Category business

Kolkata, May 6, 2023: HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, has always focused on driving awareness about life insurance as a product category. HDFC Life’s campaigns are largely insight-driven, aimed at addressing the need for a better understanding of life insurance.

Through its latest campaign, #InsureKareinBinaDelay, HDFC Life endeavors to educate consumers on the critical role that life insurance plays in securing a family’s dreams and financial future. In a way, this campaign works as a reminder to buy life insurance before it is too late.

The ad film ‘Patri’ is about a young, married couple on their first train trip together, where they meet a co-passenger, a lady in her early fifties, whose story inspires them to prioritise purchasing life insurance. Watch the ‘Patri’ film, here.

Further, the film also serves as a connection between the present and an older campaign film by HDFC Life, ‘Har Sapne Ka Aadha Hissa,’ where the co-passenger from the current film is seen as the protagonist who succeeds in fulfilling her daughter’s aspiration of becoming a pilot using HDFC Life YoungStar Udaan Insurance plan. Watch the older film, here.

speaking on the campaign, Vishal Subharwal, Chief Marketing Officer & Group Head – Strategy, HDFC Life, said, “#InsureKareinBinaDelay is a wake-up call for every individual with responsibilities. Most of us have a bucket list. However, we often do not realize that to fulfill those dreams, we need to be financially secure and so does our family. India has a huge protection gap of over 83%. This basically means that in case something was to happen to the breadwinner, most families would not be able to continue with their aspirations.Through this film, we want to give a reality check to consumers. It is a reminder to prioritise life insurance. This film is part of the HDFC Life Universe where the protagonist narrates her life experiences (this actually links back to our old campaign) and through her story, she inspires a young, newly-married couple to purchase life insurance early so they can go about fulfilling their dreams, with complete peace of mind.”

Speaking on the concept of the film, Manesh Swamy, Chief Creative Officer (CCO) & Senior Vice President – Creative, Social Media & Design, LS Digital, said, “The inspiration for our story came from a customer testimonial that deeply moved us. We realised that this story had the potential to make a significant impact in the lives of our consumers. Our goal was to inspire, educate, and motivate them to take action now to secure the future of their loved ones. In creating the Patri campaign, we built upon the foundation of our previous campaign, weaving in breadcrumbs that led to our protagonist’s journey. We’ve created our own universe within this story, and we’re optimistic that this short film will effectively convey the message of the importance of securing one’s future in a timely manner.”

In conclusion, ‘Patri’ is a poignant tale of life’s uncertainties and the importance of life insurance in securing our future. HDFC Life believes that this film will inspire people to act and prioritize life insurance in their financial planning.

Bangalore, 06 May 2023 – HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, announced that its recently-launched smartphone, the Nokia C12, is now available at just 5699 during the Great Summer Sale on Amazon. This is a limited time offer along with other major bank offers. The sale will continue till May 8th, 2023.

The Nokia C12 is an entry-level smartphone designed for consumers who want a reliable, affordable and easy-to-use device. Coming with all the C-series family reassurances, it provides a more efficient smartphone experience, making the promises of durability and security more accessible than ever. It brings elevated performance with Octa Core Processor, 2GB Virtual RAM, streamlined OS and enhanced imaging with Night and Portrait modes for both front & rear cameras. Plus, its resilient build has endured some of the toughest reliability tests around, so you can fully trust that Nokia C12 will stand the test of time.

Nokia C12 is available in Dark Cyan, Charcoal and Light Mint colors, and comes in 2/64 GB (plus 2GB of additional memory extension) storage configuration (support for up to 256 GB additional memory).

New Delhi, Friday, 6th May 2023: Loco, the world’s leading independent esports and live streaming platform, recently conducted one of the largest esports and gaming surveys to understand the gaming habits and preferences of gamers in India for the EY-FICCI Media & Entertainment Industry ‘Window of opportunity Report 2023’. With over 13,000 respondents from the Indian gaming community, the survey has become one of the most significant surveys conducted to date in the industry.

The EY-Loco Gamer survey findings provide a comprehensive analysis of the current gaming landscape, including market trends, consumer preferences, and behavioral evolution. Titled, ‘Trends in online gaming’, the survey sheds light into the evolving demographics and profile of gamers, showcasing the importance of game accessibility to attract and retain a diverse player base. It also highlights the growing demand for competitive gaming experiences and the potential for the industry to grow in India.

Some key findings of the survey include:

● Growing Appetite for Subscriptions: Almost two-thirds of respondents were willing to pay for gaming subscriptions. This indicates a growing willingness among Indian gamers to pay for high-quality gaming experiences. This change in consumer behavior comes at a time when improvements in delivery infrastructure via 5G and evolution of payment systems via UPI, is making high speed data and low cost payments available to a majority of users in India.

● Higher In-App Purchases: Over half of the respondents were willing to pay for in-app purchases. This presents an opportunity for game developers to create appropriate monetization roadmaps in their products

● Gaming is the preferred entertainment format: Online gamers in India are maturing and moving beyond casual gaming habits to serious gameplay, with 45% of respondents spending over an hour per game playing session. Additionally, despite working from the office, almost 50% of respondents spent more time on game play, indicating a growing appetite for serious gaming

● Increasing Popularity of Esports: The survey shows that Esports is becoming increasingly popular among Indian gamers, with almost 61% respondents indicating that they have participated in Esports events and viewed at least 1 tournament a month.

Commenting on the survey, Loco founders, Anirudh Pandita & Ashwin Suresh said, “We are thankful to thousands of Loco users who participated in this landmark survey. This survey helps industry participants like game developers, advertisers, and investors, develop a better understanding of the Indian gamer and drive business impact for them. We hope to continue gathering insights that will help us shape the future of gaming in India.”

The full EY-Loco Gamer Survey can be downloaded from the EY-FICCI Media & Entertainment report here

India – May 6, 2023 – Noventiq (LSE: NVIQ) (“Noventiq”), a global digital transformation and cybersecurity solutions and services provider, and Corner Growth Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: COOL) (“Corner Growth”), a special purpose acquisition company led by veteran technology investors (“Sponsors”), today announced they have entered into a business combination agreement that is expected to result in the combined company (“Combined Company”) being listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “NVIQ”. The Combined Company will operate under the same management team, including Hervé Tessler, Chief Executive Officer, and Sergey Chernovolenko, President & Chief Operating Officer, with current Noventiq shareholders rolling 100% of their equity into the Combined Company.

The proposed business combination (“Business Combination”) is expected to provide Noventiq with improved access to new sources of capital, accelerate M&A opportunities, and enhance its reach and capabilities in fast-growing in-house technology development in cyber security, generative-AI, and other high-margin products and tools.

Hervé Tessler, CEO of Noventiq Group, said:

“Noventiq has an established history of delivering digital transformation and cybersecurity solutions and services to high growth markets. The backbone of our success is a highly decentralized, expert team of thought leaders across the almost 60 countries we serve. As a responsible organisation, we believe that it is our duty to create value not only for our shareholders but also for our employees, customers, and technology partners. We are proud to collaborate with the incredible team at Corner Growth on this transaction and are confident that it will propel our efforts globally and open a pathway for a broader set of public investors to participate in our important work.”

Marvin Tien, Co-Chairman & CEO of Corner Growth, said:

“Hervé, Sergey, and the impressive Noventiq management team are leading the way in delivering digital success to growth markets, leveraging best-in-breed technology partnerships and unrivaled local expertise in the markets they serve. With our unique relationships in the Asia-Pacific region and decades of technology-driven investment experience, we believe we can help deliver long-term value for all stakeholders in this transaction.”

Noventiq Investment Highlights

• Leading enabler of digital success. Noventiq sits at the heart of the $3.8 trillion digital transformation and cybersecurity ecosystem.
• Global reach and focus on high growth emerging markets. These growing markets represent a substantial total addressable market (TAM) – estimated to grow at an approximately 9% CAGR from $330 billion in 2020 to approximately $500 billion in 2025[1] – and are underserved and historically difficult to penetrate. Noventiq’s extensive global reach, coupled with a strong local presence and recognized execution capability, uniquely positions it for success in these markets.
• Strategic partnerships amplify growth strategy and widen Noventiq’s competitive reach. Noventiq ranks as a premier partner for the top public cloud companies globally, including Microsoft – as well as other key technology players such as AWS and Google. Noventiq has collaborated with Microsoft for over 25 years, becoming a leading strategic partner in a large number of growing markets, and is focused on continuing to expand its services footprint, while also actively delivering other partners’ technologies as part of its portfolio of customer outcome-focused solutions.
• Consolidator with track record of successful M&A. 14 companies acquired since 2020 including multiple transactions in 2022/2023, with a strategic approach towards geographic, portfolio and sales channel expansion.
• Inclusive and diverse culture, industry leading talent and unparalleled local expertise. Noventiq is a people-first and customer-centric organization. Eighty-five percent of headcount is customer facing and is led by a low-turnover, long-tenured management team with deep experience in developing markets and providing services to Fortune 500 global operations.
• New product lines and product categories on the horizon. Significant organic growth opportunities in selling in-house developed solutions like enterprise-grade smart assistants powered by generative AI, Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, and other services and tools to new and existing customers. These are key drivers in growing high-margin solutions through Noventiq’s land and expand model.

New Delhi, 6th May 2023: Sony India today announced the new BRAVIA XR A80L OLED series powered by the Cognitive Processor XR. The newly launched OLED TV series takes vision and sound to the next level with the ingenious Cognitive Processor XR that thinks like a human brain offering a complete immersion in an experience that thrills and moves you and feels just like the world around us. In addition to best-in-class, ultra-realistic picture quality, full of lifelike contrast, the new Cognitive Processor XR also offers incredible sound with Sound-from-Picture reality.

1. Next Gen Cognitive Processor XR thinks like a human brain providing a revolutionary experience that completely immerses viewers in their favorite content

The new BRAVIA XR OLED A80L series will be available in 210 cm (83), 195 cm (77), 164 cm (65) and 139 cm (55) screen size. The revolutionary processor on Using cognitive intelligence, Cognitive Processor XR™ enables your BRAVIA XR TV to reproduce pictures and sound in the same way you see and hear them in the real world for an incredibly lifelike experience. It understands how the human eye focuses, cross analyzing images to give real life depth, extraordinary contrast and beautifully vivid colors. Thanks to the unique Cognitive Processor XR™, your favorite content is recreated in a way that is so real that you can feel it. Whatever you are watching, will be upscaled close to 4K quality by the XR Processor XR™. Enjoy striking contrast on the OLED screen that’s expertly controlled by the unique technology to deliver real life depth and pure blacks in every scene.

2. Feel more depth and texture with pure blacks and dazzling light with XR OLED Contrast Pro

Graphic showing angled images of the high luminance panel and temperature distribution mapping on the left, and an angled image of a BRAVIA screen full of colour on the rightThe A80L series has XR OLED Contrast Pro which boosts colour and contrast in bright areas for exceptionally realistic pictures defined by absolute pure blacks and peak brightness. With a temperature sensor and high luminance panel, this OLED TV utilizes our Cognitive Processor XR™ to detect screen temperature and precisely control light so pixels in bright areas are illuminated simultaneously.

3. Image of woman on skateboard at skate parkSplit screen of cat’s head with right side showing the extra detail after XR 4K UpscalingSplit screen of bird in flight with right side showing how XR Clear Image reduces blur in fast-moving wingsWith the latest XR 4K Upscaling, XR Clear image and XR OLED Motion technology enjoy 4K action that stays smooth, bright and clear with no blur

The A80L series encompasses XR 4K upscaling technology so that you can enjoy entertainment close to 4K quality, whatever the content or source. The Cognitive Processor XR™ accesses a vast amount of data, intelligently recreating lost textures and detail for real world pictures. XR Clear image reduces noise utlilising zone division and dynamic frame analysis and minimizes blur. With OLED XR Motion Clarity technology powered by the Cognitive Processor XR™, the A80L series combats blur by detecting and cross analyzing key visual elements on successive frames. It creates and inserts extra frames between the original ones so you can enjoy smooth and clear action, even in fast-moving sequences.

4. A80L has XR Triluminos Pro which delivers natural shades in every detail and the X-wide angle offers beautiful colors from any direction

Split screen showing two candle-shaped cones of colour, a smaller one on the left and a larger one on the right with the enhanced colours and textures of XR Triluminos ProSplit screen image showing detail on BRAVIA screen when watching from the front and the side

Powered by our Cognitive Processor XR™, XR Triluminos Pro enables A80L access over a billion colours and reproduce each one with the subtle differences seen in the real world. Together with our wide colour gamut panel and human-centric processor, it can detect colour from saturation, hue and brightness to deliver natural shades in every detail. With X-Wide Angle, watching televisions from the sides is now as satisfying as from the centre. This OLED panel keeps colours consistent and true, wherever you’re watching.

5. Enjoy superfluid Google TV user interface with handsfree voice search offering endless entertainment through 10,000+ Apps & games along with 700,000+ Movies and TV series. It also works seamlessly with Apple AirPlay2 and HomeKit

With new BRAVIA A80L series, download 10,000+apps, see 700,000+ movies and TV episodes, plus live TV, all in one place. Google TV brings everyone’s favourite content from across apps and subscriptions and organizes them. Searching is easy- just ask Google. Try saying, “Hey Google, find action movies” to search across apps. Customers can easily find something to watch with personalized recommendations and bookmark shows and movies by adding a watchlist from phone or laptop with Google Search and find everything in one place. BRAVIA A80L also supports Apple Home Kit and AirPlay that seamlessly integrates Apple devices like iPads and iPhones with the TV for effortless content streaming.

6. With Handsfree voice search feature, you can interact with the TV to play your favorite shows and movies

Find your favorite content faster than ever using the power of your voice, no remote required. With hands-free voice control built into A80L OLED, forget the complicated navigation or tiresome typing, you can set aside the remote and just use your voice to search for entertainment, get answers, and control the TV and smart home devices. All you need is to say, “OK Google, turn on the TV” or “OK Google, what should I watch?” and see it happening.

7.

A high impact gaming television, offering best-in-class gaming experience with Auto Genre Picture Mode and Auto HDR Tone mapping features along with HDMI 2.1 compatibility, 4K 120fps, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)

Bring gaming to life like never before as A80L series is loaded with exclusive gaming features such as Game Menu, Auto Genre Picture Mode, Auto HDR Tone mapping supported by HDMI 2.1 compatibility, 4K 120fps, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) offering jaw dropping graphics, awe-inspiring scenes and atmospheric sound. Auto Genre Picture Mode in A80L automatically switches into Game Mode with PS5™ to minimise lag and maximise responsiveness. It switches back to standard mode when watching movies for more expressive scenes. The Auto HDR Tone Mapping instantly optimises HDR settings during your PS5™ initial setup. Even in dark shadow and bright highlights, one can see fine details and true colour. With 4K/120fps, a Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode, this television gives you ultra-smooth experience and clear movement for responsive gameplay.

8. 画像With A80L, Game Menu feature allows you easily access gaming status, settings and gaming assist functions all in one place

The A80L series include an easy-to-use Game Menu where gamers can tailor their settings to their preferences, such as turning on or off VRR or Motion Blur Reduction with quick access. The Game Menu also allows users to increase the brightness in dark areas to easily spot objects and opponents with the black equalizer and can easily take aim on their opponents with six types of crosshairs. New this year is the ability to customize the size of the screen with the screen size feature to concentrate gaming with a smaller, focused screen.

9. A80L series comes with BRAVIA CORE, to enjoy the largest collection of IMAX enhanced movies with highest quality Pure Stream™ upto 80mbps

The BRAVIA Core app is a pre-loaded movie service that allows for redemption of 10 current releases and classic blockbusters films with unlimited streaming of top movies upto 24 months. It gives you access to a large library of Sony Picture’s movies available to stream in near 4K Blu-ray technology. With BRAVIA A80L experience Pure Stream™, the highest streaming picture quality and access the largest collection of IMAX® Enhanced movies, everything you watch is delivered with stunning visuals and expressive sound quality. With the BRAVIA CORE Calibrated mode, your movie will automatically adjust to the optimal picture settings to create a truly exceptional at-home movie viewing experience.

10. Explore an array of fun new TV experiences with BRAVIA CAM including gesture controls, ambient optimization, and Google meet etc
Connect your BRAVIA XR A80L OLED TV with BRAVIA CAM (sold separately) for an even more immersive viewing experience. BRAVIA CAM recognizes where you are in the room and how far you are from the TV, then adjusts sound and picture settings so they’re just right. You can also enjoy an array of fun new TV experiences with BRAVIA CAM including gesture controls, you can also catch up with your friends and family on the big screen via google meet feature. Detecting the distance between you and your TV, BRAVIA CAM adjusts TV brightness, so you can always enjoy perfect picture quality, no matter where you are in the room. A light and color sensor in the TV optimizes pictures to light conditions for the best possible viewing experience.

11. Create your own cinema at home with exceptional visual and audio experience with BRAVIA XR technology, Pure Stream™ and IMAX Enhanced

For the ultimate in picture quality, the A80L pairs the brilliance of 4K clarity with the brightness, color, and detail of High Dynamic Range (HDR). With IMAX Enhanced this TV reproduces all the drama and excitement of the director’s imagination.

12. Enjoy picture and sound in complete harmony as screen is the speaker with Acoustic Surface Audio+ and XR Surround with 3D surround upscaling

Split screen of a guitarist with left image showing how a conventional TV emits sound from beneath the screen and right image showing how a BRAVIA with Acoustic Surface Audio+ emits sound from the guitarist for more realism

With the new A80L, experience improved pictures and sound harmony. Under the XR Sound Position, the sound comes directly from the screen with Acoustic Surface Audio＋™. Triple actuators behind the TV vibrate to create acoustics that move with the picture. The TV includes three actuators and two subwoofers, out of which two of the actuators are dedicated to treble, strengthening sound localization and surround sound. Two actuators on the sides also improve high frequency sound with clear and natural dialogue. Left and right subwoofers boost bass for immersive sound at home. With BRAVIA XR™, everything you watch gets the true surround sound treatment. XR Surround virtually creates surround sound from the sides and vertically using just the TV speakers, so you can experience 3D audio without the need for in-ceiling or up-firing speakers.

13. Supreme pictures and sound in every environment with Ambient optimization, Light sensor, and Acoustic auto calibration technology

The A80L with ambient optimization technology with light sensor automatically adjusts the picture brightness to room conditions, boosting brightness in light rooms and reducing it in dark ones so you get the perfect view. The unique ambient optimization technology with light sensor automatically adjusts picture and sound to your environment. The acoustic auto calibration technology detects your position and optimizes sound, so you can enjoy the same sound quality as if you are sitting right in front of the TV. Sound can change depending on your room environment. The OLED series also includes a light sensor that optimizes picture brightness to room conditions, boosting brightness in light rooms and reducing it in dark ones so you get the perfect view.

14. A80L series is designed to perform in the toughest conditions with the XR protection PRO

X-Protection PRO logosNew A80L OLED series built with the new and improved X-Protection PRO technology is made to last. Not only these televisions are equipped with superior dust and humidity protection as they also pass the highest standards of Sony’s lightning tests, meaning your TV is safeguarded from lightning strikes and power surges. Keep enjoying seamless entertainment with a TV that lasts longer

15. Easily immerse yourself into the picture with the minimum ‘One Slate’ design and the ‘Metal Flush Surface’ bezel

The Minimalist one slate design with metal flush surface embraces the screen in a single pane of glass that’s naturally elegant and keeps viewers focused on the picture without distraction. A 3-way stand gives you the choice of a standard setting that focuses you on the picture, narrow setting for smaller shelves and soundbar setting for ideal positioning of your sound system. The stand is a new design with a diamond-shaped cross-section, which makes the appearance even thinner and lighter.

16. Designed with the environment in mind

The growing demand for ever larger TV screens comes with greater resource and energy use. Sony’s sustainability commitments are realizing efficiency gains from product development right through to watching TV. Keeping its commitment to decreasing plastic usage through its Road to Zero initiative. To reduce environmental impact, Sony is working on multiple aspects of the product life cycle, such as reduction of virgin plastic use, improvement of transportation efficiency, and reviewing energy consumption during use. Additionally, the new Eco Dashboard included on all 2023 models allows users to easily customize energy saving preferences and settings.

Price, Availability and Introductory offer:

This will be available across all Sony Centers, major electronic stores and e-commerce portals in India.

As a part of the introductory offer, customers can now upgrade to their television viewing experience to new BRAVIA XR 65A80L OLED and avail an instant cashback of up to Rs.12,500/-. Apart from this, Sony is also offering a special two-year warranty on purchase of 65A80L OLED.

ITC Hotels have consciously carried the culinary-advocacy of heritage and modernist India; through an ever-evolving research on native dining experiences that transcends the anecdotal to actual achieved through the scrupulous supervision of groups Master Chefs.

This time the group is taking the iconic Dehlnavi trail all around India, with its multicity culinary tour bringing the cross-border melange of erstwhile Capital City- in a handpicked curation of unaltered taste influenced from Mughal, Baniya, Kayasth, Punjab and many more. Served at homes, by food carts or at the high table, Delhi’s flavours, like her unique gharana, tells the story of the city. Successive settlers have invested the city with their own heirloom flavours and sense of urbanity.

The four-day Dehlnavi trail dinner pop-up in Mumbai can be enjoyed ITC Maratha at Sahar Andheri East and ITC Grand Central Dishes at Parel in its award-winning restaurants Peshwa Pavilion & Hornbys Pavilion respectively giving an ease proximity access to gourmet enthusiast from North, Central and South districts of Mumbai. The culinary showcase is led by cuisine authority Chef Rais – ITC Maurya & Chef Mofid – Welcomhotel Sheraton New Delhi Hotel to Mumbai.

The food trail will start off with chaats such as papdi chaat, and the unique kulle ki chaat, Bhe ke Kebab, Tulsi ke kebab from the walled city. Kulle ki chaat, for the unversed, is made by scooping out the centres of boiled potatoes, sweet potatoes or summer specials like watermelons, and filling them with a mixture of chickpeas, pomegranate seeds, spices, and tangy chutneys. The stuffed potatoes or watermelon are then garnished with a variety of toppings such as sev, coriander leaves, and chaat masala, which is a spice blend commonly used in Indian cuisine.

Besides the chaats, Dehlnavi cuisine trail will also feature kebabs and fish fry. While bhey ke kebab or lotus stem kebabs will stand true to the earnest effort for uniqueness, the other offerings on Purani Dilli Fried Chicken and Fish Fry will reflect the vast diaspora of Mughlai kebabs and street foods of Delhi.

The main course, however will remain the highlight of the fare and perhaps for the first time ever, the vegetarian side will seem more enticing with Dal Dehlnavi served with a crisp biscuitty roti will catch your fancy. Imagine the tantalizing fragrance of slow-cooked moth and split moong dal, infused with the pungency of chopped chillies, roasted cumin, and ginger juliennes. As you dip the sweet, biscuit-like roti into the creamy and thick textured dal, a heavenly blend of flavours dances on your taste buds.

The nimona pulao will be as intriguing as the dal and biscuitty combination, since the usual nimona pulao has green peas (matar), it is given a unique spin with matar stuffed inside the salan mirchis! The matar paneer naize would be the perfect nod to rustic flavours and a smooth, creamy-like texture thanks to the pine nuts. The chatpate soya charra aloo mime the mock meat hype in Mughal corterie introduced by Bania community. While kunni dal which is slow cooked on a gentle flame with a blend of Bengal gram and black lentils is infused with a handful of secret spices and a hint of garlic, is sure to comfort you to no end.

The non-vegetarian fare on the other side will be as royal as it could get. Expect the all-time favourite Dilli Butter Chicken in luscious gravy with a velvety texture and an indulgent buttery taste that coats the tongue. The juicy and tender boneless chicken pieces perfectly cooked and complemented the buttery goodness of the dish, will guarantee a lasting impression on the taste buds. The extravagant Nihari and Gosht Pulao too irresistibly delicious and added the perfect touch of Mughlai to the unforgettable experience.

The dessert platter will be the perfect conclusion to the hearty meal – full with Barf Ki Handi and decadent kheer (Khurchan) and gulab jamun.

The Dehlnavi Food Trail can be experienced for dinner buffet from 11th May 2023 to 14th May 2023 for 2400 plus taxes at Peshwa Pavilion, ITC Maratha, Mumbai.

Date & Timing : 11th – 14th May 2023,
Dinner – 07:00pm -11:00pm
Priced at : INR 2,400 + Taxes
For Reservation : +91 022 28303030

New Delhi, 4 May 2023: Positioning India as the preferred hub for providing skilled workforce globally, NSDC International continues to bring global job opportunities for resident Indians.

NSDC International aims to enhance the skill standardization, language proficiency, and vocational training of Indian talent to equip them for the estimated 3.6 million international workforce mobility (IWM) opportunities that will arise in the next five years. This will be achieved through strategic collaborations with foreign governments and partnering for dedicated training programs, thereby creating job opportunities for Indians in foreign countries.

After successfully placing more than 28,000 skilled workers across the globe, NSDC International, a 100% subsidiary of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) organized a felicitation ceremony for a batch 30 candidates today to become a part of the opportunities that awaits Indian talent in distant shores. Belonging to various parts of the country, the candidates have received joining letters for different job roles including painter, general helper, pipe fitter, spray painter, and welder. These candidates will be joining group companies of DP World.

In the coming five years, the International Workforce Mobility (IWM) market opportunity for India is estimated to be 3.6 million. With this, NSDC is working towards improving avenues for skill harmonization, language, and vocational training along with creating a larger pipeline of employable talent. To ensure that right talent is chosen to meet the skill demand of global economies, a strict selection process has been undertaken by the employer involving multiple rounds of interviews, tests including English language competence and trade testing.

On the occasion, Mr. Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC, and MD, NSDC International, said, “I am proud that today we have the platform and the partnerships to extend aspirational employment opportunities and entrepreneurship pathways to young, talented minds. Congratulations to the 30 candidates who passed our rigorous selection process and are now broadening their horizons and are embarking on their journey to join DP World group companies. We are a nation of high caliber, and this achievement is a testament to that. It has the potential to fill the skill gap in global economies. At NSDC International, we take pride in facilitating job opportunities for skilled individuals worldwide, and our goal remains making India the Skill Hub of the World.”

Shubhransh Srivastav, Director Corporate Affairs, DP World SCO present in the felicitation said “This initiative is part of DP World’s continuous commitment to contribute to the development of people in the communities it operates in. This joint effort of NSDC and DP World in curating a vibrant yet transparent placement programme for candidates of Skill India International Centres from India to the United Arab Emirates premised on fully paid training with zero cost to candidates has seen positive traction. This felicitation ceremony for candidates embarking to the UAE is ample testimony to the success of the programme and of the future employment prospects that this initiative presents to the skilled youth of the country.”

To understand the employment potential overseas a study of 16 high potential countries – Saudi Arabia, UAE, USA, Canada, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Australia, Germany, Japan, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Sweden, and Romania which form the countries that see substantial migration from India was conducted by NSDCI. A five yearly potential of around 39 lakh Indian workforce has been identified. And based on the study the following 10 sectors have been identified as high priority sector- Construction, Healthcare- Personal Care & Social Care, Hospitality & Tourism Management, Energy (Oil & Gas & Renewables), Education (Teachers), Shipping and Logistics, IT & Digital, Retail including Bike riders, Manufacturing and Media and Entertainment.

Through NSDC International, active engagements are ongoing in global markets to accelerate the skills of the future. Benchmarking of skill qualifications in GCC countries through government-to-government (G2G) and business-to-business (B2B) workforce mobility collaborations are enabling several successful pathways for India’s youth and progress has also been made in developing partnerships with several other countries. To make sure that the youth take full advantage of this world of opportunities, creating a future-ready workforce is imperative as it holds the key to an economically connected world. At this juncture, reimagining the current approach, strong partnerships and skill development initiatives concentrated on international mobility will prepare India’s youth for the future of work and revitalize the world economy.

May the 4th be with you! As we celebrate Star Wars Day, what better way to embrace the spirit of the galaxy than by diving into some of the most captivating sci-fi series? These series promise to take you on a thrilling journey through space, time, and technology, transporting you to a realm beyond your wildest imagination. So strap in and prepare for an adventure that will make your heart race and your mind soar, as we explore the top sci-fi series that are perfect for Star Wars fans everywhere.

Star Wars Resistance

With stunning animation and exciting space battles, Star Wars Resistance is a must-watch for any Star Wars fan. The series explores the early days of the Resistance and the rise of the First Order, providing a fresh perspective on the events leading up to the sequel trilogy. As Kazuda navigates his mission, he faces both danger and adventure, meeting new allies and uncovering secrets along the way. With beloved characters from the original trilogy making appearances and new characters adding to the rich Star Wars lore, Star Wars Resistance is a thrilling addition to the franchise. Don’t miss out on the action and excitement of this animated gem, now available to stream on Disney+Hotstar.

Shoorveer

Shoorveer on Pocket FM is a perfect listen for sci-fi fans who are looking for an escape this Star Wars Day. This audio series takes listeners on a journey to the world of Titan, where humans have discovered the power of teleportation. However, they soon realize that the planet is filled with dangerous creatures and they must learn to adapt and survive in this strange new world. With a mix of action, mythology, and science fiction, Shoorveer is a thrilling listen that will keep you hooked from start to finish. The sound design and voice acting are top-notch, creating a fully immersive experience that transports you to different worlds and makes the characters come alive.

Stranger Things

With nods to classic sci-fi and horror films from the era, Stranger Things is a thrilling ride full of twists and turns. The series’s attention to detail in recreating the 1980s and its pop culture makes it a must-watch for anyone who loves sci-fi and fantasy. The young cast, including Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard, deliver standout performances that will keep you invested in their characters’ fates. Stranger Things is a perfect blend of suspense, humor, and heart, making it an excellent choice to celebrate Star Wars Day.

The Expanse

The Expanse is the perfect series to invest in this Star Wars Day. With its intricate plot and compelling characters, this sci-fi drama on Prime Video is a standout in the genre. Set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, tensions between Earth and Mars are at an all-time high. Amidst the political unrest, a group of unlikely heroes sets out to uncover a vast conspiracy that could change the fate of humanity forever. The series is a masterclass in world-building and features stunning visuals that bring the futuristic setting to life. If you’re a fan of space opera and intergalactic adventures, The Expanse is not to be missed.

The Mandalorian

The Mandalorian is a thrilling addition to the Star Wars universe, with a Western-inspired storyline that follows the bounty hunter as he travels through the outer reaches of the galaxy. The series features stunning visuals, epic action sequences, and a captivating storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. But it’s not just about the action; it also explores deeper themes like loyalty, family, and the power of connection. And let’s not forget the breakout star of the series, Baby Yoda, who has captured the hearts of fans around the world. Whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan or just looking for a new sci-fi adventure, The Mandalorian is a must-watch on Disney+Hotstar this Star Wars Day.

 4 May 2023: Through several key drivers, India is emerging as a favorable destination to conduct clinical trials, as per a joint report by PwC India & USAIC (US-India Chamber of Commerce) titled, “Clinical Trial opportunities in India”. The report was released at the USAIC BioPharma & Healthcare Summit held virtually on May 3.

Sujay Shetty, Partner & Global Health Industries Leader, PwC, said, “Clinical trial activity in India has been increasing steadily since 2014 due to several key regulatory reforms aimed towards global harmonisation, enabling open access to clinical trials in India. The country’s diverse population, combined with its rapidly advancing healthcare infrastructure, provides a fertile ground for clinical trials to flourish. This is an opportunity for top biopharma companies to develop a long-term strategy that focuses on the key enablers of innovation and strategic partnerships in India.”

Biopharma can benefit from the critical enablers of innovation in the private healthcare system in India and leverage the rapidly expanding healthcare infrastructure in the country. Commenting on the opportunity for the private sector, Karun Rishi, President, USAIC said, “The growing interest in clinical trials in India presents a significant opportunity for private biopharma companies to leverage the country’s rich diversity and robust healthcare infrastructure. With a large and diverse patient pool, streamlined regulatory processes, and a highly skilled workforce, India offers a favourable environment for biopharma companies to conduct efficient and cost-effective clinical trials. By tapping into this opportunity, companies can accelerate their drug development timelines, increase the efficiency of their research, and bring innovative treatments to patients in need, ultimately advancing global healthcare.”

Key takeaways from the report:

1) The private sector is a well-suited channel for the top biopharma to conduct more efficient clinical trials with easier and faster access to investigators and patients.

2) Indian states with high disease prevalence (e.g., cancer) also have the most number of tier-1 cities, with advanced medical infrastructure and availability of investigators. Targeting these states can provide biopharma companies with faster access to patients, sites, and investigators

3) Total number of investigators has increased by 2x between 2015 and 2020, with the majority of the increase occurring in the internal medicine and oncology specialisations. However, the growth in the number of investigators is largely restricted to tier-1 and 2 cities.

4) While the top 20 pharma activity for the major therapy classes in India has remained largely constant in the last decade, growth opportunities exist across key diseases (e.g., pain, epilepsy, cervical cancer) and orphan diseases (β-thalassemia, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy)

5) India has an overall clinical trial participation of ~3% but contributes upwards of 15% to the global burden of most high prevalent diseases (e.g., respiratory infections, cardiovascular, diabetes, cervical cancer), representing an untapped potential for top pharma

6) Top biopharma should align their strategy towards tier-1 cities (e.g., Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai) where the higher bed capacity, number of doctors, and presence of tertiary care multi-city hospitals can support enablement efforts of running faster and more efficient clinical trials

Karnataka, May 04, 2023: Continuing in the direction of creating a new paradigm in mass mobility, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) commenced all India despatches of Shine from its 3rd Factory in Narsapura (Karnataka).

The roll out of the newly launched motorcycle was celebrated by conducting a special line-off ceremony in the august presence of Mr. Tsutsumu Otani – President, CEO & Managing Director (HMSI), Mr. Vinay Dhingra – Senior Director, Human Resource and Administration (HMSI) and Mr. Naveen Awal – Director, Production (HMSI) along with other senior members from HMSI.

Launched in March 2023, Shine comes with the all new 100cc OBD2 compliant engine powered by eSP (Enhanced Smart Power) and as many as 12 new patent applications, making it one of the most reliable, affordable, and fuel-efficient motorcycle in India.

Engineered with other essential features and technology, Shine offers utmost comfort, convenience, durability, and elegant styling to the riders, making their ride joyful in any kind of road conditions.

The stylish and versatile Shine is available in five color options – Black with Red Stripes, Black with Blue Stripes, Black with Green Stripes, Black with Gold Stripes and Black with Grey Stripes. It is priced at Rs. 64,900 (ex-showroom, Maharashtra).