Archives September 2024

India, 05th September 2024 – Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA, one of the leading global providers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels, announces the launch of its ambitious waste management drive with an aim to transform the environment in Bhiwadi and its surrounding areas. This initiative under the aegis of its Corporate Social Responsibility program is a part of its commitment toward making a cleaner and healthier community. The project team comprises environmental experts and solid waste specialists, with close monitoring and support by Siegwerk India’s CSR team.

At the commencement of this initiative, Mr. Ashish Pradhan, President, Siegwerk Asia commented “This cleanliness drive is not just a project, but a commitment to improving the environment and quality of life in Bhiwadi. It’s a matter of honor for the company to be able to work towards a healthier community. In addition, this project is aimed at creating awareness around environmental cleanliness, especially in industry-forward areas. Siegwerk India’s CSR team would closely monitor the progress of the project to meet the projected purpose and help open an avenue for more projects in the future.”

The project, starting from September 2024, will entail clean-up on either side of the Alwar bypass road, beginning from Bhiwadi Mode to Siegwerk India factory about 20 -25 km. daily. In the first phase, Siegwerk India will concentrate on removing garbage along the main roads and ensuring its proper disposal in designated dump yards. To promote sustainable practices and reinforce the importance of maintaining cleanliness, banners will be placed along the cleaned routes, and Siegwerk employees will be present to engage with the local community.

In the second phase, the team plans to shift focus to improving waste management infrastructure in the region. The works will include setting up efficient dumping yards, deploying machinery for waste collection, and implementing segregation practices. They will be the long-term solutions toward proper waste management, and the cleanliness drive will really impact the community. In addition, as Bhiwadi is a border town of Haryana and Rajasthan, it lies in a very complex geographical and administrative setup. Siegwerk India is thereby closely coordinating with the local administration, including the representatives from Bhiwadi Municipal Corporation and the sarpanch from various other villages. This would be critical in order to coordinate the project effectively and address the specific needs of the community.

By addressing the immediate issue of roadside garbage and implementing long-term waste management solutions, Siegwerk aims to set a precedent for environmental initiatives in the region.

Ultra Gaane Debuts: Reviving the Visual Splendour of Hindi Cinema’s Greatest Hits

Mumbai, 5th September 2024: – Ultra Media & Entertainment Group today announced the launch of a ground breaking bouquet of OTT platforms that honor & preserve the rich legacy of Hindi cinema and music. With the introduction of Ultra Play & Ultra Gaane, the company is offering a unique digital experience for fans of classic Bollywood films and timeless Hindi songs. These platforms pay tribute to the legends of Bollywood by offering a rich collection of films and songs that capture the essence of Indian entertainment across decades. It will also include cinematic gems & well-known classics in a restored format.

Leading the collection is Ultra Play, India’s first OTT app dedicated to streaming Hindi film classics under their flagship campaign ‘Har Pal Filmy’. It is a cinematic treasure trove, featuring over 2000 meticulously curated films across various genres spanning the golden eras of Bollywood. From the 1950s till date, the platform boasts an impressive lineup of blockbusters, hidden gems & cult classics by offering films by legendary icons such as Guru Dutt, Raj Kapoor, Shakti Samanta, Subhash Ghai, Vidhu Vinod Chopra & many more. Ultra Play offers a unique chance to revisit cinematic classics and discover hidden gems that can still captivate today’s audience. With ‘Har Zamaane Ka Content’, it delivers a satisfying entertainment experience, perfect for family viewing.

Mr. Sushilkumar Agrawal, CEO, Ultra Media & Entertainment Group said “Over the years, Ultra has acquired thousands of titles in Hindi, Marathi & other languages. Moreover, starting our own OTT apps was a logical business extension. The launch of both these apps is a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to bring India’s rich cinematic & musical heritage to the global audience. Old Hindi films & songs have a nostalgic value & are a driving force for these apps. We’re also exploring opportunities to expand into other languages with future OTT platforms”.

To celebrate the launch, it has also unveiled a vibrant new TVC that encapsulates the essence of the platform and its dedication to bring every moment of classic cinema to life. Unlike other OTT platforms, Ultra Play focuses solely on Hindi content by breaking the clutter & simplifying the choice for the end consumer. Going ahead it will also stream fresh Hindi content across various genres both in terms of Web series & Films. These will be produced both in-house by Ultra & also in association with other production houses.

Complementing Ultra Play, Ultra Gaane is India’s first exclusive video songs OTT platform, streaming over 4,000 timeless Hindi songs from 1940 to today. With the tagline Dekh Ke Suno, it offers an enhanced experience, blending iconic visuals with classic tracks like Babuji Dheere Chalna, Roop Tera Mastana & many more which continue to captivate audiences with their relatable themes and timeless appeal till date. Ultra Gaane will also stream two new original Hindi songs weekly which will feature upcoming artists . Additionally, the platform plans to include video songs in Marathi, Gujarati, and other regional languages.

Ultra had also launched “Ultra Jhakaas” – an exclusive Marathi OTT SVOD Platform in 2023. It currently streams 1500+ Titles & 3000 + Hours of the best of Marathi Cinema, Popular TV Shows & Original Content to audiences worldwide.

Mr. Rajat Agrawal, COO, Ultra Media & Entertainment Group, stated, “Ultra has always been a pioneer in home entertainment, evolving from VHS to OTT while preserving and digitizing classic films. Our goal is to safeguard these gems for future generations and deliver an exceptional audio-visual experience. With platforms like Ultra Play and Ultra Gaane, we’re committed to elevate Indian content globally, ensuring our timeless stories resonate with audiences everywhere.”

Mumbai, 5 September 2024: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently premiered its patriotic coming-of-age drama series Naam Namak Nishan, an aspirational tale about the making of Indian army officers. Set against the backdrop of the prestigious Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, the series chronicles the journey of Indian cadets, exploring themes of honor, valor, brotherhood, and love for one’s motherland. Produced by Juggernaut Studios, Naam Namak Nishan is brought to life by an outstanding cast, featuring Varun Sood, Helly Shah, Roshni Walia, and Danish Sood in pivotal roles.

Danish Sood, who portrays the role of Gurbaaz Sing, a carefree middle-class boy, talks about his passion for acting and his love for music. He shares, “Acting is my true calling, while music holds a special place in my heart. Music has seamlessly integrated into my daily life. I see myself as an actor who plays music rather than a musician who acts.”

Danish also revealed the reason behind choosing this series, saying, “Gurbaaz is a multifaceted character grappling with family issues and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Despite the high stakes, he masks his inner struggles with humor. This role gave me the opportunity to explore comedic elements in contrast to my usual intense roles. Gurbaaz’s journey resonated with me, making it easy to sign the series.”

Naam Namak Nishan is now streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV, available on Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, smart TVs, and Play Store!

New Delhi, 05 September 2024: Union Bank of India introduced its UPI Interoperable Cash Deposit – UPI ICD pilot product in Android Cash Recycler Machines (CRMs) at the Global Fintech Fest 2024 organised by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in Mumbai.

The launch event was graced by RBI Deputy Governor Shri T. Rabi Sankar and Shri Nitesh Ranjan, Executive Director, Union Bank of India. Once again, Union Bank of India is leading the way in cutting edge payment products with the launch of this innovation, which offers key benefits such as interoperability, card less deposits, and the capability to deposit for both self and third parties.

With this product, customers of Union Bank of India or any other Bank can deposit cash into Union Bank’s CRM by scanning the QR code displayed on screen with any ICD enabled UPI app. They can then select the beneficiary by entering a mobile number, UPI ID, or account and IFSC details, and authenticate the transaction using their UPI PIN.

Last year, the Bank introduced interoperable card less cash withdrawals at its ATMs, allowing customers to withdraw cash using a UPI QR code. The present initiative will enhance the convenience of cash deposits for customers in India. With the surge in digital payments, and India at the forefront of this trend, this launch by Union Bank of India simplifies the deposit process for customers.

India, 5th September 2024 – The Association of Direct Selling Entities of India (ADSEI) recently concluded a two-day visit to Hyderabad, focused on promoting ethical direct selling practices and seeking government support to distinguish between legitimate direct selling businesses and unregulated deposit schemes.

The ADSEI delegation met with Shri. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary of the Industry & Commerce and IT Departments, and Shri. D.S. Chauhan, IPS, Principal Secretary, Consumer Affairs, Food & Civil Supplies & Commissioner of Civil Supplies, Government of Telangana. Emphasizing the importance of product-based direct selling, the delegation sought support for ethical direct selling businesses. Drawing the government’s attention to the menace of unregulated deposit schemes, ADSEI also requested to distinguish between such schemes and ethical direct selling businesses.

During the course of the meeting, Jitender Dagar, Vice President, ADSEI also extended Association’s support to the state government on the monitoring mechanism of direct selling and also expressed interest in helping the monitoring committee as a ‘subject matter expert’ to educate the stakeholders involved with an aim to promote ethical direct selling practices. Understanding the importance of direct selling and its socio-economic benefits, the government officials also assured their support.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to meet with the esteemed government officials to discuss the importance of ethical direct selling practices,” said Sanjeev Kumar, President, ADSEI. “We look forward to working closely with the Telangana government to ensure the growth and development of the direct selling industry in the state.”

Aimed at increasing consumer awareness about Direct Selling, ADSEI has been conducting training and knowledge sharing sessions for stakeholders, including government officials, towards capacity building on the Direct Selling business model. ADSEI plans to continue organizing such sessions in different parts of the country, said Gautam Bali, Mentor, ADSEI.

The direct selling industry has been witnessing significant growth and evolution in recent years, driven by factors such as the rise of e-commerce, increased consumer preference for personalized shopping experiences, and the growing popularity of social selling. The industry is also adapting to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements, with a focus on digital transformation, omni-channel strategies, and the integration of AI and data analytics.

There has been a growing emphasis on ethical practices and sustainability within the direct selling sector, as companies strive to build trust and credibility with consumers. In recent times, governments have been increasingly calling for greater transparency and accountability in direct selling operations, to protect consumers and ensure fair.

India, 5th September 2024 – Recent regulations in many markets make it possible for merchants to accept payment from consumers using direct, account-to-account transfers. As airlines seek to best meet the needs of travelers and reduce the overall cost of payments, account-to-account payments are becoming very popular, and they represent a new option for travelers to pay for air tickets.

That’s why IATA and Outpayce are partnering so airlines can now accept payments made with IATA Pay through Outpayce’s Xchange Payments Platform (XPP).

IATA Pay is an alternative account-to-account form of payment for travelers to pay for air tickets purchased online by directly debiting their bank account. It leverages the new account-to-account rails and regulations developed by countries around the world such as India (UPI), the Netherlands (Ideal), Brazil (PIX) or Philippines (QR Ph). Currently available in over 30 countries, IATA Pay improves the speed and security of payments, while reducing payment acceptance costs.

When a traveler reaches checkout on an airline’s website the new account-to-account payment service allows them to select their bank or scan a QR code depending on the country. IATA uses the payment and bank details or the QR code’s approval to request a transfer from the passenger’s account and the funds are transferred using the banking rails. IATA settles the funds with the airline the following day.

Juan Antonio Rodriguez, Director Financial Settlement Operations, IATA said: “The trend towards account-to-account payments is gaining more momentum. It provides a seamless experience for passengers and provides an attractive option for airlines to lower the cost of payment acceptance. Through Outpayce, airlines using XPP can begin to accept IATA Pay while still benefiting from XPP’s powerful orchestration, analytics and reporting capabilities.”

Anna Isabel Bengzon, Chief Financial Officer, Philippine Airlines said: “We are pleased to now accept IATA Pay in the Philippines. It will provide our passengers a more convenient and secure way of paying via QR code using their digital wallets, which is highly prevalent in the country, or through their bank accounts. Outpayce’s XPP system helps us to intelligently accept a wide range of payment methods used by travelers across the international markets we serve. Moreover, we can access various payment methods and partners through XPP, with detailed analytics on the performance of payment flows and back-end reconciliation support.”

Jean-Christophe Lacour, SVP and Head of Product Management & Delivery, Outpayce added: “We’re committed to helping travel companies accept the widest possible range of payment methods through a single connection to XPP and IATA Pay represents an interesting new option for the industry. By making it easier for partners to connect to XPP using self-service APIs we intend to broaden this choice even further.”

IATA is one of the first partners to connect to Outpayce’s Xchange Payment Platform using its new self-service APIs, being piloted in 2024. The addition of self-service APIs helps to open XPP, making it easier for any payments or fintech company to connect its services, which increases choice for travel companies and further optimizes payment orchestration.

September 05, 2024: Himalayan Elevation Kashmiri Saffron, a brand from Tata Consumer Products is celebrating Himalayan Day. Himalayan Day is celebrated on 9th September every year and is an annual initiative dedicated to preserving and uplifting the unique Himalayan ecosystem and its communities. This year, the focus is on supporting the saffron farmers of Pampore, Kashmir, who are facing challenges due to declining yield of Kashmiri Saffron.

As part of this year’s initiative, the brand in collaboration with Matamaal Foundation will be training Kashmiri Saffron farmers starting September, with on-ground sessions planned till October.

100% of the proceeds from all packs of Himalayan Elevation Kashmiri Saffron sold online, in the week of this Himalayan Day, will be used to train these farmers. These trainings will equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to cultivate saffron more efficiently, ensuring the sustainability of their craft.

This initiative is in line with the brand’s commitment to giving back to the communities that are integral to the Himalayas. With this initiative, not only is the brand providing training to the saffron farmers of Kashmir to combat the declining yield but also giving them the hope they need to continue their craft in the face of environmental challenges. This initiative reflects the brand’s belief in the importance of sustainability and its dedication to making a positive impact on society.

Consumers can scan the QR code on the back of each Himalayan Elevation Kashmiri Saffron pack to see the specific farmer whose livelihood they have helped uplift. This initiative thus allows consumers to see firsthand the impact their purchase is making on the lives of these farmers.

Bengaluru, September 05, 2024: Tata AIA Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (Tata AIA), one of India’s leading life insurers, has announced the launch of its offshore branch at Gujarat International Finance Tech-City (GIFT City), India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).

Venky Iyer, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Tata AIA, said, “The setting up of IFSC GIFT City is a remarkable step by the Government of India towards widening the scope of Indian financial services. It provides a great opportunity for insurers to provide foreign currency denominated products. We are delighted to introduce life insurance solutions for our NRI consumers, enabling them to secure their families and fulfill their aspirations.”

The Company will commence operations with a unique term offering USD denominated Life Protect Supreme, enabling policy benefits in US dollars. The Plan covers risks such as death, accident, disability, and critical illness, for up to 100 years of age. NRI Consumers can choose from five plan options to tailor their coverage according to their lifestyle, medical history, and occupation. The Plan options offer flexibility to include add-on benefits (Riders) such as accidental death benefit, critical illness cover, and waiver of premium on accidental total and permanent disability.

The Company also plans to introduce Unit Linked life insurance products soon, giving consumers the prospect to benefit from exciting investment opportunities in global equity markets.

Hyderabad, 5 September 2024 – WIKA India has been awarded as “Sustainability Champion Of The Year” at 7th Edition of EPS Conference 2024 organised recently, the EPS Conference 2024 is a business meet that aims to provide an extensive platform for industry leaders to meet and nurture the exchange of business, insights, ideas, and innovations.

The award was received by Gagan Inder Singh, General Manager of Quality and Head of Lean Sigma at WIKA India, in acknowledgment of the company’s immense contribution toward renewable energy and electrical mobility in Telangana.

This event, held in Hyderabad, underlined the vision of the state to turn itself into a trillion-dollar economy via sustainable energy solutions and technological advancement. WIKA India has been at the forefront in this respect, primarily in the areas of solar energy, energy-efficient lighting, and various other initiatives.

Some of the key sustainability initiatives taken by WIKA India over the last couple of years have been the proliferation of solar energy across its facilities to minimize carbon footprint, the deployment of lighting solutions that ensure energy efficiency, moving to pulp packaging to reduce wastage, developing urban forests by planting 1,600 trees, and implementing LPG gensets to replace diesel generators.

In the process, such efforts have contributed not only to a greener environment but also to establishing WIKA India as one of the leaders in the industrial sector on sustainable business practices.

Addressing media, Singh said, “We are thankful for this recognition and reiterate our commitment to sustainability. This award is a recognition of the continuous commitment of WIKA India to integrate sustainability into its operations. Innovation and change have driven continuously with assurance, that such initiatives will go a long way in boosting renewable energy and electric mobility in Telangana, aiding economic development in the state.”

The success of WIKA India underlines the prime position occupied by sustainable practices in the future course of industry and commerce. The involvement of such enterprises will be a key factor in devising sustainable, inclusive growth as Telangana marches further toward its emergence as a trillion-dollar economy.

New Delhi, 5th September 2024: Pacific D21 Mall, Dwarka, in collaboration with Daakroom, successfully celebrated Teacher’s Day on the theme “Thank You, Dear Teacher.” The event witnessed an enthusiastic response from visitors coming together to express their gratitude towards their teachers through creative letter writing and meaningful activities.

The two-day event saw participants indulge in various activities designed to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions of teachers. Attendees wrote letters to their favourite teachers, crafted personalized bookmarks, and engaged in magnet design and letter colouring sessions.

A special highlight of the celebration was the signature analysis session conducted by Nidhi Gupta, a renowned calligraphist and handwriting expert.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Abhishek Bansal, Executive Director of Pacific Group, said, “The value of teachers in shaping our lives is immeasurable, and this event was a heartfelt tribute to their notable contributions. Through creative and meaningful activities, we aimed to provide visitors with a platform to express their gratitude and acknowledge teachers’ profound impact on our lives.”

As a special gesture, each participant received a special magnet, beautifully designed with a Teacher’s Day theme, to appreciate their participation in the event. The atmosphere was filled with creativity, joy, and a strong sense of community as everyone came together to celebrate the spirit of teaching.