Archives April 2024

Provident Housing Secures INR 1,150 Crores Investment from HDFC Capital, with a potential GDV of INR 17,100 Crores

Mumbai,26th April 2024: Provident Housing Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Puravankara Limited – one of India’s most trusted and admired real estate companies, announces a significant deal with HDFC Capital. The INR 1,150 crore investment marks a milestone in the company’s journey of growth and expansion.

This strategic collaboration will add 6.2 million square feet of new residential projects to the ongoing 14.8 million square feet with a combined GDV of INR 17,100 crores, which will be delivered over the next five to six years. Provident, a large-scale community developer, has so far completed 15.1 million square feet of projects across the country with a presence in nine cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Goa, Kochi, Mumbai, and Pune.

This partnership with HDFC Capital will help strengthen Provident Housing Limited’s commitment to leveraging alliances to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the real estate sector. With this investment, the company is poised for expansion, focusing on innovation, quality, customer-centricity, and sustainable project development.

Commenting on this investment, Ashish Puravankara, Managing Director, Puravankara Limited, said, “We are delighted to partner with HDFC Capital – an entity with a longstanding history of excellence. This deal reinforces the confidence of our institutional investors in the company’s corporate governance and the way we conduct our business. We stay committed to developing international quality homes, delivered on time with trust and transparency.”

Vipul Roongta, Managing Director & CEO, HDFC Capital, said, “HDFC Capital is committed to long-term partnerships with marquee real estate leaders like Puravankara with an excellent track record of development and delivery. Through our partnership with Puravankara, we will focus on meeting the increasing demand for high-quality homes for mid-income households in India.”

Mallanna Sasalu, CEO, Provident Housing Limited, said, “This strategic alliance with HDFC Capital marks a pivotal moment in Provident’s journey towards growth and acquiring larger market share. With HDFC Capital’s support, we are well-positioned to accelerate the development of new residential projects across India while delivering exceptional value to our customers and driving long-term shareholder value.”

Kunal Wadhwani, Principal Investments, HDFC Capital, said, “Our collaboration with Puravankara, a leading pan-India developer, helps address the significant demand for high-quality homes at affordable prices and is in line with HDFC Capital’s strategy of catering to the largely unmet demand in the mid-income residential segment.”

Neeraj Gautam, Group President of Finance, highlighted the importance of this investment, stating, “This marks a significant evolution in our investment strategy, signaling the beginning of larger partnerships and transactions that align with the overarching vision for the Group.”

Embarking on a new era: Indiatimes 2.0 redefines digital storytelling for modern youth

New Delhi, 26th April 2024: Indiatimes, the lifestyle brand of Times Internet, has long been hailed as the ultimate digital destination for youth. From the latest trends to timeless classics, the brand curates diverse content reflecting the preferences of today’s youth. With a fresh zeal to inform, educate, and empower the youth, Indiatimes embarks on a new content creation journey with Indiatimes 2.0.

The brand’s new avatar goes beyond mere information delivery; it aims to become a social-savvy brand and spark thoughts, ignite debates, and foster meaningful conversations. Indiatimes will buzz with a new style and format of content, blending humor and quirkiness with thought-provoking narratives. Debates, polls, contests, and tête-à-têtes with fan-favorite influencers on social media will place the audience at the center stage of India’s most happening scenes.

Abhijeet Anand, Business Head of Indiatimes, expressed his enthusiasm for this transformative journey, stating, “As the premier lifestyle platform under Times Internet, Indiatimes has always been at the forefront of creating trendsetting narratives that resonate with the nation’s youth. This metamorphosis marks our most thrilling chapter yet, as we strive to set new trends with unprecedented vigor to engage with our audience like never before. As we embark on the journey for Indiatimes 2.0, we have a robust pipeline of IPs (Intellectual Properties) centered around themes such as “Make in India” (showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and innovation on a global scale), education and personal finance.”

The platform’s new coverage will deliver the latest stories from diverse fields such as lifestyle, tech, travel, personal finance, entertainment and auto. The sole commitment is to create unparalleled formats that directly resonate with Indian youth, placing them and their interests at the forefront of everything.

Proteins show promise in reducing risks of further heart damage

26th April 2024 : A groundbreaking study done by the Newcastle University team discovered a correlation between a decrease in infarct size after three months and the concentrations of TGFβ1, a significant anti-inflammatory protein, in the blood of STEMI patients 24 hours after reperfusion. To explore this further, they tested the protective effects of TGFβ1, a protein known to be secreted in the body in response to tissue injury, and its imitation, HpTGM, using a well-established mouse model of a heart attack.

Two proteins have been found to lessen scarring and the inflammatory response in the damaged heart because of studies on the preventive benefits of two anti-inflammatory molecules after a heart attack.

Two anti-inflammatory molecules that have been identified to be helpful in therapy are Heligmosomoidespolygyrus TGM (HpTGM) and Transforming Growth Factor-beta1 (TGFβ1). When patients with acute heart attacks (also known as STEMIs) receive prompt reopening of the blocked coronary artery (coronary reperfusion) in specialized healthcare facilities, their chances of survival increase significantly. But even with significant advancements in medicine, the development of heart failure remains a significant clinical issue.

Professor Helen Arthur, Professor of Cardiovascular Biology at Newcastle University, said, “Coronary reperfusion after STEMI is standard therapy to salvage ischemic heart muscle. However, evidence suggests that the subsequent inflammatory response that the body initiates to repair the damaged heart tissue can also cause further loss of viable heart muscle and the more muscle that is lost the greater the risk of subsequent progression to heart failure. The reason for this study was to investigate the potential protective effects of TGFβ1 as a possible intervention to minimize this additional damage to the heart beyond the ischemic damage caused by the heart attack itself.”

The investigators were surprised

The protein, generated by a parasitic worm, aids in evading the immune system, allowing the worm to survive within the gut’s tissue lining. Introducing either of these naturally occurring anti-inflammatory proteins into the bloodstream decreased harmful inflammation in the heart and notably reduced heart damage, as indicated by smaller scar formation.

The researchers were surprised to observe similar positive effects from both TGFβ1 and HpTGM treatments, despite their evolutionary differences. Both molecules interacted with cells comparably, activating the same signaling pathway. Administering the anti-inflammatory treatment at the time of reperfusion, a clinically relevant intervention period in humans, yielded beneficial results.

The protective impact of these molecules on endothelial cells, which line blood vessels and regulate the movement of pro-inflammatory white blood cells from circulation into injured tissue, likely contributed to the favorable outcomes.

While TGFβ1 is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, HpTGM mimics parasites and holds promising clinical potential. Recent research at the University of Glasgow’s Maizels lab has demonstrated that delivering HpTGM significantly reduces inflammation in mouse models of colitis or airway inflammation, leveraging a product evolved by parasites to suppress immune responses.

Prof Helen Arthur added, “The current study shows that exogenous delivery of HpTGM at the time of coronary artery reperfusion dampens the proinflammatory response of coronary endothelial cells and reduces cardiac injury, leading to increased myocardial salvage and reduced scar size, with the corollary of improved prospects for long-term cardiac function. The use of HpTGM as an anti-inflammatory therapy in treating heart attack patients is an exciting prospect that requires further translational studies.”

Job Hai partners with 100-year-old The George Telegraph Training Institute to empower students with employment opportunities

Delhi,26th April 2024 – Job Hai, a leading online recruitment platform, has announced a strategic partnership with The George Telegraph Training Institute, a renowned institution in the field of skilling and vocational training for over 100 years. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between skilled students and job opportunities, particularly in the blue-collar sector.

The George Telegraph Training Institute has decades of expertise in skilled candidates in the field of Technicians, Paramedics, Mechanics, IT hardware, and the Beauty & Wellness space.

With Job Hai’s PAN India presence, The George Telegraph Training Institute will now be able to extend its reach and offer its skilled students employment opportunities from across the country, including hyperlocal opportunities. Students will also stand a chance to utilize Job Hai’s platform and connect with renowned brands to access better-paying jobs and better growth prospects.

The George Telegraph Training Institute will also be selecting the top cohort of highly skilled students matching certain eligibility criteria who will get an opportunity to be recommended for top jobs matching their profile.

In addition to job placements, Job Hai and The George Telegraph Training Institute will work closely to develop customized training programs, tailored to meet the evolving demands of the blue-collar job market. By leveraging Job Hai’s insights into industry trends and employer requirements, The George Telegraph Training Institute will enhance its curriculum to equip students with in-demand skills and certifications of the industry.

Mr. Sanjib Kumar Das, Executive Director at the George Telegraph Group said, “The George Telegraph Training Institute has been dedicated to empowering students with practical skills for decades, and our partnership with Job Hai marks a significant milestone in our journey. Together, we will not only expand our students’ employment horizons but also ensure they are equipped with the skills relevant in today’s job market”.

Job Hai will also enable The George Telegraph Training Institute to source candidates from its platform to fulfill the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) requirements of partner organizations, thereby fostering skill development and employment generation on a larger scale.

Roushan Bharti, Business Head, Job Hai said, “The blue-collar hiring landscape in 2024 is marked by strong demand for skilled labor, a shift towards tech-integrated roles, and a critical need for bridging the skill gap. Our partnership with The George Telegraph Training Institute aligns perfectly with these trends, enabling us to empower a new generation of blue-collar professionals with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed”.

The partnership between Job Hai and The George Telegraph Training Institute demonstrates their shared commitment to delivering value to both candidates and employers. By combining their expertise and resources, these organizations have the potential to reshape the blue-collar job landscape and drive a positive change.

Viksit Bharat: IP & Social Impact – Ms. Himani Pande, IAS

New Delhi, 26th April 2024: “Viksit Bharat 2047 is about empowering people, a thriving economy, a prosperous India, and a sustainable India. IP addresses all components of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat. However, technology does not address every problem that we face today. We have to also think of the social impact our work has and not just focus on the economics, said Ms. Himani Pande Additional Secretary – Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India at ASSOCHAM’s 2nd IP Leadership Summit and Awards.

The introduction of biometrics in the PDS system has reduced pilferage through ghost beneficiaries and made ration accessible across the country. It does not however solve all problems making it important to build in civic attention to innovations and IP. Just two percent of IP Grants are commercialized, and we are in the process of framing the IP financing framework to increase that number not just for the economics but also for the societal benefits.” said Ms. Himani Pande Additional Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India.

Prof. (Dr) Unnat P. Pandit Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks (CGPDTM), Govt. of India, said “IP and innovation plays a crucial role in driving development and we are working to ensure that we offer IP-driven solutions that are developed, deployed and commercially utilized. The country needs to strengthen its IP position. Year on year we are witnessing growth in in IP filings. In FY 2023-2024, we have 90,300 patent filings which highlights the confidence of researchers in the Indian economy. There is enough traction on not just the development of a science or technology but equally on protection.”

Mr. Pravin Anand, Chairperson ASSOCHAM IPR Council and Managing Partner, Anand and Anand, said, “IP balances the old and the new, and values science as well as arts. Traditional knowledge has now been incorporated in the world of IP. Geographical indications and well-known trademarks rely upon long usage and base their strength on what is old. There have been tremendous changes in intellectual property in the past years. The need of the hour is to join hands in strengthening the IP law.”

Setting the context at the summit, Dr. Hemang Shah, Co-Chairperson ASSOCHAM IPR Council, India Engineering Lead, Qualcomm said, “We are witnessing a major rise of IP contributors in the country, large companies, domestic filers, start-ups, research and educational institutions. Looking at all the metrics, we have the right building blocks for Viksit Bharat by 2047. But to achieve that we have to make meaningful progress in terms of innovation and execution.”

Speaking at the summit, Dr. Louise Boisen, Counsellor – IPR, Danish Patent and Trademark Office said, “No country can solve every problem humanity is facing on its own. Technologies and solutions need to be transferred for greater impact. For the transfer to be a success, developers, and inventors need to be able to trust the IP system and that their intellectual property will be protected. This is important so that innovators can continue to invest in new solutions and recoup their investments to continue the cycle of innovation.”

Mr. Hiroyuki Nakano, Deputy Director, International Cooperation Division, Japan Patent Office said, “The high number of patents granted in the last year is a positive indicator of India’s technological competitiveness. Education in the field of intellectual properties is growing in importance around the world. Japan considers it a great honour to contribute to India’s capabilities in this field. More than 400 Indians have been invited to participate in training programs in Japan so far.”

Dr Jitendra Kumar, MD Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, said “India has been the knowledge generator for the world but has never commercialized it. Today, the rate of intellectual property filing in India is more than the global average. IP is the bedrock of innovation. There are lot of undercurrents of growth, all we need is how we can take this opportunity and transform it into a real promise for the country.”

Several sessions on envisioning India as an IP leader and the role of AI in IP landscapes were also held. Key path breakers and achievers in the field were also recognised with leadership awards as part of the summit.

Radio City to Redefine Entertainment with their launch on JioTV

Bengaluru, 26th April 2024: Radio City, a trailblazer in vibrant music and engaging content, is thrilled to announce its debut on JioTV. This pioneering fusion marks a significant milestone as Radio City becomes the first-ever radio station in the country to introduce a 24×7 video channel under the banner of RC Studio.

This launch on JioTV not only extends the reach of Radio City but also provides advertisers with limitless opportunities to engage with a nationwide audience. Through this association, Radio City will be able to reach out to JioTV’s massive audience base across the country. The JioTV mobile app – which has over 1,000 channels in more than 16 languages and 12 genres from over 200 broadcasters is available to all Jio subscribers across the country.

Through this launch, Radio City will touch the nerves of the younger, digitally savvy generation, leveraging their attraction to screens to reignite their interest in radio. By embracing the new digital platform, Radio City will deliver phenomenal content that echoes with the Gen Z. RC Studio will also be available on connected TVs through JioTV+ which comes as a part of JioFiber and AirFiber.

This initiative will be pivotal in bridging the gap between different audience segments and expanding Radio City’s reach to a larger demographic, creating a more inclusive and vibrant entertainment approach. The launch of RC Studio propels Radio City into the digital era by enriching the entertainment experience for its audience with the JioTV app which is now also available on MyJio app and JioBharat phones.

Ashit Kukian, CEO of Radio City, expressed his excitement: “In this exciting juncture of innovation and expansion, I am thrilled to announce the launch of our pioneering channel, RC Studio, on JioTV and JioTV+. The launch marks a historic point in our journey, reflecting our brand’s evolution and commitment to ‘Radigitalization’. Our RC Studio’s tagline, ‘Mast Raho’, encapsulates our dedication to crafting a comprehensive digital experience that caters to our existing and new audiences. Radio City has always been a frontrunner when it comes to innovative concepts, and with this launch on JioTV, we are forging the future of entertainment by providing a platform that ignites excitement and engages viewers and brands alike in ways like never before!”

The amalgamation of Radio City’s timeless audio content with dynamic visuals on JioTV and JioTV+ signifies a paradigm shift in broadcasting, breaking new ground and redefining the essence of entertainment. Combining the power of video and audio in perfect harmony will allow them to engage audiences like never before.

Radio City’s RC Studio offers an all-encompassing entertainment experience. From refreshing music to exciting content, audio narratives, and exclusive interviews with film industry luminaries, the studio promises a diverse array of elaborate content.

Why Menstrual Education is Important in Rural areas

SubsahashDr. Subash Gupta, Chairman of Red Cross Society, Ghaziabad

India is leading the global social revolution but it still lacks in terms of menstrual education and hygiene in rural areas. According to a report by Times of India, Only 42% of women in rural areas use hygienic products during their periods, and the remaining women are still unaware of proper hygienic methods; instead of using sanitary napkins, they wear clothing that can have infections or PCOD, as they lack knowledge about it. Due to this many young girls and women of rural areas suffer from the disease and they face various problems. Menstrual education is crucial for girls, women, and the people of rural areas.

Adolescent girls’ menstrual practices in rural India are negatively impacted by cultural standards and taboos. Menstruation gets mixed up with myths and misunderstandings, despite being a normal important part of female reproductive health. In rural areas, cultural and religious beliefs commonly view menstruation as impure, horrible, and even unclean to society. Due to these myths, menstruation is associated with a matter of shame. These superstitions can result in limitations on women’s period-related activities, which may negatively impact their independence, enjoyment of everyday life, and happiness in general daily routine work.

These beliefs can result in unfavorable attitudes and behaviors that negatively affect the health of women and girls. People have some myths that women who are menstruating should not touch any food item otherwise it will get spoiled or they should also not water the plants as well during that time. The families who believe in these kinds of myths end up not letting women enter the kitchen as well. Some people also connect it to religious activities and consider the women impure, and don’t let them take part in religious activities, saying that it produces negative energy around the temple and religious place.

Menstrual education is necessary for breaking the taboo and correcting misunderstandings about menstruation. Menstruation is viewed as unclean or horrible in many rural societies, which makes females feel embarrassed and low on confidence. Menstrual education helps normalize menstruation and build a feeling of pride and confidence in young girls by reducing myths and providing correct knowledge about the menstrual cycle and its biological importance.

According to a survey done by the government of India, 71% of teenage girls in India don’t know about menstruation until they go through it themselves, which indicates that parents don’t usually prepare their daughters for this normal process. Young girls in rural areas face unique challenges as they lack awareness and various factors including limited access to sanitary products, lack of proper hygiene facilities, and cultural taboos surrounding menstruation. In the beginning, getting sanitary pads and other menstrual hygiene products may be limited in rural areas due to financial limitations.

Girls are forced to wear unpleasant and unclean alternatives like scraps or outdated garments since many households cannot afford these things daily. Also, the challenges the young girl faces in the rural areas during menstruation get worse because of poor sanitary facilities in rural locations. Girls find it difficult to peacefully and hygienically manage their periods when there aren’t clean, private restrooms available, which frequently causes discomfort and shame. The lack of open communication between parents and children can lead to misinformation and fear of getting judged by parents can harm girls’ health.

Poor practices related to menstruation hygiene may result in infections of the reproductive system, fungus, and urinary tract. Girls need to be well-educated about security measures and cleanliness to avoid health issues. Due to discomfort, and lack of facilities, or a fear of shame, some girls avoid school when they are menstruating. It may also impact their academic performance since it is related to higher-level studies. Girls who are menstruating may experience bullying, humiliation, or rejection from social events. A lack of awareness and stereotypes are two factors that add to the shame attached to menstruation.

The Government of India is also running many campaigns for girls in rural areas to promote awareness and educate people about menstruation. These campaigns include:

  •  National Menstruation Hygiene Policy 2023: The policy states that the menstrual cycle is a normal physiological function for all individuals who menstruate, including girls and women of reproductive age. Its main goals include providing clean and respectable menstrual hygiene facilities, encouraging education and knowledge on period hygiene, promoting quality standards, and guaranteeing access to inexpensive and safe menstrual hygiene products.
  •  Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS): Introduced in 2011 under the National Health Mission (NHM), this program aims to encourage females between the ages of 10 and 19 to practice good menstrual hygiene, reduce menstruation-related taboos, increase access to sanitary pads, and increase knowledge.
  •  Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK): Introduced in 2014 to educate teenage girls about menstruation and improve their access to sanitary pads. Thorough education and empowerment on menstrual health are included in the curriculum.
  •  Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkin: Started in 2018, this program provides women throughout the nation with access to affordable sanitary napkins to guarantee access to sanitary and safe menstruation products.

Its goal is to guarantee women’s access to sanitary and safe menstruation products.

Other Initiatives by Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)- Several NGOs and social workers are actively trying to erase the stigmas associated with menstruation and offer long-term solutions. Dr. Subhash Gupta who is a passionate social worker has done so many things related to menstruation. He has gone to the rural areas of Ghaziabad and the government schools done the awareness campaign and has also distributed sanitary napkins to the women and the girls. He has also established vending machines for sanitary napkins in government schools. He visits the schools and the villages of different areas to educate the girls there about menstruation.

It is important to remove the shame related to menstruation health to advance gender equality, provide healthcare access, and cultivate a more accepting community. Menstruation-related taboos remain in place for centuries due to social, religious, and cultural norms. These taboos result in prejudice, judgment, and limits to resources and knowledge. Several ways may be used to overcome these barriers and promote menstrual wellness.
Correcting myths and breaking taboos both depend on education. From an early age, complete information on menstrual health should be included in the school curriculum. Young people can have a positive outlook on menstruation and gain the confidence to properly manage their menstrual health by receiving correct knowledge on menstruation, its biological processes, and hygiene habits.

Menstruation taboos must be addressed, and community-based efforts are necessary for this. Talking about menstruation with elders, religious leaders, and community leaders can help change social standards and promote acceptance and understanding. To help challenge myths and misconceptions, community seminars, talks, and awareness campaigns can offer platforms for open discussion and information exchange.

Menstrual taboos can also be challenged through the use of media and communication channels. Ads, radio shows, social media campaigns, and television shows may all be utilized to promote good images of people who are menstrual and normalize discussions about menstruation. The media may have a significant impact on shifting cultural attitudes and views by showcasing a variety of experiences and points of view.

For several reasons, menstrual education is important to boys and men. First of all, knowledge about menstruation promotes kindness and compassion for women and girls. Removing taboos and stigmas related to periods promotes participation and understanding. We create an atmosphere where males may help female friends, lovers, and family members with sensitivity and without feeling ashamed by teaching them about menstruation. The health literacy of boys and men depends on menstruation education. By being aware of menstruation, they may identify possible health problems, such as irregular bleeding or extreme menstrual pain, in their female friends and lovers and take the necessary action to seek medical attention.

Menstrual education also advances gender equality by removing assumptions and traditional gender roles. Boys’ education on menstruation as a normal part of life and not a cause for shame helps break down social norms that reduce women’s chances and maintain gender inequity. educating boys and men about menstruation may result in more inclusive policies and practices in public and workplace settings, ensuring that people who experience menstruation have access to the resources and assistance they need. encouraging respectful, educated, and gender-equitable communities requires including menstruation education in boys’ and men’s educational programs.

Promoting general health and removing misunderstandings about menstruation requires better menstrual health education. A comprehensive course of study should cover menstruation hygiene, the body, awareness of the cycle, and pain management. Talking about various menstruation products and how to use them helps people make decisions based on knowledge.

Addressing opinions and cultural stigmas related to menstruation promotes a supportive atmosphere and reduces feelings of shame or embarrassment. Being diverse is essential to ensuring that a variety of events, including those of transgender and non-binary people, are taken into account in education.

Learning about menstruation health may be made more interesting and understandable with the use of collaborative, suitable age-educational resources including workshops, films, and informational books. Through the normalization of discussions surrounding menstruation and the provision of correct information, we can help individuals confidently manage their menstrual health and lead better lives.

According to Dr. Subash Gupta, Chairman of Red Cross Society, Ghaziabad-

Education on menstruation is necessary for rural communities since it provides people with knowledge about the lack of awareness in people. In rural areas, where healthcare resources and accessibility are usually limited, knowledge about menstruation hygiene promotes equality, fairness, and respect. By encouraging self-care behaviors, breaking down stereotypes, and ensuring that people can safely and confidently manage their periods, we educate rural communities about menstruation. Menstrual education also becomes a good cause for positive social change by opening doors to more comprehensive conversations on human rights, gender equality, and reproductive health. It’s about empowering people, changing communities, and creating a future in which menstruation is no longer a barrier but rather a source of empowerment and understanding. It’s not just about periods.

Manish Anandani, Kenvue speaks at the IAA & ISA Retrospect and Prospects

Retrospect and ProspectsThe India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) together with The Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA) hosted the IAA & ISA Retrospect and Prospects with Manish Anandani, Managing Director – India, Kenvue (erstwhile Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health) on 24th April in Mumbai. Kenvue was the presenting partner while ABP News & Fortune Edible Oils and Foods were the supporting partners for the event.

Manish Anandani, Managing Director – India, Kenvue (erstwhile Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health) the keynote speaker emphasized “The Indian FMCG industry has been a key driver contributing to India’s buoyant economy. There have been many factors like a young dynamic India, increasing urbanization, and a rising middle class which are presenting tremendous opportunities for the industry to pivot and scale. Today, we are seeing ‘Many India’ with many consumer cohorts, making it imperative for brands to design personalized, customized, and immersive campaigns to better engage with these audiences. We are also seeing big shifts in consumer behavior, with sustainability, purpose, and transparency being prioritized by the conscious consumer. These aspects will continue to shape the marketing agenda. We are excited about these opportunities and what they present for our iconic brands such as Johnson’s Baby, Stayfree, and Neutrogena.”

Avinash Pandey, President of, the IAA India Chapter and CEO, of ABP Network said “IAA has always been at the forefront of activities that benefit the Marcom Industry. Whether it be the Leadership Awards which are for the marketers, to having an all-advertising jury for our successful creative awards called IndIAA to having an annual program named the Retrospect & Prospects where a leading marketer gives a perspective of the highs and lows of the last year and some crystal ball gazing about the year ahead, we have always done path-breaking initiatives. And so, in that spirit, we have also saluted collaborations and cooperation and had the first IAA and ISA programs. I am sure this model will be appreciated and emulated in other programs as well”.

Sunil Kataria, Chairman of the India Society of Advertisers & CEO of Raymond’s Lifestyle Business said “An insightful presentation by Manish Anandani in retrospect and prospect session, dwelling into macro and micro opportunities of the India growth story driven by GDP, demographics, customer sentiments, rapid digitalization, evolving shopping & consumption behaviors has thrown interesting light on the possibilities ahead.

I am confident that our audience from IAA and ISA would have immensely benefited from the session today towards gearing up for the future”

Eupheus Learning Recognized by TIME Magazine for Educational Sector Impact

Eupheus Learning LogoNew Delhi, India – April 25, 2024 – Eupheus Learning, India’s leading school-focused Distribution Platform, is proud to announce its significant achievement of being featured in TIME’s World’s Top EdTech Rising Stars of 2024. This esteemed recognition emphasizes the global acknowledgment and validation of Eupheus Learning’s innovative approach to education and its growing influence on the global education landscape.

The “Rising Stars Ranking” highlights the top 15 companies with the highest revenue growth rates over the past three years. This recognition highlights the company’s commitment to creating an impact through its differentiated solutions in bridging the gap between in-classroom and at-home learning.

Since its inception in 2017, Eupheus Learning has emerged as the largest school-focused distribution platform in India, serving approximately 10,000+ schools and making inroads into one out of four premium private schools in the country. The company’s success can be attributed to its pedagogically differentiated, technology-driven solutions that cater to the evolving needs of educators and students.

Mr. Amit Kapoor, Co-founder, and CEO of Eupheus Learning expressed his gratitude for this remarkable achievement and said “We are honoured to be recognized by TIME and STATISTA as one of the world’s top EdTech rising stars. This acknowledgment does not only reflect our relentless pursuit of excellence but also reflects the impact of our initiatives on the education sector. At Eupheus Learning, we remain committed to empowering educators and students with innovative solutions that inspire lifelong learning and foster holistic development.”

Eupheus Learning’s Classroom-first and Curriculum-focused approach aims to reach 10 million children in India through specially curated educational offerings in Kinaesthetic Learning, Reading Enhancement, STEM/STEAM, and English language learning. The company’s unique school outreach initiatives, including Storytelling Sessions for Kids, Olympiads, and Coding Competitions, have further solidified its position in the competitive education market.

As Eupheus Learning continues to drive innovation and excellence in education, this recognition from TIME and STATISTA serves as a testament to its unwavering commitment to shaping the future of learning.

HDFC Life & Peerless Financial Products Distribution Ltd. Forge Corporate Agency Tie-Up

PFPDL & HDFC LifeMumbai, April 25, 2024: HDFC Life, one of India’s leading insurers, and Peerless Financial Products Distribution Ltd. (PFPDL) have entered into a corporate agency tie-up. This partnership would enable PFPDL to distribute the life insurance products of HDFC Life to its customers.

PFPDL is a subsidiary of the Peerless General Finance & Investment Co. Ltd (PGFI), one of India’s oldest and biggest NBFCs in East India. PFPDL has 40 branches with a broad customer base across 42 locations.

Through this tie-up, PFPDL would offer financial protection to its customers. The Company provides both digital and physical platforms to customers thereby enabling them to choose their preferred mode of service.

Life insurance penetration in India is extremely low in comparison to the global markets. There is a strong need for the working population to secure the future for themselves and their families. HDFC Life offers a wide range of products that meet the life-stage needs of individuals, providing a financial safety net while enabling them to fulfill their long–term financial goals. The Company constantly endeavors to enhance the reach of life insurance through strategic partnerships. This tie-up with Peerless is a step towards further strengthening HDFC Life’s presence in the eastern part of the country.

In FY 2024, HDFC Life has secured more than 66 million lives with an overall claim settlement ratio of 99.7%.

Speaking about the new association, Satyaki Bhattacharya- Managing Director & CEO, of Peerless Financial Products Distribution Ltd, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with HDFC Life in our endeavor to secure families financially. Peerless group’s customer-centric approach for the last 92 years synergized with the reputed brand of HDFC life will help in creating a strong distribution network in Tier 2 and beyond cities providing innovative need-based life insurance solutions and technology-backed simplified user experience to customers.”

Speaking on the launch, Suresh Badami – Deputy Managing Director, HDFC Life said, “We are happy to announce our partnership with Peerless Financial Products Distribution Ltd. This is another step towards achieving India’s vision of ‘Insurance for All’ by 2047. We hope to leverage our distribution strength and take our insurance solutions to their entire customer base and add value to the partnership.”