Archives January 2024

Advocating Sustainable Mining: Govt & Industry Join Forces at MEMC 2023

Bengaluru 23 January 2024: Promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices, environmental protection, and mineral conservation, the 22nd Mines Environment and Mineral Conservation Concluding Day event was held at Apoorva Resorts, Davangere. The event was organized by the MEMC Association and hosted by Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Karnataka, under the aegis of the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India.

Around 1200 people attended the event from different mines across Karnataka, and the event was an essential initiative in India’s mining sector, organized to raise awareness and recognize efforts in the mine environment and mineral conservation. Shri Pankaj Kulshrestha, Chief Controller of Mines (MES), Indian Bureau of Mines, Nagpur graced the event as the Chief Guest of the event, and Shri. V. Jayakrishna Babu, Controller of Mines (SZ), Indian Bureau of Mines, Bengaluru was the Guest of Honour. The Patron – Dr. Suresh Prasad, Regional Controller of Mines, Indian Bureau of Mines, Bengaluru, Chairman – Shri. M. Krishna Reddy, COO, Mining, Vedanta Limited – Sesa Goa, dignitaries, mining companies, and other industry representatives were also present at the event.

Shri Pankaj Kulshrestha, Chief Controller of Mines (MES), Indian Bureau of Mines, Nagpur addressed the audience: “Embracing the spirit of sustainable mining is not merely a duty, but a solemn commitment to safeguard our planet’s resources. As we celebrate the 22nd ‘Mines Environment and Mineral Conservation’ journey, let us forge ahead with a unified resolve to harmonize our mining practices with environmental stewardship. Together, we can pave the way for a future where the riches of our land coexist seamlessly with the imperative of conservation.”

Shri. V. Jayakrishna Babu, Controller of Mines (SZ), Indian Bureau of Mines, Bengaluru said, “The state of Karnataka is blessed with multiple resources, and the mining industry and the employees under this industry are the key stakeholders in making the mining activity more sustainable, and environment friendly. We shall continue to strive to ensure that our mineral resources are drawn systematically and scientifically.”

Dr. Suresh Prasad, Regional Controller of Mines, Indian Bureau of Mines, Bengaluru, said, “On this day, we recognize the efforts of mining companies towards responsible and sustainable mining.  Through awareness programmes, seminars, workshops, and technical sessions to educate stakeholders, we spread awareness about the importance of sustainable mining practices and mineral conservation. Together let us mitigate the environmental impact and focus on reclamation and rehabilitation of the mined-out area.”

Navin Jaju, CEO, Sesa Goa Iron Ore said, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), Bengaluru, for allowing us to host the Mines Environment and Mineral Conservation (MEMC) Concluding Day programme 2023-24. MEMC week is a platform where all mines collaborate, share best practices, and learn from each other on the key aspects of mineral conservation, environment protection, and responsible mining. At Vedanta, sustainable development is at the core of our business philosophy of “Transforming for Good”. Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, we aim to set benchmarks for sustainable practices in the mining sector.”

Krishna Reddy, COO – Mining, Vedanta Sesa Goa said, “The Mines Environment and Mineral Conservation (MEMC) event exemplifies our dedication to fostering a sustainable and responsible approach to mining. At Vedanta, we believe in the coexistence of robust mineral resource extraction and environmental conservation. The MEMC Week serves as a platform for us to engage with our communities, empower our workforce, and showcase our commitment to the highest standards of environmental stewardship.”

Renowned officials delivered inspiring keynote addresses, shedding light on the crucial role the mining industry plays in achieving a harmonious balance between economic development and environmental preservation. Companies such as VOLVO, SRK & Skylar Drones and others showcased cutting-edge technologies and innovations aimed at promoting environmentally friendly mining practices.

The event included an awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding contributions to environmental conservation and sustainable mining practices. Awards were presented to individuals, organizations, and initiatives that have demonstrated exemplary commitment to these principles. As the curtains closed on the event, participants departed with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to implementing sustainable and environmentally conscious practices in the mining sector.

Social Beat Films Launches New Video Campaign for Livguard Energy’s Latest Sine-Wave Technology Inverter

Chennai, January 23, 2024: Social Beat Films, India’s leading digital video marketing agency launched a new video campaign for Livguard Energy’s sinewave technology inverters that remain silent during power cuts. The new video campaign focuses on the daily struggles of the Indian middle class, which is precisely the target group for the prominent energy storage company.

gaurd

This film is largely relatable to all parents who have struggled to put their children to sleep, especially in the hot summers in North India. It emphasizes the problems that people face with ‘not-so-efficient’ inverters that may be unreliable, unstable, and loud.

In this humorous video campaign, the father and the mother put their child to sleep and are relieved to see their child sleep. They both look happy to have succeeded in this strenuous task, but little did they know of the lurking power cut. The moment the power goes out, the fan turns on, making a creaky noise, thanks to the ordinary inverter. They both know what’s going to happen next. As soon as they hear the child cry, the wife gets angry and leaves the room, leaving the husband in charge of the task. If only he had installed Livguard’s latest sinewave technology-powered inverter, things would have been so much better for him.

Vikas Chawla, Co-Founder of Social Beat said, “The film hit the right chord with the target audience, as it reached 1 million+ people on YouTube and more than 6.5 million on Instagram. Once again, Social Beat Films has successfully helped its clients achieve their marketing objectives.”.

Ashish Sahani, Digital Head at Livguard Energy said, “Our campaign resonated with young parents, blending humor and addressing everyday challenges. Its success was evident in the heightened engagement and positive response from our target audience during the festive season..”

Thermo Fisher Scientific Appoints Srinath Venkatesh as Managing Director for India and South Asia

Mumbai, January 23, 2024 – Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science, announces the appointment of Srinath Venkatesh as Managing Director, India and South Asia, for the company.

Srinath Venkatesh steps into this pivotal role with a vision to advance Thermo Fisher’s growth and operations in India, while enhancing customer value creation. Prior to joining Thermo Fisher, he served as the President, Danaher for their India operations. In his previous roles, he has held senior leadership positions including Managing Director- India & SEA for Cepheid and DBS Leader for Danaher Corporation. He has also held significant business leadership positions at GE Capital and GE Lighting including Country leader and CEO of GE Bangladesh.

His visionary leadership, proven track record in business expansion and strategic focus on technology and innovation will drive Thermo Fisher toward the next phase of robust and sustained growth.

Reflecting on the leadership transition, Tony Acciarito, President, Asia Pacific and Japan, Thermo Fisher Scientific said, “India’s resilient economy has a high growth trajectory and highlights the significance of a progressive approach, despite signs of a global economic slowdown. With an industry-leading presence in the country, Thermo Fisher Scientific is well-positioned to contribute to priority sectors such as healthcare, pharma and biopharma, renewable energy and semiconductor manufacturing. Srinath’s extensive experience of over 30 years in driving commercial excellence across industrial and capital businesses, will be instrumental in leveraging our scale in high-growth and emerging markets and elevating our impact in India’s evolving landscape.”

Srinath Venkatesh

Expressing his thoughts on the appointment, Srinath Venkatesh said, “I am truly humbled and honored to join Thermo Fisher Scientific and privileged to lead the India and South Asia operations. India’s vast addressable market presents attractive opportunities. With its scale and depth of capabilities, accelerated investments in innovation and a focus on expanding its localization strategy, Thermo Fisher is contributing to the country’s scientific and technological progress.”

“I am excited about the possibilities ahead as Thermo Fisher continues to make a meaningful impact through its purpose-driven Mission and unwavering commitment to delivering a unique value proposition to its customers. Importantly, the company fosters an inclusive culture that empowers colleagues to share their unique perspectives and bring their best to work every day. I am looking forward to collaborating closely with the diverse and talented team of over 4700 colleagues across the country to enable our customers’ success,” he added.

Thermo Fisher established operations in India in 1996 and the country is an integral part of Thermo Fisher’s growth journey. Over the last 27 years, the company has strengthened its presence with eight manufacturing facilities, five application labs, two R&D centers, and eight distribution centers, supported by an extensive network of 400-plus channel partners, and approximately 4,700 employees (including PPD) strategically located in 42 cities and offices across 17 locations.

Coforge continues to drive strong organic growth. Q3 YTD CC Organic Revenue up 14.7%

Coforge continues to drive strong organic growth.  Q3 YTD CC Organic Revenue up 14.7%Gurugram, January 23, 2024: Coforge Limited (NSE: COFORGE), a leading global IT solutions organization, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 (Q3 FY24).

The Company reported strong operating and financial performance marked by robust growth, margin expansion and continued business momentum in a seasonally weak quarter.

 Q3 FY24 – Financial Highlights

  • Revenue for the quarter was INR 23,233 million and $282 million Revenue up Q-o-Q by 1.8% in constant currency, 1.4% in USD and 2.1% in INR terms
  • Revenue up Y-o-Y by 12.0% in CC, 12.0% in USD and 13.0% in INR terms
  • Reported EBITDA margin at 17.3%, improved by 201 bps Q-o-Q. Adjusted EBITDA margin at 18%, improved by 39 bps Q-o-Q.
  • Consolidated Profit After Tax (PAT) for Q3 at INR 2,380 million, up 31.5% Q-o-Q

 Q3 FY24 – Business Highlights

  • Order intake was $354 million, eight consecutive quarters of $300+ million deal wins.
  • Total order book executable over the next 12 months at $974 million, up 15.8% Y-o-Y
  • 7 new clients were added during the quarter.
  • LTM attrition at 12.1%.

“Coforge this year is likely to be one of the very few firms that gave a clear growth guidance at the beginning of the year and shall deliver within that revenue guidance range. Our ability to deliver on an annual revenue guidance commitment in such a tough year and the fact that at the end of Q3 our YTD organic cc revenue growth is 14.7 percent is a testament to the tenacity of Team Coforge and in our ability to execute against plans” said Mr. Sudhir Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Coforge Ltd.

 The Board has recommended an interim dividend of INR 19 per share, and the record date for this payout will be 5th February 2024. 

Awards & Recognitions 

  • Awarded with the following categories for U.S. Provider Lens study ‘Digital Banking Services 2023’ by ISG: – Contender Core Banking Technology and Integration Services
  • Contender Payment Modernization Technology Services
  • Product Challenger Banking Business Process as a Service
  • Coforge ranked as a Major Contender in Everest’s P&C Insurance BPS PEAK Matrix assessment 2023.
  • Recognized as a Market Leader in Travel, Hospitality, and Logistics by HFS Research
  • Positioned as an Enterprise Innovator with special category Trailblazer in HFS’s Low code research 2023.
  • Coforge earned Insurance Accredited Partner – Bronze Level recognition from Appian Corporation
  • Ranked as a Major Contender in Everest’s Next-Generation Quality Engineering Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2023
  • Positioned as a Major Contender in Everest’s Talent Readiness for Next-Generation IT Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2023
  • Won the 2023 Duck Creek Technologies International Value Creation Partner of the Year award.
  • Ranked as a Major Contender in Everest’s cloud services in Insurance PEAK Matrix assessment 2023.
  • Positioned as a Major Player in the IDC’s Worldwide Managed Public Cloud Services MarketScape 2023
  • Coforge identified as a Leader in the ‘Multi Public Cloud Services 2023’ ISG Provider Lens™ Study – U.K.
  • Positioned as a Major Contender in Everest’s D&A services for mid-market enterprises PEAK Matrix® 2023.
  • Ranked as a Major Contender in Everest’s Lending IT Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2023
  • Coforge emerged as winners in three categories- Learning & Development, Employee Engagement, and Corporate Social Responsibility at the 6th CHRO Vision & Innovation Awards 2023
  • Coforge was recognized among India’s Best Workplaces in IT & IT-BPM 2023 – Top 100 second time in a row.
  • Recognized with Skillsoft Special Impact Award 2023 for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) L&D initiatives.
  • Coforge won the 6th CHRO Vision & Innovation Awards 2023 in three categories- Employee Engagement, Learning & Development and Corporate Social Responsibility

Alliances, Partnerships and other highlights

  • Coforge launched Quasar Responsible AI; a comprehensive solution to ensure AI is ethical, fair, transparent, and regulatory compliant.
  • Launched Coforge Quasar which enables enterprises to develop and build their own Gen AI-powered applications at scale.
  • OneShield, a leader in core systems for the insurance industry & Coforge announced a strategic partnership to elevate customer success on OneShield’s Enterprise SaaS Platform by strengthening their footprint in the MGA space and broader insurance market.
  • Coforge launched Authorization Rules Center (ARC) solution for the healthcare industry.
  • Coforge and Newgen elevated their partnership to deliver transformative Insurance Lifecycle Management Solutions
  • Coforge transformed a waste dumping ground into a biodiversity park in Noida.

SI-Global India announces Global University Fair in 10 cities

New Delhi, 23 January 2024: SI-Global, a global study abroad company by SI-UK, today announced its upcoming education fair featuring prestigious universities from Australia, Canada, and the UK. The fair, scheduled to be held in 10 Indian cities between 24 January 2024 to 11 February 2024 will kick-start in Delhi and conclude in Pune.

SI-Global builds on the success of SI-UK, which has assisted thousands of students from around the world in gaining admission to prestigious UK universities. Through the fair, SI- Global aims to provide comprehensive information to Indian students on the application process to universities in Australia, Canada, and the UK.

In this fair, representatives from over 70 prestigious universities from the UK, Australia, and Canada will be present. Participating institutions include the University of Edinburgh, Durham University, the University of Manchester, University of Bath, King’s College London, City University, University of Bristol from the UK along with Universities and Colleges from Australia and Canada. Students can interact with Bond University, Australian National University, La Trobe University, Deakin University, University of Tasmania from Australia. Canadian institutions include Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Northern British Columbia, University of Niagara Falls and Durham College. Representatives will provide in depth information about their academic programmes and eligibility criteria.

The Global University Fair is an opportunity for Indian students interested in studying abroad to begin planning their future academic endeavours overseas. At the venue, students will have direct access to many university representatives under one roof for them to discuss and understand available courses, tuition fees, scholarships, admissions procedures, visa requirements, and much more. SI-Global specialists will also be available during the fair to help students make the most of their participation by offering free profile evaluations.

Commenting on the upcoming fairs, Ms. Lakshmi Iyer, Managing Director of SI-Global and SI-UK India, said, “We are excited to kick-start the year with our first university fair in India. The past years have seen an overwhelming positive response, with students eager to explore educational opportunities in the UK, Australia and Canada. We strive to motivate aspirants to make timely decisions with regarding their course preferences and the SI-Global University Fair is designed to help them do just that. It is an inclusive platform that brings together multiple universities from three top education destinations for students to choose from.”

Unicommerce hosts eKumbh to Empower Local business across Maharashtra

Mumbai, 23rd January, 2024: Unicommerce, one of India’s leading e-commerce enablement SaaS platforms, successfully concluded the 5th edition of its business-centric event, e-Kumbh, in Mumbai today. This event served as a knowledge-sharing platform tailored for ecommerce enthusiasts, including regional brands, retailers, and technology enablers. The event drew the participation of over 400 businesses, spanning online sellers, direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, and traditional retail enterprises from across the state’s business landscape.

With a focus on equipping businesses with the right knowledge on ecommerce technology solutions, Unicommerce organizes eKumbh across different parts of the country. The previous editions of the event took place in Bangalore, Ludhiana, Jaipur and Surat.

Businesses from the diverse parts of Maharashtra convened at the event to explore a spectrum of technologies aimed at enhancing and expanding their operational capabilities. e-Kumbh served as a pivotal hub for the exploration of various technologies that can elevate their business operations.

During this intensive one-day event, influential figures from the e-commerce and retail-tech sectors shared invaluable insights on crucial topics such as seamless & error-free backend operations to uplift post-purchase experience, transition from conventional to e-commerce supply chain, along with discussions on building a sustainable D2C brand etc. The event also facilitated a standalone session on growing your business by Amazon Global Selling.

e-Kumbh Mumbai, capitalizing on the robust potential within the city’s e-commerce ecosystem, emerged as a strategic forum. It invited businesses to actively engage in discussions concerning the growth of e-commerce technology and explore the myriad opportunities within the dynamic market of the state. The event not only showcased the current state of the industry but also strengthened the position of Maharashtra as a thriving hub for innovative e-commerce solutions and business expansion.

Speaking on the success of e-Kumbh Mumbai, Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO of Unicommerce, said, “In the bustling business hub of Mumbai, a hotbed for entrepreneurial innovation, the demand for advanced e-commerce technology has reached unprecedented heights. As we navigate this dynamic landscape, events like eKumbh play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation, particularly for our sellers and the burgeoning Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) community.

Present at the event, Parth Ved, Head of Operations, Nua Woman said, “At e-Kumbh Mumbai, orchestrated by Unicommerce, Nua Woman, a trailblazer in the femtech space, found unparalleled relevance. Engaging with D2C visionaries and e-commerce experts, we explored crucial themes. The event truly helped with insights on establishing a robust brand identity, connecting with the target audience, and laying the groundwork for long-term success in the direct-to-consumer market.”

Nishant Jhunjhunjwala, Co-Founder of Foresta Orginics shared, “We are thrilled to embark on a transformative journey of collaboration and ideation. At e-Kumbh, we unite minds and passions in a vibrant convergence of D2C innovators, e-commerce trailblazers, and visionary service providers. It was a dynamic platform where insights flew, strategies emerged, and collaborations flourished with insightful discussions on pivotal subjects like D2C strategies, Customer Experience, Post-Purchase Management, and Personalization, shaping the future of our industries.”

Unicommerce is India’s largest e-commerce enablement SaaS platform in the transaction processing layer, in terms of revenue for the financial year concluded March 2022. Its comprehensive product suite allows businesses to effectively manage the entire post-purchase e-commerce operations. The company has a consistently growing client base, Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR), and revenue growth. As of quarter ending September 2023, Unicommerce has achieved a 750 million+ Annual Transaction run-rate, serving over 350 customers, managing 8000+ warehouses, and processing orders from 1900+ stores through its platform.–

“Unicommerce eSolutions Limited is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to make an initial public offer of its equity shares and has filed a draft red herring prospectus (“DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India. The DRHP is available on the websites of the Company at www.unicommerce.com, SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in as well as on the website of the book running lead managers, IIFL Securities Limited and CLSA India Private Limited at www.iiflcap.com and www.india.clsa.com, respectively. Investors should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk. For details, potential investors should refer to the DRHP, including the section titled “Risk Factors”. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP-I for any investment decision.”

Unlock the Secret to a Happy Back: 10 Postures for a Balanced Work-Life Harmony

Dr. C Udaya Shankar, Senior Consultant – Neurology Sakra World Hospital

In the era of remote work and office routines, many folks are grappling with troublesome backaches due to prolonged periods of sitting. Whether you’re logging hours from the comfort of your home or hustling in the office, the sedentary lifestyle is taking a toll on our backs. It’s as if we’re all stuck in a “seated trap,” feeling the ache in every inch of our spines.

As the saying goes, “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.” It might be more like, “All sitting and no stretching makes us achy and sore!” So, it’s high time we break free from our sedentary chains and give our backs the love and movement they deserve. A good posture requires the correct alignment of vital body parts with sufficient muscle tension support.

Here are 10 essential postures for maintaining a happy back.

  1. Sitting Smart: Preserve a healthy back and spine through proper posture. Select an appropriate chair, align your back with the floor, and keep your shoulders straight to ward off common problems like lower back pain and neck stiffness. Extended periods of sitting may trigger health issues such as musculoskeletal misalignment, balance concerns, compromised digestion, and reduced flexibility.
  2. Feet on the Ground: Keep both feet flat on the floor to distribute your weight evenly. This helps in maintaining a stable and comfortable sitting position, preventing unnecessary strain on your back.
  3. Optimal Screen Height: Set your computer screen at eye level to eliminate the need to tilt your head up or down. This encourages a neutral neck position, minimizing the likelihood of discomfort in the neck and shoulders. Adhere to the well-known 20-20-20 rule and ensure your eyes don’t become dry.
  4. Ease Your Shoulders: Permit your shoulders to naturally lower, avoiding any hunching. Maintaining a relaxed and level position aids in averting tension and strain in the neck and upper back.
  5. Close Elbows: Maintain proximity of your elbows to your body while typing or using a mouse. This creates a comfortable 90-degree angle, lessening the likelihood of strain and discomfort in your arms and shoulders.
  6. Pause and Stretch: Stand and stretch every half-hour to alleviate stiffness and enhance blood circulation. These brief breaks rejuvenate your body, averting prolonged strain on your back.
  7. Lift Safely: When lifting objects, bend your knees instead of your waist. This method ensures your leg muscles bear the weight, safeguarding your back from undue stress and potential injuries.
  8. Back Support Tip: Employ a cushion or lumbar roll to uphold the natural curve of your lower back during prolonged sitting. This added support aids in preserving correct spinal alignment and alleviates strain on the lower back.
  9. Stay Fit: Strengthen core and back muscles for good posture and spinal health.
  10. Resting Position: As the day concludes, it’s crucial to give your back the well-deserved rest it needs for rejuvenation. Select a mattress and pillow that offer ample support for the natural curve of your spine. This guarantees a peaceful and comfortable sleep, warding off morning backaches and stiffness.

India Exim Bank & Kala Ghoda Arts Festival join forces to celebrate a vibrant intersection of art and culture

India Exim Bank & Kala Ghoda Arts Festival join forces to celebrate a vibrant intersection of art and cultureMumbai, January 23rd, 2024:  Ms. Harsha Bangari, Managing Director, India Exim Bank and Ms. Brinda Miller, Chairperson of the Kala Ghoda Association inaugurated the 24th edition of Kala Ghoda Arts Festival at the Cross maidan, Churchgate, Mumbai on 20th January, 2024.  The theme of this year’s Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, scheduled from January 20 to 28, 2024, is ‘Udaan’ (flight), and shall showcase the rich tapestry of Indian arts and crafts while empowering rural artisans and grassroots enterprises.

Over 60 artisans, nurtured by India Exim Bank‘s decade-long commitment to cultural preservation, will take centre stage. Through capacity building, product placements, and expert marketing guidance, the Bank has empowered countless individuals to share their unique artistic visions and create sustainable livelihoods. The festival provides a platform for these talented artisans and rural entrepreneurs to showcase their creations, connect with a wider audience, and foster a vibrant community of creativity. The exhibition assumes significance as it aims to support local, home-grown artisans from various states.

Ms. Brinda Miller, Chairperson of the Kala Ghoda Association, highlighting the significance of the festival‘s theme said: “The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is a vibrant example of what can be achieved through community collaboration. It is a festival for the people and by the people. Our theme this year is ‘Udaan’- an ode to our legacy of 24 years while designing a festival of the future. It is indicative of the gradual emergence from a period of inactivity to an era heralding positivity, change and progress. Each year, individuals and enterprises across the country come together to make this celebration possible, and this year is no different.”

Praising the role Exim Bank plays to strengthen India’s handicraft and handloom sector, Ms. Brinda Miller said, “We are glad to have India Exim Bank on board as our presenting partner as we share common values of promoting Indian arts and crafts. The collaboration will surely provide a boost to rural artisans and grassroots enterprises.”

The Managing Director of India Exim Bank, Ms. Harsha Bangari, emphasising on the Bank‘s commitment to empower creative industries said, “Creative industries are a significant source of commercial and cultural value in India. According to ADB, creative industries contribute to about 8% of India‘s employment. The creative industries generate important spillovers to various sectors of the economy, including innovation, tourism, education, and urban development. Exim Bank realise the potential of Indian traditional arts and crafts, and hence has been associated with this segment for many years across various States of India. Many of the organisations supported by the Bank have expanded in size and value through our intervention. Our commitment is further strengthened by our continued engagement with the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. The Festival is like a melting pot of India’s art and culture. We are optimistic that the participants, especially the rural artisans, with stalls here in the festival, will not only make good earnings, but also get to engage ideas with their peers who will be present under the same umbrella for more than a week.”

The event would boost business prospects for many individual artisans as well as micro & grassroots enterprises. With the footprint of thousands of visitors, this exhibition would provide wider visibility and brand promotion for the artisans to market their products. This would give them access to direct customers and generate future sales leads, as well as understanding consumer preferences, improve industry knowledge and discover latest trends.

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival extends beyond mere exhibitions. Dance, music, theatre, literature, children’s workshops, cinema, and more will come alive across 15 iconic venues across Mumbai, celebrating the human spirit in all its diverse forms. Launched in 1998 by the Kala Ghoda Association, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is a testament to the enduring spirit of Mumbai’s art district. This district, teeming with museums, galleries, and creative souls, is a heritage haven. Festival proceeds fuel the Association’s ongoing restoration efforts, ensuring this artistic enclave’s legacy soars for generations.

India Exim Bank, a premier financial institution set up by an Act of Parliament with the objective of financing, facilitating, and promoting India‘s international trade. The Bank is dedicated towards preserving India’s handicrafts and other creative industries through programs like Grassroots Initiatives for Development and Marketing Advisory Services. The Bank assists artisans, master craftsmen, weavers, clusters, self-help groups, NGOs, grassroots and micro enterprises through capacity building, participation at trade fairs, exhibitions in India and sourcing overseas buyers and distributors. This holistic approach ensures the survival of traditional art forms, the sustenance of livelihoods, and the preservation of India‘s rich cultural heritage.

PMJ Jewels Launches new store in Khammam

PMJ Jewels Launches new store in KhammamKhammam, 23rd January, 2024: PMJ Jewels, South India’s most loved fine jewellery brand unveiled its new store in Khammam. The inauguration ceremony was graced by chief guest – Mrs. Mallu Nandini, wife of Hon’ble Deputy CM, Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka. P Neeraja, Mayor, KMC was the guest of honour. Mr. Ram Reddy, Business Head of PMJ Jewels along with the Store Head of PMJ Jewels Khammam, Mr. Rajashekhar also attended the launch.

To mark this momentous occasion, PMJ Jewels is delighted to give a special offer to the customers purchasing jewellery in the first six days who will receive a complimentary gold coin as a token of appreciation. A special wedding jewellery exhibition which starts from 20th of January will display a wide variety of exquisite designs will conclude on 25th of January.

The new PMJ Jewels store in Khammam is a testament to the brand’s commitment to providing exceptional craftsmanship and stunning designs. The store features a wide range of exquisite jewellery pieces, including intricately designed necklaces, earrings, rings, and more, catering to the diverse tastes of the discerning customers in Khammam.

Mrs. Mallu Nandini, wife of Hon’ble Deputy CM, Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has expressed her excitement about the new store, stating, “It’s a pleasure to witness the opening of PMJ Jewels’ new store in Khammam. The brand has consistently set high standards in the world of jewellery, and I am confident that the people of Khammam will appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship and timeless designs offered here.”

Mr. Ram Reddy, Business Head of PMJ Jewels, has shared his enthusiasm about the expansion and the exclusive offer at the new store, stating, “We are extremely honoured to bring PMJ Jewels to Khammam.  We want to extend a special invitation to everyone and come to experience the beauty and craftsmanship that define our brand. As a token of our gratitude, we are offering a complimentary gold coin to our valued customers during the six days wedding jewellery exhibition.”

Mr. Rajashekhar, Store Head, PMJ Jewels Khammam, added, “PMJ Jewels has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional quality and service. The new store in Khammam is a testament to the brand’s growth and commitment to providing customers with a unique and memorable shopping experience. We strive to give the best of everything in jewellery to our Khammam people.”

From intricately designed wedding sets to elegant and modern pieces, the 6-day wedding jewellery exhibition at the new store will showcase a wide array of jewellery options to complement every jewellery lover’s unique style. PMJ Jewels’ new store at Khammam is not just a shopping destination, it’s an embodiment of the brand’s rich legacy and commitment to delivering exceptional jewellery pieces that stand the test of time.

EaseMyTrip partners with Common Services Center (CSC) under MeitY, offering Travel Services to its Users

EaseMyTrip partners with Common Services Center (CSC) under MeitY, offering Travel Services to its UsersMumbai: January 23, 2024: EaseMyTrip.com, one of India’s largest online travel tech platforms, announces a groundbreaking strategic collaboration with CSC e-governance Services Limited. Under this agreement, EaseMyTrip will be the first travel partner to provide comprehensive content on holidays and activities to CSC and its extensive network of VLEs.

CSC (Common Services Centre) e-governance Services Limited, a registered entity under the Ministry of Information Technology, boasts a vast network of over 5.5 lakh Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) nationwide. These dedicated VLEs, representing CSC, play a pivotal role in delivering various services to citizens, with travel services being one of the key offerings.

In addition to existing offerings such as flights, hotels, cabs, and buses, EaseMyTrip’s innovative travel solutions will now include an exclusive focus on enhancing the holiday and activity planning experience for users across India.

Expressing his excitement for the collaboration, Mr. Rikant Pittie, Co-founder at EaseMyTrip, stated, “Being a homegrown company, we are thrilled to serve as the travel partner for CSC, delivering a comprehensive suite of travel services. By combining our wide range of services with CSC’s network, our joint aim is to make travel more accessible and user-friendly across the nation.”

“At CSC e-Governance Services, our unwavering commitment is to ensure seamless access to essential services. The integration of EaseMyTrip as our esteemed travel partner marks a significant stride towards achieving this goal. This partnership signifies a crucial leap forward, empowering the people of rural India with improved access to travel and booking services. We are confident that this collaboration will contribute to a more user-friendly and accessible landscape for travel enthusiasts across the country especially remote areas of India,” Mr Sanjay Kumar Rakesh, MD & CEO, CSC, shared his thoughts on this strategic alliance.

The agreement underscores EaseMyTrip’s dedication to offering diverse and engaging travel content, further enriching the travel services provided by CSC and its network of VLEs. This collaboration aligns with the shared vision of both organizations to enhance the overall travel experience and empower citizens across India with a wider range of travel options.