Archives August 2024

27th August 2024: Every year, about 10,000 EB-5 visas are granted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services — A much sought-after route to obtaining permanent residency in the United States. Created to promote economic growth and job creation in the US, the EB-5 visa program provides a unique opportunity for foreign investors to obtain a green card by investing in new commercial enterprises or regional centers that generate employment opportunities. However, the lack of awareness of the US real estate market, and the distance between the two countries often make Indian investors apprehensive about making investments. Adding to the challenges is the fact that the process of obtaining a visa is a long-winded, complicated process, which further impedes investors from going this route. However, several businesses have taken the initiative to bridge this gap and make it possible for investors in India to obtain the EB-5 visa without much hassle.

Ashton Gray Investments

Ashton Gray Investments was born in 2011, from its Founder and CEO, Sumi Rengaraj’s personal quest for lucrative investments. Sumi was inspired to educate and empower more Indians to diversify their portfolio by investing in foreign real estate markets. Ashton Gray Investments’ EB5 Visa program represents a strategic gateway for Indian investors seeking to capitalize on residential real estate opportunities in the US, while securing a path to permanent residency. Since the EB5 Visa program requires investment in job-creating projects, the company leverages the opportunity to offer real estate ventures that align with EB5 criteria, ensuring investors meet both financial and immigration objectives.

The company has been successful in bringing to life projects with promising returns and job creation potential, meeting the EB5 program’s stringent requirements. With the company’s help, investors benefit from direct involvement in projects ranging from luxury developments to affordable housing initiatives, diversifying their portfolios while securing their permanent residence.

Peachtree Group

The Peachtree Group manages billions in capital across acquisitions, development, and lending, helping foreign investors secure permanent residency in the US through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa program. From major cities like California to rural areas in the US, Peachtree Group is currently helping prospective green card holders invest in residential and commercial real estate projects. The company also works with renowned hotels such as Marriott and Hilton, and makes investments in constructing industrial parks, helping investors meet the stringent EB-5 Visa norms.

CanAm Enterprises

With decades of market experience and time-tested investment processes, CanAm is enabling foreign investors to identify quality projects that meet the USCIS requirements for the EB-5 Visa. The company simplifies the process, offering immigration insights, comprehensive documentation, consulate interview preparation and investment status reporting, helping investors every step of the way in obtaining permanent residency in the US. With hundreds of successful projects completed in Philadelphia, Florida, New York, Hawaii, California, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington State, CanAm has helped numerous investors meet the investment and employment requirements under the EB-5 visa program.

27th August 2024: International education is an incredible opportunity to gain a global perspective and experience a new culture. However, studying abroad comes with significant tuition fees along with living costs and additional expenses. These costs usually exceed what students can afford on their own, especially for students in emerging markets. That is why many students look for loans that cover both tuition and living costs.

Taking out a loan to cover the complete cost of attendance for international studies can be a practical decision. It allows you to focus on your studies without the stress of immediate financial burdens. This can be a practical decision in countries with high cost of living. You won’t have to dip into your family’s savings or investments. This financial strategy keeps your family’s finances stable while you’re pursuing higher education.

Sonal Kapoor, Chief Commercial Officer at Prodigy Finance, stated, “We believe financial limitations should never stand in the way of a transformative education.” She further added, “We are committed to empowering students on a global level to realise their dreams and contribute meaningfully to the world.”

However, taking a loan for tuition and living expenses will add up to the total amount you need to pay after graduation. Carefully consider the repayment period and your post-graduation income to make sure you can repay the loan. You can also look into scholarships, grants, and part-time work (depending on visa eligibility) to reduce the need for loans to cover living costs.

Universities typically provide a detailed breakdown of expected costs upon request. It covers almost everything like accommodation, food, transportation, books, mandatory medical insurance, and other miscellaneous expenditures. However, the CoA varies widely between universities and countries. Researching the cost of living in your host country can help you estimate these expenses more accurately.

Prodigy Finance provides loans that can cover the full cost of attendance (CoA), which includes the cost of living and tuition fees. It helps you make the most of your experience while studying at your dream university. They also give an option for deferred repayment, allowing students to start repaying after 6 months of grace period after the classes end.

August 26, 2024, Hyderabad, India: Greenply Industries Ltd., a pioneer in the Indian plywood industry, and Samet, one of the leading global brands in functional furniture hardware have commenced their business operations together as part of their joint venture Greenply-Samet and are set to revolutionize the Indian furniture hardware market. In a press conference in Delhi graced by Mr. Manoj Tulsian, Joint Managing Director and CEO of Greenply Industries, and Mr. M. Serdar Senemoğlu, Executive Board President, Samet, shared their insights and vision for this groundbreaking collaboration.

Greenply Industries and SAMET B.V. marked a significant milestone on 26th October 2023 by forming a Joint Venture Company named “Greenply Samet Private Limited.” This strategic collaboration under the brand Greenply-Samet is poised to bring a new wave of innovation and quality to the industry. The joint venture commenced its manufacturing activities and commercial production as per the Phase-I plan on 30th March 2024 at its state-of-the-art unit in Vadodara, Gujarat. The production capacity at this facility will be strategically ramped up in three phases over the next three years, ensuring a steady increase in output to meet growing market demand. With an investment of around 250 crores, the Vadodara plant is set to become a cornerstone of Greenply-Samet’s operations, blending Greenply’s industry expertise with Samet’s advanced technological capabilities. This joint venture is dedicated to manufacturing and marketing premium furniture hardware, including state-of-the-art slide systems for wooden and metallic drawer systems, hinge systems, lift-up systems, and other innovative products.

This partnership not only aims to cater to the domestic market but also envisions making India a global hub for functional furniture hardware. The synergy between Greenply and Samet is expected to drive significant growth and create new benchmarks in the industry. Through this joint venture, both companies are committed to delivering exceptional value and innovative solutions to their customers, setting the stage for long-term success. Built on the synergy of skills, resources, and market knowledge, Greenply-Samet provides a best-in-class range of furniture hardware products that are functional, aesthetic and tailored for the needs of every living area. The manufacturing operations based in Vadodara and headquarters in Mumbai, the venture seamlessly integrates Samet’s precision in production with Greenply’s strategic market reach, setting new benchmarks in the industry.

Mr. Manoj Tulsian, Joint Managing Director and CEO, Greenply Industries Ltd., spoke of the vision for the venture, “Our strategic partnership with Samet represents a significant leap forward in our journey to deliver unparalleled furniture hardware solutions in India. This venture combines Greenply’s deep understanding of the Indian market with Samet’s world-class technology and innovation. Together, we are poised to redefine the standards of furniture hardware in India, offering products that resonate with the needs of modern consumers.”

Mr. M. Serdar Senemoğlu, Executive Board President, Samet, stated, “This joint venture with Greenply is a testament to our shared vision for growth and excellence in the Indian market. By leveraging Greenply’s strong market presence and Samet’s advanced technological capabilities with 51 years of corporate excellence, we are confident in our ability to deliver innovative, high-quality hardware solutions that will transform the landscape of interior design in India. We will transform our corporate strength that is already approved by Deloitte in 2022 with the best-managed company award to Greenply Samet operation as well. Our collaboration is set to create new benchmarks in the industry, driving both companies to new heights of success.”

Greenply Industries Ltd. stands as one of India’s foremost interior infrastructure companies, with a legacy spanning over three decades. Known for its superior quality plywood, MDF, and allied products, Greenply has continually pushed the envelope in innovation and sustainability. The company recently achieved a significant milestone by obtaining CARB and EPA certifications for its Zero Emission plywood product range, setting a new standard in the industry. Additionally, Greenply inaugurated a state-of-the-art MDF production line in Vadodara, Gujarat, in April 2023, equipped with the latest PRODIǪ NEO technology from Siempelkamp, Germany.

Founded in 1973 in Istanbul, Samet has established itself as one of the global pioneers in the furniture hardware industry. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, Samet has a rich history of innovation and excellence, offering over 6,000 types of cabinet hardware. The company is renowned for its commitment to European quality standards and its ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions that enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of furniture worldwide.

Samet’s focus on research and development has driven its success, making it a perfect partner for Greenply in this ambitious joint venture.

Headquartered in Mumbai, with manufacturing operations in Vadodara, Greenply Samet India Private Limited combines the precision of Samet’s manufacturing and innovation expertise already registered with patented, value-added products in all furniture accessorize categories with Greenply’s extensive market reach. As one of the top-ten leading brands in that category, we will continue to heavily invest in strategic product groups- developed by the global R&D team of Samet- that will also add value to Greenply Samet cooperation. This partnership is set to address the growing demand in India for high-quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing furniture hardware, reinforcing the market positions of both Greenply and Samet.

The furniture fittings sector is growing at a faster rate due to increased demand and availability of quality products in India, therefore GREENPLY-SAMET planned its investments according to key product categories throughout the 5-year projection. In addition to existing more than 6000 products in the portfolio, it has prioritized the Master hinge and GS-Class ball-bearing slide system for India production reference to the demand of the market and production has started in the fully integrated production centre in Vadodara as of 2024. The company’s local manufacturing presence and capability will become even stronger with the commissioning of Smart Slide full extension undermount slide systems and Flowbox drawer box systems in the further Phases of Production.

In Phase 3, the production centre will achieve a full–scale volume with the manufacturing of Slide single-extension undermount slides and a Slim-Mech single lift-up door system. In line with these developments, the rapid growth process of Greenply-Samet will be carried to a higher level on a segment and channel basis.

Mumbai, 26th August 2024: Kia India, a leading premium carmaker in the country, has introduced a new Aurora Black Pearl color option for the X-Line trim of its popular Seltos lineup. This addition complements the existing Matte Graphite colour of the X-Line, offering customers more ways to personalize their vehicles.

The Aurora Black Pearl colour enhances the exterior and interior design, staying true to the distinctive X-Line styling. The interiors are highlighted by an exclusive two-tone combination of Black and Splendid Sage Green, adding a layer of luxury and sophistication.

The new X-Line Black features several gloss black finish elements, including the front and rear skid plates, Outside Rear-View Mirrors, shark-fin antenna, tailgate garnish, and faux exhaust on the rear bumper. These elements are further enhanced by striking, ‘Sun Orange’ accents on the skid plates, side door garnish, and wheel center caps. Additionally, the X-Line is equipped with larger 18-inch alloy wheels with a dual tone crystal cut with glossy black outline, and the iconic ‘X-Line’ badge on the tailgate adds a final touch of distinction.

Commenting on the innovation and customer reception of the X-Line, Mr. Joonsu Cho, Chief Sales Officer at Kia India, said, “The Kia Seltos has been our best-selling model, and we are on the cusp of achieving an incredible milestone—500,000 units sold. The X-Line trim has struck a chord with our new-age buyers, who prioritize distinctive and exclusive products in their purchasing decisions. In response to their demand and feedback, we are thrilled to introduce a new black color option in the X-Line trim, providing our customers with even more choices to match their unique tastes and we will continue to evolve in line with our customers’ preferences, ensuring that Kia remains their brand of choice”.

Hyderabad, August 26, 2024……Dazzle Sportswear Telangana’s home-grown Sports and leisurewear brand launches a new premier segment of clothes called ‘Dazzle Prime’, P. Venkateshwar Rao, MD stated in a press note issued in the city today.

Dazzle Sports Wear is an 18-year-old pan-Indian brand, founded by Paladugu Venkateshwar Rao, an international Telugu sports personality turned entrepreneur. Dazzle Sports is the Telugu States’ first sportswear brand established by an acclaimed international Telugu sports personality Paladugu Venkateshwar Rao.

The newly launched range comprises Track pants, T-shirts, Shorts and Leisurewear. Its price range varies from Rs 600 to 1500/- The new range is made from an eco-friendly fabric, which is recyclable. They are made out of a premium fabric, which is among the best in the world.

The company currently has 50 varieties of products. We already have Mid and Crazy, a new segment of an economical range of clothes. Now with this launch, we are getting into the premier range. The look, appeal, and comfort of this range will be on par with any global brands and their standards. However, the price will be more affordable than our foreign brands said the proud MD of the company Venkatesh Rao

What started as a small size enterprise in 2006, Dazzle has now grown into an admirable brand and spread into pan-Indian markets. It directly employs 1500 people of whom 1400 are female and indirect employment reaches about 22000 resources.

The brand now has a presence across 10 states—Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand etc.

Currently, the brand is number one in Telugu states.

Making a humble beginning, it is now a 100-crore turnover company. It aims to reach every household in India. It aims to expand its footprint in every state in the country. And wanted it to be known as the number-one Indian sportswear brand. It also hopes to rise to a level where it can give employment to 15000 people.

The Brand Dazzle is a brainchild of Paladugu Venkateshwar Rao, CMD Dazzle Sportswear Pvt Ltd He is an Intl Volleyball Player turned Entrepreneur, who left a cozy government job to start a sportswear manufacturing company. He is probably the only sports star in India to set up an apparel brand for sports personnel and give employment to hundreds. He used his experience and exposure as a sportsman to comprehend the specific apparel needs of sportspersons.

Mumbai, 26th August 2024: The 9th edition of the prestigious IndIAA Awards presented by the India Chapter of International Advertising Association saw the finest minds of advertising converge to celebrate creativity and excellence in the industry.

OPEN was the Associate Partner, while Teads, Mobligent Media Pvt Ltd, The Indian Express, Dinamalar and Bobble AI were Supporting Partners for the illustrious event.

An annual endeavor to identify, encourage and honor storytelling at its unique and creative best, the IndIAA Awards 2024 once again set the benchmark for unearthing stellar campaigns from the advertising industry’s finest.

Spread across 19 different segments and categories, more than 15 agencies were rewarded for their bold ideas, fresh concepts and gripping content during the event.

Chosen from a select list of more than 300 nominees, the year’s awards saw a tough fight in many categories, with judges also awarding joint awards in one special segment.

Creative agencies like Ogilvy fetched 4 trophies, while Moonshot fetched 3. Other agencies to win were MullenLowe Lintas, tgthr, Talented, Manja, Enormous Brands, Toaster, BBH India, The Script Room, Havas Media and McCann Worldgroup.

On the brand side, Colgate-Palmolive snagged an award in the ‘Personal Care’ category, while Swiggy won in the ‘Online Classifieds, Commerce and Services’ segment.

Google fetched a trophy for its ‘Dhoondenge Toh Milega’ campaign, while TVS Motor Company won an award for its ‘Protect Little Riders’ campaign.

IndIAA Awards’ ‘Voice of Change’ category saw two joint winners take home the trophy as Ogilvy and Talented shared the coveted trophy.

‘Tempest Advertising’ was honored with the esteemed IAA Cause Related Award for their compelling and transformative Awareness Campaign on Autism.

IAA IndIAA Awards Chairman, Abhishek Karnani said, “This is the 9th edition of the IAA IndIAA Awards, an unique creative award show that recognizes advertising excellence. The esteemed presence of the country’s top marketers, creative agencies, media agencies, production houses, PR agencies and industry leaders here tonight is a testament to the significance of this occasion.

Unlike traditional award shows, the IndIAA Awards do not rely on entries. Instead, the work has to speak for itself, just as it speaks to the consumers it aims to persuade. Another distinguishing feature of the IndIAA Awards is that the judging is carried out by senior marketers who own and invest in the brands. This brings a valuable perspective from those who truly understand the challenges and objectives of effective advertising. As we gather to recognize the best from July 2023 to June 2024, let’s also celebrate IAA’s unwavering commitment to demonstrating how creativity can be a force for good.”

Rohit Jawa, Jury Chairman, and CEO & Managing Director, Hindustan Unilever Limited, said, “As we celebrate the ninth year of this remarkable event, I am truly honored to have served on the jury. The IndIAA Awards continue to stand out for their commitment to recognizing campaigns that genuinely impact consumers. Today’s marketing landscape is brimming with dynamic and fresh creative thinking, and it’s inspiring to see how big ideas and storytelling drive not only commercial success but also cultural influence.”

New Delhi, 26th August 2024: Skye Air Mobility, a leading drone technology-based logistics firm, has announced a collaboration with CARiTAS Hospital & Institute of Health Sciences, Kottayam, Kerala, to revolutionize medical deliveries through drone technology. This partnership aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency in the region by leveraging unmanned aerial vehicles for the transportation of essential medical supplies and diagnostic samples. The Caritas Drone Medical Supply Delivery Unit is first of its kind in South Kerala.

The initiative will see drones carrying payloads of up to 3 kilograms over distances of 10-15 kilometres, connecting CARiTAS Hospital with various other satellite healthcare facilities of CARiTAS (CFH, CKMM, CHPD) and remote areas in the region. The drone delivery system is expected to significantly reduce delivery times from hours to just 5-7 minutes, ensuring critical medical supplies reach their destinations swiftly and efficiently and also helps in reduction of carbon emission via reduction of road transportation.

Over the last 6 decades, Caritas Hospital & Institute of Health Sciences has been a revolution in the healthcare segment, which paved the way for actualising the dream called a healthy and happy community with latest cutting edge technologies. With 5 satellite centres with both IP, OP, pharmacy, lab, radiology and supportive facilities, Caritas Hospital has tried to reach to the patient for providing better patient care.

The first drone flight successfully transported a package of vital medicines from CARiTAS Hospital to Caritas Family Hospital and CARiTAS KMM located 10-15 kilometres away.

Rev Dr. Binu Kunnath, Director of CARiTAS Hospital, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We’re excited to work with Skye Air Mobility on this project. Drones are a game-changer for healthcare in Kottayam, helping us reach patients in remote areas much faster and more reliably. Whether it’s delivering medicine, transporting lab samples, or providing medical equipment, these drones will improve care in our community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on healthcare in our region.”

Dr. Ajith Venugopalan, Chief Operating Officer (COO), CARiTAS Hospital described the importance of the drone facilities and the various process by which it is going to benefit patient service and community.

Ankit Kumar, CEO & Founder of Skye Air Mobility, highlighted the impact of the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with CARiTAS Hospital represents a significant step forward in the application of drone technology in healthcare. By establishing an aerial supply chain, we are not only reducing delivery times but also minimizing costs and environmental impact. This initiative serves as a model for future healthcare logistics solutions across India.”

Fr. Joice Nandikunnel, Joint Director, CARiTAS Hospital highlighted the changing trends on healthcare industry and the aspect of drones in providing services in remote centre.

The drone delivery program is set to undergo a series of trial runs over the coming weeks, with plans for a full-scale rollout across Kottayam district in the near future. Both CARiTAS Hospital and Skye Air Mobility are committed to working closely with local authorities to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the drone delivery system, adhering to all relevant regulations and guidelines.
Founded in 2020, the Delhi-based start-up offers drones for the delivery of retail and ecommerce products, postal services, and food products. It also provides last-mile drone delivery services for healthcare, defense, agri-commodity and essential supplies.

New Delhi, August 26, 2024: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) successfully launched the All India Initiative on Creative Economy (AIICE) at The Imperial, New Delhi. This event marked a significant milestone in advancing India’s creative industries.

India’s creative economy, currently valued at $30 billion, is a dynamic and rapidly growing sector. With creative exports having surged by 20% in the past year, generating over $11 billion, the AIICE initiative is poised to further accelerate this growth by addressing key challenges and leveraging untapped opportunities within the sector.

AIICE has been launched with the objectives of defining and mapping the creative industries in India, providing funding to finance these industries, addressing copyright issues, promoting MSMEs and local artisans, and upscaling the value of India’s creative economy. It also aims to develop a unified definition for the creative economy in India and establish a dedicated institution to explore its untapped potential and incentivize the sector.

The event featured esteemed dignitaries, including Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Sarod Maestro and Padma Vibhushan awardee, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, President, Indian Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Ameya Prabhu, President-elect, ICC, Mr. Abhyuday Jindal among others.

During his speech, Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri said, “I would like to congratulate the Indian Chamber of Commerce for conceptualizing this All India initiative on the Creative Economy. The stereotype used to be that if you want security in life then you go for formal employment, but in contrast, with the creative economy accounting for nearly 50 million jobs worldwide, these occupations now pay about 88% higher than their counterparts in the formal employment. According to a report by Goldman Sachs in August 2023, we have 100 million content creators in India making India the content capital of the world. We must ensure our regulatory framework evolves with advancements like AI, which is already widely used across newsrooms and creative sectors. With the right safeguards, we can harness this huge opportunity, lower costs, and promote innovation, while addressing privacy concerns, market monopolization, and intellectual property rights”.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Ameya Prabhu, President of ICC, setting the tone for the launch. Talking about our nation’s diverse creative landscape, President, Indian Chamber of Commerce, Mr Ameya Prabhu, mentioned, “Our culture has been aptly represented on the global stage over the years through India’s rich legacy of creativity across mediums like cinema, art, literature, sculpture, architecture and more. I believe we can continue to showcase India’s creative repertoire both domestically and internationally by leveraging AIICE, and with the support of institutions like ICC, which has a long-standing history of promoting art and culture globally”.

This was followed by addresses from key figures, including Ms. Rakhi Sarkar, AIICE Chairperson; Ms. Sunita Shanker, Founder & Proprietor of Sunita Shanker Studio; Mr. Anantha Padmanabhan, CEO of HarperCollins; Mr. Rajeev Sethi, Padma Bhushan; and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Padma Vibhushan.

Mrs. Rakhi Sarkar spoke about the significance of the creative sector in her address, stating, “Our aim is to provide a thrust to the creative sector of this country, which has traditionally been central to our civilization, economy, and culture, driving our people and nation to create ideas, propel progress, and prosperity. In modern and contemporary times, it is this creative freedom that has sustained our right to articulate and question.” She further added, “AIICE hopes to work with governments at both the state and central levels, as well as globally; interact with community centers, NGOs, international agencies, business and industrial houses, and knowledge sectors. Our aim is to impact government policy frameworks, foment grassroots participation, and ensure effective delivery.”

Ms. Sunita Shanker emphasized the importance of preserving India’s cultural heritage, particularly through the support of artisans and practitioners who are the true custodians of this rich legacy. She remarked, “The future evolution of our cultural patterns depends on sustaining the present. The artisans or the practitioners are the true custodians of the rich cultural heritage. And we are fortunate to have such a diverse, distinct, localized class and visual repertoire.”

Mr. Anantha Padmanabhan highlighted the complexities within the publishing industry, noting, “There is a difference between the perceived and the actual size of the publishing industry. In reality, there are two distinct facets to the industry. We must develop policies that ensure books can reach the widest possible audience across various languages and formats.”

Mr. Rajeev Sethi remarked on the resilience and creativity inherent in India’s cultural fabric, saying, “There is something so resilient in our spirit that it prevents us from being quite overwhelmed. Our capacity to imagine and create from what we have can sustain a vulnerable population and boost the creative economy. Enable our spirit to create an outcome from what we are only humming at the moment.”

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Managing Director, Jindal Stainless, Mr. Abhyuday Jindal, who said, “The creative economy, also known as the orange economy is one of the rapidly growing sectors of the global economy. Here in India, this sector has flourished, becoming a USD 30 billion industry as of 2023, and it is growing at a rate of more than 20%. It’s knowledge-based and often rooted in local communities, impacting both micro- and macro-economic development. Therefore, it is opportune to bring together the diverse disciplines of the creative economy under one roof. I am privileged to be part of ICC’s initiative to become a force multiplier for this sector”.

AIICE is supported by a prestigious panel of patrons, including Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Padma Vibhushan, Sarod Virtuoso and Composer; Kajol Devgan, Padma Shri, Renowned Indian Actress; Rajeev Sethi, Padma Bhushan, Scenographer, Art Curator, Designer, Chairman & Founder at Asian Heritage Foundation; and Vir Sanghvi, Eminent Journalist & Television Personality.

The committee members include reputed names from verticals like art, fashion, cinema, culinary, publishing, media performing arts and cottage industries — Chairperson, AIICE, Rakhi Sarkar; Contemporary Sarod Player, Composer and Producer, Ayaan Ali Bangash; Fashion Designer, Kiran Uttam Ghosh; Founder and Proprietor of Sunita Shanker Studio, Sunita Shanker; CEO of Sasha Association for Craft Producers, Roopa Mehta to name a few.

The ICC’s initiative comes at a time when the global creative economy is gaining unprecedented importance. Through the All India Initiative on Creative Economy, the Indian Chamber of Commerce aims to not only elevate India’s creative industries but also to establish the country as a key player on the world stage. The initiative will bring together stakeholders from various sectors to collaborate on policies, research, and innovative projects that will shape the future of India’s creative economy.

India, August 26, 2024: Epson, a global leader in printing technology, has introduced the Epson SureColor SC-F1030, a groundbreaking direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-film (DTF) hybrid garment printer. Designed for the entry-level DTG market, the SC-F1030 offers unparalleled versatility and quality, making it an ideal choice for existing businesses and new entrepreneurs who would like to expand or set up garment printing business.

The DTG market has expanded significantly since FY18, and this growth has continued robustly even during the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand for high-quality, customizable garments is surging both in online and offline stores. Businesses are increasingly seeking innovative printing solutions to meet this growing demand, reflecting a broader trend towards personalized and dynamic fashion.

“With the launch of the SC-F1030, Epson’s most compact direct-to-garment printer to date, we are offering an ideal solution for transforming the storefront or novelty gift businesses into a highly customizable, profitable and interactive space,” said Vasudevan, General Manager – LFP/IE, Epson India. “The SC-F1030 is perfect for anyone who wants to expand an existing garment printing business or start a new business. Equipped with the Micro TFP print head, UltraChrome DG2 inks, and an Auto Gap Adjustment feature, it addresses the growing demand for high-quality, customizable garments while making your business an attractive destination for customers.”

Key Features of the SureColor SC-F1030:

• PrecisionCore Micro TFP Printhead: Ensures superior detail and quality, perfect for cotton and fine details in DTG mode, and versatile fabric applications in DTF mode.
• White Ink Mode: The SC-F1030’s ink set includes White ink, enabling high-quality printing on various coloured garments, adding significant value at the entry-level segment.
• User-Friendly Features: Includes a large opening space, retractable hanger platen, scales, centre position marks, auto gap adjustment, T-shirt setting error detection, panel UI, interior lighting, and easy installation.
• Vivid Color Profile: Supports two colour profiles that deliver more vivid colours, enhancing the visual appeal of printed items.
• Film Mode: As a DTG & DTF Hybrid printer, users can easily switch between “T-shirt” and “Film” modes, offering flexibility and adaptability to different business needs.
• Design Concept: Compact Semi-transparent design to monitor the printing process, reduce production errors, demonstrate live printing and excite customers and enhance store decor.
• Garment Creator 2 Software: Enhances processing speed and allows higher resolution input, contributing to improved print quality.
• UltraChrome DG2 Inks: Provide vibrant and durable prints, suitable for a wide range of applications.

Bengaluru, August 26, 2024:  United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) as a part of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L), the Government of Karnataka’s Samatva initiative signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the department. This partnership aims to enhance the education landscape in peri-urban and rural areas across the state, with a particular focus on strengthening government schools.

Under the initiative called Samatva, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L), the Government of Karnataka, envisions strengthening and transforming government schools into model institutions. These Karnataka Model Schools have been conceptualized to provide quality education to students from Lower KG (LKG) to Pre-University College (PUC) levels, all within a single campus. With upgraded infrastructure, facilities, and learning initiatives, the goal is to improve the learning and well-being of students. To achieve this, the DoSE&L has invited NGO and CSR partners for strategic collaboration.

Rajesh Krishnan, CEO of United Way Bengaluru, stated, “The partnership with the government represents a path-breaking initiative aimed at transforming the educational landscape for students from kindergarten to pre-university college. Together, with our CSR partners and government stakeholders, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing learning environment, ensuring access to quality education and essential resources, particularly for the growth and development of children from marginalized communities.”

Since 2008, UWBe has been actively working with government and government-aided schools. With the support of CSR partners, it recently strengthened the Karnataka Public School in Nandagudi, Hoskote, Bengaluru. This school serves approximately 1,200 children, primarily from families of migrant and wage labourers. Key enhancements under this initiative included the construction of new classrooms and renovation of existing infrastructure, upgrading of toilet facilities, setting up STEM labs and science laboratories, and the installation of solar panels to promote sustainability and energy efficiency. Additionally, teachers have received training in STEM education, enabling them to integrate innovative teaching methods into their classrooms.

The modern laboratories have attracted more students to enrol in science disciplines, significantly benefiting 250 PUC students at KPS Nandagudi. Previously, these students faced challenges due to inadequate lab facilities, often having to travel over 20 kilometres to take practical exams at another centre.

United Way Bengaluru will continue to expand its efforts under the Samatva initiative. This will include setting up STEM, digital classrooms, and English Labs in more than 100 schools and strengthening school infrastructure, including integrating WASH elements based on identified needs. UWBe will also focus on teachers’ skills development and training them on reproductive health and gender sensitivity.

UWBe is an NGO focused on social issues that seek immediate and long-term attention. United Way Bengaluru marked a significant milestone this year as it completed its 15-year journey. As a part of the global network, United Way Worldwide, the largest network of non-profit organizations with 1,100 chapters in 37 countries, United Way Bengaluru carries a global image with a ‘local heart’ committed to creating meaningful change in the lives of the local communities. True to the organization’s mission “To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world”, UWBe catalyzes unified efforts from corporates, civic bodies, and citizen associations to bring about visible and sustainable change in the lives of the communities. The organization works in four key areas – environment, education, healthcare, and rural development.