Sound on: Columbia Pacific Communities debuts its sonic identity

Mumbai, March 29, 2023: Columbia Pacific Communities (CPC), India’s largest and most preferred operator of senior living communities, launched its sonic identity on March 27, 2023. Sonic branding is one of the new trends that brands are adopting, which uses music to establish a distinctive brand identity. Similar to a visual identity, the sonic identity includes a MOGO® (musical logo) which is the core element to support the extension of the brand.

With the launch, CPC becomes one of the few brands in the country, and the only senior living brand, with a sonic identity. The purpose of the new musical logo, or MOGO®, is to emotionally engage with its audience and help deepen their connection with the brand, while also producing a powerful sonic identity that the audience can instantly connect with and recall. While Columbia Pacific Communities is part of a global conglomerate, the brand intended to develop a sonic identity that was deeply rooted in India and mirrored emotions and the spirit of the country. The brand launched the sonic identity in collaboration with BrandMusiq, a global sonic branding agency.

Speaking on the occasion, Piali Dasgupta, Senior Vice President – Marketing, Columbia Pacific Communities said, “Sound is considered one of the most important senses by scientists, second only to sight. In the age of digital technology, sound and visuals are equally important to a brand’s identity and awareness. The sonic identity of Columbia Pacific Communities makes use of sound technology to elicit the desired persona, characteristics, and sentiments of the brand. Together with BrandMusiq, which is recognised as a pioneer in the industry for designing unique sonic identities, CPC produced a zone of sound that was motivated by our approach to community living with harmony, honesty, and transparency. Our basic values of care, empathy, and compassion, as well as the representation of the brand’s core concept of positive ageing, are the key components that have been incorporated into the sonic identity. The importance of a strong sonic identity in creating a brand that is easily recognisable, memorable, and builds a lasting connect with its consumers, is undeniable ”

Rajeev Raja, founder and sound smith, BrandMusiq, said, “BrandMusiq is thrilled to have created the sonic identity for Columbia Pacific Communities. CPC’s promise of ‘positive ageing’ mirrors BrandMusiq’s emotions of ’empathy and care’ with optimism acting as a balance. We created the MOGO® based on the master sound or MOGOSCAPE®. We combined several Indian ragas and scales to compose the brand’s sonic identity. The tune used is Raag Tilak Kamod in one portion, highlighting the brand’s empathetic and affectionate demeanour, and Raag Desh in another, reflecting Indian values and tradition of caring for the elderly.”

The key touch points for customers and prospects to experience the MOGO® include during on-ground events, video assets and video campaigns, in elevators, on the community app (Genie) for residents as notifications and updates, mobile ringtones of the frontline staff, in Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems, amongst others.

Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils launches new campaign

Freedom oil

29th March: Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils launched a new campaign on Freedom Rice Bran Oil to inform the customers about the health benefits of using Rice Bran Oil. This is the continuation of the ‘Freedom Oil Knowledge Series’ on the benefits of using Rice Bran Oil. The new campaign highlights the harmful effects of high levels of cholesterol and the benefit of using Rice Bran Oil for daily cooking to control the same. In the video released as a part of the campaign, renowned Nutritionist Dr. Matheen Asrar (Ph.D. Nutritionist) recommends people to take a balanced diet, do regular exercise, and switch to a healthy cooking oil like Freedom Rice Bran Oil for everyday cooking to live a healthy life. The campaign has been rolled out across social, digital, electronic, and print platforms. It has already garnered 1 million plus views from the social media platform.

In the earlier campaign of ‘Freedom Oil Knowledge Series’ an animated video was rolled out to explain the process by which Freedom Rice Bran Oil with 10000+ ppm Oryzanol, tocopherol, and tocotrienols which are natural Antioxidants, helps to reduce Bad Cholesterol (LDL), and maintain Good Cholesterol (HDL). The new campaign shares the inputs by a renowned dietitian on steps to be taken to take care of heart health. The campaign is designed to communicate the message in a simple yet effective manner from an expert and encourage people to use Freedom Rice Bran Oil for daily cooking.

According to Mr. P. Chandra Shekhara Reddy, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Freedom Rice Bran Oil, said, “We try to conduct focused campaigns as a part of ‘Freedom Oil Knowledge Series’ to inform the customers about the health benefits of edible oils. This new campaign on Freedom Rice Bran Oil, is designed to share insights on healthy living from an expert Dr. Matheen Asrar (Ph.D. Nutritionist), who recommends people to adopt a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, and cook food in a healthy oil-like Rice Bran Oil. Freedom Physically Refined Rice Bran Oil contains an ideal quantity of Oryzanol ie. 10000+ ppm therefore we request people to #SwitchtoFreedom and #ChangeForTheBetter and stay healthy with #ricebranoil.”

According to experts, if people maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat right, drink at least 2 liters of water, avoid bad habits like smoking, regularly monitor and control diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and Cholesterol levels and choose healthy oil like Rice Bran Oil for everyday cooking, they are likely to stay healthy and safe.

This Navratri, Mata Vaishno Devi devotees can pay via Paytm UPI, UPI LITE at the shrine

paytm

Paytm, India’s pioneer of QR code and mobile payments, now enables devotees visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi to pay via Paytm UPI LITE and Paytm UPI. To make the pilgrims’ experience of making donations, buying prasad, and paying at shops at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi hassle-free during Navratri, the fintech pioneer has placed direction boards along with Paytm banners, stickers at shops, and UPI LITE for branding across the temple. It has also provided EDC machines to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the nearby shops.

Devotees across India can make donations at the temple from the comfort of their homes, and can make online orders of prasad for home delivery using Paytm Super App.

India’s most innovative tech company, Paytm, has also enabled lightning-fast payments that never fail with UPI LITE at the shrine, and devotees can scan QR code to pay via Paytm UPI.

IISc’s FSID invites applications for its deep science startup incubation programme

Bengaluru, March 29th, 2023 – The Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development (FSID), the incubation wing of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore is inviting applications for its deep science incubation program. Applications particularly from women entrepreneurs and SC/ST/OBC/minorities are encouraged. The applications are to be emailed to stem.cell@iisc.ac.in before March 31st, 2023.

FSID’s focus on women/minority groups stems from the recognition of obstacles entrepreneurs face when heading a deep science enterprise, and the challenges faced by these groups make it even harder to build a successful startup. They require the necessary support and guidance in order to bridge this gap, and FSID will play this role.

The incubator offers access to state-of-the-art resources, invaluable mentorship, and a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for innovation and change. It focuses on accelerating startup growth by helping entrepreneurs commercialize their innovations, taking products from the lab to the market.

Currently, FSID has a portfolio of over 80 startups spread across various domains such as Agri-Tech, Bio-Tech, Space-Tech, Medical devices, Life sciences, and others. For over 30 years, FSID has used an incredible repository of knowledge, world-class infrastructure, and talent to help incubate business enterprises. FSID was founded in close collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore.

Techwave joins forces with WaterAid India’s Blue Mile to combat the water crisis

Techwave joins forces

29th March 2023, Hyderabad: Techwave, a global IT and engineering solutions firm, joined hands with WaterAid India, a global non-governmental organization, to support ‘The Blue Mile’ program, which aims to increase awareness of water scarcity, sensitize individuals, and encourage water conservation practices to help secure a safe and clean water supply for future generations.

To combat the water crisis, Techwave associates took part in the six-day virtual than “The Blue Mile” with great enthusiasm towards the cause, and people from all regions participated actively in the initiative. Techwave associates joined the initiative by participating in running, walking, and cycling activities, demonstrating their support for the cause, and helping to raise awareness about water scarcity.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Raj Gummadapu, CEO, Techwave, expressed, “At Techwave, we strongly believe that each individual has a responsibility towards encouraging sustainable development. Water scarcity is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. We are delighted to partner with WaterAid India and join hands with the Blue Mile community to tackle this crisis. We take pride in the active participation of our employees, and we are confident that this initiative will enhance their understanding of the significance of water and its actual struggles. Through our combined efforts, we aspire to create a positive impact on the environment and pave the way for a better future for generations to come.”

Okinawa Autotech Introduces Vibrant Color Options to Its Praise Family

Okinawa Autotech

Mumbai, March 29, 2023 Post clocking the milestone of achieving 2.5 lakh unit sales in India, Okinawa Autotech today introduced a wide array of vibrant color options to its Praise family. This step is in line with the brand’s commitment to delight its customers with unparalleled electric scooter riding experience and greater personalization options. The Praise platform (PraisePro and iPraise Plus) will be available in eight new colors (Electric Green, Ocean Blue, Mauve Purple, Liquid Metal, Military Green, Mocha Brown, Seafoam Green, and Sun Orange).

The Okinawa Praise Pro has been designed with a plethora of innovative features that reflect the ultimate blend of elegance and technology. The electric scooter has superior grade ergonomics that give users a comfortable ride. It includes a battery that can be fully charged in 3-4 hours, peak speed of 56 km/hr, running cost of just 14 paise/km, all LED lights and E-ABS (Electronic Assisted Braking System) with regenerative energy. It also boasts of a central locking system with an anti-theft alarm, the Locate My Scooter function, a USB charging port for mobile devices, and walk assistance.

On the other hand, iPraise Plus is designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. The scooter offers a range of 137km on a single charge and is integrated with the Okinawa Eco App. This is a great way to go around daily for the customers.

Both scooters display enriched designs inspired by Okinawa’s strong testament to the quality and customer delight. The additional color options will allow the riders to select a scooter that aligns with their unique style and personality, ultimately making their riding experience enjoyable and memorable.

Okinawa Autotech has played an instrumental role in fostering the growth of electric mobility in the country, with its wide range of two-wheelers. To celebrate the company’s phenomenal feat in achieving its sales landmark, the company rolled out its 250,000th unit, the popular Praise Pro model from its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Rajasthan.

Leading the EV revolution from the outset, the company began operations in 2015 and released its first model, the Ridge, in 2017. Okinawa Autotech currently has the most diverse product portfolio, 540+ 3S touchpoints, unrivaled after-sales support, and improved customer connectivity. The path to this milestone is also consistent with Okinawa’s goal of achieving sustainable mobility.

BenQ Launches New PD UA Series Monitors for Pro Designers with AQ Color Technology

New Delhi, 29 March 2023: BenQ, a leading provider of advanced display technology solutions, has launched its newest line of professional monitors, the BenQ PD UA Series. DesignVue UA series designer monitors are designed to be the ultimate tool for creative professionals who demand the highest performance and functionality in their work.

The PD Ergo Arm Designer is a 4K (3840×2160) IPS monitor with 99% sRGB & Rec 709 and 95% P3. The monitor has a new Ergo Arm that supports swivel, height adjustment, pivoting, tilting, and amazing cable management inside the arm. Its features enhance productivity for pro designers and photo video editors, providing 90W Power Delivery through Type-C connectivity.

Mr. Rajeev Singh, Managing Director, BenQ South Asia said “Catering to the evolving demands of creative professionals, the BenQ PD UA Series monitors have been designed to offer unparalleled color accuracy and image quality. These monitors are a testament to our commitment to providing cutting-edge display technology solutions that meet the needs of professional designers. With advanced features such as KVM Switch, Dual View, PIB/PBP, CAD/CAM & Animation mode, these monitors are the ultimate choice for professionals who demand the best quality and performance.”

The BenQ PD UA Series monitors are Calman Verified, Pantone & Skintone validated which boast exceptional photo and video color quality while editing and innovative features to enhance the user experience. With USB-C connectivity, users can enjoy seamless data transfer and device charging. The Dual View function allows for the display of multiple windows or applications side by side, boosting productivity. The Hotkey Puck provides quick and easy access to frequently used settings, streamlining the user interface. Furthermore, the monitors are equipped with Eye-care technology, reducing eyestrain during extended use, thus ensuring comfort during prolonged usage. These features make the BenQ PD UA Series monitors the ultimate choice for professionals seeking the highest standards in quality and performance.

Voice banking hackathon to drive financial inclusion through Indian vernacular languages

Chennai, 29th March 2023: Across the last few decades, technology has played a key enabler role in increasing banking penetration in India. However, with banking services even today offered primarily in English, individuals who may not be literate continue to face various hurdles. Further, there are limited solutions available for individuals with visual impairment or certain locomotive disabilities to access financial services. Focusing on solving this grassroots challenge at the heart of financial inclusion, IITM Research Park (IITMRP) and IITM Incubation Cell (IITMIC) have partnered with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) to conduct a hackathon that aims to drive innovation in banking inclusion.

The event, called ‘Vaulter Voice,’ is focused on developing a solution that can perform basic banking transactions through voice commands in the Indian languages of Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu to start with, in addition to English. This initiative will primarily help the underbanked population in overcoming language barriers and people unable to use touch-based applications due to any disability, gain access to formal banking services.

Speaking on the outcome of the hackathon Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, President – IIT Madras Research Park, IITM Incubation Cell & RTBI, said, “About 85% of households in India have incomes less than ₹25000 per month. Digitally driven fintech has the transformative potential to reach these often-neglected sections of the population and help them manage their finances better. ‘Vaulter Voice’ is a unique opportunity to bring together young creative minds in tech to develop a solution that can benefit millions of Indians who are unable to enter the formal financial fold due to a majority of the banking services being available only in English.”

The hackathon challenge is being conducted with the help of technology resources developed by IITs as a part of the Bhashini group, for building a public platform for languages for the development of various services. The hackathon is also supported by a number of banks and associated financial institutions. The resultant innovation will be further scaled up across the country, expanding to other Indian languages as well.

“I strongly believe that consumer experience is the key to financial inclusion, which in turn can strengthen our economy at its very core. Delivering financial products and services through regional languages can expand reach significantly. In this context, I am excited to explore and implement innovations that come through the Vaulter Voice hackathon” said Rajesh Bansal, CEO, of Reserve Bank Innovation Hub.

The hackathon also ties into one of IITMRP and IITMIC’s ambitious 10X goals, to make India a leader in ‘Fintech for Inclusion’ with the vision of achieving sustainable and inclusive socio-economic growth for the country. By working along with dedicated “Fintech for Inclusion” partners, the aim is to drive innovation with transformative potential in this sector.

Students, startups, and young working professionals across the country passionate about developing voice-based solutions that promote financial inclusion in India are encouraged to apply for the Hackathon. IITM Research Park will also potentially look at identifying, commercializing, and helping scale innovative solutions, under its “Fintech for Inclusion” initiative.

Spring Lookbook 2023: Head-to-toe essentials for the season

Mumbai,28th March 23:With the blooming season at its peak, bring out the colors in your wardrobe with shades of pink, lavender, and blush. The spring season is not just the transition period for your apparel, it’s the time for you to unleash the fashionista inside you!

The season asks for a delectable palette of colors to add a pop of chicness to your ensemble. Looking for some fashion inspiration? We have the complete head-to-toe style guide to get your style game on point for the cherry blossom season.

  pH Sun Care Range

pH Sun Care Range

While spring is a great time to flaunt your gorgeous locks, it calls for added protection for your hair against sun, salt, wind & Chlorine damage. If you’re looking for the perfect sun care routine with trusted essentials, fret no more! Pamper your mane with the ultimate Sun Care Range by pH. The range was launched in India by Maison D’Auraine and provides protection to your hair along with adding a dose of healthy shine and beautiful fragrance. The kit includes a mix of After Sun Shampoo, After Sun Conditioner, and Anti-Frizz oil enriched with the goodness of Aloe Vera and Tulip extracts. This go-to combination is a lifesaver for hydrating dull and detangled hair along with adding the extra oomph, softness, and bounce to your mane.

  • Kult App Skincare Box 

No matter what the season, skincare should always be on top of your list of essentials! While spring may look breezy, your skin is still prone to the sun, dryness, pollution, and dehydration.  The Kult App skincare box is all you need to give your skin the love and care it needs. Kult App focuses on hyper-personalization by analyzing 100,000+ skin combinations. Each product is rated based on a one-time Skin Analysis Test along with reviews by expert dermatologists, promising the ultimate personalized shopping experience. Choose from a variety of international and homegrown brands for the perfect skincare regime delivered to your doorstep within 48 hours pan India.

● Kult App Skincare Box

●       Colorbar’s 12-in-1 Eyeshadow Palette

Colorbar’s 12-in-1 Eyeshadow Palettes consist of shimmering hot-gold, dark, and ruby glitters that leave a gleaming finish. Made with an exquisite and rich formula, Colorbar’s 12-in-1 Eyeshadow Palette delivers a velvety texture, and richly pigmented color with ample versatility to experiment even more! The 12-in-1 Eyeshadow Palette range has 3 exclusive palettes, which are a mix of complementing shades that help one achieve their desired look. Each palette is priced at INR 2200.

● Colorbar’s Cheekillusion Blush in Everything’s Rosy I

 Colorbar’s Cheek illusion Blush in Everything’s Rosy

Immerse your cheeks in a luxurious and luminous color with Colorbar’s Cheekillusion Blush. With Colorbar’s blusher, you get to bless your cheeks with an incredible combination of high color payoff and addictive velvety touch. This powder blush has a lightweight, silky texture that hugs your cheeks with a satiny matte finish. That unmissable pop of color lasts throughout the day as this blush comes with a long-lasting and smudge-proof color. Colorbar’s Cheekillusion blush is priced at INR 675.

Immerse your cheeks in a luxurious and luminous color with Colorbar’s Cheekillusion Blush. With Colorbar’s blusher, you get to bless your cheeks with an incredible combination of high color payoff and addictive velvety touch. This powder blush has a lightweight, silky texture that hugs your cheeks with a satiny matte finish. That unmissable pop of color lasts throughout the day as this blush comes with a long-lasting and smudge-proof color. Colorbar’s Cheekillusion blush is priced at INR 675.  Modicare’s Urban Color London Nail Lacquer

  • Medicare’s Urban Color London Nail Lacquer
  • To achieve the perfect nails, try out new shades and experiment with colors like Purple and Green with Modicare’s Urban Color London’s Nail Lacquer in the shade, Teal Steal, and Lilac Bloom. This super-rich, heavily pigmented, and chip-resistant nail lacquer is 100% vegan, safe, and toxin-free. Available at just MRP Rs. 135/-, the formula allows exceptional color coverage and comes with a short to medium drying time for eye-popping bright nails for the trendy girl in you!

*All the products under the Modicare range are available across the country through Modicare Consultants.

  • Trendy spring fashion wear available on Amala Earth

It’s time to bid adieu to your winter wear and upgrade your wardrobe with sustainable fashion from Amala Earth. To up your styling game, Amala Earth offers a good wardrobe with prints that match your personality and style this spring season.  There are ample options to get the perfect spring dress to flaunt. From Kalamkari dresses to organic printed dresses, this earth-friendly platform has got you covered for all your fashion essentials. The exquisite colorful dresses are perfect for brunch/lunch dates and are made from ethical fashion practices. Amala Earth encourages its users to be earth-friendly and move towards responsible fashion with a trendy twist.

  • Taneira Cyanotype- a contemporary kurta collection 

Taneira furthers its endeavor to strengthen the handicrafts community in the country by giving them a new art form to practice and conserve. Each of the seven chic styles in the collection uses a multi-disciplinary approach on garments through mixed media. Inspired by the nostalgia of pressing leaves and flowers as a childhood memory, Cyanotype brings alive the spirit of those reminiscences and preserves it, in wearable form. Cyanotype boasts a tasteful combination of modern, effortless silhouettes and multi-functional outfits with pocket detailing and belts, some of which can even be styled as a dress, taking you from nine to dine within seconds. Priced between INR 4990 and INR 6990, Cyanotype is available across all Taneira stores in the country.

  • Bata Red Label Collection 

Bata India’s latest Red Label collection for women is a delectable palette of colors to add a pop of chicness to your ensemble. With an array of colorways, reinforce your personality with shades of pink, lavender, and blush. With styles inspired by the latest fashion trends around the world, the collection is full of peppy, trendsetting footwear to instantly get you noticed. Bata is no longer just your utility comfort shoe- it’s the Stiletto that elevates your monochrome dress, the Pump that defines your power dressing, and the Chunky Sandal that makes you top the trend charts. Whether dressing up for a social occasion with the dainty Nancy Mule or everyday urban chic with classic Heather flats, the collection offers an extravaganza of dress and casual styles.

  • Titan Raga Delight – the perfect accessory for your spring ensemble

Crafted for the boldly beautiful women of today, the collection features thirteen designs that offer a tactile, soft and flowy feel, evoking soothing and sensorial experiences. The masterful watchmaking in this collection features an inimitable piece with a 2-layered dial, where premium stones float in between, creating a playful effect. Another beautiful watch presents a rose quartz bunch, which can be interchanged with a single golden stud for added splendor and richness.

Adding elegance to any occasion, Titan Raga Delight is the ideal fashion accessory for every occasion, this spring. Prices start at INR 5,995/- onwards, and the stunning range of watches is also available at www. Titan.co.in.

  • SKINN Noura by Titan

Capturing the essence of the season of spring, SKINN Noura by Titan is the new floral fragrance for women. SKINN Noura is a range of floral fragrances bottled in a breathtaking flower bud-shaped bottle. It comes in two variants – Noura Iris and Noura Floret. Noura Iris basks in the coziness of a luminous floral bouquet paired with classic and contemporary white florals. Noura Floret is a decadent spring scent, it is a combination of deep rose notes and rich fruits.

  • Fastrack Bags Spring Summer ’23 Collection

Fastrack India has introduced the season’s trendiest range of Girls’ Handbags in their Spring Summer ’23 collection for you to ‘Wear It Your Way’. Designed specifically for modern Indian youngsters who value self-expression and are unafraid to experiment with fashion, the new collection is the season’s trendiest range of Girls’ Handbags. The designs are vibrant, fun, and versatile, perfect for the spring and summer seasons.

How does 2023 NEET PG counseling differ from 2022?

The National Board of Examinations for Medical Sciences, or NBE, is anticipated to release the NEET PG 2023 Scorecard. NEET PG candidates can retrieve their scorecard from the official websites, natboard.edu.in, and nbe.edu.in, as soon as it is made available. In addition, aspirants should be aware that the NEET PG Counselling
The 2023 procedure is anticipated to start in July.

The 2023 NEET PG exam was given on March 5th. Since the Supreme Court rejected all requests for exam postponement, the PG entrance exam has been held. The NEET PG Test attracted more than 2 lakh applicants.

In 2022 students know that in the 2023 exam held by NBE. Students are mentally prepared for counseling and mostly are dropouts and diploma students. This year the counseling is processing very aggressively. Neet PG students want to clear the exam and confirm their seats. Students are trying regularly to ensure their seats. Those students who are from a government basis and have a diploma have many options in their course. This year the council is performing very sincerely and monetarily. The cutoff procedure is changed this year due to the inclination that the college will only be providing to the students based on the previous and last year’s cutoff. This year the counseling strategy is very different from the previous year. Students find their colleges and then start counseling or else it has many defeatist effects.


According to Gaurav Tyagi, founder of Career Xpert:- Do proper research in terms of college before taking admission to it. Review and facilities analysis of the colleges should be done correctly. Don’t believe in consultancy agencies and agents. Counselors believe in your R&D and check the labs, OPD, IPD, and machinery, types of working of the college personally by visiting there. It will help you to find a better college for yourself.