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Bengaluru, October 16, 2024: iBus Network, a leader in digital infrastructure and connectivity solutions, has officially launched its innovative “Living Networks” campaign at the prestigious India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024. As a Silver Partner at this premier event, iBus is set to showcase its advanced suite of connectivity solutions designed to revolutionize the way businesses, industries, and public spaces optimize their digital infrastructure. The Living Networks campaign reflects iBus’s commitment to creating intelligent, seamless, and adaptive ecosystems that meet the growing demands of modern enterprises and smart cities.

This campaign highlights iBus’s cutting-edge networking solutions, including In-Building Solutions (IBS), Small Cells, and Managed Wi-Fi, which provide future-proof infrastructure across various sectors, from healthcare to retail and commercial real estate. iBus is at the forefront of integrating mobile, Wi-Fi, and IoT solutions into one unified platform, which significantly enhances operational efficiency and reduces costs by up to 30%. By ensuring 99.9% uptime and extensive mobile and Wi-Fi coverage, iBus addresses the connectivity needs of high-traffic environments, including malls, hospitals, and office complexes, with unmatched reliability.

At IMC 2024, iBus is unveiling its Integrated Infratech Solutions, designed to transform fragmented systems into fully connected digital hubs. The company’s Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and Small Cell technologies eliminate dead zones, offering consistent signal strength even in challenging areas such as basements, elevators, and parking lots. These solutions support all major telecom operators, positioning iBus as a neutral host that caters to diverse connectivity needs. Additionally, iBus’s Managed Wi-Fi services deliver ultra-fast, secure internet access, making them an ideal solution for sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, and retail.

The Living Networks campaign also emphasizes iBus’s focus on sustainability, with the Intelligent Building Operating System (iBOS) driving up to 30% in energy savings through smart energy management. By monitoring over 850 data points per minute, iBus enhances building efficiency, ensuring better air quality and reduced operational costs.

“As we launch our Living Networks campaign at IMC 2024, we’re showcasing our vision of creating dynamic, intelligent connectivity solutions that not only meet today’s demands but also anticipate tomorrow’s challenges,” said Ram Sellaratnam, Group CEO and Managing Director of iBus Network. “With connectivity playing a central role in digital transformation, we are proud to offer solutions that enable businesses to thrive in an increasingly connected world.”

As India’s telecom sector continues to evolve, iBus Network’s Living Networks campaign is a testament to its leadership in digital infrastructure. The company’s participation at IMC 2024 underscores its pivotal role in driving innovation and delivering scalable, reliable, and cost-effective connectivity solutions to industries across India and beyond.

Bangalore, 16^th October 2024 – As the festive season approaches, Curefoods, India’s leading F&B house of brands, is set to make waves with a series of exciting initiatives and significant milestones across its flagship brands—EatFit, Olio, CakeZone, and Sharief Bhai. With a focus on indulgence, partnerships, and fresh brand ambassadors, Curefoods is positioned to captivate its audience this Diwali.

Olio and CakeZone – A Rapid Expansion Milestone

Olio and CakeZone have achieved a significant milestone, expanding to 150 stores across India. This growth reflects the increasing demand for both brands, with Olio offering a unique pizza experience and CakeZone becoming a go-to destination for desserts. Their expansion highlights the growing popularity of Curefoods’ offerings, as the brands continue to establish a strong presence in multiple cities, catering to a diverse and expanding customer base nationwide.

Sharief Bhai – Authentic Dakhni Biryani Goes Big

Sharief Bhai, celebrated for its authentic Dakhni-style biryani, has reached a significant milestone of 50 stores across key regions in India. Building on this momentum, the brand is also expanding internationally with its first store opening in Dubai, bringing the rich flavors of Dakhni cuisine to a global audience. This festive season, Sharief Bhai is launching an exciting collaboration with Bigg Boss Kannada and Bigg Boss Tamil under the campaign “Yeh hai Dakhni Style Boss.” The high-profile partnership will feature branded visuals, banners, and social media amplification during the show’s most-watched moments, enhancing the brand’s visibility during the festive season.

Gokul Kandhi, Chief Business Officer, Curefoods, said, “This festive season is an exciting time for Curefoods as we continue to witness tremendous growth across all our brands. The festive period is a significant moment for us to launch innovative campaigns and strengthen our connection with customers through memorable food experiences. Our focus remains on delivering quality and authenticity while expanding our reach both in India and internationally. We’re proud of the milestones we’ve achieved this year and look forward to making this festive season even more special for our customers as Curefoods continues to grow as a trusted and loved brand.”

CakeZone Welcomes Palak Tiwari

CakeZone is set to captivate a younger audience this festive season by announcing actress Palak Tiwari as its new brand ambassador. Known for her vibrant personality, Palak will headline CakeZone’s festive campaign “With Love, Palak,” which introduces a special range of curated hampers featuring her favorite desserts. Palak’s association with CakeZone promises to elevate the brand’s visibility and appeal during this joyous time of year.

EatFit – A Playful Festive Campaign

EatFit is joining the festive spirit with a unique twist on indulgence. The Diwali campaign, titled “This Diwali – Don’t EatFit”, encourages customers to indulge guilt-free during the celebrations. Following Diwali, the narrative will shift to “Why EatFit after Diwali”, promoting the brand’s healthier options as people reset their routines. The campaign will run across various channels including social media, meme pages, Jio Saavn, and print ads, providing a fun yet thoughtful approach to festive eating.

A Season of Growth and Celebration

Through these milestones and festive campaigns, Curefoods continues to cement its position as a leader in the cloud kitchen space. From major store expansions to innovative brand partnerships, the company is ready to celebrate this festive season with its customers.

Pune, India | October 16, 2024: Mastercard today announced the inauguration of a new, state-of-the-art Tech Hub in Pune, which will support the company’s growth in India and play a crucial role in advancing its technology on a global scale. Spread over nearly half a million square meters, the campus in Pune is the latest addition to Mastercard’s global Tech Hub ecosystem which spans seven locations, including Arlington, Dublin, New York, Pune, St. Louis, Sydney and Vancouver.

Located at Bluegrass Business Park in Yerwada, Pune, the Tech Hub will house over 6,000 technologists, engineers and experts from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, ranging from software development to finance, data architecture to cybersecurity and beyond, making it Mastercard’s largest workforce in a single city, globally.

With an established presence in India for over four decades, today, Mastercard operates at the center of a thriving payments ecosystem that makes commerce in the country smarter, safer, and more inclusive. In 2014, Mastercard established its first India Tech Hub in Pune, starting with a small workforce which has grown manifold over the past decade, demonstrating the company’s substantial investment in the local workforce and economy. Today, the Pune Tech Hub plays a crucial role in supporting Mastercard’s vital global operations across payment safety, cybersecurity, fraud detection, and digital identity.

Ed McLaughlin, President & Chief Technology Officer, Mastercard, said: “We are thrilled to open the doors to our new Tech Hub in Pune which will play a pivotal part in Mastercard’s global technology strategy. As one of the key nodes for our technology operations worldwide, the new Pune Tech Hub will collaborate with other hubs around the world to build the revolutionary technologies that shape our world, powering economies to make everyday life happen. It also serves as a testament to Mastercard’s enduring commitment to empowering India, furthering its digital ambitions, and nurturing the immense talent in the country.”

The launch of Mastercard’s new campus will support several goals within the government’s “Viksit Bharat” vision, which seeks to transform India into a fully developed, technologically advanced economy by 2047—the 100th anniversary of the country’s independence. Already, the Pune workforce has been supporting the way in delivering technological solutions for India’s domestic market. Key initiatives include the financial inclusion platform Community Pass, the global pilot launch of the Payment Passkey Service in India which integrates biometrics and tokenization for secure online checkout, and its role as an authorized Authentication Service Agency, enabling banking and government partners to offer Aadhaar-based services and benefits.

Gautam Aggarwal, Division President, South Asia, Mastercard, said: “India remains a strategic location for Mastercard, where we are deeply committed to investing in technologies that help the digital economy work all across the continent. Our newest Tech Hub in Pune marks a significant milestone, demonstrating Mastercard’s focus on growth in this market. With a strong team in India supporting global technological breakthroughs, we look forward to building on the work to achieve the Government of India’s ambitious digitization goals, alongside our valued partners in the region.”

At the Pune Tech Hub, Mastercard employees collaborate to address some of the most complex technological challenges facing the world today, ensuring the reliability of critical infrastructure for secure, seamless, and efficient payments globally. The new facility aims to deepen collaboration between Mastercard’s global teams and the vibrant Indian technology ecosystem.

I wanted to bring to your attention the exciting news that Gargi, the fashion jewellery line from the house of P N Gadgil & Sons (PNGS), expands its presence with the launch of its sixth store in Thane, enhancing its retail footprint. The new outlet offers an immersive shopping experience, catering to Thane’s blend of urban sophistication and cultural heritage. Co-founder Aditya Modak expressed excitement, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to bringing high-quality, stylish jewellery to local customers while continuing its rapid growth and expansion.

Gargi continues to strengthen its presence in the jewellery market with this latest addition, bringing its distinctive blend of contemporary and traditional designs to a broader audience. The new store will feature a wide array of collections, from everyday wear to festive and statement pieces, designed to cater to the tastes of both modern and traditional customers. As the brand expands, Gargi remains committed to maintaining its hallmark quality and craftsmanship, ensuring that each piece reflects the elegance that PNGS is renowned for.

Please find attached the detailed press release and images for your kind perusal. We would appreciate it if you could carry the same in your esteemed media.

We can arrange an interview with Mr. Aditya Modak,co-founder of Gargi by P N Gadgil & Sons, who can provide more details about the brand’s vision, mission, and expansion plans.

New Delhi, 16 October, 2024: Seeking to inculcate the importance of healthy habits among students and encourage widespread behaviour change in hygiene practices through handwashing, ASSOCHAM Foundation for Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR), the social arm of ASSOCHAM, organised an awareness drive across New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) schools here on the occasion of ‘Global Handwashing Day’.

Supported by hygiene brand Savlon and covering nearly 28,000 students across 43 NDMC schools, AFSCR conducted the programme in a hub and spoke model in which a mega activity was organised at Atal Aadarsh Bengali Balika Vidayalya, Gole Market and parallel activities were carried out in other NDMC schools.

The initiative complements the various government initiatives transforming the critical water, sanitation and hygiene sector.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairperson, ASSOCHAM National CSR Council, said, “There is an old saying that good habits formed at a young age make all the difference. I believe that on this global handwashing day, the youth have to understand, incorporate and disseminate information on the importance of handwashing. Every year about 1.8 million children under the age of 5 die from diarrheal diseases and pneumonia that are attributed to poor hand hygiene, and therefore, it is my firm conviction that the incorporation of this habit in our daily routine will go a long way in leading a healthy and productive life at an individual level, along with creating a high performing society that will increasingly contribute towards nation building.”

Shri Pramod Kumar, Academic Consultant, New Delhi Municipal Council, (NDMC), said, “Awareness and behaviour formation from an early age has a multiplying effect on the potential benefits and impact on human lives. Today’s event not only highlights the importance of handwashing, it also delivers valuable lessons on the impact of personal hygiene on public health and betterment. Initiatives such as this will surely have a positive impact on the future of the children and also of the society in general.”

Mr. Deepak Sood, Secretary General, ASSOCHAM, said, “Handwashing promotes overall hygiene and is a simple yet highly cost-effective way to promote personal and public health. Today’s event is held to commemorate the Global Handwashing Day and to support the various initiatives launched by the government to promote public health. Initiatives such as this can go a long way in reinforcing the need for better hygiene and the vital role of clean hands in saving lives and promoting public health.”

Bengaluru, 15^th October, 2024 –The Board of Directors of HDFC Life approved and adopted the reviewed standalone and consolidated financial results for half year ended September 30, 2024. The Company delivered healthy performance across all metrics, maintaining positive momentum.

 Performance Highlights:

• Topline Growth: Delivered strong new business premium (individual APE) growth of 31%, supported by a 22% increase in number of policies sold and a balanced product mix

• Market Share: Private sector market share (individual WRP) expanded by 60 bps to 16.3%. Overall market share touched a new peak of 11%

• Value of New Business (VNB) grew by 17.4% to  reflecting focus on writing profitable business

• Assets under Management (AUM): AUM stood at  as on 30^th September 2024, an increase of 23% in H1 FY25

• Persistency: 13^th and 61^st month persistency ratios improved to 88% and 60% respectively, marking a material increase of 120 basis points and 730 basis points respectively versus the previous year, underscoring the company’s ability to engage with and retain customers

• Embedded Value (EV) crossed the milestone during the quarter, with 16.0% operating return on EV, showcasing sustained long-term value creation for both policyholders and shareholders

• Profit After Tax (PAT) of was achieved in H1 FY25, clocking a steady growth of 15% year-on-year

• Solvency Ratio stood at 181%, comfortably above the regulatory threshold of 150%. Post the subordinated debt raise of Rs 1,000 crore on 9^th October 2024, solvency stood at 192%.

• HDFC Pension Fund Management is HDFC Life’s wholly-owned subsidiary and India’s largest private pension fund manager. It achieved a significant milestone in H1 FY25, by crossingin Assets under Management

• Employee Focus: We were recognised for our inclusivity and employee-friendly policies, being awarded the Best Companies for Women in India 2024 in the BFSI sector and Exemplar of Inclusion (Most Inclusive Companies India 2024) by Avtar & Seramount

CEO’s Statement:

Vibha Padalkar, Managing Director and CEO of HDFC Life, commented: “The private sector and overall industry continued its strong momentum in Q2, growing in H1FY25 by 24% and 21% respectively on an individual weighted received premium basis. We have outperformed the private sector by growing at 28% during this period and 19% on a 2 year CAGR basis. We registered an increase of 22% in the number of policies, which was significantly ahead of the private sector growth of 13%. We experienced secular growth trends across Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 geographies.

On the regulatory front, we have successfully relaunched more than 40 top products contributing to about 95% of the business, in alignment with revised regulations as on October 1, 2024 and we plan to relaunch other products during the course of the quarter. We are thankful to the regulator in allowing us an additional time of three months for transitioning to the new product regulations.

Furthermore, we are happy to inform that HDFC Life continues to be recognised for its commitment to sustainability and responsible governance. HDFC Life’s S&P Global ESG score saw an improvement of over 20% versus last year and we continue to be rated well amongst regional insurers. Our MSCI ESG Rating has also been upgraded to ‘A’.

We remain focused on driving sustainable growth and strengthening our leadership across key segments. We will continue to invest in customer-centric innovations to ensure we meet evolving needs and remain resilient in a dynamic market. We are confident in our ability to deliver long-term value for our stakeholders, whilst adapting to the evolving market landscape with agility and resilience.”

It is not often that the singularity of art also speaks a language of concern and care, that the enchantment of the forest evokes a nostalgia for harmony spurring the viewer to a deeper awareness. This is the uniqueness of Kavita Chopra Dikshit’s solo exhibition, Enchanted Forests curated by Jyoti A Kathpalia.

The exhibition showcases Kavita’s recent works rendered in oil on canvas. The works are mesmerising evocations of the plenitude of forests and the people who live there in natural harmony. The experience of forests was an integral part of Kavita’s growing up years in Gomia, Jharkhand surrounded as it was by forests, river and hills. Inspired by the memories of the town, Kavita made a photobook on Gomia, and this exhibition is her tribute to the forests which were an integral part of her childhood. Kavita’s art carries the rhythms of her own life and the deeper rhythms of nature, of the mother earth in its glorious profusion, a profusion that holds humanity in its embrace whether one chooses to believe or not, and sings the song of enchantment.

Sunfeast Marie Light has partnered with actress Jyothika to promote the StrongTeamNameplate initiative. The campaign encourages couples to proudly display both partners’ names on their house nameplates, symbolizing equality and shared recognition in relationships.

A recent brand survey revealed that two-thirds of households in India do not showcase both partners’ names. By highlighting this disparity, Sunfeast aims to make a difference with this simple but meaningful change.

Jyothika, in her latest Instagram post, shared how she and her family adopted this practice a decade ago. She proudly changed the nameplate of her own house and through her Instagram post has encouraged others to follow suit.

Her post reads: “Marriage is truly a companionship. Wherein a man builds the house and the woman makes it home… Proud to share the name plates of our close friends and family and ‘Ours’ who made this change a decade ago. StrongTeamNameplate initiative by @sunfeastmarielight. Take the pledge now! MarieLightStrongTeam #SunfeastMarieLight.”

Led by CEO Sharad Mehra, Curious Eyes Cinema brought its innovative approach to life, with lead actors Saachi Bindra and Vyom Yadav gracing the stage to share insights into their roles and the film’s narrative. The movie, which also stars Kumud Mishra, Charu Shankar, and Vinay Pathak, is a powerful story about discovering one’s purpose and passion, promising to resonate with a broad audience.

Says Sanjay Tripathi, the director of MKK, “The movie is about a young couple as they navigate the pivotal moments of their coming of age. The story is impactful, relevant and will strike a chord, particularly with young adults searching for their own path in life.” The movie will have a theatrical release, both in India and overseas.

With music by Lalit Pandit and lyrics by Javed Akhtar, the film promises an emotional journey. Scripted by Saurabh Gupta, the movie weaves together heartwarming moments and thought-provoking themes, offering an exciting glimpse into what is sure to be a captivating release.

The event drew a select audience of industry insiders, media representatives, and special guests, all eager to see Curious Eyes Cinema’s latest project. The exclusive preview highlighted the production house’s vision for bold and emotionally resonant films that leave a lasting impact on viewers.

The success of the event further cemented Curious Eyes Cinema as a rising force in the film industry, known for delivering exceptional cinematic experiences with both heart and artistry.

Sun Neo, the Hindi GEC channel of Sun TV Network, is excited to bring a new show to entertain its viewers: the Hindi-dubbed show ‘Constable Manju’. Originally aired on Sun Marathi, this captivating series follows the journey of a timid girl, Manju, whose father, a constable, died in the line of duty. Taking up her father’s mantle, Manju embarks on a path filled with challenges and unexpected twists, particularly with Satya, an unruly character who is the right-hand man of an MLA. Their lives become intertwined through an unavoidable marriage, leading to a heartwarming love story. Constable Manju is set to premiere on Sun Neo on October 15, 2024, airing from Monday to Saturday at 10 PM.

Constable Manju stars Monica Rathi as Manju, a young woman whose determination to honour her father’s legacy drives her to become a constable. Vaibhav Kadam portrays Satya, whose rough exterior hides a heart waiting to be touched by love. The show also features talented actors such as Vidya Sawale, Priya Karmarkar, Sanika Jadhav, Beena Siddharth, Kalyani Sonone, Shreyas Vaidya, Milind Shinde, and Shivraj Nale.

Monica Rathi, who plays the lead role of Manju, shared her excitement: “After our success with the Marathi version, I’m incredibly grateful that Constable Manju is being dubbed in Hindi. This show is more than just a story; it’s a tribute to all the unsung heroes, especially the women who step into roles of responsibility. I believe our journey will resonate with many, and I can’t wait to reach new audiences on Sun Neo. I’m excited to entertain people beyond boundaries and share this beautiful tale of courage and love.”

Vaibhav Kadam, who portrays Satya, expressed his heartfelt emotions: “This show has truly changed our lives. The love and support we’ve received have been overwhelming, and I’m deeply honoured that our story is now being shared in Hindi on Sun Neo. It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about connecting with viewers and touching their hearts. I hope our journey inspires others to embrace love and face challenges head-on. A huge thank you to Sun Marathi and Sun Neo for giving us this incredible opportunity to showcase our talents and spread our horizons. Together, let’s create a story that lingers in the hearts of our audience long after the last episode airs.”