Arika Singh Wins at National Fame Awards 2024, Bags Trophy for Tarot and Astrology

Arika Singh - National Fame Awards

Spiritual guidance and divination influencer Arika Singh is the founder and creator of Divine Empress Vibes, having journeyed from Beauty, Fashion, & Lifestyle Influencing to tarot card reading, psychic healing, and astrology. She was honored with the prestigious National Fame Award 2024 recently held at the Club, Mumbai, winning the trophy for Excellence in Tarot Card Reading & Astrology. The award was presented to her by Dia Mirza.

Upon receiving the award, Arika Singh said, “I’m truly honored to receive this spiritual award; it’s a testament to the invisible threads that connect us all in the pursuit of higher knowledge and compassion. This accolade fuels my passion to delve deeper into spirituality and serve as a beacon of light, hope, and inspiration to others.”

A natural-born psychic, Arika has earned her reputation through accurate predictions, garnering numerous testimonials from satisfied clients. However, her path in spiritualism and divination was not predetermined. Arika discovered her path through an innate calling. Arika invested time and effort into mastering the craft and overcoming doubts and fears.

Born on the 7th, the most spiritual number in astrology, she is considered an old soul, a Starseed, and a Lightworker. Formerly immersed in marketing and social media, Arika’s destiny turned to spirituality, leading her to create Divine Empress Vibes, where she has impacted the lives of over 50,000 global clients. What started as a personal exploration soon transformed into a mission to provide guidance, healing, and empowerment to others.

Recognized as one of India’s top 10 tarot card readers, Arika has become a source of ageless wisdom on social media platforms. Arika possesses expertise in a diverse range of divination tools and spiritual services. She is highly skilled in various spiritual practices, including Tarot Card reading, candle magic healing, astrology, Angelic Reiki healing, Runes reading, and Akashic Records reading. Notably, Arika is also a Ph.D. candidate in tarot reading, showcasing her commitment to advancing the field of divination.

Arika’s journey into spirituality deepened during two significant spiritual awakenings triggered by the loss of both her parents within 1.5 years. This period of introspection led her to delve into Tarot, Astrology, Numerology, Candle Magic, and connecting with the Divine. Arika’s personal growth and continuous learning have fueled her commitment to helping others unlock their true potential through tarot readings and spiritual guidance.

Arika’s online presence, marked by daily videos on Instagram and YouTube, went viral, attesting to the resonance of her content with a vast audience seeking spiritual guidance. Her readings provide empowerment, comfort, and emotional connection for her clients. Her journey, marked by challenges that would daunt the strongest, is a testament to her resilience. Just like the legendary phoenix, Arika’s life journey has been one of rising from the ashes, inspiring others to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

Arika’s mission extends beyond providing readings; she aims to instill hope and positivity in those she touches. Her wisdom, drawn from diverse spiritual teachings, emphasizes the power of self-perception, the law of attraction, and the transformative potential within everyone. In a world where challenges abound, Arika Singh is a guiding light, illuminating paths and empowering others to create their destinies. With a heart fueled by compassion, an unwavering spirit, and a wealth of spiritual knowledge, she leaves an indelible mark on those she encounters.

Social Beat sweeps five awards at AgencyCon Indian Agency Awards

Social Beat, a leading digital marketing agency, bagged five awards at the AgencyCon Indian Agency Awards. Social Beat won five key categories including two Gold Awards for Content Marketing Agency of The Year and Agency of the Year South and Silver Award for the Performance Marketing Agency of The Year. Co-founder of Social Beat Mr. Vikas Chawla won the Agency Head / CEO of The Year Award and Mr. Pavan Ramchand, CHRO, Social Beat won the HR Professional of The Year Award at a glittering ceremony held recently in Mumbai.

On winning the awards, Vikas Chawla, co-founder of Social Beat said, “Being recognized with these awards is a testament to the dedication and talent of our team. We are immensely proud of their creativity, expertise, and professionalism with which we scale the brands we work with.”

Suniel Chawla, Co-Founder, Social Beat(1)

Suneil Chawla, co-founder of Social Beat, added, “As we celebrate our achievements, in this case an unprecedented 5 awards, we remain committed to our mission of driving business outcomes for the brands entrusted to us to grow revenues and market share.”

With a 300+ strong team of digital experts across Bengaluru, Mumbai, NCR, and Chennai, Social Beat is India’s fastest-growing independent digital marketing solutions company managing 4% of digital media investment in India. Social Beat has set a new benchmark for managing Rs. 900 Crores of digital media spending. As a Google Premier Partner, Facebook Business Partner, and trusted collaborator with industry giants like Salesforce, Hotstar, Amazon, and Linkedin, Social Beat is committed to leveraging strategic partnerships and solutions to empower brands and foster growth.

List of Awards Won by Social Beat at Indian Agency Awards

Gold – Agency of the Year – South

Gold – Content Marketing Agency of The Year

Silver – Performance Marketing Agency of The Year

Agency Head/ CEO of the Year – Vikas Chawla

HR Professional of The Year – Pavan Ramchand

A tribute to the Agency Life, Untold Stories, and Unsung Heroes who run the show, the Indian Agency Awards recognizes the outstanding contributions from Advertising/Creative, Digital, Integrated, and Performance Agencies. Indian Agency Awards is not just about that one Hero Campaign of the year but the hard work, dedication, and toil that goes behind building brands, driving performance, and achieving set objectives through the year. The AgencyCon Summit acts as a shared knowledge platform for Agency Leaders and Professionals to learn, unlearn, and relearn the dynamics of Agency Trade.

From Aspiration to Action: ‘Rural Rising’ brings positive change in Wayanad’s Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat, Sulthan Bathery Block, Kerala

Rural Rising Wayanad

Broadcom, under its CSR initiative, in collaboration with NGO United Way of Bengaluru (UWBe) and Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat, proudly announced the official inauguration of the ‘Rural Rising,’ an innovative integrated rural development program at Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat in Sultan Bathery block, Wayanad. The Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat has a population of 14,133. It is the second largest tribal-populated gram panchayat in the state. Recognizing the pressing need for comprehensive interventions, ‘Rural Rising’, an integrated rural rising program, was kickstarted.

Grounded in a meticulous need assessment, the initiative strategically addresses critical needs such as the health and nutritional needs of children through a unique Cooked Meal intervention and early education facilities for children.

Addressing the health and nutritional needs of children, particularly those malnourished and from the tribal communities, the Cooked Meal intervention was conceived to ensure the availability and accessibility of nutritious meals three times a day, six days a week, benefiting 315 children across 26 Anganwadi Centres. Six Community Kitchens have also started in six Anganwadi Centers, involving mothers in food preparation to foster healthier food habits at home.

Fifteen nutrition promoters, serving as influencers, are actively engaged in community mobilization under this initiative. They play a crucial role in conducting awareness sessions for mothers emphasizing the importance of consuming healthy and nutritious meals.

The positive outcome of the Cooked Meal intervention is evident, with a substantial improvement in children who were initially underweight. In September 2023, 79% reached a normal height-to-weight ratio, marking a positive trend with 81% in October and an impressive 85% in November.

Addressing the need to create a conducive early learning environment for children, 26 Anganwadi Centres have been revamped, aligning with ICDS guidelines. The transformation of Anganwadi Centres to safe and conducive learning spaces includes new facilities and services, infrastructure support, and the establishment of play areas.

Recognizing the crucial role of Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs), the ‘Rural Rising’ initiative also focussed on building the capacities of 200 AWWs and AWHs in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) related skills. This is helping to enhance the quality of services at the AWCs and interactions between caregivers and children, making the entire Anganwadi ecosystem child-friendly.

As expressed by one of the retd. Anganwadi Workers, “In my 39 years of service, I have seen many AWCs located in the forest area grapple with challenges. Today, I express heartfelt gratitude for the positive changes in the AWCs – the introduction of play areas and other improvements ensures a nurturing and vibrant environment for children’s growth and well-being. “

For the initiative, a new milestone was achieved today, as one of the refurbished Anganwadi Centres was inaugurated in the presence of Dr. Renu Raj IAS, the District Collector and District Magistrate, who was present at the event. Dr. Raj said, “Ensuring kids aged 0-6 grow up in a safe and nurturing environment is crucial. This early phase is a big chance for positive development. Investing and putting effort into these early years can build the foundation for a thriving society in the next 20 years.”

Other delegates present today included govt. officials from the Women and Child Development Department, representatives of the Panchayat and team from United Way Bengaluru.

“The intervention is designed on a ‘convergence model,’ focussing on the strength of every stakeholder. In partnership with the local administration and our CSR partner Broadcom, this collaborative effort is significantly contributing to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being and SDG 4 – Quality Education,” said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru.

Presidency University, Bengaluru organises National Conference on Gender and Inclusion

Bengaluru: 25th  March 2024: The National Conference on Gender and Inclusion was organized by Presidency University, Bengaluru, Centre for Development Policy and Practice, and GOONJ, in collaboration with Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) and Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) on 14th March 2024 at Presidency University campus. The conference was a prominent event in the ongoing discourse surrounding gender dynamics in the Indian workforce. The theme of the conference for this year was ‘Women in the Workforce.’ The conference was packed with insightful sessions and esteemed speakers that aimed to shed light on the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for fostering gender equality and inclusion in the labour market.

Dr. Sameena Noor Ahmed Panali, Registrar Presidency University inaugurating the conference along with other guests 1

The inauguration of the conference witnessed a thought-provoking Presidential address by the Chief Guest Ms. Vinita Bali, a global business leader and former CEO of Britannia Industries. Her insights, garnered from her extensive experience in the corporate realm, set the tone for deliberations throughout the day. The conference featured a stellar line-up of esteemed guests, including Dr. Gayathri Vasudevan, Chief Impact Officer of Sambhav Foundation & Chairperson of LabourNet, who delivered a special address, where she shared 8 short stories that highlighted the gender-based perceptions and discrimination. Vasudevan’s expertise in social impact and labour dynamics added significant value to the discourse on gender and inclusion. The keynote address delivered by Ms. Rukmini S., author and independent data journalist delved deeper into “What the Data Says: On Gender and the Workforce”.

Speaking at the inauguration, Registrar of Presidency University, Dr. Sameena Noor Ahmed Panali reiterated her belief that acknowledging the profound significance of women’s participation in the workforce is not just a pursuit of social justice, but a vital catalyst for economic prosperity. She highlighted Presidency University’s active involvement in supporting Gender and Inclusivity for the past five decades that helped uplift and sustain 60% of women in various leadership roles across their schools, colleges, and University.

Ms. Vinita Bali, global business leader and former CEO of Britannia Industries, delivering the Presidential address 3

Dr. Anubha Singh in her address stated that gender equality requires more than just acknowledging women’s achievements. It demands a paradigm shift in our mindsets and workplaces. At Presidency University, we firmly believe that gender equality is not just a goal, but a fundamental principle. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women can excel in academics, research, and leadership roles.

Dr. Anubha Singh reiterated that this conference offers a valuable platform for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaborative action. We will hear from renowned thought leaders, industry experts, and women themselves who have shattered glass ceilings and carved their own paths to success. She motivated all the delegates present by stating that together, we can build a world where gender is not a barrier to success, but a source of strength and diversity.

The heart of the conference was its panel discussions, where experts from diverse backgrounds converged to dissect critical aspects of women’s participation in the workforce.

Panel Discussion 1 on “Women in the Workforce: What the Data Says”, chaired by Dr. Abusaleh Shariff, Executive Director and Chief Scholar at the US-India Policy Institute, delved into the data surrounding women in the workforce. Accompanying him was Dr. Subhashini Muthukrishnan, Registrar and Professor at St. Joseph College of Commerce, Bengaluru, and Dr. Priyanka Dwivedi, Assistant Professor at Chanakya University, Bengaluru, Dr. Sridevi Tandley, ML Solutions Evangelist, Renowned Speaker & Educator. The panelists looked at different data points analyzing the participation of women in the workforce. Explanations and theories were sought to explain the declining trend of female labor force participation. Concepts such as human capital, low household decision-making, poor economic status and reproduction and childcare were discussed. Numerous contradictions were identified in PLFS data, with specific focus on rural, urbans, wage-work and casual work and self-employment. Their insights helped provide a nuanced understanding of the statistical trends and underlying factors influencing female labour force participation rates.

Dr. Abusaleh Shariff Chief Scholar US-India Policy Institute, Washington DC heading a panel discussion on Women in the Workforce What the Data Says 2

Panel Discussion 2, ‘Woman in the Workforce: Tackling Challenges and Way Forward’, chaired by Ms. Puja Marwaha, CEO of CRY (Child Rights and You), focused on tackling challenges and charting a way forward for women in the workforce. With Dr. Vinod Vyasulu, a Senior Economist and Professor, and Ms. Soma Wadhwa, a Senior Research Fellow at CDPP and Associate Professor at the School of Modern Media, UPES, the panel delved into the multifaceted challenges encountered by women both prior to and after entering the workforce. Topics spanned the necessity of legislative frameworks alongside their practical implementation to foster workplace inclusivity. Regional disparities were explored, highlighting the discrepancy between educational attainment and employment opportunities. Furthermore, the discourse underscored how the digital divide exacerbates these challenges for women.

The 3rd and final Panel Discussion on ‘Women in the Workforce: Learnings from the Grassroots, moderated by Mr. Anshu Gupta, Founder of Goonj, grassroots perspectives took centre stage. Featuring voices such as Ms. Kamini Kumari, Secretary of Aapka Aanchal, Bihar, Ms. Uthara Narayanan, Founder of Buzz Women, Bengaluru, and Ms. Hemlata Rajput from Shrijan Kalyan Samiti, Raipur, they shared personal experiences of navigating the workplace as women at the grassroot levels and delved into the obstacles hindering women’s entry into the workforce. Concluding, they emphasized the importance of reshaping narratives and highlighted themselves as beacons of hope for societal, cultural, economic, and political progress.

Following the panel discussion, the academic discourse was enriched by paper presentations, offering a platform for scholars and researchers to present their findings. The papers focused on various aspects of women in the workforce in India. The topics of the papers ranged from qualitative analysis of workspace in an urban setting to the problems faced by marginalized women in rural parts of the nation.

The valedictory address was provided by Ms. Meenakshi Gupta, Co-Founder, Goonj, who encapsulated the day-long conference’s key takeaways and encouraged the members present to find innovative ways and means to support gender equality and inclusivity.

In essence, the National Conference on Gender and Inclusion at Presidency University. Bengaluru was a prominent platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action. By harnessing the collective wisdom and expertise of diverse stakeholders, this conference endeavored to foster an environment where women not only participate but thrive in the workforce, thus paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

Greenpanel and The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s Successful Collaboration Continues to Nourish Children’s Lives Through Nutritious Meals

Delhi, 21st March 2024 – Greenpanel Industries Limited, India’s largest manufacturer of wood panel, partners with the Akshaya Patra Foundation, an implementing partner of the PM POSHAN program and related state government school meal programs, to provide hot-nutritious mid-day meals to government & government-aided school children in the districts of Nellore and Kuppam. As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Greenpanel has partnered with The Akshay Patra Foundation and supports their School Meals Program.

The collaboration has been underway since April 2023, which has enabled the provision of nutrition-rich mid-day meals to children in government schools, laying the foundation for a healthy childhood and a better quality of life. From April to December 2023 alone, this partnership has ensured in serving over 3.19 lakh nutritious meals to more than 2,016 children in government schools in Nellore and Kuppam. The continuous, long-term feeding has deepened the organization’s impact on these communities, enhancing their overall well-being.

Mr. Arvind Joshi, VP and Head Marketing, Greenpanel Industries Ltd., said, “Our collaboration with Akshaya Patra Foundation has been a resounding success in upholding every child’s basic right to proper nutrition. The program is a life-changing experience for the children who come to attend a government school, with the hope of getting educated, and having a full meal in their recess. Every meal has a direct impact on the health and well-being of a child, which lays the foundation for a healthy childhood. We are proud to witness the direct and lasting impact this program has had, and our ongoing contribution will ensure its continued success.”

Mr. Shridhar Venkat, CEO, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, “We are immensely grateful to Greenpanel Industries Limited for their generous support as this collaboration is a significant stride towards eradicating classroom hunger and ensuring that children in Nellore and Kuppam receive the nutrition they need to thrive academically. By providing over 3.19 lakh nutritious meals to more than 2,016 children, we are not just addressing providing nutritious meal but also are investing in the future of our nation. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a healthier, more educated, and empowered generation. We look forward to nurturing this partnership and continuing to make a profound impact on the lives of the children we serve.”

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a not-for-profit implementing partner for the Government of India’s flagship PM POSHAN Abhiyan. Its programme is based on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in collaboration with various governments, corporates, philanthropic donors, and well-wishers. Akshaya Patra strives to ensure children’s access to nutrition by providing them hot, hygienic, and safe mid-day meals in government and aided schools every day. The programme positively impacts children’s education by improving their enrolment, attendance, retention, and concentration.

Celebrate the Joyous Festival of Holi and Easter With #exploreindia at the Leela’s Iconic Destinations

Hyderabad, March 2024: This March, The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts encourages guests to #EXPLOREINDIA with The Leela to discover India’s picturesque destinations, art, craftsmanship, diverse festivals, and rare culinary offerings like a local. Guests can immerse themselves in eclectic festivities with The Leela, where age-old customs are still setting benchmarks for future generations to follow.

The Leela Getaway is the perfect way to make the most of your time at leisure. Celebrate with much gusto, the festival of colours – Holi, a unique experience of India’s captivating and vibrant culture. Introducing #LeelaKiHoli, guests can revel in a kaleidoscope of organic colours, Phoolon ki Holi played with flowers, cultural performances, and scrumptious food and music, observing the diversity of celebrations across hotels. The Leela has uniquely partnered with Phool.co to produce organic gulaal made from flowers used at their hotels, upcycled and infused with the brand’s signature fragrance – Tishya by The Leela.

Iconic Palaces in New Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Bengaluru, and Chennai, city hotels in Mumbai, Gandhinagar, Gurugram, East Delhi, and Bengaluru, and serene resorts in Kerala each hotel celebrate their location, art and architecture, culture, and cuisine with thoughtful services, celebratory rituals, and immersive experiences that capture the essence of India and the richness within.

The Leela Palace Jaipur welcomes guests for a unique celebration, aptly titled the “Phoolon ki Holi” – an authentic and sustainable celebration of the festival. Guests can experience the joy of Holi with organic gulaal made from natural flowers from the hotel. Embrace eco-friendly practices while enjoying cultural activities, Thandai, and sweet and savoury treats. The celebration culminates with a thematic Holi brunch. All guests will enjoy curated stay amenities of Indian Mithai and an invitation to the hotel’s festive celebrations.

At The Leela Palace Udaipur, experience the vibrant spirit of Holi with thoughtfully designed colourful celebrations taking centre stage. Featuring traditional rituals such as the Holika Dahan, playful colour play with organic gulaal made from natural flowers from the hotel, live music, and a special Holi-inspired menu. Guests will also receive elegant traditional Indian attire as part of our gracious hospitality, perfect to immerse oneself in the joyous atmosphere of the festival.

The onset of April is marked by the long Easter weekend. This summer, indulge in a range of festive experiences at The Leela, from traditional Easter celebrations and a gourmet Easter Brunch to specially curated activities for children. Let your little ones delight in a classic Easter egg hunt, explore the art of painting special Easter eggs, and discover the craft of making edible Easter eggs and bunnies.

The Leela Getaway Package Inclusions are:

1. Holi Long Weekend

  •  Buffet breakfast
  •  Indian mithai as a special welcome and turndown amenity
  •  Phoolon wali Holi – an invitation to the hotel’s festive celebrations
  •  Stay souvenir – fragrant incense from upcycled flowers
  •  INR 2,000 credit on hotel services per stay

Holi Long Weekend Stay Dates: 23rd March – 25th March 2024 (Saturday – Monday)

2. Easter Long Weekend

 Easter special breakfast

  •  Themed welcome and turndown amenity
  •  Invitation to the hotel’s Easter-inspired fun activity
  •  Stay souvenir
  •  INR 2,000 credit on hotel services per stay

Easter Long Weekend Stay Dates: 29th March – 31st March 2024 (Friday – Sunday)

Room Types: All rooms, suites, and villas

*Offer valid and available across 11 properties –

  •  The Leela Palace Chennai
  •  The Leela Palace Bengaluru
  •  The Leela Palace New Delhi
  •  The Leela Gandhinagar
  •  The Bhartiya City Bengaluru
  •  The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel
  •  The Leela Palace Jaipur
  •  The Leela Palace Udaipur
  •  The Leela Ambience Gurugram
  •  The Leela Mumbai
  •  The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel

Castrol and bp sign timeless superstar Shah Rukh Khan as brand ambassador

Chennai: Castrol, a subsidiary of the bp Group and a global pioneer in lubricants, announces its strategic association with Shah Rukh Khan, the iconic Bollywood superstar, as its brand ambassador. This association marks a significant step in Castrol’s commitment to delivering high-performance lubricants.

Over the next two years, Shah Rukh Khan will feature in digital, print, and TV campaigns for bp and Castrol, showcasing their wide range of products.

Mr. Sashi Mukundan, President of bp India and Senior Vice President of the bp group, commented, “The association with Shah Rukh Khan reflects our dedication to innovation and excellence in the automotive industry. This move embodies our shared values of performance, reliability, and sustainability. We are proud to be a part of this endeavor, as we shape the future of mobility together.”

Mr. Sandeep Sangwan, Managing Director of Castrol India Limited, added, “This association signifies Castrol’s dedication to innovation and excellence, mirroring the actor’s illustrious career. With Shahrukh Khan onboard, our commitment to enhancing vehicle performance is embellished for generations to come.”

Shah Rukh Khan, known for his versatile career spanning three decades, embodies Castrol’s spirit of continuous evolution. His passion for automobiles further strengthens the synergy with Castrol.

Expressing his excitement, the timeless superstar Shah Rukh Khan remarked, “I am thrilled to associate with Castrol, a brand I’ve long admired for its commitment to performance. As a fellow automobile enthusiast, I believe Castrol’s dedication perfectly aligns with my pursuit of excellence. Together, we aspire to inspire and empower drivers to revel in the joy and liberation of the open road, safely. I am eager to embark on this journey together.”

This association reflects Castrol’s vision for the future, anchored in innovation and technology. With Shah Rukh Khan as its brand ambassador, Castrol aims to reach a wider audience and maintain its status as a premier choice for advanced lubricants and services.

Nutella® makes 60 years of smiles more memorable with Limited 11 Iconic Persona Jars

Chennai: Nutella, the hazelnut cocoa spread, has been bringing smiles to the faces of millions of consumers globally for 60 years now and has evolved into a household name. To take the celebrations of its 60th year a notch higher, Nutella® wants to celebrate the power of smiles, simply because the more you practice, the more they spread. A celebrative line of 11 delightful limited-edition jars has been unveiled on this occasion, to nurture the emotional bonding with all generations and diverse personalities.

Each jar in the limited-edition collection represents a character recognizable amongst our friends, family or even ourselves. The 11 iconic Persona jars aim to share smiles among our loved ones and are uniquely labelled, representing different facets of consumers’ personalities like The Captain, The Best Friend, The Photo Maker, The Pet Lover, The Boss, The Fashion Icon, The Chef, The Explorer, The Superhero, The Rockstar and The No. 1 Fan. These limited-edition jars will be available across India.

To mark the launch of these limited-edition jars, Nutella has unveiled a series of digital films with brand endorser, Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh. Through the films, Ranveer asks viewers to spread smiles while showcasing all the 11 iconic jars, resonating the jar labels to himself and his loved ones. For instance, he relates himself as ‘The Fashion Icon ‘and ‘The Rockstar’, his mom as ‘The Chef’ and dedicates ‘The No.1 Fan’ jar to all his followers. He also encourages the audience to scan the QR code on the jars, where they can stand a chance to win an exclusive Nutella jumper and can dedicate a virtual jar with a message to their loved ones.

As part of the new campaign, Nutella® has launched an exciting on-pack promo. Consumers can scan the QR code on the lid of the jar, which will lead them to the website Nutella.com, where they can enter the contest and choose an Iconic Jar that most accurately represents their persona. 200 lucky winners will receive an exclusive Nutella 60 Years Jumper, and nearly 2000 lucky winners will receive exciting vouchers. Via the QR code, consumers can customize a virtual jar to write a message to a loved one also.

Zoher Kapuswala, Marketing Head, Nutella, Ferrero India, states: For 60 years, Nutella® has been a part of millions of households, spreading smiles and creating cherished memories. Through the campaign, we continue to celebrate ‘60 years of Nutella”, by inspiring our consumers to gift the most relevant jar to their loved ones or even themselves. These limited-edition iconic persona jars will instantly remind us of someone in our life who represents a persona and will create for a spontaneous gifting moment…thereby spreading smiles.

Kiko Live crosses 100,000 fulfilled Kirana orders on the ONDC Network

New Delhi, 21 March 2024: Kiko Live, a SaaS solution for neighbourhood stores and a Seller Network Participant on ONDC Network, has successfully unlocked a major milestone for local kirana stores and retailers on the back of ONDC Network. Kiko Live recently achieved a major milestone of processing over 100,000 total orders on the ONDC Network.

Since its onboarding on the Open Network in December 2023, sellers on Kiko have witnessed significant business growth. From 30-40 orders per day just 3 months ago, Kiko Live is now consistently seeing 2500+ orders per day.

Kiko works directly with Kirana stores to digitize their business. 13 million Kirana stores in India generate over $800 billion in annual business, yet most of them do not have a digital footprint. These sellers continue to depend on orders received over call and Whatsapp for their home delivery business which constitutes over 10% of their business — that’s an $80 billion plus Kirana led home delivery business that already exists today, in spite of availability of Quick Commerce.

Quick commerce at under $4 billion is a small fraction of the Kirana home delivery business even today. Kiko Live helps sellers build their digital storefront on ONDC Network and helps them give their store customers an online experience.

Selling online had been challenging for small retailers in the past. The few who tried, struggled to maintain high inventory fill rates i.e a customer may order 5 items but only receive 3 due to stock-outs. This led to poor buyer experiences. Kiko Live has been able to address this for the retailers, helping them build a thriving business on the ONDC Network. Some retailers are already receiving over 300 orders a day within a couple of weeks of going online.

By leveraging the ONDC Network, Kiko Live has made it easier for small stores to onboard and sell online. A key accomplishment achieved by Kiko Live is enabling high fulfillment rates by the retailers, with sellers achieving 99% order fill rates to date. The app has also focused on a low-cost model of hyperlocal fulfillment.

These efforts have led to order cancellation rates of less than 1% and repeat buying rates that are now crossing 30% of all orders.

Kiko Live success is attributed to their easy to use tech, and their operational efficiency that invests efforts in training retailers, and doing neighborhood activities to promote their sellers and build their business in the early days. Sellers receive handholding till they start receiving 10-15 daily orders. Even after that, remote operations support takes over, assisting sellers till they are able to operate without support.

T Koshy, MD & CEO, ONDC, said, “ONDC Network is helping take digital commerce to every corner of the country in an open, inclusive way that empowers all stakeholders. By creating a level playing field, the Open Network allows small, hyperlocal retailers like Kirana stores to leverage technology, drive new sales channels, and grow their business in ways that was not possible before. We are happy to see Kiko Live’s growth in a short span of 2 months. Facilitating high fulfillment rates and quick deliveries, it has unlocked the potential for thousands of neighborhood Kirana stores to thrive in the digital economy.”

Alok Chawla, Co-Founder, Kiko Live, said, “We celebrate Kiko’s meteoric growth journey, starting with 30-40 orders a day in mid-December 2023, and now helping retailers drive 2500+ orders a day through ONDC Network in just over 3 months. We continue to grow aggressively month on month, from 10,000 orders in January to 40,000 orders in February 2024 and we plan to close March 2024 with over 70,000 orders. We have already helped retailers successfully process over 100,000 orders on ONDC Network and plan to help retailers process over 1.5 million monthly orders before the end of FY25.”

Healthians’ Health on Wheels Journeys Over 26,000 Kilometers to Extend Healthcare Access Across India

Gurugram, 21st March 2024: Healthians’ flagship initiative, Health on Wheels has achieved 26,000 kilometers’ milestone, bringing vital healthcare services to thousands across India’s diverse landscapes. With a steadfast commitment to equitable healthcare access, Healthians is revolutionizing the delivery of essential services directly to communities’ doorsteps.

Since its inception, Health on Wheels has conducted more than 300+ camps nationwide. Through this innovative approach, Healthians bridges the gap between healthcare services and underserved populations, ensuring that every individual, regardless of location or circumstance, has access to quality healthcare. The initiative has helped many senior citizens, expecting women, among others to have access to healthcare diagnostics at their doorstep.

Deepak Sahni, the founder of Healthians, emphasizes the transformative impact of Health on Wheels, stating, “Our mission extends beyond diagnostics; it’s about empowering individuals to claim their right to healthcare access. Through Health on Wheels, we’re not only dismantling barriers; we’re reshaping the very fabric of healthcare accessibility in India.”

As Healthians continues to pioneer healthcare innovation and impact, it remains steadfast in its dedication to building a healthier, more inclusive society for all.

By extending its services to marginalized communities and remote regions, such as Delhi NCR and Jaipur, Healthians remains steadfast in its mission to democratize healthcare and prioritize the health and well-being of every individual, regardless of location or circumstance.

Established in 2015 by serial entrepreneur, Deepak Sahni, Healthians is committed to providing reliable health test services to individuals across India. With operations in over 250 cities and a network of 20+ certified laboratories, Healthians ensures that everyone can access quality healthcare from the comfort of their homes. Through the expertise of certified and trained phlebotomists, Healthians prioritizes precision and care in every sample collected, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery.

The Health on Wheels initiative was conceptualized and launched by the company in May 2022.