Archives August 2023

Maharashtra,25th August 2023: With an aim to equip farmers with effective tech-enabled solutions, Salam Kisan, India’s fast-growing data-driven end to end agriculture platform that helps increase productivity and profitability for farmers, introduces a first-of-its-kind drone-based spraying service through FPOs on a rental basis for farmers in the Chandrapur district, Maharashtra. This groundbreaking initiative was unveiled by Honourable Cabinet Minister of State Mr. Sudhir Munagantiwar, Cabinet Minister of Finance & Planning, Forests in the Government of Maharashtra during the Wild Vegetable Festival 2023 on Independence Day, and he hoisted the national flag using a drone provided by the company. With this initiative, Salam Kisan aims to equip farmers with cutting-edge technology that not only enhances their agricultural practices and promotes sustainable resource usage but also contributes to their economic well-being.

Under this initiative, Salam Kisan has collaborated with Farmers’ Producer Organizations (FPOs) to make drone spraying services easily accessible and affordable to a broader spectrum of farmers. By making drones an efficient and doorstep solution, the company intends to equip farmers with cutting-edge spraying capabilities for seamless pest management and precise use of agrochemicals. It also reduces water wastage by 85 – 90% and product usage by 20-30%, making strides toward sustainable agriculture.

At the same time, FPOs will receive an assured incentive on each spraying order (acreage wise). While reducing input costs for farmers, improving operational efficiency, and conserving valuable resources, this strategic initiative intends to provide FPOs with financial benefits and upliftment.

The Independence Day launch event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries who have significantly contributed to India’s agricultural progress. Accompanying them were Salam Kisan’s special guides, including Akshay Khobragade, COO; Paresh Kullarkar, Agri-Operational Manager, and the pioneering drone pilots Raj Sidam and Amol Kohare.

Dhanashree Mandhani, Founder & CEO, Salam Kisan, said, “At Salam Kisan, we’re committed to empowering rural communities toward resilience and sustainability, and collaborations between public and private entities will be pivotal in implementing change at the grass-roots level. We believe in PM Narendra Modi’s vision that FPOs are going to give great power to small farmers and that the coming together of Sarkar and Sahkaar will drive us to Viksit Bharat. Our national agriculture policy aims to set up 10,000 new FPOs by 2025 with a focus on revamping agriculture value chains and catalyzing the growth of logistics in rural areas. Launching drone-based spraying service in collaboration with FPOs this Independence Day is a testament to our commitment to this vision.”

“Usually, traditional pump spraying uses 100 – 120 liters of water per acre, and drone spraying uses 10 liters per acre. Traditional spraying is time-consuming and requires manual labor, while drone spraying takes 7 minutes. By making drone service accessible to farmers, we are helping reduce input costs, increase efficiency, and ensure farmers’ safety. At the core, we intend to benefit farmers, our agricultural ecosystem, and FPOs. We are delighted to receive appreciation from honorable minister Sudhir Bhai Munagantiwar for our vision.” stated Akshay Khobragade, COO, Salam Kisan.

A pivotal highlight of the event was the recognition of Raj Sidam and Amol Kohare, the first tribal drone pilots, for their exceptional contributions to the agricultural sector. Salam Kisan’s visionary approach extends to strategic collaborations with women-led and tribal-led FPOs. These partnerships empower women-led FPOs with the necessary knowledge, tools, and resources to flourish within the agricultural ecosystem. By nurturing skill development, facilitating market access, and promoting value chain integration, Salam Kisan creates an enabling environment for these FPOs to excel and make significant contributions to the agricultural sector.

Salam Kisan is a rapidly-growing data-driven agriculture ecosystem providing centralized solutions for stakeholders in the agriculture ecosystem. They equip farmers with a range of solutions from pre-sowing to post-harvest, from AI-enabled crop planning calendars, equipment rentals, drone rental services, storage facilities, and produce marketplace, among others. In just 7 months, they have catered to over 22k farmers across 7,000 villages in India.

India –25th August 2023 Mountain Education Group (MEG), leading education group in China operating in K12 bilingual schools and worldwide reference in Higher Education Les Roches business school officially celebrated yesterday their exclusive cooperation in China. Through a strategic alliance, the two parties plan to develop a unique network of hospitality higher education campuses in China starting with a first Campus in Shanghai in 2025.

Les Roches has always been committed to China and Chinese students, having been a pioneering actor in China with its first establishment in 2003, 20 years ago.

With Mountain Education Group, Les Roches pursue its mission to provide Chinese talents with world-class hospitality management education, building on the highest standards developed by Les Roches. The agreement foresees pan-Chinese expansion of Les Roches brand, starting with the first campus opening in Shanghai planned in 2025. The partners plan to open 3 to 4 campuses across the country (Shanghai, Wuxi, Suzhou…).

On the day of the official signing, Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO Les Roches commented: “We are thrilled to share this new development for Les Roches. Les Roches is proud to have been the first actor in Hospitality management education supporting the transformation of China’s hospitality industry as well as the development of its talent pool, and now wishes to continue to contribute to this dynamic and important industry in China. The aim of Les Roches is to provide the widest career opportunities to aspirants in Hospitality and entrepreneurship providing students with knowledge, skills and opportunities for international and national careers in hospitality, gastronomy, luxury and retail. “

MEG CEO Mr. Zeng declared: “For many years, MEG has consistently pursued an idealistic approach to education, the schools we invest in and manage in Shanghai and Suzhou have received high praise from parents and students, several campus buildings have won numerous significant domestic and international awards.”

Sommet Education CEO, Benoît-Etienne Domenget shared: “As one of the world’s fastest growing economies for careers in tourism and hospitality, China is an essential development platform for international education brands like ours to invest in and innovate. This new alliance will seal future opportunities to all of our students and Chinese talents.”

Les Roches will be responsible for academic curriculum development, as well as standard policies implementation.

The first iconic realization of the two partners will be the “Shanghai Mountain Les Roches Campus”, a very ambitious project that brings a unique model of education and architectural design to the city of Shanghai.

“Shanghai Mountain Les Roches Campus” will adopt an educational model based on academic learning and strong integration of practice within the curriculum. The principal team, academic team and backbone teachers will be appointed by the Les Roches Global Hospitality Education. The teaching curriculum of the school will be aligned with the curriculum of Les Roches Campuses in Switzerland and vocational education will be combined with undergraduate education.

MEG will be responsible for all financial investments, land acquisition, architectural design, campus or project construction, licenses and permits, financial management, student recruitment and logistical arrangements.

The campus design is divided into two phases. The project has entered the first phase of the design and planning stage. The campus building will be designed and built by a team of world renowned and Pritzker Prize winners’ designers. The confirmed Pritzker Prize Winners include: Alvaro Siza (Portugal) and Tadao Ando (Japan). In addition, MEG is inviting Peter Zumthor, a Swiss national treasure designer and winner of Pritzker Prize in 2009, to join the design of this magnificent campus project. The other designers team includes Guo Xien and Hu Rushan, founding partners of Ruen Design Research Office, Liu Yichun, the chief architect of Dashe Architecture Design Firm, and Fan Beilei, the founder of Geng Architecture Firm.

Les Roches will also support MEG in the pre-opening phase of the campus with project management as well as with facilities and operations development, marketing and enrolment.

Detailed program offering will be performed in 2023, based on Les Roches academic standards and addressing the needs of Chinese Hospitality Industry.

Les Roches model hospitality education programs balance theory with practice, independent learning with strong faculty support and mentorship, providing a solid foundation for lifelong learning. Guided by its mission, Les Roches ensures that students acquire personal and professional skills for immediate employment and progression into leadership positions in the industry.

Mumbai, 25th August 2023 The Punjab Government today announced a host of strategic initiatives to launch the first ever Punjab Tourism Summit and Travel Mart which will be held in Mohali from September 11-13 to position the state as the most preferred destination for tourism encompassing its rich heritage, traditions, art forms, and customs.

The Punjab Travel Mart aims to bring the country’s forward looking tourism professionals to Punjab and catapult the state as a top tourist destination. The event will also see participation of foreign and domestic tour operators, DMCs, DMOs, travel trade media, travel influencers, hotel operators, B&B and farm stays owners, tourism boards, etc.

Five cities – Amritsar, Roopnagar, Ludhiana, Patiala, and Fatehgarh Sahib have emerged as top draws for foreign tourists and the Department of Tourism is now on a fast track to bring the state to the forefront of Indian tourism and be a leading international tourist destination by 2030.

The Department of Tourism held the second-leg of its four-city roadshow here at the Hotel Sahara Star to showcase the initiatives taken by the state government to promote tourism. The roadshow which started from Jaipur on August 23, held in Mumbai today and will further travel to Hyderabad on August 25. It will culminate at Delhi on August 26. The roadshow in Mumbai was attended by Chief Guest Ms. Anmol Gagan Mann, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Investment Promotion, Punjab, and Guest of Honour Ms. Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, IAS Principal Secretary Tourism and Cultural Affairs.

In the keynote address, the Honorable Tourism Minister, Ms. Anmol Gagan Mann said, “The Punjab Government, led by Hon. Chief Minister Shri Bhagwant Mann, is working relentlessly to promote tourism in the state that would increase footfall from both international and domestic sectors. This in turn will provide maximum employment opportunities for women and youth. To achieve this, the government has launched a host of initiatives like Invest Punjab, fiscal incentives on tourism in Industrial Policy 2022, Introduction of Wellness Policy, Revision of Eco Tourism and Culture Policy, and Implementation of Adventure Tourism & Water Tourism Policy, etc. We strongly believe all the initiatives in cohesion will enhance the image of the state in terms of ease of doing business and bring in more tourists both national and international.”

Commenting on the initiatives undertaken by the Government of Punjab, Ms. Rakhee Gupta

Bhandari, Principal Secretary Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Govt of Punjab said that two initiatives that are very close to the heart of the government are wellness and women in tourism. Expanding on this, she added, “Punjab is also seeking to establish itself as a hub for wellness. with yoga and meditation retreats, offering serene environments and expert instructors to guide participants through these practices. The state has many locations with peaceful surroundings, such as near riverbanks or amidst rural landscapes. Punjab’s rich cultural heritage can be integrated into wellness experiences. Traditional Punjabi cuisine, music, dance, and arts can be part of the wellness journey, enhancing the overall sense of rejuvenation.

Empowering and involving women in the tourism industry will have a positive impact on both the industry and the overall socio-economic development of Punjab. The government aims to provide training and skill development programs for women interested in various roles within the tourism sector, including hospitality, tour guiding, customer service, and event management. It also seeks to encourage and support women entrepreneurs to start their own tourism-related businesses, such as boutique hotels, homestays, handicraft shops, and women-led travel agencies by offering financial assistance, mentorship, and business development resources.”

The primary objective of Invest Punjab is to become a one-stop office for investment promotion, regulatory clearances, investment facilities, and aftercare. This has played a key role in Punjab being featured among the top states in the Ease of Doing Business in India in 2022.

In terms of the state as a film shooting venue, Invest Punjab has given permission to 90 films so far. Aimed at bringing in transparency and efficiency to the process, the portal has ensured that the entire process from application to payment of fees is online and seamless, all within 15 days.

The fiscal incentives on tourism in Industrial Policy 2022 offers benefits to hotels that have twenty or more rooms, subject to fulfillment of Punjab Urban Planning and Development Building Rules, 2021, units for Meetings, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), which are basically hotels with facilities for a large group to hold meetings and includes at least one Convention Hall or Exhibition Hall, and media and entertainment that are specially created for tourists like amusement parks, adventure parks, tourism parks, any special theme parks, or infrastructure related to the promotion of cinematic tourism.

The new fiscal incentives on tourism in Industrial Policy 2022 are focused on encouraging entities to invest in eco-tourism units /farm stays/home stays and tented accommodation; camping units/caravan tourism, adventure /water tourism projects, heritage hotels, and film Production/ cinematography. The Government of Punjab has also rolled out lucrative fiscal incentives on tourism in the Industrial Policy 2022 that aims to boost the service sector.

Punjab Tourism’s focus in the coming years will be on adventure and water tourism, wellness tourism and agri/ eco-tourism with heightened emphasis on the development of home and farm stays in rural areas. The government is also keen to enhance the role of women in tourism as this leads to their empowerment, thereby improving quality of life and livelihood.

Bengaluru,25th August 2023— LG Electronics (LG) has launched its brand-new Life’s Good global campaign, carrying out various brand reinvent activities to introduce its more dynamic and youthful brand identity.

Starting August 22, the company rolled out its Life’s Good global campaign, unveiling digital out-of-home (OOH) advertisements at some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including locations in Dubai, London, New York, Vietnam and Seoul. Each vibrant image and captivating video has been meticulously crafted to showcase LG’s renewed visual themes.

With its global campaign, the company aims to convey the message Life’s Good to customers, inspiring and encouraging them to approach life with an optimistic attitude. In light of the rising uncertainty and instability worldwide due to post-pandemic changes, the campaign’s ultimate goal is to uplift customers and spread a positive influence, fostering mutual support.

Along with introducing its updated brand and visual identity, the new campaign aims to share the company’s philosophy and values. The company has been ceaselessly committed to embodying the true meaning of Life’s Good. To convey this message with a dynamic and youthful manner, LG launched its new brand and visual identity in April, under the banner of LG’s brand reinvent.

LG’s latest advertisements can be seen at Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, the Landmark 81 skyscraper in Vietnam, the company’s digital billboards in New York’s Times Square and London’s Piccadilly Circus, LG’s LED outdoor screen at Óvalo Gutiérrez in Peru, the KP Tower in Noida, India, as well as in select spaces in South Korea, seizing the attention of global audiences. The campaign also extends to London’s beloved red double-decker buses, which currently feature LG’s Life’s Good slogan – visually revamped as part of an innovative brand reinvention strategy.

The advertisement videos showcase the “Face of the Future,” the smiling face formed by the letters “L” and “G” engages and entertains; nodding, bobbing and showing off a range of different emotions. The video is also imbued with the youthful exuberance of LG Active Red, the latest addition to the company’s core color palette.

Furthermore, LG is expanding its digital engagement with young, global customers by promoting brand awareness through its official social media channels. Starting from August 25, the company will introduce exclusive features, including the “LG Finger Heart Filter” and “Life’s Good Sticker Package,” tailored for major social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. These creative elements, freely available to all users, are part of the company’s broader plan to launch a global participation campaign, connecting customers to its brand in new and exciting ways.

The company also plans to release collaboration contents with various influencers and brand films through LG’s global social channels to convey the meaning of Life’s Good and core brand values to customers more authentically.

LG has partnered with a collection of global influencers, all embodying the spirit of “brave optimists” and confidently carving their own paths, including American singer and actress Willow Smith; Australian national swimmer and singer-songwriter Cody Simpson; and Nigerian-Korean fashion model Jenny Park. Through these meaningful partnerships, LG aims to amplify the Life’s Good message, fostering inspiration and hope among customers around the world.

In July, LG declared its vision to transform into a “smart life solution company” that can connect and expand customers’ diverse experiences and has been steadily carrying out its brand reinvent activities at various customer contact points as one of its major strategies.

“LG is committed to actively communicating and providing innovative customer experiences that evolve with the times, recognizing the changing needs of customers,” said Lee Jeong-seok, head of LG Electronics’ Global Marketing Center. “We aim to enhance our communication with customers by sincerely sharing our core value and the message of Life’s Good. Filled with optimism, this message will be delivered to customers worldwide at various customer contact points.”

New Delhi; 25th August 2023: Vedanta Aluminium, the largest aluminium producer in India, has now hired several differently-abled individuals across its operations in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, ramping up its efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusivity (DE&I) within the metals and mining sector. These individuals, experiencing impairments ranging from loss of vision to limited mobility, have been mapped to jobs that closely match their skill set and unique abilities, and are provided specialised training for their job responsibilities by domain experts. This is a noteworthy move as it is far more complex to hire differently-abled people in the heavy engineering, metals and core manufacturing sector than in other sectors such as the back-office or service industry.

Hired from within the communities residing around its operations, the nearly 20 employees are now contributing to Vedanta Aluminium’s operations in a diverse array of roles, ranging from commercial, human resources, and asset security to housekeeping, storekeeping and carpentry. Hiring differently-abled personnel offers an opportunity for businesses to go beyond standardised approaches and focus on building a workplace that is truly inclusive. This outlook encompasses ensuring safety, such as specialised alerts for hearing-impaired individuals, to process augmentations, such as sourcing customized tools that allow for greater freedom of movement to mobility-impaired individuals.

Vedanta Aluminium endeavours to build the capabilities of these employees to ably handle job responsibilities at par with their colleagues and provide them with the opportunity to successfully join the socio-economic mainstream. The company facilitates this inclusion through a five-pronged strategy: (i) identifying potential individuals for hiring (ii) comprehensive skill-focused training by experts (iii) fostering an enabling environment via sensitisation sessions for employees (iv) enabling policies and processes, and (v) infrastructure enhancements that account for different abilities and ensure equitable approaches to mitigating restrictions. Additionally, the company has assigned dedicated Human Resources Business Partners to support the professionals in availing of relevant government schemes, such as facilitating the issuance of disability certificates and securing supportive benefits from both state and central government programs.

On the occasion, Mr. Sunil Gupta, COO, Vedanta Limited – Aluminium Business commented, “At Vedanta Aluminium, embracing diversity isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic advantage for us. When we hire differently abled individuals, we don’t just open doors for them, we also open doors to added innovation, unbounded creativity, and a richer tapestry of perspectives within our organization which can be leveraged for exponential growth.”

Sharing his views, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO & Wholetime Director, BALCO said, “We are nurturing an inclusive workforce environment that surpasses conventional perceptions and rewards aptitude and sheer passion for the job. Recognizing the immense value of embracing inclusivity in all its forms, we welcome our new employees and wish them a successful career.

Mr. Dilip Sinha, CHRO, Vedanta Ltd. – Aluminium Business added, “Vedanta Aluminium is committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming of all capable professionals, that seek to continuously enhance their abilities. This approach has enabled us to remain at the forefront of people practices in the industry. The move to hire differently-abled professionals from the communities around our plant operations comes as a natural extension of this effort. When we grow, we ensure we take our communities along with us towards achieving sustainable progress.”

This initiative builds on the company’s recent strides in LGBTQ+ hiring, which saw it employ, train and deploy nearly 30 transgender individuals in core operations across its plant locations, underscoring its dedication to fostering diversity and inclusiveness. Most recently, the company unveiled a unique Gender Reaffirmation Policy that provides financial support and paid time off to transgender professionals contemplating gender reassignment surgery. The company has also designed all of its job roles to be gender agnostic, prioritising skill and ability over all other considerations. Together, these significant steps are propelling a transformative shift towards enhanced employee diversity and encouraging inclusive business practices within India’s manufacturing landscape.

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.29 million tonnes in FY23. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 2nd in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) 2022 world rankings for the aluminium industry, a reflection of its sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow. www.vedantaaluminium.com

India,25th August 2023— Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET), the security, performance, and reliability company helping to build a better Internet, today released a new study focused on cybersecurity in Asia Pacific. The report, called “Securing the Future: Asia Pacific Cybersecurity Readiness Survey,” shares the latest data on cybersecurity preparedness in the region, revealing how organizations are coping with rising volumes of cybersecurity incidents, their levels of preparedness, and the outcomes experienced. These new findings report that the majority of organizations are not prepared to handle cybersecurity attacks, despite the fact that attacks are on the rise.

Organizations Face Rising Volumes of Cybersecurity Incidents
The study, which was conducted across over 4,000 cybersecurity decision-makers and leaders across Australia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, found that 78% of respondents experienced at least one cybersecurity incident in the past 12 months. Of those who experienced a cybersecurity incident, 80% reported four or more incidents. And, 50% experienced 10 or more cybersecurity incidents, with 72% forecasting an increase in the next 12 months.

Majority of Organizations Not Prepared to Respond to Attacks, Millions in Losses and Fines
Despite the increasing frequency of cybersecurity incidents, only 38% consider themselves highly prepared, with those in Healthcare (16%), Education (13%), Government (10%), and Tourism (10%) reporting they are most likely unprepared to withstand an incident.

What’s more, about 63% of survey respondents reported that the financial impact of cybersecurity incidents on their organizations was at least US$1M over the past 12 months, with 14% suffering a loss of more than US$3M. Asia Pacific organizations were also concerned with regulatory action. 33% of respondents said their organization reported breaches to the relevant authorities, with 26% paying a fine, and the same number facing legal action.

The study also shows talent constraints are still prevalent in the region, with a lack of talent cited by 60% of respondents when discussing challenges to cybersecurity preparedness.

Businesses Contend with Different Forms of Online Attacks While Trying to Secure a Hybrid Workforce
Survey respondents reported web attacks, phishing, Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS), insider threats, and stolen credentials as the cyberattacks they experienced in the past 12 months. Respondents also ranked planting spyware as the primary goal of cybercriminals, followed by financial gain, data exfiltration, and ransomware. Notably, the three most pressing challenges cybersecurity decision-makers and leaders face are: securing a hybrid workforce (51%); defending against cyberattacks (48%); and deploying Zero Trust (42%).

More Products Do Not Mean More Protection
Most of the respondents surveyed currently have between six and 15 products in their cybersecurity architecture, while larger organizations have almost twice as many, with 20 or more. Juggling multiple solutions has somewhat negatively impacted effectiveness — hinting that organizations should be looking to simplify. In the study, only 39% of organizations with less than 15 solutions experienced 10 or more cybersecurity incidents. However, 73% of those with more than 15 solutions experienced the same. On the other hand, 80% of organizations with less than 15 solutions were able to resolve incidents in less than 12 hours, while only 65% of those with more than 15 solutions have done the same.

Most Organizations Expect to Increase Budget in the Next 12 Months
In the past 12 months, 53% of survey respondents spent between 11% and 20% of their organization’s entire IT budget on cybersecurity, while another 28% of respondents spent more than 20% of their total IT budget. Healthcare, Transportation, and Finance were the industries that spent the most on cybersecurity, while Education, Gaming, Government, and Manufacturing spent the least. When it comes to future plans, 67% of all respondents expect their cybersecurity budgets to increase in the next 12 months, while 22% expect to maintain their current spend.

“While preparedness is key, organizations continue to grapple with a cybersecurity landscape that’s more volatile and complex than ever. Simply increasing spend or adding more products isn’t the answer for the best outcome either. It’s important to build a strong security culture that empowers business leaders to approach cybersecurity as a strategic imperative to every organization, including technological and cost consolidation, in order to get the double benefit of spending less while having a more robust and simpler-to-manage cybersecurity infrastructure,” said Jonathon Dixon, Vice-President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Japan and China at Cloudflare.

Today, some of Asia Pacific’s most sophisticated organizations turn to Cloudflare for their cybersecurity needs, including Envato, JCB, and Melbourne Airport. “We’re a cloud-native company with a global workforce. Our staff needs to access key company resources from wherever they are in the world. Cloudflare was a really good fit — a secure, effective, and simpler approach than traditional access controls,” said Ross Simpson, Senior Principal Security Engineer at Envato.

To find out more about the APAC Cybersecurity Study, please check out:
● Whitepaper download

Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted by Sandpiper Communications, on behalf of Cloudflare across a total of 4,009 cyber security decision-makers and leaders from small (150 to 999 employees), medium (1,000 to 2500 employees), and large (more than 2,500 employees) organizations. Respondents were drawn from a wide range of industries: Business & Professional Services; Construction & Real Estate; Education; Energy, Utilities & Natural Resources; Financial Services; Gaming; Government; Healthcare; IT & Technology; Manufacturing; Media & Telecoms; Retail; Transportation; Travel, Tourism & Hospitality. Respondents were based in 14 markets across Asia Pacific: Australia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam (n=203 to 426 per country), and were surveyed online and recruited via general business panels. The survey was aimed at building a better understanding of the threat landscape facing Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and their teams across the vast and varied territories of Asia Pacific, and the actions driving positive results and outcomes. The survey was conducted in July 2023.

Mumbai, 25th August 2023: Kanakia International School, a renowned name in the education sector, is basking in the glory of a remarkable achievement – achieving a perfect 100% pass rate in the recent IGCSE board examination. The school’s commitment to nurturing academic brilliance and fostering holistic growth has once again shone through.

Highlighting this accomplishment are two exceptional students, Aadhya Shetty and Pratham Mehta, who have etched their names in the records of the institution’s history. Aadhya and Pratham have achieved a flawless PUM score of 100 in Mathematics, an astounding achievement that reflects their profound dedication and grasp of the subject. Notably, their excellence extends beyond Mathematics, as Aadhya has secured a splendid aggregate score of 6 A* and 1 A, while Pratham has also demonstrated an exceptional performance with 6 A* and 1 A.

Adding to the jubilation is the fact that 61% of Kanakia International School’s students have achieved the prestigious A* and A grades in various subjects. This accomplishment stands as a testament to the institution’s unyielding commitment to providing an all-encompassing education that nurtures academic prowess, critical thinking, and personal growth.

In a statement beaming with pride, Principal Shuchi Shukla, Kanakia International School, Chembur said, “The resounding success of our students in the IGCSE board examinations is a true reflection of their diligence, the dedication of our faculty, and the nurturing environment that Kanakia International School offers. We extend our heartiest congratulations to Aadhya Shetty, Pratham Mehta, and all our students for their outstanding achievements.”

Kanakia International School’s triumph resonates with its mission to empower young minds to achieve excellence in academics and beyond. As a hub of learning and personal development, the school continues to inspire and support its students, setting the stage for bright futures.

25th August 2023 G-SHOCK India, the trailblazing force in unbreakable watches, proudly unveils the association with acclaimed cricketer Shubman Gill as its brand ambassador. This monumental collaboration brings together G-SHOCK’s 40 years of relentless dedication to crafting tough and trend-setting timepieces and Shubman Gill’s embodiment of the ‘spirit of toughness,’ encompassing both physical resilience and mental fortitude.

A person in a black jacket

Description automatically generated G-SHOCK’s legacy spans four decades, during which it has set an unassailable standard for durability and innovation in the watchmaking realm. This remarkable journey represents a commitment to excellence, providing watches that endure the harshest conditions while bringing forth impeccable precision, innovative design and fashionable appeal for the ever-evolving youth audiences.

Shubman Gill, the youngest shining star in the cricketing world, has captured the imagination of millions with his unwavering commitment, exceptional talent, and grit on and off the field. Known for his remarkable performances, Gill embodies the very spirit that G-SHOCK has embodied since its inception: resilience, tenacity, and the pursuit of excellence. His relentless pursuit of sporting triumphs echoes the brand’s philosophy of ‘Absolute Toughness’ and uncompromising evolution to achieve.

“We are delighted to welcome Shubman Gill to the global G-SHOCK family. His inspiring persona and unwavering determination resonate strongly with G-SHOCK’s values, making him the perfect embodiment of our ‘spirit of toughness.’ Together, we aim to empower the youth, encourage them to embrace challenges, and foster an unyielding spirit of never giving up.” said Hideki Imai, Managing Director, Casio India.

The collaboration with Shubman Gill lays a firm foundation to deepen G-SHOCK’s connection with the Gen Z & Millennial audience in India. Globally positioned as a lifestyle-centric watch brand, G-SHOCK is profoundly intertwined with youth subcultures, embodying the spirit of adventure and resilience. Gill’s unwavering spirit on the pitch, where he faces formidable challenges with unified composure, finds a remarkable parallel in the unbreakable resilience of G-SHOCK. Just as the watch stands strong against the test of time, Gill’s prowess stands unshaken against the fiercest bowlers. With each swing of his bat, the partnership resonates—a fusion of a firm personality and a timepiece symbolic of toughness and evolution. This collaboration transcends horizons, celebrating Gill’s unrelenting dedication in sync with G-SHOCK’s robust and enduring legacy.

The unveiling of this partnership features Shubman Gill, donning two iconic G-SHOCK all-black models – GA-2100-1A1DR and DW-5600BB-1DR. These two masterpieces hold a special place in G-SHOCK’s illustrious design evolution over four decades, symbolizing the brand’s commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation and style.

With Shubman Gill as its driving force, G-SHOCK India is geared up to embark on an exciting new chapter, deepening its connection with the Gen Z and Millennials’ constant pursuit of innovation, style, and unmatched durability.

Talking about the association, Shubman Gill said, “It is an honour to be associated with G-SHOCK, a brand that has set the benchmark for durability and innovation in the world of timekeeping. For a cricketer, time is of utmost value. A well-timed shot can win the game for the team. The focus and resilience that I strive to maintain while at play, resonate with the vision of G-SHOCK, as they cater to the dynamic style range of an ever-flourishing youth consumer base. I hope that this exciting inning with G-SHOCK turns into an unbeatable knock of innovation and excellence, with consumers at the winning end.”

With Shubman Gill’s passion for toughness and G-SHOCK’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve, this collaboration promises to be an exciting journey of empowerment and inspiration.

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Pune, 25th August 2023 – Affordable Robotics and Automation Pvt. Ltd. (ARAPL), the leading Turnkey Automation Solution provider, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Shailesh Pandit as an Independent Director to the board. This strategic move not only enriches ARAPL’s leadership with Mr. Pandit’s extensive experience but also emphasizes the company’s commitment to corporate governance and investor confidence.

Mr. Shailesh Pandit, an engineering graduate from VJTI, Mumbai, brings a wealth of expertise and accomplishments to the ARAPL team. Notably, as the Director of Shalaka Shafts Pvt. Ltd. (SSPL), he spearheaded the transition from manual to automated operations through the implementation of CNC machines, leading to remarkable financial growth and global market expansion. His proficiency extends beyond industry transformation; he has successfully facilitated international partnerships, boosting economic growth and fostering cross-cultural collaborations.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Pandit’s dedication to social initiatives is commendable. Serving as the Secretary of Jan Kalyan Blood Centre and the President of Jan Kalyan Samiti, he has overseen multiple impactful projects in education and healthcare, showcasing his commitment to societal betterment.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Shailesh Pandit as an Independent Director at ARAPL. His proven track record of business transformation and his profound understanding of global markets align seamlessly with our vision and export oriented growth strategy in the coming years . With this appointment, we aim to bolster our corporate governance practices and enhance investor confidence. Mr. Pandit’s role will be pivotal in steering ARAPL towards sustained growth and reinforcing our standing as a global automation leader.” – Mukund Shah, CEO of Affordable Robotics and Automation Pvt. Ltd. (ARAPL)

The addition of Mr. Pandit as an Independent Director underlines ARAPL’s strategic focus on governance and transparency. Independent Directors, like Mr. Pandit, play a vital role by offering impartial advice, diverse perspectives, and effective judgment to the board. They also uphold corporate governance principles and monitor potential conflicts of interest, thus promoting the highest standards of ethical conduct.

ARAPL’s commitment to governance extends to its recently launched subsidiary, ARAPL RaaS, which focuses on warehouse automation. The appointment of Mr. Pandit reinforces the company’s dedication to compliance and ethical business practices, boosting investor confidence in ARAPL’s mission and future endeavors.

As the festival approaches, Jewellery Designer Archana Aggarwal curates a collection that beautifully celebrates the sacred bond of love, protection, and friendship.

The collection captures the true essence of sibling love, combining classic and contemporary designs with meticulous precision. Each piece is a masterpiece, representing the beauty of this wonderful celebration. From delicate bracelets exuding elegance to elaborate pendants reflecting timeless beauty, each jewelry piece is crafted with care.

These pieces go beyond mere adornments; they are tokens of affection that hold a special place in the heart. Designed using premium materials and unique stones, each piece in the collection is truly one-of-a-kind.

Jewellery designer Archana Aggarwal beautifully summarizes the essence of the Rakhi bond, stating, “Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of the eternal love shared between siblings. Through my collection, I aim to capture the essence of this bond and create pieces that symbolize the strength, beauty, and lasting connection between brothers and sisters.”