Category business

21st February 2024– In the heart of India, amidst the bustling city of Jamshedpur, lies an organization that is quietly making a difference in the lives of countless individuals, the Nav Jagrat Manav Samaj (NJMS). NJMS is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention and control of leprosy. With support from Tata Motors, NJMS has been working tirelessly to eradicate this debilitating disease and empower those affected by it. It has achieved significant milestones in reducing the incidence of leprosy in Jamshedpur and the surrounding areas. Involving over 500 local volunteers, including Tata Motors employees and other like-minded philanthropists, NJMS has had a significant impact on various aspects, such as health, education, employability and livelihood initiatives.

NJMS conducts a powerful annual door-to-door survey, reaching 75,000 people for early leprosy detection. In just three years, cases in Jamshedpur have dropped from 1.5 to 0.5 persons per 1000. Operating Antyoday Bhawan, NJMS provides free medical care, boarding and lodging to 4000+ leprosy patients. They also support children’s education and livelihood. Tata Motors’ crucial support propels NJMS’s impactful work in leprosy prevention, resulting in a significant decrease in leprosy incidence and thereby transforming lives in Jamshedpur and beyond.

Mr. Vinod Kulkarni, CSR Head at Tata Motors, emphasises, “Nav Jagrat Manav Samaj embodies the true essence of compassion and resilience in their unwavering commitment to eradicating leprosy and empowering individuals affected by this disease. Tata Motors is humbled to support NJMS in this noble endeavour, recognising their invaluable contribution to creating a leprosy-free society. Through collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication, we believe in fostering a future where every individual, regardless of their health challenges, can lead a life of dignity and inclusion.”

Bengaluru, 21st February 2024 Conrad Bengaluru announces the appointment of Ruben Nair as Marketing Manager. With diverse experience across key marketing functions, Ruben has been associated with some of the leading names in the industry like Zoo Media, Schbang Digital Solutions, Ogilvy and Mather and Grey Group India.

As the Marketing Manager at Conrad Bengaluru, Ruben will spearhead strategic marketing initiatives, brand development, sales and customer engagement strategies to further strengthen the property as a premier destination for luxury hospitality. He will be involved in strategy development as well as promotion and implementation of digital campaigns, while managing a gamut of media and PR engagements.

Prior to joining Conrad Bengaluru, Ruben was associated with Zoo Media Pvt. Ltd. His areas of expertise include implementing marketing strategies, digital marketing activations, key brand associations, in addition to PR & communications.

Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Nair shares, “I am thrilled to join the team at Conrad Bengaluru – a name to reckon with in the luxury hospitality space. In my new position, I aspire to build memorable marketing initiatives that elevate guest experience, backed by innovation, agility, and sophistication.”

Ruben holds a Postgraduate degree in Management from the Indian School of Management and Entrepreneurship and a Master’s degree in Commerce from Mumbai University. Outside work, he has a penchant for Yoga, Travel and Cycling.

New Delhi,21st February 2024: RCI, a leading provider of vacation exchange services, has announced its latest affiliation with Evaan Resorts The Forest Vines Corbett from Evaan Vacation Club to provide its discerning customers with a luxurious holiday experience. This new affiliation will provide RCI members with access to an opulent and serene vacation experience in the heart of nature.

Evaan Resorts The Forest Vines Corbett is a stunning resort located in the Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand, and is one among the several luxury properties by Evaan Vacation Club in the region. Evaan Vacation Club has carved out a distinguished position for itself in the hospitality and vacation ownership sector over the past two decades. Its rich legacy and commitment to providing poised hotel experiences have set it apart among other vacation clubs.

As part of this affiliation, RCI members can now exchange their vacation ownership for a stay at the Evaan Resorts The Forest Vines Corbett. Members will gain access to a world of exclusive privileges and benefits, including priority booking, discounted rates, unique offers, and member-only events.

“We are excited to welcome Evaan Resorts’ The Forest Vines Corbett into the RCI family, we are confident that our members will experience a perfect vacation that combines luxury and adventure.” said Robin Mills, Vice President Business Development – Europe, Middle East, Africa, India, & Asia Pacific.

The spokesperson of Evaan Vacation Club Mr. Gulvendra Singh, CEO “With a unique and dedicated chain of hotels, Evann Resorts is your one-stop solution to travel stay. We are excited to partner with RCI and offer our guests access to their vast network of vacation destinations. We believe that this affiliation will help us reach a wider audience and provide more people with an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Evaan Resorts Forest Vines Corbett.”

Evaan Resorts The Forest Vines Corbett offers a unique blend of luxury and adventure, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. With its picturesque location, the resort provides guests with an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region while enjoying world-class amenities. Whether planning a romantic getaway, a family retreat, or an adventure-filled escapade, this collaboration has got everything covered.

RCI continues to expand its network of vacation destinations, providing its members with access to over 4,100 affiliated resorts in approximately 110 countries around the world. The affiliation with Forest Vines Corbett from Evaan Vacation Club is another step towards fulfilling RCI’s commitment to offering its members unparalleled vacation experiences.

AstaGuru’s upcoming ‘Dimensions Defined’ Auction will feature a meticulously curated catalogue of Modern Indian Art, presenting significant works by iconic Indian modernists. Each piece in the auction reflects the diverse and ever-changing artistic landscape in India over the past decades. The curation offers an eclectic selection of works by eminent artists, including Jamini Roy, Amrita Sher-Gil, Rabindranath Tagore, M. F. Husain, S. H. Raza, K. H. Ara, F. N. Souza, Krishen Khanna, Ram Kumar, Jogen Chowdhury, G.R. Santosh, J. Swaminathan, K. Laxma Goud, Thota Vaikuntam, K. K. Hebbar, Bikash Bhattacharjee, Sakti Burman, Akbar Padamsee, B. Vithal, H. A. Gade, Satish Gujral and Manu Parekh amongst others. The selection also includes sculptural masterpieces by eminent artists such as Himmat Shah, Amarnath Sehgal, Dhanraj Bhagat and Prodosh Dasgupta. The auction is scheduled for February 22-23, 2024.

Talking about the upcoming auction, Sunny Chandiramani, Senior Vice President, Client Relations, AstaGuru Auction House says:”We take great care to curate a collection that traverses decades, presenting the unfolding tapestry of Indian art through the masterpieces of renowned modernists. This auction offers a distinctive opportunity for art enthusiasts and collectors to procure extraordinary pieces, each narrating a captivating story of creativity and inspiration. The thoughtfully chosen artworks, including those by luminaries of the PAG generation, mirror the diverse and dynamic artistic panorama that has significantly influenced our cultural narrative.”

Attached is a detailed release attached along with the images for your perusal. Also, I am sharing below 5 Topic Ideas that could be of interest to you.

Let me know if this works.

• Modern Indian Art & Religious Iconography: Explore interpretations of Indian religious iconography by artists like Sital Chandra Bandhopadhyay and Jogen Chowdhury in AstaGuru‘s upcoming auction.
• Remembering A Ramachandran & Gogi Saroj Pal: A tribute to the late A Ramachandran and Gogi Saroj Pal, influential Indian modernists who shaped the country’s art scene.
• Women Artists in Modern Indian Art: Discover the impactful contributions of women artists in Modern Indian Art through AstaGuru‘s Dimensions Defined auction.
• Artist Profile – Manu Parekh: Explore the unique journey and signature style of prolific modernist Manu Parekh, known for his expressive paintings of Varanasi.
• M.F. Husain’s Distinct Medium: Uncover M.F. Husain’s fusion of Indian subjects and Cubism, exploring various mediums used in his iconic works in AstaGuru‘s upcoming Dimensions Defined auction.

New Delhi, 21st February 2024 The Good Food Institute India (GFI India), the central expert organization, thought leader, and convening body of the smart protein sector in India, launched its first-of-its-kind science-focused fellowship initiative—the SPARK Fellowship program today. It is now inviting applications from postgraduate university students from diverse scientific disciplines like food technology, biotechnology & bioengineering, microbiology, and chemical engineering to work on industry-relevant applied research topics in the smart protein sector.

Successful candidates for the Smart Protein Academic Research and Knowledge (SPARK) Fellowship get a chance to conduct fully-funded lab-based research for six months in plant-based food, fermentation-derived alternative proteins, and cultivated meat and seafood. The research will be conducted at esteemed Indian R&D institutions like CSIR-NIIST, CSIR-IHBT, and WRCB, IIT Bombay under the guidance of expert faculty mentors. Offering unique business perspectives, industry partners FlavingredProducts and Services Pvt Ltd. and HiMedia will provide expert guidance for the commercialization of plant-based and cultivated proteins’ project outcomes. Throughout the duration of the fellowship, GFI India’s scientists will provide personalized support and closely monitor the progress.

Commenting on the launch of the SPARK Fellowship program, Padma Ishwarya S. PhD, Sci Tech Specialist, GFI India said, “This is a groundbreaking fellowship which uniquely encompasses all three modalities of smart protein: plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated meat. By fostering translational technological research in alternative proteins, this program will not only help bridge the talent gap in the industry but also propel innovation in sustainable food solutions and aid the future of our global food system.”

A research grant of INR 1,00,000, along with a monthly stipend of INR 10,000 for students, will cover consumable costs and relocation or accommodation expenses during the project. Upon successful completion, students will receive the SPARK Fellowship certificate of completion and a testimonial from their mentor as recognition for their valuable contribution to smart protein research.

Postgraduate students (M.Sc, M.Tech, final year of dual degree programs, or similar) in key scientific disciplines are invited to apply for the SPARK Fellowship. Additionally, individuals who have recently completed their post-graduation in relevant disciplines and are seeking early-career research opportunities are also encouraged to apply.

More information about the fellowship and the full program benefits are available on GFI India’s website. Applications are open until March 15, 2024, 11:59 p.m. IST.

21st February 2024: US-based ZeeVee, a leading provider of AV distribution technology, has announced its continued expansion in the Indian market. The strategic partnership aims to simplify AV installations through state of art AVoIP and RF products with Alphatec for India market. This partnership marks a significant milestone in ZeeVee’s commitment to delivering innovative AV solutions across diverse sectors.

Founded in 2007, ZeeVee is renowned for its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, offering innovative AV over IP and RF modulation solutions to businesses, institutions, and organizations worldwide. With a focus on delivering transformative AV solutions, ZeeVee continues to shape the future of AV distribution with its innovative products and unparalleled expertise. ZeeVee offers pro AV integrators and consultants award-winning encoders, decoders, and software solutions tailored for the Pro AV and IT marketplace. Renowned for its pioneering role in AV over IP technology, ZeeVee offers the most comprehensive line of AV signal distribution solutions from network based SDVoE and AVoIP to streaming and RF modulation.

The partnership between ZeeVee and Alphatec will cater to a diverse array of target markets, including corporate environments, healthcare facilities, government institutions, educational campuses, entertainment venues, and more.

Talking about ZeeVee collaboration with Alphatec, Rajesh Patkar, ZeeVee India Country Manager, stated, “Our collaboration with Alphatec signifies a strategic alignment of our objectives to provide cutting-edge AV solutions to the Indian market. Alphatec’s extensive reach and expertise complement ZeeVee’s innovative product offerings, enabling us to better serve our customers and drive growth in India.”

Devasis Barkataki, Founder and Managing Director of Alphatec, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “We are thrilled to join forces with ZeeVee, a global leader in AV distribution technology. Alphatec is committed to delivering the best-in-class AV solutions to our customers across India. This partnership enables us to enhance our portfolio with ZeeVee’s state-of-the-art products, further solidifying our position as a leading distributor of professional audio and video equipment.”

ZeeVee, a leader in digital video solutions, offers award-winning encoders, decoders, and software for the pro AV and IT markets. As the foremost manufacturer of SDVoE products, ZeeVee holds a GSA schedule and TAA compliance. With headquarters in Boston, European HQ in Augsburg, Germany, and SE Asian offices in Singapore, ZeeVee provides a comprehensive range of AV signal distribution solutions, from network based AVoIP to RF modulation. Partnering with Alphatec, ZeeVee aims to enhance communication and productivity through advanced audiovisual technology.

New Delhi, 21st  February 2024: NueGo, India’s leading intercity electric AC bus service from GreenCell Mobility, proudly announces its latest collaboration with Delhi Capitals for the upcoming cricket season, set to commence on February 23rd

NueGo will partner as the Associate Sponsor for Delhi Capitals cricket franchise. NueGo brand logo will be featured on the leading trouser of the team’s official & training jersey, as part of the deal. This collaboration aligns with NueGo’s core values towards promoting eco-friendly travel and empowering women.

Devndra Chawla, CEO & MD, GreenCell Mobility, “Our collaboration with Delhi Capitals signals a significant stride in our growth journey, emphasising our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and a shared winning ethos. In partnership with Delhi Capitals women’s team, our focus expands beyond sustainable mobility – it’s about fostering inclusivity and empowering women. Aligned with the vision of Delhi Capitals, NueGo is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where every woman can excel, both on the field and beyond.”

Sukhvinder Singh, Interim CEO, Delhi Capitals, “NueGO are one of the leaders in the sustainable mobility, and as they aim to expand their vision to inclusivity and women empowerment, we are delighted to welcome them to the Delhi Capitals family as our associate sponsor in this landmark moment for women’s cricket in India. This partnership symbolises our shared values and commitment towards making an impact in the society. We look forward to a successful association with NueGo.”

With this new alliance, NueGo has solidified its position with all three major sports leagues of the country: cricket, football, and kabaddi. This expansion, combined with existing agreement with Chennaiyan FC, demonstrates NueGo’s continued commitment to fostering an eco-conscious culture and improving women sports in the country. Through this cricket partnership, NueGo will aim to inspire and spread awareness about safe and sustainable transportation to a wider audience.

Shark Tank India has struck a chord with the Indian population, who now see entrepreneurship as a viable career path. The third season is continuing the show’s remarkable legacy of catalyzing India’s startup ecosystem. The diverse mix of participants seen on the show till now has showcased the growing entrepreneurial will in the country breaking away from the geographical constraint.

Returning as a shark for the second time on Shark Tank India, Amit continues to contribute and impart his valuable experience to the upcoming entrepreneurs. In line with his motto of “Pehle Banda, Phir Dhandha”, Amit is seen placing his bets on inspiring founders rather than just attractive business models. This was evident in his recent investments in The Honest Home Company and Tiggle, where he saw the grit and growth-focused mindset of entrepreneurs.

In Episode 17 of Season 3, Amit opted not to invest in any of the three pitches presented. However, he shared his detailed feedback highlighting his investor approach – balancing founder appreciation with business model critique. His suggestions emphasized brand-building, customer-centricity and sustainable unit economics as crucial for scaling brands. Though the deals didn’t materialize, Amit wished the best to the spirited founders behind VOLD Energy Drink, Quirksmith and Urban Space.

Read about Amit Jain’s learnings from the latest episode in the three pitches below:

Vold Energy Drink:

Devesh Bochre from Nighoj walked into the tank with a passion to disrupt the energy drink market with his VOLD Energy Drink. He aimed to provide energy to one and all with sips that are both affordable and tasty. Although I feel such drinks are not good for health, especially for children. His fighter spirit to build a brand with limited resources was admirable, just like his jugaadu approach to marketing. Though I felt the approach wasn’t very scaleable for building a long-term brand but a good hack to start with. I try to find uniqueness in either product(10x better) or in some area which can act as a moat to build a long-term business. I could find the energy and passion but not that. This will require careful business build-up with efficient planning of brand building, working capital management and distribution. All areas will need deeper attention and skill sets for this to scale. I do applaud Devesh’s high-energy spirit, but I couldn’t overlook these gaps in the business model and thus I was out. I’m glad Aman closed the deal. All the very best to him and VOLD!

Quirksmith :

Divya Batra Das and Pragya Batra’s journey with Quirksmith is the entrepreneurial proof of their passion for jewellery and storytelling. This was visible in their pitch as well. I loved their way of making jewellery a conversation starter, and the attention to detail they put in the brand and just not the business. I felt that the brand still has a long way to go as the direct traffic wasn’t a very large proportion of overall traffic. As the brand builds up a large portion will come as direct sales. I loved the resilience and persistence of the founders, in a covid struck journey. I felt their talent could be used in doing even larger things. So I took a bet on the talent(Pehle Banda Fir Dhanda) and future that can unfold and made my offer. I could not justify the valuation finally, and hence, I was out. But I wish the amazing founder sisters all the very best!

Urban Space:

Coming from a textile background in the family, Rohit Agarwal and Radhika Koolwal created and pitched Urban Space with a vision to redefine home furnishing with quality and affordability. Their focus on profitability and impressive sales figures through 1200+ SKUs showcased strong unit economics and customer satisfaction in an era where such products are beyond functional – they are aspirational now. They ticked all the traits I look for in founders and business. I had my input on their valuation and growth roadmap. As an investor, I consider it my duty to give them a realistic, fair valuation, even if others have different thoughts, or even if the deal doesn’t get closed. Wish them all success nonetheless.

Episode 4 highlighted the importance of great brand-building, along with short and long-term strategic planning. Stay tuned for more Shark Tales!

New Delhi,21st February 2024 AdLift, a global digital marketing agency, has announced the onboarding of Two Brothers Organic Farms. Won in a multi-agency pitch, AdLift will be handling the paid marketing responsibilities for the brand.

Founded by two brothers Satyajit Hange and Ajinkya Hange in 2014, TBOF has revolutionised organic farming in India. From selling their produce in farmer’s markets to distributing their products to 250000+ families in over 60+ countries and 1000+ cities- they have come a long way. AdLift will be managing the paid media marketing mandate for the brand. We aim to conceptualize and create campaigns that match the innovation and creativity of TBOF. We are confident that with our strategies we will fuel sales and create loyal customers fulfilling the brand’s goal of empowering organic farmers and boosting rural livelihood and employment.

AdLift brings to the table a wealth of expertise in digital marketing, with a proven track record of delivering exceptional results for its clients. The agency’s innovative approach, data-driven strategies, and comprehensive understanding of the digital landscape were key factors in winning the trust of Two Brothers Organic Farms.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Two Brothers Organic Farms and excited about the opportunity to elevate their brand through our paid marketing initiatives,” said Prashant Puri, Co-Founder & CEO, AdLift. “Our team is committed to leveraging the latest technologies and trends to ensure Two Brothers Organic Farms receives the visibility it deserves in the highly competitive organic market.”

The paid marketing strategy devised by AdLift for Two Brothers Organic Farms encompasses a multi-faceted approach, combining targeted advertising, search engine marketing, and social media campaigns. The goal is to not only increase brand awareness but also drive meaningful engagement and conversions for Two Brothers Organic Farms.

Two Brothers Organic Farms expressed confidence in AdLift’s capabilities, citing their reputation for delivering results and their client-centric approach as decisive factors in the selection process.

“We were looking for a digital agency that could not only understand our brand ethos but also create impactful campaigns that resonate with our audience. AdLift impressed us with their strategic insights and proven track record, and we are excited to embark on this journey with them,” stated Satyajit Hange, Co-Founding Farmer, Two Brothers Organic Farms.

This collaboration between AdLift and Two Brothers Organic Farms marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in the brand’s digital journey. The partnership is poised to set new benchmarks in the organic industry, showcasing the power of strategic and targeted paid marketing in driving business growth.

India,21st February 2024: Noise, India’s leading smartwatch and connected lifestyle brand, is thrilled to announce its latest innovation in the TWS category, Noise Buds N1. Engineered to deliver exceptional sound in a premium chrome design, the earbuds are set to compliment users’ lifestyle by allowing them to stand out with the new elevated audio experience. The Noise Buds N1 are ergonomically designed to suit users’ fashion with segment’s most aspirational features. With a playback time of up to 40 hours, the new TWS from Noise will be your best pick without going heavy on pocket. Be it commuting, working out, or simply relaxing at home, these earbuds provide the perfect soundtrack to your day.

The Noise Buds N1 will be available in a fascinating range of colours including Carbon Black, Ice Blue, Forest Green, and Calm Beige. Priced at just INR 899, the TWS is set to go on sale on 27th February 2024 on Amazon.

From crisp highs to deep lows, consumers can immerse themselves in rich detailed sound with the 11mm driver. The inbuilt Quad Mic ENC further fosters a crystal-clear call quality at all times. Besides adding to your lifestyle needs, the Noise Buds N1 ensures that you never miss a beat through its Instacharge™ technology, providing 120 minutes of power with just 10 minutes of charging. The earbuds are designed to meet the lifestyle preferences of the youngsters who are always on the go. Its compact design allows one to wear it for prolonged hours without creating discomfort. Given it is a fleet-footed world, one must not miss a chance to flaunt their latest lifestyle statement in front of their peers!

Commenting on the launch, Amit Khatri, Co-Founder, Noise said, “We always believe in bringing the best and latest to our consumers, offering the meaningful upgrade they seek for from their lifestyle accessories. The innovative Noise Buds N1 brings the perfect synergy of style and innovation, and is certain to enhance the overall user experience while allowing users to make a statement.”

In addition to all this, the earbuds sport ultra-low latency of up to 40ms for users to avoid lagging during their gaming or video playback experience. The Noise Buds N1 further offers HyperSync™ technology for seamless and instant pairing, enhanced by the consistent connectivity of Bluetooth Version 5.3. It delivers an outstanding calling experience for the users because of its thorough digital tuning. Meanwhile, crafted to withstand sweat and water splashes, its IPX5 water resistance rating guarantees that they are a perfect partner for fitness routines and any other outdoor use cases. The Noise Buds N1 stand as a true example where style meets substance.

Product Specifications

Noise Buds N1