Category business

Pune: Kirloskar Institute of Management (KIM) proudly conducted the highly anticipated fourth edition of its national-level case analysis competition, KIRIT 4.0 – the ultimate corporate case-study challenge. The KIRIT 4.0 semi-finals were organized on February 19th in Harihar, Karnataka, and the grand finale took place on February 21st in Pune, Maharashtra. This event emerged as a premier platform for the convergence of young managerial talent, providing participants with a unique opportunity to showcase their critical thinking prowess in addressing real-world managerial challenges.

KIRIT 4.0 extended a warm invitation to aspiring minds from diverse academic backgrounds. Open to 4-year full-time B.Tech/BE, 2-year full-time regular PGDM/MBA, and 3-year full-time undergraduate students, the competition offered a level playing field for participants to showcase their ingenuity and problem-solving acumen. Teams comprised three members each, with members from the same institute, albeit not necessarily from the same academic year.

Teams from prestigious institutions such as Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), Indian Institute of Management (IIM), B-schools, and various universities across India participated. In total, 24,699 students from 29 states registered, with 550 teams shortlisted for case analysis. Finally, 12 teams were selected for the semi-finals, and 8 teams advanced to the grand finale.

The KIRIT 4.0 journey unfolded through a series of rigorous rounds:
– Round 1: Online Quiz
– Round 2: Online Case Study Submission
– Round 3: On-Ground Semi-Final at Harihar Campus – 12 Teams
– Round 4: On-Ground Finale at Pune Campus – 8 Teams

As participants progressed through each stage, they were evaluated on analytical prowess, strategic thinking, and the ability to devise innovative solutions to complex managerial dilemmas.

The proud winners of KIRIT 4.0 are Yash Parte, Gunjan Ghanwat, and Somesh Shinde from SCM HRD, Pune, who received a cash prize of Rs. 100,000. They will also have the opportunity to appear for an exclusive interview for an internship at the esteemed Kirloskar Group. Himaangi Gupta, Harshit, and Shitiz from Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies (SSCBS), University of Delhi (DU), Delhi, were the runner-up team who received a cash prize of Rs. 75,000/-

The Vice-President of the governing council and the Director of KIM congratulated the winning participants, commending their exceptional performance in this fiercely competitive event.

Ms. Aditi Kirloskar, Vice-President, Governing Council Kirloskar Institute of Management, expressed her thoughts on the occasion, stating, “At KIM, our commitment lies in nurturing the finest talent by providing a modern approach to education that is directly applicable to the ever-evolving business landscape.”

She added, “Through these initiatives, we strive to instil in our students a spirit of innovation, collaboration, and excellence that will serve them well throughout their professional journeys. I am proud of the dedication and passion demonstrated by our faculty and staff in delivering a world-class educational experience at KIMs.”

The event was supported by the Kirloskar Institute of Management (KIM), Kirloskar Industries Limited (KIL), Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited (KOEL), Kirloskar Pneumatic Company Limited (KPCL), Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Limited (KFIL), Kirloskar Chillers Private Limited (KCPL), and ARKA Fincap.

New Delhi, 23rd February 2024: Noise, India’s leading connected lifestyle brand, has teamed up with renowned graffiti artist Mooz to create a captivating graffiti art showcasing its latest TWS, Noise Buds N1. This collaboration is showcased in the brand’s latest digital film, highlighting the seamless blend of both creativity and innovation embodied by Noise Buds N1.

Set against the backdrop of the wall in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, the digital film follows Mooz’s journey as he unleashes his creative vision after plugging in the latest TWS, inviting viewers into his world to witness the transformation of his artistic concept into reality. Seamlessly blending his signature style with the bold chrome finish of Noise Buds N1, Mooz intricately designs the latest product, with each stroke mirrored on the wall in real-time.

Through this collaboration with Mooz, Noise aims to bring together art and technology to create something truly extraordinary. Engineered to deliver exceptional sound in a premium chrome design, Noise Buds N1 is set to compliment users’ lifestyles by allowing them to stand out with the new elevated audio experience. With a playback time of up to 40 hours, the new TWS from Noise is ergonomically designed to suit users’ fashion with the segment’s most aspirational features.

As Noise Buds N1 is set to go on sale on 27th February, the digital film offers an exciting preview of what’s to come. Stay tuned as Noise continues to redefine the landscape of connected living, one innovation at a time.

Bhuj, 23rd February 2024 : Ensuring road safety is the topmost priority of HMSI. To promote responsible behavior on the roads and to aid in creating a more conscientious and safety-oriented society, the company frequently conducts Road Safety Awareness Campaigns across various regions of the country. HMSI firmly believes that such campaigns encourage individuals to adopt safe driving practices, fostering a culture of caution and consideration on the roads. One such campaign was recently held in the city of Bhuj which left an indelible mark on the participants. On the premises of Army Public School, HMSI saw an enthusiastic participation of more than 2200 school students and staff members.

HMSI firmly believes that imparting road safety awareness at an early age is imperative, and thus, promotes the inclusion of road safety educational curricula at both school and college levels. Understanding that young minds are receptive to learning, the company aims to empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary for navigating roads responsibly. The road safety awareness campaign consists of highly interactive and engaging activities such as Road Safety Games, Safe Road Theory Session, Road Signage and Riding posture training.

Since inception, in the state of Gujarat, HMSI has imparted education to nearly 3 lakh adults and children, focusing on promoting responsible road usage and cultivating safe riding habits.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India’s CSR commitment towards Road Safety:

In 2021, Honda globally made a vision statement for the year 2050 where it will strive for zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles. In India HMSI is working in line with this vision and the Government of India direction of reducing fatalities to half by 2030.

One critical aspect of achieving this goal is inculcating a positive mindset towards road safety in our children by the year 2030 and continuing to educate them thereafter. Road safety education at schools and Colleges is not only to create awareness but to inculcate a safety culture in young minds and turn them to be the safety ambassador. It empowers future generations to become responsible and significantly contribute to a safer society.

HMSI wants to be a company that Society wants to exist and is strongly focusing on Road safety awareness to all sections of society with unique ideas catering to each segment from school kids to Corporates and society at large.

HMSI’s set of skilled safety instructors conducts daily programs at our 10 adopted traffic training parks (TTP) across India and 6 Safety Driving Education Centers (SDEC) to make road safety education accessible to every part of society, and the initiative has already reached over 5.7 million Indians. HMSI’s National Road Safety Awareness program made learning fun yet scientific through:

SCIENTIFICALLY DEVISED LEARNING MODULE: Honda’s skilled instructors set the foundation with theory sessions on road signs & markings, driver’s duties on road, riding gear & posture explanation and safe riding etiquettes.

1. PRACTICAL LEARNING: A special training activity on Honda’s virtual riding simulator was executed for all to experience over 100 possible dangers on road before actual riding.

2. INTERACTIVE SESSION: Participants were given danger prediction training known as Kiken Yosoku Training (KYT) which helps in enhancing rider/driver’s sensitivity to danger and ensures safe driving behaviour on roads.

3. EXISTING DRIVERS HONING RIDING SKILLS: Students & school staff members who are already existing riders tested & honed their riding skills through slow riding activities and riding on narrow planks.

Hyderabad/ Greater Noida, 23rd February 2024: South Asia’s leading travel show SATTE 2024, organized by Informa Markets in India, kick-started today at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR. The three-day event was inaugurated by Smt. V. Vidyavathi, Secretary Tourism Govt. of India and Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director of Informa Markets – India, along with several other dignitaries.

SATTE 2024 is now set to begin its three-day celebration from the 22nd to the 24th of February 2024 and will spotlight the theme of ‘Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism’, marking its 31st edition as a pivotal milestone in the global tourism industry.

Smt. V. Vidyavathi, Secretary Tourism Govt. of India, commending SATTE’s accomplishment, extolled its profound impact on the trajectory of the travel industry. Highlighting its pivotal role, she stated, “The resurgence of South Asia is nothing short of remarkable. We witness an upsurge in numbers coupled with an enriching diversity, showcasing the exponential growth of each country in the region.” Recognizing the region’s abundant heritage, both tangible and intangible, she also suggested, “We must harness SATTE as a platform to champion our heritage, fostering enduring collaborations among nations within a structured framework.”

On the occasion of the founding day at Saudi Arabia today, Mr. Alhasan Ali Aldabbagh, President – Asia Pacific, Saudi Tourism Authority, extended his regards and addressed the gathering and conveyed his enthusiasm for the inaugural day of SATTE, noting its particular significance as Saudi Arabia commemorates its Founding Day today. He highlighted the crucial role of SATTE 2024 in bolstering ties with the Indian tourism market. He emphasized, “Aligned with our 2030 vision, we aim to attract over 7.5 million Indian travelers to Saudi Arabia, positioning it as our premier source market. To achieve this, we have streamlined various aspects of the journey, including visa applications, permits, hotel accommodations, and flight bookings, for Indian travelers.”

Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director of Informa Markets – India, in his address, mentioned, “As the Year’s first major international Tourism Show, SATTE 2024 has garnered an unprecedented response from the Indian and global travel markets. Committed to providing a 360-degree role in delving into India’s thriving travel industry, we unite the entire tourism value chain for networking and exploration in the presence and with support from key government associations and forums.” He proceeded, “With India’s visitor export earnings projected to hit US $50 billion by 2028, SATTE 2024 serves as the cornerstone for achieving Indian tourism’s goals. Our focus on inbound tourism and Vision@2047 ensures a platform for leading public and private players to drive impactful, solutions-centered changes and innovations.”

The global platform of SATTE 2024 features prominent partner countries such as Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Mauritius, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Jamaica, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Maldives, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Danang Province of Vietnam, Chonburi Provincial of Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan among others. Saudi Arabia is the Premium Partner Country for the event.

David Drda previously worked as an Account Manager for sister company Powers Insurance & Risk Management.

(St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 23, 2024) David Drda was recently hired as an Alliance Coordinator for Valley Insurance Agency Alliance (VIAA), a cohesive family of more than 160 independent insurance agencies in Missouri and Illinois. His responsibilities include generating a systematic approach to information gathering, analysis, and problem solving. Drda will also assist alliance member agencies with system processing and carrier code updates.

Drda brings 12 years of insurance industry experience to the alliance. Prior to joining VIAA, Drda served as an Account Manager for sister company Powers Insurance & Risk Management where he helped clients with policy services. He previously worked at various Illinois insurance agencies in numerous capacities. Drda earned his Associate of Arts degree and Associate of Science degree in Business Management from Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Ill.

“We moved David from Powers to VIAA based upon his strong detail-oriented skill set,” said Valley Insurance Agency Alliance’s co-founder Henry Powers. “Our alliance continues to grow its membership, and David is the ideal candidate to work with onboarding new agencies to ensure efficiency and profitability.”

Founded in 2006, Valley Insurance Agency Alliance generates more than $600 million in written premium and is the regional founding member SIAA – The Agent Alliance, a $12.5 billion national insurance network. Founded in 1991, sister company Powers Insurance & Risk Management provides personal and business insurance, surety, risk management, and employee benefits. The companies are headquartered at 6825 Clayton Ave. For more information, call (314) 725-1414 or visit www.viaa4u.com.

Mumbai: TimesPro, a leading Higher EdTech platform, has been prominently featured in the documentary series, ‘The Indian EdTech Story,’ produced by Edstead. The series, nowstreaming on Disney+ Hotstar, highlights the significant impact and outcomes of TimesPro in transforming the educational landscape for millions of learners across India. The series reflects its remarkable journey towards becoming one of the most sustainable EdTech players in the industry.

The documentary underscores TimesPro’s commitment to bridging the gap between the industry and academia as it showcases its profound influence on the learning experiences of countless individuals. The series focuses on the positive contributions that the EdTech sector has made, while also exploring the challenges it faces along the way. By doing so, it demonstrates how the sector continues to play a pivotal role in creating a lasting impact.

‘The Indian EdTech Story’further dwells on TimesPro’ssignificant role in Higher Education in boosting employability opportunities and integrating new-age skills through its upskilling solutions to realise its ambition of creating a highly skilled workforce for India. With learner-centricity at its core and focussing on providing learning solutions across the learner lifecycle, TimesPro shares its transformative journey to democratise education and create opportunities for all.

Speaking on being featured in ‘The Indian EdTech Story’, Anish Srikrishna, CEO, TimesPro said, “TimesPro is not just about providing learning solutions, but it is also a catalyst for change.Our commitment to driving innovation, accessibility, and affordability in education is unwavering. We believe in harnessing the power of technology, fostering collaboration between industry and academia, and prioritising learner-centricity to shape a brighter future for generations to come. This documentary serves as a testament to our mission to democratise education and drive positive change in the Indian EdTech ecosystem.”

Commenting on the release, Shekhar Bhattacharjee, Founder of Edstead expressed, “The entire objective behind producing this series was to illuminate the transformation of education into an affordable and accessible realm for millions. The series not only captures the highs and lows of the EdTech sector but also underscores its ongoing commitment to creating a positive impact.”

TimesPro’s journey in the documentary showcases its resolve to empowering learners, fostering industry-academic collaborations, and driving positive change in the Indian education landscape by providing accessible and affordable learning and upskilling opportunities for learners across the country.

New Delhi,23rd February 2024: Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd., India’s fifth-largest cement group has widened its operational presence with the inauguration of its second state-of-the-art Ready-mix Concrete Plant (RMX) as Patna-II. Situated strategically at Ranipur Milki Chak, Begampur, bypass, this plant marks Nuvoco’s continued commitment for providing top-quality building materials to the Patna region.

Strategically located approximately 24 kilometers from the first plant, Patna-II is positioned as Nuvoco’s regional flagship plant. It capitalizes on untapped market potential by providing quick access to Nuvoco’s Cement Plant in the region. Its proximity to nearby Industrial, Commercial, and Residential developments guarantee high-quality concrete solutions on time.

Mr. Prashant Jha, Chief of the Ready-Mix (RMX) Concrete and Modern Building Materials business at Nuvoco Vistas expressed his excitement at the inauguration of this latest plant, stating, “The launch of the Patna-II plant underscores Nuvoco’s dedication to providing innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry in Bihar. This new facility will not only strengthen our presence in the region but also enable us to serve our customers more efficiently.”

The Patna-II facility has a capacity of 60 cubic meters per hour and features a Twin Shaft Mixer capable of producing all grades of concrete. This includes Value Added Products (VAPs) under the brands of XCON – Xpert concrete with Nuvoco mixes, CONCRETO visualizing Self-Compacting Smart Concrete, Light Weight Concrete (Structural & Non-structural grades), Fibre Enriched Concrete, High Strength Concrete, Water & Crack Resistant Concrete, Foundation Expert Concrete. ECODURE – Range of Green Concrete, ARTISTE – Decorative Concrete Floors, and INSTAMIX – Ready to use Bagged Concrete.

Patna-II is equipped to meet the construction needs of a wide geographical area, covering Hajipur, Masaurhi, Fatua, Panapur, Sampat Chowk on Gaya Road, and the suburbs of Patna. It is positioned at the crossroads of NH22 and NH31 in eastern Patna that allows for easy access to the central, eastern, and northern areas, reducing travel time and improving market response.

Nuvoco currently operates 58 Ready-Mix Concrete (RMX) Plants across India including Patna-II, further strengthening its footprints, and aiding in the construction sector’s overall development.

Pune(S.N): iluvia, a professional haircare brand under Renaura Wellness Pvt. Ltd., has secured a Series A funding from Fireside Ventures and Multiply Ventures. This investment represents a crucial milestone for the organisation as it will play a pivotal role in the company’s efforts to assemble a high-caliber team and to fuel its brand expansion initiatives.

Founded by Nishant Gupta and Palash Pandey, both alumni of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), iluvia was created from a passion to deliver the best in self-care. The brand’s Research & Development division focuses on developing a diverse product portfolio tailored to professional haircare needs, including the development of India’s first Hard Water Shampoo. Initially incubated at VIT, Renaura Wellness later secured funding from Startups Club Incurator Network (SCIN).

Speaking on the milestone, Nishant Gupta and Palash Pandey, Co-founders, Renaura Wellness Pvt. Ltd. said, “This investment validates our vision and fuels our mission to revolutionize the professional haircare industry. With this funding, we are empowered to bolster our R&D investments while further expanding our product offerings with innovative and unique solutions for professionals as well as consumers. With Series A closed, our aim is to ramp up talent acquisition and expand our team by recruiting skilled professionals who share our passion.”

Committed to being tech-first, iluvia stands at the forefront of the professional haircare segment with a dedication to quality and innovation. Operating in a market teeming with potential, iluvia has established its presence in over 2500 salons spanning across 70+ cities in India. With robust expansion and growth plans, the brand is gearing up to increase its market penetration and solidify its position as one of the top professional haircare brands in the country. With a passion for excellence and a vision for the future, iluvia continues to revolutionize the industry, offering salon professionals and consumers a range of premium solution-driven products formulated to address huge need-gaps in the market.

Dipanjan Basu, Co-founder and Partner, Fireside Ventures added, “Our investment in iluvia is an endorsement of our commitment to building iconic and innovative consumer brands. The brand’s reliance on science and their meticulous R&D process is why they are seen as being great innovators in personal care. We believe in their vision and are very impressed with their dedication to creating truly transformative and revolutionary products which are highly efficacious and safer for consumers. At Fireside, our quest is on for brands that have an inherent value of goodness ingrained in every aspect of the product and iluvia is a perfect match.”

Addressing the achievement, Founder & General Partner at Multiply Ventures, Sanjay Ramakrishnan said, “The beauty and personal care space is growing rapidly in India and there are many ways to cater to the market’s needs. Our thesis at Multiply Ventures has been to partner with founders who solve a large niche with research-focused, Science-backed, safe products with clear deliverables on the outcome. iluvia checks all the boxes with its very focused product line-up. The distribution of the professional range of products via the salon networks and the acceptance of the same by the salon owners and the end consumers has been very encouraging. We at Multiply are happy to have partnered with Palash, Nishant, and the team at iluvia since the beginning. We started the Journey with iluvia in the seed round and are very excited that Fireside Ventures has joined us in this journey by investing in Series A alongside us.”

iluvia, presents a meticulously curated range of scientifically formulated haircare products to address diverse hair concerns while promoting overall hair health. The global haircare market valued at over USD 83 Billion in 2022, with an anticipated CAGR of 5.28% leading to USD 113 Billion by 2028*. The Indian Hair Care and Styling Products market stands at over USD 5.8 Billion**. In this landscape, iluvia’s commitment to science-backed formulations positions it as a trusted innovator operating in the premium end of the market and poised to meet the dynamic demands of the growing professional haircare market.

At the Light + Building trade fair from March 3 to 8, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, Covestro will be showcasing a wide range of innovative material developments for the lighting and building industry, including the current trends of “electrification” and “smart connectivity”. In line with the increasing demand for more sustainable products, the company also offers Makrolon® R polycarbonates made from mechanically recycled plastic waste, and ISCC PLUS-certified, mass-balanced grades from the Makrolon® RE range using biowaste and residual materials.

The company’s stand A39 in Hall 8.0 will showcase commercial luminaires from well-known manufacturers using these more sustainable types of plastic, as well as switches and sockets from the SAGATM series from ABB, a leading technology company in the fields of electrification and automation, in which Makrolon® RE is used.

However, Covestro not only offers the right plastics for increasing technical and sustainability requirements, but also supports customers from conception through product and design development to commercialization. The company’s application and material experts strive to meet customer requirements in terms of colors, materials and surface finishes (Color, Material, Finish; CMF). This also includes close cooperation with industrial designers.

Realistic virtual prototypes

The use of digital technologies in particular contributes to accelerated product development. Complex optical measurement processes can be used to create digital twins and thus photorealistic renderings that allow the appearance of the finished product to be recognized at an early stage without the need to produce complex prototypes. New color trends will be presented at the trade fair stand and digital materials can be tried out on a wallbox rendering on site.

Tailor-made polycarbonates from Covestro are available for lighting and illumination technology, covering a whole range of requirements and properties:

• High light transmission: The Makrolon^® LED range offers exceptional light transmission of over 90 percent, which improves the light output of transparent luminaire covers, lenses, light guides and other optical products. It enables more efficient lighting solutions while maintaining transparency and aesthetics.

• Different levels of translucency: Covestro offers three levels of translucency with maximum light transmission to realize customization of opacity for luminaires. The Makrolon^® DQ range ensures optimum lighting conditions without compromising on design and visual appeal.

• Diffuse reflection: Ideal for reflectors, Makrolon^® RW offers aesthetic white surfaces combined with up to 97 percent diffuse reflection in all directions. This property results in glare-free, eye-friendly light and makes it an excellent choice for various lighting applications. An opaque version is also available to avoid light emissions.

• Good thermal conductivity: The Makrolon^® TC range offers plastic solutions with maximum thermal conductivity. As an alternative to metal heat sinks, these materials not only enable weight reduction, but also design flexibility and more energy-efficient production than with the conventional material aluminum.

• Flame retardant plastics: Under the name Makrolon^® FR, Covestro offers flame retardant variants of Makrolon^® LED, DQ, RW and TC products for applications with high lighting and safety requirements. These include materials that are suitable for use in trains or other means of mass transportation.

If you would like to find out more about the functional and more sustainable material solutions for the lighting industry, visit us at the Covestro stand in Hall 8B, Stand A39.

On March 5, Covestro expert Dr. Niklas Meine will give a presentation entitled “Smart Plastics Solutions for a Circular Economy – Combining Performance, Aesthetics and Sustainability” at stand B60 in hall 5.0 from 2:30 pm.

Actress Anurekha Bhagat, known for her roles in “Khuda Haafiz: Chapter 2 – Agni Pariksha,” “Upnyaas,” and the Shahid Kapoor starrer “Farzi,” recently took on her first leading role in the Watcho Exclusives series “State v/s Ahuja”. In the series, Anurekha portrays the character of Deepa Sawant, a maid who accuses Bollywood actor Ansh Ahuja (played by Ashmit Patel) of rape. Despite her initial skepticism about joining the series, Anurekha ultimately decided to take on the role, a decision she recently explained in an interview.

Anurekha expressed, “Initially, when the series was offered to me, I was somewhat skeptical about whether to accept it or not, given its intense concept. However, Deepa’s character was so compelling that I couldn’t resist saying yes. Deepa is a complex character, which presented a challenge for me as an artist. She doesn’t fit neatly into the categories of good or bad; instead, she’s a product of her circumstances. There’s no clear dichotomy between right and wrong, only shades of grey. Exploring how she reacts to various situations was a valuable learning experience for me as an artist.

“Moreover, what strengthened my conviction to be a part of this Watcho Exclusives series was that Deepa’s character provided an opportunity for me to confront my fear of swimming and step out of my comfort zone. The team was searching for an artist who could swim, a skill I lacked, which posed an initial challenge for me. Although there was a risk of losing the role, I confronted the challenge head-on and enrolled in a local swimming class. Not only did I secure the role, but I also felt a sense of happiness and pride. ‘State v/s Ahuja’ not only helped me conquer my fears but also facilitated my growth not only as an artist but also as a person,” she concluded.

“State v/s Ahuja” tells the story of Ansh Ahuja (Ashmit Patel), a Bollywood superstar accused of rape by his maid, plunging him into a whirlwind of controversy. The series unfolds with gripping suspense, investigation, and courtroom drama, unveiling unexpected twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It raises the intriguing question: Did Ansh really commit the crime, or is there a hidden agenda at play? Produced by Suresh Thomas under Crescendo Films and Amicable Crew, the show boasts an ensemble cast, including Jaswinder Gardner, Sarika Singh, Swapnil Ralkar, Apeksha Verma, Drishti Patil, Manish Jaitley, Arjun Krishna, Vicky Baidyanath, and Harsh Gautam. The Watcho Exclusives series is streaming on Watcho.