JK Lakshmi Cement reports net Profit up 24% at Rs.74.26 Cr. in Oct-Dec.22

Mumbai, February 11, 2023: JK Lakshmi Cement recorded an increase in Net Sales by 25% to Rs.1488.53 Crore in Oct-Dec. 22 from Rs.1193.41 Crore in the corresponding Quarter Oct-Dec. 21. In spite of the unabated rise in fuel prices, JK Lakshmi Cement improved its profitability on account of higher volume, improved efficiency parameters, optimization of sales, and product mix. EBIDTA rose to Rs.175.20 Crore in Oct-Dec. 22 from Rs.162.84 Crore in Oct-Dec. 21. After providing for interest and depreciation, PBT stood at Rs.102.47 Crore in Oct-Dec. 22 as against Rs.90.99 Crore in Oct-Dec. 21. After Providing for Taxes and Other Comprehensive Income, JK Lakshmi Cement’s Net Profit was higher by 24% at Rs.74.26 Crore in Oct-Dec. 22 against Rs.59.84 Crore achieved in the corresponding Quarter.

During the Nine months April 22–December 22 JK Lakshmi Cement’s Sales increased by 23% to Rs.4342.18 Crore (Rs.3543.14 Crore) and EBITDA was marginally lower at Rs.559.61 Crore (Rs.574.65 Crore). JK Lakshmi Cement’s Net Profit during this period was lower at Rs.235.47 Crore against Rs.256.30 Crore in the same period last year.

To further optimize its energy cost, JK Lakshmi Cement is implementing a Project enabling it to enhance the TSR from 4% to 12% in its Sirohi Plant. JK Lakshmi Cement has also tied up with a private player for the supply of 40 MW of Solar Power for its Durg Plant. After the Implementation of this Solar Plant, the Share of Renewable Energy would go up to 80% for Durg Plant & to around 50% for the Company. Both these Projects are expected to be on stream during last Quarter of FY24.

Hyundai Motor India renews Partnership with Indian Women Cricketers Smriti, Shafali, Jemimah and strengthens further by signing up Yastika & Renuka

Bangalore February 11, 2023: Hyundai Motor India Ltd, India’s first Smart Mobility Solutions Provider and the largest exporter since its inception today announced the next edition of the #TheDriveWithin campaign with 5 Indian Women Cricketers – Smriti Mandhana, Shefali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Yastika Bhatia, and Renuka Singh. Hyundai continues to recognize & motivate these rising sports stars as a catalyst in this action-packed women’s cricket calendar of 2023.

Commenting on the campaign launch, Mr.Tarun Garg, Chief Operating Officer, of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) said, “Hyundai Motor India deeply affiliates with our country’s sports spirit with a strong resolve to support the upcoming talent in the country. Athletes throughout the world are empowered by conviction and determination and they put in years of arduous training to become the best contenders at a global level. Driven by the same spirit within our organization, we aim to provide the best experience to our customers with our world-class products and future mobility solutions. #TheDriveWithin Campaign since 2022, has been the expression of Hyundai to bring forward the authentic narratives of Indian women cricketers and highlight their drive for victory so as to foster the spirit of sportsmanship across the country. It was so amazing to hear the illustrious accomplishments & stories of Smriti, Jemimah, Yastika & Renuka. At the same time, we missed Shafali at the shoot for the campaign, as she was making India proud on the global stage with the recent win”

Commenting on the association, the Five Cricketers from the Indian Women’s Cricket Team said:

Ms. Smriti Mandhana, “I have always known Hyundai to be an iconic and inspirational brand across the world. I am happy to be associated with a brand that is pioneering a Customer First approach & Future Mobility solutions. I look forward to being part of the Hyundai family and its captivating growth journey.”

Ms. Renuka Singh Thakur, “Connecting people with quality time. This is what Hyundai believes in and its vision is a true testament to the same. I am grateful to be part of the Hyundai Family and looking forward to this association as I pace myself towards grander growth.”

Ms. Yastika Bhatia, “Being a Hyundai owner myself, it is a matter of sheer pride & honor. I look forward to being part of the Hyundai family and tagging along with their growth journey.”

Ms. Jemimah Rodrigues, “Tremendously happy to continue my relationship with Hyundai. It is highly motivating to be associated with a progressive brand like Hyundai which deeply shares the spirit of cricket and continuously puts efforts to support in every way”

Ms. Shafali Verma, “I’m pleased to be a part of the Hyundai family, which means a lot to me. Being committed to performing at the highest level and aiming to bring the best for the country is something we mutually share as our core belief.”

The #TheDriveWithin campaign shares immense synergy with HMI’s core fundamentals as it dives further to understand the perseverance and grit of these path-breaking players. This campaign marks the celebration of these world-renowned women cricketers and is a testament to years of grueling training and hardships. The five individual stories will demonstrate their motivation and serve as a platform for encouraging budding sports talent in the country to win more accolades for India at the global level, making our great country proud.

Government of Telangana and Flanders Investment & Trade to enter a partnership for the promotion of the Lifesciences industry

Hyderabad, February 11, 2023: In continuation with its focus on strengthening its growing stature in the global Lifesciences ecosystem, the Government of Telangana is taking one more step towards forging key global alliances. The government has announced that it is partnering with Flanders a vibrant and dynamic region of Belgium, to explore multiple opportunities in the Lifesciences sector aimed at Vaccines and mRNA technological platforms, Immunotherapy, Life Sciences university partnership, and Cluster-to-Cluster collaborations (VIB and Genome Valley in particular). Currently, the Flanders’ Lifesciences industry is estimated to be at over 350 companies employing over 200,00 people including indirect jobs. The region has attracted in the Life Sciences & Pharma segment more than a quarter of the total record investment of Euros 5.2 Bn in 2022 into Flanders from across the globe. The total estimated Life Sciences business in Belgium has estimated at around US$ 44 Bn.

As the first step of this partnership, Flanders will be participating as International Region Partners for the next 3 editions of BioAsia starting with the forthcoming 20th edition of BioAsia – the marquee healthcare and life sciences event, organized by the Government of Telangana. At BioAsia 2023, Flanders Investment & Trade will bring a key delegation of senior officials from Flanders and also participate in multiple B2B, G2B, and other meetings. A task force with members including industry, academia and Government from both sides has been formed and the group will discuss and implement the partnership. BioAsia in Telangana and Knowledge for Growth in Flanders shall be the two anchor events on either side in which both ecosystems shall participate in these events to steer the Flanders Telangana Lifesciences Cooperation in the next 3 to 4 years.

Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) is the Flemish public agency under the Flanders Government and advises supports and stimulates Flemish companies in their exports of products & services. It also encourages & supports overseas companies to set up business in Europe based out of Flanders, Belgium. In India, FIT has been active for the last 25 years and has played a key role in promoting economic cooperation between Flanders and India over the past two decades. With Belgium being the nerve center of Europe, Flanders in Belgium has a combination of a strongly focused research and innovation ecosystem, a highly educated and productive workforce with fluency in languages, and a highly developed transport and communication infrastructure to ensure sustainable, profitable growth.

While announcing the partnership with Flanders Investment & Trade, Mr. K.T. Rama Rao, Hon’ble Minister for Industries & Commerce, IT & MAUD said, “A region equally headstrong in innovation, growth, and R&D, Flanders’ partnership with Telangana will boost both parties to share the latest developments in the Lifesciences Industry. The industry landscape of Flanders and Telangana is very similar with a focus on life sciences (more specifically vaccines), technology, and engineering, and this partnership will allow us to explore Flanders’ robust technology landscape and the sectoral strengths it possesses to provide an ideal environment for industries in both regions. We are proud to have an extensive relationship with Flanders Investment & Trade and look forward to many more years of knowledge sharing and innovation.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary of the Industries & Commerce and Information Technology, Govt of Telangana said “We are delighted to enter into a partnership with Flanders Investment and Trade that will pave the way to leverage multiple synergies between both regions. Telangana-based companies will be able to get access to the potential business opportunities, R&D facilities, and the high-quality know-how of Flanders-based organizations. This will play a significant role in the faster growth of both regions and their participation in BioAsia 2023 will certainly lead to many collaborations.”

“Flanders’ Life Sciences ecosystem is very diverse and ranges from young start-ups to established local firms and multinationals – the entire value chain – from research and discovery to development and commercialization. It is also characterized by the fertile cross-pollination between BioTech, MedTech, Pharmaceuticals, and Healthcare. We engage with companies, industry associations, and other stakeholders in the economic ecosystem. As part of this, we have been engaging with our esteemed partner Government of Telangana extensively and are proud of our association and have jointly embarked on a long-term Flanders – Telangana Life Sciences Cooperation, and we look forward further to engaging and consolidating our interaction,” added Mr. Jayant Nadiger – Trade & Investment Commissioner of Flanders, Belgium for South India.

“BioAsia 2023 will attract the participation of globally eminent leaders from over 50 countries. Having Flanders, Belgium as an International Regional Partner will help accelerate connect businesses and budding enterprises through platforms like the BioAsia forum. This partnership is a testimony of two similar regions with a similar ecosystems coming together, increasing connectivity and paving a path for tomorrow that’s driven by robust research, innovation and excellence,” said Mr. Shakthi Nagappan, Director (Life Sciences and Pharma), Govt of Telangana and CEO – BioAsia.

With the theme of – “Advancing for ONE: Shaping the next generation of humanized healthcare”, BioAsia 2023 is all set to be held between 24th to 26th February 2023 in Hyderabad. Over the course of the three days, prominent industry leaders, distinguished scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs will come together to discuss humanizing healthcare and will hold constructive discussions on how cross-sectional ecosystems can be integrated, how disruptive technologies can be best utilized, and how we can drive quality healthcare with accessibility and affordability at the forefront in the near future.

Raghupati Singhania Centre of Excellence at Indian Institute of Technology-Madras honored with ATMA Award

Mumbai, February 11, 2023: ‘Raghupati Singhania Center of Excellence for Vehicle Dynamics and Tyre Mechanics’ at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Madras instituted by JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement in Research and Innovation Award by the Automotive Tire Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA).

The award was given to acknowledge the longest running industry-academia collaborations in the country between JK Tyre & IIT-Madras and for being instrumental in promoting innovation and growth in technology and creating a skilled workforce.

Receiving the award Prof. R Krishna Kumar, Professor, IIT Madras, who is also the Technology Advisor to CMD & MD, JK Tyre, said, “The Raghupati Singhania Centre of Excellence at IIT Madras is one of the most successful research project collaboration running successfully for the past two decades. It is a futuristic R&D facility that introduces cutting-edge technologies to promote innovation. The center has produced eight PhDs, sixteen Master’s theses and several MTech theses. Moreover, it offers its trained workforce the chance to collaborate with renowned OEMs in the nation in the fields of vehicle dynamics and tyre technology. With a bright team constantly developing new revolutionary technology, we hope to contribute a great deal to the tyre industry. I am ever grateful to JK tyres for extending its R&D facilities for the students to pursue research, a rarity in the corporate world”.

Philips launches new beauty campaign on their hair straightening range, #YourHairYourWay, with brand ambassador Alia Bhatt

We have lived in a society where, every day, one person is trying to be like another, under the constant pressure to fall into standards that may or may not truly represent who they are. But this is slowly and steadily changing. Women of today are breaking free from set templates and finding their own path, their own journey. Philips today launches a new campaign on their hair straightening range, #YourHairYourWay, with brand ambassador Alia Bhatt, encouraging women to confidently embrace their own sense of style in this journey, while Philips helps them achieve that with technology that actively cares for their hair.

Commenting on the campaign Vidyut Kaul, Head, Personal Health, Philips Indian subcontinent said, “We, at Philips India, understand our consumer before anyone or anything else. When it comes to hair styling, we understand her needs, her barriers and her everyday worries. We acknowledge how diverse the women of India are and their varying needs when it comes to hairstyling. With our expertise of 130+ years, we always strive to give our consumer the best of technology that can help her style her hair with all the care that her hair deserves. Our new campaign #YourHairYourWay encourages women to choose their own style while reassuring them that our products actively care for their hair. #YourHairYourWay is also our endeavor to embrace diversity of our women and encourage inclusivity.”

The campaign builds the key message through a few different films, each starting with the spotlight on Alia Bhatt featuring ‘Alia wala straight hair’ and moving on to feature different women from various walks of life with their individual hairstyles which reflect their own personality and sense of style. It talks about a range of hair styling occasions right from busy Monday mornings to fun weddings of the BFF or vacations, relevant to different kinds of women whether students, working women or homemakers. And the Philips hair straightening range with CareEnhance Technology, which includes a wide range of different hair straightening irons and hair straightening brushes, is presented as the go-to solution for any kind of hair styling with care. The main theme that runs through the film is that different kinds of styles can be achieved for different kinds of hair with the Philips straightening range with the assurance that Philips technology actively cares for hair as you style, thus helping you style without the worry of damage.

It is a perfect everyday partner for girls and women alike, with every individual, be it a middle-aged woman, college girl, working woman, or transwoman, expressing herself through her unique personality and style.

Alia Bhatt, Brand Ambassador of Philips Hair Care range said, “I have been associated with Philips for almost 8 years now and have come to love the brand that puts their consumer first always and brings innovative technology to solve their needs. And I am thrilled to be the voice of the brand yet again in the #YourHairYourWay campaign that truly embraces every woman’s unique journey. This resonates with me because I believe that each woman is unique and should be able to feel confident in her own skin. And the Philips Hair Straightening Range with CareEnhance Technology gives women the opportunity to express their own sense of style with care. The products are easy to use and allow you to experiment with and style your hair without worry of damage”.

The campaign breaks on television right in time for the upcoming Valentine’s season and extends to YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, OTT, and various other digital platforms as well.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science | Ennoventure

Shalini Nair, Co-Founder and Board Director, Ennoventure Inc

On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the immense contributions made by women and girls in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Despite facing numerous challenges and barriers, women and girls have made significant strides in STEM and have opened new avenues for discovery, innovation, and progress.

However, we must also recognize that there is still much work to be done to achieve gender equality in STEM. Women and girls continue to face discrimination, unequal pay, and a lack of representation in leadership positions. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that they have the support and opportunities they need to pursue their passions and reach their full potential in STEM. We must invest in education and training programs that encourage girls to pursue careers in STEM, and we must work to create a culture that values the contributions of all scientists, regardless of gender. Only by doing so can we create a more inclusive, equitable, and innovative scientific community.
At Ennoventure, we take great pride in recognizing the efforts of our women employees. We have created an environment for women to flourish and prosper in their careers in science as well as encourage them to upskill themselves to become future leaders.” –

FITTR kicks off Transformation Challenge 18; participants have 12 weeks to get fit & the best transformations win a sponsored trip to Spain!

India, 11th February 2023: FITTR, India’s leading tech-enabled community-first health and fitness platform, constantly strives to introduce novel initiatives and services to give wings to people’s fitness journeys. After 17 successful editions totaling approximately 2,50,000 participants, the platform has announced the 18th edition of its Transformation Challenge—starting on 30th January 2023!

This edition’s theme is #BeMore, driving participants to push past their limits and embrace a healthier, happier version of themselves. FITTR encourages all Indians to see this online fitness challenge as a call to action. The community invites everyone who wants to unlock a new version of themselves to raise the bar on their wellness journey and be fitter, healthier, and happier… essentially, to #BeMore!

The FITTR Transformation Challenge 18 Campaign Film perfectly captures the #BeMore vibe: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FTx6ePhUyz9qV1SrPeUIjWWBzJyWsKHK

Registrations for Transformation Challenge 18 are already open and in full swing. Thousands of folks have registered on the FITTR app and are eagerly awaiting the opening of Week 1. The reason: the top performers from the Individual Male, Individual Female, Partner, Senior, and Specially Abled categories will win a sponsored trip to Spain!

This is not the first time FITTR has announced grand prizes for the winners of this 12-week-long community-based online fitness challenge, which is the world’s biggest. Past prizes for the FITTR Transformation Challenge have included a ₹1 CRORE cash prize, a Honda City, and a Mahindra Thar. The rewards further enhance people’s commitment and motivation in scaling their fitness transformation journeys.

The main idea behind this challenge is to encourage regular men & women, as well as senior citizens, specially-abled persons, and partners, to instill fitness in their daily routines and get rewarded for their consistent efforts. As a part of the contest, any person aged 18 years and over is eligible to participate and compete by uploading 12 weekly videos—one per week. These videos will be monitored and judged by a panel of experts in the field of fitness & nutrition on factors including but not limited to overall conditioning, fat loss, and muscle gain.

Commenting on the announcement, Jitendra Chouksey, Founder & CEO of FITTR, said, “In the world of hectic lifestyles and unhealthy eating, many individuals have failed to prioritise fitness in their daily lives, severely impacting their health. With Transformation Challenge 18, we aim to encourage and give an extra boost to individuals to begin fitness transformation and adopt a healthier lifestyle. Like previous editions, we expect to see good participation in TC 18 from across India as well as globally and hope that our challenge continues pushing people to stay fit and healthy”.

Registrations for Transformation Challenge 18 are now enabled on the FITTR app. This online fitness challenge is open to everyone for free and pushes participants to take a path towards lifelong fitness and well-being. Plus, twelve winners will go on a sponsored trip to Spain!

Aditya Birla Health Insurance Report Unveils India’s New Health Normal

Bangalore, February 11, 2023: Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co. Limited. (ABHICL), the health insurance subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Limited (ABCL), a significant non-bank financial services conglomerate, unveiled The New Health Normal report. As a key player in the health ecosystem in India, ABHICL undertook the survey, designed to identify the key changes in consumer behavior from a health perspective. This research was conducted with 6600 respondents across 19 key cities covering the length and breadth of India.

The rise in uncertainty and anxiety that came hand in hand with Covid-19 has brought a strong focus on the issue of mental health. The report shows that two out of three respondents still feel hesitant in reaching out to an expert to talk about their mental health because of cost implications and society’s perception whereas 89% of the respondents believe that mental health consultation should be included in their health insurance. Hence, there is an urgent need to increase awareness on mental health. The insurance sector is now getting actively involved as the scale of mental health issues in the ‘New Normal’ has never been bigger.

Speaking on the findings of the research, Mr. Mayank Bathwal, CEO, of Aditya Birla Health Insurance, said, “Due to the pandemic, in the ‘New Health Normal’, people are realizing the importance of a health-focused lifestyle and are actively seeking avenues that can support this healthy lifestyle – both online and offline. It has impacted their behavior as well in many ways – the technology they use, how closely they monitor their diet, do they exercise regularly etc. However, as ever, adopting a new habit is a challenge for most, and the need of the hour is to motivate and encourage people to complete the last mile in their health journey.”

The survey findings further attempt to decode people’s views towards exercising. It shows that more than half of our respondents (50%) searched and watched online fitness videos whereas 69% of the respondents use wearables to check their health stats and to track their targeted number of steps. However, nearly one in every three respondents (32%) admit that they do not monitor health stats regularly, such as weight and blood pressure. Another interesting revelation was the attention among people toward financial preparedness. The pandemic has certainly changed the outlook toward financial readiness among people, especially regarding medical urgency.

Health insurance awareness has increased in the past few years and more people are investing in health insurance with each passing year. Around 52% of respondents said that they have estimated the requirement and planned for such emergencies. Whereas 78.5 % of Indians believe that are actively seeking an employer that insures their family’s medical expenses.

“As a brand, we, at Aditya Birla Health Insurance, believe in the concept of ‘HealthFirst’. We want our offerings to be aligned with the same idea as we constantly invest in the innovation and designing of new products which are backed by cutting-edge technologies. Our aim is to reward our customers for practicing a healthy lifestyle and drive them to remain vigilant about their health,” Mr. Mayank Bathwal said.

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about a drastic change in nearly every aspect of consumer behavior. ABHI New Health Normal Report shows an evident behavior transformation in the way Indians look at health and wellness. Consumers are more cautious about their overall health and more prepared for financial emergencies.

Home Salon Startup Yes Madam Rolls Out Digital Campaign #readyforVDay to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Noida, 11th February 2023: Yes Madam, India’s most affordable home salon and a tech-enabled platform for beauty and wellness has rolled out a digital campaign #readyforVDay to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Shifting away from the typical Valentine’s Day celebrations with one’s companion, Yes Madam is making this Valentine’s Day special on the theme of loving oneself first, with its range of beauty services.

Under the campaign, the brand has unveiled a paraphernalia of posts and videos on its social media platforms emphasizing on self-care for women during the season of love. It has also announced various offers on its array of services to allow women to pamper themselves.

For those who are keen to memorialize Valentine’s Day with their female squad, the beauty and wellness brand is offering an exclusive discount on Waxing, Cleanup, Manicure, Pedicure, Detan, Bleach, and Facial services. On every booking, clients will also receive a free Vitamin C serum worth RS 400.

“This valentine’s day Yes Madam is celebrating a love that is not anchored with anyone but with the self. The campaign’s objective is to convey a heartwarming and introspective message to people to embrace and shower themselves with self-love every day of the year rather than succumbing to the pressure of finding perfect love. With Yes Madam, it’s time to step back and pamper yourself by taking advantage of luxurious salon services in the comfort of your own home,” said Mayank Arya, Co-founder of Yes Madam.

With over 1 million+ customers, 2000+ beauty professionals, and a presence across 35+ cities of India, the home salon brand strives to be the one-stop-Salon and Spa for a consumer. Starting its journey in 2017, Yes Madam embarked on a mission to serve and save one billion individuals against overpricing and duplicate product refills across various online and offline beauty platforms. The brand has significantly impacted the beauty and salon industry with its mono-dosages and unique pricing model that starts at RS 6 per minute.

Celebrate the week of love with Good Flippin’ Burgers

Mumbai, 11th February 2023: GOOD FL1IPPIN’ BURGERS® has something for everyone this Valentine’s Day to help them express their love to their loved ones. For those searching for the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day, GOOD FLIPPIN’ BURGERS® invites everyone to celebrate their special moments and create heart-warming memories of love with the person they care about most.

Each store has been decorated with love and hearts to create the perfect vibe. There is also a heart-shaped selfie point from GOOD FLIPPIN outside the store. To celebrate love, GOOD FLIPPIN’ BURGERS® has a pleasant surprise waiting for you at all dine-in stores.

The brand is also distributing Valentine’s Day special postcards to each dine-in and delivery customer to let them express their feelings and create memories that will last for a lifetime.

For home delivery, throughout the week, GOOD FLIPPIN’ BURGERS® will send burgers to all its home delivery customers in a limited edition special red box.

So, what are you waiting for? Celebrate this season of love with GOOD FLIPPIN’ BURGERS®.