All posts by Neel Achary

Mumbai, 22 April 2023: After announcing their India partnership with Reliance Brands Limited last year, Pret A Manger, the UK-based popular freshly made food and organic coffee chain, is all set to launch its first shop in the country. Opening its doors to the public on 21st April 2023, in Maker Maxity, Mumbai, it will be the first of many shops set to open later this year. The inaugural Mumbai shop is a recreation of Pret’s iconic London shops with a large dining space spread across 2,567 sq ft. Fresh food and organic coffee lovers in the city can drop by to dine-in with their family and friends or grab a quick takeaway.

The new Pret shop will offer customers a wide range of delicious and freshly made sandwiches, baguettes, salads, soups, as well as a variety of organic coffee, tea, shakes and smoothie options. Popular options like the Pret Pickle & Posh Cheddar Granary Sandwich, Avocado & Toms- Stone Baked Baguette, Smoked Salmon Protein Box Salad and a selection of freshly baked goods including Pret’s best-selling croissants and cookies constitute the food menu and will bring to India Pret’s classics without any additives to products. All freshly made food will be hand prepared in Pret’s onsite kitchen daily and never held over to the next day.

“We are thrilled to be opening the first Pret A Manger shop in India. Freshness of ingredients, authenticity of recipes, and a curiosity in processes defines the new Indian consumer. Our partnership with Pret A Manger aims to tap into this curiosity with an offering that we can proudly say – ensures traceability of coffee beans as much as a zero additive approach to food.” said Darshan Mehta, MD, Reliance Brands Limited “With a commitment to provide fresh, clean and sustainable offerings, customers in India can now enjoy the same exceptional food that has made Pret A Manger a beloved and successful chain around the world.”

Known for their 100% organic Arabica coffee, Pret’s drinks menu offers a range of brews, including the classic Espresso. Some of the popular freshly brewed hot coffee options include the classic Espresso, Americano and Latte, along with a range of iced coffee options which are perfect for hot summer days. Additionally, customers can choose from a variety of non-dairy milk options such as almond, oat, and coconut to customize their coffee order at no extra cost.

Pano Christou, CEO of Pret A Manger, said: “We have been working closely with the RBL team to create an offer for Indian consumers that reflects the Pret brand, while also adapting to local preferences and food habits. People will recognize some of our freshly prepared lunch-time classics, our delicious croissants and 100% organic Arabica coffee. Coming to India has been a goal of ours for a long time, and the opening of our first shop in Mumbai is a landmark moment in our international expansion plans. We’re confident that with the support of RBL, the Pret brand will be a hit with consumers in India, and a welcome addition to the country’s growing food-to-go market.”

In addition to the freshest menu offerings, the Pret shop will feature an adaptation of the “Emanating Star”, a central element of the Pret logo, with traditional Warli patterns and modern design elements representing Mumbai. Reflecting Pret’s commitment to support local craftsmanship, the artwork is conceptualized and created by Guerrilla Art and the Vayeda brothers using coffee as the base – symbolic of the fresh organic coffee served at Pret around the world commemorating the fusion of cultures by combining traditional Indian art with modern-day Pret aesthetics.

Progress 64 West and YouthBridge Community Foundation of Greater St. Louis join forces to offer scholarships for aspiring entrepreneurs.

(St. Louis, Mo., April 21, 2023) Progress 64 West and YouthBridge Community Foundation of Greater St. Louis recently announced the establishment of the Progress 64 Entrepreneurial Scholarship Fund, which will assist high school seniors in achieving their educational goals.

The joint effort’s mission is to support, encourage, and foster young entrepreneurs by awarding scholarships to high school seniors living or going to school in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County. The one-year awards can be used at trade schools, as well as two- and four-year colleges and universities.

To qualify for consideration, students must submit an executive summary of a business plan that includes a business concept description; market analysis, including market need, competition, and profit strategy; operations plan; and sales and marketing strategies. The application deadline is Oct. 23, 2023. Application details will be posted in August on Youthbridge Community Foundation’s website at youthbridge.org.

Founded in 1877, YouthBridge Community Foundation is a nonprofit that partners with individuals, families, and businesses to support charities and communities needs in the St. Louis region, especially those focused on children and families.

“It’s a great fit with our mission,” states Barbara Carswell, CEO of YouthBridge. “We focus on children and youth, and the scholarship program that has benefited students in West St. Louis and St. Charles counties is now expanding to all high school students in St. Louis City, County and St. Charles County.”

Progress 64 West was established in 1987 to promote the responsible growth of commerce in the greater St. Louis region, with a particular emphasis given to the I-64 corridor from I-270 west ward to I-70. A partnership of citizens, business and civic leaders, the organization’s vision focused on economic prosperity by championing workforce improvements and infrastructure projects.

In 2004, civic organization Progress 64 West initiated its scholarship program, then named in honor of St. Louis business leader Louis S. Sachs. Sachs was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to envision what could be. Renamed as the Progress 64 Entrepreneurial Scholarship Fund, the program is now positioned to provide more scholarships for a larger pool of candidates.

According to Michael Doster, of Doster, Nations, Ullom & Boyle, LLC and a member of the scholarship committee, “Our partnership with YouthBridge will provide the opportunity for more donors to come alongside our existing scholarship sponsors in making tax-deductible donations that enrich the lives of local students.”

For more information, visit youthbridge.org/p64fund/.

April 21, 2023 – The Asia Pacific market for Technical Consumer Goods faced some challenges in 2022 owing to the impact of the global economic situation, with inflation topping the list. With a number of issues continuing to weigh on economies and impact consumers, GfK forecasts 2023 to be a stable year backed by value-seeking consumers driving revenue growth.

Facing various challenges in 2023, brands and manufacturers need to consider the criticality of inventory management and pricing pressure. To achieve a competitive advantage, brands need agility in production cycles and innovation in product offerings and marketing. This will lead to the conception of smart devices and premiumization product offerings.

“India and Southeast Asian markets, particularly Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, continue to demonstrate opportunities with stronger growth, continuing the momentum from loosening lockdown restrictions. Additionally, overall sales of TCG goods are declining across most regions except for Emerging Asia recording year-on-year growth for five consecutive quarters,” said Mukund Tripathi, Head of Market Intelligence, APAC, GfK.

Rise in sales of photo and gaming products

Sales of photo products grew alongside the post-pandemic tourism recovery due to the reduction in Covid-19 travel restrictions, especially in Singapore and Malaysia at 33.1 percent and 32.8 percent respectively.

The gaming industry was also amongst the biggest beneficiaries during the pandemic, with lockdowns creating new gamers and expected to accelerate hardware expenditure and growth in 2023. Southeast Asia displays strong growth as a good potential market despite weathering the pandemic, experiencing the highest growth rate at 51 percent in 2021 and 12 percent in 2022 compared to other regions in Asia Pacific.

Online sales continue to gain significance post-pandemic

TCG goods sales keep growing across all sectors in Emerging Asia, with online channels outperforming offline ones for IT products and office equipment. In Japan, online sales rose for most sectors except for Major Domestic Appliances, while offline sales fell.

Sustainability is a priority among consumers

Sustainability is a key trend in the TCG sector that sets brands and manufacturers apart. Communicating sustainability actions is essential to connect with environmentally minded consumers. This was also highlighted at the GfK Insight Summit 2022, where consumers’ monetary concerns influence their buying attitudes. This means that brands can charge more for being green.

Looking ahead

Brands and manufacturers can benefit from more opportunities and favorable external forces in 2023. A tourism recovery in the post-pandemic world, a decrease in transportation and shipping costs, and the opening of the Chinese economy will enable growth with product innovation and differentiation that yield higher profits.

GfK. Growth from Knowledge.

For over 85 years, we have earned the trust of our clients around the world by solving critical business questions in their decision-making process around consumers, markets, brands, and media. Our reliable data and insights, together with advanced AI capabilities, have revolutionized access to real-time actionable recommendations that drive our clients and partners’ marketing, sales, and organizational effectiveness. That’s how we promise and deliver “Growth from Knowledge”.

Collecting antique and vintage jewelry is a unique activity. Each piece carries a deep sense of legacy and heritage due to its rarity. The immense responsibility of maintaining these classical items secure and well-preserved, regardless, comes on the edge of their singular beauty and uniqueness. Here are the top five strategies to maintain the perfect condition of these vintage jewels in your jewelry box.

How to care for your jewels: Because they have been around for an extended period, vintage and antique jewelry is subject to normal wear and tear. There can be a loose stone setting or a broken clasp. As a result, it’s crucial to regularly inspect your collections, for these indications of imminent harm. Additionally, the execution of these pieces is quite delicate, and some minor erosion frequently goes unnoticed. Therefore, it gives counsel to your antique and vintage jewelry examined at least once or twice a year by a professional jeweler.

Cleaning: Keeping your antique and vintage jewels in good condition requires regular cleaning. While most precious stones like sapphires, rubies, and diamonds can be cleaned at home with warm water and a soft brush, it is preferable to go with expert treatment, which includes extensive technical know-how, when it comes to fragile gems. For instance, emerald jewelry is prone to harm from most cleaning agents, as it should be cleaned with more awareness. Saturate your objects in liquid while cleaning is senseless because it could result in erosion. To remove the top layer of dust, one should also carefully wipe their antique jewelry with a soft cloth.

Storage: Antique and vintage jewellery is exceptional and frequently not worn. As a result, they spend a lot of time in storage. Therefore, having high-quality storage is necessary. One of the most crucial is to keep them out of the sun, which can lead to the tarnishing of metals and the cracking of stones. One can store their jewellery in comfortable velvet pouches or specially designed jewelle boxes with temperature and humidity control. It’s crucial to check that your accessories may not damage or bent as they sit ready to be worn. One needs to have a box specifically for the various components of the jewelry set, especially for complicated things like Parures. Exercise is crucial for your safety.

Maintaining Their Beauty and Quality While Wearing: A straightforward rule of putting on your vintage and antique jewelry and taking it off after wearing may go a long way in preserving its beauty and quality. In addition to making jewelry oily and prone to damage, products like perfume, deodorant, and lotions also tend to collect extra dirt and dust. The fact that they were worn last prevents these vintage items from becoming tangled in garments or
hairbrushes. Before donning vintage jewelry, one must also look for shaky stones and flimsy clasps to prevent losing them. Additionally, entering aquatic bodies while wearing jewelry is very harmful. Natural minerals and chemicals can discolor and rapidly harm valuable stones.

Restoration and repair:- These are unquestionably two distinct processes when it comes to vintage and antique jewelry. Due to the rarity and uniqueness of each piece of jewelry’s components, complete repairs are rarely possible. During restoration, the originality of the items is preserved by meticulously mending them with little adjustments. However, there is one thing that unites restoration and repair: neither should be attempted on one’s own; instead, it should be delivered to a specialized workshop in secure packaging.

According to Shefali Verma, director of House Of Goldsmith says-“Vintage and antique jewelry embodies timeless elegance and craftsmanship that simply cannot be relicated by modern designs. Each piece tells a unique story, reflecting the artistry and aesthetics of a bygone era. The intricate details, the fine materials, and the intricate designs all combine to create a sense of nostalgia and beauty that transcends time. Wearng vintage or antique jewelry is like wearing a piece of history, with every imperfection and flaw adding to its charm and character. These pieces are not just accessories, but true works of art that have stood the test of time and will continue to do so for generations to come.”

Delhi, April 21, 2023: Sri. Sidheshwar Brahmrishi Gurudev, Tirupati (Siddh Guru) met with the President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu to discuss non-violence, peace, and women’s empowerment. During the discussion, Gurudev presented his perspectives on non-violence and peace for a more harmonious society, as well as the need for empowering women with leadership opportunities. Taking Sri Gurudev’s vision of women empowerment forward, Sri Brahmrishi Ashram, Tirupati educates over 1 lac girl children. A book was presented to the President, which outlines the life journey of Sri Gurudev and his teachings.

President Droupadi Murmu praised Gurudev’s commitment to these values and ideals, noting that his work has had a positive impact on the community. She stressed the importance of working together to create a more peaceful and equitable society, where every individual can thrive and fulfill their potential.

“I am honored to have had the opportunity to meet with President Droupadi Murmu and discuss these important topics. Giving back to society and serving humanity is the greatest form of service. I strongly believe in the philosophy of ‘Learning, Earning, and Returning,’ where we constantly strive to gain knowledge, work hard to earn our livelihood, and then give back to society in whatever way we can.“ said Gurudev.

“Gurudev’s teachings have inspired countless individuals to live a more compassionate and harmonious life. We fully support his efforts to promote non-violence, peace, and women empowerment, and look forward to working with him towards this noble goal.” – Sarla Bothra, Women Chairperson, Sri Brahmrishi Ashram, Tirupati.

Sri Brahmrishi Gurudev, an “Incarnate Sadguru” is amongst the most revered and accomplished saints of the current era. Sri Brahmrishi Ashram is a pious place of Pilgrimage located near the holy city of Tirupati, surrounded by hills, nestled in the lap of nature, clad with beautiful plantations, and can be rightly called a “Heaven on Earth”.

Despite progress in recent years, women are still underrepresented in tech, with many facing challenges such as unconscious bias, gender pay gaps, and a lack of female role models. However, there are many successful women in tech who have made significant contributions to the industry and serve as role models for anyone, especially young women, who are interested in pursuing careers in technology. Their success stories are an inspiration to many and highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.

Here’s a listicle on 5 successful Indian women in tech that you need to know about:

Rupinder Kaur Kohli: Rupinder Kaur Kohli is the Chief Solutions Architect at Skill-Up Technologies.Technocrat with 15+ years of experience in IT solutions, software & product development, customization & integrations. Excel at building innovative learning solutions for clients. She is having specialization in Open edX installation, customization, and integrations.

Debjani Ghosh: Debjani Ghosh is the president of the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), which is the premier trade body for the IT and BPO industries in India. She has been a strong advocate for diversity in tech and has worked to empower women in the industry.

Yogita Tulsiani: Yogita is the Director & Co-founder of iXceed Solutions. She is armed with a Master’s in Business Administration from ISB, Hyderabad. The versatile businessperson has more than a decade of experience in Business Development and Consultancy across various industries in the UK, USA, Europe, and APAC. Her repertoire includes an illustrious clientele in the Financial Services, Telecom, Retail, Information Technology, and Learning industries like Genpact Headstrong and HP.

Neha Narkhede: Neha Narkhede is the co-founder and CTO of Confluent, a company that provides a real-time data streaming platform. She has been recognized as one of the most successful women in the tech industry.

Aruna Jayanthi: Aruna Jayanthi is the CEO of Capgemini India, a global consulting and technology services company. She has over 25 years of experience in the industry and has been instrumental in driving Capgemini’s growth in India.

Hyderabad, April 21, 2023: As it aims to expand its operations at GIFT City, Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks and India’s international bank, announced that the Bank’s International Financial Services Centre Banking Unit (IFSCBU) in GIFT City has inaugurated its new state-of-the-art premises today at Brigade International Financial Centre in GIFT IFSC, Gandhinagar. The Bank will set up International Treasury operations, a Centralised Trade Finance hub and Capital Markets business and scale up its Foreign Exchange and Derivatives Trading activities at GIFT IFSC.

On the occasion, the Bank’s IFSC Banking Unit has also listed the Bank’s existing Dollar denominated Medium Term Notes (MTN) on BSE’s India INX and NSE IFSC exchanges. Both exchanges are international exchanges operating in GIFT IFSC.

The inauguration of the new facility and the listing ceremony was carried out in the August presence of Shri Injeti Srinivas, Chairperson, International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA); Shri Tapan Ray, Managing Director & Group CEO, GIFT City; Shri Sanjiv Chadha, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda and Shri Lalit Tyagi, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda. Officials from India INX & NSE IFSC were also present at the listing ceremony.

Inaugurating the new premises, Shri Sanjiv Chadha, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda said, “Bank of Baroda was one of the early entrants in GIFT IFSC, We started our journey on 24th November, 2017 by opening our offshore IFSC Banking Unit, which currently contributes significantly to the Bank’s total international business. To promote, develop and reap the advantages of India’s own International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), Bank of Baroda is looking to significantly scale up its global business and strengthen the team at GIFT City, and for this purpose, we have established a new, bigger facility with state-of-the-art infrastructure built on international standards.”

“Bank of Baroda is also delighted to list its existing foreign currency Medium Term Notes on India INX and NSE IFSC exchanges. The listing framework and the seamless process being offered at GIFT IFSC are at par with any other Global Financial Centre. We look forward to a long-term association with both these international exchanges at GIFT IFSC,” added Shri Chadha.

Shri Injeti Srinivas, Chairperson, IFSCA, and Shri Tapan Ray, MD & Group CEO, GIFT City extended their appreciation to the Bank of Baroda for their significant contribution to GIFT City and the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) and congratulated the Bank on the inauguration of the new premises.

Now, after the US, UK and UAE, the IFSC Banking Unit has become the 4th largest overseas branch of the Bank’s International operations. It provides a range of global banking solutions, locally to retail and corporate customers, such as Foreign Currency Current, Savings and Fixed Deposit Accounts, External Commercial Borrowing Loans, Trade Finance Facilities, Loans in Foreign Currency/ Syndication Loans and Transaction-based Internet Banking facility. The Bank also offers loans against NRE/FCNR Deposits and Loans against Deposits at the IFSC Banking Unit.

Kochi: Bandidos Pitstop, one of the most respected brands among retail and online destinations for mid-range and premium motorcycle accessories in India, has announced the launch of its new manufacturing company, Metalverse. Metaverse aims to revolutionize the motorcycle accessories industry by providing riders with unique designs and custom-made accessories that they can install themselves.

The new company will focus on producing premium quality motorcycle accessories with a mission to enhance motorcycles’ safety along with riders’ safety. Metalverse has set up a state-of-the-art facility in Coimbatore with modern technology to manufacture a range of accessories.

“We are excited about the launch of Metalverse and the opportunity to revolutionize the motorcycle accessories industry. Our focus on unique designs, DIY installation, strategic analytics, and rider engagement will set us apart from the competition and make Metalverse the go-to brand for motorcycle enthusiasts,” said Mr. Murshid Basheer, Founder.

Metaverse plans to launch its products in India and export them to international markets, with a focus on markets that prioritize safety and premium quality products. The founders believe that their experience in the motorcycle racing industry and their passion for premium quality products will set them apart from their competitors.

One of the key features that set Metalverse apart is its commitment to developing unique designs for each bike model that allows riders to install the accessories themselves. This not only saves riders money but also empowers them to customize their bikes according to their preferences.

Another key strategy that Metalverse will employ is categorizing its products based on strategic analytics to enhance the brand’s approachability. By analyzing relevant data, Metaverse aims to develop a categorization system that enables riders to quickly and easily find the accessories that are best suited for their bikes.

In addition, Metaverse is committed to connecting with end-users and promoting interaction between riders and the brand. By engaging with riders, Metaverse aims to better understand their needs and preferences, which will help the company develop new and innovative products.

“We want to empower riders by giving them the tools they need to customize their bikes in a way that reflects their personality,” said Mr. Mahesh V M, the co-founder, and National Supercross champion.

In 2014, Bandidos was founded by a group of five enthusiastic riders who shared a diverse range of motorcycling experience, including professional racing, stunt shows, adventure riding, touring, and training. From its humble beginnings as a brick-and-mortar store in Thrissur, Kerala, Bandidos Pitstop has since grown to become one of India’s most reputable brands among retail and online destinations for mid-range and premium motorcycle accessories.

Mumbai Maharashtra, 21 April 2023 – Dassani Brothers, India’s finest designer jewelry manufacturing brand established in 1984 is proud to announce that they have been awarded the ‘ICONIC MANUFACTURER IN POLKI, KUNDAN JADAU’ award at the prestigious JewelBuzz Iconic Awards 2023 held on 7th April 2023 at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai.

The JewelBuzz Iconic Awards recognizes and celebrates outstanding achievements in the jewelry industry. This year’s event brought together some of the industry’s leading designers, retailers, and manufacturers from around the world. Dassani Brothers were honored with the ‘ICONIC MANUFACTURER IN POLKI, KUNDAN JADAU’ award in recognition of their exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs, and commitment to quality. The award is a testament to the company’s dedication to excellence in the jewelry industry.

“We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award from JewelBuzz,” said Sumit Dassani, Partner at Dassani Brothers. “It is an honor to be recognized among some of the best jewellery manufacturers in the industry, and we are grateful to our talented team and valued customers for their ongoing support. We showcased one of our prominent jewellery pieces, an exquisite bridal necklace set. Since it is detachable, it may be carried out in three unique ways, which makes it stand out among the customers. The necklace is adorned with syndicate quality uncut Diamonds (Polki) ,round brilliant cut Diamonds , Ruby beads, Ruby cabochon, Emerald mani , zambian Emerald cabochon, fresh water Pearls & culture Pearls. Approximately 275 man-hours have been invested to bring this exemplary piece to life. For over 35 years, we have been adorning the glorious legacy of Dassani Brothers, continually refining our visions and skills by keeping up with ever-changing demands and establishing new trends with our highly qualified in-house team of designers and skilled artisans.”

Bengaluru, April 21, 2023: In order to revolutionise the CNG market, Tata Motors will soon launch the Altroz iCNG, India’s first twin-cylinder CNG technology. Tata Altroz, which is India’s safest premium hatchback is open for bookings in its much-awaited iCNG avatar, from today. With this vehicle, Tata Motors aims at increasing the acceptance of CNG cars in India, similar to petrol and diesel cars.

The Altroz iCNG was unveiled at the Auto Expo 2023 in January 2023 and it received a tremendous response from customers for being India’s first twin-cylinder CNG technology – a revolutionary technology bringing practical usable boot space to CNG owners, a feature that is unavailable in all current CNG cars. Customers can now book the Altroz iCNG at INR. 21,000. With deliveries commencing in May 2023, the Altroz iCNG is a strong testament to Tata Motors’ successful multi-powertrain strategy, making it the fourth powertrain option in the Altroz range now.

In addition to the above, the Altroz iCNG will also offer

Innovative Twin Cylinder Technology with a total water capacity of 60 litres (Each cylinder has 30 litres capacity) is placed below the luggage area to ensure a large usable boot space.
Single Advanced ECU – It ensures a seamless and jerk-free drive experience while shifting from petrol to CNG mode or vice versa
Direct start in CNG mode – Altroz iCNG will start directly in CNG mode to ensure a hassle-free experience and no worries on switching the fuel mode
Additional safety features – thermal incident protection, gas leak detection feature and micro switch to ensure the car is switched off at the time of refuelling.
Complete peace of mind with a standard warranty of 3 years/ 100,000 km

Altroz iCNG will be available in four variants – XE, XM+, XZ and XZ+ and in four colour options- Opera Blue, Downtown Red, Arcade Grey and Avenue White. The Altroz iCNG will also boast of aspirational features like leatherette seats, iRA-connected car technology, cruise control, and automatic headlamps amongst others.