Tag Mumbai

Mumbai, July 15, 2024: In order to transform and promote business while preserving culture and heritage, IIM Sambalpur organized second edition of a 12-day weekend certificate programme called the ‘Small Business Management Training Programme’ for Master Weavers of Western Odisha in support with SIDBI. Conducted under the aegis of the Centre for Responsible Business, the programme is focused on various subjects including design, digital marketing, GST, Financial Management, Operation and communication skills. Approximately 25 Master Weavers are going through the training with a focus on to up market through digital platform such as Flipkart, Amazon and ONDC.

Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, emphasized the institute’s commitment to acknowledging and supporting India’s indigenous handloom industry. He highlighted that prior to British colonization, India was responsible for 25% of the world’s textile production, a stark contrast to the current scenario where this contribution has dwindled to less than 3%.

Prof. Jaiswal further said, “We believe the textile industry is crucial for India’s development. With an aim to promote marketing and distribution, we took the first step to partner with Flipkart. However, we soon realized that our skilled master weavers and artisans require fundamental business knowledge in areas such as GST and invoicing, marketing to deliver business training and all faculties teaches the subject such as Marketing Management, Financial Management, Operations, Strategy etc. in Odia languages. This pioneering effort makes IIM Sambalpur the first management institute in India to offer business education in the vernacular language, with a specific focus on supporting local enterprises.”

Prof. Jaiswal further informed, “The upcoming phase of training is designed to enhance their skills in market creation. The curriculum includes instruction on the five Ps of marketing (Product, Price, Place, Promotion, and People) and an exploration of global market trends. To facilitate this process, incubation support is deemed necessary. Consequently, the initiation of a startup aimed at global product marketing is underway. The ultimate objective is to establish a ‘Bunkar Valley,’ akin to Silicon Valley, with a specific emphasis on elevating India’s weaving industry on the global stage.”

Shri. Akshay Sunil Agrawal, DM & Collector, Sambalpur, emphasizes the significance of comprehending sustainability challenges in India and said, “There exists a notable generation gap, and our aim should not only be to survive but to thrive. Understanding market demands, trends, and bridging information and economic disparities are crucial. The prosperity of artisans, such as those in Sambalpur, hinges on efficient marketing, product packaging, and awareness of fashion trends. Initiatives like this, which integrate feedback and interactive sessions, play a vital role in tackling challenges and devising solutions.”

Shri. Ramkrishna Meher, National Awardee, Handloom (2015), World Craft Council Awardee (UNESCO- 2018) said, “Many artists and scientists from around the world have come to this region to learn the art of weaving. However, this weaving technique cannot be done using any machinery or computers. It is only possible through the weavers themselves. IIM Sambalpur is making efforts to train the weavers and help their products reach international markets. Through initiative from IIM Sambalpur, significant changes have come in the lives of the weavers. This has helped in preserving the weaving culture, advancing the tradition, and empowering the weavers.”

Dr. Surendra Meher, National Awardee (1991), three times UNESCO Awardee said, “The Sambalpuri weaving art has a distinct identity across India and the world. This is not recent but dates back to the 14th century. Sambalpuri weaving is the intellectual property of the weavers. Along with Sambalpuri sarees, the culture, traditions, and practices of this region are deeply intertwined. No machine can replace the place of weavers in the art of weaving. Dr. Meher advised the weavers to create high-quality sarees and uphold the dignity of the weaving art. IIM Sambalpur is playing an integral role in transforming lives of weaver community and safeguarding the rich heritage of Odisha.”

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Prof. Sumita Sindhi. The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Bhairab Chandra Patra.

Mumbai, July 11, 2024: The country’s largest low-income housing finance company (HFC), Aadhar Housing Finance Limited (AHFL) has selected SGA PR, India’s fastest growing mid-size communications consultancy, as its integrated communications partner. SGA PR won the mandate in a multi-agency pitch, which saw participation from leading PR agencies in the country. SGA PR will work with AHFL to build a comprehensive programme across brand communications, media relations, capital market PR and digital assets.

AHFL is committed to making the dream of home ownership come true for low and middle-income segment. The HFC with the largest AUM in the sector aims to strengthen its market position by building a deep connection with its customers, engaging them through a personalized approach to storytelling and creating brand experiences at touchpoints that are relatable to the community.

The goal requires AHFL to win the trust of its customers in an extremely competitive market of home loans which has the entire spectrum of national and regional players. SGA PR’s unique proposition to capture the heart and mind of the customers in every aspect of lives through bespoke experiences stood out as the winning idea.

Rishi Anand, Managing Director & CEO, AHFL said, “With the government sharpening its focus on schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, AHFL as the largest player in the category foresees a tremendous opportunity to enable India’s mission of ‘Housing for All.’ We have found a great partner in SGA PR, with their unique and fresh approach to engage our stakeholders. The team has an innovative thought process, brings deep in-house expertise, and displays an unparalleled enthusiasm to collaborate with us.”

Rahul Jain & Sudhir Shetty, Partners & Jt. CEOs, SGA PR, shared, “Having the faith of the largest player in the low-income housing finance segment is yet another validation of SGA PR’s unique application of PR to achieve business goals instead of only plain vanilla solutions that are ‘coverage driven.’ We are confident that our collective expertise in BSFI domain, combined with our intelligent consulting and outcome-oriented approach will enable AHFL to affirm its position as market leaders.”

Mumbai, 11 July 2024: After the successful launch of the Acerpure India brand by Acer, the brand has officially entered the Indian water purifier market with the launch of the Acerpure Amrit series. The new series includes three models – Acerpure Amrit RO, Amrit Elite – RO+UV, and Amrit Supreme – RO + UV + Alkaline – each catering to diverse consumer needs and showcasing Acerpure’s commitment to cutting-edge technology. Drawing on the trusted legacy of the Acer brand, these water purifiers are designed to deliver both reliability and convenience, promising purity with every drop.

The Acerpure Amrit series sets a new benchmark in water purifier maintenance by introducing user-replaceable filters, reducing service charges by 100%. The filters can be changed in 3 easy steps while traditional water purifiers often require complicated and costly technician services to replace filters involving pipes and intricate installations. In contrast, Acerpure water purifiers feature user-replaceable filters, simplifying the replacement process into a user-friendly task. This also ensures that customers get genuine spares as they are sent directly by Acerpure India. Users who prefer the assistance of a service technician can make use of the vast network of service centers catering to over 18000 pin codes for regular maintenance or technical assistance. In addition to the standard 1-year warranty on the unit, customers who book their water purifier by July 30th will enjoy a special launch offer. This exclusive deal entitles them to a complimentary set of filters, available for redemption after the first cycle and within two years of purchase, which effectively makes filter replacement cost zero for upto two years depending on the use case.

With a high-recovery system that boosts clean water output by upto 40%, the Acerpure Amrit series significantly reduces water wastage compared to traditional RO filters. Key features include a stainless-steel tank that decreases E. Coli growth by 94.4% within 24 hours, highlighting a strong commitment to hygiene and safety. Each purchase includes a TDS meter to help users monitor water quality. The Amrit Series Supreme model offers Alkaline enhancement, which neutralizes toxins, reduces acidity, and improves water taste, promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Commenting on Acer’s entry into the water purifier market and launch of the Acerpure Amrit Series, Vasudeva G, Director Acerpure India, said, “We are excited to enter the water purifier market as part of our commitment to enhancing everyday living through innovative technology. This expansion aligns perfectly with Acer’s legacy of delivering cutting-edge solutions that improve the quality of life for our customers. By venturing into water purification, we aim to address a fundamental need for clean and safe drinking water, making it accessible and convenient. The Acerpure Amrit Series is designed to answer the much-awaited issue of duplicate filters, delayed services, etc. with user-replaceable filters that ensure users enjoy pure, healthy water effortlessly. We believe this step will not only broaden our product portfolio but also contribute significantly to the well-being of our community. Finally, expect our foray into more consumer appliance categories with technologies and innovation to elevate the lifestyle of Indian consumers.”

HSNC University, Mumbai in association with the ‘Amchi Mumbai Safe Mumbai’ Committee of the Ladies Wing of IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised a special seminar on “Cyber Crime Alert” on 4th July 2024. The awareness program, in which students and staff (teaching and non-teaching staff) of HSNC University, Mumbai participated was organised so that they would find this information useful and they would also create awareness amongst their family and friends.

Mr. Satyanarayan Chaudhary, Joint Commissioner of Police, Law & Order graced the event as Guest of Honour and delivered the keynote address. Mrs. Jyoti Doshi, President of IMC Ladies Wing, Mrs. Bharti Gandhi – Chairperson, Aamchi Mumbai, Safe Mumbai Committee and Ms. Reena Rupani – Co-Chairperson, ‘Aamchi Mumbai, Safe Mumbai’ Committee; Principals of constituent colleges, Deans and Directors of HSNC University, Mumbai were also present. The event started with the lighting of the lamp and felicitation of the dignitaries.

In her Opening Remarks, Dr. Hemlata Bagla, Vice Chancellor of HSNC University, emphasised the critical need for a transformative approach to addressing cyber safety, adaptable to the ever-evolving technology landscape. Citing a UNESCO report, she highlighted a significant concern: “62% of digital users are unaware of being cyber-bullied, which underscores the pressing need for regulations and guidelines that extend beyond academia.”

Dr. Bagla stressed that digital safety is a shared responsibility. She called for a concerted effort from various sectors to create a safe digital environment. “Police and government organizations, NGOs, and educational institutions and Parents must join hands to create a safe digital environment. Our collective efforts can equip our youth with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world safely,” Dr. Bagla added. “Together, we can build a secure and inclusive digital future, empowering our youth with the knowledge and resilience to navigate the digital world safely,” she said.

In his keynote address, Mr. Chaudhary said that “Cyber crime has increased tremendously over the past four years. If anyone is a victim of cyber crime, they should call the 1930 helpline number immediately. It is critical to report cyber crimes within the golden hour. In cyber fraud, the ‘golden hour period’ is very important. You should report any losses within three hours on 1930 or on the cyber crime website. Then the chances of recovery are better. In this way alone, Mumbai Police have recovered in the first six months of 2024”.

Mr. Chaudhary highlighted that cyber hygiene or cyber security hygiene is a set of best practices which organisations and individuals need to perform regularly to maintain the health and security of users, devices, networks, and data to secure themselves from theft or misuse. By maintaining good cyber hygiene, an individual can minimise the risk of operational interruptions, data compromise and data loss, he added.

While apprising on the precautionary measures, Mr Chaudhary shared “Don’t share your OTP (one time password) with anyone. Don’t trust any links provided to you by anyone, always check if the activity is legal or illegal. Don’t answer video calls of unknown callers”.

Later, the cyber crime team comprising Suvarna Shinde, Senior Police Inspector; Poonam Jadhav, Police Sub-inspector and Rajesh Khushalani, Head Constable from the Cyber Crime Cell of Mumbai Police, shed light on cyber crime related issues and gave specific examples on each. They cautioned everyone about social media crimes, financial frauds, banking frauds, electricity frauds, dating/ matrimony frauds, loan app frauds, sextortion or web claim frauds which further leads to blackmailing through misuse of photographs. Out of this, 80% are financial frauds while 20% are social media crimes which take place due to lack of awareness of people on precautions to be taken while sharing their data and personal information on social media websites.

Participants were briefed in detail about cyber security and cyber related crimes and vigilance against them. Modus operandi for a number of different types of cyber crime and how to avoid them was explained such as KYC fraud, FedEx scam, Credit card fraud, cyber bullying, cyber fraud, blackmailing of women by uploading obscene photos of women.

“We receive 2,500 to 3,000 calls at the Maharashtra Cyber Cell every day, and around 400 cases are registered on the National Crime Record Bureau portal. Once a victim calls 1930, a complaint is registered and an email is sent to the bank where the money landed. Once the email goes, the account will be ‘lien mark’ – meaning all activities will be stopped. After that, we ask the bank to lien mark the amount of that particular transaction,” Mr. Khushalani said. For instance, let’s say a victim loses which lands in a different account. That bank is asked to only lien mark  which was transferred into the account.

Rajesh Khushalani, through his powerpoint presentation explained- how to safeguard from such cyber crime with practical demos on websites such as have I been pwned? One can also check “My Activity” after logging on Google, besides other crucial details such as avoiding using the same password, using multi-factor authentication, backing data regularly, ensuring privacy by not posting private information such as home address, private pictures, phone number or credit card numbers publicly on social media. He also listed several do’s and don’t’s to be remembered about cyber-crimes like activate two step verification on social media, keeping profile photo private, keeping international transactions off, use of secure anti-virus, setting up a strong password, clearing history regularly and report Cyber-crime immediately. Apart from this, he stressed on don’ts such as “do not to accept friend requests from strangers, do not to share OTP, CVV/password/ PAN card, Aadhar card details, don’t open unknown emails, don’t accept video calls from unknown numbers.”

Mumbai, July 10th, 2024: Swiss Beauty, one of India’s leading makeup brands, celebrates its 11th anniversary with the debut of Swiss Beauty Select. Building on the brand’s legacy of excellence, this new collection marks its foray into the premium segment.

Designed to meet the evolving preferences of discerning beauty enthusiasts across India, Swiss Beauty Select is carefully crafted as a hybrid makeup range that offers a perfect blend of skincare and makeup. The products are spanned across multiple categories like liquid lipsticks, bullet lipsticks, eyeshadow, mascara among others and the brand has plans to keep adding new products to it every month. The newly launched collection along with makeup as hero, is power packed with Vitamin E, Coconut Water Extracts, and other superior skincare ingredients as well. Products in the collection are made using cutting-edge and high tech like micro-tubing and Hilurip technology to elevate product performance, ensuring users experience the best of both the worlds- skincare and color cosmetics. All products in the collection are dermatologically tested, vegan, and cruelty-free, reflecting Swiss Beauty’s dedication to high ethical standards in beauty and skincare.

Swiss Beauty Select is exclusively available on Nykaa for the first three months along with their own website – www.swissbeauty.in providing early access to customers. It will also be available at Swiss Beauty’s exclusive brand outlets in Elante Mall in Chandigarh, Amanora Mall in Pune, VR Surat in Surat, Mall of Amritsar in Amritsar, EDM Mall in Ghaziabad, Icon Plaza in Muzaffarpur, Sarath City Capital Mall in Hyderabad, and Elpro City Square in Pune from July onwards.

Mr.Mohit Goyal Co-Founder and Director, said, “With 11 years of presence in the Indian beauty industry, Swiss Beauty has gained deep insights into the evolving needs of our consumers. Swiss Beauty Select represents our commitment to innovation and quality, offering premium products that cater to the sophisticated tastes of today’s beauty enthusiasts. We’re not just introducing new products; we’re redefining premium beauty standards. This launch marks a new chapter in our journey to make high-performance beauty accessible to everyone.”

Swiss Beauty has a network of 25,500 retail touchpoints across 550 cities in India and plans to increase it to 30,000 by entering tier 2 and smart cities. The brand also intends to double its exclusive outlets by FY25, taking the total number to 24. To make its products more accessible, Swiss Beauty will also open an additional 147 beauty-assisted outlets across India and add over 450 touchpoints this financial year.

Mumbai, 10th July, 2024: TVS Srichakra Ltd., India’s leading manufacturer of 2 & 3-wheeler and off-highway tyres, has partnered with TVS One Make Championship for the sixth year in a row as their ‘Technical Partner’. All motorcycles during the championship will race with custom-made Eurogrip Tyres, echoing the spirit of collaboration between Eurogrip Tyres and TVS Apache series motorcycles.

The 2024 edition of TVS One Make Championship will feature Eurogrip Tyres’ flagship products like Protorq Extreme zero-degree steel belted radials and Remora performing on TVS Apache RR 310 and TVS Apache RTR 200 motorcycles.

Sharing details about the strong partnership, Mr. V Sivaramakrishnan, Chief Technology Officer (R&D), TVS Srichakra Ltd, said, “Being the Technical Partner for TVS One Make Championship for the sixth year in a row highlights the high performance of our products on the track. The fact that year-on-year racers are opting for our flagship tyres on the track speaks volumes about the trust they have on the brand. Protorq Extreme helps racers excel in the racing circuit, they’ve been loving the experience for many years now.”

Mr. P. Madhavan, Executive Vice President, TVS Srichakra Ltd, reiterated Eurogrip Tyre’s commitment to strengthening their premium product range, exclusively for the racetracks. “Our partnership with TVS One Make Championship has been strengthening year after year and we are keen to play an active role in two-wheeler racing in India. It is heartening to receive great feedback from the racers on the performance of our premium products on the tracks and this reaffirms our positioning as the bike tyre specialist.”

As India’s leading racing brand, TVS Racing pioneered the One Make Championship (OMC) in 1994, and since has expanded into four categories: Rookie, Women’s, Media, and Expert. Additionally, TVS Racing organized its first ever TVS Asia One Make Championship in 2022. So far, over 3,000 people have already participated across categories at the TVS OMC

Mumbai, July 10, 2024: Today, IMA India, a business and economic research company, and Uniqus Consultech Inc., an ESG and Accounting & Reporting Consulting company, released ‘Sustainability in Action’ – a survey-based report highlighting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) maturity and its role in long-term value creation for Indian corporates. The report is broad-based and encompasses survey results spanning all key sectors in India and includes messages from large as well as SMEs.

The report reveals that 75% of large Indian companies have set clear sustainability goals, with 84% voluntarily sharing their targets. This comprehensive survey which features feedback from over 150 companies across India underscores the growing significance of ESG strategies in India Inc.

This report, the result of a joint study conducted by IMA India and Uniqus Consultech, explores the shifting dynamics of corporate approaches to sustainability. It sheds light on organizations’ diverse approaches to incorporate ESG considerations into their strategic frameworks and decision-making processes.

Key highlights from the report include:

• 61.3% of manufacturing companies expect to see measurable outcomes from their ESG initiatives in medium to long term, with 13.3% anticipating results in the very near term (0-1 years)

• Large companies reveal that their ESG strategies are fully integrated into their organizational strategies. The SMEs have some road to cover

• Nearly half of the companies have dedicated ESG teams

• Ethical responsibility and corporate citizenship primary drivers of ESG adoption, as cited by 85% of respondents

• More than half of the respondents are leveraging or exploring Green Finance and technology for their ESG efforts but have not made progress yet

• To boost internal skills, 1 in 2 respondents are open to collaborating with external experts and consultants

The survey uncovered that the manufacturing, chemical, and healthcare sectors lead in sustainable practices. It is also pertinent to mention that despite these positive trends, 25% of Indian companies, mostly SMEs, avoid ESG discussions in their Board of Directors meetings. Moreover, only 29% of companies report their ESG initiatives and seek stakeholder feedback.

On the report’s release, Jamil Khatri, Co-Founder & CEO of Uniqus Consultech, said, “The findings from our 2024 Sustainability in Action report are encouraging. The fact that a majority of companies have embedded ESG into their core strategies and are taking concrete steps towards sustainability is a testament to the growing importance of ESG in India. We are optimistic about the growth in ESG consciousness and action in India, especially with new technologies poised to be a game changer in driving positive trends across industries.”

Adding on to it, Suraj Saigal, IMA India’s Research Director said, “Our report underscores the critical role of ESG in shaping the future of Indian businesses. Companies are not only recognizing the ethical and regulatory imperatives but are also seeing the financial benefits of sustainable practices. The willingness to leverage green finance and technology shows a proactive approach to overcoming ESG challenges.”

Mumbai, 10 July 2024: JLR India  announced a strong start to FY25, with a robust performance in the first quarter ended June 30, 2024. The company reported 31% year-on-year growth, with quarterly retail sales of 1,371 units, sustaining the momentum of the prior year. Both Defender and Range Rover Evoque grew by more than 50% with Defender being the highest selling model in the portfolio. Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Defender account for 75% of the total order book.

Mr. Rajan Amba, Managing Director, JLR India, said, “We are pleased to report that our performance is tracking favourably as per our expectations. Alongside our robust sales, our order bank also grew by 10% compared to the beginning of the fiscal year showing continuous growth in demand while we continue to enhance our supplies into the market. The Defender remains our most sought-after model, and with the extraordinary response to the locally manufactured Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, we are confident of sustaining this momentum and delivering another successful year. The Indian market is responding well to our exciting product line up, and we are committed to our discerning clientele as we continue to create the world’s most desirable luxury vehicles.”

Mumbai, 10th July 2024: Ishan Infotech Limited, operating under the brand name Ishan Technologies, a leading Pan-India ICT company, has been awarded the prestigious Great Place To Work® Certification™ in India for the period from June 2024 to June 2025. This Certification recognizes Ishan’s commitment to delivering an excellent employee experience and creating a safe and supportive work environment.

Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide, using those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting, and insights needed to make strategic people decisions.

Ishan’s success is deeply rooted in a vibrant workplace culture characterized by inclusivity, creativity, and a commitment to continuous learning.

“We believe that a positive work culture and engaged employees are key to our success. Our goal is to create a workplace where our team feels energized, motivated, and supported, enhancing productivity and personal growth. This Certification reflects our commitment to creating a High-Trust, High-Performance Culture and the dedication of our entire team,” said Purvi Kotecha, Director, Ishan Technologies.

At the core of Ishan Technologies’ operations lies a commitment to quality and excellence, evident through its prestigious certifications. The CMMI L3 certification emphasizes the company’s dedication to process maturity, while ISO Certification ensures adherence to quality standards, emphasizing its unwavering pursuit of operational excellence.

10th July 2024, Mumbai: Unicommerce’s latest solution UniReco has tech-enabled the error-prone reconciliation process that brands & sellers periodically undertake with marketplaces. As a payments and returns reconciliation tool, UniReco ensures that the earnings of sellers and brands are fully realised and are not lost through inefficiencies, errors, or other forms of leakage in their sales across marketplaces.

 

UniReco powers the reconciliation process for products ordered and returned, automates fee computation for different marketplaces and flags any payments or receipts that need a brand’s attention. The solution also calculates and reconciles any rebates, incentives, etc. that various marketplaces offer as additional cushion to brands and retailers. This solution is designed to work across different fulfilment models such as fulfilled-by-model and flex model among others.

For the month of May 2024, the solution has reconciled over 2 lakh order items for various brands that work with Unicommerce.

Launched in December 2023, the tool helps in revenue optimization and involves strategies and practices aimed at maximising the efficiency of revenue generation and retention for brands selling across marketplaces.

Unicommerce offers a comprehensive suite of SaaS solutions that provide end-to-end management of e-commerce and retail-tech operations right from the moment an order is placed till deliveries, returns and now payments reconciliation.

Urban Monkey, a streetwear clothing brand that sells across multiple marketplaces has deployed UniReco to address its reconciliation requirements.

Mentioning about the success of the solution, Yash Gangwal, Founder of Urban Monkey said, “There are hundreds and thousands of transactions that we need to map and ensure that our revenues are well-recognized. UniReco provides us the ability to deal with all the details, enhancing the accuracy of our e-commerce operations.”

Healthy Food brand Alpino has been using UniReco. Its products can be found on various marketplaces and thus the brand requires an efficient way to track its receipts and payments from across these platforms.

Talking about the application of UniReco, Chetan Kanani, Co-founder & CEO of Alpino Heath Foods Pvt Ltd said, “E-commerce is complex, no matter how simple it seems to our customers. UniReco not only addresses some of the most crucial pain points including return reconciliation issues with marketplaces, but also assists in maintaining our customers’ loyalty.”

Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO of Unicommerce commented in this regard, “We are committed to building the best-in-class solutions for all e-commerce and retail related operational needs of our customers. Our continuing R&D efforts focus on building solutions that simplify e-commerce for all. ”