All posts by Neel Achary

Shri Ashwani Kumar assumed the office of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UCO Bank on 01.06.2023. Prior to joining UCO Bank as MD & CEO, he was the Executive Director of Indian Bank.

Shri Ashwani Kumar is a Chartered Accountant, Post Graduate in Commerce, and also a certified member of the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance. He has more than two decades of rich experience in banking.

Shri Ashwani Kumar rose through the ranks serving in various Public Sector Banks such as Bank of Baroda, Corporation Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Punjab National Bank, and Indian Bank. His experience includes the Wholesale Banking Division and Head of several Branches including Industrial Finance Branches and Large Corporate Branches. As a General Manager, he was heading Mid Corporate and Large Corporate verticals. He has served as a Zonal Manager, heading various Zones, and also as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

As an avid learner, he has attended various training programs in premier institutes in India and abroad including IIM and CAFRAL. He has also completed the Leadership Development Programme of IIM Bangalore, curated by the Banks Board Bureau in consultation with IBA and Egon Zehnder International Pvt. Ltd.

 By Mr. Manish Bandlish, Managing Director, Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable Pvt. Ltd.

“On the occasion of World Environment Day, we remain committed to incorporate sustainable practices across our entire value chain. In our procurement operations, we are harnessing solar energy to power milk collection units at our milk pooling points in around 5,500 villages generating around 0.7 giga watt hours/year. In addition, we have installed solar plants at four of our processing facilities which have assisted us in generating over 9 lakh solar units alone in the last fiscal. As we progress, we are in the process of installing a solar plant at our facility in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra. We have also installed rainwater harvesting pits across all our processing/manufacturing locations. Moreover, our water recycling plants at Patparganj and Pilkhuwa plants, with a capacity of 6 lakh litres per day, have further assisted us in using water judiciously.

At the consumer level, our Token Milk assists us in preventing the generation of over 700MT of plastic per year. Besides, we have switched from plastic spoons & plastic straws to eco-friendly alternatives and are using clean fuel-based vehicles in our distribution fleet. We are also amongst the leading dairy companies to voluntarily undertake Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for plastic waste management beginning 2018. Currently the program is running across 27 states and so far we have collected and recycled/co-processed approx. 19,000MT of post-consumer used plastic waste till March 2023. With continuous execution of the EPR program, we are on track to become a plastic waste neutral company in FY24. At Mother Dairy, we are proud of the fact that sustainability is deeply embedded in our ethos, and we will continuously strive to imbibe responsible business practices wherever possible.”

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Thrissur: ESAF Small Finance Bank, one of the leading small finance banks in India, has crossed another milestone in its digital journey with the successful adoption of e-signature for microloan disbursals. As on March 31, 2023 (Fiscal Year 2022-23), ESAF Bank has disbursed over 5.27 lakh loans through e-signatures, showcasing ESAF Bank’s commitment to digital transformation. As per various online reports, approximately 10,000 trees are required to produce one tonne of paper. Through the adoption of e-signatures, ESAF Bank has effectively saved reams of paper, which would have been utilized for the purpose of loan disbursement, and documentation involving handwritten signatures, thereby reducing deforestation. Moreover, water productivity associated with paper production is notable, with 2,700 liters of water required to manufacture one tonne of paper. By reducing paper dependency, ESAF Bank has conserved a large quantity of water that would have been required for producing the paper.

ESAF Bank currently has a customer base of 65 lakh customers and a transition of 60% of its micro banking customers to using e-signatures, approximately 25 lakh micro banking loans, would have a positive impact on the environment through conservation of natural resources and reduction of carbon footprint. This initiative is in furtherance to the triple bottom line of ESAF Bank, especially when the relevance of environmental concerns is more visible with each passing year.

Commenting on the development, Kadambelil Paul Thomas, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, of ESAF Bank, said, “Our social business strategy is all about the 3 Ps – People, Planet and Prosperity. We are committed to reflecting the same in our processes and products. We have been implementing digital onboarding of our micro-banking customers through tabs. We aim to care for the future and are focused on building a culture that cares for a better tomorrow. I believe that the digitalization effort was a transition of our philosophy into practice.” He also added that the transition to e-signatures has improved productivity from an employee perspective and convenience from a customer perspective.

The Bank has also implemented solutions to automate and digitize internal processes. It has implemented an office automation tool that automates and digitizes all internal office notes sent for approval. Further, the Branch Operations department has devised a process to discontinue the printing of eight mandatory reports at branch locations. This measure saves thousands of sheets of paper per day across ESAF Bank’s extensive network of 700 branches. Additionally, the HR department of the bank has adopted digitization for e-on-boarding and Performance Management System (PMS) and has partnered with a technology company as well.

ESAF Bank has its corporate office Thrissur in Kerala. As of March 31, 2023, ESAF Bank has 700 branches, 777 customer service centers (which are operated by our business correspondents), 20 business correspondents, 2,023 banking agents, 481 business facilitators, and 528 ATMs.

5th June 2023  India’s homegrown Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) has launched the Paytm Summer Carnival through which users can win assured cashback on making select payments via Paytm UPI on the Paytm Super App from May 31-June 8. To win rewards, Paytm users need to make qualifying Paytm UPI transactions and collect stickers during the offer period.

Paytm Cashback Summer Special is an engaging, nostalgia-inducing summer-themed game that allows users to relish their summer moments by using Paytm UPI. To participate, users can pay via Paytm UPI by scanning & paying at shops, making household bill payments on Paytm App such as Electricity, Cable TV, DTH, Water, Rent, Gas, prepaid and postpaid mobile recharges, and adding money to Paytm Wallet. Users can win assured cashback upon collecting a set of stickers.

Paytm Payments Bank is the leader in UPI payments with the highest market share in merchant payments as the largest acquiring bank. It has remained the top UPI beneficiary bank for 22 months in a row, along with being one of the leading remitter banks.

Paytm Payments Bank Spokesperson said, “We continue to empower our users with superfast payments with Paytm UPI. With our successful Paytm UPI Lite feature which enables lightning-fast payments that never fail, we continue to promote greater mobile payments accessibility. Through the Paytm Cashback Summer Special, users get an opportunity to relish their summer moments and win guaranteed cashback upon making payments with Paytm UPI. The game is already a huge hit with an average of 12,000 stickers being issued every minute.”

New Delhi,5th June 2023FIITJEE is committed to each & every student and believes in handholding them in the entire journey to success and meeting their desired goals. FIITJEE knows exactly what it takes to get students closer to their academic goals. And the biggest proof is FIITJEE’s YOY consistently excellent results, which validate its dominance. FIITJEE Students have captured 5 in Top 20 and 25 in Top 100 All India Ranks in JEE Main 2023.

India’s premier coaching institute FIITJEE is conducting FIITJEE Talent Reward Exams on 11th June 2023 for class XII Pass Students aspiring for JEE Main & JEE Advanced 2024.

The exam will be conducted through both offline as well as online mode.

Preparing well for JEE is one thing but transforming knowledge & skills into success on the JEE day is another. Many students are not able to adopt and develop the right approach and proper examination temperament as they do not have the right feedback and training on their preparation.

Based on their FTRE performance, Students will get their Rank Potential Index (RPI) for JEE Main & JEE Advanced along with a deeper insight into what they need to do to reach their full potential. RPI is a crucial diagnostic tool that will help students know where they are compared to their peers & how they can bridge the gap between their current level of preparation and that required for success in JEE with full exploitation of their potential. Based on feedback and analytics of their answers marked in FTRE, Students will be able to plug loopholes and perform at their optimum level on the JEE Main & JEE Advanced day.

Students who are not satisfied with their performance in JEE Main Exam 2023 would like to know what went wrong in their performance and how they can improve. JEE marks do not give any analysis, which can help them in their future preparation. Also, there are other students who are still in dilemma for preparing for JEE Main & Advanced 2024, since they lack real feedback and analysis about their current level of preparedness and need for the guidance of experts thatcan tremendously help them reach their full potential.

It’s important for such students not to quit and grab the chance of doing well in JEE Main & Advanced 2024.

Keeping in consideration the needs of all such students, FIITJEE with its vast experience and expertise has designed the ‘FIITJEE Talent Reward Exam’ (FTRE) – a ‘Must’ attend platform for students to acquaint them with their true standing at the National level and their First step towards success in JEE Main & Advanced 2024.

The “FIITJEE Talent Reward Exam” (FTRE), helps test the potential of students for IITs and other engineering entrance examinations and offers the best guidance to students to nurture their potential to its highest level.

“It is a great accomplishment to clear IIT JEE successfully. However, those students who have not been so fortunate in realizing their dreams of securing marks as per their true potential in JEE Main 2023 or could not qualify, should not let this fear of failure cloud their minds with doubts. FIITJEE Talent Reward Exam has been designed with the intention to help students understand their current preparedness, gaps needed to fill to exploit their full potential and fulfill their ultimate dream of joining the prestigious engineering colleges/IITs,” says Mr. R. L Trikha, Director, FIITJEE.

The last date to register for FTRE is 9th June 2023. Students can register for FTRE through online and offline modes.

Online Registration Mode: Registration can be done through www.fiitjee-ftre.com

For Registration through Mobile, please visit www.fiitjee-ftre.com/mobile

Paper Registration Mode – Registration can be done by filling the Registration Form and submitting it along with a unique ID (Aadhar card or proof of date of birth) at the nearest FIITJEE Centre.
The registration fee for the exam is Rs. 500/- (including GST)

Mumbai,5th June 2023 The National Commission for Women (NCW) in collaboration with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) has announced the launch of 100 Entrepreneurship Awareness Programmes (EAPs) for potential women entrepreneurs across the country. The first EAP out of the 100 to be organized across the country, was launched in Ujjain on Friday, by Chief Guest, Shri Mangubhai Patel, Hon’ble Governor of Madhya Pradesh, and Guest of Honour, Dr MunjparaMahendrabhai, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Women and Child Development, GoI, in the presence of dignitaries including Smt. Rekha Sharma, Chairperson, NCW; Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII; and Smt. Meenakshi Negi, Member Secretary, NCW.

The aim of the one-day EAP is to orient participating women to the benefits of adopting entrepreneurship as a career, learn finer skills, and overcome social, economic, and familial barriers to becoming entrepreneurs. The EAPs are aimed at developing entrepreneurial skills among women so that they could gain knowledge, skills and motivation to build their own businesses.

Speaking about the EAP, the Hon’ble Governor of MP, Shri Mangubhai Patel, said, “India is moving ahead with the vision of ‘SabkaSaathSabkaVikas’. Development under women-led leadership is coming up big way and is getting accepted and recognised. Women associated with the Self Help Groups are moving forward significantly. They are showing confidence of speaking about their success, their enterprises and their future plans. Women have progressed phenomenally under the initiatives implemented by the country under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of the country. Rural areas have especially progressed with subsidies to women to set up enterprises. Under Pradhan MantriKaushalVikasYojana, training and development opportunities have opened up for women. I congratulate National Commission for Women and Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India for this extraordinary initiative towards women empowerment through entrepreneurship.”

Emphasizing the need for a conducive environment for women entrepreneurs, Dr.Munjpara, said, “We have been working towards taking forward India’s women-led development agenda by accelerating women’s leadership and empowerment in public as well as private sector. Women who are the backbone of our society play a pivotal role in shaping our future. Empowering them is not only our moral responsibility but also a necessary condition for sustainable development. This collaboration between National Commission for Women and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India will help build capacity of women entrepreneurs and also sensitize relevant stakeholders.”

Smt. Rekha Sharma said, “Women although are a critical part of society, still lag behind when it comes to economic empowerment and independence. Women need to be encouraged to become economically empowered. India has a conducive ecosystem to support women entrepreneurship. Given this, women are getting motivated to set up their MSMEs. Women entrepreneurs extend job opportunities to other women, and that is the need of the hour. Women need to speak about their success, network and step forth. I am sure with the support of Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), all of this will be possible. If institutions like EDII handhold us in our endeavour, we will sure succeed.”

Speaking about the collaboration, Dr Sunil Shukla, said, “Over the last ten years, India has noticeably progressed and that has been possible only because the women populace of the country has been encouraged to become financially independent. I am happy to announce that NCW and EDII have collaborated to promote women entrepreneurship. This will strengthen the country immensely.”

New Delhi, 5th June 2023 In a remarkable effort to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability, the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) has proudly initiated “NAREDCO Eco Warrior” on the occasion of World Environment Day. This groundbreaking initiative aims to encourage NAREDCO members to participate in a mass plantation drive at their projects and public places on 5th June, with a target of planting 10,000 trees.

NAREDCO, being a prominent industry body in the real estate sector, recognizes its responsibility towards protecting and preserving the environment. The “NAREDCO Eco Warrior” initiative signifies the organization’s commitment to sustainable development practices and creating greener spaces for future generations.

With the alarming rise in global warming and ecological imbalance, it has become crucial for all sectors to come together and take concrete actions. NAREDCO believes that real estate developers can play a pivotal role in transforming urban landscapes by integrating green practices into their projects. By fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, the industry can help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

Mr. Rajan Bandelkar, President of NAREDCO, expressed his enthusiasm about the “NAREDCO Eco Warrior” initiative, stating, “As responsible members of the real estate community, we have a collective duty to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices. By encouraging our members to participate in the mass plantation drive, we aim to create a positive impact on the environment and make our cities greener and healthier.”

Under the “NAREDCO Eco Warrior” initiative, NAREDCO members are urged to organize plantation drives at their respective projects and public spaces. The focus is not only on planting trees but also on nurturing and maintaining them to ensure their healthy growth. NAREDCO will provide guidance and support to its members to help them implement sustainable plantation practices effectively.

Furthermore, NAREDCO plans to collaborate with environmental experts and organizations to enhance the impact of this initiative. By joining forces with governmental bodies, NGOs, and local communities, NAREDCO aims to create a holistic approach to environmental conservation and promote a sense of shared responsibility.

NAREDCO encourages other industry bodies and organizations to join hands and support the “NAREDCO Eco Warrior” initiative, fostering a collaborative effort towards environmental sustainability.

Introduction: Gurgaon, a city synonymous with rapid development and bustling business activity, is set to witness a new wave of transformation in the fashion industry. Renowned fashion designer Akhilesh Pahwa, known for his exquisite designs and innovative approach, is all set to unveil his new store in the heart of Gurgaon. This move raises an intriguing question: Is Gurgaon poised to become the next fashion and real estate hub, following in the
footsteps of Mumbai?

Fashion Industry: A Dynamic Landscape The fashion industry is an ever-evolving domain, constantly seeking new avenues for growth and innovation. Over the years, Mumbai has held the distinction of being India’s fashion capital, with its vibrant fashion weeks, designer stories, and renowned fashion houses. However, with the emergence of Gurgaon as a thriving economic center, the fashion industry landscape is undergoing a significant shift. Akhilesh Pahwa: A Trailblazer in Fashion Akhilesh Pahwa, a visionary fashion designer, has been instrumental in redefining fashion norms and seting new trends. With a deep understanding of evolving consumer preferences and a keen eye for aesthetics, Pahwa has carved a niche for himself in the industry. His decision to establish a flagship store in Gurgaon reflects his belief in the city’s immense potential.

Gurgaon: The Rising Star of Real Estate Gurgaon’s transformation from a sleepy suburb to a bustling metropolis has been nothing short of remarkable. Boasting an impressive skyline, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a thriving corporate culture, Gurgaon has become a magnet for real estate development. The city’s strategic location, proximity to Delhi, and excellent connectivity have further fueled its growth as a major real estate hub.

The Synergy Between Fashion and Real Estate Fashion and real estate have always shared a symbiolic relationship. The presence of high-end fashion brands and designer stores oNen serves as a catalyst for real estate development. With Akhilesh Pahwa’s new store poised to become a destination for fashion enthusiasts, Gurgaon’s real estate market is expected to witness a surge in demand for commercial spaces and luxury residences.

The Road Ahead for Gurgaon As Gurgaon gains prominence in the fashion industry, it is not inconceivable that the city may eventually rival Mumbai’s status as the fashion capital of India. Gurgaon’s cosmopolitan vibe, growing disposable income, and discerning customer base make it an ideal breeding ground for fashion entrepreneurs and designers.

Conclusion: Akhilesh Pahwa’s decision to establish a new store in Gurgaon signifies the city’s emergence as a powerhouse in the fashion and real estate domains. With its rapid urbanization, strategic location, and a population eager for the latest fashion trends, Gurgaon is poised to become a formidable competitor to Mumbai’s fashion throne. As the city embraces this new chapter, all eyes are on Gurgaon to witness its remarkable journey
towards becoming the next fashion and real estate hub of India.

The city’s ‘Money Breakthrough Specialist”

Dr Mani ‘Money’ Pavitra, drives the retreat

Hyderabad, June 03, 2023: We work hard, study well, and take all the trouble in life to earn more money. But we do very little to manage money well. As a result, many struggle even after making a huge fortune.

Hyderabad-based Fortune Academy pioneered a novel concept and has come out with a unique ‘Money Retreat’. A three-day immersive learning and experience of Money Management. The retreat will be held at Park Regin, a resort-style luxury hotel in Goa for three days from June 5th to 7th

It offers transformative techniques to improve financial well-being. This is all an experience of learning. Some of the activities unheard before include Aqua silica Odyssey, Terra Transformation, Aether Accession, and Phoenix Ignition.

Giving details, Dr Mani ‘Money’ Pavitra, a Dental Doctor, now popularly known as ‘Money Breakthrough Specialist” said, “It’s weird and confusing that the most talented and smart people in the world are often the ones struggling to make fabulous money”.

Over the years, Dr Mani Pavitra has been through the whole financial roller coaster herself and mastered the scientifically proven mental models that attract wealth!

Giving highlights of the retreat Dr Mani Pavitra said, the Aqua Silica Odyssey employs breathwork exercises in water, symbolizing liquidity, to cleanse any mental blocks and revitalise your perspective towards wealth creation. The Terra Transformation grounds you to earthly realities, teaching you to appreciate and manage the resources you have efficiently. The Aether Accession promotes the flow of energy and opens the mind to a higher level of financial wisdom and opportunities. The retreat concludes with the Phoenix Ignition, symbolizing rebirth and renewal, helping participants to let go of any past financial mistakes and embrace a new path towards financial independence and prosperity. This retreat is designed to enhance participants’ financial consciousness and to unblock their path towards financial success

This retreat will give its attendees the most practical wealth manifestation tools they will ever have. They will get day-to-day actions, inspiration, kick-up-the-butt real talk, and loving advice, she added.

This model worked well for me. As an outcome of belief shifts, my income doubled, then tripled, and in a few years, I went from always struggling to make ends meet to being a financially successful entrepreneur.

From “not enough money,” I have reached a comfortable position, she added. Dr Mani Pavitra today is a very successful entrepreneur.

You can make money three ways—make more, manage well or spend less, she adds.

About a hundred Business owners, Couples and Single moms with kids are taking part in the unique ‘Money Retreat’.

Media Contact: Solus Media, D. Ramchandram, Mobile: 9848042020

3rd June 2023 New Delhi – Vestige Marketing Pvt Ltd, one of India’s largest home-grown direct-selling companies with a vast portfolio in health, wellness, and personal care products, celebrates 19 years of operations since its inception in 2004. Expanding the core of its business — health — that connects its products, people, partners, in fact, the entire ecosystem, Vestige steps into the second decade of its operations with the visionary theme –Future Healthy.

Vestige Marketing, which is contributing to the growth of the wellness sector, has been driving their efforts to provide a healthy lifestyle for consumers with its finest range of products in the category of health & wellness. Vestige has also empowered and transformed the lives of millions of distributors across India,as well as international markets, providing access to health & wellness products for a better tomorrow.Over its journey of 19 years, Vestige celebrates the incredible legacy that it has built to empower individuals, nurture entrepreneurship, and create a positive impact in the world that can lead to Future Healthy. Vestige, with its meticulous strategies has relentlessly worked towards cultivating an exceptional level of trust, and respect and becoming future-ready.

The company’s vision encompasses helping people live a life of economic independence on their own terms. With a dedication to innovation and excellence, Vestige is poised to sustain its growth and success in the direct selling industry by introducing innovative health & wellness products for creating a better and healthier future for all.

Speaking on this occasion Mr. Gautam Bali, MD, Vestige Marketingsaid ‘’Achieving the milestone of 19 years is a great feeling. As we step into our 20th year, we envision creating a healthier world to ensure that everyone’sfuture is healthy with us. As we celebrate this joyous occasion, we reflect on our journey of bringing high-quality health & wellness products for our consumers. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our dedicated team, partners and customers who have been an integral part of our success. Together we will continue to pave the way of spreading wealth through wellness and aim to build a healthier and more resilient future’’.

Vestige endeavors to expand its wellness product segment by introducing multiple world-class products that enhance the health and well-being of customers. Keeping in mind the needs of new-age consumers, great emphasis on natural ingredients is a priority. The company recently introduced several new revolutionary products such as CMD (Concentrated Mineral Drops), Energy Booster, Absorvit Vitamins Sublingual Sprays etc. to address everyday wellness needs. With its commitment to innovation and excellence, Vestige is well-placed to continue its growth and success in the Direct Selling industry.

Vestige Marketing has created a large network of distributors that is constantly expanding year after year. It continues to enrich the lives of those who are a part of the company and those who believe in its healthcare & wellness products. In the coming years, the company is prepared to for its journey of continued growth, empowering its customers with robust products and immunity-boosting solutions.