Tag Kolkata

Embark on a culinary journey to Kolkata, the ‘City of Joy,’ at The Melting Pot, InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, from April 26th to April 28th, 2024. This special event promises to showcase the rich culinary heritage of Kolkata, offering a delightful selection of traditional Bengali dishes.

food festival

Guests can indulge in a variety of authentic delicacies, including Khati Roll with Chicken, Radhuni Murgh Tikka, Kathal aur Aloo ka Subzi, Kosha Mangsho, Rosogollas, Macher Jhol, and aromatic Biryanis. Each dish is carefully prepared to capture the essence of Kolkata’s vibrant culinary scene.

The ambiance of The Melting Pot will be transformed to reflect the lively streets of Kolkata, creating an immersive experience for guests. Don’t miss the unforgettable culinary experience that celebrates the flavours and culture of Kolkata.

For reservations, please contact The Melting Pot at 89 39 865 105.

Bengaluru, 16th April 2024: Pune-headquartered Arya Omnitalk, a joint venture between two of India’s most reputed business houses, Arvind Ltd. and the JM Baxi Group, has secured an exclusive partnership with Motorola Solutions to distribute Professional and Commercial Radios in India.

Arya Omnitalk operates three business divisions, namely Shared Mobile Radio Services (SMR), GPS-based Fleet Tracking and Management Solutions, and Toll and Highway Traffic Management Systems (HTMS). Under this collaboration, Arya Omnitalk will exclusively distribute Motorola Solutions’ MOTOTRBO Portfolio of products, along with continuing to distribute Wave PTX and associated services.

A leading provider of PMRTS (Public Mobile Radio Trunking Services), CMRTS (Captive Mobile Radio Trunking Services), and Broadband Push-to-talk devices, Arya Omnitalk holds licenses to operate in 18 cities including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Indore, Kolkata, Bharuch, Navi Mumbai, Gurgaon, Noida, Mumbai, Pune, Surat, Vadodara, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Jaipur.

These radios are specially designed for organizations operating in today’s fast-moving business environment. They allow real-time, instant communication among teams, improving coordination in fast-paced environments. It allows cross-platform compatibility and works across various devices and platforms, ensuring seamless communication between different teams and devices within the company. These radios connect teams spread across different locations and facilities. It can integrate with existing communication systems and tools, streamlining processes and enhancing overall connectivity within the company.

These radios provide secure communication channels, crucial for the industries where confidentiality and data protection are paramount. It enables swift response during emergencies or critical situations, ensuring immediate communication for rapid decision-making and crisis management.

These services cater to important sectors such as Municipal Corporations, Manufacturing, Security, Oil & Gas, Transport and Logistics, Warehousing, Educational Institutes, IT/ITeS, Hospitality, Hospitals, Embassies, Mines, and Construction.

Speaking of the occasion, Mr. Paresh Shetty, CEO, Arya Omnitalk said, “We are thrilled to announce our continued partnership with Motorola Solutions, further solidifying the trust we’ve built with the brand and customers over the years. This exclusive partnership grants us the opportunity to sell best in class products in India. Our commitment remains unwavering in delivering unmatched customer experiences, ensuring every interaction mirrors our dedication to excellence and satisfaction.”

Kolkata, 20th March, 2024: Dollar Industries Limited, one of the frontrunners in the India hosiery industry, has come to represent affordable fashion and durability for its customers. With their latest advertising campaign, the company has set a new benchmark aimed at shining light yet again on Dollar Bigboss products.

“We have enhanced the Bigboss range to include not only innerwear but also athleisure, gym- wear, and casuals for men. Through our enduring decade-long partnership with our brand ambassador, superstar Mr Akshay Kumar, our brand has experienced substantial growth”, said Mr Vinod Kumar Gupta, Managing Director, Dollar Industries Limited.

The television campaign of Dollar Bigboss is a new take on the brand, underscoring all the inherent values. The storyline is about a suave urban man, unfazed by the chaos and confusion of traffic, on his way to an important meeting.  The wearer (Akshay Kumar) who is scheduled to attend an important meeting is clearly getting badly delayed as his car is caught in a snarl-up over a waterbody. An idea hits him and he decides to ditch the road route and opts to go through water on a skate board as he catches sight of ongoing water sports. The young girl he approaches is only too happy to lend him her board, mesmerised as she is by his aura. So, we catch him gliding smoothly over water, avoiding vehicles altogether and reaching the venue of the meeting right on time, even as attendees are impressed by his punctuality. “Fit hai, Boss,” says the face of the brand, reinforcing the dependability that Dollar Bigboss represents.

The commercial has been directed by the renowned Ad film maker, Uzer Khan and has been released on both electronic and online platforms. There is a concerted plan of supporting the campaign through digital, social media, high-impact outdoor locations, print and TV.

Commenting on the campaign, Mr Mohit Pasricha, Unit Creative Director, Lowe Lintas said “Quite frankly, being punctual isn’t something that should be even up for debate. Unfortunately, being late has become the usual norm. However, come to think about it, and we will realise that the people who should be the most ‘busy’, are in fact very particular about time. The same holds true for Akshay. Despite being such a busy superstar, Akshay is a real stickler for punctuality. So, when we conceived the new commercial, we decided to stitch Akshay’s life values with riveting water-sport action so that in the end, it is not just relatable to the audience but also makes for an entertaining watch”.

CREDITS
Agency: Lowe Lintas Kolkata
Creative: Prateek Bharadwaj, Mohit Pasricha, Sushant Joshi, Sajid Khan, Suyog Mahadik
Account Management: Indranil Mitra, Rohit Chakraborty

Production: 30 Seconds of Fame
Dollar Bigboss is a high-quality collection of men’s underwear and now athleisure, gym wear and casual clothing designed to complement the modern lifestyles of men in the country. Crafted from 100% cotton yarn, the products guarantee comfort and style and ensure every action exudes confidence of the wearer.

Kolkata, 15th March, 2024: Cricket in India is not just a sport, it’s a religion. The much-awaited Physical Disability Triangular T20 Trophy 2024 is set to begin on 15th March, 2024 organised by Differently Abled Cricket Council of India which was formally announced today. The trophy was revealed for the same at Taj Bengal, Kolkata.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of several dignitaries including Mr. Arun Lal, Former Indian Cricketer; Mr. Chinmay Nayak, CEO of CAB; Mr. Ravi Chauhan, General Secretary of DCCI; Sqn Ldr Abhai Pratap Singh, Joint Secretary of DCCI; Mr. Arun Saraf, Chief Patron of WB Cricket Association for Differently-Abled; Mr. Rajesh Bhardwaj, Chairman, Corporate Affairs & Communication of DCCI; Mr. Surender Agarwal, Chairman, South India of DCCI & many other eminent personalities.

Disability cricket is a variant of cricket played by individuals with various disabilities. There are specific rules and regulations depending on the type of impairment, but the core gameplay remains similar to traditional cricket. However, amidst the glitz and glamour of mainstream cricket, there exists a segment of cricket enthusiasts who have long been marginalized and overlooked – the differently-abled cricketers. Differently-abled cricket encompasses various forms such as Blind Cricket, Deaf & Mute Cricket, Physical Disability Cricket & Wheelchair Cricket. The Physical Disability Triangular T20 Trophy 2024 would be played between three states Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal from 15th – 17th March, 2024 at Aditya Academy, Barasat.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Ravi Chauhan, General Secretary of DCCI said, “The Physical Disability Triangular T20 Trophy is a unique platform that celebrates the talent and determination of physically disabled cricketers. We have always wished to bring change in society in every way possible. We want to create awareness that the differently-abled can do whatever they want to do in life infact even better than a normal person.”

On this occasion, Mr. Arun Saraf, Chief Patron of WB Cricket Association for Differently-Abled said, “I am incredibly honored to be appointed Chief Patron of the West Bengal Cricket Association for Differently-Abled by the DCCI. I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure equal opportunities for all cricketers in West Bengal, regardless of ability.”

Kolkata, March 11th 2024: The Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship And Development (iLEAD) proudly announces its latest accolade of winning ‘Gold’ in the category of ‘Excellence in Green Tech and Sustainable Practices’ award, received at the Economic Times’ TechEDU India Awards 2024 held in Mumbai. iLEAD was selected among the top 3 finalists, alongside Assam Downtown University and JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (Mysuru) under this esteemed category. The official tabulator of the prestigious award had been Ernst & Young (E&Y). This recognition underscores iLEAD’s commitment to promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness both within its campus and the broader community.

At the heart of iLEAD’s mission lies a dedication to promoting sustainable practices among its students and the surrounding community. From the inception of its fully sustainable green building, constructed entirely with upcycled and recycled materials, to innovative initiatives like ‘Waste Billionaire,’ iLEAD continues to lead by example in the realm of environmental stewardship.

The ‘Waste Billionaire’ initiative stands as a testament to iLEAD’s innovative approach to sustainability. By transforming discarded items into upcycled and recycled products, such as shelves crafted from old refrigerators and sofas fashioned from bicycle tires, iLEAD not only reduces waste but also fosters economic growth within the community by providing employment opportunities.

“iLEAD’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond physical initiatives to encompass educational endeavors as well. As the sole institution offering sustainable fashion and interior design courses in Kolkata, iLEAD is pioneering a new generation of environmentally conscious professionals. Additionally, the publication of the book ‘Waste- A Great Untapped Business Opportunity’ by Mr. Pradip Chopra underscores iLEAD’s dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of sustainability. Furthermore, our community engagement efforts, such as the eco-friendly Durga Puja celebration at Maitri Sangha last year featuring an idol crafted from discarded automobile parts, exemplify our holistic approach to sustainability”, said Ms. Pragya Chopra, Executive Director iLEAD.

“We are deeply honored to receive the ‘Excellence in Green Tech and Sustainable Practices’ award from The Economic Times TechEDU India Awards 2024,” remarked Mr. Pradip Chopra, Chairman of iLEAD, who is at the helm of these sustainable initiatives. “This recognition validates our ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into every facet of our institution and empower future leaders to embrace environmental responsibility”, he said.

As iLEAD continues to set the standard for excellence in green technology and sustainable practices, the institution remains steadfast in its commitment to driving positive environmental change and inspiring future generations to embrace sustainability as a core value.

Kolkata, 12th March 2024: Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) organises its 15th Mutual Fund Summit to discuss Asset and Wealth Management 4.0 embracing exponential changes, through the experts. The session witnessed valuable insights from Amarjeet Singh, Whole Time Member, SEBI; Venkat Nageshwar Chalasani, Chief Executive, AMFI; Brij Bhushan Agarwal, Vice President, Indian Chamber of Commerce; Kailash Kulkarni, CEO, HSBC Mutual Fund, India; Hemant Daga, Co-Founder and CEO, Neo Asset Management; and Atanu Sen, Chairman, ICC National Expert Committee- BFSI, Former MD and CEO, SBI Life Insurance Co Ltd and Former Deputy MD, State Bank of India.

While delivering the welcome speech, Vice President, Indian Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Brij Bhushan Agarwal, said, “Over the past two decades, this sector has witnessed remarkable growth, becoming a crucial avenue for asset management, channeling the savings of millions into equity and debt instruments. In January 2024, the industry experienced a significant surge in Assets Under Management (AUM), reaching approximately INR 52.9 lakh crore, reflecting a notable month-to-month rise of around 3.5%, primarily fueled by systematic investment plans (SIPs) indicating increasing retail participation. In this rapidly evolving financial landscape, technology, particularly digitalisation, is playing a transformative role with the industry leveraging techniques like artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance customer experience and streamline investment processes. With technology and data advancements, personalised investment advice tailored to individual goals is becoming the norm alongside a growing trend towards passive investing driven by preferences for lower-cost options. Regulatory bodies like the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) are actively engaged, introducing frameworks such as “MF Lite” for passive funds to reduce compliance burdens and foster market confidence. Recent regulatory measures including scheme categorisation, rationalisation and the introduction of Total Expense Ratio (TER) aim to enhance transparency and protect investor interests. As investors diversify portfolios and explore alternate asset classes, the industry is poised to expand offerings. As the industry evolves, collaboration between stakeholders and regulators will be key to ensuring sustainable growth and investor protection.”

While commenting on the Mutual Fund Policy and Supervision, Mr. Amarjeet Singh, Whole Time Member, SEBI, said “In the realm of the mutual fund industry, there has been notable growth, underscoring a compelling narrative. It’s imperative to emphasise key points to underscore their significance, with a particular focus on the often-overlooked aspect of supervision, crucial for maintaining market integrity. While industry trends remain visible, the supervisory efforts undertaken by entities are equally vital yet less conspicuous. Over the period from March 2020 to January 2024, the number of unique investors in the mutual fund industry surged from approximately 2.92 crores to nearly 5 crores, indicating an annual growth trajectory of approximately 15%. Noteworthy is the significant contribution from regions like West Bengal, mainly Kolkata. Although Kolkata may not rank among the top 30 cities targeted for market penetration, its AUM contribution ranks among the top five cities, comprising 3.6% of the total. However, given the substantial population size of Kolkata or West Bengal, there exists room for further enhancement in their mutual fund investment contribution, highlighting the potential for greater penetration and market development. While acknowledging past achievements, it’s essential to identify opportunities for improvement and continued growth, particularly in regions like Kolkata, West Bengal.”

While speaking on Inspiring Practices for Mutual Fund and Supervision, Mr. Venkat Nageshwar Chalasani, Chief Executive, AMFI, stated, “The mutual fund industry has experienced remarkable expansion, witnessing assets under management (AUM) surge to approximately 54 lakh crores by February 2024, a substantial rise from 10,00,000 crores in 2014. Our primary objective is to sustain this growth trajectory, targeting the engagement of 10 crores or more investors in the industry. Currently, retail investors’ savings exhibit diversification, with 44% allocated to real estate, 22% to gold, and the remaining 34% to financial instruments, among which mutual funds capture only around 2%. To reach our goal, we aim to increase this share to 5%, potentially reaching 100 lakh crores soon. Sustainable growth necessitates disciplined investment and a well-regulated market with investor protection at its core. The Indian mutual funds industry emphasises regulatory oversight to safeguard investors supported by initiatives such as stringent regulatory processes and compliance guidelines. While celebrating our achievements, our primary focus remains on nurturing sustainable growth and ensuring investor protection. With the collaboration of regulators and industry stakeholders, we hold confidence in the future trajectory of the mutual fund industry in India.”

Discussing Deeper Dive on Debt Mutual funds, Mr. Kailash Kulkarni, CEO, HSBC Mutual Fund, India, stated, “Despite India’s substantial bank deposits exceeding approx. 202 lakh crores compared to mutual funds, with only 25% of that, the majority of fixed income savings, at approx. 13.8 lakh crores, still gravitate towards bank deposits. This trend is influenced by our sales approach, which tends to prioritise equity investments, inadvertently steering investors away from fixed income perceived as safer. To bridge this gap, a diverse range of fixed-income products tailored to different risk profiles is necessary, including liquid products for short-term needs, shorter-maturity products for stability, and longer-maturity products for higher returns. The opportunity in the bond market is significant, with the proposal from HSBC Mutual Fund’s fixed-income CIO suggesting India could attract $100 billion in fixed-income investments promptly. As of March 2024, there’s substantial potential for growth in the fixed income market by diversifying offerings and aligning them with investors’ risk profiles, thus tapping into an untapped market and fostering significant growth in the mutual fund industry.”

Discussing the Growth & Value Interest, Mr. Hemant Daga, Co-Founder and CEO, Neo Asset Management, stated, “Understanding our own preferences and risk tolerance is crucial before making investment decisions, as there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Equity investing fundamentally involves betting on the future performance of a stock, aiming to identify those with growth potential that exceeds market expectations. Conversely, value investing seeks stocks trading at a discount to their intrinsic value, relying on metrics like low price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, although the definition of value evolves over time. Data analysis is crucial, as evidenced by our examination of the Indian markets over the past 24 years, where nearly 50% of the time, the market presented opportunities to buy stocks at attractive valuations. Ultimately, investing is a blend of data analysis, emotional intelligence and confidence. Historical data provides insights but considering market dynamics and evolving trends is essential. As we navigate the complexities of growth versus value investing, remaining adaptive and informed is key.”

While delivering the vote of thanks, Mr. Atanu Sen, Chairman, ICC National Expert Committee- BFSI, Former MD and CEO, SBI Life Insurance Co Ltd and Former Deputy MD, State Bank of India, said, ” Reflecting on Kolkata’s remarkable transformation in attitude towards investing, traditionally marred by stigma and perceived risks in ventures such as stock markets, I commend visionaries like Mr. Varun Mukherjee of the Indian Chamber of Commerce for pioneering efforts that reshaped perceptions. Today, there’s a noticeable surge in equity investments, surpassing 16% growth in recent years, alongside traditional avenues like bank deposits and insurance funds. Drawing from my extensive experience across banking, insurance and fund management sectors, I recognise the significance of tailored education and awareness campaigns such as those championed by Hampshire, in shaping investor behaviour. The digital infrastructure’s expansion in India further democratises investing with mutual funds playing a pivotal role in fostering confidence and diversification. As we navigate growth and value investing realms, understanding individual risk profiles becomes paramount and mutual funds offer reliable wealth creation avenues tailored to diverse needs. We should persevere in collaboration and innovation endeavours, driving sustainable growth in the financial landscape.”

Kolkata, 12 March 2024: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is hosting an All India Managing Committee Members Meet (AIMCMM 2024) under the theme ‘DRISHTI’ – the vision for the Profession’ on 9-10th March, 2024 in Kolkata. More than 1200 members from over 180 cities are expected to converge for over 2-day enlightening session aimed at aligning the activities of its Regional Councils, Branches, Study Circles & Chapters with the overarching vision of ICAI.

On this occasion, thePresident of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, interacted with the media and shared major highlights. In a historic decision taken by ICAI, Intermediate & Foundation course examinations will now be held thrice a year, in the month of January, May/June and September. Earlier both the examinations were held twice in a year. Meanwhile, the CA Final exam will continue to follow the traditional biannual format.

In a landmark move by ICAI, Intermediate & Foundation course examinations will now be held thrice annually in January, May/June, and September, as opposed to the previous schedule of twice a year. Meanwhile, the CA Final exam will continue to follow the traditional biannual format.

CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, President, ICAI said, “The decision taken by the ICAI will benefit the students who had completed their study period to appear in the exam without waiting for 2 months. Globally frequency of examination is more so that Students can get more opportunities to sit in the exam. Considering this, ICAI has aligned itself with Global best practices. I am sure that this decision, would be a great step forward towards encouraging the young aspirants who wish to pursue their dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant.

He further added, “Since the launch of new scheme of education and training on July 1st 2023, there has been substantial increase in student registrations. For the May / June, 2024, almost 4, 36, 500 students have enrolled, which is highest so far.”

In anothersignificant move ICAI collaborated with Comptroller and Auditor General of India to jointly conduct a Certificate Course for Accountants of Panchayats and Municipal Bodies. The course is developed to make available skilled & trained accountants at grassroots level to improve the accounting of Local-self Government in India. To make the course inclusive, the eligibility is 12th Pass and can be completed in 4 Months. The online course will create pool of qualified accountants and provide opportunities to work as accountants in the panchayats and municipal bodies.

In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of establishing of big Indian accounting firms, ICAI has constituted a Committee for Aggregation of CA Firms. The Committee will be making concerted efforts in reviewing and revising guidelines pertaining to firms, viz., domestic and overseas networking guidelines, merger and demerger rule and guidelines, MDP guidelines, on Management consultancy Service (MCS) in corporate form guidelines incognizance with the dynamic operating environment, towards fostering collaboration within the professional community to increase global professional opportunities.

The Institute has also formed a committee on “AI in ICAI” to explore how AI can be leveraged for the professional development of students, member and employees.

ICAI, in its endeavour to make its regulatory and disciplinary mechanism more robust and responsive, has made Peer Review process mandatory for certain categories of Audit Firms rendering attestation services and having specified number of partners in a phased manner before accepting any statutory audit. This pro-active move of ICAI will further boost the quality of attestation services and enhance trust of stakeholders on the profession.

These decisions mark ICAI’s commitment towards nurturing talent, fosteringprofessional skilland supporting the economic growth of the country and as a true partners-in-nation-building.

Kolkata has become home to a thriving community of women entrepreneurs who are making a mark in their respective fields. These women have overcome various challenges and obstacles to establish successful businesses and contribute to the economic growth of the city.

On this International Women’s Day, it is interesting to see those who are setting new standards in women’s entrepreneurship. Fields are vast – the city has witnessed successful women entrepreneurs in the fields of fashion, health, hospitality and others.

A specialist in implantology and prosthodontics, Dr Moon Chattaraj founder-director of Kolkata’s medical day care facility centre AM Medical Centre feels that one has to be strategic and creatively motivated in their respective field to start a venture. “One must be tactfully molding work ethics along with risks involved in entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Chattaraj, who mentioned that one of the founders of Emammi Group, Mr R.S. Goenka be her mentor in business strategy. She noted that besides her academic and professional acumen, her entrepreneurial side gave way to serving in the field of health through a team of experienced medical professionals in the fields of Eye Dental, ENT, Skin, IVF, Fetal Medicine, Cosmetic Gynaecology, Orthopedic, Radiology, Pediatric dept, Inbuilt Diagnostic Lab with all the Modern and upgraded equipments.

With a similar passion for entrepreneurship, this young Bengali Banker might have migrated to UK, but could not forget the vast culture of fashion from Bengal. Indian Banker turned Entrepreneur in the Handloom Industry, owner of Label Myosutra, Roshni Mukherjee believes that Bengal has an astounding record in the advancement of handloom and handcrafts. “I love my profession of a banker, yet I felt the need of expert development of the women weavers and workers from this part of India to reinforce the economy of West Bengal, pointed out Ms Mukherjee. She further added, being a Bengali, it is her duty to take the culture and artwork of Bengal to the people of West and also those non-resident Bengalis who long to be with their roots.” At present, Ms Mukherjee is working with 12 women weavers from Bengal who have been weaving for her handloom products such as sarees, coats and others.

Restaurants are generally helmed by men or celebrated chefs. However, breaking the myth, city is gifted with one of its popular restaurants owned by woman entrepreneur Amrita Annie. Amrita not only pursued her passion but came up with the restaurant ‘Pancham er Adday’, themed on R D Burman’s works. A music lover, Amrita said, “I had always dreamt of a café themed on the music of 1970s and 80s, and materialised it in August 2019. I feel there should be connect with our music of the golden era for this present generation.”

For Ms. Mita Samaddar, owner of a cloud kitchen named Dharmata Canteen, was a challenge to revive the “Pice Hotel” a legacy of her father that flourished during 90s. Resuming the services of her kitchen was a mix of emotions, blending excitement with a sense of challenge and opportunity. “I resumed this during 2021, and there’s the thrill of embarking on a new journey, perhaps fulfilling long-held dreams or pursuing passions that may have been set aside earlier in life.” Catering to a wide range of customers such as students, office goers and even the boarders of guest houses, she further said that her venture has been supported by her working daughter Oindrila, who is in her mid 20s. “It is purely a Bengali food kitchen which has become quite popular in the area since my kitchen is located at the heart of the business district of the city.”

Kolkata, 9th March 2024: In a celebration of the burgeoning awareness surrounding plant-based foods and their pivotal role in sustainability, health and animal welfare, the Plant Based Foods Industry Association (PBFIA) proudly announces its 4th Mega Convention – The India Plant-Based Foods Show. This groundbreaking event was held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, on the 1st day of AAHAR, Thursday, March 7th, 2024. This convention is presented by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Development Authority (APEDA), ICAR- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian Chamber of Commerce, India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and ProVeg International, and EY as the Knowledge Partner.

Sanjay Sethi, Executive Director of PBFIA, expressed, “Planting innovation in every bite, the plant-based food industry thrives on collaboration. From setbacks to a projected $5 billion market by 2032-33, we remain steadfast in delivering health and flavor”.

The India Plant-Based Foods Show, an integral part of the 38th AAHAR – International Food & Hospitality Fair 2024, is set to attract industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers for a day of immersive discussions and networking opportunities. The event will be graced by the Shri Arjun Munda, honourable Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Minister of Tribal Affairs, and Shri Kailash Choudhary, honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare as its distinguished chief guests. Featuring over 40 brands globally and presentations from more than 45 distinguished speakers including Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICAR and Secretary of DARE; Mr. Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary of Ministry of Commerce and Industry; Mr. Minhaj Alam, Additional Secretary of Ministry of Food Processing Industries; Mr. Abhishek Dev, Chairman of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA); Mr. Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; Dr. Sudhanshu, Secretary of APEDA; Mr. Satyam Shivam Sundaram – Partner, Ernst and Young. The event promises to be a visionary platform for plant-based foods exhibitors from around the world. The event is supported by, THRYVE Plant-Based Venture, Plantaway Foods, Continental Greenbird, Patanjali Foods – Ruchi Soya, Pall Corporation, Nutricircle Limited, Veganta, DBS Bank, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Right to Protein, Hello Tempayy, Pall Corporation and ACME Group.

“Pall Corporation, with its comprehensive expertise in providing turnkey solutions encompassing MF/UF/NF and even chromo if required, empowers protein manufacturers to cultivate highly efficient, multi-functional proteins. In the ever-evolving landscape of plant-based foods, Pall stands as a stalwart ally, seamlessly bridging innovation and sustainability for the plant-based foods industry’s growth.”

The convention will kick off with an exhibition showcasing diverse plant-based foods by various companies and startups. Exhibitors will unveil their innovative products and connect with key industry players, including potential customers, investors, and partners. In partnership with EY, PBFIA will also launch its breakthrough report, ‘Food Tomorrow: Elevating India’s Role in the Plant-Based Revolution’ navigating the potential of plant-based nutrition within the Indian market, especially focusing on plant- protein clusters.

Supporting plant-based food alternatives, Satyam S. Sundaram, Partner, Strategy and Transactions at EY asserted, “In a world grappling with unprecedented challenges, from climate change to growing health concerns, the spotlight is increasingly shifting towards healthy and sustainable food systems. Plant-based foods have emerged as a beacon of hope, not only addressing these pressing issues but also unlocking a myriad of business opportunities.”

As the food industry shifts from animal-based to plant-based, driven by informed consumers’ concerns for health and the environment, a transformative era unfolds. The report aims to serve as a guiding light in navigating the complex terrain of the plant-based foods industry, mentioned Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Partner Strategy and Transaction, EY LLP. The event will further amplify its impact with a conference featuring keynote speakers and policymakers, providing insights into the latest trends, sustainability, innovations, and the future of the plant-based foods industry.

Kolkata, 6th March, 2024: Motovolt Mobility Pvt Ltd, a leading electric two-wheeler company in India, steps forward to redefine urban commuting with the launch of the Motovolt M7. This multi-utility e- scooter (MUSe), the first of its kind in the country, marks the company’s entry into the high-speed electric scooter segment. Infused with German technology and inspired by a billion Indian aspirations, the M7 sets a new standard for safety, quality, comfort, and sustainability. Motovolt M7 was today launched by Mr Snehasis Chakraborty, Hon’ble Minister Of Transport, Government Of West Bengal in the presence of Dr Soumitra Mohan, IAS, Secretary, Department of Transport, Government Of West Bengal, Ms Barbara Voss, Consul General of Germany in Kolkata, Renowned Actor, Mr Abir Chatterjee, Mr Andreas Zurwehme, CEO, eROCKIT, Germany and Mr Tushar Choudhary, Founder & CEO, Motovolt Mobility Pvt Ltd.

Designed with sustainability at its core, the M7 reduces plastic use, opting for a blend of efficient metals. Its modular design aims to enhance travel convenience, featuring an intelligently crafted rear section for carrying loads with ease. The M7’s seating is ergonomically designed, supported by a double cradle heavy-duty mild steel frame that accommodates a payload of up to 180 Kg ensuring stability and durability.

The M7 battery, a robust 3kWh unit, boasts advanced LFP cell chemistry, making it durable and safe with over 1000 charge cycles. It comes encased in aluminium, adhering to AIS 156 standards (IP67), ensuring it is both fire and waterproof. With the in-house design and packaging, the battery is portable and can be easily carried and charged anywhere, offering a range of 166 km in IDC mode (ARAI certified). The M7L variant is available with a single battery with the option to upgrade to a dual system, managed by a sophisticated battery control system.

Motovolt’s partnership with Swobbee, a European leader in battery-swapping technology, endows the M7 with seamless battery swapping capabilities at multiple locations across the country. This convenience is part of the company’s future vision to integrate Swobbee’s platform more comprehensively.

Sharing his thoughts Mr Tushar Choudhary, Founder & CEO of Motovolt Mobility, said, “At Motovolt, our mission is to provide an efficient and sustainable commuting alternative. The M7, is Made in India and Made for India and seamlessly integrates advanced features, providing a personalized and connected experience for our riders. By addressing the unique challenges of urban mobility, we aim to enhance the quality of life and contribute to a cleaner environment. We have kept the introductory ffer price of M7 at Rs 1,22,000/-, with the initial booking amount being Rs 999/-.”

Talking about the M7, Mr Andreas Zurwehme, CEO, eROCKIT, said, “I am elated to have been involved in the development of the M7 electric scooter. The exchange of technology between our German engineers and their Indian counterparts has been a cornerstone of this project. The outcome is an exceptional product that symbolizes a synergy of versatility, reliability, and dedication. I am confident that the M7 will appeal to Indian consumers and deliver a distinctive and gratifying experience on the road. Looking ahead, we are also exploring opportunities to introduce the M7 into European markets, broadening its horizon and potential impact.”

The M7 is enhanced with a sophisticated telematics system, accessible through the Motovolt app, designed to streamline fleet management for businesses. This application offers an array of features such as real-time location tracking through historical ride data, the convenience of over-the-air software updates, and predictive analytics for proactive performance management. It also sends service reminders and monitors the health of the vehicle to ensure timely maintenance. This comprehensive solution is tailored to improve the efficiency and reliability of business fleets by leveraging advanced features.

Personalization is key with Motovolt’s MUSe, offering six striking colour choices: Lightning Grey, Galaxy Red, Blue Jay, Dove White, Canary Yellow, and Puma Black. Promising maximum vehicle uptime, lower total cost of ownership, extended range, and easy access to spare parts, the Motovolt M7 epitomizes hassle-free, cost-effective ownership.

Following its debut in West Bengal & Orissa, the M7 is scheduled to be introduced in other major cities in a phased succession. Bookings are now open for the revolutionary Motovolt M7 through their heralding a new era in sustainable urban transportation.