Archives September 2024

Traveling allows everyone to learn new things, create great memories, have amazing experiences, and stay happy. On this World Tourism Day actress Pranoti Pradhan, who plays the role of Madhumita in the Sun Neo’s show ‘Ishq Jabariya,’ has opened up on her love for traveling and how it helps her in this creative field of entertainment.

Sharing her memories of her favorite travel destination, Paronit Pradhan shared, “London is my all-time favorite travel destination because it’s perfect for both group and solo travel. The city’s excellent infrastructure, reliable transportation, and safety make exploring easy, even on your own. I love the cloudy, pleasant weather, and it’s a relief not to worry about the heat. London also offers a beautiful blend of nature and history—Hyde Park is a peaceful escape with its lakes and greenery, while historic sites like Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace bring its rich heritage to life. Though a bit expensive, the experience is truly worth it.”

The Ishq Jabariya actress also revealed how travelling has helped her in her professional life.  She said, “Traveling is the perfect way to break the monotony of daily life. Even in creative jobs, routine can become dull. A short trip refreshes your mind, like pressing a ‘reset’ button, helping you recharge for the months ahead. It also brings a sense of mental peace, especially when you spend time in nature. You can reflect, clear your thoughts, and work on your mental health. Travel also teaches you how small we are compared to the vastness of the world, keeping egos in check and reminding us to stay grounded.”

Pranoti Pradhan plays Madhumita, Gulki’s stepmother, who tries to control her and hinder her dreams. Ishq Jabariya, airing on Sun Neo, is a heartfelt love story featuring Gulki (Siddhi Sharma), a vibrant young woman with big dreams. Her journey takes unexpected turns as she faces various challenges. The show stars Kamya Panjabi, Siddhi Sharma, and Lakshay Khurana in prominent roles.

Pune, India – 27 September – Located in the heart of Pune’s industrial hub near Talegaon, Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan offers a perfect retreat for both business and leisure travelers. This pet-friendly hotel stands out with its warm hospitality, modern amenities, and proximity to key business locations like the Mahindra Plant (2.6 km) and Chakan Industrial Area (3.9 km).

Guests can enjoy a relaxing experience with the hotel’s spa offering unique treatments designed to help you unwind. For those seeking adventure or family fun, nearby attractions include Jadhavwadi Lake, Lohagad Fort, and the Japalouppe Equestrian Centre, known for its horse-riding lessons. Additionally, Chakan Fort and Elpro City Square Mall are just a short drive away, ensuring entertainment for the whole family.

Courtyard by Marriott Chakan also offers diverse culinary options, from local dishes like Tambda rassa and Barli Vangi to a variety of international cuisines, including Thai, French, and Korean. The hotel’s Momo Café operates 24×7, serving delicious food and beverages to cater to every guest’s cravings at any time of day. For those who prefer to dine in, the hotel provides room service with an extensive menu.

For business events or celebrations, the hotel features three spacious banquet halls – Rivaz, Otto, and Lenoir – perfect for weddings, conferences, or corporate meetings. The hotel also prioritizes sustainability with its EV charging station, ensuring that eco-conscious travelers are well accommodated.

Guests can relax and enjoy the recreational facilities available, including a swimming pool, gym, table tennis, and yoga space. Whether you’re in town for work or a weekend getaway, Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan ensures a seamless and memorable experience with its attention to detail and exceptional service.

Gurugram, 26 September 2024: YFLO Delhi, in collaboration with M3M Foundation’s iMPower programme, successfully concluded a transformative Menstruation Drive at 14 identified sites across Delhi NCR. This initiative, implemented by Aide et Action, Bright Orange Foundation, and Lakshyam, was led by Ujaas, an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust, with support from YFLO, Delhi. During the week-long drive, over 800 beneficiaries, including 62% women, were equipped with essential knowledge on menstrual health, hygiene, and care. To further support their well-being, Sirona provided sanitary pads and menstrual cups to all participants.

Speaking at the closing session of the training held today in Gurgaon, Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson YFLO Delhi, emphasized the importance of this initiative, expressing: “Menstruation is a natural process, yet it remains shrouded in silence and stigma in many communities. This training was conceived to break the myths, empower women, and ensure they have access to the knowledge and products necessary for their health and dignity. By openly discussing these topics, we are fostering a culture of awareness and acceptance.”

The Menstruation Drive covered critical topics, including understanding menstruation, menstrual hygiene, product usage and disposal, exercises for pain relief, and combating superstitions. The program also addressed issues such as PCOS/PCOD, menopause, and how to support children during menstruation.

Mamta, a young adolescent participant shared her newfound confidence: “I used to feel embarrassed talking about periods, but now I understand it’s a normal part of life. I learned so much about taking care of myself and using the right products. I feel more confident now”. Safina, a mother from one of the migrant communities added, “This training helped me let go of old beliefs and understand how to better care for myself and my daughter. It was an eye-opener”.

Deepali and Dipika, trainers from Ujaas were also deeply moved by the experience. “It was rewarding to see women and girls engaging with the information, eager to learn and break free from taboos. The distribution of menstrual products added a practical dimension to the learning, empowering them not just with knowledge but also with essential resources,” shared by Deepali.

By distributing sanitary pads and menstrual cups to all trainees, Sirona has taken a crucial step toward addressing menstrual health and hygiene in underprivileged communities. YFLO Delhi and its partners remain committed to building a healthier, more informed future for women and girls.

New Delhi, 26th September 2024: GM is proud to announce the much-anticipated GM Navratri Mahotsav 2024, to be held at the MBMC Ground in Mira Bhainder, starting from 3rd October. The event promises to be a spectacular celebration of culture, music, and tradition, marking the third consecutive year of GM’s successful hosting of this vibrant festival.

This year’s Navratri Mahotsav will feature renowned playback singer Bhavin Shastri, a highly revered singer in the world of devotional and folk music. Bhavin Shastri has been honored with the Gujarat Gaurav Puraskar and boasts an impressive record of over 4000 performances worldwide. His talent and passion for traditional music will elevate the festive spirit, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Jayanth Jain, CEO and MD of GM Modular, shared his excitement about the event, stating, “It is a proud moment for GM to conduct the Navratri Mahotsav for the second year in a row. Our commitment to celebrating Indian culture and bringing the community together grows stronger each year. With Bhavin Shastri headlining this year, we are confident that the experience will be even more memorable.”

The GM Navratri Mahotsav has become a much-anticipated event in Mira Bhainder, attracting thousands of participants each year. This year’s edition promises an even grander scale with vibrant decorations, traditional dance performances, and a variety of food stalls, ensuring a complete festive experience for all attendees.

Bengaluru, 26 Sep 2024: The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) has proposed to launch the Invoice Management System (IMS) with effect from October 1, 2024. While the objective of IMS is to streamline the input tax credit (ITC) claim process, but lack of preparation will not only increase the compliance burden but also impede the efficient deployment of capital. Under the new system, the recipient taxpayer will be required to accept or reject every invoice or credit note or keep as pending instead of the current system where businesses can simply claim ITC on their own. Post its rollout, theoretically, IMS will allow registered recipients to match their records with invoices issued by suppliers in their GSTR-1 however, lack of legal backing for the IMS proposal is a major concern, as taxpayers are currently doing self-assessment and claiming ITC in their GST returns.

K. Giri, Director General, Empower India said, “It is prudent to defer the introduction of IMS as it could impact the retail ecosystem during the festive season when they conclude 30-35% of their yearly sales. Also, for the retail ecosystem, a new guideline to be followed in middle of a busy sales period is an unwarranted distraction. The lack of a functional supplier dashboard, which would provide visibility on recipient actions, further complicates the implementation.”

Areas of improvement:

• Stakeholders have identified the need for improvements in the IMS, such as the inclusion of GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B filing status for suppliers, as well as the ability to validate data at the invoice level rather than the rate level.
• The treatment of credit notes when rejected by customers is a major concern as it would add up to the tax liability of the supplier.
• Consultation with small businesses and with the last retailer is critical for success of such an initiative which is all pervasive.
• Allowing credit notes to be kept pending, providing sufficient time for alignment before automatic addition of tax liability, and enabling suppliers to issue debit notes to offset rejected credit notes are some of the recommendations from taxpayers.
• The current proposal lacks clear mechanism for suppliers to dispute any incorrect or mischievous rejection of credit notes by their customers.

As the government continues to refine the IMS, it is crucial that policymakers engage closely with businesses to address these pressing concerns and ensure a smooth transition to the new compliance regime. The companies are already handling a major GST change by way of Input Service distribution becoming mandatory from the next financial year, and this unannounced change further complicates the compliance process. A collaborative approach between the government and the business community is essential to address the complexities of the new Invoice Management System. Business should be allowed at least 12 months to prepare for the implementation of IMS.

Hyderabad, 26th September 2024: Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospitals concluded its 3rd edition of the annual conference, “Optimizing Fetal Outcomes,” today in Hyderabad. The event featured speakers from CIMAR (Kochi), BN Clinic (Kolkata), PSG Medical College (Coimbatore), Wadia Maternity & Central Railway Hospital (Mumbai), and the Apollo Cradle Fetal Medicine Department, led by Dr. Amitha Indersen and her team.

The conference was conceptualized in 2022 by Dr. Amitha Indersen, Head of the Department of Fetal Medicine at Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospitals Hyderabad, aimed at obstetricians and gynecologists in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Under her guidance, several meaningful fetal medicine conferences, webinars, and workshops have been conducted across the country.

Dr. Amitha Indersen stated, “At the end of every pregnancy, the aspiration of every fetal medicine specialist is a healthy baby and a happy mother. When things go wrong, the field of fetal therapy can help bring the pregnancy to term and allow for the delivery of a healthy baby, or one that can be managed after birth. This improves the chances of a successful pregnancy and the quality of life for the newborn.”

Currently, there is an increasing number of patients conceiving through IVF, leading to a rise in twin and triplet pregnancies. These high-risk pregnancies often present complications, such as growth abnormalities and defects, or risks associated with twin complications. In cases of twins, triplets, or higher-order multiple pregnancies, there is a risk of abnormalities due to imbalances in blood and nutrient sharing, as well as potential issues where an abnormality in one fetus can jeopardize the others. If left untreated, these complications can result in the loss of the entire pregnancy.

Our fetal medicine experts are equipped to identify these issues, which are often not well understood. Once identified, state-of-the-art fetal therapy options can help safeguard healthy fetuses and improve chances of survival through procedures such as radiofrequency ablation, laser therapy, and fetoscopy surgery.

In cases where one of the fetuses is abnormal, these fetal procedures can help protect the normal fetuses and ensure their health. Fetoscopy surgery, one of the latest treatment options available, can involve placing a device in the fetal airway to enhance lung growth and development in babies with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, as well as performing surgeries to correct neural tube defects before birth.

This annual event aims to integrate insights from the Departments of Genetics, Neonatology, and Fetal Super Specialties, ultimately striving to ensure safer pregnancies and healthier fetuses.

Dr. Vijay Aggarwal, Director of Medical Services, shared her thoughts: “Fetal medicine plays a crucial role in modern obstetrics by providing comprehensive care for both the mother and the fetus. It ensures early detection and management of potential complications, thereby improving pregnancy outcomes and reducing risks for both mother and baby.”

The conference was attended by renowned and experienced doctors from across India and focused on enhancing knowledge in fetal care, particularly in improving outcomes for fetal abnormalities. Topics included Early Pregnancy Prognostication, Neurosonogram, stages of Placenta Accreta Spectrum, Fetal Therapy, RPOC of unexpectedly complex pregnancies, TTTS stages and experiences, Antenatal Red Cell Antibody Screening, and Fetal Anemia. The objective of this conference was to provide exposure to recent advances in fetal therapies and high-risk pregnancies.

Nagpur, 26th September 2024: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Next Bharat Ventures IFSC Private Limited, a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation in Japan, to provide tailored Working Capital Financing Solutions to impact-driven startups and Micro and Small Enterprises (MSME). This collaboration will enable MSMEs to secure credit without the traditional collateral, thereby reducing financial hindrances and simplifying access to capital needed for business growth.

Through this initiative, Axis Bank will extend support to MSMEs across key sectors, who are part of Next Bharat Ventures’ Residency Program. This four-month program, launching its first cohort in October 2024, is designed to empower entrepreneurs committed to driving impact in India’s rural and informal sectors. The startups selected under the program will have access to Axis Bank’s comprehensive range of financial services and solutions, tailored to meet their specific needs.

The partnership will leverage Axis Bank’s vast network of branches across India to deliver these financing solutions and simplify the credit evaluation process, thereby making it easier for startups to obtain debt financing. With a strong focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 regions, this initiative will not only promote financial inclusion but also foster long-term economic growth in these underserved areas.

Speaking on the occasion, Munish Sharda, Executive Director, Axis Bank, said, “At Axis Bank, we recognize the pivotal role that entrepreneurs, especially those in the underserved regions, play in driving India’s economic growth. This collaboration with Next Venture underscores our commitment to foster innovation and empower the entrepreneurial ecosystem, leading to the growth of India’s rural economy. By leveraging our financial expertise and extensive branch network, we aim to help these entrepreneurs scale their operations and achieve sustainable growth. This strategic collaboration reinforces our commitment to financial inclusion, giving us the opportunity to support the next generation of socially impactful business leaders.”

Vipul Nath Jindal, MD and CEO of Next Bharat Ventures, commented, “This partnership with Axis Bank marks an advancement to build a sustainable financial ecosystem for impact-driven entrepreneurs in India. By combining Axis Bank’s financial expertise in providing debt funding with Next Bharat’s tailored support for innovative social ventures, we are excited to see the advancement of high-impact startups in Bharat.”

By integrating Axis Bank’s financial capabilities with Next Bharat Ventures’ focus on nurturing social enterprises, the partnership aims to build a more inclusive and sustainable financial ecosystem for

entrepreneurs while positioning them for long term success as self-sustaining MSMEs. The collaboration will ensure that essential financial support reaches entrepreneurs in underserved regions, empowering them to drive meaningful economic progress and create lasting impact in their communities.

Bengaluru, 26th September 2024: Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions Limited, a leading manufacturer of electric two and three-wheelers in India, announced the appointment of Mr. Manav Mehra as the Senior Executive Vice President for its 2-wheeler business.

With over 26 years of extensive experience in the Indian industry, Mr. Mehra has held prominent leadership roles in various renowned organisations, including Hero MotoCorp, IFB, Okaya EV, Revolt Motors, across the 2W, electric two-wheelers (e2W), and consumer durable sectors.

At Kinetic Green, Mr. Mehra will work closely with Mr. Pankaj Sharma, President, to drive growth for Kinetic Green’s 2- wheelers business. His focus will be on expanding the dealer network, boosting market penetration, towards service and sales excellence, and strengthening brand presence across the country.

Expressing her delight, Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder and CEO of Kinetic Green said, “I warmly welcome Manav to team Kinetic Green! At Kinetic Green, we are proud of our strong and professional leadership team that is propelling the growth of our company. Our E-Luna is showing great promise as India’s most versatile EV and we will be launching a premium family scooter in the coming months. Thus, Manav’s appointment comes at an exciting time and his expertise will be instrumental in growing our dealership network across the country as well as in building a solid rural presence for Kinetic Green in the coming years.”

Sharing his enthusiasm about joining the company, Mr. Manav Mehra stated, “I am excited to embark on a new journey with Kinetic Green, a company that has empowered people to embrace electric mobility. I am committed to delivering operational efficiency and fostering innovation alongside a talented team. Through this role in Kinetic Green, I look forward to making the EV ecosystem more accessible to all while contributing to a cleaner, pollution-free environment for the generations to come.”

India, 26th September 2024: Rakuten India, a leader in cutting-edge technology and innovation, announces the appointment of two senior executives: Jay Swamidass as Vice President and Global Head of Sales and Subhash Chandra as Head of Global Partnerships & Alliances. These leadership appointments represent a significant step in Rakuten India’s ongoing efforts to expand its global footprint and enhance its enterprise software offerings.

In recent years, Rakuten SixthSense has witnessed impressive growth, broadening its reach and becoming a key player in the global technology space. This success has been fueled by the platform’s dedication to innovation, its capacity to tackle complex enterprise challenges, and its focus on cultivating strong strategic partnerships. With the appointment of Jay Swamidass and Subhash Chandra to the leadership team, Rakuten SixthSense is poised to accelerate its growth and drive further advancements in the industry.

Jay Swamidass brings over two decades of experience in enterprise software sales, having held key positions and leadership roles at Hewlett Packard, Commvault Systems, Veeam Software, and most recently, Apica. At Rakuten India, Jay will lead the sales strategy for Rakuten SixthSense, focusing on delivering innovative solutions to enterprise customers. His expertise in analytics, cloud, AI, and enterprise infrastructure will support the company’s goal of further expanding its footprint in this critical market.

“I am thrilled to join Rakuten India at such an exciting time,” said Jay Swamidass, Vice President and Global Head of Sales, Rakuten SixthSense. “The company’s focus on cutting-edge observability solutions and its commitment to solving complex enterprise challenges align perfectly with my passion for leveraging technology to drive operational excellence and business resilience. I’m excited to work alongside this talented team to strengthen our market presence and deliver real value to our clients through unparalleled visibility and performance insights.”

Subhash Chandra, appointed as Head of Global Partnerships & Alliances, Rakuten SixthSense, brings 23 years of experience in building strategic partnerships across the technology sector, with prior leadership roles at AWS, Google Cloud, SAP, and IBM. Subhash will focus on expanding Rakuten India’s global partner network to enhance its technological capabilities and market reach, which will further fuel the company’s rapid growth.

“Rakuten India’s vision of innovation through collaboration is truly inspiring,” said Subhash Chandra, Head of Global Partnerships & Alliances. “I am eager to lead the global partnerships efforts and work closely with our partners to create synergies that empower our clients and elevate Rakuten India’s solutions on a global scale.”

Commenting on the appointments, Sunil Gopinath, CEO of Rakuten India said, “We are delighted to welcome Jay and Subhash to the Rakuten India leadership team. Their expertise and leadership will be pivotal as we continue to innovate and expand our global presence in enterprise software and observability. With their strategic insights and operational excellence, I am confident we will achieve new milestones and continue our significant growth trajectory for our Rakuten SixthSense business.”

Delhi, 26th September: NeceSera, a homegrown loungewear brand known for its fabric innovation, proudly made its highly anticipated debut at Milan Fashion Week on Sunday 22nd September, 2024, to unveil its exclusive Spring/Summer 2025 collection, Arrivato. This milestone marks NeceSera’s grand entrance onto the global fashion stage, showcasing the brand’s commitment to promote comfort and self care in fashion.

Milan Fashion Week, one of the most prestigious events in the fashion calendar, showcases the latest collections from iconic designers and emerging talents alike. The debut of an Indian loungewear brand alongside established luxury labels is a proud testament to NeceSera’s journey and the growing prominence of Indian craft internationally.

Founded by two sisters Riddhi Jain and Sudiksha Jain, NeceSera meticulously develops innovative fabric blends to create the signature buttery-soft fabrics that define NeceSera. These pieces are thoughtfully designed to be both incredibly comfortable and long-lasting, ensuring they withstand the test of time and multiple washes. The Arrivato collection features a thoughtfully curated selection of transeasonal essentials, featuring NeceSera’s buttery-soft fabrics and its take on the trends of the season to bring together pieces that are sure to become wardrobe staples. The collection was designed with versatility in mind, ensuring that each item transitions seamlessly across seasons, occasions, and locations.

Riddhi Jain, Founder, NeceSera expressed, “We are honored to present NeceSera’s vision of quality and timelessness in everyday wear on the global fashion stage. As a loungewear brand, NeceSera showcases a slow-fashion range with long-term trends and the most comfortable fabrics. We are taking our Indian craftsmanship and research to the world.”

Sudiksha Jain, Co-Founder, NeceSera added, “NeceSera was born with a vision to revolutionize loungewear, and now with the introduction of transitional clothing, We’re revolutionizing the way people seek comfort and style. Each garment in this collection is easily usable from one social setting to another, and it is our way of promoting a conscious living.”

This entrance into the international arena does not only elevate the brand’s visibility but also demonstrate that homegrown brands can thrive alongside established luxury labels.