Archives August 2023

Bangalore – 8th August 2023 Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, joins hands with the Government of Gujarat on National Handloom Day through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Commissioner of Cottage & Rural Industries, Government of Gujarat, under the Flipkart Samarth program. The MoU aims to digitize local businesses that focus on the development of the crafts in every district and to make attempts to revive the languishing crafts in the state. Flipkart Samarth program will provide national market access through the Flipkart marketplace. As a part of this MoU, Flipkart Samarth, and the Cottage & Rural Industries department through its flagship program Hastkala Setu Yojana will be supporting the MSMEs, artisans, weavers and craftsmen with strategic insights/market know-how to scale their products and thereby contribute to the livelihood generation of artisans and weavers from the state of Gujarat.

Honoring the artisans, women SHGs, weavers and the handloom weaving community on the National Handloom Day, the MoU was exchanged in the presence of Shri Balvantsinh Rajput, Hon’ble Minister – Industries, Micro, Small and Medium Industries, Cottage, Khadi and Rural Industries, Civil Aviation, Labour and Employment, Shri Jagdish Panchal, Hon’ble Minister of State – Co-operation, Salt Industries, Printing and Stationary, Protocol (All Independent Charge), Micro, Small and Medium Industries, Cottage, Khadi and Rural Industries, Civil Aviation, Shri Pravin K. Solanki, IAS, Secretary and Commissioner, Cottage and Rural Industries and Shri Lalit Narayan Singh Sandu, IAS, Managing Director, Gujarat State Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation Ltd (GSHHDC).

Speaking at the signing of the MoU, Shri Balvantsinh Rajput, Hon’ble Minister – Industries, Micro, Small and Medium Industries, Cottage, Khadi and Rural Industries, Civil Aviation, Labour and Employment, said, “This MoU symbolizes a significant step forward in the commitment to empower and uplift the talented local artisans, weavers, and small businesses across our state. E-commerce will empower them to exhibit their products to a wider audience. This strategic alliance perfectly aligns with the Govt. of Gujarat’s vision to drive economic and social progress in our region while cherishing and preserving our rich cultural heritage.”

Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart Group, said, “With an unwavering commitment to contribute to India’s economic growth, Flipkart is dedicated to supporting millions of local businesses in their journey towards e-commerce adoption. We are excited to collaborate with the Commissioner of Rural and Cottage Industries, Gujarat, and discover avenues for growth by leveraging Flipkart’s capabilities and expertise. Together, we embark on a path that will empower businesses, promote a growth mindset, and create a positive impact on the lives of rural communities in Gujarat. Through our Flipkart Samarth initiative, we have significantly augmented the government’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission by positively influencing the livelihoods of more than a million artisans, weavers, and craftsmen all over India.”

Flipkart’s partnership with the Cottage & Rural Industries department will be aligned with the following objectives:

• Creating employment prospects and uplifting the lives of artisans and weavers
• Creating mutually shared value in Gujarat, focusing on increased market access, linkage, and business inclusion opportunities for artisans and weavers
• Supporting local artisans with warehousing, account management, cataloging, and more services to help them achieve business excellence through the platform
• Building a stronger foundation for the Flipkart Samarth initiative in the state while aiming to digitize local businesses, share strategic insights to scale products and enable national market access for artisans and weavers
• Providing time-bound support, including training and other host of benefits for the growth of weavers and artisans, fostering a stronger engagement between Flipkart and the seller community in Gujarat.

New Delhi,8th August 2023 Harmony Organics Pvt Ltd, a Pune-based Specialty Chemicals company has raised Rs. 225 crores from Piramal Alternatives, the fund management business of the Piramal Group, to tap into growing global opportunities in the fragrance & flavor industry. The funds raised from Piramal Alternatives are in the form of convertible securities.

Established in 1976 and the company is the largest manufacturer of Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol (PEA) in India & 2nd the largest in the world – their aroma chemicals are used for the fragrance & flavor industry. The company’s flagship products are PEA & Cinnamic Aldehyde; with an installed production capacity of 20,000 Tons per year at its factory located in Pune.

The company has developed derivatives of PEA, Cinnamic Aldehyde, and other value-added specialty chemicals to cater to the requirements of the F&F industry.

Globally, the Fragrance & Flavor industry is showing a strong growth forecast and was valued at USD 29.0 billion in 2021, projected to reach USD 37.3 billion by 2026. The Indian fragrance & flavor industry is contributing as one of the largest in terms of production, consumption and offers innumerable growth opportunities of 10-12% in the coming 3-4 years. With over 15 Geo- climatic zones, India is the leading country in the world with its rich diversity in flora and fauna.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ravi Nangia, Chairman, Harmony Organics, said “The opportunity in the fragrance and flavors industry for India is huge, and with the “MAKE IN INDIA” policy of government is likely to grow even further over the next 3-4 years. This funding support from Piramal will help the company to tap this opportunity and set it on a tremendous growth path on the back of a robust order book The company is a leading “Member Exporter” of CHEMIXIL contributing to the government’s goal of achieving the target.

Mr. Sandeep Mehta, Managing Director & CEO – Harmony Organics, said “The company has already onboarded global customers such as Givaudan, IFF, Symrise, Takasago, P&G, MANE and the domestic leading players like KELKAR group, Oriental Aromatics, many other leading players and shall continue to track opportunities to address the larger market size. It has also filed US patents as well as REACH certifications. The company is planning to make strategic investments to build & expand state-of-the-art facilities at the existing & new locations in the next couple of quarters The current funding is against issuance of convertibles for the purpose to expand capacities and explore inorganic opportunities. This expansion with result Harmony becoming one of the leading aroma chemical player in the Country. Overall, the plan is to take the company public in the next couple of years based on the strong growth trajectory and ability to expand its product portfolio”

Mr. Kalpesh Kikani, CEO, Piramal Alternatives said “We are delighted to partner with Harmony Organics in their growth trajectory and look forward to supporting them in this journey by adding value to the business going forward. Through Piramal Alternatives, we aim to aid mid-market companies by providing flexible, bespoke and value accretive capital.”

The Piramal Group’s fund management division, Piramal Alternatives, has a proven track record of strong relative performance, multiple realizations across asset classes, and collaborations with a number of world-class investors. Piramal Alternatives aims to be a significant provider of customized solutions across the entire capital stack to high-quality corporates that are looking to maximize their growth.

ICBC Mumbai was the exclusive financial advisor for this deal.

Pune: Cyrus Poonawalla Group, a diversified group of businesses across Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, Finance, Clean Energy, Hospitality & Realty, and Aviation appoints Mr. Keki Mistry, former HDFC Ltd. CEO & Vice Chairman as the Strategic Advisor to all the Financial Services ventures spearheaded by Mr. Adar Poonawalla.

With over 4 decades of experience, Mr. Mistry is one of the most respected professionals in the Indian Financial Services industry. Mr. Mistry had served as the CEO and Vice Chairman of HDFC Ltd since 2010. Post its merger with HDFC Bank, he joined the bank as an Additional & Non-Executive Director (Non-Independent) on 30th June 2023. He is also the Non-Executive Chairman of HDFC Ergo General Insurance Company Limited.

Welcoming Keki on board Mr. Adar Poonawalla, Chairman Poonawalla Fincorp and CEO Serum Institute of India said, “To begin with, Keki’s unparalleled operating and boardroom experience in the Indian financial services sector will act as the perfect sounding board for all financial services business management teams to scale their profitability through prudent risk management while managing business volatility.”

 

Mr. Keki Mistry stated, “As I move out of executive responsibilities at HDFC Ltd – I am excited to guide the financial services businesses spearheaded by Adar in achieving their business plans whilst delivering responsible shareholder returns. I look forward to working with the young & dynamic management teams by leveraging my operating and board experience in financial services.”

Hyderabad, 8th August 2023– The Premia Academy organized a successful Science Fair, an event that aimed to inspire and encourage students to delve into the fascinating world of science. The Science Fair provided a platform for young minds to showcase their innovative projects and research while fostering a deep understanding of scientific exploration. Students from grade 1 to grade 12 participated in the Science Fair, presenting a diverse array of projects that reflected their creativity and passion for scientific inquiry. Under the guidance of dedicated educators and mentors, they explored various scientific concepts, conducted experiments, and designed captivating models to illustrate their findings.

The projects showcased at the Science Fair spanned a diverse range of scientific fields. Students ingeniously demonstrated irrigation techniques for sustainable agriculture, modeled earthquake warning systems using seismographic techniques, and delved into the intricacies of biological processes, such as the circulation of blood through the heart and neuron transmission. A panel of esteemed judges evaluated the projects based on scientific methodology, innovation, and presentation. The judges were impressed with the level of creativity and scientific rigor demonstrated by the students.

In the spirit of recognizing the students’ outstanding contributions, the Premia Academy awarded the top performers with accolades and prizes. The Premia Academy expressed gratitude to all participants, educators, mentors, and parents for their unwavering support in making the event a resounding success. The academy also expressed enthusiasm for future editions of the Science Fair, anticipating even more groundbreaking innovations and discoveries from their talented students.

Speaking on the occasion Ms. Sinduri Reddy, Founder, and Managing Director of The Premia Academy said “Our vision at Premia Academy is to inspire a passion for learning and instill a deep love for science among our students “The Science Fair is a testament to the creativity and intellectual curiosity of our students. It is heartening to witness their enthusiasm in exploring the wonders of Science and its application in solving real-world problems.”

Adding to this Ms. Trupti Rao, Principal of The Premia Academy, said The Science Fair allowed our students to develop essential research and presentation skills. Beyond academic excellence, they showcased an eagerness to contribute positively to society through scientific innovation.

Hyderabad/ Chennai, 8th August 2023 iOPEX Technologies, a global leader in digital transformation and technology services has launched iOPEX.AI, an advanced enterprise AI framework that enables businesses to re-invent themselves. The framework with five stages – discover, evolve, leverage, transform and accelerate – will enable businesses to deliver transformative solutions.

Sharing details about the new offering, Shiva Ramani, CEO, iOPEX Technologies said, “Digital advancements and innovations had led to the extraordinary growth of the Indian tech industry. Generative AI has the potential to transform software development but at the same time software developers must leverage this technology while embracing the guardrails. It has been predicted that AI-driven development will be responsible for 80% of the code written by 2024, as per the survey conducted by Gartner. Adopting AI with guardrails is the only silver bullet to thrive. We have launched a customer innovation fund to help customers begin their re-invention with AI.”

iOPEX Technologies delivers AI solutions with an insight-led experience architecture. Our AI platform ElevAite enables enterprise content that is available in all different formats to be vectorized so that it can be consumed by AI Models. This transformed data is harnessed for advanced solutions, unprecedented insights are extracted from vast data troves, and this empowers AI models for informed decision-making, custom AI models are constructed which elevates the business efficiency and smart apps which accelerate enterprise-wide AI activation with a flexible framework addressing design and run-time needs are built.

The journey of the client begins with them discovering the boundless possibilities of generative AI as iOPEX engages with business leaders to uncover essential use cases that align with their objectives. The client’s operation processes are evolved and redefined to deliver total customer and employee experiences. Next, the enterprise data is leveraged to identify lucrative ways for generating AI to optimize operations, experience and accelerate growth. The organisation’s future is transformed with smart applications across business functions. Finally, a robust AI workbench is built which accelerates the evolution of employees and the customer experiences. This also speeds up production and deployment of AI powered applications.

With already successful implementations across multiple business functions from Lead to Cash, Procure to Pay and Customer Success, iOPEX aims to empower enterprises to unlock their full potential through digital innovation and iOPEX.AI marks a significant step forward in this journey by providing organisations with a comprehensive AI framework. Simplicity and scalability are the major strengths of this model which will help in building enterprise AI solutions from the ground upwards. iOPEX.AI is a strategic investment by iOPEX which would help businesses stay updated and relevant in the fast-changing digital world.

Dr Shubhabrata Banerjee, Senior Vascular Surgeon and Chief Organizer, Kolkata – Vascular Society of India said,“We are very encouraged to see the amazing response of our campaign in Kolkata. Our Mission is to promote healthier Communities through a comprehensive Vascular Health Care Delivery System resulting in Amputation FREE India. Today on National Vascular Day, Walkathon has taken place simultaneously in 26 cities across the nation, where over 8,000 enthusiastic participants joined with great fervor.”

This national drive becomes more relevant in today’s times when India is becoming the diabetic capital of the world. More and more population is at risk of preventable amputations because of unhealthy lifestyles and diet. This is an effort to create nationwide awareness so that these amputations can be prevented by lifestyle changes, and if at all the need arises, treatment can be done early, thus preserving their quality of life.

Vascular Day Walkathon in 26 Cities:

West Bengal: Kolkata

J&K: Jammu

UT: Delhi

UT: Chandigarh

Rajasthan: Jaipur

Uttrakhand: Dehradun

Karnataka: Bangalore; Mysore

Telengana: Hyderabad

Andhra Pradesh: Vishakhapatnam (Vizag)

Kerala: Trivandrum; Kochi Calicut (Kozhikode)

Maharashtra: Mumbai; Nashik, Pune, Nagpur

Gujarat:

Ahmedabad Surat, Baroda, Rajkot

Tamil Nadu: Chennai; Madurai; Trichy; Vellore

Uttar Pradesh: Lucknow

Vascular Society of India

Vision

•  Embrace the latest technology to achieve acceptable standards of complete well-being among patients with vascular ailments.

Objectives

•  Spread awareness of Vascular Surgeons and Vascular Diseases: One of the major challenges ahead is to develop awareness among healthcare providers and also the general population.

Common symptoms of vascular diseases are:

•  Leg swelling
•  Sudden occurrence of pain/discoloration in legs
•  Non healing wounds
•  Gangrene
•  Visible, dilated veins

If you have any of the above symptoms, consult your nearest Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon at the earliest. They know your blood vessels the best and provide the most comprehensive care for your limbs.

The 2nd edition of ISF Startup Festival 2023 from 10th to 12th August 2023 in the Silicon Valley of India Bengaluru.

More than 10,000 startups from India, the UK, Japan and many other countries will participate in the India Startup Festival (ISF) 2023. It will also be attended by over 500 investors (VCs, HNI and Angel Investors), 100+ CEOs & CXOs and 30+ Speakers.

The theme of ISF 2023 is “Innovation at the Bottom of the Pyramid” engaging discussions during the event will encompass vital areas such as Rural Healthcare Education, Fintech, Rural Innovation, Agritech, and Foodtech. The nation’s elite policymakers and change harbingers unite under one roof to tackle the problems at the grassroots level.

•  10th August 2023: Exhibition Inauguration followed by Final Investor Pitches & Signing of Term Sheets followed by Startup Awards.
•  11th August 2023: Conference Inauguration and MoU signing to boost startup Ecosystem followed by Inaugural Key Note Address Session 3: Roundtables: GCC/ CXO / Rural Agritech/ Session 4 Roundtables: Rural Economic Forum – Plenary Session/ Women in Business/ Rural Healthcare Roundtable followed by Award Ceremony.
•  12th August 2023: Session 1: Roundtables: Rural Food Tech / University Connect Roundtable/ Nutrition & Nutraceuticals /

Session 2 Roundtables: Rural FinTech / Rural Innovation / Skills -Employability-Talent

Session 3 Roundtables: Education 5.0 / Startup 2: Scaleup / Innovative Kids & Youth in Business followed by Valedictory ceremony

Venue: Satya Sai Grama, PO Muddenahalli, Chikkaballapur District, Bengaluru – 562101

Dates: 10th / 11th and 12th August 2023

Refer to: https://www.isf2023.com/agenda.php

Mumbai, 8th August 2023 Hotel Sahara Star, is delighted to announce the relaunch of its Indian specialty restaurant, Namak. This iconic restaurant has captivated diners with its delectable Indian cuisine, and now, with a revamped ambiance, Namak is ready to create a dining experience unlike any other.

Namak has long been celebrated for its ability to blend ancient and contemporary flavors, showcasing the essence of Indian cuisine. The restaurant’s sophisticated ambiance perfectly complements its menu, which features a diverse array of dishes inspired by flavors from different regions of India.

The new menu caters to those who appreciate the complexities of Indian flavors and seek a unique dining experience. At the same time, Namak remains committed to preserving the richness of Indian classics, prepared with the expertise passed down by traditional bawarchis and Khansamas.

Not only has the menu undergone a transformation, but the ambiance of Namak has also been revamped to create a truly distinct dining environment. The restaurant’s new vibe and feel provides patrons with a gourmet experience without compromising the authenticity of the dishes.

Mr. Romie Dutt, Executive Director of Hotel Sahara Star, expressed his excitement about the relaunch, stating, “Namak has always been synonymous with traditional Indian cuisine, and we have proudly served our guests authentic meals over the years. The new menu at Namak aims to provide our esteemed guests with an unforgettable culinary experience, complementing our classic specialized menu.”

Namak is poised to delight and satisfy both the hearts and the cravings for the delectable Indian cuisine of its patrons with its unparalleled menu and ambiance. Hotel Sahara Star invites guests to experience the reimagined Namak and indulge in a culinary journey that celebrates the best of Indian cuisine in a fresh and innovative way.

From Warner Bros. Pictures comes the feature film “Blue Beetle,” marking the DC Super Hero’s first time on the big screen. Releasing in India on August 18 in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, the film, directed by Ángel Manuel Soto, stars Xolo Maridueña in the title role as well as his alter ego, Jaime Reyes.

Recent college grad Jaime Reyes returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab. When the Scarab suddenly chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the Super Hero BLUE BEETLE.

Talking about the relation between Xolo’s character Jamie and scarab, Soto says, “The relationship between Jaime and the Scarab is interesting because it’s not necessarily his conscience, but he can hear it in his head. He can have this conversation that, if you were to see him as a third party, it looks like Jaime’s talking to the air…but he’s actually having the conversation with the voice in his head who is the Scarab. And, at first, the Scarab’s mission is kill, kill, kill, and Jaime’s not that kind of kid. So when every time that the Scarab wants to do something of this nature, Jaime’s reaction and his good-heartedness step in the way of the Scarab’s mission, and creates this banter between them that sometimes is funny but at the same time is enlightening. Because, as the story progresses and certain events happen in Jaime’s life, the Scarab also learns from Jaime and the Scarab starts to become more and more compassionate, eventually being a voice of reason to Jaime towards the end, as opposed to the way it started, where Jaime was the voice of reason to the Scarab.”

Hyderabad, 7th August 2023 ….The city’s technocrat, industrialist Rachakonda Ravi Kumar, 61 years, was unanimously elected Vice President of the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) for the year 2023-2024, at its meeting of the managing committee.

FTCCI is a 106-year-old trade and industry body, one of the most dynamic regional trade bodies out of the 150 regional bodies in the country. It has more than 3000 direct members. It is associated with 160 Associations/Chambers of Commerce and has an indirect membership of over 25000 members. FTCCI is an important forum, a name to reckon with business, commerce, trade and interaction. He will be in office for a year and subsequently travel up the ladder in the leadership of the chamber.

He is a multifaceted personality involved actively in entrepreneurial, spiritual, sports and philanthropic works. He carries over three decades of rich entrepreneurial experience.

Prior to his election, Ravi Kumar was the Managing Committee Member and Chairman of HR & IR at The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) and the Chairman of ITI Shadnagar.

Disclosing this in a press note issued to the media on Sunday, FTCCI informed that the newly elected Vice President is a well-known industrialist of Hyderabad. He is a whole-time Director of Motion Dynamic Pvt Ltd, an Executive Director of Zetatek Industries Private Limited and a Director in Zetatek Technologies Pvt Ltd which forms the Zetatek Group. A group that is Internationally reputed, in the field of manufacturing, testing, supply, and service of test equipment related to defence, aerospace, automotive and electronics industries.

The group of companies is based out of Hyderabad and began operations in 1990. They established an impeccable reputation as a market leader in the niche segment of Environmental simulation, Motion simulation, and other such test equipment.

Besides his entrepreneurial activities, R. Ravi Kumar is actively associated with the Art of Living Foundation, a volunteer-based, humanitarian and educational non-governmental organization (NGO). He has been a senior faculty member of that organisation. He conducted several stress management workshops in India and abroad. He has delivered lectures and conducted workshops for people from all walks of life including professionals, politicians including cabinet ministers, and sports personalities.

R. Ravi Kumar is also a sports enthusiast and has played Shuttle Badminton at the State and National level and continues to do so.