Archives May 2024

Pune, 28th May 2024: India’s largest Flamingo City at Phoenix Mall of the Millennium represents a convergence of artistry, innovation, and environmental consciousness. India’s largest flamingo installation, standing at 28 feet tall, is more than just a visual spectacle; it’s a transformative experience that transports visitors into a realm of pink-hued wonder. Inspired by the concept of new beginnings, Flamingo City serves as a vibrant symbol of hope, growth, and the beauty of change.

Designed and conceptualized by Elementa Designs, Flamingo City is a testament to the power of imagination and creativity. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and a deep understanding of the summer season’s essence, this exclusive diorama captures the essence of springtime renewal and the vibrancy of urban life. The result is a breathtaking display that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, inviting visitors to explore the depths of their own imagination.

Quote from spokesperson

“We’re thrilled to present this novel flamingo city experience to our patrons, crafted to transport visitors into a realm of beauty and tranquility. Beyond mere aesthetics, this installation symbolizes our deep-rooted commitment to environmental consciousness. Flamingos, with their striking hues and graceful demeanor, serve as more than just ornamental figures. They are ambassadors of our fragile ecosystems, reminding us of the delicate balance that sustains life on our planet. Through this decor, we aim to spark conversations and raise awareness about the importance of preserving these habitats. Let us come together to marvel at nature’s wonders and reaffirm our collective responsibility towards nature.” – Vikram Pai (Centre Director – Phoenix Mall of the Millennium)

Witness a multi-sensory experience in the luxurious experiential mall with beautifully articulated décor as you walk through the interiors. Soaring vaulted ceilings and an artful play of soft lighting coalesce harmoniously establishes a backdrop that exemplifies the essence of luxury.

Greater Noida,28th May 2024 – Noida International University (NIU) and Hellenic American University, Greece, signed a strategic academic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at creating significant opportunities for students, faculty, and staff in the fields of academics, research, and development for the most suitable opportunities. The MoU ceremony was conducted in the presence of Prof. (Dr.) Uma Bhardwaj, Vice Chancellor of NIU, Dr. Mukesh Parashar, Registrar of NIU, Mr. Sudhir Kr. Pandey, Director of International Relations, and other eminent guests.

Prof. (Dr.) Uma Bhardwaj, Vice Chancellor of NIU, welcomed Mr. Leonidas Tzonis, the Executive Vice President of Hellenic American University, and had a fruitful educational discussion with him on the internationalization of higher education to benefit all the stakeholders of both Universities.

The MoU signing between the two universities will bring more endeavors to the university and will let students understand the different cultures of different nations. This MoU is a strong commitment to joint research programs which will help the world in various manners. It will also help universities in technology exchange along with educational benefits. This collaboration aims to bring more innovation and professionalism along with international expansion that will help in marketing too. This collaboration will benefit students with the importance of teamwork along with the exchange of skills and techniques of doing work.

Mr. Sudhir Kr. Pandey stated that the collaboration marks a significant milestone in enhancing academic exchange, fostering research collaboration, faculty development programs, and organizing international conferences on various disciplines. NIU is committed to offering the best and top-tier educational opportunities across the globe.

Mumbai, 28th May 2024: Whistling Woods International (WWI) has announced the dates for its June 2024 entrance examinations. Aspiring students seeking to enrol in WWI’s full-time degree, post-graduate, and diploma programmes in Filmmaking, Animation & Game Design, Fashion Design, Visual Communication Design, Media Communication & Management, Acting, and Music can now submit their applications. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is offering courses in the Media and Entertainment sector, in association with Whistling Woods International as the industry and knowledge partner. The entrance exams are scheduled to be conducted on June 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2024. Prospective students can apply online through the institute’s official website at www.whistlingwoods.net.

WWI is renowned for its excellence in film, communication and creative arts education. Recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Media and Entertainment Skills Council (MESC), the institute has also been awarded the Excellence in Creative & Performing Arts at the 6th FICCI Higher Education Excellence Awards in 2019. Additionally, WWI is globally acclaimed, having been listed among the ‘Top Institutes of Influence’ by Forbes India. The institute proudly boasts over 3,700 alumni thriving in various sectors of the Media, Entertainment, and Creative Arts industry.

Aspirants who are passionate about pursuing a career in the dynamic fields of film, communication, and creative arts, learn from seasoned industry professionals and gain invaluable experience can apply for the various programmes by undertaking the upcoming entrance examination and embark on an exciting educational journey.

For more details, please refer to the below table:

Hyderabad, 28th May 2024: India, home to over 1.3 billion people, faces a severe shortage of blood stem cell donors. With only 0.09% of the population registered as donors, the need for more people to join the stem cell registry is the need of the hour. In light of World Blood Cancer Day which is commemorated every year on May 28, DKMS BMST Foundation India is calling on citizens to come forward and register as blood stem cell donors.

Every year, over 1 lakh people from India are diagnosed with blood cancer and disorders such as thalassemia and aplastic anemia. For many of these patients, a blood stem cell transplant is their only hope for survival. While conventional methods like chemotherapy and radiation therapy are available, a blood stem cell transplant is often crucial for patients who are at high risk of relapse or who do not respond well to conventional treatments.

Patrick Paul, CEO of DKMS BMST Foundation India, stresses the urgency of the situation: “In India, someone is diagnosed with blood cancer or a severe blood disorder every five minutes. Despite the global registry having over 41 million donors, India has only about 0.6 million registered. Thousands of patients are in dire need of matching stem cell donors to undergo life-saving transplants. We need to expand our donor database significantly to provide these patients a fighting chance.”

Dr. Nitin Agarwal, MD Transfusion Medicine, Head of Donor Request Management at DKMS BMST Foundation India, points out that a significant barrier to increasing donor numbers is the lack of public awareness. “Many people in India are unaware of what blood stem cell donation involves or have incorrect beliefs about the process. It’s crucial to understand that matching for stem cell transplants is based on Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) characteristics, not just blood type. Education is key to dispelling these misconceptions and encouraging more people to register.”

Public education campaigns are essential to address these issues. Misconceptions about the complexity and risks of the donation process deter many potential donors. Providing clear and accurate information can help people make informed decisions about registering as donors.

24-year-old Kunal, a blood stem cell donor, shared her experience: “In December 2022, I stumbled upon social media posts highlighting the importance of stem cell donation in the fight against blood cancer. I registered as a potential donor with DKMS-BMST by giving my cheek swab samples, but I thought it was a long shot that I would actually be called for a donation, considering how rare the opportunity was. Little did I know that this decision would lead me on a remarkable journey that would change my life and a total stranger’s life forever. Donating blood stem cells was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. The procedure was straightforward and caused minimal discomfort. I strongly encourage others to register as stem cell donors; it’s a safe process that can significantly impact someone’s life.”

Another donor, 23-year-old Loni Lipsa, echoed this sentiment: “I initially had misconceptions about the process involved, but I was pleasantly surprised by how simple and painless it was. One of the challenges was to get my parent’s permission to go ahead with the donation. Due to the lack of awareness, many people don’t know the importance of registering and if given a chance donating their stem cells. The thought of potentially saving someone’s life made every step worthwhile.”

This World Blood Cancer Day, we call upon people to take the first step towards becoming a lifesaver. To become a potential stem cell donor, the criteria is to be a healthy adult aged between 18 and 55.

You can register as a blood stem cell donor by ordering a home swab kit at www.dkms-bmst.org/register. Once you receive the swab kit, fill out a consent form and swab the inside of your cheeks to collect tissue cells and send your sample to the registry. Your buccal swab sample will be sent to a lab for HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) analysis and anonymously listed on an international donor search platform. Increasing awareness and encouraging more registrations for blood stem cell donors can provide hope to countless patients. Someone’s decision to register can make a life-saving difference to many lives.

Bengaluru, May 27, 2024: Recent reports indicate a staggering loss of about 35% of mangroves between 1996 and 2010 highlighting a concerning trend in environmental degradation. Mangrove ecosystems play a significant role in stabilizing coastlines, making their preservation crucial for the environment and inhabitants. Mangroves are a natural solution to climate change, the paramount global threat. They can sequester carbon at a rate five times greater than tropical forests.

Responding to this urgent need, United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) has launched an ambitious and impactful campaign, ‘ Mangroves Matter’, to revitalize mangrove ecosystems. The first foot is at Pulicat or Pazhaverkadu, a coastal town near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Known as the ‘jungle of roots‘ in Tamil, Pulicat encompasses a vast expanse of 720 sq. km, constituting India’s second-largest brackish water body. Rampant destruction of mangrove vegetation by human activities and natural causes has led to a massive reduction in the lake’s depth from 3.8m to 2m. This ecological decline has endangered biodiversity and threatened the livelihoods of local fisherfolk dependent on the mangrove ecosystem.

The ‘Mangroves Matter’ campaign was officially launched on World Wetlands Day, 2024, with a bold vision to rewild approximately 10 lakh mangroves across 100 acres in the Pulicat region alone. In addition to their environmental advantages, the campaign will closely work with the Irula community, opening up livelihood opportunities for them and boosting the local economy by supporting the cultivation of shrimp and fish species. The project also includes removal of acres of Prosopis ( Karuvelam ), an invasive species which has destroyed the local flora and soil ecosystems.

Sriram Ananthanarayanan, Director-Projects, UWBe, said, “I am glad that many of our Corporate CSR partners have come forward to support this campaign with a shared vision towards environmental commitment. Notably, our CSR partner, Mphasis, has pledged their support to this cause, dedicating the rewilding of mangroves on 70 acres in Pulicat. “

Looking ahead, United Way Bengaluru envisions extending the campaign’s reach to other regions, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala. Upholding its mission of “mobilizing the caring power of communities,” the organization calls upon organizations from different industries to join hands in supporting this vital mission for the preservation of the planet’s precious ecosystems.

Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, UWBe, said, “COP28 made significant progress towards securing the Mangrove Breakthrough’s goal of 15 million hectares of mangroves underpinned by USD 4 billion new investments by 2030. I am super excited that United Way Bengaluru is among the very few organisations who have taken this initiative. ‘Mangroves Matter’ is aligned with the aspiration of COP28, which calls out the responsibility of the State, corporations, local people, community, NGOs and other stakeholders to deliver the Breakthrough.”

“Banks grow only if there is faith” – Former Chief Justice P. S. Dinesh Kumar

Bengaluru, May 27: Banking is a service that depends much on faith and the banking sector grows if there is absolute faith,” said Justice P. S. Dinesh Kumar, former Chief Justice of Karnataka here on Monday.

Speaking after inaugurating the 10th branch of Sree Charan Cooperative Bank near Sahakaranagar at Kodigehalli, Justice Dinesh Kumar said if the faith in the bank becomes strong and leads to deposits, then the banks are bound to grow and develop.

“We need to do everything that is possible to ensure that the people develop absolute faith in the banking practices,” Justice Dinesh Kumar added.

Stating that the banking services should increase in the present modern times by providing absolute services, Justice Kumar said the banks can offer better services to people if more branches are opened.

He said Dwarakanath and his team are doing immense service to the people through Sree Charan Cooperative Bank.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Editor of Public TV H.R. Ranganath said it is difficult to work with honesty and righteousness in the present day. The biggest inadequacy of the banking sector is the absence of faith. The Cooperative banking sector has witnessed everything which ought not to have happened.

“However, Sree Charan Bank is an exception. By opening its 10th branch, it is growing with a good pace. Cautious approach is the need of the hour. We must keep in mind that those who keep deposit have earned their money in a hard way,” Ranganath added.

B. V. Dwarakanath, Founder-Chairman of Sree Charan Cooperative Bank, Gayathri Dwarakanath, Director M. Gopinath, Vice President Shubhapradha, senior administrator T. N. Geetha, and others were present on the occasion.

Bengaluru, May, 2024: Avtar Group, India’s leading Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Solutions firm, hosted the myAvtar Career Conference (MACC) at Karnataka Trade Promotion Organization (KTPO), Bengaluru today.

myAvtar Career Conference (MACC), the career extravaganza brought together inclusive companies and a vast pool of women talent from the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) under one roof. Participating Companies included, Aditya Birla Group, Publicis Sapient, Broadridge Financial Solutions India Limited, Moody’s, Renault Nisan Tech, IBM India, Google Cloud, HDFC ERGO, ACT, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Gallagher, Happiest Minds Technologies Limited, Stryker, Verisk, AKJ Somaiya Institute Of Management, among many others.

Tailored for Women in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM), MACC offered a unique platform to connect, collaborate, and converse with like-minded professionals, industry-leading companies, and renowned experts in the industry. The conclave was an ecosystem designed to foster learning, sharing, and networking for women in the STEM field; an opportunity to explore new horizons in the STEM field, to grow personally and professionally, and to unlock a world of possibilities. The conference witnessed a large gathering of students, educators, professionals, and industry leaders who shared their knowledge, experiences, and insights.

Avtar Group also announced the winners of their inaugural “Women in STEM” Awards. This Awards recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of women who are making significant strides in the STEM fields. In STEM Icons 15 plus years of work experience category, Vaijayanthi Srinivasa Raghavan Senior Director, UPS India Technology Centre, Priya Kanduri, CTO, SVP – Cyber Security Services, HappiestMinds Technologies Limited, Deepti Singh, Deputy General Manager- Head of Department System Installation, Renault Nissan Tech have received top 3 awards. In STEM Divas 8-15 years of work experience category, Subbulakshmi Ramkumar, Deputy Manager, RNTBCI, Yogita Bhanwaria, Senior Manager, Biocon Biologics Limited, MuthuSusithra Devarajan, Team Manager, Broadridge Financial Solutions have received top 3 awards. In STEM Stars 2-8 years of work experience category, Nishtha Mahendru, Consultant, Applied Innovation Exchange, Capgemini, Nidhi Raut, Sr. Engineer, Renault Nissan Technology Business Centre India (RNTBCI), Indujaa Thangavel, Broadridge Financial Solutions have received top 3 awards.

“One of the key sectors that has the potential to boost women’s workforce participation, is the STEM industry. While 43%of STEM graduates are women, they make up only 28% of the STEM workforce. Moreover, women drop out of the workplace due to childbirth, childcare and elder care. Consequently, only 3 percent of women hold CEO posts in the STEM Industry. While research has established that improving women’s workforce participation can boost India’s GDP by 27%, more women in STEM would set the stage for inclusive innovation and solution designs that are equitable for all. Women have historically been underrepresented in STEM, yet they bring invaluable perspectives and ideas to these fields. MACC awards recognizes the exceptional talent, the brilliance, and diverse perspectives of women in STEM,” said Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder – President, Avtar Group announcing the awards at the myAvtar Career Conference today in Bengaluru.

“Through MACC, we are acknowledging the remarkable work being done by women in STEM and also addressing the systemic barriers they face. Our goal is to create an environment where every individual, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive and drive progress,” added Dr Saundarya.

At the conference, three organizations with the “Best Programs for enabling women in STEM” – Biocon Biologics Pvt Ltd, Kyndryl and Molecular Connections Pvt Ltd were also recognized.

In addition to the awards, the myAvtar Career Conferences hosted a series of panel discussions, skilling tracks conducted by IBM, Google Cloud, Johnson & Johnson and Publicis Sapient exclusively for women. The event also provided a platform for knowledge exchange, mentorship, collaboration, further strengthening the presence and influence of women in the STEM field.

The conference hosted in the hybrid mode –saw an attendance of over 3000 women at the on-ground event, while there were over 2000 attendees virtually. Companies opened up jobs from entry-level to senior-level positions across India – Bengaluru, Chennai, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Pune, Bhubaneshwar, Madurai and Coimbatore.

As the landscape of fitness evolves, HDOR (Hundred Days of Running) is at the forefront, offering innovative virtual training solutions that cater to a global audience. Since 2015, HDOR has been pioneering virtual running and cycling challenges, making fitness accessible, engaging, and convenient for everyone.

Revolutionizing Fitness with Virtual Challenges

HDOR has built a robust platform that seamlessly integrates with popular fitness tracking apps like Strava, enabling automatic activity data import. This means participants can focus on their workouts while HDOR takes care of the rest. The platform hosts a variety of events, from single-day challenges to extensive multi-day and annual programs, ensuring there’s something for every fitness enthusiast. Notable events include the renowned “100 Days of Running” and “Tour De 100,” which have seen participation from tens of thousands of athletes worldwide.

User-Friendly Features and Accessibility

One of HDOR’s standout features is its user-friendly mobile app, which provides quick access to fitness data, progress reports, and statistics. This real-time data accessibility helps users track their performance and stay motivated. The platform’s live fitness dashboard allows participants to observe their progress and compare their achievements with others in their group, organization, or geographical area.

Achievements and Rewards

HDOR believes in celebrating every fitness milestone, no matter how small. Participants receive digital finisher certificates, and for those who achieve specific goals, specially designed medals are available, adding a tangible reward to their virtual achievements.

Global Community and Events

HDOR’s virtual events foster a sense of community and global participation. With over 100,000 participants from numerous countries, these events have become a global phenomenon. HDOR continually launches new and exciting events, such as distance challenges and themed runs, to keep participants engaged and motivated throughout the year.

Conclusion

HDOR is redefining the fitness landscape by making exercise more accessible and enjoyable through its innovative virtual training capabilities. Whether you are an avid runner, cyclist, or someone just beginning their fitness journey, HDOR offers a supportive and engaging environment to help you achieve your goals. Join the future of fitness and become part of a global community dedicated to health and wellness.

By – Mr. Rohit Maingi, Founder & Partner  DnR Realty Consultants, 

Venturing into commercial real estate can offer lucrative opportunities; however, it requires careful consideration and informed decision-making. Mr. Rohit Maingi, Founder & Partner at DnR Realty Consultants, shares key insights to guide your investment journey in this sector:

Thorough Market Analysis: Before investing, conduct a detailed market analysis. This includes understanding demand-supply dynamics, prevailing rental rates, vacancy rates, and upcoming developments. Mr. Maingi emphasizes the importance of thorough research to identify promising investment prospects.

Assess Financial Viability: Evaluate the financial viability of the venture by analyzing potential returns, cash flow projections, and associated risks. Consider factors such as maintenance costs, property taxes, and potential fluctuations in rental income.

Evaluate Location: The location of commercial properties is crucial for success. Properties in prime locations with high foot traffic and accessibility tend to yield better returns. Evaluate the surrounding infrastructure, proximity to transportation hubs, and demographic trends.

Tenant Profile Due Diligence: Secure reliable tenants by evaluating their creditworthiness, stability, and reputation. Conduct due diligence on tenant backgrounds and lease agreements to mitigate the risk of default.

Navigate Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Commercial real estate transactions involve navigating the legal and regulatory landscape. Seek professional guidance to ensure compliance with zoning regulations, building codes, and leasing laws.

Develop a Comprehensive Exit Strategy: Anticipate the possibility of exiting the investment in the future and develop a robust exit strategy aligned with your long-term objectives. This can include resale, lease renegotiation, or property redevelopment.

Implement Risk Mitigation Strategies: Commercial property investments inherently involve risks. Diversify your portfolio, consider insurance coverage, and implement risk mitigation strategies to safeguard your investment.

Leverage Professional Guidance: Engage reputable real estate advisors and consultants, such as DnR Realty Consultants, to leverage their expertise and industry insights. Collaborating with professionals who provide tailored advice and support throughout the investment lifecycle is invaluable.

To succeed in commercial real estate investments, diligently assess market dynamics, conduct thorough due diligence, and collaborate with professionals. By following these key insights, you can unlock the potential for long-term growth and profitability in the commercial real estate sector.

Navigating the legal challenges on the roads of India can be a daunting task for many, especially women drivers who often face unique and heightened concerns. The transportation sector, rife with uncertainties and risks, has been unattractive to Indian women due to these challenges. This article delves into the current scenario, the reasons behind the low participation of women in this sector, and how Lawyered’s innovative LOTS platform is paving the way for safer and more accessible road experiences.

Women in India face significant hurdles when it comes to driving. Cultural norms and safety concerns often deter them from participating in the transportation sector. Safety concerns are paramount, with women drivers frequently expressing fears about personal safety, particularly when driving through remote areas or during late hours. The risk of harassment or worse keeps many from driving independently. There is also a notable lack of legal support; in case of accidents or other legal troubles on the road, women often hesitate to contact the police. This hesitation is rooted in a lack of trust and fear of not being taken seriously or being further harassed. Furthermore, the perception of driving being a male-dominated activity further discourages women from taking the wheel, limiting their mobility and independence.

These issues contribute significantly to the underrepresentation of women in the transportation sector. The fear of legal entanglements and the absence of a robust support system deter many women from considering careers as drivers, whether in personal, commercial, or public transportation roles. This not only affects their personal growth and independence but also hinders the economic development that could arise from their increased participation.

In response to these challenges, Lawyered has introduced LOTS (Lawyer on the Spot) platform, designed to provide immediate legal assistance to drivers facing on-road legal issues. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by women drivers, Lawyered has tailored its solutions to ensure comprehensive support and safety. The LOTS platform offers round-the-clock support, understanding that legal troubles can arise at any time. This is particularly beneficial for women who might face issues late at night or in remote locations, providing them with a reliable lifeline. With just a tap on their smartphone, drivers can access a network of experienced lawyers ready to provide instant advice and support, helping them navigate legal hurdles efficiently and effectively.

During the inception of LOTS 24*7, Lawyered communicated with numerous women drivers to understand their specific concerns. This feedback has been instrumental in shaping the platform to be more empathetic and responsive to the needs of women on the road. By providing a trustworthy legal support system, LOTS empowers women drivers to feel more secure and confident in their ability to handle road challenges, thereby encouraging more women to take up driving and participate in the transportation sector.

The introduction of Lawyered’s LOTS platform marks a significant step towards addressing the legal and safety challenges faced by drivers in India, with a special focus on empowering women. By offering 24/7 legal support and understanding the unique concerns of women drivers, LOTS not only makes the roads safer but also opens up new opportunities for women in the transportation sector. This initiative by Lawyered is a promising move towards fostering a more inclusive and secure driving environment in India.