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Kolkata, October 18, 2024 – “Fortune Foods , one of India’s largest food and FMCG Brands, launched a heart-warming campaign, Sobar Pujo (Everyone’s Pujo)” FortuneSobarPujo initiative this Durga Puja to ensure that the festival’s spirit of togetherness reaches everyone, including those who might otherwise miss out on the celebrations. Launched in Kolkata-West Bengal, the initiative aimed to make Durga Puja accessible to all, creating an inclusive experience for those who face challenges in visiting the festive pandals.

Recognizing that not everyone is able to participate in Durga Puja celebrations, Fortune Foods made it their mission to bring the joy of the festival to everyone through a heart-warming initiative. Over three days – October 7th, 10th, and 11th – Fortune Foods presented Durga Bhog to more than 500 residents of old age homes and orphanages NGOs like Development Association Society, Child Activity Centre, DRCSE (Development Research Communication & Service Centre) and Universal Smile across (Kolkata West Bengal), to name a few.

Additionally, the company made special arrangements for those who were unable to visit the pandals due to health or mobility challenges by facilitating easy access in the pandals as well as special darshans / VIP darshans thereby giving them the opportunity to experience the magic of pandal-hopping, one of the highlights of the Puja season trough Fortune Branded Buses.

Mr. Mukesh Mishra Senior Vice President Marketing & Sales, Adani Wilmar  said, “Durga Puja is a festival that brings people together, but due to various circumstances, there could be a possibility of people missing out on the joy of shared celebrations during the festival. Through our Sobar Pujo FortuneSobarPujo initiative, we were able to bring the joy of Bhog to residents of old age homes and orphanages NGOs and enable individuals to experience the festival. We are astounded by the response from Bengal and look forward to continuing our efforts to ensure that no one is left out of celebrations in the future.”

For many individuals in old age homes and orphanages, visiting the vibrant Durga Puja pandals seemed an unattainable aspiration. Health challenges, mobility limitations, and lack of resources restricted them from partaking in the festival’s joyous celebrations. However, through Fortune Foods’s support, the essence of the festival was brought to them, allowing them to experience love and devotion of Maa Durga.

In order to further engage with a wider audience, Fortune Foods also extended the initiative to digital platforms. A contest was launched on social media, inviting people from across Bengal to share images and videos of their efforts to make Durga Puja a celebration for all. The top three entries will be featured on Fortune Foods’s social media platforms, amplifying the message of inclusivity.

Through this initiative, Fortune Foods not only enhanced the festive experience for many but also demonstrated their commitment to community, making Durga Puja a festival for all.

Hyderabad, 18th October 2024: EKA Mobility (Pinnacle Mobility Solutions Pvt. Ltd.), a leading electric vehicle manufacturer has achieved another significant milestone with a new order from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) for supplying 250 electric buses. The deployment of these 250 e-buses aligns with NMC’s mission to provide citizens with an efficient, eco-friendly, and reliable public transportation network. The fleet will serve major routes across the city, enhancing the quality of public transport while significantly lowering operational costs and emissions.

The contract for this service was awarded to Hansa Vahan India Private Limited, formerly known as M/s Hansa Travels, which has partnered with EKA Mobility. EKA Mobility will manufacture and supply the 12-meter, air-conditioned e-buses to Hansa Travels. Additionally, EKA Mobility will also undertake an annual maintenance contract for the entire duration of the operation. Each bus offers a seating capacity for 41 passengers and a standing capacity for an additional 24 commuters.

Speaking about the development, Mr. Rohit Srivastava, Chief Growth Officer, EKA Mobility said, “This partnership with Nagpur Municipal Corporation marks another critical step towards India’s transition to clean energy mobility. We are thrilled to be a part of Nagpur’s journey toward becoming one of India’s most sustainable cities. This order is also a testament to EKA Mobility’s growing presence and leadership in the electric vehicle market. With a vision to make public transportation more sustainable and accessible, we will continue to provide green mobility solutions to cities across India, helping them meet their clean energy targets.”

EKA, with Mitsui Co., Ltd. (Japan) and VDL Groep (Netherlands) as equity partners, has deployed its e-buses in Delhi as UBER shuttles at the airport and #UBERReads, as well as at Pune International Airport. The brand also has a strategic partnership with Swedish furniture retailer IKEA for supplying electric delivery vans in India.

EKA Mobility’s e-buses combine cutting-edge technology with operational efficiency, offering a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to traditional diesel buses. These zero-emission vehicles not only help mitigate air pollution but also reduce urban smog, making them ideal for large-scale deployment in city environments. EKA’s innovative, asset-light approach to electric mobility is designed to meet the needs of modern cities aiming for sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

New Delhi, 18th October 2024: The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) India organised SHRM HR Excellence Awards Ceremony on 17th October 2024 in New Delhi to recognise organisations that put people first, deliver future-focused excellence in the field of People Management and understand the importance of human capital as a key contributor to business outcomes.

NTPC was the proud recipient of 4 awards in the “PSE Category” of these coveted awards.

Shri Anil Kumar Jadli, Director (HR) along with other senior officials received the awards on behalf of NTPC.

NTPC won the maximum number of 4 awards at the SHRM Awards in the PSE category.

NTPC bagged the following Awards:

• “WINNER” – Excellence in Developing Emerging Leaders
• “WINNER” – Excellence in Benefits and Wellness
• “1st Runner Up” – Excellence in Learning & Development
• “1st Runner Up” – Excellence in Community Impact

The SHRM HR Excellence Awards honour the pioneering initiatives and are evaluated by an eminent Jury. The awards are an outcome of NTPC’s “People before PLF” approach which is the guiding philosophy behind the entire gamut of HR policies at NTPC.

Mumbai/Bangalore, 18th October 2024 – Acer, one of the leading PC brands in India, announced the launch of the Nitro V 16 with Intel Processors, a high-performance laptop engineered to cater to gamers and content creators alike. Designed to elevate productivity and gaming experiences, the Nitro V 16 is powered by Intel’s latest 14th Gen Core™ i7 14650HX, and i5 14450HX processors, ideal for users who demand peak performance, speed, and versatility. These processors offer enhanced power efficiency and faster processing speeds, ensuring smooth multitasking and responsiveness, even during the most demanding tasks. In a sleek design update, the Nitro V 16 now features its logo prominently at the center of the cover, replacing the older models’ logo placement at the top edge.

The Nitro V 16 features a 16-inch WUXGA display with IPS technology, offering vibrant colors and superior viewing angles. The 165 Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, ideal for fast-paced gaming, while the ComfyView™ LED-backlit TFT LCD minimizes glare, enhancing the visual experience in various lighting environments. Equipped with an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 graphics card with 6GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM, the Nitro V 16 delivers seamless performance for both gaming and intensive content creation tasks, making it a versatile machine for creators and gamers alike.

Sleek and ultra-slim in design, the Nitro V 16 balances style and functionality. It features a full-size numeric keypad with Amber backlighting for comfortable gaming in low-light environments, and a multi-gesture touchpad to boost productivity. Weighing just 2.5 kg, it remains portable without compromising performance. The laptop also provides enhanced security with the MSFT Pluton Security Processor for firmware TPM solutions and a Kensington lock slot for added physical protection. Pre-installed with Windows 11 Home, the device ensures a seamless and modern user experience, supported by its 512 GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD for fast load times.

The Nitro V 16 comes with Acer Purified Voice Technology, which utilizes AI noise reduction through a 3-microphone array. This sophisticated system includes an Advanced Privacy Mode, delivering far-field voice capture, dynamic noise reduction, and adaptive beamforming for clear communication. It also features personal and conference call modes for flexible use. Additionally, the laptop is Copilot-compatible and incorporates Acer TrueHarmony technology, offering improved audio quality with reduced distortion, a broader frequency range, and rich, headphone-like sound.

The Nitro V 16’s connectivity options are robust, with multiple ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, HDMI® 2.1, Thunderbolt 4, and Ethernet (RJ-45). It allows gamers to connect to a variety of peripherals and accessories seamlessly. Additionally, the device supports Wi-Fi 6, ensuring fast and stable internet connectivity for online gaming and streaming.

Delhi, India, October 18, 2024: Ahead of the festive season, Signify, (Euronext: LIGHT) the world leader in lighting, unveiled its new television commercial (TVC) starring their brand ambassador, the Indian cricket legend, Rahul Dravid. The campaign highlights Signify’s commitment to innovation, leadership excellence, tradition, festivities and the partnership with Rahul Dravid who seamlessly embodies the same spirit.

Focused on bringing in real life impact through the power of light, the high-energy TVC ‘Hum raaton mein sooraj ugaate hain’ showcases Rahul Dravid in various real-life scenarios, illuminating the lives of people across different walks of life. From illuminating a bustling rooftop party to guiding a young hockey player in a stadium to making roads brighter and safer at night, Dravid’s presence symbolizes Signify’s dedication to bringing light and joy into every corner of life.

Power packed with an energetic exclusive anthem the entire TVC revolves around the themes of customer centricity, leadership, product excellence, safety, energy-efficiency, and innovative lighting solutions. The campaign aims to inspire consumers to make choices that enhance their day-to-day lives through the power of light, contributing to a brighter and sustainable future.

Commenting on the launch of the power packed campaign launch Sumit Joshi, CEO & MD – Signify, Greater India, remarked “At Signify, we are committed to the well-being of our consumers, and with Rahul Dravid as our new ambassador, we are thrilled and confident that we will deepen the trust of millions of households. His unwavering commitment to excellence, his passion for the game, and his ability to inspire millions resonate deeply with our brand values. This TVC beautifully captures the power of light to illuminate not just spaces, but also lives and dreams across India.”

Highlighting the strategy behind the partnership for the campaign, Nikhil Gupta, Head of Marketing, Strategy, Govt. Affairs & CSR – Signify, Greater India, said, “In today’s rapidly evolving lighting industry, Signify has consistently believed in pushing the boundaries of innovation. Our partnership with Rahul reinforces and our vision to creating a brighter future through cutting-edge lighting solutions. We are excited to bring this campaign ahead of the festival season in India as a celebration of the transformative power of light and how it can empower individuals and communities. Looking forward to seeing the phenomenal response from our customers as they continue to shower us with their trust, love and appreciation.”

Rahul Dravid, Former Captain and Coach of the Indian National Cricket Team, reflecting on the partnership, said “I’m honored to be a part of the Signify family, Signify’s commitment to innovation, consumer well-being and sustainability resonates deeply with me on and off the field. This TVC showcases the incredible impact that light can have on our daily experiences, and I am glad to be a part of this journey contributing to Signify’s mission to illuminate the world sustainably.”

Noida, October 18 2024: Voltas Limited, India’s No. 1 AC & Refrigeration company, from the house of Tata’s, announced its participation in the recent edition of World Ice-Cream Expo 2024. Voltas will be showcasing its cutting-edge, energy efficient Commercial Refrigeration products at World of Ice-Cream Expo 2024.

The highly anticipated event, organized by the Small Scale Ice Cream Manufacturers Association of India (SSICMAI), is taking place from October 17^th to 19^th, 2024. This premier event will spotlight the evolving landscape of the Indian ice cream industry and will bring together industry experts, prominent ice cream manufacturers, and machinery suppliers from across the nation, creating an unparalleled platform for small traders to elevate their businesses and navigate the booming market. As the industry is expected to continue its upward trajectory, the expo aims to harness this potential by showcasing innovative products, technologies, and practices that will pave the way for new business opportunities and employment prospects.

Speaking on the participation at the event, Mr. Pradeep Bakshi, Managing Director & CEO of Voltas Ltd, said, “We are delighted to be the Lead Sponsors of this exhibition and participating at World of Ice-Cream Expo 2024. We will be launching one of our new convertible chest freezer tomorrow in the exhibition, which will be an industry first. This new convertible chest freezer is manufactured at our  Waghodia plant and has a storage volume of 345 litres. This will be a 5 star rated model with seamless cabinet which comes with a single joint for better durability.” He added, “Our commercial refrigeration products are amongst the most trusted products used by prominent players operating in the category and is trusted for its superior quality. Through this expo, we aim to have fruitful conversations and grow our business while engaging with new as well as existing customers from the industry. We are committed to strengthen our relationship with partners across India and will use this as a platform.”

With a strong focus on innovation, quality, energy efficiency and sustainability, Voltas is committed to develop more products, boost its market presence further and penetrate across geographies while being at the forefront of technological advancements in the Commercial Refrigeration category. The wide range of Voltas’ Commercial Refrigeration products are showcased at Stall No. 18, Hall B, International Trade Expo Centre Limited, at Noida from October 17th to 19th 2024.

18th October 2024: The Akshaya Patra Foundation (TAPF) and the Trans Disciplinary University of Health Sciences and Technology (TDU) have entered into a strategic collaboration aimed at addressing India’s “hidden hunger” and enhancing nutrition for millions of children. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed on October 5, 2024, and was unveiled during the Smart Protein Forum 2024, underscoring the profound impact this partnership will have on public feeding programs across India.

This MoU represents a pivotal step towards enhancing the health and well-being of schoolchildren, with a focus on innovative product development, research, and policy advocacy. The partnership combines Akshaya Patra’s extensive reach in delivering mid-day meals to millions of children across India with TDU’s expertise in nutrition and health sciences.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Dr. Atul K. Gupta, Registrar & CFO of TDU, and Mr. Saanil Bhaskaran, Chief Operating Officer of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, signifying the beginning of a profound collaboration in tackling nutrition challenges in India’s public health and education systems.

The partnership will focus on creating cost-effective, protein-rich meals using plant-based proteins like soy and rice, with an emphasis on long shelf life and reduced operational costs. Additionally, it will analyze and enhance the nutritional value of meals to improve nutrient absorption while prioritizing sustainable ingredients such as millets. The collaboration will support policy improvements aimed at integrating nutrient-dense, cost-effective ingredients into public feeding programs like the PM POSHAN Scheme. Furthermore, workshops and training sessions will be conducted, along with the creation of school gardens, to raise awareness and share best practices on sustainable nutrition.

By incorporating nutrient-dense ingredients like plant proteins and millets, the collaboration will not only improve the nutritional value of meals but also contribute to the overall sustainability of public feeding initiatives. Additionally, efforts to create food gardens at schools and kitchens will foster greater awareness of nutrition and sustainability among children and communities.
As both organizations continue their journey toward promoting nutrition and education, as well as improving public health, this MoU serves as a beacon of innovation and commitment to addressing India’s hidden hunger.

Bengaluru, 18th October 2024: India Yamaha Motor (IYM) has achieved a significant milestone by establishing 400 Blue Square showrooms nationwide, adding 100 new outlets in just the past six months. This rapid expansion underscores Yamaha’s ongoing commitment to delivering an unmatched customer-centric experience. By bringing its premium two-wheeler offerings closer to customers, particularly in India’s rapidly growing tier-2 and tier-3 cities, Yamaha is catering to the rising aspirations of its consumers across the country.

Since the launch of ‘The Call of The Blue’ brand campaign in 2018, Yamaha has focused on bringing its premium offerings closer to customers and building stronger connections. The introduction of Blue Square showrooms in 2019 has been instrumental in creating an exclusive environment that reflects Yamaha’s racing DNA and caters to the growing demand for performance-oriented products.

Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Eishin Chihana, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies, said, “Crossing the milestone of 400 Blue Square showrooms reflects our continuous effort to be closer to our customers, especially in India’s fast-growing tier-2 and tier-3 cities. We recognize the growing aspirations of customers across the country, and we are here to cater to those ambitions by offering a premium, personalized experience through our Blue Square outlets. These spaces are not just retail touchpoints—they are where customers can truly immerse themselves in the Yamaha world and explore our products in an environment designed for them. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dealer partners and customers for their continued trust and support in achieving this milestone.”

The design of Blue Square showrooms caters to the evolving needs and aspirations of today’s discerning customers. With dedicated zones for accessories, merchandise, and community engagement, these showrooms embody Yamaha’s philosophy of innovation, sportiness, and style. Each outlet serves as a hub for Yamaha’s ‘Blue Streaks’ rider community, enabling customers to participate in group rides and build connections with fellow enthusiasts.

The Blue Square network houses Yamaha’s most exciting products, including the track-oriented R3, street fighter MT-03, and the maxi-sport AEROX 155 scooter, alongside models equipped with advanced features like Traction Control System (TCS). Customers can also explore a range of other motorcycles and scooters, including the YZF-R15 V4, MT-15 V2, FZ-X, Fascino 125 FI Hybrid, and Ray ZR Street Rally 125 FI Hybrid, all designed to offer a thrilling riding experience with superior performance.

With 400 operational Blue Square outlets across India, Yamaha continues to expand its footprint, ensuring that more customers, especially in emerging regions, have access to its premium products and services.

Gurugram, October 2024: The Indian festival of Karwa Chauth is more than just fasting; it’s a celebration of love and devotion. As the day draws to an end, there’s no better way to break the fast than with a sumptuous meal. This year, The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences invites you to elevate your Karwa Chauth experience to new heights.

Diya, the classic Indian restaurant amidst the hotel, invites guests to a captivating Karwa Chauth celebration on October 20th. From 7 PM onwards, they can indulge in an evening of culinary delights with an exclusive buffet dinner. A complimentary welcome drink will be served as live Indian instrumental music fills the air. Priced at INR 4100 plus taxes per person, this four-hour event is set to be the highlight of the festival.

Experience the magic of Karwa Chauth under the stars at the beautiful poolside venue on October 20th. From 7 PM to 11 PM, enjoy a romantic five-course meal prepared at live kitchens, where each dish is crafted to suit discerning palates. Sip on unlimited mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages, beginning with a special welcome drink. The poolside will be adorned with elegant themed décor, creating the perfect setting for your celebration. For those seeking delicious concoctions, the a la carte bar will be available. Priced at INR 20,000 plus taxes per couple, this exclusive event promises an unforgettable evening of love, luxury, and indulgence.

The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences reveals two exceptional Karwa Chauth experiences, crafted to exceed all your expectations. Whether you prefer the sophisticated ambiance of Diya or a starlit evening by the poolside, each venue provides a unique mix of gourmet cuisine and entertainment. Enjoy a night of romance and tradition, curated to create lasting memories for you and your loved one.

E-commerce has become a catalyst for the growth of small and big businesses. With the proliferation of low-cost data and digitization, it has risen sharply within a decade. According to the Telecom regulatory authority of India’s The Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicators report, the total number of Internet Subscriber has increased from 936.16 million from December 2023 to 954.40 million at the end of March 2024, with a quarterly growth of 1.95 percent.

The Internet has given people the choice to become a consumer and owner of a small business simultaneously. With just a wifi connection one can open a business without hefty investment in logistics and fleet management.

Little did we know that the transition from a traditional market to e-commerce would provide consumer- choices and feasibility and now with the advent of faster technology it has created another revolution.

Technology has played a crucial part in filling another big gap in the industry which is going “hyperlocal”. It has given extraordinary power to small businesses to cater to their customers with utmost satisfaction, accuracy, and reliability as compared to big companies.

Hyperlocal services have been on the rise since they have created a sense of personalization and trust among consumers. Technology has enabled systems like GPS monitoring, live video streaming, live location tracking, and driver monitoring systems in order to aid small businesses in delivering hyperlocal services.

But you might wonder how a hyperlocal delivery management system works.

A hyperlocal delivery management system is a system wherein products are delivered within small geographical areas or communities. This delivery management system can act as a breakthrough in the supply and logistics chain of the hyperlocal market. They can help in digital onboarding and faster automation services.

Consider an example- your old grandparents need medicines urgently so by concentrating on a specific geographical area, these systems ensure that the medicines needed are dispatched from the nearby chemist shop, reducing delivery time. Adding benefit to this is when you can monitor the delivery boy through a GPS monitoring system.

How can technology aid in a Hyperlocal management system?

Small E-commerce platforms face many problems such as customer retention and satisfaction, higher competition from other big companies who exist with more resources, choosing the right logistic partner, and lastly, maintaining the security of the data.

With the immense growth of tech in automation services, key players in the market are felicitating small e-businesses with cost-effective and user-friendly services. The hyperlocal evolution in the market needs the technology that will aid in effective management.

With technology, small e-commerce services can be assimilated for instance, the live tracking system can help in managing delivery routes faster as compared to traditional monitoring systems, overseeing cash flow and maintaining records of all the cash on delivery system receipts digitally, timely delivery of products by automatically assigning the nearest shops to the delivery agent. Bewitching right? Well, this is the real beauty of technology, it can amalgamate resources so well that one can grow their business within a short period. In a nutshell, the secret sauce of hyperlocal success is technology.

As more businesses tap into the hyperlocal market with advanced tech it has become a new normal for everyone be it a consumer or the owner. It can eventually aid anyone whether you are running a grocery shop, bakery shop, or a chemist shop. It has become a means of surviving and thriving within a current market structure.

The ultimate winners of this hyperlocal market are consumers. Modern-day consumers need everything instantly to gratify their instant needs smaller e-commerce businesses need to take advantage of this by providing the best products within a specific time, this too can happen when the technology is used proficiently. Shifting consumer behavior has changed the traditional market norms, after covid 19, With more employees working from home, they have restricted their mobility due to working hours and their instant access to products has risen since regular visits to the market are difficult to manage, For hyperlocal players, this presents a significant opportunity to scale their business using faster technology.