Tag Mumbai

Mumbai, 14 March, 2024 : Nazara Technologies Limited (NSE: NAZARA), a leading gaming and sports media company, today unveiled its ambitious strategy to earmark US$100 million (~INR 830 cr) towards mergers and acquisitions (M&A) within the next 24 months. This strategic initiative underscores Nazara’s commitment to strengthening its global foothold and catalysing its evolution into an eminent gaming platform on the world stage.

Following a recent successful fundraise that garnered Rs. 760 crore (~$90 million) via a preferential allotment that attracted marquee investors such as Nikhil Kamath, ICICI Prudential MF and Plutus Wealth Management among others, Nazara is poised for significant expansion in the coming years.

The company is on a quest to identify burgeoning opportunities within the gaming, esports and adtech arenas with a particular focus on established gaming IP’s / studios and also those advancing in cutting-edge technologies like web3, Virtual Reality, and AI.

Commenting on global expansion Nitish Mittersain, Jt. MD & CEO of Nazara Technologies, said, “Nazara has seen significant success in its ‘acquire and scale’ strategy over the last few years as can be seen by the post-acquisition growth in Kiddopia, Nodwin Gaming and Sportskeeda among others. Our unique decentralised model allows these businesses to operate autonomously by strong management and provides us with significant bandwidth to scale the platform we have created. The $100 million pledge will further boost this opportunity for us in that direction. We are particularly focused on investing in and acquiring gaming studios globally with a specific focus on India’s 500 million gamers as well as the large North American market”.

Nazara is an active operator in the gaming ecosystem with gaming and esports brands with presence in India, US and other global markets. Some of the prominent names include, Nodwin Gaming in the esports space, Sportskeeda and Pro Football Network in the sports media space. Nazara’s offerings across the interactive gaming segment include gamified early learning products like Kiddopia and Animal Jam which are global leaders in their respective segments.

Mumbai, March 14, 2024: ace turtle, India’s leading technology-native retail company and Funky Monkeys, India’s premier indoor play center today announced their partnership to launch Indoor Play Areas at Toys“R”Us stores across the country. The first collaborative venture between Funky Monkeys and ace turtle will unfold within the expansive 12,500 sq ft. Toys“R”Us flagship store located at Linking Road, Bandra in Mumbai.

The new space will showcase the best of what each brand offers and will ensure that kids who visit have the time of their lives from the moment they set foot in! Funky Monkeys will be opening its play center on the top floor of the Toys“R”Us flagship store, offering its signature play and birthday party experiences for kids. Spanning multiple floors with a wide assortment of international and Indian toy brands, the Toys“R”Us flagship store, launched in December 2023, has redefined the toy shopping experience. With the new addition of the Funky Monkeys Play Area, families and kids can now look forward to a greater experiential shopping experience in the store.

“Partnering with Toys“R”Us India is a unique opportunity for Funky Monkeys to offer our unparalleled play experiences for kids in a fun, safe and clean indoor environment. Toys“R”Us globally has been the most trusted destination for children and parents looking for toys for more than 70 years and we are excited to partner with them and share our expertise in Indoor Play Management,” said Binita Bodani Putcha, Founder & Managing Director, Funky Monkeys Play Centers.

“We look forward to opening many more Centers along with Toys“R”Us as they expand to other cities across India. Kids and parents can now experience a world class integrated experience of shopping for toys and playing within the same space!” said Sanjay Ghadiali, Co-Founder & Director, Funky Monkeys Play Centers.

Commenting on the partnership, Nitin Chhabra, CEO, ace turtle, the exclusive licensee of Toys“R”Us in India said, “We are excited to have partnered with Funky Monkeys Play Centers, India’s premier indoor play center & birthday party venue for kids and to launch a play area at our Bandra store. At India’s largest high-street toy store, our aim is to offer more than just a visit – we want families to enjoy a memorable and delightful time together, creating moments of joy and recreation. We look forward to providing the globally renowned and signature toy shopping and playing experience to kids and their parents in Mumbai.”

Funky Monkeys Play Centers are exclusively designed for children aged 6 months to 14 years and offer hands-on discovery and learning through spontaneous and unstructured ‘Free Play’, while incorporating elements of fun and entertainment. Each center has two play zones – a Toddler Zone & a Junior Zone, offering a unique environment for kids to ‘Play & Learn’ in along with a full-service café and birthday party area.

In 2023, ace turtle unveiled the first Toys“R”Us store in India in Hyderabad and the flagship Toys”R”Us store in Mumbai both of which have received phenomenal response from customers. ace turtle plans to expand the retail footprint of Toys“R”Us to other cities in India this year. Additionally, customers across India have been shopping for their favourite toys

Mumbai, 13th March, 2024:

As it does every year, Istituto Marangoni Mumbai proudly hosted its annual 2024 Alumni Networking Meet on the evening of 23rd February, 2024 at their stunning campus in Worli, Mumbai. The annual Alumni Networking Meet is a very special highlight on the calendar at Istituto Marangoni. It provides a valuable platform to establish new contacts and explore collaborations. The school also uses this opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our alumni. At Istituto Marangoni, the annual Alumni Networking Meet serves as a bridge between the rich legacy of the institution and the promising future that lies ahead. And, this year’s Alumni Networking meet was no different, except for its scale. This year, the event was distinctly larger in scale, which reflects the ever-increasing alumni community that the annual Alumni Networking Meets seek to foster.

The evening commenced with an informative and interesting ‘In Conversation With…’ discussion between Karishma Swali, MD & Creative Director — Chankya School of Craft and Co-Founder — Jade, the luxury couture fashion label and Charu Gaur, Founder & Editor — Runway Square, the fashion- and lifestyle-focused digital magazine. The talk between the ladies centred around various aspects of Indian crafts in the fashion industry — from its global representation to some domestic challenges, amongst others.

Up next was a presentation from two of Istituto Marangoni Mumbai’s alumni, who took the stage to share their remarkable journeys and experiences in the world of fashion. These presentations offered a glimpse into their professional evolution since their time at the institution. Their narratives not only showcased the impact of Istituto Marangoni’s educational legacy but also served as a testament to the diverse and noteworthy achievements of the school’s alumni community.

Welcoming the alumni and speaking on the occasion, Tarun Pandey, COO — Istituto Marangoni Mumbai, said, “To underscore our commitment to our alumni, I am pleased to inform you all that one of the hallmarks of our institution’s legacy is the enduring sense of community, and today, I stand before you to invite you to strengthen that bond even further. As we reflect on the past and celebrate our successes, let us also look towards the future with a sense of anticipation and excitement. The world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, presenting us with new challenges and opportunities that demand innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.”

The event also saw the launch of the I’M Alumni Members Club. The club is not going to be just a gathering, it is an ecosystem for nurturing and empowering Istituto Marangoni’s global alumni network. With the launch of the club, the school pledges to provide support for its alumni’s continued professional journey through a range of activities including networking events, upskilling workshops, industry masterclasses, and exclusive career progression opportunities.

The evening’s showcase also featured exceptional creations by Istituto Marangoni’s distinguished alumni, including Rahul Mishra, Dhruv Kapoor, Anvita Sharma of Two Point Two, Ashay, Vandals by Vandana Jagwani, Roma Narsinghani, and Aroka. These were elegantly presented on models, providing a captivating fusion of art and fashion. The event ended with a mesmerising curtain-raiser-moment that celebrated innovation, craftsmanship, and the indomitable spirit of the talented alumni. The distinctive synergy of artistic vision and sartorial finesse left an indelible mark, reaffirming a commitment to fostering and showcasing exceptional talent within the alumni community.

Speaking about the event, Mr. Mevin Murden, Director of Education — Istituto Marangoni Mumbai said, “It is always such a pleasure to meet our global alumni community, exchange ideas, see what they have been up to, network and reiterate our continuous support. Like family, we are linked by one DNA — Istituto Marangoni”.

In attendance were some industry leaders from fashion, retail and luxury that allowed the students to interact and gain insights from them. The evening culminated with wine and hors d’oeuvres, where the existing students, alumni and faculty members interacted and networked thus making the Alumni Networking meet a great success.

Mumbai / Gurugram, 13 March 2024: Emaar India proudly unveils “Shram” – a skill development programme for construction workers, tailored specifically for its workforce and in alignment with Emaar India’s commitment & focus on skill upgradation for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Excellence”. This adherence is part of Emaar India’s 53rd National Safety Week Celebration.

“Shram” is an 80-hour comprehensive training initiative designed to equip construction workers with essential skills and knowledge vital for excelling in various job roles, encompassing essentials of bar bending & steel fixing, masonry, shuttering and carpentry. This programme will commence at the Urban Oasis project initially, followed by implementation at Emaar Business District in Sector 114, Gurugram.

This pioneering programme underscores a dual emphasis on theoretical comprehension and practical learning, with a paramount focus on safety practices intrinsic to the construction industry. Participants will gain invaluable insight into safety and health protocols, first aid procedures, and emergency planning crucial for on-site worker safety.

In a strategic partnership with Lok Bharti Education Society, Emaar India endeavours to uplift blue collar worker communities by endowing individuals with vocational expertise indispensable for securing sustainable livelihoods within the construction industry.

Mr Kalyan Chakrabarti, CEO of Emaar India, stated, “I firmly believe that ‘Shram’ will catalyse transformation within a segment of society traditionally overlooked in terms of upskilling. Honouring Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’, this is a small contribution of Emaar India to improve the quality of talent pool in the country. By empowering our workforce, we can ensure a safer and more productive construction environment, educating them in the various areas of construction processes.” He further stated that this training program will provide digital and financial literacy, developing soft skills and introducing them to safety, health, hygiene and housekeeping.”

“Shram” aims to furnish workers with the requisite skills to navigate construction sites safely and efficiently – priorities often sidelined within the unorganised segment. Through expert-led on-site training, coupled with informative lectures and discussions, followed by final evaluation and assessment Emaar’s initiative seeks to empower the blue-collar workforce comprehensively.

Emaar India envisions “Shram” as a pivotal stride towards enhancing the construction industry’s safety standards and worker welfare. By equipping workers with valuable skills and knowledge, Emaar India aims to establish a new benchmark for ethical construction practices in India, integrating principles of ESG at the heart of its operations.

Mumbai, March 13, 2024: HDFC Asset Management Co. Ltd., investment manager to HDFC Mutual Fund (HDFC MF), one of India’s leading mutual fund houses launches the HDFC NIFTY Realty Index Fund. The captioned NFO opens on March 7 th and closes on March 21 st , 2024.

The realty sector is critical to the economy as it is one of the sectors that drives economic growth, employment and government revenues. The realty sector has the potential for long-term growth with large scale development across residential, commercial, retail, hospitality and SEZ projects. Improving affordability, increased urbanization and improved transparency through government initiatives could drive growth for years to come. Furthermore, listed realty companies’ fundamentals have improved with continued formalization of the sector along with higher profitability and reduced leverage over the last 6-7 years.

HDFC NIFTY Realty Index Fund offers investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of real estate stocks through a single instrument, eliminating the need for individual stock selection. It is an open- ended scheme that aims to replicate the NIFTY Realty Index. The fund could be suitable for investors who seek diversified exposure to the growth potential of the realty sector and have high volatility tolerance. Investors may approach sector funds as complementary over existing exposure to other equity fund categories that are diversified in nature. Sectoral funds carry higher risk; thus, one could take controlled exposure to such funds. Investors could also use the SIP route to take exposure over a period of time.

Commenting on the launch of the HDFC NIFTY Realty Index Fund, Mr. Navneet Munot, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HDFC Asset Management Company, “At HDFC Mutual Fund, our mission to be the wealth creator for every Indian continues to drive us to offer a wide range of investment solutions to meet the needs of investors. We remain committed to delivering excellence in Index Solutions, leveraging our 20+ years of expertise in this space. We are pleased to add the HDFC NIFTY Realty Index Fund to our bouquet of Index Solutions.”

Mumbai: 13th March 2024: The Body Shop, a British born international ethical beauty brand, has come up with the perfect, rosy set of gifts you can give yourself or your loved ones and indulge in a pampering session.

The brand’s iconic British Rose collection has an array of products that are sure to offer your skin the love it deserves. What’s more is that nearly all of the products come in luxurious, elegant new packaging, the entire range is now certified by The Vegan Society & product formulations are 100% vegan. The packaging is recyclable reaffirming to The Body Shop’s commitment to sustainability

The Body Shop Lather & Slather British Rose Gift Bag

For those in need of a seriously refreshing treat, The Body Shop’s Lather & Slather British Rose Gift Bag will love their beautiful body head-to-toe. The refreshing Shower Gel is enriched with Community Fair Trade aloe vera from Mexico and the Hand Cream is infused with Community Fair Trade Brazil nut oil and marula oil. The gift box contains a 60ml British Rose Shower Gel, a 50ml British Rose Body Butter and a 30ml British Rose Hand Cream.

The Body Shop Bloom & Glow British Rose Essentials Gift

For someone who is looking for a refreshing personal care treat, The Body Shop’s British Rose Beauty Bag is the perfect gift. The Lather and Slather British Rose gift bag’s contents are infused with the goodness of Britain’s finest roses and are a head-to-toe-care package. The box also contains a pink Bath Lily made with recycled plastics that gently cleanses and exfoliates your skin. With adorable packaging that is recyclable, the British Rose Treats gift box products contain ingredients sourced sustainably by the brand’s Community Fair Trade Partners, who work to protect the environment while gathering raw materials.

What’s in the box – A 250ml British Rose Shower Gel, a 200ml British Rose Body Yoghurt, a 30ml British Rose Hand Cream and Mini Ramie Bath Lily

Mumbai, March 12, 2024: RDC Concrete (India) Pvt Ltd, India’s leading & largest manufacturer and supplier of Ready Mix Concrete, has signed an MOU with Birla Institute of Technology & Science–Pilani (BITS Pilani), focused on offering MBA and B.Tech programs for the members of its staff. This strategic association aspires to contribute towards the enhancement of the overall skills and career possibilities for the employees of RDC, apart from fulfilling societal aspirations of employees seeking degrees.

The affiliation between the two renowned entities is outlined to enable RDC employees to obtain access to MBA and B.Tech programs, promoting uninterrupted growth. The specialised programs are customised to industry demands and ensure to bring the staff up to date regarding market trends and contemporary technologies, building substantially their present employment capability.

The goal behind this initiative is to position RDC Concrete as one of the key contributors to the progress of the Indian workforce. Recent studies have shown that currently, 5,828 Engineering and Technology colleges are functioning in the country. As per the AICTE, out of these colleges, only 2,897 offer B.Tech or BE programs, with an annual intake capacity of 12 lakh students. For diploma holders, AICTE permits 10% seats for lateral entry to the programs, meaning one lakh diploma engineers are accepted for the degree programs annually. For B.Tech graduates opting for an MBA, the scenario is similar. Every year, around 2 lakh graduates pursue an MBA, each spending an average of about 6 lakhs to acquire it. This results in the nation making a loss of 12,000 crore in productivity. RDC Concrete’s partnership with BITS Pilani is designed to assist students turned employees with means to acquire higher degrees, that not only upskill the nation’s workforce but also assist their career prospects.

Mr Anil Banchhor, Managing Director & CEO of RDC, said, “We aim to design an atmosphere where our staff not only become proficient in their present roles but are also empowered to visualise an optimistic future. The MBA and B.Tech modules proposed by BITS Pilani will boost the employees’ skills and prepare them for newer opportunities beyond RDC Concrete.”

The modules designed for these courses consist of unique management and technical training programs, seminars, leadership abilities and strategic reasoning. This inclusive outlook corroborates not only scholastic growth but also constructive abilities pertinent to their roles.

Dr. KS Bhoon, Head of HR & Business Excellence of RDC Concrete, shared his vision behind the partnership saying, “This collaboration not only strengthens our commitment to nurturing talent but also brings threefold benefits. First, through work-integrated learning programs, we aim to boost India’s productivity. Second, the extended education opportunities will enhance employee loyalty, ensuring a dedicated workforce for the long term. Lastly, our employees stand to gain both professionally and personally, earning and learning concurrently. We now offer guaranteed admission to our engineering trainees through this collaboration on successful completion of a training period of one year. This guarantee is the first of its kind by any company in India.”

To qualify for these programs, working professionals pursuing a B.Tech degree must hold a diploma. Those aiming for an MBA should have a B.Tech background with a minimum aggregate of 60% marks. These are also campus entry-level requirements in RDC. In addition, they must have at least one year of work experience which is covered by the training period in RDC. The program has already enrolled 45 RDC employees, a landmark moment for the beginning of growth for many staff over the coming year.

RDC assists its staff academically by covering application fees, admission costs, and semester tuition fees. Employees will contribute a minimal monthly fee of INR 3,000, and a support system will be in place to balance work and studies seamlessly as classes are treated as duty. The tactical partnership between RDC and BITS Pilani puts the MBA and B.Tech programs as a stimulus for professional growth and skill development for the employees, establishing a new standard in the Indian construction industry.

Mumbai, India. 12 March 2024: Tessolve, a leading global provider of semiconductor engineering solutions, is pleased to announce a collaboration with Keysight Technologies to enable customers to drive semiconductor innovation, through improved testing capabilities at Tessolve’s newly established HSIO Lab. The HSIO Lab will serve as a crucial resource for semiconductor companies, enabling the optimized performance of devices in demanding applications. Through advanced test methodologies, bench characterization, and access to Keysight’s innovative test solutions, customers will benefit from improved time-to-market, enhanced product quality, and reduced development costs.

Keysight’s industry-leading test and measurement solutions automate the calibration, setup, execution, and documentation of compliance tests. As part of the collaboration, Tessolve will leverage Keysight’s High-Speed Semiconductor Test Solutions to deliver comprehensive support throughout the semiconductor workflow, from early prototyping, development, and design verification to compliance testing for various Interconnect standards. This strategic collaboration aims to leverage the collective expertise of both companies to provide the full benefits of Signal Integrity (SI) analysis and board design expertise, to advance semiconductor test solutions and accelerate time-to-market for high-speed designs. The collaboration will enable Tessolve to provide comprehensive validation services for a wide range of high-speed interfaces, such as the latest specs of PCIe, USB, DDR, and MIPI at the newly established HSIO lab, located at the Electronic City Campus in Bangalore, India.

Huzefa Cutlerywala, Sr. VP Sales & Marketing, Tessolve, added, “This collaboration with Keysight aligns perfectly with Tessolve’s mission to provide semiconductor and systems companies with end-to-end test, characterization, and validation services. By establishing the HSIO Lab, we aim to offer our customers a comprehensive validation ecosystem that enables them to meet the stringent performance requirements of high-speed designs. Together with Keysight, we are well-positioned to serve the industry with the best-in-class solutions and drive innovation.”

Peng Cao, Vice President and General Manager, Keysight’s Wireless Test Group said: “Keysight is committed to empowering innovation, speeding up time to market, and offering comprehensive testing capabilities. The collaboration with Tessolve is bringing this one step closer for customers worldwide, combining our expertise to speed up the development and deployment of high-speed, reliable, and secure semiconductor technologies.”

Towards this, Tessolve has invested in 70 GHz test instrumentation and collaborated with Keysight to provide cutting-edge test solutions to customers on HSIO interfaces like LPDDR/DDR5, USB 4.0, PCIe Gen 6, etc.

MUMBAI – The Automotive Skill Development Council, which is backed by SIAM, ACMA and FADA and is supported by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, has formed a dual strategic partnership with the Government of India and the Social Justice Department of the Government of Maharashtra. The partnership aims to provide training to nearly 50,000 women across India as part of the PM EV2Solar Project for Social Justice.

This initiative aims to provide access to PM Suryaghar and Electric Vehicles (EVs) to socially disadvantaged individuals at a remarkable 30% of the vehicle cost, with funding support close to 70% through state schemes.

During the event held in Mumbai, in the presence of the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Social Justice, a strategic partnership was established with ASDC as a precursor to International Women’s Day on March 8th. The Honorable Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale, who inked the partnership with ASDC, said that skill training is the need of the hour for women from socially disadvantaged groups of society.

To facilitate this initiative, individuals first need to undergo skill training, which may encompass essential aspects such as personality development and road safety awareness. Furthermore, ASDC’s fundamental grasp of technology, especially in utilizing electric mobility products, has expedited the adoption of electric vehicles. This approach is expected to create nearly 10,000 new jobs in the state of Maharashtra, as informed by ASDC officials.

Flagging an all-women’s car rally, Minister Athawale remarked: “Such vehicles will be distributed to socially disadvantaged women through Government of India and Government of Maharashtra schemes, empowering them with mobility and economic opportunities.”

“As we embark on the Solar2EV journey, we envision a future where innovation and opportunity intersect to uplift the marginalized. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development, empowering communities across Maharashtra and beyond.” – added Union Minister, Ramdas Athawale.

On Behalf of Maharashtra Government Social Justice Commissioner Om Prakash Bhakoria said, “Initiatives of this nature are essential for ensuring equitable distribution of opportunities among socially and economically disadvantaged groups in society. By aligning with the benefits of electric mobility and the anticipated progress in the solar economy, these efforts are set to play a pivotal role in the country’s advancement.”

Bhakoria will be leading a task force for the same which will have the MD of all state corporations and solar2Ev project of social justice participants who will showcase their solutions and create products that will be socially sustainable through skill development provided by ASDC

“I have called a meeting of all such stakeholders during the 2nd week of March 2024 in Pune where the state department under a special task force will go into minute details of leveraging benefits of both the electric and solar world to the socially and economically weaker sections of society” he said

Speaking on behalf of the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), a Mr. Vinkesh Gulati, Vice President, ASDC said, “ASDC is at the heart of empowering societal change, particularly for women, through our dedicated efforts in the Solar2EV initiative. By focusing on skill development and corporate engagement, we’re not just opening up opportunities in Maharashtra’s growing EV and solar sectors; we’re ensuring that women are at the forefront of this transformative journey. Our commitment extends beyond mere participation—our aim is to cultivate leadership, entrepreneurship, and empowerment among women, firmly believing that their advancement is integral to sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity. This approach underscores the essence of our collaboration across government, industry, and NGOs, demonstrating how strategic investment in women’s skills and potential leads to broader societal benefits. As we move forward, ASDC remains dedicated to breaking barriers and creating an ecosystem where women can excel and lead in shaping a greener, more equitable future.”

The Solar2 Womens EV car rally which had a god mix of two,, three wheelers dhowcased a vibrant Women’s Day rally, marking the commencement of the Solar2EV initiative with an array of iconic vehicles such as the Kinetic Luna, Omega Seiki, Sara Keto, and Citroen C2 fleet cars.

These vehicles serve as poignant symbols of the integration of the Solar2EV project into diverse government social justice schemes, fostering enhanced accessibility and inclusivity. On the other hand, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) provided valuable insights into the development of Solar2EV products, showcasing their dedication to innovation and sustainability.

Speaking about the initiative Randheer Singh, Ex-Niti Ayog, Mobility Expert, Founder, Forsee Consulting said “Cargo delivery powered by EVs marks a seismic shift, empowering gig workers while heralding a new chapter in sustainable urban mobility. This transformative synergy not only fuels economic empowerment but also catalyzes our collective journey towards a greener, more equitable future. Through strategic investments in EV infrastructure and training programs, we aim to create a ripple effect of prosperity, fostering job creation, and economic growth in communities nationwide.”

Essential to the Solar2EV initiative is its commitment to providing a transformative pathway for disadvantaged youth and women. Through this innovative program, individuals have the opportunity to lease electric autos, with the ultimate goal of ownership within a three-year timeframe. This visionary approach not only aims to create 50,000 new jobs within the dynamic EV and solar economy but also serves as a powerful engine for driving sustained economic growth and fostering upward social mobility.

The Solar2EV initiative marks a significant leap toward empowerment and inclusivity, highlighting the unwavering commitment of both the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra to elevate the less privileged sectors of society. As industry giants such as Forsee Consulting, PMI Electromobility, Saera Auto, OSM, Sun Mobility, and Kinetic come together, their collective participation emphasizes a united dedication to sustainable development and inclusive growth. This collaboration propels us forward on a journey lit by clean energy, fostering economic empowerment and social inclusion, and paving the way for a future where everyone has the chance to prosper and contribute to our collective well-being.

India’s leading skill development firm, specializing in the automotive sector, will now have access to a broad pool of resources through the Solar2EV project partners, including Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, Saera Keto Auto, Omega Seiki Mobility, Stellantis, Kinetic Green, and the premier health management firm, Wockhardt Group. This initiative not only enables the premier training and development agency to tap into their CSR funds to help fund the implementation of the PM Suryaghar scheme but also supports skill development initiatives aimed at fostering women’s entrepreneurship.

ASDC intends to leverage Corporate India’s, and particularly the Automotive Industry’s, CSR contributions to establish solar-to-EV connections across the state. Their goal extends to facilitating job access in the first-mile and last-mile mobility sectors for the e-commerce industry. The Solar2EV partnership will enable ASDC to merge the advantages of solar energy and electric vehicle economies, thereby creating new job opportunities with last-mile mobility entities and e-commerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart, ride-hailing applications, and even battery swapping leaders. These stakeholders are encouraging the Maharashtra state government to employ their social justice funds in offering innovative solutions.

Mumbai: 12th March 2024: The 71st Miss World festival reached its climax in Mumbai at the Jio Convention Centre, as Krystyna Pyszkova from Czech Republic was crowned the 71st Miss World mid an atmosphere of glamour and excitement. The prestigious title was passed on by the reigning Miss World, Karolina Bielawska, in an emotional moment that will be etched in the memories of millions worldwide. First runner-up, Yasmina Zaytoun from Lebanon was also acknowledged for her exceptional qualities throughout the festival, adding to the diversity and depth of talent showcased at the event.

The star-studded finale was co-hosted by former Miss World Megan Young and acclaimed filmmaker Karan Johar, adding to the grandeur of the event. The evening was further elevated by sensational performances by renowned artists Shaan, Neha Kakkar, and Tony Kakkar, engaging the audience ith their captivating music.

As well as studying for two Degrees in both Law and Business Administration, Krystyna (24) is also working as a model. She founded the Krystyna Pyszkova Foundation and continues to support the work there. Her proudest moment was opening an English school for underprivileged children in Tanzania where she also volunteered. She enjoys playing the Transverse flute and the violin and has a passion for Art having spent nine years in an Art Academy.

Expressing her gratitude and excitement, Krystyna Pyszkova shared, “Being crowned Miss World is a dream come true. I am deeply honoured to represent my country and the values of Beauty With A Purpose on a global platform. I am so excited for the year ahead.”

The 71st Miss World finale – streamed live in India exclusively on Sony LIV and broadcast globally – captivated viewers with its unique blend of beauty, talent, and philanthropy. Throughout the event, contestants have demonstrated their commitment to ‘Beauty With A Purpose,’ highlighting their advocacy for social causes and initiatives aimed at making a difference to people’s lives around the world.

This year’s event held particular significance as it marked the return of Miss World to India after a hiatus of 28 years, underscoring the country’s rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted connection to the world’s oldest and most prestigious beauty pageant. The festival, which commenced on 18 February 2024, featured a series of engaging events leading up to the grand finale in Mumbai. The presence of esteemed personalities amid the vibrant atmosphere of the Jio Convention 0Centre added to the charm of the occasion, making it a memorable event in the history of Miss World.

The 71st Miss World festival was made possible through the strategic partnership of Jamil Saidi and the generous support of sponsors including Mauritius Tourism, EndemolShine India, Aurika, Mumbai Skycity, Adsplash Agency, India Tourism Development Corporation and Bright Outdoor Media Limited. Renowned designer Archana Kochar lent her creative vision to the event, elevating it with her distinctive style and elegance.