Archives June 2023

Bengaluru, June 19, 2023: Sun Life Asia Service Centres (ASC), a microcosm of the global insurance and asset management leader Sun Life, repositions itself as Sun Life Global Solutions (SLGS). The strategic move aims to advance the organization’s value proposition and further its journey in close collaboration with Sun Life’s business groups. In line with its ambitious growth trajectory, SLGS aims to recruit 1000 approx. new talent in the next two years. This significant expansion presents a distinct opportunity for skilled workforce in India and Philippines to collaborate with Sun Life, effectively showcasing their exceptional capabilities and immense potential.

The new name Sun Life Global Solutions (SLGS) underscores its global impact delivered through developing solutions, experiences and furthering innovation. With this strategic evolution, SLGS will also reaffirm its position as a key talent hub for Technology, Operations and Client care center. In addition, it will also lay focus on its expertise in key knowledge skills like actuarial, finance services, legal services, risk and compliance monitoring.

Sun Life plays an essential role for its Clients in the areas that matter most to them, and takes great pride in helping them build brighter, optimistic futures for themselves and their families. The goal is to build deeper digital relationships and more personalized experiences so we can better anticipate and serve our Clients’ unique needs. SLGS brings deep technology and digital capabilities by attracting top talent and a constantly upskilling workforce comprised of dynamic and motivated professionals.

Mr. Tarun Sareen, Managing Director, Sun Life Global Solutions

Expressing his views on the repositioning, Mr. Tarun Sareen, Managing Director, Sun Life Global Solutions, said, “It is truly a privilege to be the enablers driving the organisational Purpose of Sun Life in India and Philippines. The word Global reflects our outreach and the collaborative journey with Business Groups across the globe. And the word Solutions emphasizes our focus on designing and delivering solutions to our clients and advisors – be it through a digital asset, a transaction we process, a Client call we cater to or a solution. Solutions to us signify optimism and taking the forefront to solve challenges, create pathways and manifest opportunities – and keep on architecting and solving for the future. This is what makes us – Sun Life Global Solutions “

He further said, “Our culture is our superpower. SLGS takes pride in being a Great Place to Work. We are committed to nurturing a purpose led and values driven culture where we all do best work of our lives thriving in a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment. We believe in truly empowering our teams through a caring and thriving workplace encouraging them to bring their whole and authentic selves to work. Further with a shared vision and purpose, inclusive leadership, people centric practices we are building a highly engaged workforce which imbibes a sense of belonging.”

Sun Life Global Solutions plays a key role in driving the organisation’s enterprise strategy. They provide services and solutions to all pillars – Canada, Asia, US and Asset Management and Corporate functions. Over the course of its journey, SLGS has evolved as a key capability hub, creating many assets for the organization like Client Care Centre, Operations, Technology, Financial shared services, Actuarial, Legal and HR Shared services amongst others. Sun life Global Solutions will play an even larger role in the coming years by nurturing a stronger talent pool and leading digital and transformation initiatives.

Sun Life Global Solutions is a listening, caring and vibrant organization, its consistent high engagement scores speak of this culture. SLGS has received the Great Place to Work honorifics, ranked among the “Top 100 Best Companies for Women in India”, SLGS has been featured among India’s Best Workplaces in IT & IT-BPM 2022 – Top 50 by Great Places to Work. These recognitions reflect our Culture, practices, and focus on being a purpose-led organization well-equipped to serve business priorities and deliver exceptional value for its clients.

New Delhi: – A new book, Behind the Uniform: Not Just a Cop, provides a unique insight into the life of a police officer. Written by serving CRPF officer Rakesh Kumar Singh and psychologist Ms. Shubhangi Singh, the book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and rewards of police work.

“We wanted to write this book to give people a better understanding of what it’s like to be a police officer,” said Singh. “We hope that by sharing our experiences, we can help to build a more positive relationship between the police and the community.”

The book covers a wide range of topics, including the day-to-day duties of a police officer, the challenges of dealing with crime and violence, and the importance of community policing. It also includes personal stories from the authors about their experiences on the job.

“We hope that this book will help to dispel some of the myths and stereotypes about police officers,” said Ms. Shubhangi. “We want people to know that we are human beings just like them, and that we are committed to serving and protecting our communities.”

Behind the Uniform: Not Just a Cop is also a sort of self-help guide for policemen who are facing stress and mental agonies owing to service conditions and a must-read for them.

Bengaluru India June 19, 2023 – Recent market analysis reveals a substantial decline in start-up valuations across the globe. This downward trend has raised concerns among investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. The decreasing valuations indicate a shift in the start-up ecosystem and highlight the need for careful assessment and adaptation in this evolving landscape opines Venu Kondur CEO Lobb Logistics.

Factors contributing to the drop in start-up valuations are multi-faceted and influenced by a combination of market dynamics, investor sentiment, and regulatory changes. Some key factors include:

Market Correction: After a prolonged period of rapid growth and high valuations, the market is undergoing a natural correction. Investor expectations have shifted towards more realistic and sustainable valuations, leading to a recalibration in start-up pricing.

Increased Scrutiny: Investors are becoming more discerning and cautious in their investments, conducting thorough due diligence and demanding stronger business fundamentals. Start-ups with unproven business models or unsustainable growth trajectories are experiencing downward pressure on their valuations.

Regulatory Environment: Regulatory changes, particularly in areas such as data privacy, digital currencies, and technology governance, have introduced uncertainties and increased compliance costs. These factors can negatively impact start-up valuations, as investors factor in potential risks and legal challenges.

Evolving Investor Landscape: The investment landscape for start-ups is evolving, with a shift in focus towards sectors such as health-tech, climate tech, and sustainable solutions. Start-ups operating in other sectors may face greater challenges in attracting funding and achieving favourable valuations.

While the decline in start-up valuations presents challenges, it also brings opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors. This changing landscape encourages a renewed focus on business fundamentals, sustainable growth strategies, and demonstrating clear value propositions to investors.

Industry experts emphasize the importance of adopting a long-term perspective and adjusting strategies accordingly. Start-ups should prioritize building robust business models, cultivating strong customer relationships, and differentiating themselves in the market to withstand market fluctuations and attract investment.

Investors, on the other hand, are advised to conduct thorough due diligence, carefully assessing a start-up’s market potential, team expertise, competitive advantages, and scalability before making investment decisions. Collaborative partnerships and strategic investments in promising start-ups can yield significant returns in the long run.

“While the decline in start-up valuations may present challenges, it also brings an opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors to recalibrate their strategies and build sustainable businesses,” said Venu Kondur, CEO Lobb Logistics. “By focusing on solid fundamentals and addressing market needs, start-ups can position themselves for long-term success despite the changing investment landscape.”

The declining start-up valuations are indicative of a maturing market that requires adaptability, resilience, and strategic planning. Entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers are urged to monitor market trends closely and collaborate to foster an ecosystem that encourages innovation, growth, and long-term value creation.

19th June 2023  The education landscape is changing constantly and institutions are adapting to many new formats and areas in order to facilitate evolved developments. Amidst this, the role of teachers has become increasingly vital. They are not only responsible for imparting knowledge but also for creatively igniting young minds and enabling them to grow independently in the future. It is at this point, that teacher upskilling and continuous learning for educators in India is being embraced more than ever before. This helps teachers cultivate excellence by enhancing their skills and opening doors to new opportunities across the globe.

The Government of India recognized this 3 years ago when it launched a National Education Policy (NEP) that especially focused on the importance of teacher upskilling and development. Infact, The Union Budget for 2023-24 also saw a significant allocation of ₹3,418.07 crores (20% higher than the previous year) to enhance upskilling resources for the youth. This was a crucial step in encouraging institutions to focus on pedagogy for teachers with high-quality content that eliminates the monotony in teaching.

“Teacher upskilling is not just a choice but a necessary mandate,” says Rishabh Khanna, Founder, and CEO of Suraasa, a leading career-tech and skill-tech start-up for teachers. Recognizing the power of learning, Khanna further emphasises “I firmly believe that a teacher has the ability to make a profound impact, and continuous learning serves as the cornerstone of this journey. Teacher upskilling programs focus on enhancing pedagogical techniques, classroom management strategies, student engagement, and the seamless integration of technology in teaching practices. This allows teachers to effectively utilise educational apps, online resources, learning management systems, and collaborative tools to enhance student learning outcomes.” He further outlines that technology-enabled teaching not only enhances educational practices but also promotes digital literacy among students, equipping them with the essential skills required for the future.

Through comprehensive learning throughout their careers, teachers are able to address the diverse learning requirements of new-age students. This is evident in the inclusive practices by educators to accommodate students with special needs, cater to multilingual classrooms, and foster an empowered learning environment. Infact, in many ways, teacher upskilling goes beyond individual growth; it encourages the formation of collaborative learning communities where each student can share experiences, exchange ideas, and collectively solve challenges.

While upskilling and continuous learning prove to be an enriching experience for all students, it is also a great way for teachers to get their talent, skills, efforts, and achievements recognized. This recognition serves as a crucial part for teachers to stay motivated towards what they do best. Hence, upskilling programs often incorporate mechanisms for recognizing educators’ growth, such as certifications, badges, or endorsements. These recognitions not only validate teachers’ skills but also serve as a catalyst for their continuous professional development.

By embracing these professional development programs, India can empower its teachers to create impactful learning experiences. After all, upskilling is an investment in the future of education and enables every teacher to have the potential to make a lasting impact on students’ lives.

The cooperative movement and the need for improvisation in policies for boosting socioeconomic growth is now the talk of the town. As it has been one of the most effective movements across the state of Maharashtra, Zee 24 Taas plans to draw the attention of its viewers to how cooperative societies have contributed significantly towards the economic development of the nation

Sahkar Parishad (सहकार परिषद), a one-of-its-kind IP of Zee Taas, goes on air on Saturday 17th June 2023 at 4 pm. This special screening will majorly focus on ‘Harnessing the Power of Co-operation’ – comprising the on-ground reality of Co-Operative Dairy, Co-operative Farming Agriculture & Animal Husbandry, Sugar Industry, Banking, and Rural Credit and Co-operative Housing Societies.

Maharashtra has been one of the pioneer states in initiating an impactful cooperative movement, which is now existent across the agricultural sector, agro-processing industry, agro-marketing, sugar cooperatives, fisheries cooperative societies, cooperative dairy societies, housing societies, etc. However, there have been multiple factors that hamper smooth functioning, and improving their credibility is the need of the hour.

Congratulating the Zee24 Taas team on this initiative, Chief Guest and keynote speaker – Shri Sharad Pawar, Member of Rajya Sabha & Former CM, of Maharashtra, said, “Firstly, I would like to congratulate Zee 24 Taas for making सहकार परिषद a reality. This platform will soon become a future-prominent platform for policymakers, and the brightest minds across the cooperative sectors to have a dialogue on broader governance and discuss the possible solutions to the challenges existing in the system. Cooperation should increase and be sustained for the development of the state.”

Encourage the audience to watch the Sahkar Parishad ceremony on their screens. Dr. Nilesh Khare, Editor, Zee 24 Taas, said, “The cooperative movement has contributed significantly to the development of rural Maharashtra. There is also a high potential for public-private partnerships, and collaborations to promote innovation and also bring to light the challenges faced by the cooperative systems across the nation. Sahkar Parishad will surely be an eye-opener to the citizens of India towards the interception of governance and improvisation of policies and credibility not only in the state of Maharashtra but also in India.”

Mr. Abhay Ojha, CEO, ZMCL further added, “Zee Media strongly believes in providing content which allows viewers to have an in-depth understanding of factors that have a huge impact on their lives. We created Sahkar Parishad to help citizens understand the diversification of partnerships with governments, businesses, and other organizations. The success of the inaugural edition of Sahkar Parishad further encourages us to expand such initiatives to other regions of India soon.”

The show is powered by Akkudas Trading – Dudhkandi & Associate Sponsors are Calton Paint, Pune Peoples Co-op Bank, GP Parsik Sahakari Bank Ltd, Washishthi Milk and Milk Products Ltd, and Rajasthani Multistate Co-Op. Credit Society Ltd.

Zee Media Corporation Ltd, one of India’s leading media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 16 news channels in seven different languages, reaching more than 528+ million viewers through its linear and digital properties.

With multiple romance dramas and love stories dominating the digital space, Amazon miniTVs Highway Love is carving its own identity owing to a multitude of reasons. The series stars Ritvik Sahore and Gayatri Bhardwaj in lead roles, as they explore human emotions and tell the tale of two very different personalities. The narrative follows the lives of Dhun Dhun, an introvert, and Inaya, an outgoing and fearless girl. The two cross paths on the Mumbai-Pune Highway and end up playing a significant role in each other’s lives.

If that doesn’t entice you enough, here’s a list of 4 reasons why we suggest you watch this romantic drama:

Brilliant Chemistry: Following the success of Ishq Express, the pair is back to entertain you with this charming love story, looking adorable as ever. The cute Nok-Jhok between the duo, their love-hate moments and moments that make your heart melt, it is impossible to get enough of Dhun Dhun and Inaaya.

Love is in the air: If you believe in finding love at the most unexpected places, then you should definitely watch this web series. This compelling love story will keep you hooked till the very end. With the classic ‘opposites attract’ love story, its captivating and heart-pounding romance will make you reminisce when you meet your special someone for the first time.

Stellar Performance of the cast: During the entire duration of this web series, it will become difficult to distinguish between Ritvik and Dhun Dhun and Gayatri and Inaya. The actors have perfectly managed to breathe life into these characters and make us seem like people next door who we have known for ages.

Free to watch: Yes! You get to enjoy a lovely tale of romance, companionship, and a wholesome relationship for free. You don’t have to pay anything to view this intriguing and beautiful show on a subscription basis. It is available for free on Amazon miniTV within the Amazon Shopping App.

With multiple romance dramas and love stories dominating the digital space, Amazon miniTVs Highway Love is carving its own identity owing to a multitude of reasons. The series stars Ritvik Sahore and Gayatri Bhardwaj in lead roles, as they explore human emotions and tell the tale of two very different personalities. The narrative follows the lives of Dhun Dhun, an introvert, and Inaya, an outgoing and fearless girl. The two cross paths on the Mumbai-Pune Highway and end up playing a significant role in each other’s lives.

If that doesn’t entice you enough, here’s a list of 4 reasons why we suggest you watch this romantic drama:

Brilliant Chemistry: Following the success of Ishq Express, the pair is back to entertain you with this charming love story, looking adorable as ever. The cute Nok-Jhok between the duo, their love-hate moments and moments that make your heart melt, it is impossible to get enough of Dhun Dhun and Inaaya.

Love is in the air: If you believe in finding love at the most unexpected places, then you should definitely watch this web series. This compelling love story will keep you hooked till the very end. With the classic ‘opposites attract’ love story, its captivating and heart-pounding romance will make you reminisce when you meet your special someone for the first time.

Stellar Performance of the cast: During the entire duration of this web series, it will become difficult to distinguish between Ritvik and Dhun Dhun and Gayatri and Inaya. The actors have perfectly managed to breathe life into these characters and make us seem like people next door who we have known for ages.

Free to watch: Yes! You get to enjoy a lovely tale of romance, companionship, and a wholesome relationship for free. You don’t have to pay anything to view this intriguing and beautiful show on a subscription basis. It is available for free on Amazon miniTV within the Amazon Shopping App.

Mumbai,19th June 2023— Being the official merchandise partner of well-renowned teams such as Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Punjab Kings (PBKS), play is a well-known sports equipment manufacturer with its wide range of equipment and accessories which include gloves, pads, balls, bats, bags, etc. With its slogan, “Let’s play”, play ensures efficient and reliable products catering to the needs of the players.

playR always comes up with equipment that is extremely innovative and flexible to use for all players whether experts or amateurs. With its innovative equipment, play continues to keep its audiences engaged and determined when it comes to cricket.

Notable highlights include:

1. Cricket Gear Bag: Your Ultimate All-in-One Solution for Cricket Equipment.The Cricket Gear Bag is meticulously crafted with the modern cricketer in mind. It offers ample storage space and intelligently designed compartments to accommodate all your cricket gear, including bats, pads, gloves, helmets, and more. No more juggling multiple bags or struggling to find the right equipment – everything you need is neatly organised in one place. It eliminates the hassle of carrying multiple bags, ensures your gear stays organised, and simplifies your cricketing experience.
2. Superior Batting Equipment: playR’s specially crafted cricket bats deliver unmatched power and precision. Designed with the needs of professional and amateur cricketers in mind, these bats provide exceptional balance, superb grip, and optimal weight distribution, enabling batsmen to dominate the game.
3. High-Performance Gloves: playR’s gloves and pads offer a perfect blend of comfort, protection, and flexibility. These specially designed gloves provide excellent grip, shock absorption, and breathability, enhancing players’ confidence and dexterity on the field.
4. Premium Cricket Balls: playR’s cricket balls are hand-crafted and engineered to deliver consistent performance and durability. These high-quality balls provide excellent seam control, swing, and bounce, ensuring an exhilarating experience for bowlers and fielders.

Speaking about the partnership,Ravi Kukreja, CEO of playR, expressed his views, saying, “We are incredibly excited to partner with some of India’s most popular IPL teams. This collaboration presents a tremendous opportunity for us to connect with a larger audience and foster increased engagement between fans and their beloved teams. The IPL has revolutionised the sports merchandise market in India, and our objective is to offer fans the finest sports merchandise and equipment available. This partnership between playR and the IPL teams is a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence and its understanding of the dynamic nature of the IPL. With the launch of these innovative products, playR aims to revolutionise the cricketing landscape and further strengthen its position as a leading sports equipment brand.”

19th June 2023 Urban Square Mall in Udaipur leases space to yet another major brand, Lifestyle, India’s premier clothing store, within its premises. The Lifestyle store spans an impressive 17,500 square feet across two floors. The store was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, IG, Udaipur, Mr Ajay Pal Lamba, in the presence of Mr. Uddhav Poddar, Managing Director, Bhumika Group.

“We are delighted to welcome Lifestyle, India’s leading clothing brand, to Urban Square Mall in Udaipur. This opening marks an exciting milestone in the development of our city’s retail landscape. With its expansive store offering diverse national and international brands, Lifestyle adds tremendous value to the mall. More than 75 lifestyle brands from India and abroad have leased the spaces. We are committed to making Urban Square Mall one of Rajasthan’s premier retail destinations,” said Uddhav Poddar, Managing Director of Bhumika Group.

Along with a diverse range of national and international brands, the store will also offer its own popular brands, such as Melange, Kappa, CODE, Forca, Ginger, Bossini, Fame Forever, and more.

Urban Square Mall is slated to become the largest mall in Udaipur. More than 75 lifestyle brands from India and abroad have leased the spaces. Phase I of the project features a six-screen multiplex to provide a holistic visual experience to its visitors. The total build-up area of the project is 8.54 lakh sq ft. As of now, only the first phase of the vast complex spread over 1.1 million square feet is functional. The second phase has already been launched. Urban Square Mall is part of mixed-use land development spreading over 3 acres. Once phase two is complete, Urban Square Mall will become one of Rajasthan’s most prominent retail destinations.

19th June 2023, India: Bollywood’s leading lady and Superstar Kiara Advani has been signed as the brand ambassador for global confectionery major Mars Wrigley’s iconic global brand, GALAXY® chocolates.

The company made the announcement in collaboration with the versatile Indian actress via her official social media pages with a teaser video. The announcement was followed by a TVC wherein the actor is seen in a whimsical setting indulging in the smoothness of GALAXY® chocolates, deriving pleasure with every bite.

Talking about the latest association, Varun Kandhari, Director Marketing, Mars Wrigley India said, “We are really delighted to have Kiara as the face of our globally loved GALAXY® chocolate in the India market. Her elegance and charm seamlessly compliment the brand’s persona. Through this latest campaign featuring Kiara Advani, we bring to life the effortless pleasure GALAXY® chocolates deliver with their signature smooth recipe. Through our associations and portfolio, we have been continuously driving relevance for our GALAXY® chocolates in the minds of the Indian consumer. With this new development, we intend to further strengthen affinity toward GALAXY® chocolates as an iconic chocolate brand that is loved all over the world for its smooth chocolate experience.”

The latest TVC has been conceptualized by the brand’s creative agency, DDB Tribal. The film brings alive how mundane moments in daily life can be made pleasurable as soon as the smoothness of the GALAXY® chocolates takes over. In the ad film, Kiara is seen in a playful hide-and-seek gesture between her and the moon as the latter casts a spotlight on the GALAXY® chocolate and is fixated on it, showcasing the out-of-this-world experience that the chocolate promises thereby establishing itself as the brand of choice for pleasure seekers across the country.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new association, Kiara Advani adds, “The only sweet craving I have is for chocolate, I love indulging, even if it’s a small piece of chocolate after every meal. Chocolate has a far more deeper place in all our hearts as it denotes our childhood memories. This association holds a special place in my heart as I am a loyal consumer of GALAXY® chocolate and you will always find a bar or two in my refrigerator. It brings me immense happiness to be part of such an iconic and globally loved brand.”

Speaking on the latest campaign, Iraj Fraz, Creative Head, DDB Tribal, “GALAXY® Chocolates’ global platform of #ChoosePleasure is reincarnated with a Star and the Moon: Kiara Advani is here to lend her charm for the smoothest chocolate ever. The campaign was shot in the streets of Istanbul and features an original blues soundtrack. This is not a film to be described in words. There should be no explanation of the plot. No summary of the story. This is a film to be just watched, consumed, and enjoyed. So, here’s what we urge – #ChoosePleasure, pull out your earphones and watch it on a large screen.”

Launched in the year 2013 in India, GALAXY® chocolates deliver a uniquely pleasurable experience of rich milk chocolate combined with Mars Wrigley’s signature smooth recipe. It is the preferred brand for many people across the world who relish the smooth texture that imbibes the goodness of chocolate flavor with a creamy texture.