacy on their platform, becoming a full-stack platform offering pet supplies, online vet consultations, online behavior training, and a pet pharmacy. Catering to the ever-evolving needs of Indian pet parents, Supertails has solidified its position as a leading player in India’s potential $5 billion pet care market.

Past Funding & Team

In the past, Supertails has raised a total funding of INR 90 crores. The Series-A round was led by Fireside Ventures along with existing lead investors Saama Capital DSG Consumer Partners, Sauce VC, and angel investors including Kunal Shah – Founder, Cred; Sanjay Kapoor – Founder & President, Genesis Luxury Fashion Pvt LTD; Varun Alagh- Co-Founder and CEO, MamaEarth; Ankit Nagori – Founder, Curefoods; and Shashank Mehta – Founder & CEO, The Whole Truth Foods. The company currently employs 150+ employees with more than 80% of the employees being pet parents themselves.

Hyderabad, 14 February 2024:  Platform 65 is thrilled to announce Red Theme Event for this Valentine’s Day. Starting from February 13th to February 15^th experience the love and passion blend with delectable cuisine in an ambience adorned with the colour of romance. Platform 65 invites couples to indulge in an evening filled with love, laughter, and special discounts.

Embracing this Red vibe, Platform 65 restaurant is offering a delightful discount of 20% off for couples who will arrive dressed in red attire. This exclusive offer is available at all branches of Platform 65 providing, a great opportunity for couples to enjoy a memorable dining experience with their loved ones. Platform 65 is known for its commitment to creating memorable experiences, and this Valentine’s Day will be no exception. The Red Theme Event promises to immerse guests in a world of passion and romance, with vibrant decorations, food and a captivating atmosphere. The Red Theme Event would be successfully implemented under the direct leadership of Srikanth Bandaru, Corporate General Manager at Platform 65.

Excited about this event Mr. Sadgun Patha, Managing Director and Founder of Platform 65 said, “Love knows no bounds, and neither does our commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience at Platform 65 Restaurant. Our Red Theme Event for this Valentine’s Day Celebration is dedicated to creating unforgettable moments for our guests. Dress in your finest red attire and join us on the journey of flavours and romance that will leave you with cherished memories.”

Venkatesh Gopisetty, Vice President of Platform 65 said, “We are delighted to host our Red-Theme event for this Valentine’s Day and spread the joy of love and togetherness. Our exclusive offer for couples dressed in red shades is a token of our appreciation for their choice to spend this special day with us. Join us for three days of love, laughter, and delectable cuisine!”

Platform 65 Restaurant is India’s largest toy train-themed restaurant, offering a unique dining experience with a delightful toy train running through the restaurant. With 11 branches in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Platform 65 is committed to creating memorable moments for its patrons, combining good food with a playful atmosphere.

Mumbai, February 14, 2024: Pushpam Group, a leading real estate player in India who is into resort homes, has announced the launch of their luxury Bali themed studio suites at their resort home Balibaug in Alibaug. A total of 14 spacious luxury studio suites will be developed, reflecting a Balinese interior. These suites will be fully furnished leading to a veranda offering residents a tropical view.

Speaking on the launch, Dr. Sachin Chopda, Managing Director, Pushpam Group said, “The launch of our Bali themed studio suites will be in addition to our existing offerings of luxury villas at our project Balibaug. It is our endeavour to encourage and give people an opportunity to become owners of a resort home, generating for them regular monthly rental income. The recent commencement of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) has enhanced connectivity, improved ease of travel and brought Mumbai closer to Alibaug.”

The Bali themed studio suites are part of the Bali style resort at Balibaug in Alibaug. These studio suites measure around 488 sq ft and are priced at INR 59 lac and above. This project will consist of a large Clubhouse, outdoor & terrace restaurant, Party Lawn, swimming Pool, streetscapes etc. Balibaug is being developed as a luxury boutique resort home spread across 2.2 acres of scenic surroundings, inspired by Bali’s temples and Palace architecture.

Balibaug is situated on the scenic Konkan coastal town of Alibaug, also known as ‘Mini Goa’, for its pristine beaches; just a few hours’ drive from Mumbai and ninety minutes drive from the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.

Balibaug is being developed on the lines of a holiday home. The company has partnered with the best in class hotel services and rental program that offers you 28 nights stay every year, as per international resort standards where you can enjoy holidays with your family. It also lets you earn an assured monthly income with no maintenance charges and free of any liabilities.

Now, with improved connectivity, it’s the right time to invest in Balibaug as prices are rising due to increased demand from investors, making it your regular holiday pad as well as earning you regular monthly rental income.

Bengaluru, February 14, 2024: Visa (NYSE: V), the global leader in digital payments, today announced the appointment of Shruti Gupta as Vice President and Head, Commercial & Money Movement Solutions (CMS), for India and South Asia. In her role, Shruti will head Visa’s business and corporate solutions including Commercial Solutions, Integrated Money Movement and Visa Government Solutions. Her responsibilities include developing and implementing a multi-year growth strategy in collaboration with the leadership team in India and South Asia. 

Shruti brings to Visa over two decades of experience at Citi spanning commercial, risk management and strategy with MNCs, local corporates and the startup ecosystem. She began her professional journey in 2000 with Citi India, and in 23 years, assumed various roles across lending and non-lending segments, business development and relationship management. Her most recent role was Managing Director for the multinational segment of Citi Commercial Banking. 

“I am delighted to welcome Shruti Gupta to the Visa family. With rich and deep experience in the banking and finance domain, particularly in commercial solutions and strategy, Shruti adds a wealth of knowledge to our team. We are pleased to have her expertise reinforce our efforts in shaping the future of money movement in the market”, said Sandeep Ghosh, Group Country Manager, Visa India and South Asia. 

“Visa has consistently led innovations in the payment ecosystem and I am eager to contribute to its continued positive evolution. I believe that a strategic approach is pivotal to business development with commercial clients and look forward to applying this philosophy for sustained success on this journey with Visa”, said Shruti Gupta, Visa‘s newly appointed Vice President and Head, Commercial & Money Movement Solutions (CMS) for Visa in India and South Asia. 

Shruti has a master’s degree in business administration from FORE School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in science from Delhi University. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, and spends her leisure time hiking, horse riding and watching movies.

Mumbai, 14 February 2024:  Maker Bhavan Foundation (MBF), a US-based charitable organization aiming to modernize STEM education in India, has launched a logo design contest for the Vishwakarma Awards for Engineering Innovation. The contest, which will run till 13th March 2024, is open to engineering students across India.

The Vishwakarma Awards is a nationwide thematic prototyping challenge that aims to incentivize student innovators to develop scalable technological solutions that tackle real-world problems. Maker Bhavan Foundation seeks a unique and authentic logo that is a visual representation of the forward-looking perspective that the Vishwakarma Awards puts forth.

The month-long logo design contest invites engineering students from all over the nation to submit their logo designs. With a prize of ₹10,000 for the winning entry, Maker Bhavan Foundation hopes to attract a diverse range of creative minds, including past participants who intimately understand the essence of the program.

While the focus is on authenticity and the student perspective, Maker Bhavan Foundation remains open to selecting the best design that aligns with the essence of the program.

Maker Bhavan Foundation encourages all interested participants to join the contest and looks forward to unveiling a logo that not only reflects the spirit of innovation but also becomes an integral part of the Vishwakarma Awards legacy.

Mumbai, 14 February 2024: On the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s 394^th Birth Anniversary, ‘Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsav’ is being arranged in the town of Junnar, District Pune, from 17^th to 19^th February 2024. The three-day ‘Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsav’ will shed light on the glorious history and culture of Maharashtra. The historical town of Junnar shall witness various events drenched in the colours of art, music, adventure and spirituality. ‘Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsav 2024 being arranged by Maharashtra State Tourism Department and Pune District Administration. We wholeheartedly invite all the Shiv-lovers, Fort-lovers, tourists and citizens to this festival.

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri. Eknathji Shinde said, “I am glad about various events arranged in the Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsav. This festival does not only commemorate Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary but also displays the culture of the state. A number of events from cultural programmes to adventure sports are being organized in the festival. We wholeheartedly invite all the Shiv-lovers, Fort-lovers, tourists and citizens to this festival.”

According to Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Dy. Chief Minister, Maharashtra, “The Hindavi Swaraj Mahotsav is a testament to Maharashtra’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its glorious history. By blending art, music, adventure, and spirituality, this festival offers an immersive experience that resonates with the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. I am sure that the organizers will execute the festival with dedication.”

Dy. Chief Minister, Maharashtra Shri Ajitdada Pawar said, “Once again, we are going to celebrate the Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsav 2024 enthusiastically. Theme parks based on Ch. Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy are being raised in five cities across the state as well as the Shivsrushti is being created at Junnar, the birthplace of Maharaj. I invite all to witness the festival and let the new generations know about the grand legacy of Ch. Shivaji Maharaj’s valorous deeds.”

Speaking about the Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsav 2024, Shri. Girish Mahajan, Minister of Tourism – Government of Maharashtra: ” The Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsav is a testament to Maharashtra’s rich heritage, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and adventure. As we celebrate the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, this event underscores the state’s commitment to promoting tourism and showcasing Maharashtra’s diverse cultural tapestry.”

Sharing her thoughts on the Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsav 2024, Smt. Jayashree Bhoj, Secretary – Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, said, “The Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsav, curated with meticulous detail, epitomizes Maharashtra’s commitment to becoming a cultural tourism destination. The forts in the state are the centres of attraction for the tourists. Everyone attending the festival shall witness the unforgettable experience. For that, the tourism department is working in association with the district administration on the organizational front. I invite you all to attend the festival.”

Speaking about the Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsav 2024, Shri. Girish Mahajan, Minister of Tourism – Government of Maharashtra: “The Hindavi Swarajya Mahitsav is a testament to Maharashtra’s rich heritage, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and adventure. Activities such as trekking, temple tours and cultural events shall give a multidimensional experience. We are striving to attract the tourists and take Maharashtra on the front in tourism. I invite all the tourists to the festival.”

The outline of the Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsav 2024:

Opening Ceremony: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the festival with a captivating opening ceremony that will set the tone for the entire event.

Cultural Performances: Enjoy a kaleidoscope of cultural performances, featuring traditional music, dance, and theatrical productions that showcase the rich tapestry of our heritage.

Artisanal Exhibitions: Explore the creativity of local artisans and craftsmen through vibrant exhibitions, offering a unique opportunity to purchase handmade crafts, traditional clothing, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Culinary Delights: Indulge your taste buds in a gastronomic journey through our diverse culinary offerings. From traditional delicacies to modern fusion, there’s something for every palate.

Workshops and Demonstrations: Engage in interactive workshops and demonstrations that provide insights into our cultural practices, arts, and traditions.

Adventure Activities: Thrill-seekers can indulge in a plethora of activities, including quad biking, paintball, archery, trekking, rappelling, ziplining, speed boating, climbing wall

Temple Tours: Embark on spiritual journeys to various temples, including Kukadeshwar Temple, Nageshwar Temple, Harishchandreshwar Temple, Kashi Barhmnath Temple, Ashtvinayak Temple, Lenyadri Temple, Ozar Temple, Jyotirlinga Temple, Bhimashankar Temple, and Trimbakeshwar Temple.

Lakeside Glamping and Star Gazing: Experience the tranquility of lakeside glamping and gaze at the stars in the clear night sky.

Trekking: Challenge yourself with trekking adventures to forts like Hadsar Fort, Nimgiri – Hanumantgad, Jivdhan Fort with Naneghat, and Chavand Fort with Kukdeshwar Temple. Participate in the two-day trekking competition, including the Harishchandragad trek with camping and Hadpsar – Nimgiri – Hanumantgad – Naneghat – Jivdhan trek.

Cultural activities and exhibition of various small-scale industry products.

Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsav 2024 includes various cultural activities that aould take place at Shankarrao Butte Patil Vidyalay Maidan, Taluka Junnar, District Pune between 17^th to 19^th February.

10am-9pm: Exhibition of various small-scale industry products.

17^th February 2024 06:30-07:30am – Chhatrapati Tribute by Shahir Suresh Jadhav in Powada

07:30-10:00pm – Jaanata Raja Mahanatya

18^th February 2024 06:30-07:30am – Garja Maharashtra Majha – Dance & musical performance

07:30-09:30 – Ganimi Kawa – a show displaying Ch. Shivaji Maharaj’s war tactics.

19^th February 2024 09:00-11:00am – Shiv Janmotsav at Fort Shivneri

06:15-07:00 – Maha Shiv aarti

06:30-07:30 – Sohala Santancha (Vaari)

08:30-09:30- Shiv Shambhu Shaurya Gatha – Shiva Sahyadri (Mahanaty