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Delhi, 21st October: Dove and UNICEF renewed their partnership with an aim to provide educational resources on self-esteem and body confidence to 16.4 million young people in India over the next two years. Through the partnership, which began in 2019, adapted modules on self-esteem and body confidence from the Dove Self-Esteem Project were included in UNICEF programmes that empower young people with essential life skills. In the first phase of the partnership, over seven million students benefited from the ‘Who Am I’ self-esteem lesson kits, exceeding the partnership’s goal of supporting 6.25 million students with valuable life skills materials by the end of 2023.

In the next phase, UNICEF will work with state governments to advance the life skills programme in eight states ( Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat) , aiming to address the self-esteem concerns of young people aged 11-14 and 15+ years. The learning content includes comic books that tackle issues such as gender stereotypes, appearance ideals in the media and harmful body talk, that help students become body confidence champions.UNICEF will make the content available through in-person training, Government’s e-learning platform Diksha, other state learning management systems and the Passport to Earning digital platform. To expand the programme’s reach, UNICEF will encourage parents, siblings, and teachers to support boys and girls as self-esteem champions.

“When young people do not feel confident, their ability to be changemakers and build a stronger future diminishes. With the renewal of our partnership with Dove, even more young people will be supported to feel confident in their ability to stand up for their rights and fulfil their promising potential,” said UNICEF Director of Private Fundraising and Partnerships, Carla Haddad Mardini.

Positive self-esteem contributes to the learning of life skills and enhances their ability to gain and retain employment. This vital work will not only contribute towards their body-confidence, but will also contribute to their retention, transition, and completion of the education cycle, enabling young people to gain the needed skills to succeed in school, work, and life.

“Since 2004, Dove has supported 114 million young people to build their body confidence and self-esteem. With so many young people feeling pressure to look a certain way, we hope that our partnership with UNICEF can support many more young people to advocate for themselves and challenge beauty standards,” said Marcela Melero, Chief Growth Officer, Dove Personal Care North America & Dove Masterbrand.

In addition to the programmes in India, during the first phase of the partnership UNICEF and Dove, reached over 130,000 adolescents in Brazil with body confidence and self-esteem materials, both through in-person sessions and online through UNICEF’s Topity chatbot. In Indonesia, over 180,000 teachers attended online training sessions to learn how to deliver self-esteem and body confidence lessons.

New Delhi, Oct. 21, 2024 – Certiport, a Pearson VUE business and the leading provider of performance-based certification exams designed to accelerate academic and career opportunities for learners, announced today three new certification programs aimed at equipping people with the necessary skills and certification to start their careers within Health Sciences, Hospitality and Culinary Arts, as well as Agriscience.

Certiport is dedicated to helping people succeed through learning and certification, and these three new programs will establish a work-ready foundation for candidates looking for a career in these sectors.

“Certification remains an important and valuable step for those looking to start or further their careers. In fact, according to our 2023 Value of IT Certification survey, 63% of Gen Z respondents obtained a certification to enhance their resume, 54% for a job promotion, and 19% to find work,” said Krista Ketchmark, Vice President, Business Development, Certiport. “We are excited that these three new programs will help candidates get their foot in the door and be more productive in their careers.”

Health Sciences Careers – Medical Administrative Assistant

Certiport’s Medical Administrative Assistant certification is part of the Health Sciences Careers program, which helps ready learners for careers in this competitive field. The Health Sciences Careers program provides students with the foundational knowledge needed to prepare for in-demand roles like Medical Administrative Assistants, where strong skills in interpersonal communication, medical privacy laws, electronic health records, and more are critical. The Medical Administrative Assistant certification is designed for candidates who wish to work in the health care field in the United States and includes questions regarding U.S.-specific policies and procedures.

Hospitality and Culinary Arts Careers – Culinary Foundations

The Culinary Foundations certification, endorsed by the World Association of Master Chefs exam, is part of the Hospitality and Culinary Arts Careers program, which validates that learners know, understand, and can apply key principles required to be successful cooks. This certification provides the skills needed to qualify for popular jobs in the hospitality and culinary arts career cluster and be prepared to grow with the industry. By earning this certification, learners can effectively communicate to employers that they are ready to enter the professional kitchen and immediately start working as a cook, while being well placed for advancement opportunities.

Agriscience and Technology Careers – Agriscience Foundations

The Agriscience Foundations exam, part of the Agriscience and Technology Careers program, helps candidates cultivate future careers as food scientists, soil and plant scientists, and farming sustainability technologists, and certifies that learners are ready to excel in an entry-level position within the Agriscience and Technology career cluster. Earning this certification can help plant the seeds of success, helping candidates get a job within the industry.

These new certifications are aligned with Certiport’s “Learn, Practice, Certify, Advance” model, which includes courseware and curriculum resources, practice tests, and career maps corresponding to the certification exams. Available through Certiport and its network of global testing centers, these exams will help bridge the skills gap between traditional education endeavors and the workforce skills learners increasingly need to succeed.

Bangalore, India, October 21, 2024- Arrow, a leading name in premium menswear, proudly introduces its latest Autumn-Winter 2024 (AW24) collection. The new lineup is set to revolutionize men’s fashion by seamlessly blending innovative fabrics with timeless styles. Designed to cater to the dynamic lifestyle of the modern man, this collection encapsulates Arrow’s commitment to providing impeccable quality, versatility, and sophistication. Arrow is proud to unveil its AW24 collection, redefining the intersection of comfort and effortless style. The collection blends modern fabric with classic sophistication, offering a range of pieces designed for the dynamic lifestyle of today’s man.

The AW24 collection showcases a dynamic range of styles designed to meet the diverse needs of the modern man. Leading the lineup is the Autopress line, featuring non-iron fabrics that boast sleek DP ratings of 3.5 and 4.0. These pieces offer effortless, wrinkle-free wear—perfect for professionals who demand a sharp look throughout the day without the hassle. For those who prioritize movement, the Autopress FLX variant takes comfort to the next level with stretchable fabrics that fluidly adapt to your every move, ensuring all-day ease.

The Dynamax line offers more than just comfort for men with an active lifestyle—it’s crafted to support their dynamic needs. UV protection, anti-static properties, and odor resistance keep you fresh and confident whether you’re commuting or working long hours.

Meanwhile, the Velocity collection blends premium cotton fabrics with travel-friendly designs, ensuring that style and convenience go hand in hand. These pieces are made for the modern man on the move, keeping you polished from takeoff to touchdown.

For those who appreciate lightweight luxury, the Air Soft line promises unparalleled comfort with breathable fabrics that stay soft against the skin, offering all-day wearability. And for moments that call for a touch of extravagance, Arrow’s Moments line, including the 1851 and Italian Elegance sub-lines, celebrates the brand’s rich heritage. These pieces are crafted with luxurious weaves and meticulous attention to detail, embodying timeless sophistication and fine craftsmanship that elevate your wardrobe to new heights.

“We are thrilled to introduce the AW24 collection, which exemplifies our commitment to innovative design and exceptional quality. This collection is designed for the modern man who values style and functionality, offering pieces that are versatile, comfortable, and sophisticated. With the AW24 range, we aim to provide our customers with a collection that truly reflects their dynamic lifestyle while ensuring they look their best, no matter the occasion,” said Anand Aiyer, CEO of Arrow.

This AW24 season, Arrow combines innovation with timeless style to ensure men move through life with ease and confidence. From non-iron fabrics to stretchable comfort, this collection is crafted to meet the needs of the modern man while keeping him impeccably stylish at all times.

National/Bangalore, 21 October 2024: Taruni, in partnership with TOI, Phoenix Mall of Asia, and She for Society has today flagged off the bike rally – “Her Ride, Her Rules,” at Phoenix Mall of Asia, Bengaluru. This inspiring event aimed at breaking stereotypes and celebrating the multifaceted nature of femininity. The uniqueness of this event was to showcase women from diverse backgrounds, with a special focus on women bikers who embody strength, independence, and grace.

The event has kicked off with an exhilarating citywide ride led by women bikers, symbolizing the strength and authenticity of those who embrace both grace and power, and demonstrating that true femininity knows no bounds. They then joined the citywide bike ride led by women bikers to celebrate strength and unity. Participants showcased their talent, energy, and community spirit in a live music performance organized during the event. The event concluded with a panel discussion with esteemed speakers from various fields who will explore how young women can catalyze social progress. The participants gained the insights into how women’s voices drive change, uplift communities, and redefine leadership visions on women-driven social change from influential speakers.

In a world that often imposes narrow definitions of femininity, “Her Ride, Her Rules” challenges these conventions by spotlighting women who ride—not just motorcycles, but their own paths in life. “‘Her Ride, Her Rules’ is a tribute to every woman who dares to live her truth unapologetically,” said Urvashi Kingrani, Marketing Manager from Taruni. “Through this event, we honor the strength, beauty, and resilience of women who continuously challenge norms and inspire others to do the same.”

This event aligns with Taruni’s core philosophy: Awaken the Taruni in You. By bringing together women bikers, artists, speakers, and supporters, “Her Ride, Her Rules” aims to foster a supportive community that embraces the limitless potential of femininity.

CHENNAI, 21st OCTOBER 2024: Veranda HigherEd, a Veranda Learning enterprise, has announced the launch of two cutting-edge short courses in partnership with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) based in Australia. The offerings include courses in Digital and Social Media Marketing and Business Analytics, designed to equip professionals with the skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.

The Digital and Social Media Marketing course explores digital tools, channels, and opportunities shaping the marketing landscape. Students will learn to deploy these tools strategically at each stage of the customer journey, navigate changes in digital technologies, and leverage social media platforms to enrich the customer experience.

The Business Analytics course introduces students to essential techniques for tackling practical problems, enabling them to initiate and manage small-scale projects and communicate findings effectively. Participants will learn how data collection and analysis enhance customer and stakeholder insights, and practice methods to improve data-driven predictions to achieve business success.

Mr. Iain Watt, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) of UTS, stated, “Our partnership with Veranda HigherEd marks an important milestone in our internationalisation engagement. We are proud to be collaborating with Veranda HigherEd to deliver two UTS programs that will empower learners in India to innovate and evolve global industries – where humans work together with advanced technology to improve business.”

Mr. Aditya Malik, Group COO of Veranda Learning, remarked, “In today’s fast-paced digital world, the need for professionals who are adept in business analytics and digital marketing is greater than ever. Our partnership with UTS underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality education that empowers individuals to excel in their careers.”

In the competitive and rapidly evolving landscape of startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), access to capital is crucial for growth and survival. Entrepreneurs often need help to connect with the right investors, while investors find it challenging to identify promising opportunities.

Investors face the challenge of identifying high-potential ventures. Bridging this gap is a platform that prioritizes investors’ needs while offering startups a chance to shine—this is where Planify steps in, reshaping how investments in potentially strong gems are made.

Planify is a platform that is transforming this landscape with its investor-first approach. Planify, a unique investment platform, redefines the traditional fundraising model by putting investors at the forefront. This “investor-first” approach empowers investors and enables startups and MSMEs to raise much-needed capital transparently and efficiently.

Empowering Startups and MSMEs

Planify provides investors with comprehensive tools and resources to make informed decisions. The platform offers robust financial analysis, curated investment opportunities, and transparent transactions. By prioritizing investors’ needs, Planify ensures they can access the best possible investment options.

Planify is designed for investors seeking access to top startups, pre-IPOs, unicorns, and MSMEs. It is redefining the investment landscape by connecting investors with entrepreneurs for hassle-free equity fundraising and angel investing. With a mission to simplify the investment process, Planify is actively working in Seed, pre-Series A, and Series A funding, helping startups raise significant capital for their ventures.

Planify’s impact on the startup and MSME ecosystem is evident in its success stories. The platform has facilitated over Rs 100 crore in funding across 20+ startups and Rs 250 crore in pre-IPO, Unicorns, and MSMEs. Some of these investments have yielded impressive returns.

The platform boasts a track record, with over 300 exclusive opportunities for investors and a portfolio valuation of over ₹1600 Cr. across various companies. Over the last five years, Planify has facilitated 34+ successful exits. The minimum return on these exits has been 250%, with some exits achieving a remarkable 1,000% to 2,000% return. Planify’s approach is centered around the value of deals and returns for investors rather than the number of deals, which has led to a mantra of selecting startups and unicorns that show the most promise.

Planify has a proven track record of delivering stellar returns to its investors, with 31+ exits in the last five years. An investment of 3.1 crores is presently worth 17 Cr., providing absolute returns of ~450% and CAGR returns of a whopping 117% yearly.

Planify has a varied impact on the world of investing:

Accessibility: Planify has made investing more inclusive by offering a user-friendly platform, welcoming a more comprehensive range of people, even those previously deterred by the complexities of traditional financial markets.

Transparency: The platform gives investors a transparent view of available investment options, allowing them to make informed decisions based on comprehensive research and insights.

Efficiency: Increased efficiency by removing unnecessary steps and middlemen in the investment process leads to quicker and more cost-efficient transactions.

Support for Innovation: Planify supports innovation by making it easier for startups and MSMEs to access funding. This will ultimately fuel innovation and aid in the growth of new businesses that have the potential to shape the future of different industries.

In recent months, Planify has rolled out several feature updates to enhance the user experience further. These updates are part of their commitment to providing a cutting-edge investment platform.

Delhi, 21^st October 2024: Brightsun Travel proudly announces the launch of Premier by Brightsun, a new division offering curated luxury travel services that elevate the standard of premium travel. With an emphasis on comfort, exclusivity, and indulgence, Premier by Brightsun is set to redefine the boundaries of luxury travel for discerning clientele.

Premier by Brightsun delivers a range of bespoke services, including premium, business, and first-class flight bookings with renowned global airlines, tailor-made holiday packages, and corporate travel management. From private island getaways and five-star hotels in world-class cities to personalized itineraries, the service ensures seamless journeys designed around the unique needs of each traveler.

“At Brightsun, we have always aimed to offer the best travel experiences to our customers. With Premier by Brightsun, we’re taking this vision to the next level, providing luxury and personalization that allows travelers to enjoy every aspect of their journey,” said Mr. Sandeep Arora, Director of Brightsun Travel. “We are excited to present Premier by Brightsun as the go-to solution for high-end travel with a commitment to innovation and excellence.”

Premier by Brightsun extends beyond leisure, providing comprehensive corporate travel solutions. From securing exclusive accommodations and managing ground transport to coordinating high-level meetings and events, the service ensures business travelers experience a smooth and luxurious journey.

Mr. Deepak Nangla, Managing Director of Premier by Brightsun, highlighted the company’s bespoke approach, stating, “Every traveler is unique, and we believe in tailoring services to exceed expectations. Whether it’s arranging award-winning luxury hotels worldwide, premium transfers, or VIP access to airport lounges and attractions, Premier by Brightsun takes care of every detail to ensure a memorable and stress-free experience.”

In line with its mission, Premier by Brightsun aims to surpass expectations through exceptional service and attention to detail, creating memorable experiences from the moment of booking to the return home.

Sugatsune, a leading Japanese manufacturer of premium architectural hardware solutions and industrial component hardware, has proudly announced the grand opening of its new Experience Centre at Unity Buildings Complex, Silver Jubilee Block, Ground Floor, Mission Road, III Cross, Bangalore. Founded in 1930 in Japan, this cutting-edge facility is designed to showcase Sugatsune’s extensive range of products, providing a hands-on experience that underscores the company’s commitment to precision engineering, durability, and quality craftsmanship.

Sugatsune has been serving the Indian market for 16 years, bringing its expertise and high-quality hardware solutions to the region. The Experience Centre features Sugatsune’s comprehensive range of innovative hardware solutions, including hinges, locks, drawer slides, pocket door systems, and more. This new space allows architects, designers, and consumers to explore cutting-edge products firsthand, offering inspiration and practical solutions for their projects.

The new Sugatsune Experience Centre was inaugurated by Ar. Ganesh Kumar, Studio 69, and Mr. Kiran Gala, Founder, Gala Groups along with Mr. Anil Rana, Managing Director, Sugatsune. The Bangalore Experience Centre is strategically located to serve a growing customer base in southern India. It complements existing centres in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Pune, reinforcing Sugatsune’s widespread in the market. With a focus on providing advanced hardware solutions, Sugatsune aims to support architects and designers in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing environments.

Mr. Anil Rana, Managing Director of Sugatsune India, stated, “Today marks a significant step forward for Sugatsune in India. Our new Experience Centre in Bangalore is not just a showroom; it’s a space where creativity meets functionality. The new centre also marks a significant milestone in Sugatsune’s continued expansion across India, further strengthening our presence in the southern region. We are excited to provide our customers with the opportunity to engage with our products hands-on and discover how they can enhance their projects.”

The new centre will showcase an extensive range of product displays while offering expert guidance from trained sales teams and technical specialists. Customers will receive personalized support tailored to their unique project needs, ensuring informed decisions that resonate with modern design trends. The Sugatsune team is excited to engage with the community, helping elevate spaces and projects while fostering lasting relationships with clients.

AI avatars are transforming various industries by providing personalized customer interactions, efficient service, and detailed product knowledge across multiple sectors. These digital personas, powered by advancements in AI and machine learning, simulate human-like engagements, tailoring conversations and responses based on user behavior and data. This innovative technology is reshaping customer service, sales, and educational platforms by offering a scalable, interactive experience that enhances user satisfaction and brand loyalty.

At the forefront of this revolution is DaveAI, which offers a robust Virtual Sales Avatar designed to optimize sales strategies. By leveraging AI and empathetic technology, DaveAI’s Virtual Sales Avatar serves as a knowledgeable sales agent, guiding customers through personalized purchasing journeys. This tool not only improves customer interactions but also integrates seamlessly across digital platforms, ensuring a consistent and engaging user experience that drives sales and boosts customer engagement.

In the age of digital transformation, companies are increasingly turning to advanced technologies to enhance customer engagement. Utilizing AI-powered avatars, businesses across various sectors are revolutionizing the way they interact with customers, offering personalized and interactive experiences that cater to modern consumer expectations.

How DaveAI’s Virtual Sales Avatar Drove a 33% Surge in Lead Generation for a Car Company

A leading car manufacturing company, in collaboration with DaveAI, implemented an AI-powered virtual sales avatar across its website, revolutionizing the brand’s digital customer experience. The challenge was to replicate the personalized, high-touch service of their physical showrooms online, while handling millions of interactions consistently. The car company needed a sophisticated AI solution capable of providing real-time assistance, adapting to individual customer needs, and integrating seamlessly with existing systems. The goal was to maintain the brand’s reputation for exceptional customer service in a vast and complex digital ecosystem.

The solution came in the form of an advanced virtual sales avatar, powered by speech recognition and NLP. This AI tool acted as an online showroom assistant, offering real-time product recommendations, personalized interactions, and seamless navigation assistance. Over 18 months, the avatar engaged in over 18 million unique customer interactions, resulting in a 33% increase in lead generation. The success of this initiative underscored the value of AI in enhancing customer engagement and driving business outcomes for the company.

How an air conditioning company’s Virtual Avatars Drove Holiday Success in Singapore

A prominent air conditioning company successfully elevated its brand awareness for one of their systems in Singapore through an innovative AI-driven campaign. Faced with the challenge of standing out in the competitive holiday season between Christmas and New Year, they needed a solution that could break through the noise and personally connect with a diverse audience. Traditional advertising methods weren’t enough to achieve the level of customization and personalization required, so they partnered with DaveAI to craft a unique, engaging campaign.

By deploying AI virtual avatars across 5,000 digital kiosks, powered by Intel CPUs and Nvidia GPUs, the company was able to create a personalized and interactive 3D experience for customers. DaveAI’s advanced middleware and lifelike avatars automated the video production process, allowing for faster, high-quality content generation. As a result, they saw a 30% increase in impressions and a 12% rise in engagement, illustrating how AI can drive impactful results in modern advertising campaigns.

Enhanced Digital Banking with AI-Powered Assistant, DhIRA

A prominent bank in India took a significant step towards the future of digital banking by introducing DhIRA, an AI-powered virtual assistant developed by DaveAI, across their websites and kiosks. This cutting-edge solution has enhanced the digital banking experience by offering real-time, seamless assistance to customers, thereby reinforcing their position as a pioneering digital bank.

The challenge they faced was establishing leadership in digital banking through the deployment of avatar-enabled self-service kiosks that allowed customers to conduct a variety of banking operations—from opening accounts to retrieving information—without human intervention. These Digi Banks were crafted to deliver a smooth digital experience across multiple platforms, including the bank’s website, ensuring a consistent and engaging customer journey throughout all digital and physical touchpoints in cities across Karnataka.

To overcome these challenges, the Bank launched DhIRA – Digital Human Interactive Relationship Assistant. DhIRA was designed to provide immediate assistance, delivering relevant responses tailored to the recognized intents of customers. The virtual assistant leveraged machine learning to enhance its response accuracy continually, thereby improving its ability to address customer queries more effectively over time. DhIRA also featured autocomplete suggestions, intent clarification, and contextual questions that aided in product discovery. It proactively guided users through their banking journey with personalized nudges and triggers that suggested the next best steps, significantly enhancing user interaction and satisfaction.

The introduction of DhIRA had a substantial impact on the way customers interacted with the bank’s digital platforms. By offering real-time support and tailored banking advice, DhIRA greatly enhanced customer satisfaction and engagement, fostering a sense of trust and loyalty among users. This initiative not only improved the efficiency of customer interactions but also solidified the bank’s reputation as an innovator in the field of digital banking.

Mumbai/Surat, 21st October, 2024: Ayushakti, one of the leading Ayurvedic health centres around the world has launched its new outlet in Gujarat, Surat. Located at Western Arena, Madhuvan Circle, Adajan, Pal, the outlet was launched amidst grandeur and pomp.

Present at the launch were Chief Guests the Director of Ayushakti Dr. Krushna Pankaj Naram along with the core team of Ayushakti.

Ayushakti has been on an expansion spree since last 2 years and has opened 27 new outlets across Pune, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Aurangabad & Surat. With the success of these launches, the Ayurveda health centre is now expanding the Gujarat region and marking its presence there.

The new outlet will have 2 therapy rooms and 2 trained Ayurvedic experts who are trained under Co-founder, Dr. Smita Pankaj Naram and they will offer a wide variety of services and treatments like Deep pulse reading (Nadi Pariksha) Panchkarma, steam, massages, detoxification treatments,effective herbal remedies, customised diet plans, marma (Ayurvedic pressure point) techniques amongst others.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Krushna Pankaj Naram said, “The last few years have been very exciting for us at Ayushakti. We have seen high demand for Ancient Ayurveda treatments which has compelled us to open more clinics and reach to wider audiences. We are excited and thrilled with our latest opening in Surat. This launch marks our foray in the Gujarat region, and we look forward to serving our clients and customers with same love and commitment we have been providing over the last 37 years”

Ayushakti was launched in 1987 with a mission to create long-lasting transformation in community health. It was co-founded by Master healer Late Doctor Pankaj Naram and his wife Smita Naram. Currently, the company operates in nine countries healing over one million customers, offering a wide array of modern day Ayurvedic Panchkarma (detox) treatments and medicines.