Category business

Mumbai, Maharashtra: Origin, a leading trade credit insurance provider in India, and AU Group – the world’s leading independent broker specialised in trade receivables, headquartered in Paris – today announced a strategic partnership. This partnership marks an important milestone for both companies : and it will enable Origin to provide a wider range of insurance products and services to its customers and AU Group will extend its geographical scope and service capabilities.

Trade credit insurance has become increasingly important in India, given the volatile nature of the global economy. The partnership will enable Origin to offer a comprehensive range of trade credit insurance products and services to its customers, including coverage for political risk, non-payment, bankruptcy, and insolvency and this is aligned with the AU Group’s development strategy.

According to recent industry reports, the penetration of trade credit insurance in India is low, with less than 5% of Indian Corporates taking out such policies to mitigate their trade risks – domestic and exports. This is in sharp contrast to developed economies where trade credit insurance penetration rates are much higher and part of the sales process. This low penetration can be attributed to a lack of awareness and understanding of the benefits of trade credit insurance among Indian Corporates, as well as a limited availability of such products in the Indian market.

The partnership between Origin and AU Group will raise awareness about the importance of trade credit insurance and Political Risk, and will to expand the availability of such products to Indian corporates. With AU Groups’s expertise in Trade Credit Insurance, Political Risks and Surety Bonds as well as and Origin’s strong presence in India, the partnership is poised to deliver innovative and comprehensive solutions to the Indian market.

AU Group CEO, Vivien de Lassée, said, “We are delighted to partner with Origin to expand our presence in the Indian market. Our partnership with Origin will enable us to leverage their strong market position and offer our comprehensive range of innovative trade credit insurance solutions to businesses in India. We are confident that this partnership will be mutually beneficial and help us to further strengthen our position in the region.”

Gerald Lim, Chairman AU Group Asia said, “Origin is a well established specialist broker led by UmangRathod, an experienced and respected practitioner, and we look forward to working closely together “.

Umang Rathod, Founder & Director, Origin said “Trade credit insurance is an important area for us and we are excited to partner with AU Group to expand our product offerings in this space. The Indian market has tremendous potential and we believe that by working with AU Group, we can help Indian businesses to not only provide access to international underwriters and capacities but also customised policy wordings and solutions for Banks and Factoring companies.”

CII-Southern Region organized its Annual Regional Meeting for the year 2022-23 and a conference on South India@100 with the theme “GOING BEYOND BOUNDARIES” today in Hyderabad 

During the Session on ‘Positioning India’s Leadership through Sports- Journey to 2047’

Ms. Sania Mirza, Indian Tennis Player said that Hyderabad’s sporting culture very strong and believe that sports could be a career. When more people play, then you have more champions. We are more of a cricket nation than sports nation. In the last 20 years we have witnessed drastic changes in the sports arena. When you don’t be believe to be best or a champion then you won’t become a champion. We all should be given independence and should be allowed to do what we feel is good for us. We need to be best version of ourselves.

Mr. Pullela Gopichand, Chief National Coach, Indian National Badminton team, said that States or region does not matter but only performance matters. When need to focus on identifying the right talent and train them in such a way that they become best in the world. As a Coach we evolve continuously and the roles keep changing according to the needs. We don’t have prescribed roles.

Mr. Suhail Chandhok, Sports presenter & Commentator moderated the session

IMDb Original series ‘Ask Each Other Anything’ brings fans closer to their favorite celebrities as they reveal candid details about their lives, and share unfiltered opinions and exclusive BTS details from their projects! Ahead of the release of the Kannada movie Kabzaa, Upendra and Shriya Saran came together to share the experience of shooting the film and their adorable first impressions of each other.

Talking about the first time she shared screen space with Upendra, Shriya said, “The first time I met him we were shooting for the song Namaami Namaami. It’s beautifully choreographed by Chinni sir. The crew mentioned that Upendra sir is coming on set and everyone around was talking about him. Suddenly he walked in while I was learning my dance steps. I turned back and saw him in his regal outfit as he is dressed as a king in the song. He was smiling even though everyone around him was very quiet and serious. He walked in with a big smile and was full of laughter. He is a superstar but doesn’t act like one. He is simply in love with his film set and is having a good time. For him it’s really hard to accept appreciation but it’s very easy for him to appreciate and praise others, and that speaks volumes about him.

As if on cue, Upendra started praising Shriya. “When I heard that you are doing this movie, I thought wow! Just a dream come true. I’d approached you for two-three movies in the past, but you were so busy, acting in so many Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil movies,” he said.

National, March 18, 2023: Wakefit. co, one of India’s largest D2C home and sleep solutions brands, launched its ‘Gift of Sleep’ campaign on the occasion of World Sleep Day. The company’s 6th edition of the Great Indian Sleep Scorecard (GISS) report indicates 1 in 3 Indians think they have insomnia, and moreover, 90% of people reported waking up at least 1 to 2 times at night. In order to counter these sleep-related challenges and build a positive sleep culture in the country, Wakefit. co has launched this one-of-a-kind campaign for the benefit of its workforce and customers in Bengaluru.

The GISS report found that there was a 23% increase in the number of people feeling sleepy during work hours since last year. To emphasize and celebrate the importance of sleep, the company has announced an annual holiday in order to gift sleep to its employees on World Sleep Day, starting this year. In an official statement to its employees by the Human Resource (HR) department of Wakefit.co, the company announced that March 17 has been officially declared as a holiday

Hyderabad, March 18, 2023, Mahalakshmi Profiles Pvt Ltd (MPL Group), a Hyderabadi firm selected for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel with the Ministry of Steel, Govt of India. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) is an initiative of the Government of India for Steel Producers to encourage them to produce Specialty steels in India.

The ceremonial function for the exchange of MoU with companies selected under the PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel was held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi today. The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Shri Jyoti Aditya Scindia, Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel and Minister of State (MoS) for Steel Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste and other officials of the steel ministry.

Mr Vinod Kumar Agarwal, Managing Director, and Mr. Hitesh Kumar Agarwal (CEO) were present on behalf of the MPL Group and exchanged the MoU with the Minister.

Mr. Vinod Agarwal of MPL Group, expressed that it is a proud moment for the MPL group to be representing the state of Telangana at the PLI scheme for the steel sector. The project will also give impetus to specialty steel manufacturing in the country replacing expensive imports.

The National Steel Policy of the Government of India (GOI) aims at achieving 300 million tonnes (MT) of Crude Steel making capacity by the year 2030-31. To meet this target the Government of India has devised a unique Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Steel Producers to encourage them to produce Specialty steels in India.

Fitting to the requirements of the PLI Scheme, Mahalakshmi Profiles Pvt Ltd (MPL Group) has chalked out plans to invest an amount of Rs 260 Crores to produce Coated / Plated products of Metallic and Non-metallic alloys, with a capacity of 250,000 tonnes per annum by commissioning its new mega project in the year 2024-25 at its site near Kallakal village Manoharabad Mandal, Medak District, Telangana State.

Sondra Berg brings nearly 10 years of insurance industry experience to her new role.

(St. Louis, Mo., March 17, 2023) AAdvantage Insurance Group recently hired Sondra Berg as its Personal Lines Account Executive. In this position, she will focus on maintaining, expanding, and servicing the agency’s clients. Berg will develop relationships with existing clients, as well as pursue new business opportunities.

Berg has worked in the insurance industry for nearly 10 years. Prior to joining AAdvantage Insurance Group, she worked at a local insurance agency in various capacities. Berg holds licenses in Property & Casualty Insurance, as well as in Life Insurance in both Illinois and Missouri.

Founded in 2009, AAdvantage Insurance Group specializes in auto, home, business, farm, and life insurance. The agency serves clients in 19 states with the majority in Illinois and Missouri. AAdvantage Insurance Group is located at 78 S. Main St. in Glen Carbon, Ill.

“Sondra makes an excellent addition to our growing organization based upon her ability to create customer service solutions,” said AAdvantage Insurance Group’s CEO Josh Kaburick. “She brings an extensive amount of industry experience to her new role, and we look forward to all she will accomplish for both our clients and our company.”

AAdvantage Insurance Group is a member of Valley Insurance Agency Alliance (VIAA), a cohesive family of more than 160 independent insurance agencies in Missouri and Illinois. Founded in 2006, sister company Valley Insurance Agency Alliance generates more than $600 million in written premium and is the regional founding member for the Strategic Insurance Agency Alliance (SIAA), a $11 billion national alliance.

For more information about AAdvantage Insurance Group, call (618) 692-4440 or visit www.aadins.com.

Chennai, 17.03.2023: Renowned social development organisation ESAF has commemorated its 31st Foundation Day. Shaji K. V, Chairman, NABARD, inaugurated the event. “Similar to NABARD, ESAF has contributed much to enhance the creditworthiness of the people in backward areas. The achievements of ESAF have been truly remarkable,” he said. K. Paul Thomas, Founder, MD & CEO, of ESAF Small Finance Bank, delivered the Foundation Day message.

Shaji K.V. was also honored at the ceremony for being the first Keralite who took over as the Chairman of NABARD. Adv. K. Rajan, Revenue Minister, Kerala, P. Balachandran, MLA, Thrissur, Mereena Paul, Executive Director, ESAF Foundation, and R. Billy, Vice President, ESAF Foundation, also spoke on the occasion.

Awards for the Best Co-operative Societies were also distributed during the event. Valakavu Ksheera Vyavasaya Co-operative Society and Kulumai Milk Producer Company won the Best Co-operative Societies Award. Jai Sardar Krishi Vikas Farmer Producer Company of Maharashtra also received a special jury mention at the event. Handing Over ceremony of houses built by ESAF Co-operative and felicitation of employees who completed 10 years of service in ESAF also took place during the event.

ESAF Bank’s sixth anniversary was also celebrated eventfully. Vijay Kumar Nayak, Chief General Manager, the Reserve Bank of India, inaugurated the event. P. R. Ravimohan, Chairman, ESAF Small Finance Bank, K. Paul Thomas, MD & CEO, ESAF Small Finance Bank, Dr. Gopakumaran Nair, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Ajayan M. G., Director, ESAF Small Finance Bank, and George Thomas, George K. John, Hari Velloor and Hemant Tamta, Executive Vice Presidents, ESAF Small Finance Bank, also spoke on the occasion.

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New Delhi, March 17: PowerUp has launched two more products, Max Charge 20W USB Type-C Ultra Smart Wall Charger and PowerUp 1.5M Alu-Rub Tough 3-in-One Lightning Cable + Micro-USB + USB-C Cable.

Max Charge 20W USB Type-C Ultra Smart Wall Charger auto-detects the connected device and charges it at the device’s fastest speed. One port has an intelligent IC with an auto-identification feature to provide maximum charging efficiency. The charger is BIS-certified to provide safe and reliable charging. It has built-in overload latch-off protection, over-current and over-voltage protection, short-circuit protection, internal temperature protection, and surge protection.

Its hard-wearing matte exterior, high-gloss detailing, and the cool-blue USB port and Type-C provide a sleek look and soft lighting. The charger’s compact design for lightweight is ideal for traveling. With this ultra-smart wall charger, a tablet and a smartphone can be charged at the same time. The future-proof product charges all devices up to a standard 5V 3A, and up to 5V 2.4A faster charging for non–quick charge devices. Its USB 2.4A and Type-C 3.0A outputs have full power application and rapid charge USB Type-C Ports 2 Smartphones, 1 table+ 1 Smartphone.

Further, the Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 delivers charging speeds up to four times faster than standard chargers. It is designed to work with the most popular USB-powered devices, including laptops, tablets, iPhones, Android phones, wireless speakers, and headphones, besides wearable and photography gear.

PowerUp 1.5M Alu-Rub Tough 3IN1 Lightning Cable + Micro-USB + USB-C Cable

This PowerUp Cable is Apple MFi and USB IF-certified and meets the latest Apple and USB-IF standards so that you can enjoy super-speed data transfer, syncing, and charging. It will never show messages saying, “This cable or accessory is not certified and may not work reliably with this iPhone” on your Apple device. It is also compatible with non-Apple devices. These 3-in-1 Lightning USB-C and Micro USB connectors come together and are compatible with most devices that have these ports.

The cable is designed to withstand more than 5,000 bends and which is much more than a standard lightning cable, which basically means it will last much longer than the original device cable. The lightweight and flexible-braided nylon material makes the cable portable and tangle-free. The aluminum rubber shell protects all the connectors.

You will not have to carry any other cables when you are in a car or an office or are traveling. This 3-in-1 cable is an all-in-one portable charging solution for those who are on the move all the time. It is also MFi, FCC, CE, and ROHS-certified.

DishiS Jewels, one of the fastest-growing D2C online designer brands that offer lightweight and affordable contemporary jewellery, is proud to announce the launch of its latest collection of Rose-Pattern Rings. These beautiful rings perfectly blend timeless elegance and modern design, making them the ultimate accessory for any occasion. The latest jewellery collection is unconventional and minimal, inspired by the charismatic features of roses and created in diamonds depicting the world of love and romance.

Each piece in the collection has been carefully crafted by talented craftsmen to capture the essence of the flowers, significantly rose, and its beauty to adorn the beauty that beholds the ring. Made with premium quality metals like yellow gold, rose gold and sterling silver, these rings are designed to be durable, comfortable and easy for everyday wear, making them the perfect addition that best suits their style, preferences & personality.

DishiS Jewel’s latest ‘Rose-Pattern’ collection is modern, bold, and versatile and aims to add a touch of style to women’s mien. The new collection is available at its outlet in Delhi and on its e-commerce website; and can be delivered nationwide.

“Creating this collection of Rose-Pattern Rings was a labour of love keeping the contemporary wardrobe in mind,” said Dishi Somani, founder and creative director of DishiS Jewels. “We yearned to capture the essence of the rose, which has long been a symbol of beauty, love and passion. We believe these rings’ intricate details and stunning design will make them a treasured addition to every diva’s collection.”

The new collection includes a variety of styles and designs, including delicate and minimalist pieces and more ornate and intricate designs. Each ring features a rose pattern, expertly crafted to create a stunning visual impact. The rings are available in various colours and materials, including gold, rose gold, and silver.

DishiS Jewels is known for its commitment to quality and excellence. Every piece of jewellery in the collection is designed and manufactured to the highest standards, ensuring our customers receive only the best.

New Delhi: Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI is one of the most watched-out for events in the country. The bi-annual event attracts audiences not only from India but also from across the globe and is one of the most followed platforms digitally. Earlier this week, the property concluded its four-day-long fashion extravaganza that hosted new and seasoned designer showcases, thought-provoking discussions, sustainable initiatives, crème de la crème of the Indian fashion and entertainment industry, and more. Scroll below to get a glimpse of some of the biggest moments that the platform witnessed at the Jio World Garden, BKC, Mumbai from 9th to 12th March.

Spotlighting emerging talent

Fashion as an industry is challenging to say the least. You finally succeeded in creating your brand, and have been around for a couple of years—but now what? Enter Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI. Their approach to nurturing the design community has been holistic right from the start, from their longest-running INIFD GenNext program to the NEXA Spotlight, the curated emerging talent showcases by the platform has seen up-and-coming designers rise to fame over the years. This year as well, brands such as KoyToy, Hiro, KoAi, Rudraksh Dwivedi, Siddharth Bansal or the FDCI Innovators ft Akaaro and Nitin Bal Chauhan showcased cutting-edge collections that played into fabrics and techniques that wowed the audiences across the 4 days of fashion.

Sustainable initiatives took a front row seat

From RISE Worldwide presenting a unique sustainable showcase by internationally recognized designer Ruchika Sachdeva for her label Bodice during Sustainable Fashion Day to the Circular Design Challenge (CDC) presented by R | Elan™ that celebrated its fifth year since inception by hosting a special showcase by three of its alumni labels – Chamar, Doodlage-Made from Waste and Iro Iro to the grand Khadi show debuting thought-provoking collections that honored and celebrated India’s Fabric of Freedom, Khadi India with a multi-designer runway showcase, sustainability took the center stage. To top it off, Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI collaborated with renowned designers Abraham & Thakore to design the exclusive print of reusable water bottles across the venue in a bid to reduce water wastage as well as tackle the use of single-use plastic.

Fashion Forward Showcases

The showcases at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI were innovative presentations that constantly kept audiences at the edge of their seats. The week saw some showstopping menswear collections by Antar-Agni, Koytoy, Sahil Aneja, and Dhruv Vaish; a tech-meets-fashion presentation through a first-of-its-kind collaboration by Hair tech giant Dyson and fashion designer Arpita Mehta; FDCI presented the “First Cut” show by Pearl Academy where 32 students across campuses in India presented their individual takes on how fashion can bring courage to the present and new hope for the future despite the many disasters taking place worldwide. And a reimagination of street style by designers Two Point Two by Anvita Sharma, Six5Six by Avni Aneja, and Hiro by Hiral Jalal gave the street style a new direction.

A star-studded affair

No fashion runway in Mumbai is complete without a bevy of Bollywood beauties both on and off the ramp. The event saw several actors take to the ramp – from the star cast of the famed show CLASS to Sara Ali Khan, Sushmita Sen, Karisma Kapoor and even yesteryear icon Zeenat Aman, who stole the show! Off the runway, a range of starlets made their way to the showcases, leaving fans in attendance starstruck. The event saw attendance from prominent social media as well as TV stars such as Aditya Seal, Sonali Bendre, Armaan Malik, Aashna Hegde, Nimrit Kaur, and more.

On-ground engagement initiatives

Fashion enthusiasts hop, jump, and slide into the Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI venues in a bid to catch the glitz, the glamour, the drama, and more each season. Hosted at the Jio World Garden, BKC in Mumbai, this season the audiences were in for a visual treat with loads to do to keep oneself fashionably busy.

Legendary label, Satya Paul collaborated with India’s distinctive electronica artists Komorebi and Curtain Blue to create a visual showcase Birds & Bees. This unique collaboration called ‘The Satya Academy presents Komorebi and Curtain Blue’ brought to life a melodic intersection of fashion and music via a first-of-its-kind live concert. For a little shopping spree, The FDCI Designer Stockroom returned for its 10th edition which provided leading fashion talent across the industry the opportunity to sell their stock to a large pool of consumers. Over 70 designers panning, established as well as up-and-coming labels displayed their collections (old/ new) for audiences visiting the venue.

A fitting finale

The Lakmé Grand Finale brought the curtains down this season at Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI by retagging tags such as high maintenance, arm candy, gold digger, and whatnot in collaboration with Diffuse by Manish Malhotra. Redefining the power of fashion in being #UnaplogeticallyMÉ, the collaboration was a showcase of the new brand world of Lakmé and Manish Malhotra’s Diffuse Collection, encouraging women to celebrate their individuality.

The biggest ever grand finale in the history of the 22-year-old platform saw an unprecedented 102 models, almost 1000 guests, a front-row filled with stars and creative mavericks with Lakmé brand ambassador Ananya Panday and actor Aditya Roy Kapur closing the show – every detail of the grand finale came together to create a sensory spectacle.