All posts by Rabindra

Mumbai, 5th September 2024: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently released patriotic drama series Naam Namak Nishan, set against the backdrop of Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. Offering a deep dive into the world of aspiring soldiers, the series delves into the intense training and deep bonds formed among cadets as they prepare to serve their nation with honor and bravery. Produced by Juggernaut Studios, Naam Namak Nishan boasts an outstanding cast featuring Varun Sood, Danish Sood, Helly Shah, and Roshni Walia in pivotal roles.

Helly Shah, who essays the character of Dr. Tina in the series, shares her insights on the show and why it is a must-watch, “I believe Naam Namak Nishan is a complete package. Viewers can look forward to a genuine portrayal of cadet training and the strong bond between the characters. We shot at real locations and interacted with real cadets, which adds to the authenticity of the series. The hard work and dedication from everyone involved will truly stand out, and I’m confident that audiences will love it.”

Reflecting on some memorable and fun BTS moments, Helly adds, “On my first day of shooting, I was actually quite sick and coughing, which was ironic since I was playing a doctor treating the injured Yuvraj and the rest of the team. It was quite the scene, treating everyone while needing a doctor myself. Despite that, we had an amazing time. I even celebrated my birthday on set, which was special, though we cut the cake a bit late because everyone forgot. It is a memory I’ll always cherish.”

New Delhi, September 5th, 2024: In a special drive, SBI Foundation, the CSR arm of the State Bank Group, is inviting Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), Citizens of Nepal & Bhutan, and internal candidates from SBI for the 12th Batch of the SBI Youth for India Fellowship program. The 13-month program provides a well-structured opportunity for fresh graduates and young professionals to collaborate with rural communities and 13 esteemed NGOs across India, fostering meaningful social change. The deadline to apply for the SBI YFI Fellowship is Tuesday 17th September 2024.

To be eligible for the Fellowship Program under this special drive, a candidate must be an Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), a Citizen of Nepal & Bhutan, or an SBI employee. In the case of SBI employees, the candidate should be a confirmed officer in Scale I or II within SBI. The candidate must be between the age group of 21- 32 years on the day of commencement of the program i.e. 7th October 2024. The Candidates must also strongly commit to advancing sustainable development objectives in rural areas. Once selected, the candidates need to report to Tilonia, Kishangarh, Rajasthan on 5th October 2024 to begin the experiential journey.

“The SBI Youth for India program provides a unique opportunity for urban youth to actively contribute to the development sector while addressing the challenges of rural life. We welcome our colleagues from the State Bank of India, Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and youth from Nepal and Bhutan, to join the force and be the ambassadors of change for rural India. With 10 successful editions behind us and the 11th underway, our program remains dedicated to empowering youth to create meaningful change in rural communities. This initiative is a beacon of hope for those eager to shape a brighter future for both themselves and rural India.” said Mr. Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director & CEO, SBI Foundation.

The SBI Youth for India Fellowship, which is one of its kind, works on 12 thematic areas such as Health, Rural Livelihood, Food Security, Environmental Protection, Education, Water, Technology, Women’s

Empowerment, Self-Governance, Social Entrepreneurship, Traditional Craft and Alternate Energy. During the Fellowship program, the Fellows work on one of these 12 thematic areas as per their interest.
Prospective Fellows are encouraged to seize this opportunity to make a tangible impact, leveraging their skills and creativity to drive positive change in the lives of those in rural India.

The SBI Youth for India program has witnessed enthusiastic engagement from numerous young applicants from major metropolitan cities in India, Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and citizens of Nepal and Bhutan. The program has made a significant impact with a growing alumni network of over 580+ individuals, impacting more than 150,000 lives through the interventions of the Fellows in more than 250+ villages spanning 20 States across India over the last 13 years.

The project also impacts youth in their future academic pursuits. About 70% of YFI alumni have gone on to pursue meaningful careers in the social sector by working in Rural Development, Public Policy, Governance, Academia, etc., thereby enabling positive change. 100+ Fellowship alumni pursued Higher Studies in development domains after their SBI Youth for India Fellowship experience, and 40+ YFI alumni have started social ventures post-Fellowship.

Bengaluru, Karnataka, 05, September 2024: Manipal Academy of BFSI, a prominent institution in skill development for the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector, has announced a strategic partnership with Tata AIG General Insurance, a leading general insurance company in India to introduce the “Young Achievers Program”. This initiative aims to cultivate and nurture emerging talent by offering a comprehensive 5 months certification program – “Post Graduate Certification in General Insurance” that blends rigorous on-campus training, online learning, on-the-job training (OJT), and hands-on internship experience.

The Young Achievers Program is designed to equip aspiring professionals with essential skills and knowledge required to excel in the dynamic sales field of insurance. The program will be conducted over five months, combining theoretical learning with practical experience. It includes a 45-day training curriculum, starting with a 15-day online learning, followed by 30 days of on-campus training at Manipal Academy of BFSI. Participants will then undertake a 30-day internship, and complete a 3 months on-the-job training (OJT) with Tata AIG General Insurance.  Participants will receive financial support throughout the program where they will be offered stipend of Rs. 63,000/- over the span of 5 months certification program. Additionally, upon joining the organization, Tata AIG General Insurance will reimburse the program fees based on the performance ratings, within a three-year period.

Upon successful completion of the program, the candidates will be offered employment opportunities in sales with TATA AIG General Insurance. This initiative underscores TATA AIG General Insurance’s commitment to foster new talent and ensure that the next generation of insurance professionals are well-prepared to meet the evolving challenges of the industry.

“We are excited to partner with Tata AIG General Insurance to bridge the skill gap in the insurance sales sector,” said Mr. Aatash Shah, Senior Vice President, Manipal Academy of BFSI. “This program equips individuals with the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical experience to excel as Sales professionals. The job-assured nature of the program makes it a compelling opportunity for career seekers.”

Mr. Jitesh Bawa, Chief Human Resource Officer, TATA AIG General Insurance, commented, “Our partnership with Manipal Academy of BFSI reflects our commitment to nurturing future talent. This program offers a structured pathway to a successful career in insurance sales and aligns with our efforts to enhance industry standards. We are eager to support and develop the next generation of professionals through this initiative.”

Applications for the Young Achievers Program will be open from August 20, 2024.

Eligibility:

This program is open to individuals with a graduate degree and strong interest in sales.

Bengaluru, 5th September 2024 – ZETWERK, the world’s largest marketplace for contract manufacturing has announced a major milestone in the Electric vehicle (EV) sector with the approval of its 60kW and 120kW DC fast chargers by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). This certification is a leap forward in ZETWERK’s commitment to bolstering the EV infrastructure in India and aligns with the government’s ‘Make-in-India’ initiative.

The ARAI, a premier research institution under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, granted this approval after rigorous testing of ZETWERK’s DC fast chargers. These chargers are designed to meet the highest safety standards, environmental compliance, and performance, ensuring that they provide reliable and efficient charging solutions across the country.

ZETWERK’s DC fast chargers are poised to play a crucial role in expanding the EV ecosystem in India. The company has already secured contracts to supply these chargers to Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and other private charge point operators. This partnership will increase the availability of fast-charging stations, addressing one of the critical barriers to widespread EV adoption—charging infrastructure.

“Securing ARAI certification is a big win for us and reaffirms our commitment to product quality, safety, and reliability. We are proud to contribute to India’s manufacturing growth with this certification, which supports the ‘Make in India’ initiative and emphasizes our role in promoting electric vehicle adoption through premium, domestically produced chargers. Our goal is to provide end-to-end solutions that address the current needs for future innovations in sustainable energy,” said Srinath Ramakkrushnan, Co-founder and COO of ZETWERK.

The company will be launching several exciting new products this financial year to strengthen our market presence. ZETWERK is currently engaged in research and development to expand its product offerings and is currently working on next-generation Super DC Chargers with capacities of 240kW and 360kW. These high-capacity chargers deliver faster charging times, catering to commercial and public EV charging stations. This R&D initiative reflects ZETWERK’s long-term vision of revolutionizing the EV charging infrastructure.

This ARAI certification is a milestone in our journey to revolutionize the EV charging infrastructure in India,” said Abhay Adya, Business Head – Energy Transition Business, ZETWERK. “Our DC fast chargers are set to impact the EV ecosystem by ensuring users access quick, reliable charging solutions. By collaborating with key partners like IOCL, we are helping to build a robust and sustainable EV infrastructure that will support the rapid growth of electric mobility in India.”

The partnership with IOCL, announced earlier this year, is ZETWERK’s commitment to India’s transition to cleaner energy. As part of this collaboration, ZETWERK is set to deploy over 1,400 EV fast chargers across the country. These chargers will have capacities ranging from 50kW to 120kW and will be equipped with advanced DC Dual Gun CCS2 DC Charger technology. This initiative is a cornerstone of IOCL’s renewable energy mission, aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of transportation and promoting sustainable mobility solutions.

As India accelerates its push towards electrification, fast and reliable charging infrastructure is critical. ZETWERK’s certified DC fast chargers are a much-needed addition to the country’s EV ecosystem, ensuring that private and commercial vehicles can charge quickly and efficiently. With ongoing R&D efforts and strategic partnerships, ZETWERK is positioned to lead the charge in transforming India’s EV infrastructure, paving the way for a sustainable and electrified future.

Mumbai, 05th September 2024 – Parexel, one of the world’s largest clinical research organizations (CROs) providing the full range of Phase I to IV clinical development services, today announced the strengthening of its Real World Research (RWR) offering, bringing together the company’s Scientific Data Organization (SDO) and Real World Evidence (RWE) capabilities to better meet growing customer needs. This strategic alignment will more effectively leverage Parexel’s novel study design and methodology for primary site-based real world research and secondary data/non-site-based real world research to offer customers best-in-class evidence generation solutions. Through this approach, Parexel will develop strategies and apply the right data sources that generate RWE across the product lifecycle to help differentiate customers’ products and unlock value creation beginning at the earliest stages of development.

To lead this growing area of focus, Parexel has appointed Mike D’Ambrosio as Senior Vice President, Global Head, Real World Research. In this role, Mr. D’Ambrosio will lead strategic initiatives to enhance customer engagement and delivery across Real World Data (RWD) and RWE services, helping to foster a deeper understanding of patient experiences and outcomes to ensure safety and efficacy in the drug development process.

“With the increasing complexity of asset development and the variability of stakeholder evidentiary needs across lifecycle management, the importance of RWD/RWE strategies has become a critical need. Generation of high-quality RWE across primary, secondary and hybrid data collection methodologies can accelerate and de-risk asset development, differentiate medicines in the real world setting and drive value creation across lifecycle management — ensuring new medicines can be brought to patient communities safely and effectively,” shared Mr. D’Ambrosio. “Parexel’s long history and significant expertise in scientific, methodological, analytical and operational areas uniquely positions the company as a trusted partner to industry for evidence strategy, delivery and dissemination. I’m pleased to lead our talented team as we work to solidify our position as one of industry’s leading organizations in evidence generation.”

Prior to joining Parexel, Mr. D’Ambrosio served as Vice President, Head of Real World Evidence Solutions, at Syneos Health, where he held various roles of increasing responsibility in operations, consulting and leadership over his eight-and-a-half-year tenure with the company. Most recently, he led the RWE solutions consultancy group, overseeing the strategy and delivery of real world evidence, heath economics and outcomes research, epidemiology and data sciences consulting. Mr. D’Ambrosio was also a member of the Medical Affairs leadership team, playing a pivotal role in enhancing functional capabilities, spearheading thought leadership in RWE and championing the wider adoption of RWE across the entire product development journey. He has significant experience developing and implementing growth strategies and driving go-to-market differentiation. While at Syneos Health, Mr. D’Ambrosio led several high-profile business initiatives securing preferred provider partnerships as part of the organization’s Real World Data strategy in Europe.

“The inherent value of data collected in healthcare settings and the insights it can provide into patients’ experiences are essential to the drug development process,” said Stephen Pyke, Chief Clinical Data and Digital Officer. “As the need for RWE continues to grow, particularly in the development of high-cost, complex therapies, our Real World Research team will form strategic collaborations across the industry to support our initiatives and remain flexible to the evolving needs of the healthcare landscape. Mike’s extensive experience in this area makes him a valuable addition to our team as we continue to drive innovation and provide valuable insights using RWE for customers worldwide.”

India, 05th September 2024 – Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA, one of the leading global providers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels, announces the launch of its ambitious waste management drive with an aim to transform the environment in Bhiwadi and its surrounding areas. This initiative under the aegis of its Corporate Social Responsibility program is a part of its commitment toward making a cleaner and healthier community. The project team comprises environmental experts and solid waste specialists, with close monitoring and support by Siegwerk India’s CSR team.

At the commencement of this initiative, Mr. Ashish Pradhan, President, Siegwerk Asia commented “This cleanliness drive is not just a project, but a commitment to improving the environment and quality of life in Bhiwadi. It’s a matter of honor for the company to be able to work towards a healthier community. In addition, this project is aimed at creating awareness around environmental cleanliness, especially in industry-forward areas. Siegwerk India’s CSR team would closely monitor the progress of the project to meet the projected purpose and help open an avenue for more projects in the future.”

The project, starting from September 2024, will entail clean-up on either side of the Alwar bypass road, beginning from Bhiwadi Mode to Siegwerk India factory about 20 -25 km. daily. In the first phase, Siegwerk India will concentrate on removing garbage along the main roads and ensuring its proper disposal in designated dump yards. To promote sustainable practices and reinforce the importance of maintaining cleanliness, banners will be placed along the cleaned routes, and Siegwerk employees will be present to engage with the local community.

In the second phase, the team plans to shift focus to improving waste management infrastructure in the region. The works will include setting up efficient dumping yards, deploying machinery for waste collection, and implementing segregation practices. They will be the long-term solutions toward proper waste management, and the cleanliness drive will really impact the community. In addition, as Bhiwadi is a border town of Haryana and Rajasthan, it lies in a very complex geographical and administrative setup. Siegwerk India is thereby closely coordinating with the local administration, including the representatives from Bhiwadi Municipal Corporation and the sarpanch from various other villages. This would be critical in order to coordinate the project effectively and address the specific needs of the community.

By addressing the immediate issue of roadside garbage and implementing long-term waste management solutions, Siegwerk aims to set a precedent for environmental initiatives in the region.

Ultra Gaane Debuts: Reviving the Visual Splendour of Hindi Cinema’s Greatest Hits

Mumbai, 5th September 2024: – Ultra Media & Entertainment Group today announced the launch of a ground breaking bouquet of OTT platforms that honor & preserve the rich legacy of Hindi cinema and music. With the introduction of Ultra Play & Ultra Gaane, the company is offering a unique digital experience for fans of classic Bollywood films and timeless Hindi songs. These platforms pay tribute to the legends of Bollywood by offering a rich collection of films and songs that capture the essence of Indian entertainment across decades. It will also include cinematic gems & well-known classics in a restored format.

Leading the collection is Ultra Play, India’s first OTT app dedicated to streaming Hindi film classics under their flagship campaign ‘Har Pal Filmy’. It is a cinematic treasure trove, featuring over 2000 meticulously curated films across various genres spanning the golden eras of Bollywood. From the 1950s till date, the platform boasts an impressive lineup of blockbusters, hidden gems & cult classics by offering films by legendary icons such as Guru Dutt, Raj Kapoor, Shakti Samanta, Subhash Ghai, Vidhu Vinod Chopra & many more. Ultra Play offers a unique chance to revisit cinematic classics and discover hidden gems that can still captivate today’s audience. With ‘Har Zamaane Ka Content’, it delivers a satisfying entertainment experience, perfect for family viewing.

Mr. Sushilkumar Agrawal, CEO, Ultra Media & Entertainment Group said “Over the years, Ultra has acquired thousands of titles in Hindi, Marathi & other languages. Moreover, starting our own OTT apps was a logical business extension. The launch of both these apps is a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to bring India’s rich cinematic & musical heritage to the global audience. Old Hindi films & songs have a nostalgic value & are a driving force for these apps. We’re also exploring opportunities to expand into other languages with future OTT platforms”.

To celebrate the launch, it has also unveiled a vibrant new TVC that encapsulates the essence of the platform and its dedication to bring every moment of classic cinema to life. Unlike other OTT platforms, Ultra Play focuses solely on Hindi content by breaking the clutter & simplifying the choice for the end consumer. Going ahead it will also stream fresh Hindi content across various genres both in terms of Web series & Films. These will be produced both in-house by Ultra & also in association with other production houses.

Complementing Ultra Play, Ultra Gaane is India’s first exclusive video songs OTT platform, streaming over 4,000 timeless Hindi songs from 1940 to today. With the tagline Dekh Ke Suno, it offers an enhanced experience, blending iconic visuals with classic tracks like Babuji Dheere Chalna, Roop Tera Mastana & many more which continue to captivate audiences with their relatable themes and timeless appeal till date. Ultra Gaane will also stream two new original Hindi songs weekly which will feature upcoming artists . Additionally, the platform plans to include video songs in Marathi, Gujarati, and other regional languages.

Ultra had also launched “Ultra Jhakaas” – an exclusive Marathi OTT SVOD Platform in 2023. It currently streams 1500+ Titles & 3000 + Hours of the best of Marathi Cinema, Popular TV Shows & Original Content to audiences worldwide.

Mr. Rajat Agrawal, COO, Ultra Media & Entertainment Group, stated, “Ultra has always been a pioneer in home entertainment, evolving from VHS to OTT while preserving and digitizing classic films. Our goal is to safeguard these gems for future generations and deliver an exceptional audio-visual experience. With platforms like Ultra Play and Ultra Gaane, we’re committed to elevate Indian content globally, ensuring our timeless stories resonate with audiences everywhere.”

Mumbai, 5 September 2024: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently premiered its patriotic coming-of-age drama series Naam Namak Nishan, an aspirational tale about the making of Indian army officers. Set against the backdrop of the prestigious Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, the series chronicles the journey of Indian cadets, exploring themes of honor, valor, brotherhood, and love for one’s motherland. Produced by Juggernaut Studios, Naam Namak Nishan is brought to life by an outstanding cast, featuring Varun Sood, Helly Shah, Roshni Walia, and Danish Sood in pivotal roles.

Danish Sood, who portrays the role of Gurbaaz Sing, a carefree middle-class boy, talks about his passion for acting and his love for music. He shares, “Acting is my true calling, while music holds a special place in my heart. Music has seamlessly integrated into my daily life. I see myself as an actor who plays music rather than a musician who acts.”

Danish also revealed the reason behind choosing this series, saying, “Gurbaaz is a multifaceted character grappling with family issues and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Despite the high stakes, he masks his inner struggles with humor. This role gave me the opportunity to explore comedic elements in contrast to my usual intense roles. Gurbaaz’s journey resonated with me, making it easy to sign the series.”

Naam Namak Nishan is now streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV, available on Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, smart TVs, and Play Store!

New Delhi, 05 September 2024: Union Bank of India introduced its UPI Interoperable Cash Deposit – UPI ICD pilot product in Android Cash Recycler Machines (CRMs) at the Global Fintech Fest 2024 organised by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in Mumbai.

The launch event was graced by RBI Deputy Governor Shri T. Rabi Sankar and Shri Nitesh Ranjan, Executive Director, Union Bank of India. Once again, Union Bank of India is leading the way in cutting edge payment products with the launch of this innovation, which offers key benefits such as interoperability, card less deposits, and the capability to deposit for both self and third parties.

With this product, customers of Union Bank of India or any other Bank can deposit cash into Union Bank’s CRM by scanning the QR code displayed on screen with any ICD enabled UPI app. They can then select the beneficiary by entering a mobile number, UPI ID, or account and IFSC details, and authenticate the transaction using their UPI PIN.

Last year, the Bank introduced interoperable card less cash withdrawals at its ATMs, allowing customers to withdraw cash using a UPI QR code. The present initiative will enhance the convenience of cash deposits for customers in India. With the surge in digital payments, and India at the forefront of this trend, this launch by Union Bank of India simplifies the deposit process for customers.

India, 5th September 2024 – The Association of Direct Selling Entities of India (ADSEI) recently concluded a two-day visit to Hyderabad, focused on promoting ethical direct selling practices and seeking government support to distinguish between legitimate direct selling businesses and unregulated deposit schemes.

The ADSEI delegation met with Shri. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary of the Industry & Commerce and IT Departments, and Shri. D.S. Chauhan, IPS, Principal Secretary, Consumer Affairs, Food & Civil Supplies & Commissioner of Civil Supplies, Government of Telangana. Emphasizing the importance of product-based direct selling, the delegation sought support for ethical direct selling businesses. Drawing the government’s attention to the menace of unregulated deposit schemes, ADSEI also requested to distinguish between such schemes and ethical direct selling businesses.

During the course of the meeting, Jitender Dagar, Vice President, ADSEI also extended Association’s support to the state government on the monitoring mechanism of direct selling and also expressed interest in helping the monitoring committee as a ‘subject matter expert’ to educate the stakeholders involved with an aim to promote ethical direct selling practices. Understanding the importance of direct selling and its socio-economic benefits, the government officials also assured their support.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to meet with the esteemed government officials to discuss the importance of ethical direct selling practices,” said Sanjeev Kumar, President, ADSEI. “We look forward to working closely with the Telangana government to ensure the growth and development of the direct selling industry in the state.”

Aimed at increasing consumer awareness about Direct Selling, ADSEI has been conducting training and knowledge sharing sessions for stakeholders, including government officials, towards capacity building on the Direct Selling business model. ADSEI plans to continue organizing such sessions in different parts of the country, said Gautam Bali, Mentor, ADSEI.

The direct selling industry has been witnessing significant growth and evolution in recent years, driven by factors such as the rise of e-commerce, increased consumer preference for personalized shopping experiences, and the growing popularity of social selling. The industry is also adapting to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements, with a focus on digital transformation, omni-channel strategies, and the integration of AI and data analytics.

There has been a growing emphasis on ethical practices and sustainability within the direct selling sector, as companies strive to build trust and credibility with consumers. In recent times, governments have been increasingly calling for greater transparency and accountability in direct selling operations, to protect consumers and ensure fair.