Archives March 2024

Hyderabad, Telangana: March 2024: Valvoline Cummins Private Limited (“Valvoline Cummins”), the pioneer in engine oil manufacturing and a prominent global lubricant provider driving innovation in mobility, has officially commenced the 4th edition of its Mechanics’ Month campaign, both globally and in India. This year’s campaign, themed ‘Mechanics Make the World Better,’ is aimed at honouring the efforts of mechanics and expressing gratitude for their indispensable role in keeping society functioning smoothly. The brand dedicates the month of March and ongoing efforts throughout the year to celebrate and empower mechanics, whose invaluable work enhances our lives in numerous ways.

The focus of this year’s initiative by Valvoline Cummins is to highlight the significant contribution of mechanics in enhancing the world’s functionality by ensuring the efficient operation of engines and vehicles. Through this campaign, Valvoline aims to inspire widespread participation in acknowledging and appreciating mechanics worldwide. Mechanics are instrumental in maintaining vehicles at their optimal performance levels, consistently demonstrating their expertise and dedication, often in demanding situations and at unconventional hours. They stand as the unsung heroes behind the smooth operation of every vehicle, serving as the backbone of the automotive industry.

Valvoline Cummins encourages individuals to join in this month-long celebration by expressing gratitude to their trusted mechanics for their unwavering commitment. The campaign will utilize various mass media platforms such as radio, digital channels, and on-ground activities to raise awareness about the invaluable contributions of mechanics and encourage people to convey heartfelt messages to their local mechanics.

As part of its ongoing Muskaan Scholarship program, Valvoline is extending educational support to children of truck drivers, mechanics, and underserved communities. The scholarship program, catering to students from 9th to 12th grade, aims to facilitate their academic pursuits. Notably, scholarship recipients will receive mentorship from company employees, who will dedicate their time to provide guidance beyond academic realms. To date, the scholarship has benefitted 3500+ children, with plans for further expansion.

Ms. Ipshita Chowdhury, Head of Marketing at Valvoline Cummins, remarked, “Last year, our focus was on recognizing mechanics’ pivotal role in sustaining societal functions. In 2024, we aspire to express gratitude to mechanics and inspire others to do the same, recognizing their indispensable role in ensuring the seamless functioning of our lives.”

Mr. Sandeep Kalia, Managing Director of Valvoline Cummins, expressed enthusiasm for the fourth edition of Mechanics’ Month, stating, “We are delighted to launch the fourth edition of Mechanics’ Month, collaborating with mechanic professionals to celebrate their contributions to the automotive industry and recognize their vital role in keeping our engines running smoothly. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s imperative that we acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of mechanics in ensuring vehicle safety and performance, thus sustaining our way of life. Through these initiatives, we aim to raise awareness among consumers and express our heartfelt appreciation to mechanics for their dedicated service.”

This first-of-its-kind program has gained significant traction since Valvoline launched its Mechanics Month initiative in 2020. Participation has grown from 15 countries to more than 62. Valvoline Cummins has participated in this effort since 2020.

Valvoline attributes the success of Mechanics’ Month to its unique approach within the industry and its broad global relevance. In India, Valvoline Cummins manufactures a diverse range of fluids, including engine oils, gear oils, radiator coolants, and brake fluids, catering to various OEM engines. The company firmly believes that its growth stems from its commitment to quality execution, innovative capabilities, and staying ahead of market demands. Its mission is to leverage real-world insights to provide valuable solutions that drive success for its customers and users.

Hyderabad, 12th March 2024: In its bid to support the rising talent from Telangana, Navanaami, the leading real estate developer in Hyderabad, felicitated the Chess Prodigy and Grandmaster V Prraneeth in an exclusive ceremony organized in Hyderabad.

Amidst thunderous applause and cheers from Navanaami’s employees and staff, Mr. G Venkat Naveen Gadde, Founder & MD of the company, felicitated Grandmaster V Prraneeth for his remarkable achievements in the world of chess and expressing support for his future endeavors.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. G Venkat Naveen Gadde, Founder & MD of Navanaami, said, “We are immensely proud of the tremendous feats achieved by Prraneeth. With his achievements, Prraneeth has brought global fame to Telangana and today he stands as an inspiration to other aspirants in the game of chess and beyond. At Navanaami, we believe in encouraging and promoting young talent in their respective fields. This was yet another gesture from our side and we hope our support will help Prraneeth go stronger on the victory pathway in the times to come.”

Acknowledging Navanaami for the recognition, Grandmaster V Prraneeth, said, “I thank Naveen sir and everyone at Navanaami for the rousing felicitation. At the International level, the road from here only gets tougher, so all your wishes, prayers, and warm support will go a long way in keeping me motivated to do my best.”

A 16-year-old prodigy from Hyderabad, Grandmaster V Prraneeth, created history by securing the title of a Grandmaster (GM) last year. He is India’s 82nd Grandmaster, post defeating Grandmaster Hans Niemann of the USA during the last year. With this win, Prraneeth crossed 2500 Elo Ratings. Prraneeth is also the fifth Grandmaster from the Telangana State and obtained his first title of International Master (IM) in the year 2022. He started this remarkable journey at the tender age of 06 years and became Telangana State Champion in the year 2013.

Instituted by first-generation entrepreneur Mr. G Venkat Naveen Gadde, Navanaami is redefining the real estate landscape in Hyderabad. Having grown from the ground to being a trailblazer developer in Telangana, Naveen takes much pride in celebrating the successes of young and emerging icons from the state.

Legitify, the online notarization solution, proudly announces the successful close of a €1.5 million funding round. This significant milestone is led by Verb Ventures, with key contributions from Enterprise Ireland, Actium Partners, Redbay Ventures, and other investors, marking a strong vote of confidence in Legitify’s innovative approach to simplifying and streamlining notarization processes.

Founded in the autumn of 2020 in Stockholm, Sweden, by co-founders Aida Lutaj (CEO) and Arko Ganguli (CPO), and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, the company is previously backed by Antler, NDRC, and Alchemist Accelerator. Legitify has quickly established itself as a leading remote online notarization solution in Europe and beyond. The company empowers both enterprises and individuals to effortlessly certify and notarize documents online, transcending traditional jurisdictional boundaries and transforming in-person processes with a sleek, intuitive, and cost-effective online solution.

Legitify’s impact is already evident, with many notable leading enterprises and professional services firms across over 40 geographies leveraging the solution for their notarization needs. The company is setting the new standard for online document certification and notarization across Europe and beyond, servicing over 1100 customers to date, and spanning sectors from financial services, legal services, consulting, real estate, and more.

Aida Lutaj, CEO of Legitify, shared her enthusiasm: “This funding round, spearheaded by Verb Ventures, represents a significant leap forward for Legitify. It not only reinforces our commitment to making cross-border legal processes smoother and more accessible but also paves the way for us to expand our product offering, introduce AI-powered enhancements to our solution and broadening our operational reach. We’re excited to solidify our position as a leader in tech-enabled notarization and essential business services as we continue to expand into new markets.”

Alexander Chikunov, Founding Partner at Verb Ventures, echoed this sentiment, noting Legitify’s impressive trajectory: “In a remarkably short time, Legitify has emerged as a frontrunner in providing a seamless notarization solution to professionals across various industries. Their innovative platform addresses a critical need in a market that sees billions of certifications and notarisations annually. We’re thrilled to support Legitify’s growth ambitions and their journey to introduce new products and solutions to their customers.”

Donnchadh Cullinan, Department Manager ICT HPSU at Enterprise Ireland, adds:

“We are delighted to support Legitify as the company continues to remove the complexity and barriers to notarisation processes for individuals and companies through their innovative online notarisation solution aiming to simplify cross-border transactions. Legitify facilitates the seamless processing of certifying and notarising legal documents online remotely across different jurisdictions, helping business to grow globally. This is an exciting growth phase for the company, and we look forward to working with the Legitify team on its ambitious plans.”

Javier Extebeste, Chairman of Rebay Ventures, shares: “We believe that superior products develop superior businesses. Legitify and its founders accumulate the drive, user understanding and legal expertise to build superior products and continue as a frontrunners in the massive digital notarisation market.”

As Legitify embarks on this exciting new chapter, the company is poised to further disrupt the legal tech market and redefine the standards of efficiency, accessibility, and security in online notarization services and broader legal processes.

Young Ficci Ladies Organisation (YFLO) is a unique platform for young women from diverse professional and entrepreneurial backgrounds to interact with each other. The primary objective of YFLO is to promote professional excellence in women. It acts as a catalyst for the social and economic advancement of women and society at large and endeavors to make women aware of their strengths.

FICCI YFLO hosted an empowering event “Because she can” on Women’s Day – a platform that celebrates the limitless potential of women who dare to dream big and empower each other. In recognition of her influential advocacy in the Holistic Health & Wellness domain, Mira Kapoor was honored during the event. She has skillfully carved a unique identity by fervently promoting wellness and holistic living through her influential presence on social media. Her passion transcends the digital realm as she actively encourages individuals to embrace natural approaches to health and beauty.

Mira further adds, “ As women of today, let’s bring back the wisdom passed down by those who raised us, turning it into a heartfelt tribute. This celebration is about respecting the richness of our Indian culture, encouraging us to feel beautiful in our own unique way. Tonight is all about owning and celebrating our identity as Indian women – a simple yet powerful reminder to embrace our roots and radiate the beauty that comes from within.”

Beyond her advocacy for holistic living, Mira Kapoor utilizes her platform to champion women’s empowerment and raise awareness about mental health. Through a thoughtful blend of lifestyle promotion and meaningful societal contributions, she exemplifies the spirit of “Because she can,” inspiring countless others to embrace their potential and make a positive impact.

March 11, 2024
Santa Clara, CA and Pune, India
Persistent Systems (BSE and NSE: PERSISTENT), a global Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization leader, announced the launch of SASVA, a pioneering manageable and secure enterprise AI platform leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) and Machine Learning (ML) to accelerate software releases, with faster time-to-market, and improved efficiency. SASVA is derived from the Sanskrit word Shashvatah, meaning timelessness, ensuring continual improvement across the ever-changing software landscape. SASVA will be embedded into software engineering to efficiently address distinct use cases by preventing technical debt in new development, minimizing accumulated technical debt in mid- to late-stage software, and addressing complex scenarios in software sustenance and specialized industries with enterprise scale.

 Traditional software engineering methods rely heavily on time-consuming manual tasks, often leading to technical debt due to dependencies on individual expertise and institutional knowledge. It is difficult to ensure efficiency, reliability, and scalability across the software evelopment life cycle; these challenges are compounded later in the software life cycle when budget and resource limitations also come into play. Despite the advancements in Generative AI-powered platforms, there is a decline in productivity when managing complex projects that entail interdependencies among applications, a common scenario in complex solutions.

 SASVA adopts a distinctive method by constructing a comprehensive knowledge base from vast datasets, including millions of code repositories and documents. Hybrid language models enable efficient utilization, with continual secure training on customer data sourced from various platforms like version control, ticketing systems, project management tools, and collaboration platforms. This rigorous process enhances privacy, security, and regulatory compliance, especially for sensitive data. SASVA streamlines the creation of project plans and generates contextual code modifications for seamless review.

 In initial engagements, SASVA has reduced release times by an impressive 25% to 35% with improved quality and reduction in technical debt. SASVA enables clients across industries to boost enterprise productivity across different software phases delivering cost and time efficiency with improved quality.

 Sandeep Kalra, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Persistent:
“We’re proud to introduce SASVA, a groundbreaking platform that will revolutionize the software engineering and maintenance life cycle. Built using the latest LLM and ML technologies, we will utilize this platform to reduce manual efforts and ensure consistent quality. It delivers significant productivity gains and minimizes technical debt, providing contextual results tailored to each unique organization, industry, and domain. Throughout our over 30-year history, Persistent has led the market in innovation and with the launch of SASVA, we continue to apply the latest cutting-edge technologies to better serve our clients across industries.”

 Praveen Kalla, Operating Executive, Lone View Capital and Board Member, Smartlinx:
“According to the Consortium for Information & Software Quality’s 2022 report, the cost of poor software quality in the US has grown to at least $2.41 trillion. This issue underscores the challenges the industry is facing with increasing technical debt and complexities in addressing those, which hampers innovation and poses security risks through outdated systems, insufficient maintenance, and delayed releases. Persistent’s strategic move with SASVA shows their dedication to future-proofing Digital Engineering. The integration of AI technologies aligns well with market trends, positioning Persistent as a thought leader operationalizing platform-led strategies for maximum gains across the software life cycle value chain. This strategic move offers enterprises a compelling opportunity for value creation at a crucial time where engineering efficiency, operational excellence, scalability, cyber security, and innovation are of the utmost importance.”

 Chirag Mehta, Vice President and Principal Analyst, Constellation Research:
“Amidst the growing number of AI tools, customers are seeking solutions— a platform —that predictably bridges the gap between product and engineering, accelerating time-to market and value while mitigating security risks. Organizations possess vast data, knowledge, and code, and they are eager to embrace AI for rapid innovation. With SASVA, Persistent recognizes the strategic importance of accelerated innovation with an AI platform to help customers navigate the product and engineering complexity. It’s a step in the right direction.”

Hyderabad, March 11, 2024……The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) in association with the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) Telangana organised a program on GST & Tax–Implications on Land Ownership on Thursday which continued till night at KLN Prasad Auditorium, Federation House, Red Hills.

M. Srinivas, IRS, Principal Chief Commissioner (retd), Central GST was the chief guest

Venugopal Gella, CH Nageswara Rao, GS Prashanth, VS Sudhir, Mohd Irshad Ahmed–Chartered Accountants and Sreenivasa Reddy–Advocate & Tax Consultant; B Sunil Chandra Reddy, President, NAREDCO Telangana; Vijaya Sai Meka, Secretary General, NAREDCO Telangana; Suresh Kumar Singhal, Senior Vice-President- FTCCI; R Ravi Kumar, Vice President- FTCCI; Abhishek Tibrewala, Chair, Infrastructure, Real Estate & Smart Cities Committee, FTCCI participated

Affordability and Accessibility to own the Land is also one of the factors that influence the growth of the market for Landowners & Developers in the real sector. In any City, this is impacted by the GST and other taxes imposed on buying and selling of the Land. In this regard, FTCCI had also submitted its recommendations in the Union Pre-Budget Memorandum for Affordable Housing Norms & Home Loan Tax Rebates, etc. for boosting Investments in the Real Estate Sector and economy, said Meela Jayadev while delivering his opening remarks.

In this scenario, the programme is designed and curated by the Infrastructure, Real Estate & Smart Cities Committee, Direct Taxes Committee and GST & Customs Committee in association with the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO). I appreciate and congratulate all the Chairs, Co- Chairs, Advisors & members of these committees and also the NAREDCO Team for coming out with such a useful programme, Meela Jayadev added.

The Programme was designed to understand the procedure and rights during the search operations under the GST & Income Tax Act and with a panel discussion on the Implications of GST on the land owner’s share of the built-up area.

The Program discussed GST tax structure regarding Real-estate, understanding the value, time and place of Supply of Land under GST Law, its Input Tax Credit Provisions, GST on Joint Development Agreements, GST implications on the Sale of Developed Plots of Land & Renting and Leasing of Land, the impact of GST on the Real-estate Sector, Search Operation Procedures under GST & Income Tax Act and rights possessed by the assessee.

Kolkata has become home to a thriving community of women entrepreneurs who are making a mark in their respective fields. These women have overcome various challenges and obstacles to establish successful businesses and contribute to the economic growth of the city.

On this International Women’s Day, it is interesting to see those who are setting new standards in women’s entrepreneurship. Fields are vast – the city has witnessed successful women entrepreneurs in the fields of fashion, health, hospitality and others.

A specialist in implantology and prosthodontics, Dr Moon Chattaraj founder-director of Kolkata’s medical day care facility centre AM Medical Centre feels that one has to be strategic and creatively motivated in their respective field to start a venture. “One must be tactfully molding work ethics along with risks involved in entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Chattaraj, who mentioned that one of the founders of Emammi Group, Mr R.S. Goenka be her mentor in business strategy. She noted that besides her academic and professional acumen, her entrepreneurial side gave way to serving in the field of health through a team of experienced medical professionals in the fields of Eye Dental, ENT, Skin, IVF, Fetal Medicine, Cosmetic Gynaecology, Orthopedic, Radiology, Pediatric dept, Inbuilt Diagnostic Lab with all the Modern and upgraded equipments.

With a similar passion for entrepreneurship, this young Bengali Banker might have migrated to UK, but could not forget the vast culture of fashion from Bengal. Indian Banker turned Entrepreneur in the Handloom Industry, owner of Label Myosutra, Roshni Mukherjee believes that Bengal has an astounding record in the advancement of handloom and handcrafts. “I love my profession of a banker, yet I felt the need of expert development of the women weavers and workers from this part of India to reinforce the economy of West Bengal, pointed out Ms Mukherjee. She further added, being a Bengali, it is her duty to take the culture and artwork of Bengal to the people of West and also those non-resident Bengalis who long to be with their roots.” At present, Ms Mukherjee is working with 12 women weavers from Bengal who have been weaving for her handloom products such as sarees, coats and others.

Restaurants are generally helmed by men or celebrated chefs. However, breaking the myth, city is gifted with one of its popular restaurants owned by woman entrepreneur Amrita Annie. Amrita not only pursued her passion but came up with the restaurant ‘Pancham er Adday’, themed on R D Burman’s works. A music lover, Amrita said, “I had always dreamt of a café themed on the music of 1970s and 80s, and materialised it in August 2019. I feel there should be connect with our music of the golden era for this present generation.”

For Ms. Mita Samaddar, owner of a cloud kitchen named Dharmata Canteen, was a challenge to revive the “Pice Hotel” a legacy of her father that flourished during 90s. Resuming the services of her kitchen was a mix of emotions, blending excitement with a sense of challenge and opportunity. “I resumed this during 2021, and there’s the thrill of embarking on a new journey, perhaps fulfilling long-held dreams or pursuing passions that may have been set aside earlier in life.” Catering to a wide range of customers such as students, office goers and even the boarders of guest houses, she further said that her venture has been supported by her working daughter Oindrila, who is in her mid 20s. “It is purely a Bengali food kitchen which has become quite popular in the area since my kitchen is located at the heart of the business district of the city.”

[NATIONAL, March 11th,2024] –Crossbeats, a leading name in innovative wearable technology, proudly unveils its latest offering Everest Smartwatch, available at an introductory price of just Rs.1,999. Crafted for adventure enthusiasts, this smartwatch redefines outdoor experiences with its rugged build and cutting-edge features.

Boasting Titanium finish bezels and a metal aluminum frame, the Everest exudes durability and resilience, ensuring resistance to dust, shock, and moisture in even the harshest conditions. Its visually stunning 1.43-inch HD AMOLED Display, with a resolution of 466×466 pixels and 850 nits of brightness, guarantees crystal-clear visibility, even in glaring sunlight.

The advanced biosensor chipset of the Smartwatch accurately monitors vital health metrics, including blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation levels, sleep patterns, and heart rate. With its ultra-long 320mAh battery capacity, users can relish up to 7 days of continuous usage and up to 30 days on standby, ensuring uninterrupted performance during extended outdoor escapades.

Speaking on the launch of the new product Mr. Archit Agarwal, Co-Founder of Crossbeats said, “We are excited to launch Everest Smartwatch, it is also the first product of this year. We have designed this product to cater to the needs of adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a perfect blend of rugged design, advanced health-tracking features, and intelligent functionalities. With the Everest Smartwatch by their side, users can conquer any challenge they encounter while exploring the great outdoors, making it an indispensable companion for every adventure seeker.”

Fitness enthusiasts will discover unparalleled versatility in the smartwatch as it features an extensive array of over 100 sports modes tailored to their preferences. This comprehensive selection empowers users to seamlessly track their progress and maintain motivation on their fitness journey. With the smartwatch powered by a single-chip Bluetooth, users can expect an elevated experience with enhanced convenience and functionality. Smart features such as remote camera control, remote music playback, reminders, and Bluetooth calling will further enhance the overall experience, ensuring seamless integration into daily routines.

Available at all leading marketplaces like amazon, flipkart to name a few, Everest promises to revolutionize fitness tracking and lifestyle management for users across the globe.

New Delhi, 11th March 2024 – To commemorate Rotary International’s 119th birthday, the Rotary Club of Delhi Southeast and Rotary International South Asia Office jointly organized a blood donation camp in the complex of Pullman/ Novotel Commercial Tower at Aerocity, New Delhi.

Rotary International completed 119 years on February 23, 2024. The blood donation drive was open to other offices in the vicinity along with visiting Rotary and non-Rotary members, along with the Rotary International South Asia Office staff. Nearly 60 people participated in the donation drive making it a great success.

The camp aimed to encourage and raise awareness about the importance of donating blood and to help those in need. The event received overwhelming support from the community and helped make a positive impact on society. With such initiatives, the Rotary Club of Delhi Southeast and the Rotary International South Asia Office continue to strive towards creating a better world.

Blum, a premium Austrian furniture fittings manufacturer, launched its new distributor showroom, “Sliker India” in Jodhpur. Located at the Opp Dalda Building, 7th Chopasni Road, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342001, consumers can buy products directly from the brand’s authorized distributor.

This new Blum experience centre was inaugurated by Nadeem Patni, Managing Director, Blum India, and Sultan Ahmed, Director of Sliker India.

Blum has been represented in India for more than 20 years, offering innovative fittings for the furniture industry. With the opening of this store, Blum India continues to enjoy a network spread across 130 cities with over 425 outlets across India.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Nadeem Patni, Managing Director, Blum India, said, “Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan, is a huge potential market. Launching a new distributor showroom is simply a step to show that we want to be a part of this market development. Starting with the establishment of our headquarters in Mumbai and building the warehouse all the way to directly catering to our customers through our distributors across the country.”

Mr. Sultan Ahmed, Director of Sliker India, commented, “We are proud to partner with a brand like Blum, which holds such a high level of prestige and quality. Slicker India is the sister concern of “Asian Exclusive” which has been the oldest hardware merchant in Rajasthan since 2002. In the years to come, Sliker India will strive to provide customers with an unmatched experience at the store. We’re thrilled to join our forces with Blum India.”

The showroom offers a range of Blum products and complete kitchen & wardrobe solutions. The idea is to give customers greater design scope and plenty of possibilities for
differentiation.

Blum offers top-quality, “made in Austria” furniture fittings to its customers in trade, the furniture industry, and the interior design segment to bring creative furniture projects to life. The fittings manufacturer is a traditional family-owned company firmly rooted in Austria, with one main objective to expand itself in the global market.