All posts by Rabindra

Chandigarh, September 23, 2024: Tata Steel announced the winners of Season 8 of ‘Women of Mettle’, a pioneering scholarship programme designed to increase the participation of young women in India’s manufacturing workforce. This edition of ‘Women of Mettle’ saw more than 3,400 registrations from over 55 premier technical institutions, recording an 18% jump over the previous edition. The 3-member jury from Tata Steel that adjudicated this year’s competition comprised Rajiv Mangal, Vice President, Safety, Health & Sustainability, Sanjay Rajoria, General Manager, Jharia Division, and Anurag Saxena, Chief, Electrical Maintenance.

Swashreeta Senapati from NIT Rourkela emerged as the winner of ‘Women of Mettle’ Season 8 in a thrilling Grand Finale held in Jamshedpur on September 18. Muskan Kumari from NIT Jamshedpur bagged the first runner-up position, and Megha Mitra from ISM Dhanbad secured the second runner-up spot.

Rajiv Mangal said: “I would like to congratulate all the winners of Women of Mettle Season 8. I would also like to thank all the participants, organisers, and fellow jury members for making this edition such a grand success. Since the launch of Women of Mettle in 2017, it has emerged as Tata Steel’s flagship programme to attract some of the best young women engineers in the country to experience first-hand what it is to work in one of the leading steel manufacturing companies in the world. The programme has also managed to raise awareness over the immense untapped opportunities for millions of Indian women in the country’s manufacturing sector, which also ensures we leverage India’s unique demography and contribute to its industrial growth.”

Participants could register individually or in teams of two. The top 50 teams were selected through a cognitive and domain expertise test covering a wide range of subjects including mechanical, electrical, CS&IT, metallurgy, mining, etc. The selected teams spent a month and a half on the allocated projects and were guided by mentors from Tata Steel. Post the completion of the projects, a pre-finale round was conducted where the students presented a detailed presentation on their project’s topics to the panel of which 10 teams made it to the Grand Finale.

The top 10 teams received a scholarship of ₹2,00,000 each, in addition to an opportunity to pursue a career at Tata Steel. They can join Tata Steel as a Technical Intern, and subsequently receive a Pre-Placement Offer. The teams ranked 11-50, in the third year of their engineering course, will also be given an opportunity for a summer internship and pre-placement interview, depending on eligibility.

‘Women of Mettle’ is an intellectual marathon where young minds embark on a journey and rise to technical challenges. It allows students to experience diverse cross-functional challenges, as well as access to Tata Steel’s senior leadership who provide mentorship to the students. In addition to Women of Mettle, Tata Steel has also launched other student initiatives like ‘QUEERious’ for the LGBTQIA+ community, and ‘Ananta Quest’ for persons with disabilities, reinforcing the Company’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. The idea is to create a collaborative environment between students, academia, and industry, offering aspiring career opportunities to India’s brightest young talent.

September 2024, India– Your personality shines through in every choice you make, even in the snacks you crave. Cornitos, India’s favorite nacho crisps brand, invites you to embrace the saying “You are what you eat” by discovering your perfect snack match from their diverse and delicious range. Whether you‘re the adventurous foodie, the laid-back classic lover, or the mindful health enthusiast, Cornitos has a flavor for you. With a vibrant range of options like Cornitos Veggie Nachos Spinach Chips, Cornitos Veggie Nachos Beetroot Chips, Cornitos Veggie Nachos Quinoa Chips, and Salted Premium Peanuts, the only question is which snack are you?

Mumbai, September 20, 2024: As the world comes together to celebrate World Tourism Day, Sony SAB’s actors share their most cherished travel experiences, reflecting on the journeys that have enriched their lives and shaped their perspectives. From thrilling wildlife encounters in Jim Corbett to the serene beauty of Kashmir, these actors share stories of adventure, self-discovery, and unforgettable moments that have left an indelible mark on their hearts. They reveal how travel has deepened their bonds, expanded their horizons, and continues to inspire their journeys both on and off-screen.

Aakash Ahuja, who essays the role of Rajat in Badall Pe Paon Hai said, “One of my favorite travel experiences comes from Jim Corbett National Park, which is one of my favorite places to visit. There are different gates to enter the jungle, but my favorite is the Dhikala gate, which is the innermost area of the jungle. One memorable experience during my visits was when I encountered a tigress less than a foot away and I even managed to capture some pictures of that incredible encounter. I’ve even spotted the great Indian hornbill, which is quite rare. The experience of being in that jungle is truly unique. The profound silence you find there is incomparable.”

Puneet Issar, who essays the role of Bhanu Pratap Mahajan in Vanshaj said, “For me, travel is more than just a getaway—it’s about creating meaningful memories with loved ones. I’ve been fortunate to travel the world with my family over the past 45 years, and every trip has deepened our bond. One of my favorite experiences was our recent trip to New Zealand. The landscapes there are absolutely breathtaking—from the snow-capped mountains to the serene lakes, it felt like stepping into a dream. We spent time together in nature, far away from the daily grind, and that really allowed us to reconnect as a family. Travel pulls you out of the routine and gives you time to bond, not just with the world but with each other. It also broadens your horizons; meeting new people and understanding different cultures has shaped the way I see life. These moments are what I cherish the most because they stay with you long after the trip is over.”

Darshan Gurjar, who essays the role of Chirag Patel in Pushpa Impossible said, “My trip to Kashmir in May, right after my master’s exams, was truly unforgettable. Exploring Gulmarg and taking a serene boat ride on Dal Lake made me realize why they call it ‘Jannat-e-Kashmir.’ I even vlogged the whole experience and shared it on Instagram. Srinagar, in particular, stands out as one of the most stunning places with its blend of natural beauty and adventure—whether it’s boating, trekking, bird watching, or water skiing, there’s something for everyone.”

Karuna Pandey, who essays the role of Pushpa in Pushpa Impossible said, “My hometown Uttarakhand is my absolute favourite place to travel. Every time I visit there I get recharged. Rishikesh, with the calming Ganga and spiritual aura, has always given me a sense of peace that no other place can. Nainital is where I go to reflect—sitting by the lake, watching the sky’s reflection in the water, makes me feel connected to nature in a profound way. Mussoorie holds a special place in my heart for its breathtaking views; it’s my go-to spot when I need to recharge. Every trip back to Uttarakhand reminds me of the beauty I grew up with and deepens my appreciation for the simple, yet powerful, serenity of the mountains.”

Anjali Tatrari, who essays the role of Yuvika in Vanshaj said, “Before Vanshaj began, I took a solo trip to Bali, and it was transformative. It wasn’t just about the stunning beaches or the delicious food, but the entire experience of being by myself in a foreign land. That trip taught me so much about independence and gave me the space to reflect on who I am and what I want. Bali helped me grow as a person in ways I hadn’t expected. I’m planning new travels—starting with Amritsar and Delhi for some much-needed North Indian food and a quick stop in my hometown in Uttarakhand. Bali is on my mind again too; there’s something about that place that keeps calling me back.”

Bengaluru, 23^rd Sept. 2024: India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd., in line with its ‘The Call of the Blue’ brand campaign, today launched the enhanced RayZR Street Rally, featuring an ‘Answer Back’ function and LED Daytime Running Light (DRL). The RayZR Street Rally embodies the spirit of sporty international design and innovation with its Armoured Energy and Motorcycle-like design. The premium scooter model is a vibrant addition to Yamaha’s portfolio, available now in all-new Cyber Green colour along with existing color options –  Ice Fluo-Vermillion (only in Blue Square Showrooms) and Matte Black – and will be available at a price of Rs. 98,130 (Ex-showroom, Delhi).

The latest enhancement in the scooter is the innovative ‘Answer Back’ function, which perfectly combines convenience, advanced technology, and comfort. This feature enables riders to easily locate their RayZR Street Rally in crowded areas with just a click of the ‘Answer Back’ button on the mobile app, while it responds with flashing blinkers and beeps from its buzzer.

The LED DRL adds to the asthetics while also offering inproved visibility for other road users and pedestrians alike. Additionally, along with the comfort of two-level seating, the seat now showcases the dual-tone design,  adding to its sharp characteristics. The new variant also gets refreshed styling elements, enhancing the overall design of the scooter.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Eishin Chihana, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies, said, “Yamaha is thrilled to launch the upgraded version of  RayZR Street Rally, a scooter perfect for young adventurers who demand motorcyle-like tough-and-sporty design with the utility of a scooter. The two-wheeler embodies superior quality with global production standards, delivering a smooth and spirited ride. The latest enhancements in the RayZR Street Rally showcase Yamaha’s dedication to innovation and excellence, and at the same time, redefine the market standard in terms of riding experience for our target audience.”

 Built on the concept of Armoured Energy, the RayZR Street Rally features the 125cc Fi Blue Core engine and Hybrid Power Assist for improved performance and efficiency. The air cooled, fuel injected engine, paired with the Smart Motor Generator (SMG) ensures quicker, easier and quieter starts. Additionally, the brush guard, sleek metal plates and block pattern tyres add to the rugged build of the two-wheeler. It is lightweight and E20 fuel compatible with 21 litres of storage under the seat and also comes equipped with front Telescopic Suspension, Side Stand Engine Cut-off Switch, Automatic Stop-and-Start System and fully digital instrument cluster with Y-Connect BT connectivity.

With these exciting refinements and enhancements to urban mobility, Yamaha continues to strengthen its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, setting new benchmarks in the scooter segment and maintaining its position at the forefront.

Mumbai, 23^rd September 2024: Bata India’s launch of the new Pujo Glam Collection is perfectly timed for the festive season, capturing the excitement of Pujo shopping, family get-togethers and Pandal hopping with friends! The brand continues to live up to its promise of bringing latest styles at amazing prices ahead of the festive season! With almost a century-long presence in India, Bata continues to resonate with consumers by bringing trending & premium styles. Recommended by actors, Neel Bhattacharya and Trina Saha. What’s amazing is that the latest styles are starting at a wow pricing of just INR 799 so you can celebrate Pujo with a new look everyday!

The campaign featuring Neel Bhattacharya and Trina Saha beautifully captures the excitement of Pujo shopping and the joy of reconnecting with old friends. Known for their impeccable style the actors perfectly embody the spirit of the collection, showcasing how Bata’s diverse range of footwear can elevate any outfit, whether traditional or contemporary.

Speaking on the launch, Deepika Deepti, Head of Marketing, Bata India, said, “Bata’s journey in India began right here in the East and we have been a part of the region’s celebrations for generations. Our long-standing presence has given us unique insights into our customers’ desires for fashion-forward, high quality designs at affordable prices. We’re proud of our legacy and are excited to continue to democratize fashion with the latest Pujo Glam Collection. We believe that everyone deserves to feel like a celebrity and should have access to stylish offerings.”

The Pujo Glam Collection by Bata is crafted to be the perfect companion for the vibrant festivities of Durga Pujo. As families and friends come together for their annual traditions of pandal hopping, extravagant dinners, grand celebrations, gifting and catch-up with old friends, this collection caters to every occasion. For women, it offers elegant heels that pair beautifully with sarees and traditional outfits, to chic flats and trendy sneakers that are perfect for long days of celebrations. The men’s collection features classy formals like loafers, mojaris for dressy evenings, ethnic flats and kolhapuris for a traditional look and sneakers for a trendy look. What makes the collection unique is that Bata offers a wide range of styles, colours and designs at affordable prices, ensuring that every individual, regardless of age or personal style, can have access to fashionable footwear that resonates with them.

Mumbai, September 23, 2024: Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer has launched a special ‘100 Days of Celebration’ festive campaign to commemorate reaching the significant milestone of 100,000 cars on Indian roads. Offering exclusive benefits to both new and existing customers, this milestone highlights Audi’s strong presence in the Indian market and demonstrates a steadily growing customer base that appreciates luxury vehicles.

The 100 day celebration campaign includes a 10% discount on service plans and comprehensive service value plans, along with a 10% discount on extended warranties and Audi genuine accessories. Customers can also enjoy a 20% discount on Audi genuine merchandise and collections, as well as irresistible finance and exchange offers, making it an opportune time to experience the luxury of Audi

Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India said, “As we proudly celebrate the milestone of 100,000 Audi cars on Indian roads, we are extending our commitment to progress this festive season with our ‘100 Days of Celebration’ campaign. We have curated exclusive benefits for our esteemed customers, enhancing the entire ownership experience. We are also offering unmatched loyalty and corporate benefits, along with exciting finance and exchange offers. We anticipate positive buying trends to continue during the festive season. Our best-selling models – the Audi A4, A6, Q3, Q3 Sportback, Q5, Q7, and the newly launched Q8 – continue to drive robust demand. We are equally optimistic about our e-tron range, featuring India’s first EV supercars, the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT.”

Audi India customers can visit their nearest Audi Authorized Dealership to experience the unmatched luxury and performance of Audi vehicles. With the launch of the new Audi Q8 and the exclusive 100-day festive offers, now is the perfect time to own an Audi.

Crans-Montana, Switzerland – This year, Les Roches, one of the world’s premier institutions for hospitality management education, proudly celebrates its 70th anniversary. Since its founding in 1954, Les Roches has been a beacon of excellence, shaping the next generation of leaders in hospitality and tourism industries across the globe. Over seven decades, the school has remained committed to providing world-class education, consistently evolving to meet the dynamic needs of the sector, and ensuring its graduates remain at the forefront of innovation and expertise.

A Legacy of Leadership in Hospitality Education : Les Roches’ legacy is deeply rooted in its commitment to combining academic rigor with practical, hands-on learning. From its inception in the Swiss Alps, to its development in Spain (Marbella) and United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi) the institution has championed the importance of experiential learning, giving students the unique opportunity to work alongside industry professionals, develop essential leadership skills, and engage in real-world projects. The school’s global reputation is bolstered by its impressive alumni network, which includes over 16’000 of hospitality leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who have shaped the industry in meaningful ways.

Reflecting on the institution’s founding, Mr. Clivaz, the visionary founder of Les Roches, remarked: “When we established Les Roches, our mission was to create a school where students would not only learn hospitality management but would also embody the values of excellence, service, and leadership. Les Roches has consistently demonstrated an incredible ability to reinvent itself over the past 70 years, always anticipating and responding to the evolving needs of the hospitality industry. This capacity for innovation and adaptation is what has allowed us to remain at the forefront of hospitality education, preparing generations of leaders for an ever-changing global landscape.”

Today, Les Roches stands as one of the top hospitality management schools worldwide, offering undergraduate, graduate, and MBA programs that are designed to provide students with the skills and insights necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Embracing Innovation : As part of its commitment to staying ahead of industry trends, Les Roches has invested heavily in innovation and entrepreneurship. A key initiative in this regard is the Spark Innovation Sphere, an innovation hub that fosters creativity, collaboration, and technological advancements within the hospitality space. Through Spark, Les Roches connects students with industry leaders, tech pioneers, and startups, empowering them to explore and develop cutting-edge solutions for the future of hospitality.

Spark has become a launchpad for groundbreaking ideas, driving new approaches to sustainability, guest experience, and digital transformation in the sector. This ecosystem not only enhances the student learning experience but also positions Les Roches at the forefront of hospitality innovation, ensuring it continues to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

A Campus Transformation: Investing in a Global Student Experience :As part of its ongoing evolution, Les Roches is proud to unveil the renovation of its flagship campus in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. The original campus, where the school was founded 70 years ago, has undergone significant transformations to better serve the needs of its students.

The newly redesigned lobby, Food & Beverage area, gym, and spa are all part of Les Roches’ holistic approach to education, recognizing that student well-being is essential for both academic success and personal growth. These new facilities offer students a space to relax, rejuvenate, and engage with their peers, creating a nurturing environment that complements the rigorous academic demands of the program.

The renovation reflects Les Roches’ commitment to providing an all-encompassing student experience, blending tradition with modernity, and ensuring that students have access to state-of-the-art facilities that enhance both their physical and mental well-being.

Looking Ahead :In line with the global vision for the future, Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches, reflects on the recent and upcoming international expansions of Les Roches: “This year marks an important milestone in the international expansion of Les Roches with the opening of our campus in Abu Dhabi, and tomorrow, we will continue this journey with our upcoming presence in China. Our vision is to extend our global reach, offering students unparalleled opportunities to experience the diverse and dynamic world of hospitality across continents.”

As Les Roches celebrates 70 years of excellence, the institution remains focused on the future, with a firm commitment to continuing its legacy of leadership in hospitality education. By combining its rich tradition with a forward-thinking approach to innovation, entrepreneurship, and student well-being, Les Roches is poised to shape the next 70 years of global hospitality.

Additionally, the innovative Heliskid, a high-capacity skid unit, delivers six times more water than traditional units, ensuring a robust fire response in remote locations.Mr. Rohit Mali, Director of Firefly Fire Pumps, stated, “We’re thrilled to introduce our new range of forest fire protection products. These cutting-edge technologies empower firefighters to proactively combat wildfires and safeguard our irreplaceable forests, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. By combining our expertise with Vallfirest’s innovative technology, we’re confident that we can make a significant impact on forest fire management in India”

Dubai, UAE – 24rd September 2024: FarmERP, a leading innovator in sustainable technology solutions for agriculture and food supply chain management, has been honoured with the UAE Technology Excellence Award in the Agritech category. Notably, FarmERP is the only Indian Agritech company to receive this prestigious accolade in the Middle East, underscoring its exceptional impact in the region.

The Middle East Technology Excellence Award recognizes exceptional technological advancements, honouring innovations in AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and healthcare, showcasing the region’s tech leadership and inspiring further innovation. This year, FarmERP won the award for its pioneering agricultural tech solutions. Serving over 30 nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, its FarmGyan platform integrates AI, ML, and blockchain to streamline farm-to-fork, Climate smart Agriculture operations, reinforcing its Agritech leadership.

Mr. Sanjay Borkar, CEO & Co-Founder and Mr. Santosh Shinde, COO & Co-Founder received this honour in Dubai on behalf of FarmERP. Mr. Santosh expressed his pride in receiving the recognition, stating, “Winning the Middle East Technology Excellence Award in Agritech is a significant honor for us. It underscores our commitment to driving innovation and excellence in agriculture technology in the Middle East. This prestigious award highlights the impact of our efforts in digitally transforming agricultural businesses across the region and motivates us to continue leading in Agritech advancements.”

As a distinguished speaker at the event, Mr. Sanjay addressed key challenges facing the Middle East’s agriculture sector and highlighted the transformative role of technology in overcoming these hurdles. He emphasized that technology is no longer a mere buzzword but a necessity for sustainability, stressing its role in reducing carbon footprints and greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring profitability and environmental responsibility.

With its recent partnerships in UAE, Saudi Arabia and plans to expand further into the MENA region, FarmERP’s award solidifies its position as a trailblazer in the global Agritech landscape. This recognition not only celebrates FarmERP’s innovative technology contributions but also reinforces its commitment to driving Profitability and Productivity of agribusinesses across the Middle East.

Hyderabad, 23rd September, 2024: Mivi, a leading Indian consumer electronics brand, has unveiled its latest national campaign, “Hear Clear,” through a silent ad film, the first-of-its-kind in the audio device industry. Through this film, Mivi promotes the message of “Hear as clear as a fox” thus enticing consumers to upgrade to the next level of clarity with their latest flagship TWS launch, SuperPods Immersio. With the launch of their latest flagship range of TWS earbuds, SuperPods, Mivi aims to take 10% of the market share in the premium TWS category.

 The captivating film teleports the viewers to a mystical jungle, where a young adventurer stumbles upon a skulk of foxes dancing in harmony. As he joins in, one of the foxes gifts him SuperPods Immersio TWS earbuds, and he experiences sound clarity akin to a fox’s acute hearing. The film seamlessly blends stunning visuals, captivating choreography, and an enchanting storyline.

 Mivi‘s “Hear Clear” campaign emphasises exceptional sound clarity and immersive experience through SuperPods Immersio which is powered by Dolby Audio. The brand aims to redefine the audio landscape, encouraging consumers to upgrade to a never-heard-before sound clarity.

 SuperPods Immersio, the flagship TWS earbuds shown in the film features

·        Dolby Audio: For a theatre-like sound in your ears

·        3D Soundstage: Mivi’s signature sound profile that makes you hear each instrument clearly.

·        60 Hours of Playtime: For those endless binge-watching sessions on OTTs.

·        Unibody Metal Design: With hourglass, earbuds stem for comfort and fit.

 When asked about the story behind the campaign, Midhula Devabhaktuni, Co-founder and CMO, Mivi replied, “Thinking of doing a silent ad film wasn’t an easy decision as it was a complete paradox to how consumers perceive audio devices. The challenge was to promote clarity in a different yet effective way. I’m glad we were able to nail it right on the spot. I’m confident the ad film will resonate with the audience on a level that’s different from the existing.”

 The Hear Clear campaign will be showcased across televisions, digital platforms, print media and outdoor advertising. SuperPods Immersio, along with other SuperPods flagships are now available on Mivi’s official website, leading retail stores and also on marketplaces including Flipkart and Amazon.