Allcargo Group commemorates a decade of Maitree initiative, aims to plant 5 million saplings by 2030

Mumbai, 9th July, 2024: Allcargo Group, an Indian-born global logistics conglomerate celebrating 30 years of excellence, has set a target to plant 5 million saplings by 2030 by actively engaging with more than 100,000 farmers as a part of its Maitree initiative run by the Group’s CSR arm, Avashya Foundation. The tree planation drive is inspired by the vision of the Group Founder & Chairman Mr. Shashi Kiran Shetty to make a larger impact on the environment and livelihood. Maitree is expected to impact lives of 500,000 beneficiaries in Maharashtra.

Tree Plantation Drive

Under the Maitree initiative, Allcargo Group has planted over 1 million trees by 2023 and is pursuing a goal of planting 3 million trees by 2027 and 5 million by 2030. The tree plantation is being carried out in Khalapur, Karjat, Jawhar, Mokhada, Vada, Dahanu Uran, blocks in Palghar and Raigad, Maharashtra. The employees of Allcargo Group have joined hands as volunteers to plant trees under this initiative.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Nilratan Shende, Head – CSR, Allcargo Group said, “Since its inception in 2014, Maitree aims to bring in tangible change in the environment and for the local communities. Maitree with its dual focus on income generation and environment sustainability has significantly contributed to the economic wellbeing of the farmers. We are pleased to see the positive impact of Maitree on the people where the tree-plantation drive has been carried out. Guided by the vision of the Chairman, we are working towards community engagement on a much greater scale to spread the benefit of Maitree to a larger population.”

Under the Maitree initiative, the farmers cultivate mango, custard apple, moringa, guava, sapota, cashew, jackfruit, jamun, tamarind, lemon, tick, and bamboo, thus contributing to both ecological diversity and economic sustainability. Apart from offering fruit-bearing saplings, Allcargo Group is providing required resources to farmers for the maintenance of these trees.

Allcargo Group has so far supported over 20,000 farmers in the Palghar and Raigad districts of Maharashtra and touched the lives of many. The Maitree initiative offers local livelihood opportunities, reducing forced migration, alters migration patterns, allows children to enrol in schools and improving attendance, enhances access to Public Distribution System (PDS) and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment

Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) entitlements for farmers, instil confidence in farmers through income generated from the harvested fruits and promotes small-scale farmers by providing targeted platforms for selling their goods. Maitree initiative is a part of Allcargo Group’s ESG journey and long standing vision.

The Maitree Initiative’s impact extends beyond the immediate communities, contributing significantly to the local environment, by offsetting 32,258 tons of carbon dioxide by the 1 million planted trees, conserving 40 crore litres of water, preserving soil erosion, promoting biodiversity, fostering a healthier and more resilient ecosystem, as reported in Allcargo’s ESG report 2022-23.

NTPC achieves 113.87 BU generation in Q1 FY25

Mumbai, 1st July 2024: NTPC Ltd, India’s largest integrated power utility, recorded a generation of 113.87 billion units (BU) in Q1 FY25, at a growth of 9.5% as compared to the corresponding period of previous year.

During the quarter, NTPC coal stations recorded a plant load factor (PLF) of 79.5%.

NTPC has significantly ramped up its power generation, ensuring a steady and reliable supply of electricity as the nation’s electricity demand continues to soar to newer peaks.

NTPC Ltd. is India’s largest integrated power utility, contributing 1/4th of the power requirement of the country. With a diverse portfolio of thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power plants, NTPC is dedicated to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to the nation. The company is committed to adopting best practices, fostering innovation, and embracing clean energy technologies for a greener future.

MediBuddy Celebrates WhiteCoatHeroes on Doctors’ Day

Mumbai, July 01, 2024: MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare platform has unveiled a powerful new campaign titled #WhiteCoatHeroes to commemorate Doctors’ Day. This emotive campaign aims to recognise and honour the unwavering dedication, struggles, and triumphs of doctors, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to society.

MediBuddy logo with tag line_R

Doctors are the unsung heroes of our society, often prioritising the health and well-being of their patients above their own. With a daunting doctor-to-patient ratio of only 1 doctor per 1,000 patients, the pressure on these healthcare professionals is immense. This campaign serves as a reminder of the vital link between doctor well-being and quality healthcare. It encourages support for these professionals who form the frontline of medical care in our communities.
MediBuddy’s impactful campaign video takes viewers on an emotional journey through a doctor’s daily experiences. From comforting scared children to supporting elderly patients, the video captures the essence of a doctor’s life – a constant balance between professional duty and human empathy. It portrays doctors not just as medical practitioners, but as anchors of hope and healing in times of fear and uncertainty.

Speaking about the campaign, Mr. Saibal Biswas, SVP, and Head of Marketing, Partnerships & PR at MediBuddy- “In a country where each doctor serves thousands, their impact is immeasurable. Doctors are the backbone of our healthcare system, their role goes beyond the medical expertise, their humanity – the comforting touch, the reassuring words, and the unwavering commitment that transforms patient care and often represents the strongest support during challenging times. As we continue to bridge gaps in healthcare access through technology, we remain grateful for these irreplaceable guardians of health. This Doctors’ Day, MediBuddy through their #WhiteCoatHeroes campaign encourages everyone to reflect on the sacrifices made by these healthcare professionals and to show their gratitude. It’s more than just saying thank you; it’s about recognising their relentless pursuit of healing and the positive transformation they bring to countless lives.”

By showcasing both the triumphs and challenges of the medical profession, MediBuddy hopes to foster a deeper appreciation for these vital members of our community.

Inderniel Shivdasani joins Pepperfry as Head of Strategy and Investor Relations

Mumbai, 1st July, 2024: Pepperfry, India’s leading e-commerce furniture and home decor company,  announced the appointment of Inderniel Shivdasani as Head of Strategy and Investor Relations. In this role, Inderniel will be responsible for leading Pepperfry’s Strategic Initiatives and Investor Relations.

Inderniel Shivdasani - Head of Strategy and Investor Relations

Inderniel brings over 13 years of experience in finance, strategy, investor relations, and mergers & acquisitions, having held leadership roles at prominent companies in the consumer tech and healthcare industries. Most recently, he was Director – Corporate Strategy at Cleartrip, playing a key role in the company’s 100% acquisition by Flipkart in 2021. He also served as the Chief of Staff at Manipal Health Enterprises, where he spearheaded strategy, expansion, and business analysis initiatives.

As Head of Strategy & Investor Relations, Inderniel will be responsible for communicating Pepperfry’s journey and future plans to the investor community, while leveraging the company’s strengths to drive profitable growth.

Speaking on the new appointment, Ashish Shah, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer at Pepperfry, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Inderniel to the Pepperfry team. His in-depth knowledge and expertise in managing investor relations, strategy, and financial reporting, combined with his proven track record of success in scaling businesses, makes him an asset to our organisation. We are confident that he will play a pivotal role in driving Pepperfry’s future growth and success.”

The newly appointed Head, IR & Strategy at Pepperfry – Inderniel Shivdasani added, “I am excited to join Pepperfry at this pivotal moment in the company’s journey. As the category creator of the organized furniture and home decor market in India, Pepperfry has been instrumental in driving the growth of this industry. It is a leading player in the rapidly expanding online furniture and home décor market, and I look forward to working with the team to enhance its investor relations strategy and drive the company’s continued success.”

Inderniel holds a B.E. in Chemical Engineering from Thadomal Shahani Engineering College, Mumbai and an MBA from T.A. Pai Management Institute, Manipal. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

Inderniel balances his professional acumen with a passion for adventure, travel, and sports. His pursuits range from adrenaline-fueled activities like cliff and bungee jumping to challenging road trips. He also enjoys his dose of sports or a run on the beach.

NTPC achieves 17.15% surge in Coal Despatch and 15% Growth in Coal Production in Q1 FY25

Mumbai, 1st July, 2024: NTPC Ltd., India’s leading integrated power utility, has reported a growth of 17.15% in coal despatch from its captive mines during Q1 FY25, as compared to the corresponding period of previous year.

The company achieved an impressive coal despatch of 10.194 MMT during Q1 FY25. Whereas, Coal production stood at 9.862 MMT with a growth of nearly 15% by the end of quarter Q1 FY25.

This outstanding performance reflects NTPC’s relentless commitment to enhancing coal production from its captive mines and ensuring efficient supply to meet the country’s energy requirements.

To achieve sustained growth in coal production, NTPC has implemented a range of strategies and technologies. NTPC remains committed to deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable power to the nation. This remarkable growth in coal production and despatch is a testament to NTPC’s dedication to operational excellence and its contribution to meeting India’s energy demands.

IREDA’s Impressive Q1 Performance: 383% Increase in Loan Sanctions

Mumbai, 1st July, 2024, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has reported a remarkable performance for the first quarter ended 30th June 2024. According to provisional figures, subject to audit, the company recorded substantial increases in loan sanctions, disbursements, and its loan book.

During the first quarter of FY 2024-25, IREDA sanctioned loans amounting to Rs. 9,136 crore, reflecting a significant growth of 382.62% compared to Rs. 1,893 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year. Disbursements during the same period stood at Rs. 5,320 crore, marking an increase of 67.61% year-on-year compared to Rs. 3,174 crore in the first quarter of FY 2023-24. The total loan book outstanding as of 30th June 2024, reached Rs. 63,150 crore, representing a notable growth of 33.77% from Rs. 47,207 crore in the previous year.

Shri Pradip Kumar Das, CMD, IREDA, commented on the achievement, “IREDA’s robust performance in the first quarter underscores our commitment to accelerating the deployment of renewable energy solutions in India. The substantial increase in loan sanctions and disbursements reflects our proactive approach in supporting projects that contribute to India’s renewable energy goals.”

IREDA continues to play a pivotal role in financing renewable energy projects across various sectors, including solar, wind, hydro, biomass, waste to energy, ethanol, electric mobility and emerging technologies like Green Hydrogen and Offshore Wind, etc. The company’s efforts are aimed at fostering sustainable development and reducing carbon emissions in alignment with national and global environmental objectives.

Shraddha Kapoor and More than 500 Customers Attend the OPPO F27 Pro+ 5G Grand Unboxing Event

28th June 2024, Mumbai, India: In a first-of-a-kind product Unboxing, OPPO’s latest F27 Pro+ 5G was unboxed in the presence of Bollywood’s leading “Stree” Shraddha Kapoor and more than 500 customers. The event took place in Mumbai recently.

sradha kapoor

Mr. Abhishek Nayak, Learning and Development Director of OPPO Mobiles Mumbai, expressed his joy and said, “One of the key highlights of the event was the presence of the renowned Bollywood celebrity, Shraddha Kapoor, who joined the grand unboxing event of the OPPO F27 Pro+ 5G. The excitement reached new heights as more than 500 customers also participated in the unboxing event alongside Shraddha Kapoor, making it a first-of-its-kind event in the telecom industry.”

He further said, “As the customers unboxed the OPPO F27 Pro+ 5G, the anticipation and excitement in the air were palpable. The innovative features, sleek design, and cutting-edge technology of the phone captivated everyone present at the event, setting a new benchmark in the smartphone industry.”

OPPO is a famous mobile brand for its innovation, Camera technology and many More. Taking it a notch higher, the new phones boast some user-friendly features. “The phone is already popular among consumers as it is India’s first phone to come up with an IP69 rating, which means it can survive in water for up to 15 minutes. It also comes with damage-proof 360-degree armor body, 67W SUPERVOOC flash charge and Splash touch which makes this phone Best in the Price range,” Abhishek concluded.

Frequent flyers facing sudden hearing loss disorder in India

Mumbai- Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss SNHL can strike anybody, even the healthy physique, with no apparent warning as per medical experts in Mumbai. Well-known playback singer Alka Yagnik recently revealed that she has been diagnosed with a rare form of hearing loss, a disorder which has forced her to cancel all her concerts. Loud noise, smoking, alcohol consumption, comorbidities like diabetes, autoimmune disorders like arthritis, and cancer drugs can also impair hearing suddenly. Change in the middle ear pressure while scuba diving or flying (frequent flyers) can damage the inner ear, causing sudden but temporary deafness. If this happens repeatedly, deafness can become permanent. Giving more information on this Dr. Binhi Desai ENT and Voice Surgeon- Otorhinolaryngologist, Founder of ‘SWAR Voice and Swallowing clinic’ at Apex Superspeciality Hospital, Borivali, says, Viral Sudden onset Sensorineural Hearing Loss ( SSNHL) is an ENT emergency condition, which is characterized by rapid onset of hearing loss or a progressive loss over 12-24 hours. Certain viruses such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), herpes zoster virus(HZV), HIV, hepatitis virus, measles virus, rubella virus, mumps virus, Lassa virus, and enterovirus are commonly associated with the condition. During the COVID pandemic, there were many cases of sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss. The incidence of SSNHL is 5 to 20 cases per 100,000 people per year. The patient complains of sudden onset hearing loss over 12-24 hours.

Dr. Binhi Desai ENT and Voice Surgeon further added, it can be unilateral or bilateral. One must visit an ENT surgeon at the earliest, since 72 hours is a golden period. Results are better if treatment is started within the first 1-2 weeks. There are multiple treatment options available. The treatment is mainly in the form of steroids, vasodilators, anti-viral, antibiotics. Intra- tympanic steroid injection is a novel technique and a very useful procedure which gives excellent results along with intravenous treatment. The prognosis is guarded. The earlier the treatment is started, the better is the prognosis. If the above treatment fails, hearing aids, cochlear implant and assistive hearing devices can be offered.

Apex Group of Hospitals is a chain of Hospitals managed and run by expert Medical Professionals with experience of 25 years. Currently Apex group of Hospitals manage more than 350+ beds and provide qualitative healthcare services to the people of Mumbai and surrounding areas. Apex Hospitals is located in Borivali, Kandivali & Mulund.

IF.BE is Hosting LXMI.inc Event For Its Fourth Edition in Mumbai This June

APURVA CHAMERIA

APURVA CHAMERIA Head, Partnership Solutions/ Startups/ Venture Capital at Google India

Apurva Chamaria is the Head of Startups and VC at Google India. Apurva has served in C level roles at global organisations like Ranbaxy, HCL Technologies, RateGain, Tech Mahindra and now at Google.

 He was ranked as a top 10 angel investor in India by Economic Times in 2019 having invested in startups like Innov8, Josh Talks, Dukaan, Goat Brands, Sheroes, Inc 42, Chqbook, Blu Smart, Kawa Space. Apurva has invested in 100+ startups and is a Limited Partner (LP) in VC firms like 9 Unicorns and Gemba Capital. He is also on the IC of SIDBI which is a fund of funds and Venture Catalysts, an early stage fund. He was selected as the “Entrepreneur in Residence” for Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs in India for 2022-2024. Apurva serves on the start-up steering committee for IAMAI. He is also the author of two best selling books on startups published by Bloomsbury and Penguin Random House.

 He has done his MBA from IMI, Delhi and PG in Advertising & PR from IIMC, New Delhi. He is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School. In 2020 he was made a fellow of the All India Management Association (AIMA). He has served on many advertising juries and is a Campaign Asia 40 under 40.

ROSHAN ABBAS

ROSHAN ABBAS Managing Director, Red Lion

One of India’s finest orators and storytellers, Roshan Abbas is a polymath. A TV & radio host; producer; event manager; creative director; film & theatre director; CEO; angel investor; serial entrepreneur; author; actor and public speaking coach.

 Roshan founded and led Encompass (now Geometry Encompass) as Managing Director into becoming India’s largest, most awarded experiential marketing agency. He was also an initial investor in and continues to be a mentor-partner at The Glitch. Both ventures have been acquired by WPP.

 Roshan has won seven national-level awards for TV and radio. In 2015, he co- founded Kommune – a performing arts collective for storytellers. He also helped conceptualise Spoken festival, bringing together performers from across the world for storytelling, poetry, spoken word, and song.

 Roshan continues to inspire by sharing his life lessons on communication and storytelling with entrepreneurs, corporates, artists, and anyone looking to discover a unique voice!

ELSIE NANJI

ELSIE NANJI Managing Director, Red Lion

Elsie has created ideas and images over the last 4 decades, with a unique aesthetic, that has blurred the line between art and commerce. Working within a cultural and social context over the last 40 years, she has shifted her focus from advertising to pure design in the world of graphics, environmental branding and interiors.

 She feels fortunate to have worked, and to continue working, with some of the greatest minds in photography, film, creative writing, art, design and architecture. Hers is a journey constantly leading to new ideas, executions and installations for major brands, corporate offices, museums and homes. In March 2024, Elsie was recognised as one of the 100 most influential architects and interior designers taking Indian architecture and interior design into the future. Ever since her shift into Interior spaces, she has won this award for the last 7 years consecutively.

SHONALI BOSE
SHONALI BOSE Director, Producer, Writer

Born in Kolkata, Shonali has an MA in Political Science from Columbia University and an MFA in Directing from the UCLA Film School. She has written and directed three feature narrative films – Amu, Margarita with a Straw and The Sky is Pink. All three films had critically acclaimed theatrical releases in India and North America amongst many other countries and won major international awards (including at Sundance and TIFF and three Indian National Awards). Shonali’s short film RaatRani, opened Modern Love Mumbai for Amazon.She just finished shooting an 8 part Series for Amazon Prime – Ziddi Girls – which will release later this year. She also just made her first documentary film “A Fly on the Wall” about her best friend’s death through physician assisted suicide. She is currently in prep on a family comedy film with an A list star. She is the Showrunner and Director of a Limited Series on Parveen Babi which will go on the floors next year. Bose lives between Los Angeles and Bombay and is most proud of being the mother of her two sons – Ishan and Vivan.

MUKUL DEORAMUKUL DEORA Founder & CEO, LAVA Media Filmmaker & Startup Incubator

Mukul Deora is an Indian entrepreneur, filmmaker, musician, and artist. As the founder and CEO of Lava Media, he leverages technology to shape culture – from award-winning movies to community building apps. Mukul developed and produced the Oscar and BAFTA-nominated global hit film The White Tiger, and is an accomplished multimedia artist with 2 solo shows and performances at TED, The Tate Modern (London), and The Serpentine Gallery (London). His previous business ventures include packaging technology, real estate, and digital content storage.

KIRTI POONIAKIRTI POONIA Managing Director, Caimera. inc

Kirti is a pioneering entrepreneur, known for her innovative work at the intersection of fashion, technology, and social impact. She founded Caimera.ai, redefining fashion photography with AI. As co-founder of Relove, she drives circularity in fashion by enabling peer-to-peer resale marketplaces for brands. Kirti’s leadership transformed India’s largest Apparel & Lifestyle Marketplace, scaling artisans from 350 to 27,000 and increasing revenue tenfold. With a background in Tata Administrative Services (TAS), she brings diverse expertise from six Tata companies. Kirti’s impactful contributions have earned her accolades like the Business World Women Entrepreneurship Award and recognition from Niti Aayog as a top entrepreneur driving change in India.

 

SONIA DUBEY DEWAN

SONIA DUBEY DEWAN Founder & CEO, Indian School of Image Management

Sonia Dubey Dewan, AICI CIP is India’s Top Image Consultant. She is the founder
of the Indian School of Image Management (ISIM) and an acclaimed Entrepreneur, Educator, and International Keynote Speaker.

Ms. Dewan boasts 14 years of experience in Image Management, Personal Branding, and Executive Coaching across 17 countries, Impacting and Inspiring the lives of over 300,000 participants including C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, and politicians. As the Founder of India’s first accredited Image Institute, she has trained 400 global image consultants and soft skill trainers. Her work is regularly featured on TV channels, in newspapers, and in magazines. Ms. Dewan believes in the power of investing in oneself, encapsulated in her quote: “You’re your most valuable asset, start investing in it today.” Through her elegant, exuberant, and practical style of presentations, she aims to inspire her audience to recognize their potential and take action toward their personal and professional goals.

Gunjan Arya  CEO, Only Much Louder

Gunjan is the CEO and Board Member of OML Entertainment, a new media and entertainment company that partners with creators and platforms that participate in culture. With its roots in creator management and artist representation, OML’s operations today includes an award-winning content studio that packages and produces a record number of scripted and unscripted shows for OTT platforms, and a global brand solutions business.

 Gunjan has been working in the field of media, marketing and design since the age of 16 and started her brand consulting company ‘Design of Information’ in 2009, which won several coveted awards globally. Gunjan has been part of OML since 2015, and was instrumental in building OML’s global creator network over the last three years that now operates across 20+ countries and 700+ content creators that helps artists, brands and platforms build equity.

 Gunjan is an alumnus of the Schools of Communications and Visual Arts at Emerson College in Boston, with further education from Harvard Business School. Her time off-line is best spent cooking with her husband or at the barré.

The 2nd North India Garment Fair (NIGF 2024) by CMAI Commences; Brings Together 200+ Exhibitors and Expected to attract about 7000 Trade Visitors

New Delhi, June 11, 2024: The 2nd North India Garment Fair (NIGF 2024) organised by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) commenced on Jun 11 till June 13, 2024, at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi. NIGF 2024 features over 200 exhibitors showcasing a diverse array of menswear, womenswear, and kidswear.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by leading North India retailers, including Manik Jain & Sahil Jain of Aristocrat Garments, Bharat Bhushan Taneja of Paul Garments, R D Gupta of Bindals Group, Ranjit Surana of Bachoomal Collection, Sanjeev Garg of Stanmax, Mohinder Chaudhary and Saurabh Chaudhary of Suvidha Stores, Tarun Langer & Chander Shekhar Mahajan of Yougal Sons as Guests of Honour. Key dignitaries from CMAI present at the Inaugural included Rajesh Masand – President; Rohit Munjal – Vice President; Santosh Kataria, Chairman – NIGF; Rahul Mehta – Chief Mentor and Pankaj Jain – Hon. Secretary – North and other office bearers of CMAI.

CMAI Dignitaries and Leading Retailers inaugurates 2nd edition of NIGF 2024 - IMG 1

Rajesh Masand, President, CMAI, expressed, “The Domestic Garment industry in India is poised for significant growth, driven by the country’s dynamic demographic and economic potential. NIGF 2024 is a testament to CMAI’s commitment to supporting MSMEs and enhancing the garment trade in North India. The upcoming festival season is a crucial period for the Garment industry and hence NIGF 2024 plays a pivotal role in connecting manufacturers with thousands of buyers ensuring they are well-prepared to meet market demands”.

At the Inauguration, Santosh Katariya, Chairman said, “NIGF 2024 has fast developed as a successful platform for Manufacturers from across the country. It offers North India’s Retail industry a fantastic opportunity to meet new Suppliers, new Brands and refresh their merchandise for customers from across India. For the benefit of Exhibitors, we have also organized a Business Networking Session tomorrow with leading Agents & Distributors from pan India”.

NIGF 2024 features a diverse array of garment manufacturers, with over 95% representing MSMEs from various parts of India, including key hubs like Mumbai, Surat, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Indore, Ludhiana, Uttar Pradesh, and the Delhi-NCR region. Retailers from across the country have pre-registered to visit the fair and expected to attend the fair.