Category business

Mumbai, 24th April 2024: Tata AIA Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (Tata AIA), one of India’s leading life insurers has crossed Rs. 1 Lakh Cr in Assets under Management (AUM). In less than three years, the Company has doubled its AUM from Rs. 50,000 Crore (Aug’21) to Rs. 1,00,000 Cr. This increase has been fuelled by strong growth in Individual New Business premium (IWNBP) income and superior investment performance.

Commenting on this occasion, Venky Iyer, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Tata AIA, said, “The doubling of our AUM in less than 3 years, is a testimony to the trust reposed by our consumers in our innovative solutions and service experience, the support of our agents & partners and the benchmark beating performance of our investment team. We will continue to work towards financially securing our consumers and fulfilling their aspirations, enabling them to be Har Waqt Ke Liye Taiyaar”.

Tata AIA achieved an industry-leading Performance in Persistency (based on premium) by ranking #1 in 4 cohorts (13th, 25th, 37th, 61st month) in Q3, FY24. The company’s leadership in persistence validates the continued trust that Tata AIA consumers repose in the brand, having chosen to renew their policy year after year. Regular payment of premiums is very important as it ensures that consumers stay covered and enjoy benefits over the policy term.

The Claims Settlement ratio also improved to 99.19% as of Dec-23 on a trailing 12-month basis growing by 0.71%.

Tata AIA’s investment philosophy reflects an unwavering commitment to policyholders, focusing on delivering superior, consistent, and risk-adjusted long-term returns, driven by a bottom-up stock-picking strategy. Notably, 91% of the rated Asset Under Management (AUM) of Tata AIA is rated 4 star or 5 stars on a 5-year basis as of March 31, 2024, by Morningstar Ratings*. Notably, the funds have outperformed their benchmark over different periods, as is evident from the table below:

Spain, 24th April 2024: With the complications of the Americas GP behind them, the Repsol Honda Team is aiming to reset and return to making forward progress at the familiar Gran Premio Estrella Galicia 0,0 de España

The Circuit de Jerez – Angel Nieto first hosted a Grand Prix in 1987 and has become one of the most well-attended and iconic races on the calendar with fans flocking to the grandstand and hills around the track. At 4.42 kilometers long, the track has created legendary moments such as Doohan vs Criville, Rossi vs Gibernau, Marquez vs Lorenzo, and many more. Honda has won the Spanish Grand Prix in the premier class on 25 occasions, first in 1983 and most recently in 2019.

Leaving Austin with a double DNF, Joan Mir is eager to get back to the form he showed in the opening two races of the year and continue maximizing his performance throughout the weekend. The Jerez circuit offers another contrasting track in the opening gambit of the MotoGP season for Mir and the Repsol Honda Team to test the RC213V machine in the hunt for improvements.

Like his teammate, Luca Marini arrives in Spain looking for more. The Italian was able to complete both races in America but remains focused on making progress forward and joining the fight for top Honda honors consistently. At this stage, more bike time and more information to work with are what is needed. Marini’s best finish at the Spanish Grand Prix is sixth in the premier class, achieved in 2023.

Stefan Bradl and the HRC Test Team will join as a fifth Honda RC213V this weekend, the team regularly testing at Jerez throughout the year.

A one-day post-race Test will follow the Grand Prix on Monday.

Joan Mir

“I think coming to a race like Jerez where you have all the home fans to support you will be a help after the tough weekend we had in Austin. It’s important to put that behind us and keep working like we did at the start of the year to understand the capability of the bike this weekend. We are realistic about what is possible, and we need to focus on making improvements and aiming for more in the future. It’s about step by step, making steady progress and we can’t expect a big leap at this stage.”

Luca Marini

“It’s another weekend to keep working with the team and aim for more improvements. Now is not the time to stop working, we have to keep on gathering information and not only trying to improve our current package but also working on developments for the future. Jerez is a good track for this kind of job, the Test Team has done a lot of testing here and will be with us this weekend so it will be interesting to see what we can learn from this.”

24th April, NEW DELHI In recent years, the startup ecosystem has witnessed exponential growth, leading to an increased demand for flexible workspace solutions. Recognizing the challenges faced by new ventures in securing affordable office spaces, AltF Coworking has launched an innovative program called Year Zero. This initiative aims to provide eligible startups with zero-rent workspaces for one year across their centers in Delhi NCR.

Year Zero is a ground-breaking endeavor by AltF Coworking, designed to assist startups in finding a productive workspace without the financial burden of traditional office rentals. With the rising costs associated with renting, leasing, or purchasing office spaces, flexible coworking environments have become invaluable for startups. AltF Coworking’s Year Zero promises to offer entitled qualifying startups a conducive work environment where they can collaborate with like-minded entrepreneurs.

Apart from free office space for one year, Year Zero winners will have access to private team rooms or dedicated desks, unlimited tea and coffee, high-speed Wi-Fi, lounge access, and reprography services. This initiative is specially designed for bootstrapped startups that have not received external funding and whose Founders are 25 years of age or younger. Furthermore, to qualify for the program, startups are required to submit a comprehensive business plan that clearly outlines their goals, revenue models, and growth strategies.

Mr. Yogesh Arora, Co-founder of AltF Coworking, stated “Our ‘Year Zero’ initiative is about more than just providing space; it’s about creating a launching environment for tomorrow’s innovators. We’re committed to empowering startups to scale new heights by breaking down the barriers of traditional office costs and fostering an environment for success” Mr. Yogesh Arora has stayed true to his promise by ensuring that ‘Year Zero’ is more than just a space— It is an unprecedented opportunity for young founders to focus on scaling rather than worrying about rentals.

In the bustling coworking space landscape, AltF Coworking stands out as a beacon of innovation and community-centric design. AltF Coworking’s ‘Year Zero’ initiative is a pioneering effort, marking the first time such a campaign has been specifically tailored to support startups. This unique program alleviates financial burdens for new businesses by offering free office spaces and essential resources, allowing them to focus more on growth and innovation. By fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, AltF Coworking ensures that startups have the tools they need to succeed, significantly impacting the broader business community and setting a new standard for how coworking spaces can nurture emerging enterprises.

Justin Arora, Head of Marketing said –“We are thrilled to launch the ‘Year Zero’ Program. At AltF Coworking, we firmly believe that early-stage startups should be supported in any way they can. We understand the day-to-day challenges a founder encounters and by launching ‘Year Zero’, we aim to lessen the burden of rentals and enable them to do what they do best – Disrupt”.

Hyderabad,24th April 2024 – Freyr Energy, one of India’s fastest-growing solar companies, is leading the charge in transforming India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector with its innovative sustainable energy solutions. In the first quarter of 2024, Freyr Energy undertook over 200 projects in commercial and industrial sectors, with a total capacity of 4.5 MW or 4,500 kW. In a life cycle of 25 years, these rooftop solar panels will reduce carbon emissions equivalent to planting more than 17.8 lakh trees.

Operating across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Kerala, Freyr Energy is championing sustainable energy practices across diverse sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, and hospitality. Championing this transition are esteemed organizations such as Reitz India Ltd, Kay Jay Forging, Sai Shakti Kraft Papers Pvt Ltd, Bhavika Plastek Pvt. Ltd., Sri Gayatri Educational Institutions and Naandi Community Water Services. Their choice signifies a commitment to sustainability and marks a significant contribution towards fostering a cleaner and greener environment. Furthermore, Freyr Energy is enhancing solar adoption among businesses by facilitating accessible financing options through partnerships with NBFCs like Credit Fair, Ugro, Choice and Ecofy. These partnerships highlight Freyr Energy’s dedication to helping companies adopt sustainable energy easily and affordably.

“MSMEs and Industries account for over 50% of India’s total energy consumption, with a staggering annual growth rate of 7 %. Given the increasing demand for energy and the urgent need to manage operational expenditure sustainably, choosing renewable solutions is absolutely crucial. At Freyr, we are dedicated to equipping businesses with solar energy solutions. Our goal is to help smaller businesses completely switch to solar energy, making them stronger and bringing more success to India’s industries and communities.” says Saurabh Marda , the Co-Founder & Managing Director, Freyr Energy.

With Freyr Energy at the forefront and aligned with government initiatives, the stage is set for India to seize the potential of solar energy. This presents a timely opportunity to empower the MSME sector, foster sustainability, and advance towards economic and environmental goals.

The Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre hosted Wire 2024, the premier global gathering for the wire and cable industries. Viraj Profiles, a leading manufacturer of high-end stainless steel long products in India, made a significant mark at the recently concluded Wire & Tube 2024. This prestigious event, known as the premier global gathering for the wire and cable industries, brought together industry leaders and innovators from across the globe.

The Chairman& Managing Director of Viraj Profiles, Neeraj Raja Kochhar spearheaded Viraj’s participation at Wire & Tube 2024 along with Rakesh Chauhan (Deputy Managing Director), and Siddartha Modi (President, Sales & Marketing, IT, HR).

Viraj Profiles displayed a wide range of products at Hall 11’s Booth G41. The company’s proficiency in stainless steel longproducts, flanges, and stainless steel wires was showcased in detail for the guests. Viraj Profiles was able to showcase its dedication to quality and innovation in the sector through the display.

Viraj Profiles did more than only display products; it also actively promoted industry cooperation. The company engaged with prospective partners who shared its goals for the future by sharing its vision.

To celebrate a successful event, Viraj Profiles hosted a grand cocktail evening in Düsseldorf. The evening featured elegant music and provided an atmosphere conducive to meaningful networking. Team Viraj meticulously organized the event, fostering an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie among friends, colleagues, and esteemed business associates.

Viraj Profiles’ participation in Wire & Tube 2024 underscores its position as a leading player in the global stainless steel industry. By showcasing its products, fostering collaboration, and celebrating success, Viraj Profiles has made a lasting impression on the international stage.

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Kolkata, 24th April 2024: The Department of Civil Engineering at Greater Kolkata College of Engineering and Management a JIS Group Educational Initiative, in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards- Kolkata Branch Office-II, organised a two-day workshop on “Indian Standards in Tunnel Construction: A Workshop for Engineering Excellence.” The event, held on April 20-21, 2024, garnered significant attention from the engineering community, attracting over 120 students from esteemed institutions across the region. The workshop served as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among industry experts and budding engineers, emphasizing the crucial role of tunnel construction in modern infrastructure development. Distinguished speakers, including Mr. Chiranjib Sarkar from TAIym, Mr. Manab Kumar Sinha from AECOM, and Mr. K. K. Paul from BIS KKBO-II, shared invaluable insights into the significance of adhering to Indian standards in tunnel construction.

Tunnel construction plays a pivotal role in enhancing transportation routes, connectivity, and environmental sustainability. It also facilitates the development of underground spaces for various purposes, such as transportation, water management, and utility services. By emphasising adherence to Indian standards, the workshop highlighted the importance of ensuring safety, durability, and sustainability in tunnel construction projects, in line with global best practices. Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in lively discussions, practical demonstrations, and interactive sessions aimed at promoting a deeper understanding of innovative techniques and standards for engineering excellence in tunnel construction. The event provided a unique opportunity for students to interact with industry professionals, gain insights into emerging trends, and explore potential career paths in the field of civil engineering.

Speaking on this occasion, Sardar Simarpreet Singh, Director JIS Group said, “JIS Group is delighted to have hosted such a successful workshop on Indian Standards in Tunnel Construction. The overwhelming response from participants underscores the growing importance of fostering collaboration between academia and industry to promote excellence in engineering practices.”

Mumbai, 24th April 2024 – Better Call Saul, now available in Hindi on Zee Café, continues to captivate viewers with its enthralling storyline and multi-dimensional characters. As anticipation builds for the upcoming episodes, we have some exciting insights to fuel your excitement for this week.

In Season 2, Episode 7, the storyline delves deeper into the intricate web of challenges for the characters. Jimmy (Bob Odenkirk) grapples with the complexities of the legal profession and finds himself entangled in a precarious situation that tests his ethics and principles. Meanwhile, tensions between Mike (Jonathan Banks) and a formidable adversary escalate to a boiling point, leading to a high-stakes confrontation with potentially dire consequences. Against moral ambiguity, the episode ‘Inflatable’ explores themes of morality, loyalty, and the repercussions of one’s actions.

While in Episode 8, the plot takes an intriguing turn as Jimmy navigates through increasingly complex situations. Pursuing his ambitions in the legal world, Jimmy encounters unexpected obstacles that test his resolve and integrity. Meanwhile, Mike’s entanglement in shady dealings leads him to confront dangerous adversaries, compelling him to make tough decisions to safeguard himself and his loved ones. Amidst mounting tension and uncertainty, the episode ‘Fifi’ delves deeper into the moral dilemmas of its characters, delivering a captivating and suspenseful narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

New Delhi, 24th April 2024: Le Cordon Bleu, the globally renowned network of hospitality and culinary schools, is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Thierry Le Baut as the Academic Director at its GD Goenka University campus.

Chef Le Baut is a celebrated culinary maestro with a global reputation in hospitality, culinary arts, and pastry arts. As a veteran, he has led the kitchens of Michelin-starred establishments and spearheaded the Le Cordon Bleu Manila and Ottawa campuses as Executive Director, earning him international acclaim.

As the new Academic Director at Le Cordon Bleu Gurugram, Chef Le Baut brings a wealth of experience and a passion for excellence that will elevate the learning experience to new heights. He is committed to nurturing students’ academic journey, fostering creativity, and instilling the highest standards of culinary and hospitality artistry.

Under the expert guidance of Chef Le Baut, students will embark on a remarkable journey encompassing all elements of the culinary and hospitality world. Furthermore, his international experience will broaden the horizons of the students at the campus as he will be instrumental in creating pathways for exchange programs with over 35 LCB campuses worldwide.

”I am delighted be a part of Le Cordon Bleu, Gurugram as the Academic Director. With a comprehensive global experience and a strong commitment to excellence, I am excited to lead the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals towards unparalleled success. The Indian hospitality industry has immense potential, and I firmly believe that our students will play a pivotal role in shaping its future,” said Chef Thierry Le Baut.

”Chef Thierry Le Baut’s expertise and global experience will undoubtedly empower students to excel in the dynamic world of culinary arts and hospitality. We look forward to witnessing the transformative impact of his leadership on our campus,” said Ms Kim Menezes, Vice Chancellor, GD Goenka University.

Le Cordon Bleu, GD Goenka University, is elated to welcome Chef Le Baut and is confident that his appointment as Academic Director will further strengthen the curriculum and enrich the learning of students.

Bengaluru, 24th  April 2024: AET LED Displays, a renowned industry expert in fine pitch LED displays, recently hosted the highly anticipated AET Envision Brilliance Partner Meet 2024 in Bengaluru on April 20th at Citadel Sarovar Portico. The event drew a crowd of over 150 attendees, including distributors, SI partners, ground staff including sales representatives, pre-sales, after-sales personnel, government officials, corporate partners, and AV partners.

The day-long event featured comprehensive product introductions, and in-depth training sessions, and highlighted AET’s previous works, emphasizing mutual growth opportunities. Mr. Su Piow Ko, CEO of AET LED Displays India, delivered a keynote address, reaffirming AET’s vision and mission to the audience.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Su Piow Ko, CEO at AET LED Displays India, expressed, “In India, there’s a growing readiness across industries to embrace digital transformation, with LED displays becoming indispensable for tasks like data analysis, monitoring, and advertising. We’re keen to seize this opportunity. Unlike other OEM LED Manufacturers in India, we’re committed to establishing our assembly line as part of the Make in India initiative, thereby not only providing employment opportunities but also bolstering the local economy. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead as we continue to collaborate and drive mutual growth with our partners in the Indian market. Our aim is to solidify our position among the top 3 players in the LED display segment in India in coming years.”

Mr. Prashant Srivastav, Head of Marketing – India, stated, “Hosting the AET Envision Brilliance Partner Meet 2024 in Bengaluru was a momentous occasion for us. It was an opportunity to engage with our valued partners, showcase our latest innovations, and reaffirm our commitment to delivering excellence in LED display solutions.”

Various sessions were tailored for different stakeholders, including Q&A sessions, feedback sessions, and round table discussions with key members in the boardroom. In the evening session, AET honored its esteemed partners with an award program, recognizing their outstanding contributions and dedication. Additionally, the company unveiled the AET Spark program ( Strategic Partner Alliance and Resource Kit ), aimed at fostering strategic partnerships and providing valuable resources such as certification, marketing collateral, and a dedicated resource kit for after-sales and pre-sales activities.

AET Displays has rapidly expanded its presence nationwide. With over 50 products available, more than 2000 installations across the country, and a network of over 80 partners and distributors, AET is committed to providing comprehensive coverage and support to its customers. In addition, AET strategically operates an assembly plant, three offices, three customer experience centers, and five service centers across the country, guaranteeing extensive coverage and support for its clientele

24th, April 2024, New Delhi: TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, India’s first & largest privately owned Degree Apprenticeship program from the house of TeamLease Services, hosted a CXO Discussion at The Leela, Gurgaon, focusing on “People Supply Chain Innovation – Strategies to Build a Future Ready Workforce”. The event aimed to address the imperative strategies needed to cultivate a future-ready workforce, given India’s noteworthy addition of 4 million jobs last year.

The discussions delved into challenges, benefits, and implementation of strategies on various pertinent topics. The colloquium entailed discourses on Degree Apprenticeships, Work Integrated Learning, White Collar Apprenticeship Programs, Global apprenticeship mobility and Managed Training Services. Specifically apprenticeships combining higher education with work, offered a sustainable and ROI-delivering approach for the talent pipeline for organizations. They also aided in tackling several challenges, such as reducing the time for hiring, lowering the hiring costs, and enhancing hiring quality. Additionally, they serve as an important intervention for formalizing India’s workforce and creating a scalable skilling ecosystem. Apprenticeships have led to a 50% reduction in talent acquisition costs, a 25% decrease in attrition rates, and a 20%-25% increase in business productivity. Over three years, they’ve shown a remarkable 3X Returns on Investment, highlighting their value in driving organizational success.

The principal focus of the dialogue was the advancement of a Tripartite agreement model, orchestrating synergy between industry, academia, and the youth. This model is pivotal in melding the realms of education and employment, seamlessly integrating formal academia with practical, on-the-job training. Such a collaborative architecture is instrumental in mitigating skill gaps, thereby sculpting a workforce adept for the future—a necessity in an era marked by rapid technological progress and significant economic shifts.

CXO executives concurred, recognizing apprenticeships as a linchpin in harmonizing the dynamics of education and employment. By weaving practical workplace experience with theoretical academic study, apprenticeships furnish individuals with the requisite skills and knowledge for workforce efficacy. This methodology not only aligns with the impulsive requisites of contemporary enterprises but also fortifies individuals, enabling them to flourish in their vocational pursuits.

A.R. Ramesh, CEO of TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, highlighted the significant shifts in job dynamics driven by evolving technology, emphasizing the emergence of new roles. With projections indicating that a quarter of the world’s incremental workforce will originate from India in the next decade, and 60 – 80 million jobs disrupted by AI in the coming years, there’s a pressing need to cultivate a skilled and qualified workforce. Ramesh stressed the imperative of broadening and enhancing the skilling ecosystem, particularly through apprenticeships, especially Degree Apprenticeships, and work-based learning programs. These initiatives play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academia and industry, shaping the careers of aspiring professionals, and empowering businesses with a custom-skilled workforce. Furthermore, corporate social responsibility initiatives play a vital role in promoting societal welfare through apprenticeship programs. Expenditures on apprenticeship training (over and above 2.5% apprenticeship quota mandated for organizations as per the Apprentices Act 1961) can be booked under CSR spending, enhancing its economic viability. But more importantly, by qualifying as ‘enhancing vocational skill’ and ‘livelihood enhancement projects’ under CSR activities, these initiatives serve as a cornerstone in fostering a more inclusive and skilled workforce.

Sumit Kumar, Chief Strategy Officer at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, emphasized the urgent need for reskilling, pointing out that half of the workforce in India requires upskilling. He emphasized that organizations are turning to apprenticeships as a solution to optimize talent costs, strengthen talent supply chains, and fuel business growth. Remarkably, 83% of organizations anticipate a notable increase in apprenticeship engagements, further highlighting their pivotal role in addressing the evolving needs of today’s workforce.

Dhriti Prasanna Mahanta, Business Head and Vice President, of TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, said, “Over the past six years, apprenticeships have emerged as indispensable interventions within the talent supply chain across various industries. The impact has been profound, with a staggering 28,21,178 apprentices engaged and trained. Notably, the Automotive and Electronics sectors have taken the lead with 8.2 lakh apprentices, showcasing a significant investment in skill development. Additionally, IT/ITeS (2.6 Lakhs), Retail (2.3 lakhs), and Tourism and Hospitality (65,000) have also embraced apprenticeship programs, recognizing their role in nurturing a skilled workforce. These initiatives are not just about training; they are catalysts for innovation and growth. By providing apprentices with hands-on experience and tailored training, these programs effectively bridge the gap between theoretical education and the practical skills demanded by industries. This linkage ensures a seamless transition for apprentices into the workforce, equipped with the precise skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s dynamic workplace environment.

Moreover, apprenticeships serve as engines of innovation, fostering creativity and problem-solving abilities among participants. The interactive nature of these programs encourages experimentation and the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, driving continuous improvement and adaptation within industries. Ultimately, apprenticeships are more than just training schemes; they are strategic investments in human capital that yield long-term benefits for individuals and industries.”