Archives October 2024

Mumbai, 01st October 2024 || Niyogin Fintech Limited, a publicly listed fintech platform, proudly announces the appointment of Mr. Samir Mohan Pandiri as a Non-executive, Independent Director, replacing Mr. Eric Michael Wetlaufer, whose term ended on September 16, 2024.

Mr. Pandiri, a veteran finance professional with over 15 years of international experience, previously served as President of Apex Group, leading a diverse team of over 10,000 associates and overseeing critical functions such as revenue generation, geographic management, operations, human resources, risk management, and client relations. Currently, as a member of the Stakeholder Relationship, Risk Management, and CSR Committee, he contributes to shaping the Niyogin’s policies in these crucial areas, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and social responsibility commitments.

Mr. Tashwinder Singh, CEO and MD of Niyogin Fintech Limited stated, “We are delighted to welcome Samir to our Board of Directors. His extensive banking experience and leadership skills will be instrumental in guiding Niyogin through its next phase of growth. We extend our sincere gratitude to Ashby for his valuable contributions and wish him continued success in his future endeavours.”

He has also served as CEO of BNY Mellon and held various leadership roles in asset servicing, asset management, and fintech at JPMorgan Chase and Bankers Trust.

Additionally, Dr. Ashby Monk stepped down from his role as an Independent Director, on September 30th, 2024, citing preoccupation and other personal commitments. He had been a valued member of Niyogin’s board since February 2022.

Kolkata, 3rd October 2024: Sunsilk has launched a unique campaign in Kolkata, using the city’s beloved trams not just as a mode of transportation, but as a celebration of beauty and tradition. Running from September 27th to October 2nd, the trams have been transformed into vibrant Sunsilk showcases as part of the milestone #SunsilkShineTram activation, celebrating Sunsilk’s Super Shine Hair Serum during Durga Puja.

Kolkata’s trams, an intrinsic part of the city’s culture might not run for much longer, Sunsilk, in a very unique way, is paying tribute to these historic symbols while highlighting the beauty and strength of women during Durga Puja. Much like the trams that have carried generations, Sunsilk carries forward a tradition of care and beauty, blending modern needs with the city’s deep-rooted culture.

As Durga Puja approaches, Sunsilk’s Super Shine Hair Serum becomes the perfect partner for Kolkata’s women who want to look and feel their best during the celebrations. Designed to give women shiny, frizz-free hair, the serum complements the joy of getting ready for the festive season, when looking radiant is as important as the rituals themselves.

The campaign doesn’t stop at the trams. Passengers are invited to engage with Sunsilk by participating in the Sunsilk Super Shine Contest, where they can upload selfies and share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #SunsilkShineTram. Lucky winners will be treated to free rides in yellow taxis for pandal hopping during Durga Puja, from October 9th to 12th.

With Sunsilk’s festive tram activation, the brand brings together the essence of Durga Puja, the city’s rich heritage, and the modern beauty needs of today’s women in a celebration that’s set to shine

Hyderabad/New Delhi, 1st October: Mahindra University hosted the Second International Conference on Cyber-Physical Systems, Power Electronics and Electric Vehicles (ICPEEV 2024), which brought together researchers, scientists and engineers from around the world. The conference served as a platform for exchanging insights, sharing innovative ideas, and discussing the latest research progress in the field.

The three-day event covered a broad range of themes, including emerging technologies in electric vehicles (EV), battery management systems, power converters, and grid integration. The speakers discussed topics related to computational intelligence, cyber-physical systems (CPS), Internet of Things (IoT), and renewable energy systems, aligning with the evolving needs of industry and academia.

During the conference, researchers from around the world showcased their work in 63 technical papers. Industry leaders and academicians delivered four keynotes. Ramana Reddy A. V., who is a Senior Engineer at MathWorks, shared his insights on Model-Based Design for Automotive Systems using Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB) and Simulink. Sai Teja Cherla, Field Application Engineer at OPAL-RT Technologies, spoke on EVSE Charging and Smart Grid Security. Srinivas Katkoori, a professor of Computer Engineering at University of South Florida, discussed Algorithms for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles. Srikrishna N. H., Principal Engineer at Tektronix, presented the convergence of power electronics, CPS, EV and quantum technologies.

Chief Guest Sukumar Mishra, Director at IIT Dhanbad, applauded the conference as a crucial platform for exchanging ideas and advancing research. He said, “I believe that through collaboration and innovation, we can address the challenges of energy efficiency and sustainability, laying the foundation for a cleaner, more reliable energy future. Let us work together to push the boundaries of science and technology, ensuring that the solutions we develop today will shape a better tomorrow”.

The conference was launched in the presence of Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University who laid out the plans for the University’s goal of becoming country’s intellectual capital by nurturing both critical thinking and creativity. He noted that “fostering innovation and collaboration” in the field of research and development is at the core of what Mahindra University stands for.

Prof Ram Vemuri, HoD, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mahindra University highlighted the University’s unwavering commitment to academic success. “Our mission is to contribute to technological advancements in cutting-edge fields like power electronics and electric vehicles. The event is a testament to this commitment, and the university looks forward to making ICPEEV an annual conference at a global level”, he added.

Bharghava Rajaram, G. Bhuvaneswari, Gopinath G. R. and Sreedhar Madichetty, professors at the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of Mahindra University, chaired the technical sessions.

Hafele’s Loox Range has been meeting the demands for lighting in furniture as well as the growing needs for networking and digitalization since the last 10 years. The solutions offered within this range maximize simplicity and flexibility as well as assure high reliability. The range presents itself as a unique combination of elegant design and state of the art technology making it the perfect choice for any home furniture application, be it Task Lighting for Kitchen cabinets and plinths, Decorative Lighting for Living Room Showcases, Mood Lighting for Bedroom Applications or pure Functional Lighting in Wardrobes.

With the ever-increasing demands for quality and specialized lighting solutions not just for furniture but also for rooms, Hafele in 2019 expanded its range offering to include ceiling cove lighting which incorporates our high-quality strip lights. It was during this period that we realized that among the numerous ceiling light types available in the market, interior architectural lighting had a huge demand, however there were not many prominent brands that offered these solutions. On one side, there existed local market players that offered these solutions without effective quality assurances, while on the other there were international brands that only catered to projects with no stable price offering or service support. This left majority of the customers without a viable choice in the market.

Identifying this distinct gap early on as an opportunity, Hafele initiated the research and engineering for a range of lights that enhances the design of architectural spaces as well as provides opportunities of achieving different illumination techniques and functionalities. As a brand, Hafele understands design and is known for its bend towards innovation. It also understands the importance of home ergonomics, lifestyle conveniences and ease of mobility within your surroundings. Our efforts towards this exercise led to the development of a versatile range of architectural lights; Hafele Architectural Lights was brought into existence.

With Hafele’s New Architectural Lighting Range, you will find all your lighting needs taken care of. Whether it is lighting up a small area, highlighting a wall texture, emphasizing on a work of art, illuminating the floor space at night, or simply ensuring even distribution of light across the entire space – these lights have got you covered. The range, consisting of 8 series, covers various applications, installation techniques and design themes. Each series comes with a comprehensive offering of the different types of interior lights, be it downlights, spotlight, or wall washers, which allows you to implement a consistent design theme (in terms of the lighting fixtures) across the space available, even with differentiated illumination techniques. The biggest advantage this range carries is the low Unified Glare Rating (UGR). The lower the UGR rating, the lower the glare from the light fittings which therefore results in comfortable illumination in your living spaces.

The convenient plug and play assembly, impressive product specifications, flexibility in ordering components, luminaire finishes, and availability of glare reduction accessories provide an overall customized option tailored to your specific requirements. Engineered on the same philosophy of ‘easiness’ and ‘flexibility’ as the Loox furniture lighting system, Hafele can now be your holistic lighting solutions provider, delivering premium ambient, task and accent lighting for your living spaces.

New Delhi, 1st October, 2024 – ICICI Lombard General Insurance, India’s leading private general insurer, today unveiled the 7th edition of its India Wellness Index 2024, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the nation’s health and well-being. This latest study reveals a concerning trend where, despite 89% claiming awareness of heart disease symptoms, only 25% Indians can accurately identify the true symptoms of heart condition. This comprehensive report highlights the growing influence of digital health technologies and the evolving dynamics of wellness across different demographic groups.

ICICI Lombard’s wellness index is based on a holistic framework comprising six pillars of well-being: Physical, Mental, Family, Financial, Workplace, and Social. The extensive survey covered a diverse group of respondents, comprising 69% males and 31% females, aged 18 to 50 years, from NCCS A and B categories. The study spanned 19 cities across India, ensuring a comprehensive representation of urban India’s wellness landscape.

The report emphasizes the crucial link between heart health and the six pillars of wellness. Physical wellness, the most significant factor at 58% of overall wellness, plays a vital role in cardiovascular health through proper exercise and diet. Mental wellness, contributing 18% to overall well-being, impacts heart health via stress management. The remaining pillars – financial, social, family, and workplace wellness – all contribute to heart health by influencing lifestyle choices, providing emotional support, and mitigating stress factors.

Talking about the report, Sheena Kapoor, Head – Marketing, Corporate Communications & CSR at ICICI Lombard, said, “Our 2024 Wellness Index uncovers critical insights into India’s health landscape. The challenges faced by Millennials in physical health, family dynamics, and financial stability have led to a 3-Point decline in their overall wellness index. The alarming gap in heart health awareness combined with rising stress levels especially among our youth underscore the urgent need for more effective health education. The adoption of health tech offers promising solutions, while corporate wellness challenges demand targeted initiatives. As we mark World Heart Day, these insights along with comprehensive heart health education have brought to fore the need for innovative insurance solutions for health and mental wellbeing. At ICICI Lombard we’re committed to leveraging these findings to develop programs that bridge awareness gaps, promote heart health, and foster overall well-being across generations.”

The students of classes I and II at DPS Indirapuram marked Gandhi Jayanti and the birth anniversary of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri with great patriotic zeal. The celebration was held within the school premises, aimed to educate the young minds about the profound contributions of these national leaders. Students were introduced to key moments from the lives of Mahatma Gandhi and Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, learning about their values and the events that shaped India’s history.

Mrs. Priya John, Principal of DPS Indirapuram , commented, “It was heartening to see our students participate in such a meaningful celebration. By familiarizing them with Gandhiji’s teachings on cleanliness and Shri Shastri’s slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,’ we aim to instill patriotism and respect for the values that built our nation.”

The students were also introduced to Gandhiji’s ‘Three wise monkeys,’ reinforcing the importance of moral values, while the slogans of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri emphasized the significance of the country’s farmers and soldiers. The event concluded with students taking home valuable lessons on cleanliness, truth, and non-violence.

New Delhi, 01st October 2024: Shree Cement Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to empower and promote manufacturing incubation. The MoU aims to strengthen and support India’s manufacturing ecosystem by encouraging product start-ups, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

The signing ceremony was graced by Mr Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director of Shree Cement, Mr Sumeet Jarangal, Director at DPIIT, and Mr Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary of DPIIT from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Through this partnership, Shree Cement aims to support product startups by offering infrastructure, mentorship, access to funding, and market connections, guiding them from prototype development to potential international expansion.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director of Shree Cement Ltd., said, “Our partnership with DPIIT reinforces our commitment to fostering innovation in the manufacturing sector. We believe this partnership will play an important role in promoting self-reliance through domestic manufacturing and import substitution. By empowering start-ups, we aim to create a stronger, more competitive ecosystem that drives economic growth and progress in India.”

Further, Mr Sumeet Jarangal, Director, DPIIT said during the occasion, “This partnership between Shree Cement and DPIIT will lay the foundation for a brighter future for early stage manufacturing startups and is a strong step in making India a manufacturing hub in the Cement sector. We look forward to working with Shree Cement in the coming years”

The MoU reflects a shared goal of promoting manufacturing through private sector collaboration. The private sector plays a vital role in assisting startups by providing crucial funding, modern infrastructure, R&D facilities, and tailored guidance—all of which boost innovation and competitiveness in India’s manufacturing landscape.

This collaboration aligns with DPIIT’s ongoing efforts to foster a dynamic early-stage ecosystem for manufacturing startups. By working closely with corporates, incubators, and industry leaders, DPIIT and Shree Cement are paving the way for a future where Indian startups can lead globally in innovation and sustainable practices.

New Delhi – CEQUIN (Centre for Equity and Inclusion) is excited to launch its latest initiative, the ‘Mardon Wali Baat – Unlearnt & Rescripted’ digital campaign with Micro-Influencers. This groundbreaking year-long effort is dedicated to empowering grassroots youth micro-influencers as advocates for gender equality, with support from Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. The campaign aims to challenge and redefine masculinity beyond aggression while engaging young men and boys in pivotal conversations about gender equity.

In an era where violent masculinity, amplified by digital platforms and cultural norms, continues to influence perceptions, CEQUIN seeks to resist these harmful narratives by harnessing the power of influencers. While traditional efforts on gender have limited themselves to women and girls, this campaign will highlight the hopes, dreams, contradictions, and anxieties in new age masculinity. It will offer alternative, positive models of masculinity through relatable, socially responsible content.

Campaign Highlights

A Year-Long Leadership Journey Forty-six young male micro-influencers, aged 18-30, from diverse sectors such as lifestyle, entertainment, fitness, and travel, were selected from Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Haryana, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. These influencers, with followers ranging from 9,000 to 100,000, were capacitated with advocacy tools to develop gender-sensitive, socially impactful content for digital media.

Capacity Building for Social Change Participants attended a Residential Retreat in August, where they were trained by experts from media, cinema, gender, wellness, marketing and the social sector. The training equipped them with skills to create innovative visual narratives that challenge toxic masculinity and promote gender equality, fostering leadership and advocacy within their communities.

Digital Campaign Rollout Over the coming year, these influencers will produce creative audio-visual content designed to confront and dismantle gender stereotypes. Their work will target audiences in cities, reaching other men and boys.

Impact-Driven Initiative The campaign’s success will be evaluated through outreach metrics, digital engagement, and the personal growth of the influencers. These individuals will be instrumental in spreading positive, gender-equitable messages within their circles and beyond.

Sara Abdullah Pilot, Co-Founder & Chairperson, CEQUIN, remarked: “Gender equality transcends gender lines; it’s a universal issue. Engaging young men as allies is crucial for dismantling harmful gender norms and fostering a future where everyone can thrive. This campaign aims to empower influencers to drive positive change and promote a more balanced narrative of masculinity.”

Lora Prabhu, Co-Founder & Managing Director, CEQUIN, added: ” With increasing instances of gender-based violence it’s critical to have conversations about patriarchy because gender inequity negatively impacts men & boys also. It’s important to create spaces for them to address these harmful gender norms so that they can grow into empathetic, responsible leaders.

Natasha Joshi, Associate Director, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, said, “The involvement of men and boys in challenging harmful gender norms is critical for societal advancement. We at the foundation are happy to support CEQUIN in this innovative initiative, reshaping communities towards true equality.”

Why Micro-Influencers?

In today’s digital landscape, micro-influencers with smaller, yet highly engaged audiences often drive significant impact, particularly in grassroots communities. Their regional relevance and relatability enable them to forge meaningful connections and inspire tangible change. The Mardon Wali Baat campaign will leverage its influence to address toxic masculinity and advocate for gender equality in local contexts.

Hyderabad, 1st October 2024 – Marico Limited’s Saffola Honey, one of India’s leading honey brands, today unveiled its latest TVC featuring actor Pankaj Tripathi. The TVC invites viewers on a captivating journey through the Sundarban forest, beautifully showcasing the challenges and lengths one might need to go through to source Shuddha honey, but thanks to Saffola Honey Made with Sundarbans Forest Honey, this exquisite treasure is made easily accessible in our nearby stores.

The TVC, conceptualized by Mullen Lintas, opens with a woman in a grocery store, asking Pankaj Tripathi, the shopkeeper, for Shuddha honey. Pankaj, with the iconic twinkle in his eye, hands her a jar of Saffola Honey and says, “Shukar hai Saffola Honey hai madam, Varnaa…” In that instant, the mundane store transforms into a lush forest. Vines creep up the walls, branches sprout, and Pankaj narrates the adventure of getting the purest honey: venturing into dense forest such as Sundarbans, crossing the Ganga River, and dodging the buzzing bees around. As the woman gazes in wonder, the scene transitions to a beehive nestled in the lush Sundarbans, where golden honey drips slowly into a jar. He draws her back from the enchanting Sundarbans to the reality of his store, concluding with, “Aap ko toh sirf humse maangna hai…Shuddha honey…Saffola Honey’’. With a smile, he hands her the Saffola Honey jar.

The TVC artfully highlights the dedication and effort involved in sourcing the purest honey, drawing a parallel to the brand’s process behind sourcing 100% Shuddha Saffola honey from pristine flora and Sundarbans. The light-hearted narrative and Pankaj Tripathi’s endearing presence convey the message that while obtaining pure honey might seem like a wild adventure, with Saffola Honey, you can enjoy the magic of Shuddha honey from Sundarbans and other natural flora and at your convenience.

Mr. Vaibhav Bhanchawat, Chief Operating Officer, India & Foods Business, Marico Ltd. stated, “Saffola Honey has always been synonymous with purity and quality. We are committed to delivering 100% Shuddha honey, made with honey sourced from Sunderbans and other natural flora to our consumers. With Pankaj Tripathi’s presence, we were able to capture the essence of our brand in a delightful and engaging manner, reflecting the credibility and purity inherent in his nature—qualities that resonate with Saffola Honey. We believe this campaign will connect with our consumers and further strengthen their trust in Shuddha Honey – Saffola Honey, making it their preferred choice.”

Speaking about his experience of being a part of the campaign, Mr. Pankaj Tripathi, Brand Ambassador, Saffola Honey said: ‘’I’m delighted to be associated with Saffola Honey Active, a brand that embodies purity and quality – just like my personality. For me, this TVC beautifully encapsulates the journey of sourcing pure honey, emphasizing the dedication and effort involved in ensuring its authenticity, something that matters deeply to me. It’s a light-hearted and delightful watch that perfectly reflects the brand’s commitment to offering its consumers the finest Shuddha honey.”

“Traditionally, purity of the highest order demands that high levels of effort be put in. Ours is a cheeky, contrarian take on a serious ‘source’ story. While Saffola Honey comes from the distant, mythical Sundarbans and other natural flora, consumers just need to walk up to their nearest Kirana store and ask for it. Easy-peasy. Pretty much like you can, today.” – Ram Cobain, Chief Creative Officer, Mullen Lintas.

National, 01.10.2024 – MBD Group, a multifaceted organization with a global footprint, proudly commemorates its 68th Establishment Day. This significant milestone reflects decades of dedication, innovation, and excellence in the diversified sectors including education, hospitality, real estate, and many more sectors. Since its foundation in 1956 by the visionary founder of MBD Group Shri Ashok Kumar Malhotra, MBD Group has continuously evolved to meet the dynamic needs of education and all the diversified sectors it is in.

From humble beginnings, the company has risen to prominence, shaping the future of education and hospitality through an unwavering commitment to quality, technology, and social responsibility.
The day was joyfully celebrated with a cake-cutting ceremony at MBD House Delhi and Jalandhar, Radisson Blu MBD Hotels in Noida and Ludhiana. Additionally, a stunning façade projection illuminated the milestone address of MBD’s headquarters at the MBD House Delhi (Gulab Bhawan) in celebration of this milestone year.

As part of our 68th Establishment Day celebrations, MBD Group proudly launched the ‘Life@MBD’ video, featuring heartfelt testimonials from employees across the country from its more than 62 offices in India as well as abroad. In this inspiring video, team members shared their love for MBD and reflected on their most cherished moments of working for the Group. Life @MBD beautifully highlighted our vibrant work culture, reinforcing our commitment to fostering an environment where the MBD team thrives not as employees but as an MBD family.

Mrs. Satish Bala Malhotra, Chairperson of MBD Group: “For 68 years, MBD Group has been driven by one mission: to empower individuals through education and our efforts towards social responsibility. We take great pride in our legacy and are committed to providing exceptional learning resources for future generations. Our unwavering dedication to social responsibility reflects the values instilled by our Founder, Shri Ashok Kumar Malhotra. We remain steadfast in following his vision, working tirelessly for the betterment of society and ensuring that every MBDian embodies his commitment.”

Managing Director of MBD Group, Ms. Monica Malhotra Kandhari, emphasized, “Innovation is the cornerstone of our success. With AASOKA, we’re setting new benchmarks and creating a dynamic learning environment by providing cutting-edge educational tools to schools across India including underprivileged schools through our ‘Love to Learn initiative’ by MBD Group. Our commitment to embracing emerging technologies is transforming education and making a positive impact on students worldwide”

The Ashok Malhotra Charitable Trust, the CSR division of MBD Group, launched its “Love to Learn” initiative last year, aimed at revolutionizing traditional classrooms through technology and creating endless possibilities for learners. This year, the initiative is advancing with the introduction of the new AASOKA Robotics & Coding Lab, equipped with robotic kits, state-of-the-art appliances, modern furnishings, and air-conditioned classrooms.

The AASOKA Robotics & Coding Lab will be a cornerstone for STEM education, offering students hands-on experiences that enhance their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Ms. Sonica Malhotra Kandhari, Joint Managing Director of MBD Group: “At MBD Group, we are dedicated to transforming education and hospitality by harnessing our expertise to unlock endless possibilities for learners in a changing world. By integrating innovative technologies and modern methods, we foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking to shape a brighter future.

We also envision a transformative future for the hospitality and retail sectors. MBD House is poised to redefine industry standards with exceptional service and innovative design. With a strong commitment to sustainability and technology, we aim to establish MBD Group as a trailblazer, driving excellence and setting new benchmarks for quality and social responsibility across all operations.”

MBD Group is firmly committed to giving back to society. Over the years, the Group has undertaken numerous Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives focused on empowering underprivileged communities and promoting environmental sustainability.

To mark this significant occasion, we organized a donation drive in Noida in collaboration with the Noida Deaf Society. We also invited kids from Father Agnel School, watched a movie with them & did a distribution drive. At MBD House, we went to Sacred Heart School – Khammam (Flood Relief) & supported the school children with course books for Class 1 to 5. In Ludhiana, the Ashok Malhotra Charitable Trust, in partnership with the Red Cross Society and Ek Vachan Welfare Society, hosted an event for 40 senior citizens from the Red Cross Old Age Home and many more such initiatives across India.

MBD Group’s 68th establishment day promises to be a day of celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment.

Furthermore, there was an exciting cricket match for their employees, to celebrate the spirit & vibe of this momentous occasion and further creating memorable moments for an even deeper Life@MBD.