Category business

Bangalore, 05th February 2024: South Indian Bank, a private sector bank in India, announces the Grand Finale winners of the ‘SIB Ignite Quizathon’ – a National Level Quiz Competition held at St Joseph’s University, Bangalore.

The prestigious title of the National Champion was earned by Team Qurious Docs (Gauhati Medical College And Hospital), for demonstrating exceptional knowledge and agility, and was awarded a grand prize of Rs. 1,50,000/-. Team Neanderthals (LNMIIT Jaipur) secured the second prize of Rs. 1,00,000/- while the third prize of Rs. 60,000/- was awarded to Team Cuizzzers (Christ University) for their remarkable performances.

The Grand Finale, held at St Joseph’s University, flagged off with an introductory address by Mr. Thomas Joseph K, Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer of South Indian Bank. Setting the stage for the event, Mr. Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar IAS, Managing Director of Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd, delivered an insightful keynote address, followed by a special address from Rev. Dr. Fr. Victor Lobo SJ, Vice Chancellor of St Joseph’s University. The other prominent attendees also included Mr. Sony A, SGM & CIO, South Indian Bank, Ms. Azmat Habibulla, Joint General Manager & Chief Marketing Officer, South Indian Bank, and Ms. Rekha VR, Regional Head – Bangalore, South Indian Bank.

Mr. Thomas Joseph K, Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer, South Indian Bank said, “The SIB Ignite Quizathon stands as a testament to South Indian Bank’s unwavering dedication to fostering intellectual curiosity and knowledge among the youth. This competition serves as a platform that tests the participant’s cognitive abilities and encourages them to delve into a diverse range of subjects. The outstanding performances witnessed during the event prove the depth of talent that thrives among the young minds of our nation. South Indian Bank is committed to engaging with the youth and reinforces its dedication through the SIB Ignite Quizathon. This initiative marks a strategic step towards nurturing young minds and establishing lasting connections with the vibrant generation of tomorrow.”

The SIB Ignite competition aimed to captivate and inspire college students nationwide, providing a platform for them to exhibit their general knowledge and enrich their understanding of diverse subjects. The competition comprised of three rounds, starting with a preliminary qualifying round held online for teams across the nation. The winners of the preliminary round proceeded to zonal rounds and the subsequent winners, thereon to the Grand Finale for the coveted title of national champion. The grand finalists included Team Mark Men (IIM Ahmedabad), Team Cuizzzers (Christ University), Team Neanderthals (LNMIIT Jaipur), Team Qurious Docs (Gauhati Medical College And Hospital), Team TURING (RTM Nagpur University), Team Batman & Robin (IIT Palakkad), Team Keynesians (St Berchmans College Changanassery), and Team RM Girls (Pope John Paul II College of Education).

South Indian Bank remains dedicated to fostering knowledge and for providing a platform for young minds to shine. The success of the SIB Ignite Quizathon underscores the Bank’s commitment to education and the promotion of intellectual growth. The ‘SIB Ignite Quizathon’ featured Pinnacle as the associate partner, BrainQuest as the Knowledge Partner, and St. Joseph’s University as the Institution Partner.

Pune, 05th February 2024: The most awaited Gītā Bhakti Amṛta Mahotsava, slated to be celebrated from February 4^th till 11^th 2024, was announced by Geeta Pariwar at a Press Conference held on 1st February at the Patrakar Bhawan in Pune.

Geeta Pariwar, highly known for donning the role of a Charioteer to steer seekers on to the spiritual path, is organizing the Gītā Bhakti Amṛta Mahotsava – a celebration of the 75 priceless and memorable years of the divine journey of Parama Pujya Swami Shri Govind Dev Giriji Maharaj.

The week-long spiritual festive celebrations are scheduled to take place in the serene and pious surroundings of Alandi, Pune, on the banks of the sacred river Indrāyaṇī from 4th to 11th February 2024.

This spiritual festivity commemorates the Amṛta Mahotsava of the revered spiritual guru, Parama Pujya Swami Shri Govind Dev Giriji Maharaj, affectionately known to his devotees as Swamiji.

The key speakers who graced the press conference included Dr. Sanjay ji Malpani, National Executive President of Geeta Pariwar, Giridhariji Kale, Executive Chairman of the Gītā Bhakti Amṛta Mahotsava Organizing Committee, Pradeepji Rathi, Geeta Pariwar National Executive Member and Trustee, and Shekhar Mundada, Coordination Committee Public Relations Head.

Dr. Sanjay ji Malpani expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming Mahotsava by stating that “Gītā Bhakti Amṛta Mahotsava” is not just an event, but an observation of spirituality, culture, and selfless service.

He echoed Swamiji’s vision to make this Mahotsava an eventful congregation which would result in creating a tremendous amount of positive vibes for mankind at large, and will inspire millions to share spiritual bliss together. Malpani ji also stated that this event is a testament to the grandeur of our cultural values and how great an impact it can have on the coming generations.  It is also believed that such a grand gathering of saints, yogis, spiritual leaders, and intellectuals from diverse backgrounds will significantly impact the preservation of our nation’s ethos.

The festival promises to be one of its kind. Along with a spectacular cultural extravaganza, it features participation of over 250 artists in an enactment of the great Indian epic Rāmāyaṇa. Śrīmadbhāgavata kathā and dialogues on the Scriptural doctrines such as Vedaśāstra Saṃvāda are some other highlights of the mega event. A grand scale 81 Kuṇḍīya Mahāyajña will be performed by over 2000 Vedic gurus.

Another grand attraction of the event is Kritagyata Gyapan Parva – honouring great personalities from different fields of service to the Nation.

A major attraction for those wanting to further their progress in spirituality is the opportunity to witness rich intellectual discussions on the principles of religion, and the Vedas.

This vibrant showcase aims to highlight the rich cultural heritage of India and foster a sense of unity and harmony among participants. “Gītā Bhakti Amṛta Mahotsava” 2024 promises to be a unique blend of spirituality, culture, and celebration, and Geeta Pariwar invites one and all to partake in this once in a lifetime occasion.

Bengaluru, February’ 2024: VST Tillers Tractors Limited (VST), India’s leading farm equipment manufacturer, announced their Quarter 3 and Nine-month results for the financial year 2023-24.

For Nine months, VST has achieved a turnover of Rs 694.61 Crore compared to Rs 683.82 Crore during the corresponding period of the previous financial year, an increase of 1.60%. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation & amortization (EBIDTA) rose by 45% to Rs 134.5 Cr compared to Rs 92.4 Cr during the same nine-month period of the previous year. Net profit stood at Rs 86.39 crore for YTD Dec 23 compared to Rs.52.22 crore YTD Dec 22 with a growth of 65%.

For the quarter, VST reported a turnover of Rs. 169.96 crores. The company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation & amortization (EBITDA) stood at Rs 27.70 crore for Quarter 3, which is 14.7 % of total revenue. In the previous year Q3, the EBITDA margin was 14.6%.

The company has also registered growth of 38% in the export of tractors for nine months of FY24. The joint venture entity, VST Zetor Pvt Ltd., between the company and HTC Investments a.s (owner of the brand “Zetor”) commenced operations in the quarter.

Soumita Saha, the sensational voice that made waves with the English hit “Fragile Eternity” earlier this year, returns with the enchanting Hindi original, “Teri Ore.” Following a triumphant digital debut on Meta Music library, marked with a distinctive fire sign stamp, the versatile artist solidifies her status as a rising star in the music industry.

Building on the critical acclaim and chart-topping success of “Fragile Eternity,” which secured a coveted spot on Rolling Stones’ Daily Music list, Soumita Saha exhibits her diverse musical prowess in “Teri Ore.” The Hindi composition, penned and composed by the artist herself, unfolds as a vibrant love song, invoking the nostalgic flutter of pure and unfiltered teenage love.

Engaging with her audience on various social platforms, Soumita Saha recently shared behind-the-scenes insights into the creation of “Teri Ore” via her Instagram handle. The singing diva embraces the peppy, teenage essence of the song, whimsically justifying it with the phrase, ‘Dil Toh Baccha Hai Jee,’ underscoring the youthful and carefree spirit encapsulated in her latest musical endeavor.

“Teri Ore” has quickly become a trendsetter, receiving overwhelming love and recognition across diverse demographics. The universal appeal of the song is evident as enthusiasts of all age groups create reels, further attesting to its widespread popularity.

In contrast to her previous explorations of global nihilism and rebellion in “Fragile Eternity,” “Teri Ore” represents a departure, offering a pure, peppy love song perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day. Soumita Saha, celebrated for crafting songs with profound messages, dispels misconceptions about her artistic range. Despite her penchant for deep reflections, she insists that the lighter aspects of life should not be overshadowed. “Teri Ore” stands as a testament to her fondness for peppy love songs, showcasing her dedication to expressing the youthful and carefree spirit.

The Fly High Girl’s latest creation is grounded in acoustics, ukulele, and Vista Synth, highlighting her versatility and willingness to experiment with diverse sounds. Soumita Saha continues to captivate audiences with her distinctive style and meaningful compositions, firmly establishing herself as an artist to watch in the ever-evolving music industry.

Hyderabad,5th February 2024: In a poignant celebration of resilience and hope, Apollo Cancer Hospital in Hyderabad; proudly installed a “Victory Bell” to commemorate World Cancer Day. This symbolic addition aims to honor the strength and triumph of cancer survivors, creating an uplifting atmosphere within the hospital’s walls. The Victory Bell was formally inaugurated by Shri D. Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Industries and IT, Government of Telangana.

The unveiling of the Victory Bell marked a significant moment during the World Cancer Day celebrations, symbolizing not just the battles fought within the hospital’s oncology units but also the spirit of victory and perseverance that defines the journey of every cancer patient. The bell, adorned with inscriptions of courage and triumph, stands as a powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit prevailing over adversity, says Dr Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group.

The chimes emanating from the victory bell symbolize a momentous triumph of cancer survivor, it creates a memorable and emotionally significant moment for them and their loved ones. The melodious ringing sound also strengthens the resilience and hope of those under treatment, says Dr P Vijay Anand Reddy, Director, Apollo Cancer Hospital, Hyderabad.

Patients reaching the milestone of completing their cancer treatments now have the opportunity to ring the Victory Bell, echoing their victory and providing inspiration to others on similar journeys. This ritual serves as a powerful reminder that behind every diagnosis is a story of courage, hope, and strength.

The launch ceremony was attended by healthcare professionals, patients, and their families, fostering a sense of community and support. It not only celebrated the advancements in cancer care but also emphasized the importance of a holistic approach, recognizing the emotional and psychological aspects of the healing process.

As the Victory Bell resonates through the corridors of Apollo Cancer Hospital, it not only signifies the end of a challenging chapter but also heralds a new beginning filled with optimism and the promise of a cancer-free future. This initiative reflects Apollo’s commitment to not only providing world-class medical care but also creating an environment that nurtures hope and celebrates these victories, big and small, on the cancer journey.

Bengaluru, 5th February 2024: UPL Ltd., a global provider of sustainable agricultural solutions, organized the 2nd Sarus Crane Festival at the premises of Pariej Wetland in Kheda District. On the eve of World Wetlands Day, the festival aimed to raise awareness and promote the conservation of the Indian Sarus Crane (Grus Antigone). Wetlands are highly productive and biologically diverse systems that enhance water quality, control erosion, maintain stream flows, sequester carbon, and provide a home to Sarus Crane.

The event was graced by Chief Guest Shri S K Shrivastav, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Research and Training, Gandhinagar; Guests of Honour Ms Namrata Italia, DCF, Anand; Mr Rupak Solanki, DCF, Kheda, Mr Rishi Pathania, Vice President – CSR, UPL Ltd.; Dr. Jatinder Kaur, Program Manager – UPL Sarus Conservation, along with other representatives from UPL Ltd. The event also witnessed active involvement from 15 schools, engaging 150 students and teachers. It featured a photo exhibition on Sarus cranes and a spirited drawing competition among the students.

The Indian Sarus Crane, the tallest flying bird globally and categorized as vulnerable under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, traditionally inhabits wetlands and shares spaces with humans. It relies on agricultural fields for feeding and breeding. The decline in the number of wetlands and the deterioration of existing habitats are considered to be the main reasons for the Sarus’s decline.

To conserve Sarus cranes, UPL initiated the Sarus Conservation Project in 2015. This project has played a pivotal role in increasing the Sarus Crane population from 500 in 2015-16 to 1254 in 2022-2023. The UPL team worked closely with farmers, correcting misconceptions and behavioural attitudes toward Sarus through education and voluntary participation.

At the festival, Chief Guest Shri S K Shrivastav, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Research and Training, said, “The Sarus Conservation Project is a commendable initiative by UPL that brings communities together for the noble cause of wildlife conservation. Such efforts are vital in fostering coexistence between nature and humanity.”

Speaking about the initiative, Mr Sagar Kaushik, President of Global Corporate Affairs & Industry Relations at UPL Ltd., said, “The Sarus Conservation Project reflects our commitment to sustainability and biodiversity. It is heartening to see the positive impact of our collaborative efforts, creating a thriving environment for the Sarus Crane and communities alike. This initiative in Kheda and Anand districts has helped Gujarat to hold the second-highest wild population of Sarus in India, and we have seen a 151% rise over eight years.”

Sharing his experience, Mr Rishi Pathania, Vice President – CSR, UPL Ltd., said, “The Sarus Crane Festival is a testament to UPL’s commitment for species conservation. The Sarus Conservation project has created an umbrella network of 88 Rural Sarus Protection Group volunteers from 40 villages engaged in protecting nests, eggs, and juveniles from poaching and predation. Additionally, 32,166 students and the community have been sensitized to Sarus Crane Conservation, and 5,000 farmers have been educated on the need and importance of conserving the Sarus Crane.”

In addition to its conservation impact, UPL has received widespread recognition for its Sarus initiative, earning accolades such as the ACEF Asian Leaders Forum & Awards 2017, India CSR Leadership Summit 2017, Coffee for Cause: Conversation on Sustainability & CSR 2018, Dainik Jagran CSR Awards 2019, 17th Federation of Gujarat Industries (FGI) Awards 2021, 5th Indian Chamber of Commerce, Social Impact Awards 2023, and an Appreciation Plaque in 2023.

Bengaluru, 5th February 2024: ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), India’s largest content and entertainment powerhouse, today announced the viewership numbers for the opening week of DP World ILT20’s second season.

The tournament garnered an impressive reach of 113 million in its opening week, as per data released by BARC TV+OOH. The company has reported an uptick of 12% as compared to last year among males 15+ in India’s urban audiences (15+; India Urban). Furthermore, the time spent on the series has surged by an impressive 32% among viewers aged 15 and above in urban markets across India (15+; India Urban). This substantial increase in viewing duration emphasizes the league’s ability to captivate and retain the attention of its audience, contributing to a more immersive and rewarding viewer experience.

The franchise-style tournament with six teams and 34 matches is being played across the UAE. The league’s six franchise teams include Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Kolkata Knight Riders), Desert Vipers (Lancer Capital), Dubai Capitals (GMR), Gulf Giants (Adani Sportsline), MI Emirates (Reliance Industries), and Sharjah Warriors (Capri Global). Some of the world’s most prominent cricket stars are slated to play in the Season 2, including David Warner, Dasun Shanaka, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sam Billings, David Willey, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Alex Hales, Tom Curran, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, James Vince, Ambati Rayudu, Corey Anderson, Dwayne Bravo, Trent Boult, Chris Woakes and Martin Guptill.

On the back of this, DP World ILT20 continues to successfully be the world’s 2nd most-watched global T20 league. As the official global broadcast partner of the league, ZEE Entertainment offers the widest live coverage of the ongoing tournament through its 10 linear channels and streaming platform – ZEE5, ensuring a comprehensive viewing experience for audiences across India and around the globe.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Rahul Johri, President – Business, South Asia, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, said, “We are delighted with the response that the second edition of DP World ILT20 has garnered. It is a testament of the league’s expanding appeal and a growing fan base across India. The event is escalating global enthusiasm for cricket, and we take immense pride in spearheading this phenomenon.”

The truly international T20 cricket league has proven to be an immense success, captivating fans worldwide as they eagerly tune in to witness the riveting action on the field. The competition has unfolded with intense and thrilling competition between teams, accompanied by stellar performances from players, creating a captivating spectacle that has consistently kept the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the entire series.

ZEE Entertainment had announced a star-studded panel of commentators, which include — Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Rohan Gavaskar, Saba Karim, Nikhil Chopra, Vivek Razdan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar, who are joined by Alan Wilkins, Simon Doull, Daren Ganga, Danny Morrison and Niall O’Brien. With this distinguished commentary panel, ZEE Entertainment promises to offer a distinctive viewing experience, with iconic voices that promise to deliver captivating action from the league.

Earlier this month, ZEE Entertainment unveiled its campaign film, featuring ace cricketer David Warner in a distinctive avatar along with Indian superstar Harbhajan Singh. Positioned as the biggest challenge for cricketers at the start of the year 2024, the campaign beautifully captures the passion and ambition of cricket players for this highly competitive tournament, which will feature a roster of the most talented T20I cricketers.

Cricket fans can watch this only global T20 league on Zee’s most widely distributed and viewed 10 linear TV channels: &Pictures, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema, Zee Zest, Zee Ganga, Zee Cinemalu HD, &Flix, &Flix HD and Zee Zest HD and leading OTT platform ZEE5. All single header matches will be broadcast Live at 8 PM India prime time. The afternoon match on the double-header’s day will start at 4 PM.

Date: 15th- 17th February
Venue: Hauz Khas, Delhi
Time: 11 am to 7 pm

Description: Baro Market brings its specially curated Bengal Bazaar to Delhi for the very first time. From fashion-forward brands who create zero-waste clothing to the very classic needlework by the craftsmen at Shantiniketan, the bazaar promises to dress up every kind of choice.

Some of the participating labels and their presentation include:

SSAHAWORKS Saris, stoles, dresses, and accessories in the finest muslin hand-spun cottons, finest muslin Jamdanis and finest hand-spun silk jamdanis.

LATASITA Zero-waste clothing crafted out of fabulous materials you would never find in a regular shop

ANKI BUNKI The best of Bengal’s craft in new age jewelry and fashion

BHOMRA The coolest Jamdani dresses – and menswear too

THE BINDI PROJECT Handmade bespoke Bindis

145 EAST Original, cutting edge and a way to make a statement, this is Fashion that takes new paths and breaks all boundaries

HARPERS LANE The Harper’s Lane finds its charm in creating soulful clothing inspired by the authentic rhythm of people and places and their stories. Their design celebrates everyday wearables with distinctive pieces made out of natural fabrics. The fluid cuts and the mindful details of the pieces make them timeless, seasonless and to be worn for years.

BUNOPHAL Natural botanical dye printing on organic hemp, cotton, linen and silk mixed with various textile design techniques for fashion salutes the ecosystem

SADAF A textile studio from Shantiniketan

NEEDLE Hand-crafted fashion accessories created from fabric in Shantiniketan

Bengaluru,5th February 2024: Rare and Basics (R&B), a fashion brand under the Apparel Group, has inaugurated its sixth store in Bengaluru. Located at HSR Layout, this new outlet marks the 18th retail establishment for R&B in India.

This opening emphasizes and further builds on R&B’s commitment to strengthen its presence and fulfill the growing fashion demands of Indian consumers. The newly opened large-scale store has a bright interior with segments for men, women, and children. The space is designed to appeal to a range of age groups and offer affordable apparel to Indian shoppers.

Spanning a spacious 12,000 sq.ft, the store at HSR Layout, Bengaluru stands as a testament to R&B Fashion’s reputation for trendsetting. It offers a curated selection, merging international runway hits with versatile everyday fashion. Catering to children, women, and men, the range extends to fashion apparel, footwear, beauty, toys, and accessories. True to R&B’s core values, the store advocates diversity and body positivity, by offering styles in a vast array of sizes.

Apparel Group launched R&B in October 2012 and opened its first retail store at Muscat Grand Mall in Oman. In India, R&B is currently present in Kozhikode (Kerala), Kochi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mangalore and Mysore. It currently operates over 123 stores across seven countries including India, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

Abhishek Bajpai, CEO of Apparel Group India, said, “Our new flagship store in HSR Layout, Bengaluru is more than just a retail space; it’s a commitment to our customers. As Bengaluru continues to be pivotal in our growth strategy, this launch aligns perfectly with our plans for R&B’s expansion in India. Our homegrown brand is ready to delight customers with its exceptional blend of style, quality, and shopping comfort”.

5th February 2024 India: Kognoz, a leading technology-driven people consulting company, has announced a strategic partnership with Giift, a global leader in loyalty and rewards technology. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the realm of workplace dynamics, introducing a revolutionary platform named “IMMERSE” designed to address the challenges posed by the hybrid model of work.

IMMERSE is a cutting-edge employee engagement approach that prioritizes self-determination and fosters an environment of immersion – specifically, immersion in purpose and well-being. In an era where remote and hybrid work models have become the norm, it aims to redefine the employee experience by providing a unique and tailored solution for immersive engagement.

The partnership between Kognoz and Giift aims to leverage their respective strengths to create a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking to overcome the challenges of employee engagement in the evolving landscape of work. With the hybrid model presenting unprecedented hurdles in fostering a connected and engaged workforce, IMMERSE emerges as the solution to bridge the gap.

Kognoz, known for its technology-driven people consulting expertise, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. The company’s innovative approach to human capital development aligns seamlessly with Giift leadership in employee engagement solutions. Together, they aim to create a holistic platform that addresses the dynamic needs of modern workplaces.

Talking about the partnership, Mr. Lokesh Nigam, Co-founder and Director, Kognoz said, “We are thrilled to partner with Giift on this groundbreaking initiative “IMMERSE is not just a platform; it’s a paradigm shift in how we perceive and approach employee engagement. In collaboration with Giift, we are excited to bring forth a solution that goes beyond the conventional, offering an immersive experience that caters to the unique needs of the hybrid workforce”.

Giift, recognized for its loyalty management solutions around the globe, adds its extensive insights and technology prowess to the partnership. The collaboration envisions empowering organizations to build a culture of sustained engagement, promoting employee well-being, and enhancing overall productivity.

Mr. Manoj Agarwal, Co-Founder, CPO & CMO – Giift said “We are looking forward to this strategic partnership with Kognoz as IMMERSE aligns perfectly with our mission to create meaningful and memorable experiences for employees, regardless of their work location. Together, we aim to redefine the employee engagement landscape and set new benchmarks in fostering a connected and motivated workforce”.

The partnership between Kognoz and Giift is poised to usher in a new era of employee engagement, providing organizations with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in the hybrid work environment. Immerse is set to be a game-changer, offering a unique blend of technology, human-centric design, and a forward-thinking approach to employee well-being.