Category business

Bangalore, April 29, 2023: United270 Global, a web2 to web3 creative agency has launched a fresh campaign for GenZ fashion e-commerce brand Virgio. Titled “Your Vibe Your Tribe”, the influencers campaign conceptualized & executed by United270 Global celebrates the power of being yourself and the possibility of inspiring others along the way with your self-assurance.

Positioned to resonate with the vibrant Gen-Z of today, Virgio has launched its first brand film which features five diverse individuals who through their fashion preferences showcase their personal style and life choices – much like expression through art. In the film, each character is visibly different from the next – from how they look, to their demeanor and their personalities. They are shown going about their day, tackling daily challenges and tasks. Through visual keys, this film urges people to carve their paths, live on their terms, and make their decisions for themselves – independent of the societal norms designed to limit them.

Virgio is a homegrown, deep-tech fast fashion brand that brings trendy fashion solutions to the youth of today, who come with unique styles, colorful personalities, and revolutionary ideas. Among multiple agencies, United270 Global emerged as the perfect choice that aligned with the brand’s Gen-Z-centric approach and creative outlook. United270 Global was entrusted with the responsibility of creating a memorable campaign that highlights what the brand stands for. The communication lab will also eventually be leading the brand’s gradual integration and transition into Web3 – the sustainable way of the future.

Commenting on the campaign, Jeff Emmanuel – Chief Creative Officer and Co-founder, United270 Global said “We pride ourselves in the type of campaigns that we take on – usually featuring dynamic characters, strong messaging and future-first ideas. Virgio’s brand voice is in line with our ethos – expression and innovation. Counting on our young dynamic team was the key to building this narrative and speaking the brand language through design & storytelling. We were happy to be a part of this engagement as we saw potential in one day assisting a transition into the future – Web3. In the world of client-agency – we were able to collaborate to create this together. We believe “human to human” aspects become key, for any brand to start its journey. “

“We have also looked to expand our services with the Gen-Z focused brands which become key to transform brands to stay relevant & engage with consumers, through our parallel Virtual fashion setup Adamevefamily which focuses on sustainability tech for the brands who are keen on building communities.” Where we are merging AI into virtual influencers/models to be the brand custodians adds Jeff.

“United270 Global in the past has worked with similar brands that are targeted towards the youth of today – the infamous Gen Z. Right from the people we involved in creating the films to the types of characters we built the film around; all were extremely relatable to the young target audience. We saw great potential in challenging norms, especially after the tech got introduced to fashion and saw a shift to the online world post-pandemic. With this campaign and the lens through which Virgio perceives things, it will be on the same page as many leading global brands in no time.” said Sanjay Parashar – Chief Business Officer, United270 Global.

“Virgio is a brand for tomorrow – we champion individuality and unapologetic self-expression. We aimed to execute a campaign that declared our message loud and clear, and together with United270 Global we created the ‘Your Vibe Your Tribe’ campaign. We commend the collective effort by the team in not just understanding the requirement and delivering, but also building on the initial brief and bringing the idea to life – right from the film, print, digital content executions, and digital brand communication design. Great campaigns make brands memorable and in association with United270 Global, we aimed to send a strong message that we are also deeply rooted in – individuality and expression. We look forward to our association with them and doing great work together.” said a spokesperson from Virgio.

New Delhi, 29th April 2023 – Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) felicitated
several hospitals and medical facilitators across India for their outstanding contributions to the field of healthcare. The Medical Value Travel Awards 2023 (MVTA 2023) ceremony was held in recognition of the growing trend of medical tourism and the importance of providing quality medical care to patients from around the world.

Among the winners of the Medical Value Travel Awards 2023 was Ayurvedic Hospital & Research Centre in Kottakal in the category of Ayurveda and Wellness Centre, which was recognised for its excellence in ayurvedic treatments and research. Shinon Healthcare, in the category of medical facilitator, was honoured for its exceptional services in arranging medical travel for patients.

Medanta Hospital, Fortis Escorts Heart and Research Institute – Okhla, and Apollo Cancer Institute – Chennai were recognised for their excellence in the categories of cardiology (cardiac surgery), cardiology (interventional cardiology) and radiation oncology, respectively. Similarly, the Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurgaon was felicitated for its excellence in neurosciences, medical oncology, surgical oncology, and transplant–bone marrow.

Krishna Shalby Hospital was also recognized for its exceptional services in orthopaedics joint replacement, while Artemis Hospital was awarded for its excellence in spine surgery. Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals was honoured for its exceptional services in transplants – kidney. Fortis Escorts Heart and Research Institute in Okhla, New Delhi was recognised for its excellence in pediatric cardiac sciences, cardiology, and cardiac surgery. Fortis Hospital – Noida was awarded for its excellence in transplant – liver.

Last but not least, the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences was given a special jury recognition during the FICCI-led award ceremony. EY (Ernst & Young) was the process advisor for the MVTA 2023, which was instrumental in finalizing the winners for different categories of awards.

Among the dignitaries who spoke on the occasion were Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Col. (Dr.) Dhani Ram Shandil; Mr Lav Agarwal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India; Mr Gopal Krishna, Special Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India; EY Partner Mr Amiya Swarup and others.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Mr Lav Agarwal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, said: “It is an honour to be here today to celebrate the FICCI Medical Value Travel Awards 2023. I am delighted to be part of this prestigious award ceremony.”

The Medical Value Travel Awards recognize the top hospitals across India that have shown excellence in the healthcare sector. These awards recognize the hard work and dedication of the hospitals to provide high-quality healthcare services to the people of India.

Medical Value Travel Awards are a great way to acknowledge and encourage the healthcare industry’s efforts. It is also a great way to motivate doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to strive for excellence in their field.

“Today, we are recognizing the achievements of some of the leading hospitals in India, which have made a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of our citizens. We recognize and thank them for their hard work and dedication to the healthcare sector,” he said.

Mr Agarwal said: “The Medical Value Travel Awards is a great platform to showcase the best practices in the healthcare sector. I am sure that the hospitals that have been recognised today will continue to set a benchmark in providing quality healthcare services to the people of India. I congratulate all the award winners for their outstanding work and I wish them all the best.”

Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Col. (Dr.) Dhani Ram Shandil said, “All fraternity and stakeholders present here, we all want humanity to be free from any disease. Travel and health combined together can improve the economy of India.”

Election Commissioner for the Union Territories Mr Sudhanshu Pandey said: “In 2015, we started MVT organisation, exhibition, and reverse buyer-seller reach and we wanted things to be taken over by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It gives us a lot of confidence that the trust we have built in this world; we have honoured that.”

EY partner Mr Amiya Swarup said, “We implemented a rigorous process in finalizing the winners for the awards in various categories and through Medical Value Travel Awards 2023, we are recognizing India’s finest healthcare service providers.”

The Medical Value Travel Awards 2023 is a testament to the growing importance of medical tourism in the global healthcare industry. These hospitals and medical facilitators have set the bar high for quality medical care and have demonstrated their commitment in providing exceptional services to patients from around the world.

Bangalore, 29 April 2023: The Indian Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) congregated all its esteemed members at its Annual Members Meet 2023. The event was organized on April 27, at the Conrad Bengaluru. The event served as an excellent platform for members to gain insights into the present plans, and progress metrics, and actively contribute to strategizing the future trajectory of IESA.

The Annual Members Meet is an important event in the IESA calendar. The gathering brings together industry leaders, innovators, and key stakeholders from the electronics and semiconductor sector. The convention provides a unique opportunity to collaborate, share ideas, and collectively work toward the growth and development of the industry.

Speaking about the event, Sanjay Gupta, Chairman IESA said, “We are thrilled to have hosted the IESA Annual Members Meet 2023 and invite all our esteemed members to attend. This annual event is an excellent opportunity for us to share our progress, plans and vision for the future of the electronics and semiconductor industry in India. Our members’ participation in strategizing the future trajectory of IESA is vital for us to achieve our mission of making India a global leader in the ESDM industry. With prominent speakers providing valuable insights and engaging in stimulating discussions on current trends, challenges and opportunities in the industry, we are confident that our members will find the event quite enlightening.”

The participants got a chance to engage with prominent speakers, thought leaders, and experts who shared their knowledge and experiences on the latest industry trends, emerging technologies, and market dynamics. The event also featured interactive sessions, and networking opportunities thereby facilitating meaningful conversations and fostering partnerships within the ESDM industry in India.

29 April 2023  As a mom, keeping track of your health and that of your children can be a daunting task. Fortunately, smart wearables have made it easier to monitor your health and that of your children. Here are 5 smart wearables that every mom should have in her collection:

1. Apple Watch Series 6: The latest addition to Apple’s popular smartwatch lineup, the Apple Watch Series 6 offers advanced health tracking features such as blood oxygen monitoring and ECG readings. It also includes GPS tracking, cellular connectivity, and the ability to stream music and podcasts
2. Fitbit Versa 3: The Fitbit Versa 3 is a smartwatch that helps you track your fitness goals, monitor your heart rate, and manage stress. It also has a built-in GPS that allows you to track your runs and walks without carrying your phone.
3.  PLAYFIT DIAL: If the person is a fitness enthusiast, this is the perfect gift. One of the most cost-effective options on this list is PLAYFIT DIAL, a one-of-its-kind smartwatch, integrated with features like a heart rate monitor, blood oxygen sensor, and others. The PLAYFIT DIAL is also dust and water-resistant and boasts an IPS display with numerous configurable watch faces. This smart device will help them to stay healthy and fit with incredibly awesome features.
4.  Garmin Forerunner 245: This watch is great for runners, as it provides advanced running dynamics, including VO2 max and training status. It also has built-in GPS and a range of other fitness-tracking features, as well as smart notifications and music storage
5.  Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: This watch is a great choice for Android users, with a range of health and fitness features, including body composition analysis and advanced sleep tracking. It also has a bright AMOLED display and a sleek design.

In conclusion, these smart wearables can help you and your family stay healthy and active. With features such as heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, and sleep tracking, they are an excellent investment for any mom who wants to stay on top of their health and fitness goals.

Mumbai, 29 April 2023: The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India organise a roadshow with the aim of raising awareness among stakeholders in the Travel and Tourism Industry about the upcoming first Global Tourism Investors’ Summit. The roadshow was chaired by Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Culture and DoNER, along with Mr. Rakesh Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism.

Key dignitaries from the ministry including Sh Saurabh Vijay, Principal Secretary, Maharashtra, Sh. Hareet Shukla, Secretary Tourism, Gujarat, Sh. Vivek Shrotriya, Add. Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh, Sh. Pawan Jain, Joint Director, Rajasthan also attended and expressed their views during the event.

Addressing attendees at the roadshow, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Culture and DoNER, said, “Considering the plethora of experiences the Indian tourism industry offers, such as wellness tourism, adventure tourism, eco-tourism, rural tourism, spiritual tourism and several others, both the State and Central Governments recognise the role that tourism can play in driving economic growth. Therefore, private investment,
particularly in hotels and other tourism-related infrastructure, is critical.”

The roadshow had a wide representation from the Ministry of Tourism as it attracted the participation of eminent industry leaders from the world of travel, tourism, and hospitality. Prominent industry leaders including Mr. Vishal Kamat, Co-Chair, CII WR Sub Committee on Tourism and Hospitality, CEO, Kamat Hotels India Limited, Mr. Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, Cdr Nevil Malao, VSM (Retd), Vice President Head – Cruise & Navy Cell, J. M. Baxi & Co., Mr. Dhimant Bakshi, CEO, Imagica, Mr. Santhosh Kutty, CEO – Hotels, Mahindra Hotels and Resorts graced the event with their presence.

Expressing his gratitude to all attendees, Shri Reddy added that, inspired by the ambitious vision of the honourable Prime Minister, the government is working dedicatedly towards the sustained growth and promotion of tourism in India. Various initiatives are being undertaken to provide both domestic and inbound tourists with the most memorable experiences.

In addition to promoting the summit, the roadshow also provided an opportunity for the Ministry of Tourism to gather feedback from industry stakeholders and address any concerns or questions they had.

The primary goal of the upcoming Global Tourism Investors’ Summit is to highlight India’s Travel and Tourism Sector as an “Ideal Investment Destination” and give investors as well as the Central and State Governments a unified forum to explore investment opportunities. The participating states will have the opportunity to showcase strengths and unique offerings in terms of investible ready projects in the states to attract investments for tourism infrastructure. The summit is also expected to facilitate meaningful discussions and collaborations between the government and the private sector to promote the speedy growth and development of India’s tourism industry.

The first Global Tourism Investors’ Summit (GTIS) 2023 is being organized in partnership with Invest India as the Investment Promotion and Facilitation partner, and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) as the Industry Partner, with an objective of providing a common platform for global and domestic players to interact and explore investment opportunities in the Indian travel and hospitality sector. The summit offers an opportune platform for investors from the G20 countries to explore the Indian tourism industry products among other areas of bilateral/multilateral engagements.

Mumbai, 29, April 2023: Mphasis Limited (BSE – 526299; NSE – MPHASIS), an Information Technology (IT) solutions provider specializing in cloud and cognitive services, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended 31st March 2023 and financial year 2022-23.

Year ended 31st March 2023

· FY23 revenue grew 16.7% YoY on reported basis and 9.7% in Constant Currency to INR 138.4 billion

· Direct revenue grew 19.3% YoY on reported basis and 12.0% in Constant Currency to INR 129.9 billion

· New TCV wins USD 1.3 billion in FY23 in Direct

· Net profit grew 14.5% to INR 16,379 million in FY23

· EPS grew 14.0% to INR 87.1 in FY23

· Mphasis Board of Directors recommended a dividend of INR 50 per share for FY23, subject to shareholder approval.

Quarter ended 31st March 2023

• Gross Revenue declined 4.1% QoQ and grew 4.5% YoY on reported basis to INR 33,893 million in Q4 FY23 and declined 4.5% QoQ and 3.1% YoY in Constant Currency

• Direct revenue declined 3.1% QoQ and grew 6.1% YoY on a reported basis to INR 32,055 million in Q4 FY23 and declined 3.4% QoQ and 1.8% YoY in Constant Currency

• New TCV wins of USD 309 million in Q4 FY23 in Direct; of which 85% in new-gen services.

• Net profit declined 1.7% QoQ and grew 3.4% YoY to ₹ 4,053 million in Q4 FY23.

• EPS declined 1.8% QoQ and grew 3.0% YoY to ₹ 21.5 in Q4 FY23

“The macro-economic environment remains uncertain while we continue to look for aligning with our client’s current priorities. Strategic technology spends may have slowed down, however, hasn’t been paused. Enterprises continue to invest in Cloud, Digital Transformation, and consolidation priorities. Institutionalizing cost transformation projects is enabling them free up working capital. We see these as opportunities for proactive deal making and gaining share of wallet, translating into a strong pipeline and continued deal conversion,” said Nitin Rakesh, Chief Executive Officer, and Managing Director, Mphasis.

Deal wins:

· One of the world’s largest FinTech organization has engaged Mphasis to transform multiple legacy applications, including their mainframe-based core credit cards origination and authorization system into a cloud ready neo-core, based on Mphasis’ XaaP framework.

· An American Insurance company has selected Mphasis for Managed Services engagement where the scope includes Datacenter, Network, Cyber Security, Service Desk and End User Services and Application and Database monitoring.

· One of the largest American banks has engaged Mphasis to modernize its monolithic applications in the online banking platform space to modern microservices based applications, and to deliver feature sets to new products being introduced to the online banking platform.

· An American wealth management company has engaged Mphasis to support its Enterprise PMO office to fulfill enterprise wise projects.

Recognitions and Analyst Positioning:

· Mphasis recognized as a winner of the 2023 LegalWeek Leaders in Tech Law awards under the ‘Contract Lifecycle Management’ category

· Forbes India spotlights ‘Mphasis’ among the top mid-caps that are changing the Indian IT

· Recognized as “Leader” in Everest Group’s Group Life Policy Administration Systems (PAS) Products PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2023 – North America

· Recognized as “Major Contender” in Everest Group’s Advanced Analytics and Insights (AA&I) Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2023

· Recognized as “Major Contender” in Everest Group’s Capital Markets Operations – Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2023

· Recognized as “Major Contender” in Everest Group’s Healthcare Cloud-based Core Administration Platforms PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2023

· Positioned in “Horizon 1” by HFS in HFS Horizons: The Best Service Providers for Retail Banks, 2023 – HFS Research

· Ranked 2nd by Net Net in The Top 10 IT Services Companies for 2023.

Chennai, April 29, 2023 – Citroën today is revealing the All-New C3 Aircross, a family Midsize-SUV that is tough outside and caring inside, and intelligently created to meet the specific needs of Indian customers. The All-New C3 Aircross is, above all, unmistakably a Citroën, and at the same time a pure Midsize-SUV, which will compete at the heart of the market by offering car buyers compelling value in a tailor-made package. The SUV combines a unique, muscular, and bold design, with signature Citroën comfort and well-being, plus versatility in the segment for up to 7 people. Unmistakably Citroën, All-New C3 Aircross is a tough and distinctive SUV available in both 5-seater and 5+2-seater versions and targeted for launch in India in the second half of 2023.

All-New C3 Aircross is the second in a family of three new models specifically aimed at international growth markets under Citroën’s C-Cubed programme, announced in 2019, and being marketed between 2022 and 2024. The Midsize-SUV is developed and produced locally – at the Thiruvallur plant in Tamil Nadu with over 90% localisation. This ensures customer satisfaction that allows faster parts availability and overall lower cost of ownership.

This new 4.3m SUV model and the already launched brand’s flagship C5 Aircross SUV, sub 4m New C3 & ë-C3 represent key steps in Citroën’s international growth strategy, under which the brand is targeting 30 per cent of its global vehicle sales to be in regions and markets outside of Europe by 2025.

“Citroën plans to grow globally by entering high-potential markets with affordable, locally-tailored products. Our goal is to achieve 30% of sales in international markets outside Europe by 2025. Our aim is to compete successfully with local players while providing an easy ownership journey for our customers. The All-New C3 Aircross a 4.3m midsize SUV, marks a significant step for Citroën to reach a new group of customers looking for an appealing, value-for-money, and spacious family Midsize-SUV that offers versatility of seating up to 7 people.” says Thierry Koskas, Citroën CEO.

RIGHT TIME, RIGHT PRODUCT

Citroën has worked hard to ensure the 4.3m long, 5 and 5+2-seater All-New C3 Aircross is the right vehicle at the right time to enter the fast-growing and highly competitive Midsize SUV segment in the Indian market.

“The All-New C3 Aircross is a highly-localized midsize SUV that caters to the needs of the Indian market, where SUVs hold a 40% market share. This vehicle has been designed with insights from Indian customers and developed at Citroën’s R&D and engineering centers in India and Europe. The vehicle assembly and powertrain plants in Thiruvallur and Hosur respectively will be instrumental in efficiently manufacturing the vehicle in India. Citroën is confident in meeting the requirements of this new group of Indian customers.” adds Roland Bouchara, CEO and Managing Director of Stellantis India.

“In India, car purchasing decisions involve the entire family and often consultations with friends. Budget and overall cost of ownership are crucial considerations, but so are distinctive design, a commanding street presence, high levels of all-round comfort, space and flexibility, connectivity, and features. The attributes of a vehicle reflect the owner’s lifestyle and status, making styling and features equally important factors in the buying decision. The versatility of the C3 Aircross will help solve the varied mobility needs of Indian families, who enjoy life on the move. We have made every effort to make the All-New C3 Aircross desirable and accessible to these families. Our fast expanding La Maison Citroen phygital showroom & L’Atelier service network will ensure our Citroen India family has an impeccable ownership journey.” says Saurabh Vatsa, Citroën Head, India.

DIRECTLY DRIVEN BY INDIAN CUSTOMER WANTS AND NEEDS

Key to the success of Citroën’s C-Cubed programme is the collaborative effort between Citroën India teams and the company’s designers and engineers. Specifically for All-New C3 Aircross, this involved thorough research into the physical conditions in India, and extensive conversations with customers to ensure this Midsize-SUV fully meets their wants and needs. Data that emerged from customer clinics directly influenced the final styling, design and features of the All-New C3 Aircross.

“Listening to the voices of so many potential customers in these markets drove us to make sure New C3 Aircross offers families a unique package they will appreciate, combining distinctive signature Citroën brand design markers with pure SUV attributes in a muscular and eye-catching vehicle that represents great value. It fully embraces our 360-degree approach to comfort and well-being for everyone through outstanding roominess, modular versatility, and space to carry up to 5 or 5+2 people in serenity. It comes with high levels of equipment and technology, including for seamless connectivity on the move, and the family can make their vehicle even more personal with an extensive offer of themed customization packs and accessories made-to-measure for each market,” says Laurence Hansen, Citroën Product, and Strategy Director.

TOUGH OUTSIDE AND CARING INSIDE

All-New C3 Aircross is a desirable, 4.3m long family Midsize-SUV with a tough, expressive design that inspires confidence. It features an assertive front face with a high bonnet, wide track width, Citroën Y-shaped lighting signature, and a powerful double grille with a lower skid plate to deal with varying road conditions and maximise cooling. In silhouette, it stands out with its 200mm ground clearance, muscular wheel arches with large wheels and tyres, and resilient protective claddings.

The wide C-pillar adds verticality and strength to the body, while neat rear quarter windows add to the feeling of light and space for passengers. Windows and long rear doors enhance the feeling of height, light and visibility, and allow easy access to the rear rows of seats.

To enhance their pride of ownership, customers can also personalise their vehicle by choosing from a wide range of themed packs and accessories tailor-made to market expectations and designed to add character, street presence and value. Additionally, Citroën’s signature contrasting roof colours create an eye-catching dual-tone effect for owners who want to add an extra touch of personalisation to their vehicles.

Citroën’s passion for ingenious conception to ensure drivers and occupants enjoy unrivalled safety and onboard comfort is evident in every detail of the All-New C3 Aircross.

Riding in the spacious cabin is a pleasure thanks to the tuned suspension which maximizes comfort and minimizes body roll in demanding traffic conditions and over varying road surfaces. Citroën-tuned steering and turning circle for enhanced agility and easy manoeuvring in dense urban traffic complement this. Even the underbody structure and approach angles have been engineered to ensure that All-New C3 Aircross can tackle rough road surfaces with ease and climb up or down steep slopes.

Muscular and purposeful bumpers along with the high ground clearance make it easy to bump up and over undulating road surfaces when required, while the torsional stiffness of the body has been closely studied to reduce vibration and amplify occupant comfort.

All-New C3 Aircross is particularly roomy. The 5-seater model offers one of the best knee room for rear seat passengers and up to 444 litres of luggage volume, while the 5+2-seater model adds intelligent modularity for multiple uses, with a third row of two individual seats. These can be folded down or removed individually when the family needs to balance the room for passengers with up to 511-litres capacity for luggage.

The bright, spacious and smartphone-friendly interior is extremely well-equipped, and embodies Citroën’s acknowledged 360-degree approach to comfort and occupant well-being. Supremely comfortable seats combine with a powerful climate and air-conditioning system to keep everyone relaxed, particularly in the second and third rows of the 5+2-seater version thanks to a roof-mounted blower. Thoughtful storage solutions throughout include cup holders that double as smartphone holders in the second and third rows so occupants can power their connectivity and stay in touch or entertained on the move.

Bangalore 29 April 2023: ‘Plumbex India 2023’, India’s largest exhibition of water, sanitation & plumbing products was inaugurated by Archana Varma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti & Mission Director, Jal Shakti Mission and senior office bearers of Indian Plumbing Association (IPA). At the inaugural session of the three day summit supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and Ministry of Jal Shakti, experts expressed the urgent need for water conservation, awareness and adoption of sustainable low flow fixtures & sanitaryware. As part of its initiative to cooperate and assist the government in policy formation to make India water positive, IPA submitted a memorandum of water use efficiency to Jal Shakti Mission, Bureau of Water Use Efficiency to be Net Zero Water in Built Environment. Some of the recommendations of the memorandum include water meter installations for every individual connection, mandating use of low flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting in every built space, use of treated water in all built spaces, periodic Water Audit in all major public use Installations and large housing complexes and education and awareness on water saving and conserving to masses. Uniform Illustrated Plumbing Code-India 2023 was unveiled at the inauguration.

Appealing to IPA to promote water saving in an engaging and innovative way, Archana Varma said, “Fresh water is a finite resource and many cities in India may soon be unable to supply fresh water to its citizens. Currently, the country has only 1126 MCM of water and by 2050 the demand for fresh water is expected to touch 1180 MCM. It is well known that water can be saved through good plumbing and low-flow fixtures, and it is here that associations like IPA can play a crucial role in creating awareness of water conservation. Currently in India, the plumbing and sanitaryware market is pegged at Rs 50,000 crores and only five percent is low flow water saving equipment. There is an urgent need to promote water-saving fixtures and inculcate a culture of water-saving right down to the last individual in the country.”

Speaking at the inauguration Mr. Gurmit Singh Arora, Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) – National President said “Water tables in many of our cities are fast depleting and today, the average water table in Bengaluru is about 800 feet which was just 100 feet around 30 years ago. Bengaluru once had over 1000 lakes today only around 200 remain. By 2025 the demand for water in the city will increase to 2314 MLD leaving the city with a demand gap of 514 MLD. The Government of India has announced that India will reach carbon neutrality by 2070, however this cannot be achieved unless we achieve water, energy and waste neutrality and move towards net zero water in buildings and built environment. At IPA’s ‘I save water mission’ we have saved crores of litres of water and our target this year is to save 1,000 crore liters of water. In order to move towards net zero water, we need to install low flow fixtures & sanitaryware, rain water harvesting, reclamation of all black and grey water and create awareness on our actual water footprint.”

“IPA has formed ‘IPA Vanita Ladies Wing’ to take the message for water saving across India. We are also in partnership and have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NAREDCO MAHI (National Real Estate Development Council) for the same. IPA is also working with the Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE), and we are on the board to ensure water saving and conservation. IPA has constituted a committee on treatment of all used water and the only Code in India is being written and deliberated by this Technical Committee. We have also organized ‘NEERATHON’ a water awareness festival in five cities, beginning with Bengaluru to create awareness for water conservation.” Gurmit Singh Arora added

IPA is also working with the Energy Ministry to rewrite the Energy Conservation and Building Code in its new avatar, called ‘The Energy Conservation and Building Sustainability Code’ which will not only save energy, but also water and waste.

The latest Innovations in Sanitaryware, Bathroom Fixtures & Fittings, Pipes & Fittings, Pumps, Valves & Fittings, STP & WTP, Hot Water Systems, Water Filtration & Purification Plants, Fire Fighting Equipment & Systems, Drainage Solutions, etc., will be showcased during Plumbex India 2023 at India’s largest standalone exhibition for plumbing, water, sanitation, products, and services.

29 April 2023  IMDB, the world’s leading database for movies, TV shows, and other entertainment content, listed only one Indian title in its Top 50 Most Popular Podcast Series. ‘Insta Millionaire’, a Hindi audio series as defined by Pocket FM, has been ranked at #27 on the list. The series has garnered a total of 1678 reviews, the second most in the list, and has received an impressive rating of almost 7 (precisely 6.8). Louder with Crowder, a talk show, has received 1705 reviews, and ranked 23rd with a 5.9 rating.

Recently, this audio series has become a craze with it generating over 300 million plays and clocking over 3.5 billion listening minutes across English, Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil. It has grossed a revenue of over Rs. 30 crores, a fate that was unheard of before for a single title in audio entertainment. The captivating story of “Insta Millionaire” follows the journey of a young man named ‘Lucky’, as he rises from rags to riches in a thrilling game of luck. Despite his humble beginnings and struggles, Lucky remains strong and selfless, keeping his hardships hidden from his love life, even when his girlfriend cheats on him.

Upon reaching out to Swapnil Jain, an actor-writer-director who penned the story for the Hindi version of Insta Millionaire, he expressed his elation at witnessing the massive success of the audio series. He said, “As a writer, it’s an absolute honor to see Insta Millionaire being recognized as the only Indian audio series in IMDB’s Top 50 list. It’s humbling to see Insta Millionaire being listed alongside some of the global hits, and it serves as a testament to the growing popularity of audio series as a medium of entertainment, globally.”

Interestingly, the English version of Insta Millionaire, adapted for the US and another international markets, has also made it to the list and ranked at #19 with a 7.7 rating. The IMDB Top 50 Podcast Series list includes popular audio series like The Sandman, Harley Quinn & The Joker: Sound Mind, Batman: The Audio Adventures, Case 63, and many more.

IMDB’s Top 50 List is a highly coveted recognition, with only the most exceptional and critically acclaimed audio series and serialized podcasts making it to this list.

The Orchid Hotel Mumbai is delighted to announce the much-awaited “Weddings with Orchid” – an extravagant wedding showcase set to take place at the stunning Upper Deck venue. Scheduled for April 29, this exclusive event will showcase The Orchid Hotel’s unparalleled expertise in hosting unforgettable weddings, along with a handpicked selection of top-notch wedding planners, décor vendors, and caterers, making it a must-attend event for soon-to-be-wed couples and their families.

The showcase will begin with a grand Vidhi Mandap set up at the lobby level, followed by a presentation on the hotel’s wedding venues and their unique selling points. Speaking on the announcement, Varun Sahani, Vice President, Operations, Kamat Hotels India Ltd said, “We have been hosting weddings for over two decades now, and understand the importance of providing an unforgettable experience to our guests. With this event, we aim to showcase our expertise and create a platform for wedding planners to gain a deeper understanding of our vision for hosting weddings at The Orchid.”

The event promises to be a memorable and enjoyable evening, with captivating live music entertainment, a mouth-watering culinary spread, and an exclusive wedding hampers table to showcase the hotel’s exquisite gifting prowess. The evening will end on a sweet note with exotic in-house-made sweets giveaway to all guests.

“We have meticulously planned this event to ensure that our guests have a glimpse of the unparalleled experience that we aim to provide. We look forward to welcoming all the wedding business connoisseurs under one roof and creating a platform for future collaborations,” adds Varun Sahani.

The Orchid Hotel Mumbai is committed to providing exceptional service and creating unforgettable memories for its guests. “Weddings with Orchid” is a testament to the hotel’s dedication to excellence, and extends an invite to city’s wedding planners, couples, and anyone interested in hosting a wedding at The Orchid to join this grand event.

About The Orchid Hotel Mumbai:

The Orchid Hotel Mumbai is Asia’s first 5-star ecotel hotel. The hotel is renowned for its exceptional service, elegant ambiance, and commitment to sustainability. With over two decades of experience in hosting weddings, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai is the perfect destination for creating memories for all those couples looking for a one-of-a-kind wedding experience.

Date: Saturday, April 29

Time: 7 pm onwards

Venue: The Orchid Hotel Mumbai Vile Parle