Archives September 2024

14 September 2024, Tokyo, Japan – “Sustainability in Pageantry” will be the main theme of the 62nd Miss International Beauty Pageant which will be held on November 12th, 2024 at the Tokyo Dome City Hall. This is in line with the pageant’s post-pandemic advocacy that started in 2022, “Beauties for SDGs”.

More than 70 delegates from around the world will start arriving in Japan on October 29th, wherein they will immerse in various social, cultural and educational activities. The delegates will also be divided into groups that will travel to Kaga City, Fukushima, Niigata, Atami and Kamakura.

Other major highlights for this year include the National Costume Show on November 3rd and the Preliminary Evaluation on November 10th, both to be held at the Professional University of Beauty & Wellness in Yokohama City. Meanwhile, the final night on November 12th will be showcasing the return of the onstage swimsuit competition, in addition to the national costume and evening gown parade, and the final question and answer.

“Sustainability in Pageantry” emphasizes the need for national organizations to be self-reliant, independent and confident in its own brand. In this connection, ICA advocates for a reasonable and sustainable licensing policy that values the hard work of the current license holders. ICA also vows to be more transparent in communicating the needs and ideals of the Miss International Beauty Pageant.

However, “Sustainability in Pageantry” is not just limited to financial aspect, but also on the long-term effects on the mental health of all the participants. Thus, Miss International vows to provide a safe and secure platform where all delegates can enjoy wholesome activities that may enhance their future career prospects without being enslaved by social media. ICA will make sure that each delegate will get back home with a renewed spirit and better outlook in life regardless of the results.

The 62nd edition of Miss International promises to underline the traditional aspects of beauty pageant through a healthy and friendly competition, while also develop genuine sisterhood among the delegates, promote international and cultural understanding, and spread awareness of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr. Deepak Agarwal, Founder of Divine Group Foundation, stated, Divine Group Foundation supports this initiative, stating: “We are inspired by Miss International’s focus on sustainability and mental well-being. These values resonate deeply with our own vision for Indian pageantry. We encourage Indian audiences to embrace this meaningful cause and celebrate beauty with purpose.”

Chandigarh, 14th September 2024: Ashok Leyland Limited, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, has inaugurated ‘Mini Expo’ in Bhubaneswar, showcasing its latest innovations in Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (MHCV). Bhubaneswar is among the 11 exclusive locations across India selected for this expo, to demonstrate the company’s commitment to innovation and customer engagement.

The expo, featuring two simultaneous circuits, aims to bring Ashok Leyland’s cutting-edge technologies closer to customers and enthusiasts. Circuit 1, which commenced from Delhi, will progress to Raipur following its showcase in Bhubaneswar.

At the Bhubaneswar expo, Ashok Leyland is showcasing a diverse line-up of vehicles, including the AVTR 5525AN 4X2 AC; AVTR 4825HN AC; AVTR 4825TN HD AC; AVTR 3532TN 8X4; AVTR 2825TN HR 16CUM BOX; AVTR 2825RN BGS AC 9 CUM EDPTO TRANSIT MIXER; BOSS 1915 22FT; OYSTER Vi SCHOOL (53 seater); OYSTER Vi STAFF (40 seater); 15 M BUS CHASSIS; and AVTR 55T EV.

Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, President – MHCV, Ashok Leyland said, “The Mini Expo in Bhubaneswar marks a significant milestone as we continue to lead the way in the commercial vehicle segment. Odisha and Eastern India at large, have been a key market for us. We have always recognized the potential this region has and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in this geography. The Expo is an opportunity for customers to experience our capabilities in driving the future of mobility. We are confident that our vehicles, coupled with our extensive aftermarket solutions, will demonstrate our dedication to providing comprehensive transportation solutions to our customers. We look forward to engaging with our customers and stakeholders at Bhubaneswar.”

The ‘Mini Expo’ in Bhubaneswar highlighted Ashok Leyland’s state-of-the-art MHCV products and vehicles, and is a key event for industry professionals, enthusiasts, and stakeholders interested in the latest advancements in MHCV technology.

The two day expo will be a great opportunity for visitors to experience not only the latest vehicles but also the comprehensive services and solutions that Ashok Leyland offers.

Guwahati, 14th September 2024 – CWMA’s Institute of Skill Development, a registered Mumbai-based literary forum led by its visionary Founder, Mrs. Rachana Ranjan Chakraborty, celebrated the inauguration of its North-East wing, “The Literary Mavericks,” at the Guwahati Press Club. The event saw the presence of several eminent guests who came to mark this significant milestone.

The ceremony began with a traditional Bharatnattyam Ganesh Vandana dance performance, setting a culturally rich tone for the occasion. Following the performance, all the esteemed guests were honored with the traditional Assamese Gamucha as a token of appreciation and respect. Prof. Rachana Chakraborty, the founder, then delivered a dynamic introductory speech, highlighting the organization’s vision for the North-East region.

During the event, Barnana Acharjee, a teacher at Srimanta Sankar Academy, was officially appointed as the Treasurer of the North-East wing by Mrs. Chakraborty. This announcement was followed by an inspiring address from Ms. Rachaita Chakraborty, Youth President of the Mumbai region. She shared her insights on her association with the organization and extended her heartfelt congratulations to the newly formed youth team of Assam.

The highlight of the event was the Prize Distribution Ceremony of the Creative Summer ’24, which was held online in July. The students, who had eagerly awaited this moment, finally received their well-deserved trophies, adding a joyous conclusion to the day.

The event concluded on a high note with media coverage and a series of memorable photographs capturing the essence of this new chapter for CWMA’s Institute of Skill Development.

New Delhi, September 14, 2024: MediaTek, a leading global fabless semiconductor company powering more than two billion connected devices yearly, hosted ‘Catch-up with Tech – a Lifestyle Influencer Meet & Greet’ in collaboration with Motorola and Flipkart on 10th September in New Delhi. Representatives from MediaTek, Motorola, and Flipkart were present for insightful discussions on the next frontier for technology. They discussed MediaTek’s dominance in various areas, including smartphones, smart devices, automotive and satellite communication, computing, and connectivity.

The meetup showcased MediaTek’s dedication to making technology more accessible for consumers. It featured the motorola razr 50, the first flip phone powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7300X SoC. The event also showcased the upcoming motorola edge 50 Neo for the first time, a candy bar phone powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, and the EnvisionxSpectra Smart TV line, which uses Mini-LED technology powered by MediaTek SoCs. This year’s Catch-up With Tech event took place at an exquisite venue in New Delhi, India, and saw more than 50 Lifestyle Influencers, Analysts and Media personalities in attendance. The event focused on the new Motorola smartphones and MediaTek Dimensity chipsets, creating incredible user experiences. The information pertaining to these new smartphones and MediaTek Dimensity 7300 series chipsets was further elaborated in an engaging panel discussion.

The panel discussion was moderated by Anuj Sidharth, Director of Marketing & Corporate Communications at MediaTek. It included expert panellists such as Shivam Ranjan, Head of Marketing, APAC at Motorola, Konark Tyagi, Video Head- Non News & Podcast, Jagran New Media and prominent Lifestyle Influencer Sneha Arora.

The future-ready smartphones offer brilliant cameras, smooth displays, ultra-fast performance furthered by MediaTek’s HyperEngine optimisations, incredible AI enhancements, a powerful NPU for AI workloads and elevated gaming features. MediaTek chipsets for smart TVs provide speedy performance, advanced intelligence & brilliant picture quality, and offer robust connectivity that makes home entertainment experiences simply incredible.

MediaTek family of chipsets power nearly 2 billion devices every year, and the extensive portfolio includes MediaTek Dimensity for 5G Smartphones, MediaTek Helio G series for 4G gaming smartphones, MediaTek Kompanio for Arm-based Chromebooks, MediaTek Pentonic chipsets for Smart TV technologies, MediaTek Genio for Internet of Things, Dimensity Auto for innovative automotive technologies, and MediaTek Filogic for smart Wi-Fi 6/6E & Wi-Fi 7 solutions, among others.

Catch-up with Tech series is a mainstay for MediaTek, which aims to bring technology closer to consumers and help billions of people explore their true potential, said Anku Jain, Managing Director, MediaTek India. Through our collaboration with Motorola, we’re empowering mainstream 5G smartphones and foldables backed by MediaTek Dimensity 7300 series with AI-powered camera technologies, next-gen connectivity, incredible displays, accelerated gaming, and reliable Sub-6 5G connectivity at an accessible price point.

The MediaTek chipsets provide outstanding performance with four Cortex A78 Big cores and four Cortex A55 Efficient cores. The SoCs seamlessly integrate AI capabilities with a dedicated NPU to enhance the overall smartphone experience. Furthermore, the 4nm process technology leads to significant improvements in battery performance.

Shivam Ranjan, Head of Marketing, APAC, Motorola said, “At Motorola, we are focused on bringing meaningful innovation to consumers, and our collaboration with MediaTek reflects this commitment. The ‘Catch-up with Tech’ event highlighted the perfect synergy between Motorola’s vision and MediaTek’s cutting-edge technology. Our partnership is making 5G and foldable smartphones more accessible, in line with our goal of providing future-ready, powerful devices. Together, we are empowering customers with innovative technologies that enrich their daily lives.”

Kunal Gupta, Vice President, Flipkart said, “As consumers increasingly seek versatile entertainment options, the demand for smart TVs continues to rise. At Flipkart, as India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, our goal is to make the latest smart TVs accessible and affordable for customers across the country. With the launch of the Motorola EnvisionX Spectra TVs, featuring mini LED technology and screen sizes ranging from 32” to 86”, we are delighted to offer a diverse selection that caters to different entertainment needs, bringing advanced technology and an exceptional viewing experience directly to our customers’ homes.”

The MediaTek Catch-Up with Tech is an interactive, informative series aimed at demystifying the innovative technologies transforming our daily lives. The series emphasizes MediaTek’s commitment to making advanced technology accessible to consumers, thereby enhancing and enriching our daily lives and making us smarter and healthier.

New Delhi: The Fencing Association of India (FAI) is going to organize the first FIE FOIL Women’s Satellite Tournament. This will be the first FIE international fencing competition, which will take place at the K.D Jadhav Arena, I.G. Stadium in New Delhi on 14-15 September. The Fencing Association of India is the official governing body for the sport of fencing in India. FAI works for the promotion and development of this sport across the country.

This tournament is the part of the International Fencing Federation’s (FIE) global satellite event series, where 58 fencers from across the globe will compete in the women’s foil category. Audiences will get the chance to witness skilled and exciting sportsmanship in this fencing tournament.

Speaking about this event Satej Dynandeo Patil, President and Rajeev Mehta, Secretary General, along with all Executive Committee (EC) members of the Fencing Association of India, expressed their excitement and said, “We are thrilled to bring international fencing to India on such a large scale. This tournament is going to be a major milestone for the development of fencing in India, and we are confident that it will inspire future generations of fencers in the country.” The FIE FOIL Women’s Satellite Tournament will be open for all the sports enthusiasts,who wants to experience the thrill of live fencing.

13 September, 2024, New Delhi: Ritesh Agarwal, founder & group CEO of travel-tech company OYO,recently joined forces with global influencer Nuseir Yassin’s (popularly known as NAS) creator platform and online learning portal BackToBackSWE for the 7-Day Startup Challenge, a program designedto guide early-stage startups through the foundational steps of building and refining a business idea, with Agarwal awarding a Rs 10 lakh equity-free grant to five winners.

The challenge attracted nearly 3,000 participants from around the world, including India, the US, Canada and the UAE. The event, which was hosted on NAS.io, revolved around seven distinct daily themes, each covering a crucial aspect of business development, ranging from goal setting and market research to product roadmap and branding.

The five winners included Bharat Anubhav, an Odisha-based company building a marketplace for certified tourist guides; Ekogalaxy, a climate education platform; Harmony Sourcing, which is helping global buyers connect with factories in India; Farmkrate, an agricultural solutions startup in Andhra Pradesh; and Aura, a mental wellbeing initiative out of Bengaluru.

“Over the years, several people have helped me in my entrepreneurial journey. I feel it is only fitting that I return the favour to the next generation of entrepreneurs by sharing my experience. NAS.io, with its large network of aspiring startups founders, and BackToBackSWE, which offers comprehensive mentorship programs, were ideal partners for such an initiative,” said Agarwal.

“This program will hopefully not only equip them with essential business skills but also foster a spirit of innovation and community. India is in the throes of a startup revolution, with young founders solving realworld problems. With the right support, startups can power the next wave of economic growth.”

Roshan Paul, co-founder at Aura, one of the winners, added: “The simple, step-by-step approach made it easy to refine our idea, and the support we received from the community members was invaluable. Competing with so many talented participants made this a rewarding experience.”

Agarwal is also mentoring startups through his stint at reality TV series Shark Tank India, where he made his debut during the third season earlier this year, becoming the youngest judge on the show. Last year, he announced an equity-free grant of Rs 5 lakh each to four startups from Ladakh in partnership with the Naropa Fellowship.

Kolkata, 13th September: More than 150 young entrepreneurs (and more importantly, many of them are women entrepreneurs) from across business and industry verticals, assembled in Kolkata recently to flag off Utthan, the inaugural event of what is aptly called the First Generation Entrepreneurs Club (FGEC), first such organisation in the country. Co-founded by four startup owners- Sandip Joardar, the Founder of Cha-Khor, a unique startup, Manas Protim Mondal, CEO of RIKI Traders International Pvt Ltd that offers expert guidance on global trade, Sourav Joarder, Co-Founder of Cha-Khor India Ventures Pvt Ltd, and a certified football coach and physical trainer, and Arijit Hajra, CEO of Think Again Lab, also known as the Robot Man of India, FGEC aims at empowering first-generation entrepreneurs by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and network necessary to succeed. This is something that was missing in the city’s entrepreneurship or startup ecosystem.

“We are passionate about empowering and supporting first-generation entrepreneurs on their journey to success. Our mission is to provide the essential resources, mentorship, and community needed to turn entrepreneurial dreams into reality. We understand the unique challenges faced by first time entrepreneurs and are dedicated to offering personalized guidance, comprehensive resources, and a vibrant network of like-minded individuals. With FGEC, you are never alone in your entrepreneurial journey,” said Sandip Joardar, Co-founder, FGEC.

“We promise to create a supportive environment where aspiring business owners can thrive, innovate, and achieve their goals. Through tailored mentorship, educational programs, and valuable resources, we strive to make entrepreneurial success accessible to everyone,” said Sourav Joardar, Co-founder.

Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebration filled with rituals, devotion, and, of course, delightful sweets that are loved by all. Among these, the humble yet delicious ladoos takes centre stage as a must-have offering to Lord Ganesha. This year, add a touch of luxury and tradition to your ladoo recipe with Modicare’s Kashmiri Kesar and Cow Ghee. The vibrant saffron and rich, ghee not only enhance the flavor but also bring a festive warmth to your kitchen. Let’s explore how these ingredients can transform your ladoos into a mouthwatering tribute to the beloved deity.

Soul Flavours Kashmiri Kesar

The essence of any festival lies in its flavors and aromas, and Ganesh Chaturthi is no exception. This year, take your sweets to the next level with the enchanting touch of saffron. Modicare’s Soul Flavours finest grade hand-picked Kashmiri Kesar, with its deep red hue and rich fragrance, will make your ladoos more vibrant and infused with love! The best part? It’s entirely free of preservatives and artificial colors, ensuring your festive treats are as pure as your devotion.

Soul Flavours Cow Ghee

Modicare’s Soul Flavours Cow Ghee is made from cow milk that brings a rich aroma and granular texture adding a delectable flavour to your home-cooked special ladoos. It contains Omega 3 & 6 and fat soluble vitamins A, E and K, which are critical in maintaining good health and well-being. Cow ghee is a must-add for cooking, garnishing, and making the most yummilicious ladoos you would have ever tasted!

Neemrana, Rajasthan, – KAI India, a leading name in the beauty and personal care industry, proudly announces a significant expansion of its manufacturing capabilities at the Neemrana plant. This strategic move will increase the production capacity of women’s razors by over 5 million razors per year, marking a new era of growth and innovation for the company.

The group is planning an additional investment of 300 Million yen, reflecting KAI group’s commitment to bolstering its manufacturing infrastructure. The expected timeline for the completion of this expansion is 5 months, ensuring that the enhanced production capacity will be operational by the end of December 2024.

This expansion aligns with KAI India’s unwavering commitment to the “Make in India” initiative, strengthening local manufacturing and contributing to the country’s economic growth. It will meet the increasing demand from both local and international markets and create many new jobs in the region, significantly strengthen the local economy.

Mr. Rajesh U. Pandya, Managing Director of KAI India, commented on the expansion: “This is an important step for KAI India. Our enhanced manufacturing capacity is a testament to our commitment providing high-quality products to our valued customers. We are deeply grateful to our local and international customers for their trust and support. This expansion also reflects our dedication to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, showcasing our resolve to manufacture, sell, and skill in India.”

“To ensure the seamless integration of advanced technology and superior manufacturing practices, eight technical engineers from KAI Industries in Japan have been stationed at the Neemrana plant. Their expertise and guidance are crucial in maintaining the high standards of precision and quality that KAI products are known for globally,” added Mr. Pandya.

In alignment with KAI India’s long-term strategic goals, this expansion is a step towards achieving sustained growth and establishing a strong foothold in both domestic and international markets.

KAI India’s vision is multi-faceted: “Make in India”, “Sell in India & Overseas”, and “Skill in India” and “Women Empowerment”. This vision is at the core of the company’s operations and future strategies. By expanding the Neemrana facility, KAI India is reinforcing its commitment to producing superior products within the country, enhancing the skill set of the local workforce, and establishing a strong presence in both domestic and international markets.

Market demand and growth trends for these products indicate a robust increase, driven by rising consumer awareness and the growing emphasis on personal grooming. The expanded production capacity will enable KAI India to meet this surging demand efficiently and maintain its competitive edge in the market.

KAI India offers a diverse range of products, including kitchen equipment starting from Rs 150 for knives, personal care items such as nail clippers starting from Rs 120, and shavers starting from Rs 20. The company’s three-pronged distribution strategy covers general trade, modern trade, and e-commerce, supported by an extensive network of over 50,000 touchpoints.

KAI boasts an extensive product portfolio of over 10,000 items spanning cooking, grooming, and beauty care categories. This diverse range highlights KAI’s expertise and dedication to meeting the varied needs of consumers across these sectors. Their product lineup includes a wide range of beauty and grooming solutions meticulously crafted with Japanese technology, ensuring each product meets the highest standards of quality and performance.

Japan-based KAI Group, established over 115 years ago, entered the Indian market in 2016 and has successfully established its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Neemrana, Rajasthan. Spanning over 30,000 square meters, this facility is a hub of innovation and excellence dedicated to producing high-precision beauty and personal care products.

Driven by a mission to become a household name in India, KAI India is poised to enhance the daily lives of its consumers through products that offer unmatched precision and value. The expansion of the Neemrana plant is a significant milestone in KAI India’s journey towards achieving this goal, reflecting the company’s dedication to continuous improvement and its relentless pursuit of innovation.

By – Mr. Arsh Mogre, Economist – Institutional Equities, PL Capital – Prabhudas Lilladher basis the IIP CPI announcement.

India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose marginally to 3.65% YoY in August 2024, up from 3.6% in July 2024, a slight acceleration but staying comfortably below the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) medium-term target of 4.0% for the second consecutive month. The August figure surprised to the upside compared to market expectations of 3.42%, driven primarily by persistent food price pressures. The combined Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) rose to 5.7% from 5.4% in August. On a rural-urban split, rural inflation continued to outpace urban inflation, with the rural CPI at 4.2% YoY (up from 4.1%), driven by food prices, which rose to 5.6%. Urban inflation, meanwhile, rose marginally to 3.1% from 3.0% in July. Looking forward, while the headline CPI remains under control, the higher-than-expected print and persistent food inflation suggest that the RBI’s inflation management strategy could face challenges if food price volatility persists. However, with energy costs declining and core inflation not showing major increases, there is room for cautious optimism. Given these factors and the evolving growth-inflation scenario, it is projected that the RBI will not begin its rate easing cycle before Q3 FY25, despite an increased likelihood of a Fed rate cut in September 2024.

Key Insights – CPI:

Inflationary Pressures Ease, but Risks Remain: India’s retail inflation in August 2024 increased to 3.65%, from 3.54% in July, marking the second lowest inflation in five years. While inflation remains comfortably within the RBI’s tolerance band of 2-6%, it still falls short of the central bank’s “durable 4%” target. This suggests that while inflationary pressures have softened from the highs seen last year, risks remain elevated in the near term.

Base Effect Fades, Inflation Expected to Rebound: While inflation has softened significantly over the past year, the favorable statistical base effect that has helped moderate headline inflation is gradually wearing off. As a result, inflation is expected to climb back in the coming months, but it is likely to be restrained within a range of 4.5-5.0% in H2 FY25.

Food Inflation Pressures: Food inflation, which constitutes around 50% of the CPI basket, accelerated to 5.66% in August from 5.42% in July. Vegetables recorded a sharp rise, with inflation surging to 10.71% from 6.83% in the previous month. On the flip side, tomato prices saw a steep deflation of -47.91% YoY, but this is largely seen as a seasonal anomaly that may not provide long-term relief.

Monsoon Provides Relief: However, strong monsoon conditions provide optimism for food price moderation. India received 50.9 millimetres of rainfall (14.1% above the LPA) in the week ending 11 September 2024, with a cumulative seasonal rainfall of 8.3% above the LPA by 11 September. While some subdivisions experienced deficient rainfall, the emergence of La Niña conditions in late August bodes well for both the southwest and upcoming northwest monsoon seasons, supporting strong kharif and rabi sowing. This should help temper food inflation in the near future.

The somewhat restrained increase in Kharif MSPs will contribute a net deflationary impact of 10 basis points over the coming months. Additionally, the reduction in custom duties on gold from the FY25 Union Budget will provide a further 5-10 bps deflationary impact. However, given rising international gold prices and the depreciating rupee, the net impact is expected to be minimal.

Rural Inflation Outpaces Urban: Rural inflation rose to 4.16% in August, outpacing urban inflation, which moderated to 3.14%. The divergence is largely driven by food price inflation in rural areas, which remains more susceptible to agricultural supply shocks. The monsoon’s mixed impact could cause further fluctuations in rural food prices, though the overall strong rainfall should provide some relief in the medium term.

Core Inflation Steady, but Global Uncertainties Could Push It Up: Core inflation rose marginally to 3.65% in August-24 from 3.60% in July-24, reflecting a stable demand environment in discretionary sectors. With steady domestic demand and the diminishing base effect, it is expected to gradually rise to 4.0% in the coming months. While global commodity prices (crude oil, metals) have softened recently, uncertainties in the Middle East could drive renewed cost escalations, particularly in industrial inputs and energy, putting upward pressure on core inflation.

Inflationary Trajectory: A Balancing Act: It is reasonable to conclude that as the impact of favourable statistical base effect wears off, headline inflation would start climbing back again. While that’s quite likely, we believe the pull back in inflation will be restrained, with headline inflation remaining in the range of 4.5-5.0% in H2 FY25. Ongoing disruptions to maritime trade routes in the Middle East are expected to push up transportation and fuel costs, which could impact core inflation with a lagged effect. Additionally, pre-election fuel price cuts may provide further relief, supporting a glide towards lower inflation in H2 FY25.