Archives June 2024

29th June 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  The Phoenix Mills Ltd., India’s largest mixed-use developer, is thrilled to announce the Phoenix Shopping Festival 2024. This grand celebration will take place simultaneously at Phoenix Palladium Mumbai, Phoenix Palladium Ahmedabad, Phoenix Marketcity Mumbai, Phoenix Marketcity Pune, Phoenix Mall of the Millennium Pune, Phoenix Citadel Indore, Phoenix Palassio Lucknow promising an unparalleled experience for shoppers and communities alike.

An “End Of Season Sale” Like No Other

The Phoenix Shopping Festival 2024 is set to be the highlight of the year, bringing together a unique blend of shopping, entertainment, and community engagement. From 14th June to 31st July, each Phoenix Mall will transform into a vibrant hub of activities, exclusive offers, and unforgettable experiences.

Key Highlights of the Phoenix Shopping Festival 2024:

1. Exclusive Offers and Discounts:

Shoppers can look forward to incredible deals and discounts across a wide range of top brands and retailers. Whether it’s fashion, electronics, home décor, or lifestyle products, the festival promises unbeatable prices and value.

2. Live Entertainment:

Each Phoenix Mall will host live performances by renowned artists, including music concerts, shows, and performances. The entertainment line-up is designed to cater to diverse tastes and ensure there’s something for everyone.

3. Culinary Delights:

Food enthusiasts will be in for a treat with an array of culinary experiences. The festival will feature a delightful journey through different cuisines.

4. Community Engagement:

Phoenix Malls are dedicated to fostering community spirit. The festival will include initiatives like a charity drive, encouraging visitors to connect and contribute to their communities. A major partnership with the Sood Charity Foundation, a force of compassion, will champion a cause that is close to our hearts. This eminent collaboration is to enrich society by dedicating a portion of festival sales to aid the less fortunate. Every purchase made during the Phoenix Shopping Festival contributes to this significant endeavour.

Rashmi Sen, COO of Phoenix Mills Ltd., mentioned, “Phoenix Mills Ltd. is a leading operator of premier shopping, dining, entertainment, and mixed-use destinations across India, fostering connections through meaningful experiences. Our Shopping Centers are prime destinations for top global brands and premium regional and home-grown retailers.

At Phoenix, we continuously innovate to create unique experiences. The Phoenix Shopping Festival 2024 exemplifies this commitment by offering a curated, high-quality shopping experience where leading brands come together to provide immersive indulgence for our evolving consumers.”

Mayank Lalpuria, Senior Vice President of Marketing at The Phoenix Mills Ltd., expressed his excitement about the upcoming festival, stating, “This season, the Phoenix Shopping Festival is centered around three major themes—Shop n Get Deals, Shop n Donate, and Shop n Win. We are thrilled to offer our customers ample opportunities to splurge and participate in exciting giveaways while giving back to society through our partnership with the Sood Charity Foundation. Don’t miss out on this incredible shopping experience! Join The Phoenix Mills to take advantage of exclusive deals, exciting prizes, and the chance to make a difference in the community.”

Shibani Akhtar also shared her views, noting, “Phoenix Palladium in Mumbai and Ahmedabad epitomize luxury shopping at its finest. The Palladium Shopping Festival brings together an exclusive range of brands like Estée Lauder, Jimmy Choo, and Bottega Veneta, offering a never-seen-before shopping experience that exudes elegance. It’s an ultimate go-to spot for those who seek sophistication and style.”

Malaika Arora, TV host and Popular Actress, expressed her thoughts, saying, “The Phoenix Shopping Festival at Phoenix malls across the country promises an extraordinary blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment. With top-notch brands and unique architectural grandeur, these malls are set to deliver an unforgettable festival experience for all visitors. Phoenix malls have become my preferred shopping destination and a favorite hangout zone, offering a vibrant and complete lifestyle experience.”

29th June 2024  Hyderabad, Telangana, India  SPHEREA France, a global leader in test and simulation solutions, and Digilogic Systems India, a renowned provider of cutting-edge electronic test and measurement solutions, have announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on various fronts in the realm of Defense and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

The MoU solidifies a partnership aimed at advancing the capabilities of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and PSUs by providing state-of-the-art test benches and solutions across a spectrum of applications.

Key takeaways from the MoU include:

(a) Sale of new Test Benches to DRDO and PSUs:

The collaboration will facilitate the procurement and deployment of advanced test benches tailored to the specific needs of DRDO and various PSUs, ensuring enhanced testing capabilities and efficiency in their operations.

(b) Test Solutions development for Various Labs, DRDO, HAL, and Other PSUs:

SPHEREA France and Digilogic Systems India will jointly develop and offer comprehensive test solutions to laboratories, DRDO establishments, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and other PSUs, catering to their diverse testing requirements across multiple domains.

(c) Test Solutions development in Electronics and Signal Processing:

Leveraging the combined expertise, SPHEREA France and Digilogic Systems India will deliver innovative test solutions focusing on electronics and signal processing, enabling thorough testing and validation of critical systems and components.

(d) Solutions for Power Electronics:

The collaboration will extend the provision of specialized solutions for power electronics, addressing the evolving needs of DRDO, PSUs, and other stakeholders in the defense and industrial sectors.

(e) Build-to-Print Activities Catering for the Requirement of Various OEMs: SPHEREA France and Digilogic Systems India will undertake build-to-print activities, aligning with the specifications and requirements of various Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to ensure seamless integration and interoperability of systems.

(f) Development of Capacity for Training and Audit:

The partnership will focus on developing training programs and conducting audits to enhance the skill sets of personnel involved in testing processes, thereby fostering a culture of continuous improvement and quality assurance.

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Christian DABASSE, President and CEO of SPHEREA France, remarked, “We are excited to embark on this strategic partnership with Digilogic Systems India. By combining our strengths and resources, we aim to deliver unparalleled value to our customers in the defense and PSU sectors, empowering them with cutting-edge test solutions and services.”

Mr. Shashank Varma, CEO of Digilogic Systems India, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our commitment to providing best-in-class test and measurement solutions. Together with SPHEREA France, we are poised to address the evolving needs of our customers and contribute to the advancement of critical sectors.”

The MoU between SPHEREA and Digilogic Systems India underscores the shared vision to drive innovation, efficiency, and reliability in defense and industrial testing environments. Through collaborative efforts, the partners aim to fortify the technological capabilities of organizations entrusted with safeguarding national security and advancing industrial excellence.

29th June 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra India  In a first-of-a-kind product Unboxing, OPPO’s latest F27 Pro+ 5G was unboxed in the presence of Bollywood’s leading “Stree” Shraddha Kapoor and more than 500 customers. The event took place in Mumbai recently.

Mr. Abhishek Nayak, Learning and Development Director of OPPO Mobiles Mumbai, expressed his joy and said, “One of the key highlights of the event was the presence of the renowned Bollywood celebrity, Shraddha Kapoor, who joined the grand unboxing event of the OPPO F27 Pro+ 5G. The excitement reached new heights as more than 500 customers also participated in the unboxing event alongside Shraddha Kapoor, making it a first-of-its-kind event in the telecom industry.”

He further said, “As the customers unboxed the OPPO F27 Pro+ 5G, the anticipation and excitement in the air were palpable. The innovative features, sleek design, and cutting-edge technology of the phone captivated everyone present at the event, setting a new benchmark in the smartphone industry.”

OPPO is a famous mobile brand for its innovation, Camera technology, and many More. Taking it a notch higher, the new phones boast some user-friendly features. “The phone is already popular among consumers as it is India’s first phone to come up with an IP69 rating, which means it can survive in water for up to 15 minutes. It also comes with damage-proof 360-degree armor body, 67W SUPERVOOC flash charge, and Splash touch which makes this phone the Best in the Price range,” Abhishek concluded.

29th June 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India To promote health awareness and provide the necessary knowledge to the community, a health and screening camp on Sickle Cell Disease was organized by Surya Hospitals in the rural village of Vasai, Maharashtra recently.

The event featured educational talks by Dr. Vandana Bansal and Dr. Nisha Iyer, which reached over 100 students. Additionally, Adivasi residents at the camp were tested for the HPLB gene to evaluate their susceptibility to Sickle cell disease. Participants also had the opportunity to consult with doctors and receive valuable information on preventive care and healthy lifestyle choices.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vandana Bansal, Director, Department of Fetal Medicine, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surya Hospitals said, “Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic hemoglobin disorder common amongst the tribal population of India. According to the census, Scheduled Tribes constitute 8.6 per cent of the country’s total population and 11.3 per cent of the total rural population. Requiring lifelong management, Sickle Cell Disease contributes to significant morbidity and mortality amongst the affected infants and children. In India, there are many comprehensive guidelines for prevention of the disease developed jointly by the Government of Health and Family Welfare and the Government of Tribal Affairs. But because of lack of awareness those guidelines are not fructified. So, we have organized the camp to make people understand and give them a basic knowledge about the disease. Hope, through this initiative, we can strengthen our commitment to combating this disease.”

Dr. Nisha Iyer, Pediatric Hemato Oncologist and BMT Physician, Surya Hospitals stated, “The initiative aimed to enhance health literacy among college students and the Adivasi population, identifying individuals at risk of Sickle cell disease. Regular health screenings are important for early detection and prevention of diseases. Events like these play a vital role in promoting overall well-being and empowering individuals to take charge of their health.” She also added, “The success of the camp would not have been possible without the support of volunteers, and community members who came together with us to make this camp a reality. We, Surya Hospitals, extends its gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the health camp.”

Sickle Cell is an inherited blood type disease in which a genetic mutation causes abnormal hemoglobin to clump together and soften red blood cells. Sickle cells cause blood clots, leading to bleeding, pain, infections and other serious problems. People with sickle cell disease carry only one defective gene and usually live normal lives, but they can pass that gene on to their children. Therefore, adults and newborns must undergo medical examinations for the disease.

29th June 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  India’s leading private radio and entertainment network, Red FM, has been honored with the title of Radio Station of the Year and 35 prestigious awards across various categories, celebrating its versatility and innovation at the e4m Golden Mikes 2024. The accolades were presented at the Radio & Audio Conference held on June 26, 2024, at The Leela Hotel, Mumbai.

The conference marked a significant event in the radio industry, reflecting on radio’s pivotal role in shaping public opinion, cultural identity, and community engagement in India for over a century. The awards recognized excellence in various categories such as effectiveness, creativity, innovation, broadcasters, regional languages, and podcasts. This remarkable achievement underscores Red FM’s commitment to delivering unique and engaging content, cementing its position as a trailblazer in the radio industry.

Speaking on the announcement, Nisha Narayanan, Director & COO, of RED FM, and Magic FM, said, “Red FM has had a great hurray at the Golden Mikes Award. The esteemed awards are heartfelt embraces from our listeners, validating the power of radio as a medium, and our commitment to blue sky thinking. We can not fully convey how much we cherish the unwavering love and support of our audience but we are truly indebted. We look forward to creating distinctively creative content and countless future endeavors.”

29th June 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India Times Prime, India’s premier lifestyle membership program, partnered with HDFC Diners Club to offer an exclusive cinematic experience for their esteemed members. The collaboration brought Times Prime’s signature “Purple Carpet” event to life, featuring a special screening of the year’s most anticipated film, “Kalki 2898 AD”.

The star-studded sci-fi spectacle, featuring Prabhas, Kamal Haasan, and Deepika Padukone, was showcased at Cinepolis theatres in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. This exclusive “Club Xperience” event treated members to a VIP viewing of what’s expected to be 2024’s biggest blockbuster.

The screening attracted popular Kannada movie actress Rajshri Ponnappa and one of the leading content creators of the industry Ansh Mehra, all of whom were captivated by the movie’s cinematic brilliance. This unique event exemplifies Times Prime’s commitment to providing its members unparalleled access to premium entertainment experiences.

Times Prime membership, priced at an accessible Rs. 1,199, continues to offer exceptional value with instant benefits worth Rs. 60,000 across popular brands. Members enjoy exclusive offers on a wide array of services, including Starbucks, Myntra, Uber, HealthifyMe, Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLIV, and Zepto, among others. This comprehensive package ensures subscribers receive premium value across various lifestyle categories – from dining and shopping to entertainment and fitness.

For those looking to unlock a world of exclusive experiences and offers, more information is available on the Times Prime app or at www.timesprime.com.

29th June 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Cash flow, the lifeblood of any business, is especially critical for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). At Shriram Finance, we understand the unique challenges faced by MSMEs and recognize that effective cash flow management is fundamental to their success. MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy, and their growth is vital for national progress. However, many MSMEs struggle with cash flow, which can hinder their ability to invest, grow, and navigate economic downturns.

Why Cash Flow Management Matters for MSMEs

Cash flow refers to the movement of cash in and out of a business. Positive cash flow indicates a healthy business, while negative cash flow can lead to financial strain. Here’s why cash flow management is crucial for MSMEs:

• Ensures Business Continuity: Unexpected expenses or delays in receiving payments can disrupt operations. Strong cash flow management safeguards against such disruptions, allowing MSMEs to meet their financial obligations and continue functioning smoothly.
• Facilitates Growth: Growth often requires investments in inventory, equipment, or marketing. By managing cash flow effectively, MSMEs can identify surplus funds for strategic investments, propelling business expansion.
• Improves Creditworthiness: Financial institutions assess a business’s health based on its cash flow. Demonstrating consistent positive cash flow strengthens an MSME’s creditworthiness, making it easier to secure loans for future needs.
• Enables Informed Decision-Making: Cash flow analysis provides valuable insights into a business’s financial performance. This allows MSME owners to make data-driven decisions regarding pricing, inventory management, and resource allocation.

Empowering MSMEs with loans to solve their rising challenges in Cash Flow Management

Shriram Finance recognizes the importance of cash flow management for MSMEs and offers a suite of solutions designed to empower them:

• Working Capital Loans: These loans provide immediate access to funds, bridging the gap between receivables and payables, and ensuring smooth cash flow.
• Inventory Financing: This solution unlocks the value of inventory, allowing MSMEs to purchase raw materials or stock up on in-demand products without straining their cash flow.
• Financial Advisory Services: Our experienced team guides cash flow management best practices, helping MSME owners develop customized strategies for optimizing their cash flow.

Shriram Finance’s Commitment to MSME Success

At Shriram Finance, we are committed to supporting the growth and prosperity of MSMEs. By promoting effective cash flow management practices and offering tailored financial solutions, we empower them to navigate financial challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve long-term success.

To explore the various offerings of Shriram Finance, kindly visit www.shriramfinance.in/working-capital-loan or contact 18001034959 for assistance

29th June 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Whistling Woods International (WWI) was part of a milestone event in international cinema: the fifth episode of the second season of Aperitivo Italiano. Hosted by the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai, this special screening celebrated the cultural synergy between India and Italy, inspired by the timeless classic “Nuovo Cinema Paradiso” by Giuseppe Tornatore.

Recently, the IF.BE Ice Factory in Mumbai hosted this prestigious event. It spotlighted the rich cinematic heritage of both nations, underscoring the role of film in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. Alessandro De Masi, Consul General of Italy in Mumbai, and Francesca Amendola, Director of Istituto Italiano di Cultura, in collaboration with Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) and Whistling Woods International, announced a unique co-production project. Over an intensive two-day session, Italian and Indian students from these premier institutes collaborated to create two short films in Mumbai, which premiered at the event.

Following the screening of the short films, the evening witnessed an interactive panel discussion. The esteemed panel included Priyanka Khanna, writer, author, and editor, who moderated the discussion; Prajakta Koli (a.k.a. Mostlysane), actress; Priyanka Ghose, producer; Rangita Pritish Nandy, producer; Sayani Gupta, actress; Saransh Goila, chef; and the four students who created the short films: Giulia Destro and Leonardo Marziali from IED and Shri Krishna Venugopalan and Twisa Mookerjee, WWI. A special highlight of the evening was a message from Maestro Giuseppe Tornatore, addressing all participants, especially the students.

Rahul Puri, Director – Academics, Whistling Woods International, stated, “Whistling Woods International was thrilled to collaborate with IED and the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai on this innovative initiative. This co-production project exemplifies the power of cinema to bridge cultures and foster creative collaboration. Our partnership with IED will not only enrich our students’ educational experiences but also strengthen our commitment to fostering global cinematic talent and cross-cultural exchange.”

“This marks a new chapter in the bilateral collaboration between Italy and India, a vital sector for fostering relations in the creative industries of both countries. The project’s success and its originality have garnered significant appreciation for the Italian film industry sector and sparked immense curiosity about the potential of the relationship initiated through the collaboration between the two schools,” shared Alessandro De Masi, Consul General of Italy in Mumbai.

“Creativity and design nourish themselves by exchange, questioning, and dialogue, in the direction of bringing new ideas and stimuli to the community. This two-day event in Mumbai provided an exciting first basis for sharing visions through the language of cinematography and visual arts, an excellent premise for all the opportunities that the collaboration between IED and Whistling Woods International will bring among young creatives in India, in Italy, and in the world,” comments Riccardo Balbo, IED Group Chief Academic Officer.

Whistling Woods International and IED also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore reciprocal collaborations. Key areas of focus included joint initiatives to enhance global design knowledge and intercultural competencies, programs to foster student exchange and strengthen academic collaboration, opportunities for faculty and staff exchanges to share knowledge and best practices, and expand relations and collaborations between IED and WWI through joint events and projects. The MOU was signed by Ravi Gupta, Dean, Whistling Woods International, and Riccardo Balbo, IED Group Chief Academic Officer marking a significant step in strengthening educational and cultural ties between the institutions.

29th June 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  India Shelter Finance Corporation Limited (ISFCL) is pleased to announce that CARE Ratings Limited has upgraded the credit rating of our Long Term Bank Facilities, amounting to Rs. 1,335.00 crores. The rating for ISFCL has been revised from CARE A+; Positive (Single A Plus; Outlook: Positive) to CARE AA-; Stable (Double A Minus; Outlook: Stable). The upgraded rating reflects our commitment to financial stability and growth, and we have enclosed the credit rating letter issued by CARE Ratings Limited for your reference.

India Shelter has been recognized for its operational excellence, strategic growth initiatives, and profound understanding of its diverse clientele’s needs. The recent upgrade to a CARE AA-; Stable rating by CARE Ratings Limited, a leading rating agency, stands as a testament to the India Shelter’s robust growth trajectory and innovative approach towards fostering financial inclusion across the heartland of India.

Empowering Aspirations and Facilitating Homeownership
India Shelter’s mission revolves around transforming the dream of homeownership into reality. By offering specialized financial solutions tailored to the unique needs of the self-employed and low-income groups, India Shelter underscores its dedication to affordable housing finance. The accolade from CARE Ratings Limited celebrates India Shelter’s prowess in navigating the intricacies of the affordable housing finance landscape and its clear vision for future expansion.

A Torchbearer of Strategic Expansion and Technological Innovation
The CARE AA-; Stable rating further recognizes India Shelter’s strategic geographical expansion and adept use of technology to enhance service delivery. With a significant footprint across various states and a strong presence in key regions, India Shelter has achieved deep market penetration. The company’s forward-thinking, technology-first approach has streamlined operations, fortified its credit appraisal system, and significantly propelled its scalable and sustainable business model.

Steering Ahead with Confidence
Augmented by the CARE AA-; Stable rating, India Shelter is geared for sustained growth in the affordable housing finance domain. The company remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding its reach and enriching its product array to meet the evolving demands of its customers. Focused on operational leverage and maintaining a healthy capital adequacy ratio, ISFCL is dedicated to realizing its pledge of providing “A Shelter for All Indians.”

Hyderabad, June 28, 2024: Young FICCI Ladies Organisation (YFlO) organised a unique session on endless possibilities in the blue economy. The session titled “Beyond Horizons: A Marine Odyssey to Endless Possibilities”, gave a sneak peek into “The blue economy” is the economic activities associated with the oceans and seas.

Three eminent speakers spoke on the subject. They include Mr. Praful Talera, Governing Council Member of the Maritime Research Center, with expertise in the Blue Economy, The Maritime Research Center (MRC) is a not-for-profit and is a Foundation setup for Underwater Domain Awareness.

The other speaker was Captain Dilip Donde, the first Indian to complete a solo, unassisted circumnavigation of the globe under sail. Capt Dilip Donde is a retired Indian Naval officer. And the third speaker was our own Telugu woman from Hyderabad Ms.Aishwarya Boddapati, who was part of the first military crew in the world to circumnavigate the globe on INSV Tarini, with 10 years of service in the Indian Navy. She was part of the six-member all-women’s team of the Indian Navy, which made history by circumnavigating the globe in eight and half months

One of the guest speakers Mr Praful Talera, an expert in the Blue Economy addressing the 150-plus YFLO gathering said we are the only country in the world after whose name an ocean “the Indian Ocean” named. Our last conquerors Britishers invaded India through Sea. Even Azmal Kasab came from the sea route. The threat from sea looms large, especially in the ever-changing scenario of the geo-political situation. So, we need to explore the Blue Economy. Understand our waters. There are underwater drones. We need to be equipped to handle such a situation, he said.

India needs a Blue Economy Policy. As a nation, we have launched several policies to boost our blue economy efforts. In 2021 the Draft National Policy for Blue Economy aiming to enhance the GDP contribution of the ocean economy, improve the lives of coastal communities and preserve marine biodiversity was drafted. The Ministry of Earth Sciences is finalizing the National Policy on Blue Economy for the country. And the Hon’ble Prime Minister is most likely to launch soon the first of its kind a Blue Water Policy in India. Though I am not directly associated, I know of a task force which has been working on it for the past five years, he said.

Praful Talera spoke about Global commons, which are those parts of the planet that fall outside national jurisdictions and to which all nations have access. International law identifies four global commons, namely the High Seas(Blue Water), the atmosphere, Antarctica and Outer Space. Out of these four, the Blue Waters is the most neglected, he said. He emphasises that “Innovation in the maritime sector isn’t just about technology; it’s about sustainable progress for generations to come.”

Giving her opening remarks, Ridhi Jain, Chairperson of the Young FICCI Ladies Organization (YFLO), said the session embodies our quest to explore the vast blue horizons of the ocean, guided by the principles of the Blue Economy.

We are privileged to host Captain Dilip Donde, Aishwarya Boddapati and Mr Praful Talera. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to the forefront of maritime discussion, she added.

Today is not just about hearing tales of triumph; it’s about igniting the spark of possibility within us all.

Aishwarya Boddpati shared her journey from her college to 10 years stint with the Indian Navy and an adventurous expedition. We were on the seawater for eight and a half months to complete our mission. We faced many challenges. Initially, I wondered why I joined this adventurous mission. But, slowly I got adjusted. We ran short of drinking water. We had to wait for the rain to collect water in the middle of the sea. On our return very close to India, our sailboat steering broke. We had to manage and balance air and sailboat, she said.

My parents hail from Vijayawada and Guntur. They always encouraged me to my career in Navi. I was born in Hyderabad. I feel proud to serve the nation. I was into the design and construction of ships after my education. I always feared the sea and water. I wanted to conquer that fear. That is why I chose the adventurous mission of circumnavigating the world.

Captain Dilip Donde, the first Indian to complete a solo, unassisted circumnavigation of the globe under sail shared his experiences and challenges. There was precedence as I was the first in the country to embark on it. Being the first I had to face a lot of challenges. There were regulatory challenges.

A career in the Navy is very challenging. I encourage many youngsters to get into the Indian Navy. India has a 7000 km coastline. The weather is good. Youth can also get in water sports, he said.