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India, 8 February 2024 – S4 Capital’s operating brand Media.Monks, a digital-first, unitary, advertising and marketing services company, promotes Robert Godinho as Managing Director of Content India, to focus on best-in-class creative innovation, fuelled by AI and its talent hub.

Robert Godinho has been elevated from his role heading the Media.Monks India production hub and will now oversee all operations as Managing Director, Content in India, to reflect an expanded scope. It comes as the company expands its India talent base, increasing existing capabilities in AI and creative technology to service and transform leading brands in India and around the world. Media.Monks India Director Poran Malani, who was core in setting up the Media.Monks team in India will leave the company.

Bruno Lambertini, Co-CEO, of the Content practice, says: “As one of the fastest growing markets in APAC, and indeed the world, we view India as an important strategic part of our own growth. The Media.Monks India business is also a hub for creative innovation, so it is well placed to help businesses harness the huge potential of AI, now. The new era for the India business, under the stewardship of Robert Godinho, is rooted in putting these capabilities into the hands of brands, be that hyper-personalisation, workflow automation or virtual production.”

Godinho is ideally placed to drive Media.Monks in this new era. An entrepreneur at heart, his creative studio WhiteBalance merged with Media.Monks in 2020 for its path-breaking work in film production and creative tech innovation.

His vision for building solutions that merge art and tech inspires his innovation teams to develop solutions that can help brands automate and build assets at scale to complement their digital content creation. Some achievements include setting up a Virtual Production studio in Film City, helping brands create AI-enabled campaigns personalized for regional consumers and building assets at scale for large brands that have been deployed from India to the World.

“We are building a Centre of Excellence for brands powered by insights, creativity, AI and innovation in India. This is not only to service our national clients but also international Media.Monks brands as well, through our established creative production and innovation hub. India has the opportunity to be at the epicenter of transforming brands by ensuring they are AI-friendly and AI-proof. We want to drive this by proving that AI is not a buzzword. We will do this by leading with it within our own business and handing on the learnings for clients to reap the benefits,” explains Robert Godinho.

Media.Monks was named by Adweek as its first-ever AI Agency of the Year in November. The award was given for demonstrating exceptional talent, creativity, and ingenuity in the application of generative AI in both internal operations and client work.

The Media.Monks India office services local, regional and global clients through its combination of local services and a specialist technical talent hub. Under Godinho’s stewardship, there will be enhanced collaboration between the two, alongside investment into talent to enhance creative, AI and technology capabilities.

Godinho reports to the recently appointed VP, Head of Content, APAC Matthew Godfrey, who joined Media.Monks in October 2023. The Data and Media divisions of Media.Monks India continue to report to Kenny Griffiths, Managing Director, APAC of DDM at Media. Monks.

India, 7th February 2024: Prepare yourself for a laughter-packed journey as stand-up comedian Sahil Shah brings his brand-new solo comedy special “Broken” to audiences across India, delivering quick-witted wordplay and observational comedy that will leave you in splits.

Sahil is tired of feeling tired. He doesn’t fit into Gen Z or Gen Y and calls himself ‘Gen Ex-Hausted’ now, and this is what his upcoming standup sets are all about. People who are just done with life. So, join him for an hour of storytelling, unfiltered comedy, silly puns, nonsensical jokes, improvisation, props and the most bizarre thoughts of what exhausted people sound like. Sahil’s multi-city tour kicks off with Pune on February 10th and will make its way to Goa, Chennai, Delhi, Gurugram, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai and wrapping up with Hyderabad. Hurry, and grab your tickets at Paytm and Paytm Insider as they will disappear faster than his punchlines!

Pun master Sahil has a knack for finding humour in the ordinary. In “Broken”, catch him celebrating life’s imperfections, turning an exhausted mind’s struggles into relatable and funny one-liners. Through this show, he looks back at all the true yet hilarious incidents that have led him to this place in his life. His comedy rightly hits the sweet spot between silly and relatable, making it hard for you not to roll with laughter at his exceptional comedic timing.

Varun Khare, Business Head, Paytm Insider, said, “We are happy to host Sahil Shah’s ‘Broken’ India Tour- an ultimate laughter riot. Being a comic for all ages, we truly believe he will leave you in splits with a refreshing blend of inane wordplay, observational comedy, and signature witty expressions. We are eager to kick off this laughter-packed journey where Sahil celebrates the quirks of life by making hilarious digs on the amusing imperfections of being ‘gen-exhausted’. “

Sahil is one of India’s most promising young talents on the comedy circuit who has performed over 900 shows spanning the length and breadth of the country and even abroad like New York, London, Singapore and Dubai. He rose to fame as one of the founding members of the prestigious East India Comedy troupe and is a regular at the Comedy Store. With a childishly crazy sense of humour, the Mumbai-based comedian amusingly lets his inner ‘problem child’ out and has that innate ability to spread joy – which is one thing that the world seriously needs the most right now. His YouTube show, which goes by the name ‘The Ad Show’, has more than a million views!

So, book your spots and laugh away with Sahil as he realizes that he’s far from being whole; he’s clearly very “Broken”!

India Tour Schedule

· Hippie @ Heart Balewadi High Street, Pune – February 10

· LVC Comedy & Music Cafe, Goa – February 11

· Medai – The Stage, Chennai – February 18 – Medai

· Laughter Nation – Hauz Khas Village, Delhi – February 24

· Bailey’s Diner, Gurugram – February 25

· Baroda Productivity Council, Vadodara – March 2

· Prayogshala, Ahmedabad – March 3

· Fandom at Gilly’s Redefined, Bengaluru – March 9

· Sophia Bhabha Auditorium, Mumbai – March 10

· Mindspace Social, Hyderabad – March 24

India, 6th February 2024: Landmark Group, a leading retail and ecommerce conglomerate in the GCC, has entered into a strategic partnership with Addverb, a global leader in robotic and automation solutions, to modernise its Fulfilment centre in Kuwait.

With an established legacy, Landmark Group has consistently pioneered consumer experiences across MENA, India and Southeast Asia.

The integration of Addverb’s cutting-edge automation into the group’s Kuwait fulfilment centre not only enhances operational efficiency but also reinforces Landmark Group’s standing as an industry leader dedicated to delivering unparalleled customer satisfaction through ongoing innovation and strategic partnerships. The fulfilment centre now features an innovative automation solution, including a fleet of Zippy, Addverb’s robotic sorters, with a system throughput of up to 1,000 sorts per hour. Additionally, the centre utilises Quadron, Addverb’s carton shuttles, each boasting a throughput of up to 100 crates per hour.

In this innovative collaboration, the order fulfilment process begins with careful categorisation of items into bulky & non-bulky category. Post this, an automated conveyor is used to transfer non bulky items to get it sorted via Zippy system and move to the pack station. Additionally, mechanisms are defined in system for integrating bulky & non-bulky items at pack stations.

Addverb takes pride in contributing to Landmark Group’s vision for a future-ready fulfilment centre. This partnership exemplifies Addverb’s commitment to pioneering intelligent automation solutions that empower businesses to thrive in the digital age.

“Creating an adaptive and agile supply chain is part of our supply chain vision. We are happy to collaborate with Addverb to elevate our Kuwait fulfilment centre operations,” said Pawan Kaura, Head Ecommerce Operations, Landmark Group. “The integration of warehouse automation not only enhances our operational efficiency but also ensures that our customers receive their orders accurately and promptly. This investment in automation aligns with our commitment to delivering unparalleled service and experiences.”

“Partnering with the Landmark Group fills us with immense pride. This synergy reinforces our commitment to delivering state-of-the-art automation solutions and amplifies our dedication to efficiency, reliability, and accuracy. Landmark Group brings a wealth of expertise and a legacy of excellence to this strategic partnership. This collaboration is a testament to the trust and confidence that industry giants place in Addverb.” mentioned Pieter Feenstra, CEO of Addverb EMEA.

Vh1 Supersonic artist, Major Lazer Soundsystem, an influential force in the world of electronic and dancehall music, has left an indelible mark on the global music scene. Major Lazer is a Jamaican-American electronic dance music and DJ trio, which includes record producer Diplo, and DJs Walshy Fire and Ape Drums. Known for their groovy beats, Diplo and Walshy of the trio have a strong and rooted connection with India. Did you know that Diplo, at the age of 20, moved to India to kickstart his career and Walshy has been open about his fondness for India’s cultural diversity and how it’s close to his heart.

 So, before we get to witness their magnificent live performance this month, let’s recap their Top 5 tracks!

 1. Lean On: This Global smash was shot in India which was #1 in over 40 countries and has over 6.5 billion streams on Spotify alone. The catchy tune and energetic dance move along with traditional Indian props fueled a worldwide dance craze, with countless remixes and renditions emerging all over the world, including India.

 2. Cold Water: A melodic pop perfection, captivating hearts and topping charts, known for its summer vibes, making Major Lazer Soundsystem a household name. This is another chart-topping collaboration featuring Justin Bieber, racking up over 3.5 billion streams.

 3. Powerful: This song is an anthem of hope and unity, resonating with India’s diverse youth, finding power in music and community. This is an uplifting anthem with over 600 million streams and was initially planned to be the lead single from the album but was scrapped in favor of Lean On.

 4. Light It Up: For this song, the artists crafted 50 texture effects along with custom algorithms to implement them, creating a CG environment complete with lighting, camera setups, and textures. Subsequently, the film underwent re-editing to synchronize with Major Lazer’s “Light it Up” track before being shared online, accumulating over 100 million views.

 5. Know No Better: Hip-hop infused pop fusion, showcasing Major Lazer Soundsystem’s genre- bending prowess, attracting a wider audience in India. This song features an all-star lineup and catchy beats, with over 1.5 billion streams.

Reema Dube Yerawar, Founder, Chipmunk:

 “As a representative of the beauty sector, we eagerly anticipate the forthcoming budget to act as a catalyst for transformative growth and sustainability. The beauty industry in India stands at the precipice of innovation and evolution, and our expectations harmonize with the broader goals of fostering a thriving and resilient sector.Given the distinctive characteristics of our sector, we advocate for targeted measures. It is our sincere request to the government to consider incentives that champion research and development in clean beauty formulations, aligning seamlessly with global trends and consumer preferences. We also encourage investment in the development of eco-friendly packaging solutions, positioning the Indian beauty sector as a responsible contributor to environmental conservation.Recognizing the pivotal role of skilled professionals in our industry, we emphasize the need for skill development initiatives tailored specifically for the beauty sector. Focused training programs incorporating the latest techniques and trends will not only empower individuals but also bolster the overall competitiveness of the sector on a global scale.Sustainability in formulations and ingredients remains a paramount focus, and we eagerly anticipate measures that encourage businesses to adopt green technologies. Incentives for the adoption of sustainable practices will not only accrue benefits for individual companies but also contribute to the industry’s collective efforts in building a greener future.Moreover, we advocate for a streamlined tax structure and the reinforcement of compliance norms and safety tests to ensure consumer safety within the beauty sector. Strengthening regulations on labels, transparency about ingredients for all brands, and a stringent focus on high-quality ingredients will fortify entrepreneurship, foster the creation of safe products, and contribute to overall economic growth.In conclusion, the beauty sector looks to the government to craft a strategic and sector-focused budget that recognizes and addresses the unique challenges and opportunities within our industry. We firmly believe that a forward-looking budget will propel the beauty sector to new heights, solidifying its role as a key contributor to India’s economic resurgence.”

Bengaluru, January 31, 2024: Calligo is now set to be the first Company in the world to offer Posit-enabled Silicon.

   The semiconductor. Fabless Accelerator Lab (SFAL) is the premier Fabless accelerator in India and is supported by the Karnataka Information Technology Society, govt. Of Karnataka.

 Calligo Technologies, one of the companies incubated at SFAL is the first company to create posit arithmetic hardware implemented in the FPGA platform, Calligo has continued to pioneer technology by incorporating it into a general-purpose computing platform using an RISC-V design and has achieved the major milestone of successful tape out in Nov 2023 and the first silicon is expected to arrive in Feb 2024.

  Calligo is now once again set to be the first Company in the world to offer Posit-enabled. Silicon and well placed to bring out the end product– Accelerator Card for general-purpose computing. Calligo has a full software technology stack including an industry-compatible compiler and operating system, it is also enabling important HPC/AI applications.

Varun Arora, CEO and Co-Founder of Ekostay, a homestay venture

“In the dynamic landscape of India’s hospitality sector, the forthcoming Budget 2024 holds profound significance. As we navigate the post-pandemic era, it is imperative to envision a budgetary framework that not only addresses immediate challenges but also lays down a visionary roadmap for sustainable growth.

Firstly, infrastructure remains the backbone of our industry. Enhancing connectivity through robust transportation networks, especially in emerging tourist destinations, will unlock unprecedented opportunities. Investments in modernizing airports, expanding railway connectivity, and improving road infrastructure can be transformative, ensuring seamless travel experiences for guests across the nation.

Moreover, the emphasis on sustainability cannot be understated. As global consciousness shifts towards eco-friendly practices, integrating green technologies within our establishments becomes paramount. Incentivizing renewable energy adoption, waste management solutions, and sustainable construction practices can position India as a leader in sustainable tourism, appealing to the conscientious millennial traveler.

Skilling and workforce development also warrant attention. The hospitality sector thrives on its people, and nurturing talent through specialized training programs, especially in digital proficiency and guest experience management, will enhance service standards. Collaboration with educational institutions to introduce industry-relevant curricula can further bridge the skill gap, ensuring that our workforce is future-ready.

Furthermore, digital transformation remains a pivotal catalyst for growth. With the millennial demographic driving travel trends, leveraging technology to enhance guest experiences—from AI-driven personalization to seamless digital bookings—is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Encouraging investments in cutting-edge technologies and fostering innovation hubs can spur a wave of tech-driven solutions tailored for the modern traveler.

Lastly, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between tourism and local communities is crucial. Initiatives that promote cultural exchange, heritage preservation, and community-based tourism can create a more inclusive and enriching travel landscape.

 In conclusion, as stakeholders in India’s vibrant hospitality ecosystem, we remain optimistic and look forward to Budget 2024 ushering in policies that catalyze innovation, foster sustainability, and champion inclusivity. Together, let’s co-create a future where India’s hospitality sector shines as a beacon of excellence, resilience, and growth.”

 Mumbai, India, January 31, 2024: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Glenmark), a leading, research-driven, global pharmaceutical company, and Ichnos Sciences Inc. (Ichnos), its global fully integrated, clinical-stage biotech subsidiary, today announced the launch of their alliance – Ichnos Glenmark Innovation – to accelerate new drug discovery in cancer treatment. This alliance combines Glenmark’sresearch and development proficienciesin small molecules with those of Ichnos in novel biologics to continue developing cutting-edge therapy solutions that treat hematological malignancies and solid tumors.

 The newly formed IGI features a robust pipeline of three innovative oncology molecules targeting multiple myeloma, acute myeloid leukemia and solid tumors currently undergoing clinical trials. Two of these molecules have received orphan drug designation from the U.S. FDA. Additionally IGI has two autoimmune disease assets that have been out licensed to leading companies.

 Harnessing the combined proficiency of over 150 scientists, IGI will leverage the capabilities of its three global centers of innovation. These comprise the Ichnos’ headquarters in New York City, NY, USA, which is focused on clinical development; the biologics research center in Lausanne, Switzerland, and Glenmark’s small molecule
research center at Mahape in Mumbai, India.

 “We are proud to announce the Ichnos Glenmark Innovation alliance, which brings together the legacy of Glenmark and passion of Ichnos to accelerate the search for curing cancer. Innovation is an integral part of our organization’s fabric and through IGI, we are confident of getting closer to our quest to develop a novel cancer drug for the world. Additionally, this will also enhance shareholder value by optimizing the cost of
development.” remarked Glenn Saldanha, Chairman and Managing Director, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

 Cyril Konto, President and CEO, Ichnos Glenmark Innovation, said, “Ichnos Glenmark Innovation is a collaborative venture backed by a strong, collective pipeline of novel multispecifics and small molecules. Supported by an experienced leadership and comprising a team that ardently believes in challenging the frontiers of science, IGI seeks to accelerate drug development by combining technologies, expertise, and forces while leveraging Glenmark’s footprint in India. We look forward to joining hands with other like-minded entities, including biotech companies and academia.”

New Delhi, 30 January 2024: PNB MetLife, one of India’s leading life insurers, has launched 10 new branches across India. This strategic expansion reflects the company’s continuing commitment to enhance customer service for its growing clientele.

With a network of 149 branches, PNB MetLife is able to offer customer-centric products and solutions customers across the country. The convenient and seamless access to the full spectrum of services at its branches ensure an enhanced and personalized experience for all customers.

The 10 new branches are set across India in key markets for PNB MetLife: New Delhi, Ujjain, Ayodhya, Betul, Bhadrak, Ongole, Kota, Perinthalmanna, Kanpur and Bhubaneshwar.

Commenting on the launch, Sameer Bansal, Chief Distribution Officer, PNB MetLife said:

“Opening 10 new branches in key cities across India is a pivotal milestone for PNB MetLife and marks a continuing investment in delivering services to our customers, wherever they reside. This expansion, complemented by our extensive network of banca partner branches, brings our total access points across to over 18,000 in the country.”

He additionally pointed out “Supplementing our physical presence in the country are our digital tools and our active outreach to remote areas, which means that customers can file claims, check on their policies, and do much more. We are proud to fully embrace “phygital” in delivering the type of interaction our customers want and need, wherever and however they choose.”

The launch of these new branches is in line with PNB MetLife’s strategy to better serve the needs of the evolving customer base across the country by giving them the choice and ease to be connected with the organization.