Archives March 2024

New Delhi 14th March, 2024: IWG, the world’s largest provider of hybrid working solutions with brands including Spaces and Regus, is proud to introduce its latest innovation in the realm of modern work environments with the launch of HQ in Bangalore. HQ represents IWG’s commitment to revolutionizing the way people work, offering a dynamic and adaptable space designed to meet the evolving needs of businesses and professionals in the digital age.

HQ redefines the traditional office concept, offering a vibrant and collaborative environment. Both locations span close to 10,000 sq. ft in the heart of Bangalore and come complete with state-of-the-art co-working spaces, private offices, meeting rooms, and creative zones. HQ sets a new standard for workspace excellence, providing the ultimate platform for productivity, innovation, and growth.

Situated on Off Bannerghetta Road and Hosar Road respectively, the new locations are part of a drive by IWG to meet the sharply rising demand for top class flexible working space in Bangalore. By bringing a high-quality office space, IWG is enabling local people to experience living in a ’15-minute’ city, allowing workers to work close to their homes without commuting far from where they live.

The launch of HQ in Bangalore marks a significant milestone for IWG as it reaffirms its commitment to empowering businesses and individuals with innovative workspace solutions tailored to the demands of the modern workforce. With the addition of HQ, IWG further solidifies its position as a pioneer in the future of work, providing cutting-edge environments that inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and drive success. The centers in both locations will provide space for established firms and start-ups across a range of industries including IT, ITES, Telecom, Pharma, Biotech, while IWG’s Design Your Own Office service allows companies to tailor their space entirely to their requirements.

Harsh Lambah, Country Manager India and Vice President – Sales, IWG, commented: “We are very excited to bring the HQ brand to India. This will help strengthen our footprint in India, starting from India’s tech capital, Bangaluru. Both off Bannerghetta Road and Hosur Road are important business hubs and great locations for HQ to start operations from and expand. The demand for high-quality flexible workspaces continues to soar as hybrid working becomes the new norm. We are delighted to collaborate with Augwir Technologies Pvt Ltd and Sakeesoft PvT Ltd to develop the HQ brand under a management agreement, adding a cutting-edge workspace to their buildings.”

The addition of IWG’s latest location in Bangalore, India comes on the heels of the business posting record quarterly revenue and achieving rapid network growth, adding more than 850 new locations across the world over the course of 2023. IWG works closely with commercial property owners and developers to reimagine and revitalise traditional spaces into vibrant and productive work environments, while delivering enduring revenue streams for its partners. A remarkable 95% of IWG’s new locations involve partnerships with property owners and investors to establish innovative workspaces. Notably, HQ emerges as one of our fastest-growing brands globally, reflecting our commitment to expanding flexible workspace solutions. The openings follow a partnership agreement with the building owner, who has invested in the IWG platform to create a branded flexible workspace in their building.

With an annual investment of around £50m ($64m) into its technology platform, IWG provides partners with access to all the company’s expertise as well as design and fit-out support and sales and marketing capabilities.

The choice to launch HQ in Bangalore first was linked to India’s IT and tech capital also being one of India’s fastest growing regional locations. Southern cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai have become key Global Capability Centre hubs, with Bengaluru and Hyderabad together leading the GCC leasing activity at a cumulative share of 60% from 2020 to 2023. Chennai saw a 2.4X surge in 2023, while Pune and Mumbai witnessed over 1.7X growth compared to 2022, a new report by Colliers. Demand for workspaces in the city has performed strongly, with the number of enquiries for space in IWG locations continuing to increase sharply over 2023. With explosive market growth as companies of all sizes adopt hybrid working for the long-term, it is predicted that 30% of all commercial real estate will be flexible workspace by 2030. Hybrid working offers companies a significantly lower cost base with an average saving of £9,000 ($11,000) per employee[i].

IWG is the world’s leading provider of flexible workspace – featuring almost 4,000 locations in more than 120 countries with members able to access all of the locations and business services via the IWG app. As the ongoing shift towards hybrid working accelerates, the potential for further growth is exponential with an estimated 1.2 billion white collar workers globally and a total addressable market of more than $2 trillion (£1.57 trillion). Conventional office occupancy will continue to fall as businesses require less traditional space and turn to flexible workspace instead. In 2023, IWG welcomed hundreds of new partner locations and counts 83 per cent of Fortune 500 companies among its customer base.

IWG’s multi-brand expansion strategy is designed to appeal to every type of business and entrepreneur. IWG creates personal, financial, and strategic value for businesses of every size, from some of the most exciting companies and well-known organisations on the planet, to individuals and the next generation of industry leaders. All of them harness the power of flexible working to increase their productivity, efficiency, agility, and market proximity.

New Delhi 14 March 2024: Architect Tripat Girdhar, Founder and Principal Architect of Arete Design Studio, Chandigarh, was bestowed as Indian Glory Award & Fames 60 Under 60 Awards 2024 for the category of Innovative Architecture Designer. The event was recently organized by Global Chamber of Consumer Rights (GCCR) & Kiteskraft Productions LLP at Hotel Lemon Tree, Sec. 60, Gurgaon, Haryana.

The purpose of the Indian Glory Awards & Fames 60 Under 60 Awards is to recognize individuals who work in different sectors and attempt to enhance it through Indian Glory Awards & Fames 60 Under 60 Awards. Kiteskraft Productions LLP & Global Chamber of Consumer Rights ( GCCR ) takes this opportunity to strive to intensify the different sectors along with Experts, exceptional Guest Speakers, and Award Winners. Dr. K. G. Balakrishnan (Former Chief Justice Supreme Court of India) & Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ananga Kumar Patnaik (Former Judge Supreme Court of India) were the chief guests at the event and special guests were Mr. Mustapha Jawara (Ambassador of Republic of Gambia New Delhi, India) & Mr. Madan Lal Veteran Cricketer (Played in the 1983 Cricket World Cup Winning India Squad ) presided by Shri. Georjee Kochupurakal (Founder Chairman & Council Director of GCCR).

Apart from this, Arete Design Studio, Chandigarh is the winner of Global Architect and Builder Award 2024 (GABA) on 3rd March 2024 in the title of Best Luxury Residential Project 2024 for the project of Marbella Grand.

The prestigious event hosted on March 3rd, 2024 in New Delhi, India, showcased the industry’s best and brightest talent in Sustainable Architecture & Real Estate. The awards ceremony, held at Welcomhotel by ITC, New Delhi, India, was a dazzling affair attended by esteemed architects, builders, and industry leaders. The Global Architect Builder Awards served as a platform to honor the exemplary work of individuals and firms who have demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and dedication in their projects.

National, 14 March 2024 – Startup Mahakumbh, the largest celebration of Indian startups, scheduled to take place from March 18-20, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam & ITPO, today announced the launch of its official app on Google Playstore. In an effort to enhance networking opportunities and streamline the event experience, for the registered attendees, the app will become a one-stopguide for all key information and bring innovative minds together for meaningful partnerships.

The Startup Mahakumbh app serves as the go-to platform for registered delegates, visitors, and exhibitors to seamlessly connect with key stakeholders, policymakers, investors, and fellow attendees. Designed to enhance collaboration, innovation, and growth across the startup landscape, the app offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored to the needs of registered participants.

The key features of the Startup Mahakumbh app include:

● Networking Hub: Registered attendees can leverage the app to network with industry leaders and peers, facilitating meaningful connections and partnerships.
● Event Overview: Users gain access to a detailed schedule of events, sessions, and activities happening over the three-day period, ensuring they don’t miss out on any key opportunities.
● 1-1 Meetings: The app allows users to schedule and manage one-on-one meetings with other participants based on sector interests, maximizing networking potential.
● Chat Functionality: Attendees can engage in real-time conversations with fellow delegates, visitors and exhibitors, exchanging ideas and insights throughout the event.
● Digital Pass: Serving as a digital badge, the app enables users to scan their credentials for seamless entry and access to event venues.
● Event Feed: Admins will share the latest event photos, announcements, and updates for
delegates, vistors and exhibitors, fostering community engagement and collaboration.

Commenting on the launch, Pramod Bhasin Founder, Genpact; Founder, Clix Capital Services; Chairman, ICRIER shared, “We are thrilled to introduce the official Startup Mahakumbh app, designed to elevate the attendee experience and facilitate meaningful interactions within the vibrant startup community. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, we are confident that the app will empower attendees to make the most out of their valuable time at the event, facilitating meaningful connections and new opportunities for collaboration’

Additionally, the Startup Mahakumbh app will remain live for one month following the event, serving as a bridge between stakeholders in the ecosystem and facilitating ongoing connections and collaborations.

The Startup Mahakumbh app is now available for download on the Google Play Store. Attendees can easily access the app by either registering on the Startup Mahakumbh website or signing updirectly through the app, guiding them seamlessly to the registration page.

March 14th, 2024, New Delhi: Early growth investment fund Fundalogical Ventures (FLV) has announced their first investment. The fund has invested in the Pre – Series A round raised by Indicold, a tech enabled cold supply chain company. The funds will be used to focus on tech development, expanding into new geographies and building a strong team.

Fundalogical is backed by well-known sponsors such as Mr. Krishna Kotak, Chairman of JM Baxi Group, Mr Tushar Jani, Blue Dart Founder, Mr. Mehernosh Currawalla of FAK Cargo Dynamics, Mr Khalid Vohra of SAI Shipping and Mr Suryakant Parekh of Polestar & Parekh Group. It is one of the few funds operating at the intersection of early growth, a cusp between VC and PE and focusing on high growth sectors like Supply Chain and Logistics, and peripheral sectors like consumption which are driven by supply chain. The Fund invests in innovative early growth companies with an average investment size of ₹ 20 to 80 Crore, during their investment cycle as a lead or co-investor.

Commenting on the investment, Mr. Tushar Jani, Sponsor, Fundalogical Ventures, “With the country’s rapidly expanding demand for efficient cold logistics solutions, we see immense potential for growth in this sector. With huge losses in storage and transportation of temperature-controlled food supply chains, Indicold’s visionary founders and innovative operations will bring value-added propositions to their customers.”

Ratna Mehta, CEO & Managing Partner, Fundalogical Ventures says, “We believe that the next decade is going to see a lot of innovation in the supply chain space to support the consumption and manufacturing growth in India. We are excited to partner with Indicold which is building a disruptive platform for cold supply chain solutions.”

Founded in 2019, Indicold is building a future ready sustainable cold supply chain network. It is a one stop end-to-end B2B solution provider in environment-controlled logistics with faster turnaround, maximum asset utilization and reduced operational costs. The company works across the entire cold supply chain through three verticals namely Store, Move and Prepare. Deep understanding and experience of the cold chain Industry in India, has helped Indicold build a marquee client base including the likes of Amul, Unilever, Britannia, Zomato, Jubilant Foodworks, Theobroma, Baskin Robbins, etc.

Niharika Jalan, Co-founder CGO, Indicold, says, “We are excited to partner with Fundalogical Ventures in our journey going forward. The ethos of both Indicold and Fundalogical are growth, innovation and sustainability.

Kartik Jalan, Co-founder CEO, Indicold, adds, “Indicold is implementing state of the art automation in cold chain leveraging Deep Tech, AI, and ML with emphasis on sustainability. Our partnership with Fundalogical will accelerate our efforts in this direction.”

Indicold is setting up India’s first frozen Automatic Storage and Retrieval System – High Bay Warehouse with 7,000+ pallets in Gujarat which aims to create new standards in automation and supply chain solutions in India. Moreover, the company plans to expand its footprint across states, with clients across various industries to provide cold chain solutions. In the last 12 months, the company has grown 3x Y-o-Y.

Mumbai, 14th March 2024: In a strategic partnership, Brand Harvest, a leading brand strategy and design company, collaborated with Carbon Black Films to propel LG’s brand campaign to new heights. LG, renowned for its 125-year legacy as a specialist of hing production, takes a significant step to enhance its brand presence by introducing a new array of pure and blended spices.

Since its inception in 1894, Laljee Godhoo & Co. has epitomized quality in every aspect of its hing production. Rooted in a deep respect for raw materials, LG’s journey resonates with generations of Indian consumers. This commitment to excellence is reflected in every part of the process, from sourcing to grounding and packaging, where world-class quality protocols and technology work in tandem to deliver the distinctive LG Hing flavour.

Ms. Riddhi Merchant, Partner at LG, emphasizes, “Living up to this legacy is the single most important drive for the leadership team. When the idea of extending the portfolio came up, the most critical question was the ability to deliver the same level of quality the consumers of our Hing has been used to and more importantly the brand narrative has to carry the LG legacy forward. The company has literally evolved alongside Indian kitchen across generations.”

Drawing on over a century of expertise, LG introduces a diverse range of spices meticulously crafted to delight the Indian palate. Through extensive efforts spanning thousands of man-hours across India, the teams have worked to understand the unique Indian palate and taste. From sourcing premium ingredients to employing cutting-edge technology, each spice undergoes rigorous processes to ensure unparalleled flavor, aroma, and visual appeal.

The new lineup includes five pure spices – coriander, cumin, red chilli, Kashmiri chilli, and turmeric, alongside six blended spices – Garam Masala, Biryani Masala, Chicken Masala, Mutton Masala, Rasam Masala, and Sambhar Masala.

This expansion underscores LG’s commitment to play a pivotal role in Indian kitchens, fostering a renewed set of culinary associations. To maintain alignment with its rich legacy, LG collaborated with Brand Harvest Consultancy for consumer research, strategy, and brand design.

According to Ram Gudipati, the founder of the agency, “It’s important that the expansion does not dilute the core attributes but rather strengthens the associations. To achieve this, a strategic communication has been planned for the launch. The story of India’s unique love for food, it’s mannerisms and expressions have been captured to bring alive the brand’s lasting cultural and culinary associations”

As per John Francis, Director, Carbon Black films, “It was important to capture the emotions we choose to showcase a montage film capturing the essence of people relishing tasty food and that is akin to what LG stands for.”

Partner Ms Hina Bimal, representing LG says, “LG always looks for high quality, raw materials sourcing, blending, processes, taste, and aroma. We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that this new range of spices finds its place in the homes and hearts of India.”

Bengaluru | March 14, 2024: KreditBee, India’s leading online credit solution providers, today announced the launch of its latest campaign, ‘Inspiring Inclusion: One Loan at a Time,’ for the International Women’s Day. This campaign showcases the brand’s commitment to foster financial independence and inclusivity among women, empowering them to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

Many women face multiple socio-economic barriers in accessing credit making them underserved consumers. The ‘Inspiring Inclusion: One Loan at a Time’ campaign highlights KreditBee’s commitment to bridging credit gap and strengthening inclusive financial practices. In the last year alone, KreditBee enabled credit to over 7 lakh women (including new-to-credit consumers) across the nation by disbursing over INR 2,500 crores in loans. This underscores the company’s dedication to offering women the financial support they need, subsequently fostering economic empowerment and bridging the financial inclusion gap.

As part of the campaign, KreditBee invited 300 female customers to share personal stories of their journey overcoming financial hurdles with the help of the brand. These stories serve as a celebration of the women who have taken charge of their financial circumstance by the brand.

Ishan Bose, Chief Marketing Officer, KreditBee said, “Despite an uptick in the bank-accounts owned by women, awareness about credit solutions is still very low among women. As per TransUnion Cibil, only 6.3 crore out of the 45.4 crore women in India, are active borrowers. Through our campaign ‘Inspiring Inclusion: One Loan at a Time’, we want to highlight the gap in access to credit, and celebrate the women who chose to overcome it.”

The digital campaign includes online amplification of the ad and creatives across all social media platforms in metros as well as tier 2 and tier 3 towns.

KreditBee currently offers diverse credit solutions like personal loans, online/offline checkout finance, and digitally-enabled secured loans, catering especially to new-to-credit customers, and further empowers them with insurance, credit score reports, and merchant-side offers.

Kanjivaram Silk is one of the most rich, elegant, and royal silks, with intricate zari work, a vivid- bright natural shine with a grainy texture that lets you feel luxury in your hands. It is a simple and timeless outfit for women to show off their royal status. Due to its easy availability and richness, many people are unable to identify between genuine Kanjivaram sarees and fake ones in the market.

 It is easy to identify pure kanjivaram saree, you only have to know the following facts about Kanjivaram silk to identify the pure and authentic kanjivaram silk saree that includes the following-
1. The pallu must be heavier than the entire saree. The weavers concentrate extensively on the pallu, which they design precisely with elegance. Pallu is the highest heart of pure Kanjivaram sarees, with finely woven embroidery and zari work.
2. Check every angle of the saree carefully since it has a natural sheen that cannot be created by humans and won’t lose its color and shine brightly in light.
3. Look for the Silk mark Symbol. Pure Kanjivaram Sarees contain a Silk Mark Symbol, which indicates the authenticity of the saree since pure gold and silver threads are utilized to make the silk fabric.
4. When the pure kanjivaram saree is touched, its temperature shifts and the fabric softens gradually. While the warmth of the fake Kanjivaram sarees does not alter on rapid contact, neither does the softness.
5. When a genuine Kanjivaram silk saree is burned with ashes, it smells like sulfur, however, fake silk does not respond in the same way.
6. True kanjivaram silk may be distinguished by its zari work. If you stretch the zari and find gold and silver threads, it is a true kanjivaram saree; if you find white threads, it is fake kanjivaram silk.

 According to Mr. Ravi Viradiya, Founder and MD of Vastranand, pure kanjivaram silk sarees are weighty and distinctive, with a gritty texture due to high-quality silk. High quality silk has a gritty feel when woven with gold threads due to its metallic content. If it is a genuine silk kanjivaram, it will easily slide through a little ring. Vastranand offers vivid handmade kanjivaram silk sarees with complex patterns on pure mulberry silk, giving the garment a deep texture. The most popular goods are those that are portable and can be worn on any occasion, both professionally and casually.

Introducing the latest Laneige Vanilla Lip Sleeping Mask, a transformative indulgence for your lips. Immerse yourself in a luxurious experience designed to soothe, moisturize, and renew, unveiling irresistibly smooth and supple lips each morning. This groundbreaking formula features a sumptuous balm texture meticulously crafted to intimately adhere to your lips, ensuring swift absorption and maximum efficacy. Enriched with the nourishing trio of Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, and Murumuru Seed Butter, it works tirelessly overnight to provide lasting moisture. Not just a lip treat, but a shield against external aggressors, thanks to the infusion of Vitamin C.

Elevate your nighttime beauty ritual with Laneige’s Vanilla Lip Sleeping Mask, your key to waking up to a perfect pout.

Sony LIV is thrilled to announce the commencement of the shoot for their upcoming show titled, Raat Jawaan Hai, featuring a stellar star cast including Barun Sobti, Anjali Anand, and Priya Bapat. Produced by Yamini Pictures Private Limited and Directed by the talented Sumeet Vyas, the series promises viewers a fresh perspective on friendship, parenthood, and the challenges of modern life infused with moments of warmth and camaraderie. The show will be a delightful mix of humor, drama and heartfelt moments, offering a unique and engaging viewing experience.

Director Sumeet Vyas shared his excitement about helming Raat Jawaan Hai with a playful twist, saying, “There is a tendency of the world to think of parenting as the end of youth. Raat Jawaan Hai refutes this theory. It is the is the story of three friends who are doing their best to keep their friendship, individuality and madness alive even after having kids. The spirit of the show is shining bright even on the set with Barun, Anjali and Priya. We are having the best time on set, all three of them are such fun people to work with. Their energy is infectious, making our sets a carnival of laughter.”

Mumbai, 14 March 2024: Allcargo Gati Limited, a leading provider of express distribution and supply chain solutions, has appointed Mr. Sanjay Khiyani as the Deputy Chief Information Officer. This strategic move is aligned with the company’s commitment to optimising the technology infrastructure and administration. Sanjay will play a pivotal role in budgeting, resource development and allocation, and policy formation. He will also be looking over software development, delivery, and deployment, leveraging digital solutions to streamline operations and enhance the customer experience. He will jointly report to Mr. G. S. Ravi Kumar, Chief Information Officer, Allcargo Gati Limited.

With a career spanning over 25 years, Mr. Sanjay Khiyani brings a wealth of experience from diverse sectors, including information technology and the steel industry. Notably, he spent the last two decades at IBM, where he played a pivotal role in driving strategic projects and programme life cycle management. His responsibilities included overseeing account management, delivery management, and excelling in people management.

Welcoming Sanjay Khiyani, Mr. Pirojshaw (Phil) Sarkari, MD, and CEO, Gati Express and Supply Chain Pvt. Ltd. (GESCPL), said, “We are delighted to have Sanjay on board. Sanjay’s appointment as Deputy Chief Information Officer is a strategic move to strengthen our information technology leadership at Gati. His extensive experience and proven track record in managing strategic projects make him a valuable addition to our team. We believe his leadership will play a crucial role in propelling Gati towards greater technological excellence. His leadership is poised to drive the company’s digital transformation journey, creating a more customer-focused and data-driven approach in the rapidly evolving logistics landscape.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Sanjay Khiyani, Deputy CIO, said, “I am honoured to join Allcargo Gati, a pioneer in express logistics, and contribute to the company’s growth journey. With a focus on leveraging technology for strategic advantage, I look forward to working collaboratively with the team to enhance our IT capabilities and drive innovation in the logistics industry. We are committed to delivering measurable results for all our stakeholders.”

Mr. Khiyani holds a bachelor’s degree in metallurgy (B.E.) from the University of Madras. He furthered his education with postgraduate studies in computer applications at IMT Ghaziabad and software enterprise management at IIM Bangalore. Additionally, he is a certified data scientist. With this appointment, Allcargo Gati commits to investing in top-tier talent and robust IT infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of the logistics landscape.