Kolkata, 17th October 2023 :As the premier Bengali news channel, ABP Ananda has brought back its three iconic properties – ABP Ananda Sharad Ananda, ABP Ananda Paarae Paarae Serar Lodai, and ABP Ananda SuraksharPuraskar, offering fresh content and collaborating with various partners to celebrate the spirit of Durga Puja.

The Sharad Ananda programming for this year has already commenced, featuring a diverse array of both new and existing content. The first segment, “Koruk Matha ThemeTheme,” explores Kolkata’s renowned Durga Puja themes, showcasing the unique aspects of pandals, the evolution of art forms, and efforts to revive rural folk art. This segment adopts a storytelling format.

The second segment, “TarokarChokheTarokaPujo,” involves celebrities visiting pandals, delving into the preparation, concepts, idols, lighting, and ambiance while discussing the release of their cinema and OTT projects during the Puja.

“Akash PothePujo” is a distinctive concept introduced by ABP Ananda last year, where all the renowned Pujas of Kolkata were covered using drone cameras for a complete aerial bird’s eye view telecast. This includes exclusive coverage of ornamental decorations, lighting, pandals, and thematic features.

“PujoDekhunGhoreBosey” continues its annual tradition of live telecasting eight of the biggest Pujas in Kolkata, showcasing both traditional and themed celebrations with a multi-camera setup. The telecast spans all five days, providing viewers with insights into the rituals performed.

The programming also features “Sharad Ananda Samman 2023,” an award ceremony honouring Puja pandals in various categories, including Best Pandal, Best Theme, Best Lighting, Best Idol, Best Concept, Best Puja Committee, and Best Traditional Puja. Fifty such categories and thirty Durga Pujas around the city will be felicitated with the Jury Samman Award. Jelar Sera Puja 2023 is the district version of Sharad Ananda Samman. Overall, more than 200 Puja Pandals across categories will be conferred with the Sharad Ananda Samman.

Other notable programming includes “Pujor Adda,” “Pujo Personal,” “ProbashePujo,” “Durga Puja Animation Program,” “Pujor Case Book,” and “Bhanu Ukil & Jahor Bicharak.”

The Sharad Ananda programming for this year is presented by Dear Govt. Lottery, Prabhuji Pure Food, ABP Weddings dot com, and Lloyd. It is Co-powered by MadhukunjAgarbatti, Sister Nivedita University, Macho Hint, Greenply, Concreto Cement, and Wild Stone. Partner sponsors include Priyo Gopal Bishoyee, Lancet Pharmaceuticals, Shalimar Coconut Oil, Rumpa Jewellery, Mother Dairy Mishti Doi, and Coca Cola. The digital partner is ABP Live.

ABP Ananda’s second property, “Paarae Paarae Serar Lodai 2023,” is an 11-episode non-fiction fun reality game show played among 12 Durga Puja Committees. The episodes are currently airing on ABP Ananda every day at 5:30 pm until October 20, 2023.

“Paarae Paarae Serar Lodai 2023,” is Presented by Benarasi Niketan, Zed Black Zed Black Premium Agarbatti , Nirma Beauty Soap and Mother Dairy Mishti Doi. It is Co-Powered By Secret Temptation, Khadim, Basumati Rice, Snik Bisk, Crompton Mixers and Calcutta Retro. The property is Partnered By – Rumpa Jewellery, Dulux, Jovees Herbal and Rungta Steel TMT Bar. Special Partner includes – Manmohan JaaduMolom while the Digital Partner is ABP Live.

The sixth year of ABP Ananda’s third property, “ABP Ananda SuraksharPuraskar 2023,” is marked by an award intended to support social safety, security, and measures implemented by individual Puja Committees during their Pujas. A team of experts will evaluate 100 Puja Committees based on various standards, and awards will be given based on set parameters.

ABP Ananda’s SuraksharPuraskar is presented by Mother Dairy Mishti Doi, Finolex Pipes, and Manmohan JaaduMolom. It is powered by Shalimar Coconut Oil, Rungta Steel TMT Bar, and Wild Stone. Partnered by Rumpa Jewellery and Horlicks, with ABP Live as the digital partner.

Mumbai, 17th October 2023 — Embassy Group, a leading real estate developer, is gearing up for a joyous and meaningful festive season. The company has unveiled a series of initiatives to enhance employee well-being, recognise exceptional contributions, and express gratitude to its support staff. As part of the festive season, the company announced an extended 4-day Dussehra break and a 9-day Diwali festive break for all its employees, encouraging them to disconnect from work, cherish quality time with their families, and return refreshed and invigorated.

As a gesture of gratitude and appreciation, Embassy Group is organizing a special “Thanksgiving Lunch” for its support staff this festive season. This initiative recognizes the invaluable contributions of the support staff and expresses gratitude for their dedication to making Embassy Group a welcoming and efficient workplace. Every year, on the occasion of Diwali, the company gathers all the employees from across India for a Diwali celebration, where the Chairman of the company greets every single employee on the festive season followed by gift distribution. The company will also host its annual Diwali party for all employees, along with the “Embassy Achievers Awards,” to honour and acknowledge top performers within the organization.

Speaking on the company’s festive initiatives, Maria Rajesh, CHRO, Embassy Group, said, “The festive season at Embassy Group is a time for reflection, appreciation, and celebration. These initiatives underscore the company’s commitment to the well-being of its employees, recognising their hard work, and showing gratitude to those who support the organization. We eagerly anticipate the forthcoming festive season and look forward to celebrating it with all our employees and stakeholders.”

Additionally, Embassy Group also offers mental health support for all employees through the ‘Well-being on the Web’ initiative. This comprehensive program provides employees with access to a wealth of online resources and support systems tailored to enhance mental and emotional well-being.

Maria further added, “The festive season is a time of joy, but it can also bring bouts of burnout for employees. Meeting deadlines before going on a festive break, multiple employee engagement activities, amongst others, can be overwhelming. Offering employees timely support is key. A mentally healthy workforce is pivotal for a successful organisation, and Embassy Group is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and empathetic work culture”.

Mumbai: 17th October 2023: Paytm E-commerce Private Limited (PEPL) has launched ‘My India Store’ on Paytm se ONDC Network. Under this, users can get access to a wide range of products such as handicrafts, paintings, ethnic wear, jewelry, kitchen essentials, and home decor starting at just ₹35 to promote Indian culture, local artisans, and their traditional craftsmanship.

From ‘My India Store’ on Paytm se ONDC Network, users can order Madhubani paintings starting from ₹256, Kanjivaram sarees for as low as ₹369, Chikankari kurta from ₹399, Khadi sarees and kurta from ₹539, silk sarees from ₹549. Moreover, agarbatti, samosa, and more start from ₹35, chaat from ₹75, handicraft jewelry from ₹99, and terracotta products starting from ₹299 can be ordered.

Paytm was the first to go live on the ONDC Network and launched Paytm se ONDC Network on the Paytm app powered by PEPL. The company is a leading buyer app on the ONDC Network and has been growing exponentially offering 200+ brands across different categories

Paytm se ONDC Network Spokesperson said, “With the launch of ‘My India Store’, we aim to provide access to the best offers and deals across a wide range of offerings to our users at reasonable prices to save big during festive season. Products such as Madhubani paintings, Tanjore paintings, and other handicrafts facilitate cultural exchange and connect people with diverse art forms and traditions. Paytm se ONDC Network is driving a seamless, secure and convenient online shopping experience for users.”

Backed by the Government of India, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has been created to democratize the existing e-commerce ecosystem of the country. Since its launch in Bengaluru, ONDC has expanded its presence to Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Hyderabad, Bagalkot and Lucknow. Paytm is a frontrunner in ONDC and is live across categories like Food and beverage, Grocery, Home and kitchen, Fashion, Electronics, Health and wellness, and Beauty and personal care.

17th October 2023, Mumbai: JBCN Education is proud to announce the launch of its fifth campus in the heart of north-eastern Mumbai, Mulund. The new state-of-the-art campus is designed keeping the learner at the centre and aims to provide EduCreative experiences empowering learners to become Changemakers. Spread across 20,000 sq. ft, the latest campus provides holistic learning experiences through transformative spaces such as Self Expression Zone, Discovery Zone, Sensory Zone, Physical Education Zone, Performing Arts Centre, Swimming pool, Playground, etc. Learners can create, engage, explore, discover and construct meaningful experiences via the various exploratory zones while making life connections. Each child learns uniquely, and the spaces cater to each learning style to develop a lifelong love for learning.

Mulund is a vibrant and bustling suburb gaining increasing attention for its unique blend of modernity and cultural richness. This upcoming locality is known for its picturesque landscapes, well-planned infrastructure, and thriving community, making it an ideal location for residents. With Mumbai being a large city, each area is a micro-market, and JBCN International School identified the strong and sustained need for quality education for this locality.

Having already established its presence with four successful campuses across Mumbai, JBCN Education’s decision to launch the fifth campus is proof of its continuous pursuit of excellence and sharing of Educreative experiences that will shape future leaders. JBCN International School, Mulund, offers our learners an integrated, interdisciplinary curriculum with Cambridge Primary (CP) at the Primary school, Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), Cambridge Lower Secondary programme (CLSP) and International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) at the Secondary school, and A Levels at the Higher Secondary level.

The Principal of JBCN International School, Mulund, Ms Padma Negi has over 25 years of invaluable expertise and a deep understanding of the education landscape, creating an environment conducive to the holistic development of learners. Her leadership will be pivotal in nurturing a holistic learning environment that fosters academic excellence, personal growth and character development.

On the occasion of this significant achievement, Mr Kunal Dalal, Managing Director, JBCN Education, states, “The inauguration of our new campus marks a significant milestone for our group of institutions. Transforming into a network of 5 international schools wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering dedication of our exceptional team. Like its predecessors, this campus embodies our commitment to provide world-class education in an environment that nurtures curiosity, innovation, and global perspectives. Our dedication to provide progressive education, coupled with the trust of the parent and learner community, has enabled us to reach this momentous occasion. Our strong curriculum, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities will ensure that every learner who walks through our doors is prepared to excel in the 21st century.”

Mumbai,17th October 2023 Digikore Studios (NSE: DIGIKORE), has announced the launch of “Indian Angels,” the world’s first angel investment show which will be streamed on India’s leading OTT platform Jio Cinema. Indian Angels will not only offer angel investors the opportunity to support emerging startups but will also extend a rare invitation to viewers to become investors themselves.

The show boasts an exceptional panel of angel investors, each of whom has risen from humble beginnings to achieve remarkable success. The distinguished lineup includes Ankit Agrawal, Founder and CEO of InsuranceDekho; Shreedha Singh, CEO and Co-founder of T.A.C – The Ayurveda Co; Kunal Kishore, Founder and director of Value 360; Ajinkya Firodia, Managing Director of Kinetic Engineering Ltd.; Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip and director and Aparna Thygarajan, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer of Shobitam.

Abhishek More, Founder and CEO of Digikore Studios echoed their sentiments, adding, “At Digikore Studios, we are exceptionally proud to be part of this pioneering venture. ‘Indian Angels’ embodies the essence of innovation and the boundless possibilities of OTT platforms. It transcends mere entertainment; it signifies a movement that promises to reshape our understanding of investment. So get ready for a transformative journey that will have a profound impact on India’s investment landscape and the trajectory of Indian businesses.”

JioCinema spokesperson expressed their excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to introduce ‘Indian Angels’ to the world—a transformative show that transcends traditional entertainment. This innovative endeavor places investment opportunities at the forefront of your screens, democratizing angel investing for all. Prepare to be inspired, educated, and empowered as you witness the dawn of a new era in business entertainment.”

The inaugural episode of “Indian Angels” is slated for release in late October, followed by the unveiling of two episodes every week on the JioCinema platform. “Indian Angels” is set to make startup investing more accessible than ever for everyday people. If you’ve always wanted to invest in startups but felt held back by a lack of knowledge or a formal platform to assist you, this show is a game-changer. It’s like your chance to be a part of the action, just like the big players. “Indian Angels” levels the playing field, giving everyone with the passion for investing a shot at shaping the future of exciting new businesses. It’s not just another show; it’s a movement that empowers regular folks to chase their investment dreams.

Bengaluru,17th October 2023 – LG India, a leading consumer durables brand in the country, has taken a momentous step towards nurturing a healthier and brighter future for India’s youth. In a groundbreaking partnership with Akshaya Patra and Annapoorna Trust, LG India proudly unveils the “Life’s Good Nutrition Program,” an initiative aimed at ensuring the well-being and proper nutrition of school-going children in government schools across the nation. The “Life’s Good Nutrition Program” is set to encompass an impressive 808 schools, benefiting over 59,202 children.

With an unwavering commitment to fostering holistic growth and development, LG India is embarking on this significant endeavour to address the critical issue of childhood malnutrition and contribute to a healthier generation. The “Life’s Good Nutrition Program” will see LG India collaborate with two esteemed organizations, Akshaya Patra and Annapoorna Trust, renowned for their outstanding efforts in providing nutritious meals to children.

One of the key facets of the program involves partnering with The Akshaya Patra Foundation, the implementing partner for the Government’s flagship programme, PM-POSHAN (formerly the Mid-Day Meal Scheme). The foundation has transformed the lives of millions by offering wholesome lunches to government & government-aided school children across the nation. Additionally, LG India is teaming up with Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust’s Morning Nutrition Program, ensuring a nutritious start to the day for these young minds.

Through this far-reaching initiative, LG India is not only striving to alleviate the immediate challenge of malnutrition but is also contributing to the overall cognitive and physical development of the nation’s future leaders.

Mr. Hong Ju Jeon, MD-LG INDIA, expressed, “At LG, we believe that a brighter future begins with a healthy foundation. We are dedicated to assisting and backing the Government, and we have been aligning our CSR initiatives accordingly. Through the ‘Life’s Good Nutrition Program,’ we are taking concrete steps towards ensuring that every child has access to nutritious meals, enabling them to reach their full potential. We are proud to collaborate with Akshaya Patra and Annapoorna Trust in this noble journey.”

Previously, LG India had pledged to support India’s fight against hunger by supporting mid-day meals of 33,334 students across India to ensure nutrition and their right to education by partnering with The Akshaya Patra Foundation.

Chennai-based Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has increased interest rate on Foreign Currency deposits.

For USD-denominated deposits, under FCNR and RFC schemes, IOB is offering 5.65% for a tenor of 1 year. For USD deposits of more than one year to less than two years tenor the bank’s interest rate is 5.50 %

Similarly, for Euro and GBP-denominated deposits of one year to less than two years period, the bank has increased the interest rate to 2.50 % and 5.00 % respectively.

This revision is effective from 15th October 2023.

Bengaluru, 17th October 2023– Wonderla Holidays Ltd., India’s largest amusement park chain, is excited to commemorate the 18th anniversary of its flagship park in Bengaluru. Wonderla Bengaluru was inaugurated in 2005, and since then the Park has consistently set the standard for providing an unparalleled experience to thrill-seekers, families, and leisure enthusiasts.

The park’s commitment to delivering unforgettable memories while safeguarding visitors, ensuring their satisfaction, and protecting the environment stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment. To mark this milestone, Wonderla is rolling out a series of special offers and events that promise an unforgettable experience for everyone.

On its 18th year anniversary, Wonderla has introduced captivating offers for its visitors:

Lucky Draw Competition: Running from October 14th – 24th, Wonderla will conduct a daily lucky draw competition, with one lucky winner selected each day to receive another vehicle.
Invitation to Underprivileged Children: As a heartwarming gesture, Wonderla selected 180 underprivileged children to experience the park, providing them with complimentary entry tickets, free lunch, hi-tea, and access to lockers for convenience.

Furthermore, Wonderla Bengaluru is hosting a Dasara Habba from October 14th to 24th, offering visitors an 11-day program filled with exciting activities including a Mangalore doll dance, a grand procession, Chingari Mela, a food festival, DJ and much more.

Commenting on the joyous occasion, Arun K. Chittilappilly, Managing Director, Wonderla Holidays, said “I am extremely thrilled and proud of our journey this far and it is clearly a testament to our commitment to providing wonderful experiences to our visitors. My heartfelt thanks to the Wonderla team and our cherished customers for their unwavering dedication and love.”

Wonderla’s Bengaluru Park offers an array of attractions that have solidified its status as a preferred destination for individuals of all age groups. With an area of around 82 acres and over 1.2 million footfalls in 23’, this amusement park provides a diverse array of thrilling rides boasting a total of 61 rides, including 28 land-based attractions, 21 aquatic adventures, and 12 child-friendly rides. From high-thrill roller coasters to the heart-pounding Flash Tower and the refreshing Wonder Splash, the park ensures an enriching experience for every guest.

Known for its landscaped gardens, it creates a verdant oasis enhancing the overall visitor experience. The park regularly hosts special events, shows, and entertainment programs, enriching the visitor experience with extra excitement. In the past 18 years, Wonderla Bengaluru has achieved many notable accolades such as the TRRAIN Retail Award 2022-23- Certificate of Excellence, won 2 awards instituted by the IAAPI National Awards for Excellence 2022-23- the Awards in the Innovative Promotional Activity Through Media as well as for the most Innovative Ride. The company is expected to grow by 19% revenue CAGR led by 9% ARPU and footfall CAGR over FY23-28 and Wonderla Bengaluru is expected to grow by 13% in FY23-26E.

BPTP Group, a prominent real estate developer in the NCR region, is all set to usher in joy and prosperity during the Navratras with its exclusive offerings. Dubbed “Mega Ratri – Mega Offers, Mega Deals, and Mega Happiness,” these extraordinary incentives are available from the 15th to the 24th of October, aligning with the auspicious time for real estate investments. Additionally, buyers stand a chance to win enticing ‘Mega gifts’ upon making on-the-spot bookings for their preferred projects.

These enticing opportunities encompass a diverse array of projects, spanning plotted developments, independent floors, apartments, and villas located in various regions. These projects are strategically situated in key areas of Gurugram and Faridabad, including Sector 80 Faridabad, Sector 70A Gurugram, Sector 37D Gurugram, and more, offering prospective homeowners the prospect of embracing a life characterized by comfort and convenience.

“Navratra represents a period of celebration and fresh beginnings, and BPTP Group is thrilled to contribute to this jubilant atmosphere with our Mega Ratri offers. Our goal is to assist buyers in discovering their dream homes while partaking in the spirit of Navratra. Our offerings are designed to facilitate our buyers in securing their homes at attractive prices, all the while standing a chance to receive exciting rewards for on-the-spot bookings. Our projects are meticulously crafted to offer not just a residence but a lifestyle that extends beyond the four walls of one’s home. We eagerly anticipate welcoming new members into the BPTP family,” emphasized Mr. Rohit Mohan, Senior Vice President of BPTP Group.

Mastercard and Bizom today announced a collaboration to extend a holistic digital supply chain financing solution to over75 lakh micro retailers and 2 lakh distributors of the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. Small retailers and distributors in India face several challenges including supply chain disruptions, inventory management, payment issues, limited technical skills and lack of access to capital, that impacts their business operations and growth prospects.

According to recent reports, out of over 64 million MSMEs in India, only 14 percent have access to formal credit. The partnership between Mastercard and Bizom will aim to address this gap and help retailers to grow their businesses.

Bizom will work with its vast network of over 75 lakh retailers and 2 lakh distributors operating in the CPG industry to automate route-to-market operations, with its best-in-class SaaS offerings. Mastercard will enable the adoption of digital payments for micro retailers and connect them to lending partners for easy access to credit. Mastercard will also bring its expertise in payments and provide retailers on the Bizom network withvirtual card application that will facilitate frictionless payments and easy reconciliation.

Vikas Varma, Chief Operating Officer, South Asia, Mastercard,said,“Rapid evolution of the retail sector has necessitated digital adoption by small businesses to derive benefits like operational efficiency and business growth. With this collaboration between Mastercard and Bizom,micro retailers and distributors will embark on a journey of digitization that helps them get online, get paid and get access to capital.”

He added, “No one organization can solve for the existing credit gap alone. So, it is imperative that we build ecosystem partnerships to bridge this gap. Through this partnership, Mastercard plans to bring together various stakeholders in the industry ecosystem from both the demand and supply side on a common platform to support small businesses.”

Sharing his optimism on the partnership, Lalit Bhise, CEO of Bizom,said,“We are excited to pave the way for the millions of MSME businesses like retailers, distributors, wholesalers and small manufacturers in Bizom’s network to gain access to formal digital financial products. Through this partnership with Mastercard, Bizom’s digital trade credit service will extend instant financial support to these small entrepreneurs, helping them grow faster.”

Mastercard announced a global commitment to bring a total of one billion people and 50 million micro and small businesses, including 25 million female entrepreneurs into the digital economy by 2025. Mastercard continually works with partners and merchants across the country to drive acceptance and till date, Mastercard has been able to drive acceptance at over 13 million merchant locations in India.