Category business

Hyderabad, March 04, 2023……The Ministry of MSME, Govt of India is helping 60 MSMEs to participate in the 3rd Business Women Expo 2023 to be held at Hitex from March 10 to 12 for three days informed Mr. M.V. Sudhir Kumar, Asst Director, MSME-Development Institute while addressing a press conference organized on Thursday by Hitex at their office in Madhapur to give a brief about the forthcoming event . We bear their cost of participation, he added.

Speaking further Mr. Sudhir said, they help MSMEs in many ways such as credit facility, technology upgradation, infrastructure development, increase in capacity, marketing support and it also helps them to participate in domestic as well as international exhibitions.

Further the department is helping women MSMEs with new age skills such as Trademark, Patent registration, GST, nil returns filing, cyber security and many such new issues and subjects MSMEs are confronted with, Mr. MV, Sudhir Kumar said.

Dr. KBRS Visarada, Principal Scientist of IIMR-Indian Institute of Millet Research said nutritional security is the order of the day. Earlier it was food security. Now the food is abundantly available. Millets are a good cereal for nutrition security.

IIMR is developing new millet recipes, reviving some old and introducing millet drinks too. It runs programs to cook with millets. It trains home entrepreneurs on how to make biscuits, cookies for household use as well as commercial use.

IIMR played a key role in making the United Nations to announce the year 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Millets are the pride of India. Our Traditional Grains have got international recognition, she added. She urged people to make Millets part of food service.

Dr. Shilpi Reddy of KIMS Cuddle said Millets are a source of energy. Their stall in the expo will help women learn how to have intelligent babies by their own training, she said.

Srini Chandupatla, Vice President of TiE Hyderabad said TiE will run an investor connect program for the benefit of women entrepreneurs. They can pitch to potential investors. He gave a list of initiatives TiE Hyderabad organizes to promote women entrepreneurship.

Usha of We Hub said that they were planning to start an accelerator soon. They were also planning to launch WE CORNER, the first retail forward linkage support channel for women entrepreneurs.

Abhinav of AasaanWill said their online Will Writing Platform is only one of its kind in India. It helped 1000 plus people to write their Will. Unfortunately 95% of the Indian Population does not know much about Will and Will Writing. He told women to secure their hard earned properties.

WEDO, Women Entrepreneurship Development Organization plans to present visionary women awards during the Business Women Expo 2023.

I-Run to organize Hyderabad’s first exclusive women’s run. It is women only run to be held on the last day of the exhibition, said Mr. Samuel from I-Run Break Barriers. We found that women are shy of participating in runs. They say it is because of lack of company, who to run with. Also they don’t participate partly because of their household responsibilities, he said. 1500 women are expected to participate in the run.

Sambit of Hitex said the objective of the expo is to create business opportunities and give them a platform to network.

04 March 2023: Russian Centre of Science and Culture jointly with the Indian Association of Russian Compatriots celebrated the festival of MASLENITSA in New Delhi. The event was organized by Mrs. Elena Barman, president of IARC ( Indian Association of Russian Compatriots).

The festival marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of Spring in Russia. The people celebrate by making blini (Pancakes) and burning the Maslinitsa doll. Traditionally pancakes are enjoyed with different fillings and toppings, from Sour cream to caviar, to salmon to all the sweet things
Mrs. Barman commented on the occasion “We have been celebrating the festival for the last 20 years here in New Delhi, where we invited Russian and Indo Russian families to participate and help the children understand and enjoy the festival to keep the traditions going on.”

The director of the Russian house Mr. Oleg Osipov in his speech to guests told that the name Maslenitsa (variously translated as “Butter Week,” or “Pancake Week” in English) comes from the fact that, according to Russian Orthodox tradition. Each day of the festival involves pancakes, butter and many indulgent toppings, as Russians celebrate the arrival of Spring with an abundance of food, drinks, sledding, and snowball fights. Dressed up in beautiful traditional costumes and dance on folks songs is how the festival is celebrated. It is the day that Orthodox Russians enjoy dairy and meats as next day onwards Lent fasting begins. The Lent is a period of 40 days in preparation to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter.

Maslenitsa is well-known for its seven days of festivities and final dose of gluttony. Food is a hugely important part of Maslenitsa. In folk tales, it’s been said that you must eat throughout the day as many times as a dog wags its tail, a fair challenge if you consider that the main food groups during this time are the stomach-filling, rich and often buttery blini. The blini, made every day of the week, symbolises the sun and its warmth and Russians are known to eat as many of them as possible during Maslenitsa since the seven days of festivities are followed by seven somber weeks of the Great Lent. What better way to enjoy the festivities with near and dear family and friends

Celebrate Holi with a Splash of vibrant colours in the pink city amidst the majestic Aravali Range at DoubleTree by Hilton Jaipur Amer. The hotel is hosting a grand celebration in their garden area to usher in the true spirit of Holi filled with joy, hope and a strong dose of unlimited fun on the 7th of March.

The Holi celebration promises you everything you need to make your holi-day perfect. Let loose and dance to the beats of upbeat music as you immerse yourself in the fervor of Holi with a live DJ. No Indian festival can be celebrated without delicious food. Indulge yourself in true Indian flavours at the live chaat counters with golgappas, kachoris, and lots more while you keep your spirits high with unlimited pours of IMFL as you enjoy the festivities with organic colours and a glass of thandai.

Revel in the joy of the colours of Holi and create everlasting memories with your friends and family at DoubleTree By Hilton Jaipur Amer.

Where: Garden area, DoubleTree By Hilton Jaipur Amer.

When: 7th March 2023

Time: 4:00 PM- 7:00 PM

Price: INR 2,499 + Taxes (Per Person)

Visakhapatnam, 04th March, 2023 : Get ready for a special Art Brunch at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach celebrates Holi and Women’s Day with a colorful twist! A completely delightful brunch spread while one can immerse oneself in the world of art and expression on March 8th from 12:30 – 3:30 pm at their all day dining outlet , The Square.

The Art Brunch is an event that will showcase the creativity of young, talented artists through live paintings. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness the artists’ unique styles and perspectives through various mediums, including canvas and face painting. It promises to be a vibrant and exciting event that celebrates the beauty of art and womanhood.

Let the children explore their creative journeys and the inspiration behind their work, as one enjoys the delicious flavors of our brunch menu.

Main Highlights

Canvas painting

Caricature artist

Face painting

Balloon twisting

When: 8th March 2023, 12:30 to 3:30 PM

What: Art Brunch

Where:Square

Price: Chef Choice buffet menu 2499+1500 + Beverages to unlimited pour of IMFL beverages.

Join us in celebrating the festival of colors and women’s empowerment with our Holi Brunch on March 8, 2023, at Comida, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji. This year, we’re offering a special treat to all the lovely ladies who join us – a 20% discount on the brunch!

Our expert chefs have curated a special menu for the occasion, featuring traditional Holi delicacies with a modern twist. From flavorful chaat counters to juicy kebabs, aromatic biryanis, delicious curries, and delectable desserts, all inspired by the vibrant colors and flavors of Holi. With live music and entertainment, this promises to be an unforgettable Holi celebration.

Gather your loved ones and join us for a memorable brunch, and ladies, don’t forget to avail of our special Women’s Day discount.

Book your table now and indulge in the flavors of Holi with us.

Reservations / Details: 09607975314 or 0831 2491900

When: Wednesday, 08th March

Time: 1 pm – 4 pm

Venue: Comida, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa – Panaji

Price: INR 2,800++ per person (alcoholic brunch)

            INR 1800 ++ per person (non-alcoholic brunch)

             INR 1000++ per child (6yrs – 12yrs)

4 March 2023: On the sidelines of the ongoing 39th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and 9th HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, GJEPC organised an Event and Discussion on INDIA ADVANTAGE in the august presence of His Excellency Mr. Pradeep Kumar Rawat (Hon. Ambassador of India, People’s Republic of China) and Ms. Satwant Khanalia (Consul General, Consulate General of India, Hong Kong); Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC; Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, ED, GJEPC, the global trade fraternity and international media.

Mr. Pradeep Kumar Rawat (Hon. Ambassador of India, People’s Republic of China) said, “The strengths of the Indian gems & jewellery sector, intricate jewellery designs are known the world over. As we emerge from the pandemic, we expect the gems & jewellery exports to Hong Kong and through Hong Kong to the wider region to gain momentum.”

Ms. Satwant Khanalia (Consul General, Consulate General of India, Hong Kong), said “With the restart of physical gems & jewellery fairs, we expect a fillip to exports in this sector on the back of India’s leadership in diamonds, gemstones, gold jewellery and now, Lab Grown Diamonds as well”

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC said, India is the leading supplier of cut & polished diamonds, silver, and synthetic stones to Hong Kong and has the potential to become the leading supplier of lab grown diamonds (LGDs) to this market. India is the third-largest supplier of gems & jewellery to Hong Kong, accounting for 12% of its total annual G&J imports of $77 billion in 2021. The trade synergy between Hong Kong and India has been a vital growth avenue for India’s gem and jewellery export sector.”

“The Indian gem & jewellery industry is well-positioned to meet the demands of the future. Our aim is to take the India’s gem & jewellery exports from 40 billion dollars to USD 75 billion by 2030.”

Shah further added, “India is actively engaging in FTAs with strategic markets to boost gem & jewellery exports. FTAs with UAE and Australia have already started the benefiting Indian exporters, especially the gem & jewellery sector. Jewellery exports to UAE grew 21% since India-UAE CEPA. FTAs with UK, EU, and Canada being negotiated, while ECTA with Australia to double exports in 3 years. GJEPC has set up India Jewellery Exposition Centre (IJEX) in Dubai which offers a one-stop global marketplace for ‘Made in India’ jewellery.”

Giving a perspective about the diamonds sales, Mr. Shah of GJEPC said, “The three things that will impact the global diamond trade are responsible sourcing; evolving consumer demand post pandemic; and continuing geopolitical unrest that will affect consumer sentiment. The industry is seeing an increasing interest in traceable, responsibly sourced diamonds. In addition, supply chain transparency, sustainability and ethical practices are becoming more important to consumers. The impact on consumer sentiments and demand for diamond jewellery in the U.S. and Europe will be offset by the end of China’s zero-Covid policy and will reboot demand for polished diamonds.”

The India Pavilion, organised by GJEPC at the Hong Kong show, has an impressive presence, prime location and pride of place among other country pavilions. The Pavilion has 111 booths spread over 999 sq m area occupied by 76 exhibitors. The exhibitors are located in Hall 3G, Hall 5B & Hall 5F. Product categories include Loose Diamonds, Jewellery & Gemstones.

Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC commented, “India’s gem and jewellery sector presents a lucrative investment opportunity, given the substantial investments made in infrastructure development. The first-of-its-kind Jewellery Park and Mega Common Facility Centre in Mumbai are poised to transform the sector significantly. We look forward to serving our customers and partners with the same level of commitment and quality that has made India a leading player in the global gem and jewellery market.”

GJEPC has been taking several steps towards the Govt.’s mission of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). India is the world’s largest production centre for diamonds and a top consuming market as well. Council has taken the lead and engaged in extensive collaboration and aggressive promotion of Diamonds and Diamond Jewellery and Gold jewellery to appeal to millennials and Gen-Z consumers as it’s the need of the hour. The Council has been working closely with the custodians of these 2 product categories – the Natural Diamond Council and World Gold Council – to promote diamond and jewellery both domestically and internationally. With the support of Council towards maintaining and securing future diamond demand, the NDC has been spending $70-80 million per annum to grow consumption in key markets such as the US, Hong Kong, China and India.

India is rapidly emerging as the largest manufacturer of Lab Grown Diamonds (LGDs) with more than 6,000 machines/reactors for LGD. The LGD industry in India is growing at an impressive 53%. India already boasts undisputed leadership in cutting & polishing diamonds, and now with the added Govt. support, the country will become the world leader in HPHT diamonds as well. Govt. has pledged US$30 million grant for LGD research & development. India’s LGD exports are expected to reach $8 billion in the next 3 to 4 years, according to GJEPC estimates.

India’s gem and jewellery industry is becoming increasingly organised, setting an example of self-regulation and good delivery standards that will help the country maintain its position as a global leader in the jewellery market.

Mumbai, March 04, 2023: PayNearby, India’s leading branchless banking and digital network, today released an awareness campaign on the occasion of “World Hearing Day”. The campaign promotes the importance of sign language and looks to spread awareness about the importance of maintaining good hearing health. It urges people to be aware and learn basic Indian Sign Language (ISL) gestures to communicate better with people who have hearing difficulties. It is in sync with World Health Organization’s (WHO) theme for 2023 – Ear and hearing care for all! Let’s make it a reality!

According to WHO estimates, there are approximately 63 million people in India who are suffering from hearing impairment. Communication barriers can cause social isolation, exclusion, and discrimination, which can affect the mental health and well-being of people with hearing difficulties. Learning basic ISL gestures is an essential step towards breaking down these communication barriers and helping build inclusive and diverse workplaces. PayNearby’s campaign features Rahul Bhosale a PayNearby employee, who shows how easily everyone can communicate with him using ISL. A special colleague himself, Rahul shares common gestures in the video, including simple signs for common phrases such as ‘hello’, ‘thank you’, ‘sorry’, and ‘goodbye’.

On the campaign, Jayatri Dasgupta, CMO, PayNearby, said, “Staying true to our brand philosophy ‘Zidd Aage Badhne Ki’, we have always stood and taken a stand for social causes. This campaign is reflective of that. We are an inclusive and diverse organization where we want all our colleagues to feel included. By featuring our colleague, Rahul, in this campaign, we want to send out a message that even with a disability, nothing is impossible. All it takes is empathy on our part and a little bit of sign language. All this can go a long way in facilitating communication with people with hearing difficulties and help create a more inclusive and accessible world for all.”

New Delhi, 4th March’23: Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia’s premier express air-integrated transportation and distribution express logistics company, launched its new campaign capturing the wide reach of its services, including in Tier II & III cities of the country. Through its efforts on customer centricity, Blue Dart is available across 55,400+ locations in the country, including its underserved markets.

Digitisation, affordable data, and smartphones are bridging the long-standing gap between India, which resides in

cities, and Bharat, which is home to the country’s Tier II and III cities. The impact of this can be seen in the spike in the number of e-commerce platforms, which serve nearly all the PIN codes in the country, bridging geographic, linguistic, and social divides along the way, benefitting both buyers and sellers. The market share of tier 3 cities, in e commerce industry, grew from 34.2% in 2021 to 41.5% in 2022, while that of tier 2 cities rose from 19.4% to 21.4%, during the same period. Also, Government’s programs like Make in India, Vocal for Local, have fuelled this growth, leading to an increase in the logistics requirements of smaller towns in the country.

Equipped to service these needs, Blue Dart is available in towns and villages like Saifai in Uttar Pradesh, Dhar Kalan in Punjab, Ani in Himachal Pradesh to Balua in Bihar, Zunheboto Sadar in Nagaland, Haflong in Assam to Khammam in Telangana, Sringeri in Karnataka, Manamelkudi in Tamil Nadu to Vadali in Gujarat, Quepem in Goa, Sonhat in Chhattisgarh and Ashti in Maharashtra, among many other locations that are part of the nation’s geography. Blue Dart, as a provider of choice for its customers, has dedicated and specialised infrastructure required for handling shipments, from sending a document to a charter load of aircraft. The company has a fleet of 6 Boeing 757 freighters, 2 Boeing 737 aircrafts (to be inducted soon), 12,000+ on-ground vehicles along with 2,347 facilities across the country. Additionally, as part of Deutsche Post DHL Group’s DHL eCommerce Solutions division, Blue Dart accesses the largest and most comprehensive express and logistics network worldwide, covering over 220 countries and territories.

Commenting on the reach, Ketan Kulkarni, Chief Commercial Officer, said, “Blue Dart is serving the length and breadth of the country, particularly the underserved markets in Bharat, with an emphasis on customer delight. Hence this campaign rings true to our commitment of being ‘The Logistics Company of Bharat’. Our continued focus remains on being the Provider of Choice for all our customers, across markets.”

Through its services, Blue Dart is enabling effective and efficient operations for SMEs and MSMEs across all the pin codes, by working with them to expand their services to reach even the remote pockets of the country. When it comes to operational efficiency, Blue Dart acts as a catalyst in facilitating business for sectors such as Ecommerce, Pharmaceuticals & Medical devices, BFSI, Consumer Electronics and Automotive among others.

Blue Dart, a market leader in technology and digitisation, uses application programming interface (API) integration-based solutions to improve the exchange of manifests at the most detailed levels, ensuring an automated and seamless supply chain. Teams operating using this real-time solution can command nationwide activity, which involves the first mile, network connection, and last mile delivery, including returns and reverse logistics.

India, 3rd March 2023: PVR Limited, the largest and the most premium cinema exhibition company in India, after the merger with INOX Leisure Limited, today announced the launch of its new 5-screen multiplex at Capital Mall in Nalasopara, MMR, Maharashtra marking its maiden entry into the city. The newly launched property stands as the latest entertainment hub for cinema lovers in the lakeside Capital City, a completely self-reliant, modernistic town. The Cinema is located in Nalasopara in Palghar district near Mumbai’s western suburbs, part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) has become one of the most-populous urban areas in the state.

With this launch, PVR consolidated its foothold in Maharashtra with 281 screens in 59 properties across 16 cities and a total of 1663 screens across 357 properties in 114 cities (India and Sri Lanka).

The Multiplex has a total seating capacity of 1070 audiences and is equipped with plush recliner seats for enhanced comfort. The cinema is equipped with the best-in-class theatrical solutions to offer an immersive and enhanced cinematic experience. This includes the SP4K Laser projectors that deliver ultra-high resolution, sharp, and bright images. Furthermore, the audis feature advanced Dolby 7.1 audio and Next-Gen 3D technology for an immersive experience.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR Limited, said, “Maharashtra is an important market for us and we are delighted to strengthen our presence in the state. In this year, our focus will be on solidifying PVR’s presence in the existing markets as well as foraying into new territories with a combination of metros, tier 2, and tier 3 cities. Through the cinema, we aim to bring in the finest of movie-going experience among several suburban areas in the outskirts of Mumbai”.

The foyer area with its chandeliers, adds to the opulence and grandeur of the overall foyer space while teal color seating and plasma frames add freshness to the space. Multiple framed custom artworks with a “V” theme celebrate legendary actors and actresses while Gold accents through metal/ film inlays have been used as accent in Audi door.

“We have expanded our presence in the West after our successful run in 17 cities. Maharashtra has a strong base for movie going culture and as the hub of cinema, the state offers great scope of expansion. The Vasai-Virar area is very well-connected to important locales of other parts of Mumbai and Thane via rail, road and bus networks. Introducing new concepts and offerings have been at the core of our business strategy and we are confident that the new multiplex will be well received by our patrons”, said Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, PVR Limited.

With this opening, the merged entity has strengthened its growth momentum and has opened 148 screens across 27 properties in 22 cities in this fiscal.

Chennai, March 4, 2023: Earlier today, the New India Assurance Co Ltd. announced the launch of its Surety Bond business. It becomes the second insurer to offer Surety Bonds in the country.

The IRDAI permitted general insurers to issue Surety Insurance Bonds since April 2022. Surety bonds are legally enforceable tripartite contracts that guarantee compliance, payment and/or performance. The insurance company provides an underwriting guarantee, for a premium, in case of a default in execution of a project. It assures one party – the obligee, that the party responsible for project or service delivery – the principal, delivers on the project in a timely manner by adhering to the prescribed stipulations. The principal is also reassured that the surety will assume responsibility for timely payments. If the principal defaults on the performance, the Surety Insurance provider pays damages to the obligee.

Commenting on the launch, Mrs. Neerja Kapur, Chairman cum Managing Director, New India Assurance Co Ltd. said, “Surety Bonds will soon revolutionise the dynamics of India’s infrastructure industry. Surety Bond Insurance will act as a security shield for infrastructure projects and protect the interests of both the contractor and the principal. In today’s increasingly uncertain and volatile business environment, our Surety Bonds will provide much-needed financial reassurance to all parties involved in infrastructure projects. Going forward, we believe that surety bonds will drive India’s infrastructure push. We aspire to grow in the surety insurance business in India and are geared up for it.”

For small businesses, surety bonds are a useful tool as the collateral requirements of insurance companies are mostly less than Bank Guarantees. Surety Bonds can enable smaller infrastructure developers to compete with larger, more established players for bigger contracts. The authorities issuing the contracts, usually Governments, are generally hesitant to deal with smaller contractors as they are apprehensive about timely delivery. When the contractors furnish a Surety Bond, the authorities will readily consider them as the bonds indemnify them to the extent of the bond issued in the event of non-performance.