Archives March 2024

March 13, 2024 – RecFaces, an international facial recognition software developer played an indispensable role in promoting and maintaining safety during the Brazilian Carnival 2024. The company’s one of the best and highly accurate products, Id-Guard, was applied to secure an open-air carnival and turned out to be a great solution to the security challenges faced.

The cameras equipped with facial recognition software were placed at mobile control checkpoints, which enabled people to move around and take part in live processions happening at the venue. Because of its fast identification ability, smart surveillance and immediate notification of unwarranted persons present in the audience, facial recognition technology proved to be a good alternative for securing big events and carnivals. It minimizes human error, and removes proximity challenges of mobile authentication. In the present-day security landscape, FRS becomes prominent as it contributes to the overall security of big public places, by producing quick but accurate threat detection alerts.

Maria Kazhuro, Business Development Director of RecFaces in the LATAM region, expressed pride in Id-Guard’s performance, stating, “We are proud to say that our solution has once again performed exceptionally well in supporting security services during a mass outdoor event even under complex conditions of low light, high traffic, masked visitors and crowd. Confidence in the quality of our facial recognition solutions allows us to look forward to the future with optimism and meet the demands of the most discerning customers. As expected, Id-Guard was vastly praised for being the best solution that elevated the security of the event.”

RecFaces will remain in the lead of technological innovation, and thus, it will support and ensure the enhancement of public safety and the well-being of citizens. While Brazilian Carnival 2024 progressed, RecFaces gained the reputation as an indispensable partner ensuring visitors’ safety with its novel facial recognition technology.

Bhubaneswar, March 13th 2024- Somany Ceramics, a leading name in the ceramics industry, marked a significant milestone today with the inauguration of its new Experience Centre in Bhubaneswar. The expansive showroom, spanning 3800 square feet, aims to address the growing demand in architect-led projects while providing an experience to end-users and retail customers.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Mr. Sujit Mohanty, Senior Vice President of Somany Ceramics Ltd. The event kicked off with showcasing of wide array of products, including the innovative Somany Max Coverstone 15 slabs and the elegant Italmarmi collection. The showroom also features Somany’s flagship verticals, including Ceramics (Glosstra, Vistoso, Novaclad), Duragres (Glazed Vitrified collection), Durastone (Heavy Duty Vitrified Tiles collection), Somany Bathware and Ezyfix adhesives.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Abhishek Somany, Managing Director & CEO of Somany Ceramics Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm for this expansion. “The opening of our new Experience Centre in Bhubaneswar marks a significant step towards our mission to provide unparalleled experience and support to our customers. With our extensive franchise and dealer network, coupled with this Experience Center, we will be better equipped to meet the rising demand in Bhubaneshwar and adjoining areas.”

Mr. Sujit Mohanty, Senior Vice President of Somany Ceramics Ltd., added, “We are thrilled to inaugurate this state-of-the-art Experience Centre in Bhubaneswar, which underscores our continued emphasis on innovation and customer-centricity. This showroom will serve as a hub for architects, interior designers and retail customers alike, offering them a diverse range of products and expert guidance to bring their design visions to life.”

Experience Centre also played host to select architects during the inauguration event, bringing together industry professionals for networking and collaboration.

The new Somany addition in Bhubaneswar reflects Somany Ceramics’ ode to innovation, quality and customer satisfaction. With its diverse range of products and expert guidance, the Experience Centre by SOMANY aims to inspire creativity and set the bar high for architectural design in the region

New Delhi, 13th March 2024: Brand Nourish’s PUER, which offers a range of home care products, launched a ‘Catch Up with Her’ video campaign featuring Rapper ERP Iyer. The video celebrated the spirit of womanhood by showcasing how women are stepping up their game in every field and it’s men who need to do better to catch up with them. Produced by Blooper House Studio, the video features music artist S. Srinivasan Iyer, popularly known as ‘EPR Iyer’.

Ankit Daga, Co-Founder of Brand Nourish’s PUER voiced his enthusiasm, “Women have come a long way and now it’s time for men to do better by effectively adapting to the new order. Women have demonstrated excellence in every field they have stepped into and they are the key played at the home front as well. This video captures the essence of how women are re-writing the rules for themselves and it’s time for men to evolve with the changing times and outgrow the old notions.”

He further added, “PUER strongly believes that change starts from your home and your home begins with you. Every day PUER is on the journey to do better for you, your home and the environment by rewriting the rules in the world of homecare. In my opinion, women are already way ahead and they don’t need any validation. It is their determination that is inspiring to bring this positive change in the society.”

Inspired by the concept of ‘Do Better’, Brand Nourish’s PUER range of products includes Home Care, Personal Care and Baby Care products. The home care category comprises of curated liquid detergents, dishwashing gels, fabric conditioners as well as floor cleaners. The personal care category consists of hand wash and liquid antiseptic.

With an intent to encourage adoption of natural and nature-based products, the formulation for the range of products highlights the efficacy of powerful natural ingredients. This, in turn, reiterates the brand’s ideology that effective products are not always a result of strong and complex chemicals

India, 13th March 2024: Fabled Pet Food proudly unveils its latest venture into the dynamic Venezuelan market, marking a significant milestone in our global expansion journey. Recognizing the increasing demand for high-quality pet nutrition among urban pet owners, Fabled has meticulously crafted their approach to meet the unique needs of Venezuelan pets and their devoted owners.

The decision to step into Venezuela stems from the global trend towards urban living, which extends its embrace to cherished pets. With an increase in the population of working pet parents seeking top-tier nutrition for their furry companions, Venezuela emerged as a natural destination for Fabled Pet Food’s expansion endeavors.

Their distribution strategy encompasses a blend of online and offline channels to effectively reach the target audience. Approximately 15% of the sales are conducted through leading online platforms such as Mercadolibre and Pedidos Ya, while the remaining 85% are achieved through a network of physical stores strategically located across the country. Partnering with influential figures like @punkypartners, a prominent dog influencer in Venezuela, further amplifies the brand’s visibility and engagement within the local pet community. Through collaborative efforts and tailored marketing initiatives, the brand aims to empower pet parents to make informed choices about their pet’s nutrition and well-being.

“Creating a meaningful bond between pets and their owners through an urban lifestyle appropriate diet is not just our goal; it’s our passion. At Fabled Pet Foods, we believe in nurturing the health and happiness of every urban pet, one empty bowl at a time.” – Prateek Raj Singh, Co founder, Fabled Pet Foods.

With a robust presence in over 100 retail stores and leading pet e-commerce platforms like Supertails in India, alongside our online presence through Amazon India, Fabled Pet Food has established itself as a beacon of quality and innovation. As a way forward, Fabled Pet Food remains steadfast in its mission to expand its footprint across diverse regions, with a particular focus on South Asian and South American territories. Colombia emerges as our next target market, promising ample opportunities for growth and impact.

Merino, a leading name in innovative interior solutions, revealed the Future of Furniture at INDIAWOOD 2024 with a groundbreaking array of products, setting new standards in furniture aesthetics and design. As the foremost event in the woodworking and furniture industry, INDIAWOOD provides the essential platform for Merino to showcase its unparalleled product expertise, evident in the brand’s consistent participation and presentation of its products at the exhibition. With an impressive footfall of 1,000+, Merino’s booth stood as a magnet for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike, underlining the immense interest and engagement surrounding its showcased solutions.

Among the highlights was the showcase of FABWood, a revolutionary departure from traditional particle boards. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, FABWood represents a significant advancement in chipboard manufacturing, promising enhanced durability, sustainability, and versatile aesthetics.

“Merino is proud to introduce FABWood, a game-changer in the furniture industry,” said Mr. Manoj Lohia, Director, Merino Industries Ltd. “Our commitment to revolutionizing the sector while prioritizing health-conscious design and sustainability has led us to this innovative breakthrough. FABWood sets a new benchmark for chipboard manufacturing and underscores our dedication to shaping the future of furniture aesthetics.”

FABWood boasts E1 grade certification, ensuring minimal formaldehyde content, thus significantly reducing formaldehyde levels compared to traditional particle boards. This cutting-edge chipboard not only delivers aesthetically pleasing furniture but also promotes a healthier indoor environment.

Experience the Future of Furniture: FABWood redefines durability with cutting-edge technology, boasting exceptional strength and reliability. Its Chip Weave Technology™ and advanced bonding ensure unmatched longevity, surpassing industry standards. FABWood stands out with its best-in-class load-bearing and screw-holding capabilities, exceeding American lifecycle standards (BIFMA). Crafted from premium resins, FABWood promotes health-conscious living with precise glue dispensing and low formaldehyde emissions. Explore endless design possibilities with exclusive textures and finishes, seamlessly blending into any interior. Committed to sustainability, Merino FABWood pioneers responsible raw material sourcing through focused agroforestry practices. With a pledge to plant one crore saplings every year, Merino’s FABWood is setting the bar high for green manufacturing in the furniture industry, ensuring a greener, healthier future.

The other showstopper of the event was the unveiling of Merino’s Curation Folder, a select design collection for the discerning few. Representing a trendsetting array of top-of-the-line design elements, ‘Curations’ by Merino is a meticulously crafted collection of unique visual stories. Drawing inspiration from cutting-edge design trends worldwide, these bespoke designs, colors, and textures are meticulously curated to infuse an irresistible charm into your living space.

“Our home is a reflection of who we are and what we stand for. That’s why we invest love and care into every piece that adorns our interiors and ‘Curations’ by Merino is the ultimate resource for this. Inspired by global design trends, we offer three elegant visual stories to choose from: Soul, Grow, and Traces, allowing you to showcase your aesthetic and making your space an extension of your personality”, added Mr. Lohia.

Hyderabad, 13 March 2024: The popular Hyderabadi food chain Paradise rings in Ramzan festive Haleem. Paradise’s haleem has become synonymous with the Hyderabad emotion. Each passing year people look forward to bonding with friends and family over feast from Paradise. This year too, customers can avail the festive haleem from all the Paradise outlets across India as take-aways, dine-ins or through get it delivered through Paradise Own App, or through Zomato and Swiggy.

As usual emphasis is there not only on taste but also the quality. Paradise ensures that the ingredients for their menu are of high quality and make the choicest picks of the spices which are used in the correct proprietary ratios followed by trademark cooking methods. Food is dished out only after quality control, hygiene standards and safety protocols are met especially in current times. This is how the guests are assured of both the taste and quality that Paradise has been keeping up for seven decades.

On the launch of the haleem fest, Mr. Gautam Gupta, CEO – Paradise Food Court Pvt. Ltd. said, “Paradise haleem binds the people of Hyderabad. Every year during Ramzan, people throng to Paradise or make the maximum number of orders as it brings families and friends together. This year too we decided to cater to the public demand for Ramzan and therefore geared up for the festive orders.”

The food chain has acquired its place in the Limca Book of Records for ‘Most Biryanis Served In A Year’. In 2017, Paradise catered over 70 lakh servings of biryani and in 2018 the numbers crossed over 90 lakh. Paradise also won the ‘Restaurant Serving The Best Biryani’ award at the Asia Food Congress and Golden Spoon Award at the India Food Forum in 2018. Through the years they have won several accolades and laurels from Telangana State Hotels Associations, GHMC, Times Food Award, Pride of Telangana and Lifetime Achievement Award to name a few.

New Delhi : PRATHAM Test Prep, one of the leading UG entrance preparation specialists hosted a grand felicitation ceremony to honor the exceptional achievements of its students in various entrances conducted in 2023. The ceremony was conducted at the Crown Plaza, Okhla, New Delhi, on 7th March, 2024 and saw a gathering of distinguished educators and proud parents to acknowledge the exceptional achievement of the students.

Students from across the country who had excelled in examinations including CUET, IPMAT, CLAT, IPU CET, SET, Christ ET, Jamia ET, and other prestigious undergraduate entrance tests were recognized and lauded for their remarkable accomplishments. Amongst the achievers, Pranshu Rawal, AIR-1 in Delhi University – BMS/BBA-FIA/BBE, Manav Prem Narang, AIR-1 in Mumbai University – BMS-MBA, Sayesha Gupta, AIR-1 in B.Sc. Applied Psychology – NMIMS Mumbai and Anvesha Batra, AIR-1 BBA – IP University participated in the event and were extremely excited to reunite with their teachers and counsellors.

Maghav Dev Mittal who was enrolled in PRATHAM’s 2-year program mentioned how joining the course in 11th was incredibly beneficial for him. He stated “PRATHAM’s dedicated faculty, round- the-clock support for doubts and personalized student portal, along-with Make your own test Feature significantly bolstered my preparation. It played a pivotal role in channeling my capabilities for greater good and helping me secure a seat in Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies (SSCBS).”

With 76 students making it in the prestigious SSCBS, 60 students securing a seat in SRCC and St. Stephens College, 150 selections in IIM-IPM Programs and 42 students being admitted in the various National Law Universities (NLUs), PRATHAM Test Prep students have achieved unparalleled results yet again in 2023. Furthermore, the icing on the cake was 11 students securing AIR-1s in various UG entrances of 2023.

Anvesha Batra who secured AIR-1 in IP University (BBA) joyfully attributing her success to PRATHAM Test Prep remarked how PRATHAM Test Prep has been instrumental in her preparation. She enthusiastically shared “I have been PRATHAM’s Full Year Classroom student. The mock tests, both online and offline were pretty similar to the actual exam pattern. The faculty have always been very welcoming and answered all my doubts. All in all, my experience at PRATHAM Test Prep has been an enlightening and amazing one.”

As a gesture to inspire integration of technology into education and foster a much diverse learning experience for the students, brand new Apple iPads were awarded to the AIR-1s of various UG entrances along-with the Toppers of SSCBS, SRCC, IPMAT Indore, CLAT and PRATHAM’s All India Open CLAT Mock 2023.

Mr. Ankit Kapoor, Director, PRATHAM Test Prep while addressing the students stated “PRATHAM Test Prep students’ have yet again proved how perseverance and determination if coupled with right guidance becomes a powerful combination.” He highlighted the ever-increasing need of right guidance amidst the rapidly rising competition in the entrances. Underscoring the crucial role such guidance plays in shaping students’ futures, he quipped “The current education landscape in the country is extremely competitive. To put things in perspective, UG entrances like Common University Entrance Test has around 19 lakh aspirants giving the examination and there are just 398 seats available in a prestigious college like SSCBS. Therefore, it becomes extremely important for the student to work dedicatedly towards a good college. However, Labor, put in the wrong place inevitably yields inappropriate results therefore the paramount importance of right guidance cannot be undermined.”

NEW YORK, US and NOIDA, India, March 13, 2024—HCLTech, a leading global technology company, has been included in the coveted S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024 for the second year in a row. This underscores HCLTech’s deep commitment to doing business sustainably and helping its clients accelerate their sustainability agendas through technology.

S&P Global engaged with 9,400 companies across 62 industries globally to draw down a list of 759 companies, including HCLTech, that made it to the 2024 Sustainability Yearbook.

“This is yet another validation of our focus on embedding sustainability at the core of our business. We continue to be guided by our ESG strategy based on the tenets of act, pact and impact to deliver meaningful impact on communities and the planet,” said Santhosh Jayaram, Global Head, Sustainability, HCLTech.

HCLTech has committed to limiting greenhouse gas emissions and aligning with the 1.5ºC pathway by 2030, with the goal of achieving net zero target by 2040. The company aims to transition to 80% of electricity usage from renewable energy by 2030.

In FY23, HCLTech replenished 26 times more water than it consumed across its operations in India. It is the first India-headquartered company to join the Water Resilience Coalition and endorse the CEO Water Mandate.

HCLTech is creating an impact on communities beyond India through grants, partnerships and employee volunteering. HCLTech Grant Americas has committed $5 million over five years in grants to NGO combating climate change and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity.

Through HCLFoundation programs, the company had a positive impact on 5.5 million lives in India, of which over 50% were women, and helped 12,000 people with disabilities.

National, 13th March 2024: Tata Power Solar Systems Limited (TPSSL), a fully integrated solar company in India and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), has successfully commissioned the country’s largest Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) project that comprises 100 MW Solar PV Project coupled with120 MWh Utility Scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), at Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh.

TPSSL bagged this ₹ 945 crore project on EPC basis from the Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. (SECI) in December 2021. The order scope included engineering, design, supply, construction, erection, testing, O&M and commissioning of the projects.

The TPSSL team displayed exceptional project execution and engineering prowess during the project execution, which faced various challenges such as unsuitable full hard rock soil conditions, and remote location. In spite of these, the project was completed in the stipulated time frame. The cutting-edge Bifacial Mono Crystalline technology was used for 239,685 modules in the project.

Mr. Deepesh Nanda, CEO and Managing Director, Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited, said, “The successful commissioning of the largest solar and battery storage project for SECI, reflects the technical expertise and project execution skills of Tata Power Solar. This will ensure round-the-clock green energy, and accelerate the renewable energy transition through innovative solutions.”

The project is expected to generate an estimated 243.53 million units of energy annually and reduce carbon footprint of 4.87 million tonnes in 25 years, contributing significantly to India’s renewable energy goals. This achievement echoes the constant pursuit of excellence and collaborative spirit as the BESS for the project was supplied by Tata AutoComp Systems Limited.

Shri R. P. Gupta, IAS, Chairman & MD, SECI, said, “We are committed to leverage latest technology in the renewable energy segment and this project supports the country’s energy transition vision. The project has been delivered on time by Tata Power Solar that will help in providing 24×7 renewable power.”

TPSSL has established itself as one of the leaders in the solar energy sector, with a successful track record of executing large-scale projects. The company’s solar EPC portfolio includes more than 12.8 GWp of ground-mount utility-scale, over 2 GW of rooftop and distributed ground-mounted systems. The company’s solar EPC portfolio includes more than 12.8 GWp of ground-mount utility-scale, over 2 GW of rooftop and distributed ground-mounted systems, and over one lakh solar water pumps. Over the years, TPSSL has been a key player in promoting solar rooftop installations, particularly in the commercial and industrial segments, with compelling economic benefits

Kochi, March 13, 2024: Muthoottu Mini Financiers Ltd, one of the country’s leading NBFCs, is proud to announce that P.E. Mathai, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Muthoottu Mini Financiers, has been awarded the Best CEO in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) category at the Indian Leadership Summit and Awards by The Business Fame. This recognition highlights Mr. Mathai’s leadership, vision, and contributions to the financial sector.

This acknowledgment as the Best CEO in BFSI reflects Mr Mathai’s strategic leadership at Muthoottu Mini Financiers. Under his guidance, the company has achieved significant milestones, including 103% QoQ profit growth in Q1 of this financial year, expanding to 900+ branches of Muthoottu Mini Financiers nationwide, and working towards having 1000 branches nation-wide by the end of 2024. Mathai’s commitment to financial stability is reflected in the company’s CARE rating improvement, rising from BBB- in 2019 to a commendable A- in 2022. The company has registered a cumulative Asset Under Management (AUM) growth of 100% over the past four years – averaging 25% per year.

When the pandemic struck, Mr. Mathai emerged as a steadfast captain, guiding Muthoottu Mini through uncharted waters. Branch networks expanded, diverse product offerings emerged, and the organization’s commitment to financial lifelines remained unwavering. Together with Muthoottu Mini’s other leaders, Mr. Mathai spearheads the ambitious goal of growing AUM to INR 7,000 crores by 2027. A key facet of Mr. Mathai’s leadership is the drive at Muthoottu Mini to go ‘digital‘, aligning with the digitization of the gold loan segment to reach those in need across the country.

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. P.E. Mathai, CEO, Muthoottu Mini Financiers, said, “I am humbled and grateful to receive the Best CEO Award in BFSI sector at The Business Fame’s Indian Leadership Summit and Awards. This recognition is a testament to the efforts of the entire team working hard at Muthoottu Mini Financiers to make common people achieve their dreams through our high-quality financial service products. We remain committed to innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustained growth in the sector.”

The Business Fame’s Indian Leadership Awards and Summit is a platform that acknowledges leaders and organizations across diverse industries in India. The awards recognize individuals and entities that have set benchmarks for success and made contributions to the country’s economic development.

The award ceremony brought together leaders from various sectors to acknowledge individuals who have demonstrated commitment and impact in their fields.