Archives July 2024

6th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  In a concerted effort to address the pressing issue of protein deficiency among the Indian populace, the Poultry Federation of India (PFI) with support from USA Poultry and Eggs Export Council (USAPEEC) recently hosted a session held on 18th May 2024 in New Delhi, which convened leading industry experts to underscore the indispensable role of poultry protein in addressing India’s nutritional challenges. With participation from renowned industry experts, this served as a platform to advocate for enhanced protein intake, particularly through poultry products like chicken, duck, turkey, and eggs.

The Poultry Federation of India (PFI) and USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) recently forged a collaborative partnership to promote poultry proteins which signals a significant step forward in promoting awareness and consumption of poultry protein as a pivotal component of daily diets.

Protein deficiency remains a critical concern in India, as highlighted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Despite established recommendations emphasizing the importance of adequate protein consumption for optimal health, the nation continues to grapple with subpar dietary protein intake, significantly below recommended levels. According to a recent survey by the Indian Market Research Bureau (IMRB), a staggering 73% of urban affluent individuals are protein deficient, with a vast majority unaware of their daily protein requirements or suitable protein sources.

Mr. Ranpal Dhanda – President, Poultry Federation of India, Mr. Ravinder Singh Sandhu – Secretary, Poultry Federation of India, Mr. Ricky Thaper – Treasurer, Poultry Federation of India, Ms. Pratibha Dixit – Nutritionist/Dietician, Artemis Hospital, Dr. Ajit Ranade – Vice President, World Veterinary Poultry Association and Mr. Shiven Khanna – USAPEEC were key speakers.

Mr. Ranpal Dhanda, President of the Poultry Federation of India, addressed protein deficiency in India. He stated, “We’re glad to collaborate with USAPEEC to raise awareness about the health benefits of poultry products. Through the combined knowledge, our objective is to amplify understanding regarding the nutritional benefits of poultry products and elevate the standards of health and wellness.”

Mr. Ricky Thaper, Treasurer, of the Poultry Federation of India added that Chicken meat and eggs are perceived as healthier alternatives to red meat, driving up the demand. Poultry products are often more affordable than other protein sources, making them accessible to a broader segment of the population. Mr. Thaper further stated that in the post-COVID-19 pandemic phase, the demand for protein-rich food like poultry meat and eggs has increased sharply. The growing awareness regarding health and wellness is further driving the demand for a protein-rich diet.

During the Session on Poultry Protein, Dr. Pratibha Dixit, emphasized the imperative of raising awareness about protein’s significance in daily nutrition. She stressed the need to educate individuals on appropriate protein intake levels and the diverse sources of protein available in the diet. Poultry products emerged as standout examples of complete and bioavailable proteins, offering a comprehensive nutritional profile essential for overall health.

Dr Jeetendra Verma, President, World Veterinary Poultry Association (India) explained the goodness of chicken meat. He said that Chicken meat is a high-quality protein containing all nine essential amino acids in right proportions. It’s a Lean Protein with high nutrient density. Means it provides essential vitamins and minerals also including B complex vitamins, selenium, phosphorus and niacin. Chicken protein also helps in muscle management and growth, hence it is very popular and essential for athletes and individuals looking for building the muscle mass.

Further elucidating the nutritional merits of poultry protein, Dr. Ajit Ranade, Vice President of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, emphasized its role as a complete protein source. Highlighting the goodness of healthy proteins, fats, and micronutrients inherent in poultry products, he underscored their efficacy in bolstering immunity and overall well-being.

The session provided attendees with an opportunity to delve deeper into the nuances of protein consumption and its implications for public health. Discussions revolved around strategies to enhance awareness, promote dietary diversity, and expand opportunities for poultry products.

The collaborative efforts between PFI and USAPEEC, signify a multifaceted approach encompassing education, research and development, and nutritional awareness. By collaborating with their expertise, this initiative aims to catalyze a paradigm shift in addressing India’s protein deficiency challenge, positioning poultry protein as a cornerstone of a balanced and nourishing diet.

In conclusion, the session served as a pivotal moment in galvanizing stakeholders toward combatting protein deficiency. Poultry protein holds immense promise in fortifying India’s nutritional landscape.

6th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  In line with the customer demand for the summer season, Signify, the global leader in lighting, announced the launch of its new revolutionary range of energy-efficient fans, today. The innovative product line combines advanced technology with superior performance, offering consumers a breath of fresh air in any space. Starting at a price range of INR 3000/- to INR 5500/-, the product line includes five new innovative models – AiroGeometry, AiroJewel, AiroZephyr, AiroSerenade and AiroSleek all designed to provide superior air delivery, efficient performance, and significant energy savings.

AiroJewel – Effortless control at your fingertips

The uniquely designed product range operates on advanced technology ensuring high energy efficiency and low power consumption. Equipped with aluminum blades and copper winding heavy-duty motors, these fans guarantee durability and high performance. The high-speed fans with 370RPM are designed for superior air delivery.

AiroGeometry – Striking geometrical shape with LED indicators

The AiroGeometry fans are inspired by its striking geometrical shape and the AiroJewel fan design resembles a rare jewel that boasts a unique display screen with LED indicators. The BLDC range comes with aluminum blades for superior air delivery, BLDC power-saving technology, and runs 3X longer on the inverter.

The new BLDC range comes with a 2+1-year warranty along an RF multidirectional remote that offers reverse and turbo speed modes. The BLDC range has a 5-star BEE rating, further reinforcing their energy efficiency and Signify’s commitment to sustainability.

Sumit Joshi, CEO of Signify, Greater India said, “In line with our commitment to provide energy-efficient solutions to customers across India, we are excited to introduce our power packed new range of Ecolink fans. At Signify, we believe in creating products that not only meet but exceed our consumer’s expectations. We are thrilled to introduce our latest range of energy-efficient fans, which represent a significant leap forward in innovation and design. Through research, we have actioned what our consumers want and created a range of fans that combines cutting-edge technology to deliver superior performance and energy savings. With models like AiroGeometry and AiroJewel, we have incorporated unique designs & features such as LED speed indicators, BLDC technology, and inverter compatibility to ensure an exceptional user experience. We are confident that this revolutionary product line will redefine the standard for modern cooling solutions.”

C Arun Kumar, Head Consumer Business, Signify Greater India said, “We have thoroughly crafted our new Ecolink fans to operate on minimal energy, effectively aiding consumers in reducing power consumption and lowering electricity expenses. The range is a one of its kind holistic offering for the customers, giving them a featured packed superior performing, eco-friendly and cost-saving solution. We are confident that our customers will appreciate the innovation that has gone into creating this range as we are all set to redefine the energy-efficient fan market in India.”

The newly launched fans are specifically designed to work with minimal energy usage, assisting consumers in lowering power costs and saving money on electricity bills, solving the most common issue about high energy consumption when using an appliance. The AiroGeometry and AiroJewel models can save up to Rs. 1485 per annum and come with Sleep and Timer modes which help enhance the consumer experience.

The AiroZephyr, AiroSerenade and AiroSleek models, on the other hand, offer a 2-year warranty, unique design, low power consumption, superior air delivery, efficient performance. These models feature a heavy-duty copper winding motor and are available in a variety of colors and save up to Rs. 895 per annum.

The Ecolink range is available in a variety of color options, adding aesthetic value to any space. From Dark Coffee Brown, Titanium Grey, and Silver Mist to Aspen Gold, Pearl White, and Smoke Mocha Brown, there’s a color to match every interior.

6th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Timezone India is thrilled to announce its recent recognition as “Most Admired Retailer of the Year” at the Images Retail Awards 2024. This prestigious accolade highlights Timezone’s commitment to excellence, innovation, guest satisfaction, and the consistent delivery of exciting entertainment experiences that are suitable for guests of all ages.

“We are deeply honoured to receive this esteemed recognition. This award reaffirms our commitment to providing exceptional value and experiences to our guests. It also highlights the hard work and passion of our talented Fun Squad who consistently strive for excellence. We are proud to deliver outstanding entertainment experiences that spread happiness and create memorable moments for our guests,” said Mr Abbas Jabalpurwala, CEO, of Timezone India.

The driving ethos of the Timezone brand is bringing people together through having fun and making memories. Timezone is consistently pushing the boundaries of what family entertainment centers can offer. This award recognizes the dedication of the team and motivates them to continue raising the bar and setting new standards for retail excellence in India, and all the markets in which Timezone operates.

Jabalpurwala continues, “As Timezone India celebrates this significant achievement, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal guests, dedicated team, and supportive partners who have contributed to our success. Looking forward, Timezone India remains excited about the opportunities to innovate further and continue making every guest experience in our venues exceptional and memorable.”

6th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  Pluugin E-commerce, having established a robust presence in global markets like Southeast Asia (SEA), SAARC, and Middle East & North Africa (MENA), is expanding its operations to India. Pluugin is a borderless e-commerce enabler, facilitating brands in scaling up their businesses across international borders.

Headquartered in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it has offices across SEA, SAARC countries, and MENA. Founded in 2022, the company has experienced a 100% year-on-year growth. This speaks to the ever-increasing need of e-commerce in brands’ business models and the effectiveness of Pluugin’s expertise in the field. The company boasts of a roster of prestigious clients from across sectors like FMCG, consumer electronics, small appliances, health & wellness, personal care, beverages, confectionery, power tools, and baby & mom care, among others.’

With its set of comprehensive solutions, both digital and on-ground, Pluugin envisions shrinking the boundaries between industries and geographies, by tailoring localized solutions for businesses. Its wide array of services includes end-to-end Logistics Support, Supply Chain & Warehouse Management, Cross-Border Payment Solutions, Marketplace & Platform Management, Risk Management & Regulations, and Data Insights & Market Analysis to offer a key understanding of the market-brand fit.

With this expansion, Plugin is looking to create over 2100 jobs in the local market over the next 3 years. Currently operational in 12 states, the company is looking at 100% pan-India coverage in the next 12 months. India will also cater as the backend office for its global operations in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Commenting on the expansion, Aparna Gupta, Founder & Managing Director, Pluugin E-commerce, said, “We truly believe that every brand has the potential to be borderless in today’s e-commerce landscape and we intend to help them leverage it, with a strong focus on MSMEs. We are proud to say that Pluugin has disrupted the ‘e-commerce accelerator’ category with its unique positioning and offerings, currently being the only entity enabling cross-border commerce on such a large magnitude. With our strategic entry into the Indian market, we bring new potential growth opportunities within the e-commerce space, enabling a global presence for all ‘Make In India’ brands.”

E-commerce is one of the fastest growing markets in India, continuously expanding its reach beyond the metro cities and into the tier 2 & 3 areas of the country. In 2024, it is estimated at USD 112.93 billion and is expected to reach USD 299.01 billion by 2029.

Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Launches Kargil War Book

In a glittering ceremony on 3rd July at the Army Officers Institute in Bengaluru, Lt Gen K T Parnaik (retd), the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, launched a book titled “Kargil War – The Turning Point”. Authored by late Col M B Ravindranath, VrC, a war hero and son of the soil hailing from Davangere, the memoir vividly recalls the challenges that the author and his unit 2 RAJ RIF faced, as they attacked Tololing during the Kargil War 25 years ago. Several attacks to evict the Pakistani troops from the formidable Himalayan heights had failed, when Ravi and his warriors went into battle at Tololing. After a bitterly fought battle, 2 RAJ RIF soldiers stood victorious on Tololing at dawn on 13 June 99. This was the Turning Point in the war, and Indian troops thereafter destroyed several Pakistani posts in the next month, and evicted the treacherous Pakistani Army in the Drass – Kargil Sector.

Col MB Ravindranath, VrC, who hails from Davangere is an alumnus of Sainik School Bijapur and NDA, Pune. He was the Commanding Officer of 2 RAJ RIF when the unit moved into the Drass area to evict Pakistani soldiers from the heights overlooking the Leh Highway. He led his unit to victory, and after his unit command was over, he took premature retirement and returned to his roots to handle the family business. He penned his experiences passionately before he passed away in April 2018 after a massive heart attack.

The book Kargil War – The Turning Point traces the events of those months, as Ravi prepared his infantrymen for the battles, the fears that he had to overcome, the plans that he made and finally his leadership on the icy mountain ridges during the attacks. The book also highlights the sacrifice of bravehearts like Major Acharya, MVC, Major Vivek Gupta, MVC, Lt Kenguruse, MVC, Capt Vijayant Thapar, VrC and such others. At the book launch event organized by Ravindranath’s family, several of his colleagues and friends joined and paid tribute to him. Lt Gen Mohinder Puri (retd), Ravi’s Division Commander during the war described Ravindranath’s commitment, resilience, courage and bold leadership. Lt Gen KT Parnaik, the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh described how the troops fight for the honour of their units, their clans and for the nation. He highlighted his personal association with late Col M B Ravindranath. Col David Devasahayam, CMD of the Radiant Group, a corporate leader and colleague of Col Ravindranath, also recalled the commitment and enterprise of Ravindranath. Former Services Chiefs Admiral Karambir Singh, General Manoj Naravane and Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria also graced the book launch ceremony.

“Kargil War – The Turning Point” is an intimate narrative that captures the essence of the courage and resilience of Indian soldiers. Written in a gripping style, the book brings out the formidable positions held by the Pakistanis which our troops overcame valiantly. The Kargil War of 1999 remains a pivotal moment in India’s military history, showcasing the indomitable spirit of the Armed Forces in defending the nation’s sovereignty. “Kargil War – The Turning Point” pays homage to these extraordinary individuals and their families, offering readers a poignant insight into the sacrifices made and the triumphs achieved during this critical period. “Kargil War – The Turning Point” is now available at leading bookstores nationwide and online platforms.

As we celebrate the Rajat Jayanti of the Kargil Victory this month, it is apt to salute our valiant soldiers who guard our frontiers with dedication and fortitude. Jai Hind!

5th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India Ant Cloud, a revolutionary cloud gaming and PC service, launched today in India. This allows users to play any AAA game on any device, at any time. But Ant Cloud isn’t just limited to gaming – with its PC Mode, users can seamlessly perform productivity tasks using a fully-featured Windows gaming PC on the cloud. Ant Cloud is the first-of-its-kind subscription service originating from India, offering a pay-as-you-go model. The service, with prices starting from just INR 599 per month, is set to transform the way people engage with gaming and PC activities.

With Ant Cloud, users can bid farewell to limitations on the type of hardware they need to play their favorite games or accomplish their tasks. Whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or an older PC, Ant Cloud ensures a seamless and high-quality gaming and computing experience for its subscribers. It is also available on select Samsung Smart TVs.

A key highlight of Ant Cloud is its commitment to flexibility and affordability. The pay-as-you-go model empowers users to access the service within their budget and eliminates the need for high upfront costs. Its subscription plans have been carefully crafted to cater to a diverse audience, ensuring that everyone can access this groundbreaking technology.

Key features of Ant Cloud’s Cloud Gaming Service include:

• Seamless access to AAA video games on any compatible device
• Ability to use productivity tools for work and editing tasks
• Plans start from INR 599/-, making it an affordable option for all users
• Subscribe to a Pay-As-You-Go Model
• Access to a diverse and extensive game library, including a multitude of genres and titles
• Access to a Dedicated High Power Gaming PC.

Himanshu Jain, CEO of Ant Cloud, said, “Ant Cloud represents a leap forward in the world of gaming and PC services. By providing an accessible and versatile platform, we are empowering users to unlock the full potential of gaming and PC usage, without being limited by hardware capabilities or geographical constraints.”

The launch of Ant Cloud is a major milestone not only for gaming enthusiasts but also for individuals and businesses seeking cost-effective and efficient solutions for PC usage. With its user-friendly interface and robust infrastructure, Ant Cloud promises to deliver unparalleled gaming and PC experiences for its subscribers.

5th July 2024 New Delhi, Delhi, India Caret Capital announced the launch of Caret360 Accelerator – a 100-day Outcome-Focused program for Early-Stage Startups.

Selected startups will get up to Rs. 3 crore investment as well as deep-engaged mentoring from industry leaders. Additionally, the startups get assisted access to Caret’s community of CXOs from some of the country’s largest corporations.

Commenting on the development, Prajakt Raut, Managing Partner of Caret Capital said, “Caret Accelerator is a platform for us to empower early-stage startups with capital and mentoring from industry stalwarts. Startups will also have the opportunity to draw further follow-on capital from Caret Capital.”

“Caret provides timely capital, aggregates and makes accessible industry expertise, imparts skills through mentorship and helps startups improve their chances of success,” Sandip Das, Ex-CEO – Hutchison and ex-MD Jio, Co-chair Caret Innovation Lab and Caret Accelerator.

Caret360 Accelerator will invest and mentor startups across the 3 areas of focus of Caret Capital – smart mobility, distribution/supply chain, and employment/employability.

Caret360 Accelerator has a rigorous selection process to select a distinguished group of startups. The selection process involves multiple stakeholders including other VCs, corporates, and domain experts, and selects as steep as 1% of the start-ups that apply. Past cohort companies like Celcius Logistics, Just Deliveries, etc. have raised follow-on capital from Caret Capital as well as other marquee VCs.

5th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  As the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education is all set to declare the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) 2024 board result, students can now conveniently access their HSC results on the Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. website on 21st May 2024 at 1 pm. In a bid to alleviate congestion on the Maharashtra State Board website and in association with the Board, both Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and Secondary School Certificate (SSC) results are now accessible on the Target Publications website at results.targetpublications.org.

The HSC board theory exams for this year took place from February 21 to March 19, 2024. In the Mumbai Division alone, over 3.5 lakh HSC students participated, contributing to a statewide approximately 15 lakh candidates. On the other hand, over 16 lakh students from across the state appeared for the SSC board exam that was held on March 01, 2024. The board officials are scheduled to release the HSC results on their official websites, mahahsscboard. in and mahresult.nic.in. Additionally, students can also access their results through results.targetpublications.org.

Dilip Gangaramani, Founder Director & CEO of Target Publications Pvt. Ltd., expressed, “We are thrilled to extend our services to the Maharashtra State Board, facilitating lakhs of students in effortlessly accessing their board exam results. This initiative aims to ease congestion on the Maharashtra state board platform while granting students immediate access to their results through our website. We appreciate the Maharashtra State Board for selecting us to support students through this initiative.”

To check your HSC result follow the steps:

• Login to – results.targetpublications.org
• Enter your hall ticket number in the given space.
• Download your result and take a print of it.

5th July 2024  Hong Kong, SAR  Dorsett Hospitality International is pleased to announce a new partnership between its hotel loyalty program, Dorsett – Your Rewards, and Cathay. This collaboration will allow Dorsett – Your Rewards members to convert their points into Asia Miles so they can explore the world with greater convenience, flexibility, and rewards.

Members of Dorsett – Your Rewards can earn and accumulate points by staying at any of our 22 participating Dorsett, Dao by Dorsett, d.Collection and Silka hotels across Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, London, and Australia. Our program is designed with simplicity and transparency in mind – no strings, no catches. Just instant benefits, including an exclusive additional 12% discount on room bookings made via our hotel websites or membership platform.

With this exciting partnership, members of Dorsett – Your Rewards can now seamlessly convert their accumulated points into Asia Miles, which can be utilized for amazing journeys, experiences, and curated products. The conversion rate is simple and rewarding, with each Dorsett – Your Rewards point equivalent to 10 Asia Miles*.

1 DYR Point = 10 Asia Miles

This collaboration between Dorsett – Your Rewards and Cathay provides a world of possibilities for our members to elevate and enhance their travel experience.

5th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  Amidst the increasing number of ghost shopping malls in the country, there’s positive news surrounding the high street malls. High street malls are becoming a favored destination for retailers due to the rapid opening of new stores. Recently released data from Knight Frank states that high street malls earned an average of INR 30,893 per square foot in 2023. The potential consumption in 58 high street malls across 29 cities is estimated to exceed INR 2500 crores. Potential consumption per square meter in high streets is 238% higher than operation shopping centers in 29 cities, mainly due to high commercial density in some categories that only perform better in high street malls.

Large shopping malls, with an area of over five lakh square feet, are not without their challenges. The number of vacant shops there has seen a modest increase of five percent. However, high-street malls are making their mark in retail, contributing 29% to the sector. Their unique offerings and vibrant atmosphere are drawing in retailers and customers alike. Food and beverages follow closely with an 18% contribution.

Mr. Ajendra Singh, Vice President at Spectrum@Metro stated, “High-street malls are an important aspect of urban life, often preferred by traditional buyers. Many retail high-street locations are now making substantial efforts towards urban revitalization, especially in tier 1 cities. In the future, new infrastructure will further strengthen the revival of major high-street malls and enhance the major locations.”

Moreover, a commercial high street is a key component of a successful business, and it’s increasingly popular among retail businesses looking to expand or relocate. There are many benefits of commercial high streets over shopping malls. The first thing that comes to mind when considering investing in a commercial high street is its ability to attract more customers and increase profits for your business. Regarding infrastructure, commercial high street comprises multiple entry and exit points, providing easy access to visitors within the high street. This can be seen by comparing shopping malls with commercial high streets. While both offer similar services, such as retail stores and restaurants, but with different layouts, commercial high streets allow more footfall per square foot than their counterparts.

Another important factor is that commercial high streets are becoming increasingly popular because of their low-maintenance nature, as shopping malls close and are threatened by rising rent. While many people may think of high streets as a place for local shops, they can also be used by businesses looking to attract customers. Hence, the main benefit of commercial high streets is that they offer more choices than shopping malls. Visitors can explore endless options from smaller to bigger brands under one roof and have more options when making purchase decisions (or browsing). Not only does this help ensure that each customer gets exactly what they want, but it also helps ensure that all parties involved get what they need from these premises-whether it’s convenience or value for money.

Furthermore, businesses can access a wide range of customers in a small area on commercial high streets. This is because many different types of businesses can be found on-site. The accessibility of these services means you can reach out to customers who may not usually visit your store or service them in ways they wouldn’t normally consider. This means that if you have a shop on a high street, more people will walk past it than in a shopping mall or out-of-town retail outlet. This means that when someone sees their favorite brand on display at one of these locations, they’ll want to stop by for a quick look around!

In addition, commercial high streets are also close to transport links, making it easier for customers to reach by car or public transport. The commercial high street also has more parking spaces than shopping malls, so if you have many customers coming into your store, then parking can be more accessible for them.

Thus, the success of high-street is exponentially increasing with urban trends. As infrastructure developments continue to support these commercial hubs, high-street malls are set to play an increasingly vital role in the retail sector. They provide a unique blend of traditional shopping experiences and modern conveniences, ensuring they remain attractive for retailers and consumers.