Dan Rosensweig joins Asia’s Edtech major upGrad’s Board of Directors

 

Mumbai, 1 March 2023: Asia’s largest Integrated Learning Skilling & Workforce development company upGrad today announced Dan Rosensweig, a longtime Silicon Valley Executive joining its Board of Directors. He comes on board as an Independent Non-Executive Director and joins the current senior representatives from Singapore-based investor Temasek and International Finance Corporation (IFC).

As President and CEO of Chegg (NYSE: CHGG) since 2010, Dan Rosensweig has transformed the company into the leading, student-first connected learning platform. Dan also serves on the Board of Adobe and is a senior advisor to TPG Growth Ventures & Kleiner Perkins.

“I am excited to be joining upGrad’s Board of Directors as there has never been a better time to provide accessible and flexible higher education and skills training to learners around the world. By working in partnership with key universities and major technology enterprises, particularly in India, upGrad can help transform the workplace of tomorrow,” said Dan Rosensweig, President, and CEO of Chegg.

Adding to the development, Ronnie Screwvala, Co-founder & Chairperson of upGrad commented, “The US and India along with Asia are the two largest markets for Skilling & Learning Development and Dan brings with him a powerful global overview of this sector which in turn, shall continue to cement our corporate governance as we march ahead in our mission of disrupting the future of jobs and careers of tomorrow.”

SHRI KISHAN KUMAR SHARMA TAKES CHARGE AS CHIEF POSTMASTER GENERAL MAHARASHTRA CIRCLE

Shri Kishan Kumar Sharma, an Indian Postal Service Officer of 1990 batch joined as Chief Postmaster General Maharashtra Circle on 27.02.2023. His academic background is in Commerce, Finance and Taxation with M.Com and M.Phil from Delhi University. He initially worked as a Lecturer in Commerce at PGDAV College University of Delhi, before joining in the capacity of India Postal Service (IPoS) in 1990. 

After joining in Department of Posts,

India, Shri. Sharma has functioned in various capacities viz. heading Postal Division, Mail Transmission, Foreign Airmail, Public Grievances and Vigilance in Maharashtra Postal Circle. Thereafter held various positions which include Director Postal Services, Southern Region Madurai in Tamil Nadu Postal Circle, Director Training and Establishment Division. 

Shri Sharma was the first officer who joined as Assistant Director General in UIDAI Bangalore in the year 2010 and was instrumental in setting up of the Regional Office of UIDAI in South India covering Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Kerala, UTs of Puducherry and Lakshadweep. He has also joined Government of Karnataka as Advisor in Fiscal Policy Institute, Finance Department in May-2015 for two years where he worked on capacity building of state level Civil Services under Finance Department.  

Shri. Sharma rejoined the parent Ministry and served as General Manager, CEPT Mysuru (from May-2017 to September-2020) which is the backbone of IT sector of Department of Posts.  On promotion to HAG level, he worked as Chief General Manager in CEPT Bengaluru since October-2020 until his transfer as Chief Postmaster General, Bihar Circle. 

Seagram’s Royal Stag Unveils A New Music Property for New India, ROYAL STAG BOOMBOX -The Original Sound Of Generation Large

 Creating a different rhythm, both in its scope and sound, Royal Stag Boombox aims to offer a unique experience, where the best-loved melodies of Bollywood meet the pulsating beats of hip-hop. This immersive experience features an eclectic set of musicians including Badshah, Armaan Malik, Amit Trivedi, Slow Cheeta, Nikhita Gandhi, Bali, EPR, Neeti Mohan, Jasleen Royal, DJ Suketu and Dino James, among others.

Mumbai, 28th February 2023: Celebrating the spirit of ‘Living it Large’, Seagram’s Royal Stag presents Royal Stag Boombox, a first-of-its-kind musical experience. It is the sound of a young generation, a tribe that tends to make rather than follow trends; a tribe that is in constant search of soul-touching experiences. In an exclusive preview in Mumbai on Monday, February 27, 2023, the brand revealed a glimpse of what’s in store. Royal Stag Boombox audaciously brings together polar opposites of the music industry, the melody of Bollywood and the gully vibe of Hip-Hop, to make original music, to create a new soundscape.

For many years, music has been a key consumer engagement pillar for the brand. Today, the youth tilts towards exploring exciting new forms of music. Contemporary genres such as hip-hop are becoming increasingly popular among the youth of the country, while Bollywood melodies remain integral to their cultural milieu. Royal Stag Boombox intends to stir the imagination of this generation, blending music they have inherited, Bollywood scores, with the genre that speaks to them, Hip Hop. This mix will have the swag and emotional heft of Hindi cinema’s best compositions and the throbbing vibe and vigor of hip-hop. 

This cultural movement manifests itself in two unique, engaging formats: 

• The in-studio format; a unique Phygital music concept featuring four original Melody x Hip Hop music tracks that will be released as singles and videos across platforms.

• On-ground format; this format will travel to five of India’s biggest youth hubs – Pune, Indore, Bhubaneswar, Manipal and Jalandhar, to offer a heady cocktail in each city, of enviable headline acts alongside food, culture and merchandise. Quite simply, a true-blue youth carnival feel that cannot be missed.

Commenting on the unveiling of Royal Stag Boombox, Kartik Mohindra, CMO, Pernod Ricard India, said: “Music and experience bring people together like nothing else and are natural enablers of conviviality. Royal Stag has always strived to pulse with the passion points of the youth of this country and Royal Stag Boombox is the perfect platform for the brand to connect with tomorrow’s India. Royal Stag Boombox is a direct extension of the Royal Stag philosophy of “Living it Large,” while offering a unique opportunity of coming together and enjoying new experiences. It has created a new soundscape by blending two exciting genres, hip-hop and melody; this might just become the new rhythm of young India!

Speaking about the launch of Royal Stag Boombox, Ajay Gupte, CEO- South Asia, Wavemaker said, “Royal Stag has always positioned itself as a youth brand and with Royal Stag Boombox - a unique and engaging musical experience designed for the young consumer, we are taking it a step further. This is yet another innovative collaboration between Wavemaker and Pernod Ricard in the area of music and entertainment. We are confident that Royal Stag Boombox will appeal to the music lovers of the country and will be a huge success.”

Commenting on the association, Mahesh Shetty, Head – Network Sales, Viacom18, said, “Connecting with the consumers at their wavelength and creating content that resonates with them has been the core of Viacom18's DNA.  We are super kicked about our partnership with Pernod Ricard to create this new experience in the soundscape of India. Each music piece is a gem and we are confident Indian youth will be humming these tunes in the coming days.”

Music composer and singer, Amit Trivedi shared his thoughts saying, “Youngsters of India love to explore new forms of music. I am thrilled to be a part of Royal Stag Boombox and this unique mix of the melody of Bollywood and the vibe of Hip Hop to offer fresh new sounds to the audience.”

Singer-songwriter Armaan Malik said, “Music is no less than therapy in the right moments; it moves people and brings them together unlike anything else. I am glad to be part of Royal Stag Boombox, a music festival specially curated to spread love and joy through the medium of live music.”

Excited about the association, rapper Badshah said, "I am thrilled to be associated with Royal Stag Boombox and to have the opportunity to perform for my amazing fans in Bhubaneswar, Indore, and Pune. I can't wait to bring the house down with my music and create unforgettable memories with all of you. Get ready to witness an epic show!"

Rapper EPR mentioned, “I’m happy to be part of this unique platform - Royal Stag Boombox. The energy of performing for a youthful audience is something else.”

Rapper Bali expressed, “It’s an exciting time for Hip Hop in India. It feels great to see that Royal Stag Boombox is not only celebrating this music form but curating a unique blend of Hip Hop and Melody that will surely resonate with music lovers across India.”

Artist Dino James expressed, “It is wonderful to be a part of this unique musical experience that Royal Stag Boombox has curated. I am really looking forward to kickstarting this unique journey.”

Rapper SlowCheeta said, "For Royal Stag to create a platform – Royal Stag Boombox, where artists like us can come together to collaborate and express themselves is absolutely incredible! The opportunity to work with some stalwarts and create something as special as this track is priceless."

Singer Nikhita Gandhi added, “As a vocalist, I enjoy the idea of creating something new. So, the idea of creating a new genre of music, a beautiful combination of Bollywood and Hip Hop with Royal Stag Boombox, got me excited instantaneously.”

The festival is set to tour five Indian cities: Pune, Indore, Manipal, Bhubaneswar and Jalandhar, where close to 50,000 people are set to have the time of their lives.

ABOUT ROYAL STAG:

Seagram’s Royal Stag is the flagship brand of Pernod Ricard India. Royal Stag has been a consistent star since launch, and a brand quite often credited to have changed the rules of the game. It is for the young, daring, confident, progressive, and inspiring individuals who embody self-belief. The brand has been inspiring the youth of India through its communication around the philosophy of “It’s your life. Live it large”. 

ABOUT PERNOD RICARD INDIA

Pernod Ricard India (P) Ltd. is a fully owned subsidiary of Pernod Ricard SA and is a fast-growing multinational alcohol beverage company delivering quality products to its consumers across the country. With leading brands in each category, Pernod Ricard holds one of the most dynamic and premium portfolios in the industry led by Seagram’s whiskies such as Royal Stag, Royal Stag Barrel Select, Blenders Pride, Blenders Pride Reserve Collection, Imperial Blue, 100 Pipers and a wide range of International premium brands that include Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute and Jameson Irish whiskey. Some of the eminent brands in white spirits category include ABSOLUT vodka, Jacob’s Creek and Campo Viejo wines, Martell cognac, Beefeater and Monkey 47 gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagne. Pernod Ricard India is recognized as an industry leader with various recognitions and achievements that help the company deliver quality products to consumers. Seagram’s whiskies are exported to 26 countries across the world. Pernod Ricard India is a socially responsible organization with a strong belief to strengthen corporate citizen by addressing social, economic and environmental sustainability in all key states.

RANVEER SINGH SAYS, ‘RISE UP, BABY!’ WITH PEPSI®

~ As the new face of the brand, Ranveer to feature in Pepsi®’s new summer campaign ~

~ New campaign, ‘Rise Up, Baby!’ is a fitting tribute to the irrepressible spirit of the youth ~

 

(Link to the anthem- https://www.instagram.com/reel/CpMcFk_I17C/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=)

(Link to the TVC- https://www.instagram.com/p/CpMVGA3hRIZ/)

National, February 28, 2023: Three Words. One Phrase. A billion believers. This summer, PEPSI® brings to life the catchphrase that is set to define 2023 – ‘RISE UP, BABY!’ with none other than Bollywood Superstar Ranveer Singh.

Culture Curator Pepsi® today announced a blockbuster association with Ranveer Singh, welcoming the Superstar as its brand ambassador. Crowned by the youth of India as the ultimate superstar, Ranveer Singh has charmed his fans time and again, be it through his powerful performances, fashion statements, musical forays, or his free-spirited personality. Pepsi® has always been synonymous with the voice of the youth and believes in empowering them with self-expression, self-confidence, and self -belief. This dynamic match between Pepsi® and Ranveer is sure to enthrall audiences across the country. 

The youth of India is a force to be reckoned with. Armed with self-confidence and self-belief, this generation continues to break age-old societal norms and redefines what success and happiness means to them. Be it their nonchalant attitude towards societal judgements, carving out a path to follow their passions, or even their audacious dance moves on reels, this generation lives life on their own terms. 

Pepsi® today in its 125th year, marks yet another milestone in its journey in India as it announces its new brand campaign, ‘Rise Up, Baby!’. This campaign aims to empower the youth of India that owns who they are without seeking validation through society. It is a celebration of being your true self despite the odds. This new brand positioning is the pairing of Pepsi® and the youth that marches to the beat of its own drum with Pepsi® encouraging this rhythm. 

The campaign is accompanied by power-packed consumer touchpoints such as: 

A MUSICAL ANTHEM DEFINING THE YOUTH OF INDIA IN 2023

For over two decades, Pepsi® has constantly reinvented itself to strengthen its position in the hearts and minds of the young generation. The brand has an intrinsic connection with music and has worked with some of the most iconic superstars to create powerful pieces of culture around the world. Capitalizing on one of the biggest trends of the music industry, Pepsi® today launched a foot tapping remix of the 1991 cult classic, ‘Yahaan Ke Hum Sikandar’. This song is set to become a defining anthem of the youth of India as it reinstates Pepsi®’s ‘Rise Up, Baby!’ philosophy. This blockbuster song is curated with all the ingredients that make a song a Hit- Ranveer Singh, His Charm, His Moves.

BLOCKBUSTER FILM FEATURING RANVEER SINGH

The brand’s new summer TVC features brand ambassador Ranveer Singh and is a homage to the Pepsi® spirit. The film opens with Ranveer enjoying a chilled bottle of Pepsi®. As he walks down a bustling street in his quintessential flamboyant outfit and confident avatar, he acknowledges the naysayers’ comments with humor and fun. Ultimately, one comment provokes him when a father asks his young son not to choose a particular professional stream. Ranveer calls out to the young boy and encourages him to follow his dream implying that the world will always pull you down, but you need to Rise Up against meaningless societal judgements/norms. Truly embodying the persona of the unmatchable Pepsi® guy, Ranveer showcases the fandom and love he has earned for himself and encourages the young boy to follow his heart as Ranveer takes a sip of Pepsi®. 

You can click here to watch the film. 

Excited about this new campaign, Saumya Rathor, Category Lead, Pepsi Cola, PepsiCo India, commented, “PEPSI® is a brand which has always resonated with the voice of today’s generation. We stand by the youth of India in their journey to the top against the odds and encourage them to be authentic, be bold, be themselves. This summer, Pepsi will empower them to break free and rise above and own who they are. We are absolutely thrilled to partner with Ranveer Singh who’s personality and irrepressible spirit embodies Pepsi’s core philosophy. We have entered the year with exciting developments and are confident that our consumers will grow a strong resonance with the ‘Rise Up Baby’ campaign.”

Commenting on the association, Superstar Ranveer Singh said, “I am a free-spirited person. Pepsi celebrates freedom, self-expression, and confidence. This philosophy matches very naturally with my personality and hence I feel this partnership is essentially resonant.  I am someone who has always followed my heart. I believe we all have that fizz inside of us that lets us break free from the constructs of society and ‘Rise Up’!  I am delighted to be a part of the grand Pepsi legacy!” 

About PepsiCo 

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $86 billion in net revenue in 2022, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.  

Josh and Dabur Red Paste successfully conclude the #SwitchToDaburRedPaste campaign with over 462 million video views

 

Effectively executed, the campaign’s brand lift studies showed significant increase in brand recall

Bengaluru, February 28, 2023: Josh, India’s fastest growing and most engaged short-video app, has concluded the #SwitchToDaburRedPaste campaign launched in collaboration with Dabur India Limited, the world’s largest Science-based Ayurveda major, on the Josh app. The campaign was launched to enable Dabur to interact with their users in an engaging manner while also creating product awareness amongst the target audience.

Conceptualised as a hashtag challenge to garner maximum user engagement, the campaign was designed in-tune with Dabur’s TVC starring famous Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan. The short-video campaign captured the brand’s proposition of combining modern science and traditional Indian Ayurveda to create effective and authentic products for the Indian consumer. This was effectively conveyed by incorporating the avatars portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan in the TVC - Mr. Gyan and Mr. Vigyan - in the official soundtrack of the campaign. Furthermore, a branded filter and customised choreography was also created by Josh to draw attention to the various features of Dabur Red Paste. To enable a wider reach, top creators on Josh such as Shivani Kapila, Vinay Kanth, Dipti Sharma and Kishor Paul kickstarted the campaign on Josh. 

"At Josh, we partner with brands on their journey to engage with customers in an authentic and effective manner by leveraging the lucrative format of short-video content. Through our collaboration with Dabur for the #SwitchToDaburRedPaste campaign, we have been able  to curate an immersive and engaging brand experience while also creating product awareness. By working together with our vast and diverse community of creators across the country, we have executed this campaign successfully as well as creatively as we furthered Dabur’s reach amongst users across Bharat as shown in the spectacular results garnered in by campaign. This campaign is yet another example on the effectiveness and need for brands to include short-video content in their marketing strategies,” said Sunil Kumar Mohapatra, Chief Revenue Officer, VerSe Innovation

“We gained valuable insight into the effectiveness of short-form video marketing while working with Josh on the #SwitchToDaburRedPaste campaign. The campaign's results demonstrate the power of emerging short-video format in fostering significant brand interactions especially among the younger audience to establish a more genuine and meaningful connection” said Mr. Harkawal Singh, Marketing Head-Oral Care, Dabur India Ltd.

The campaign was a massive success, recording over 462 million video views, more than 4.4K UGC created, and over 34.8 million hearts, garnering a total reach of more than 37.2 million. Furthermore, brand lift studies conducted showed that there was an increase in brand and ad recall as well as a significant increase in brand preference following the campaign.

About Josh

Josh is a made-in-India, short-video app launched in August 2020 by VerSe Innovation. It represents a confluence of India's top 1000+ best creators, 20000 strong managed community of creators, the 10 biggest music labels, 15+ million UGC creators, best in class content creation tools, the hottest entertainment formats, and formidable user demographics. Josh has been consistently rated as the leading Indian short-video app in India on the Play store with 100 million+ downloads. Josh is currently the fastest growing and most engaged short-video app in India with over 163 million MAUs (Monthly Active Users), 80+ million DAUs (Daily Active Users) and over 30 minutes average time spent.

About Dabur India Ltd

Dabur India Ltd is one of India’s leading FMCG Companies. Building on a legacy of quality and experience for 138 years, Dabur is today India’s most trusted name and the world’s largest Ayurvedic and Natural Health Care Company. Dabur India's FMCG portfolio includes nine Power Brands: Dabur Chyawanprash, Dabur Honey, Dabur Honitus, Dabur Lal Tail and Dabur PudinHara in the Healthcare category; Dabur Amla, Vatika and Dabur Red Paste in the Personal Care space; and Réal in the Food & Beverages category.

Celebrate World Pistachio Day and National Snacking Day with California Pistachios

California Pistachios’ #CrackItSnackIt Campaign is Back with Sameera Reddy and an Instagram Game Filter that highlights the Fun and Benefits of Healthier Snacking

New Delhi, February 27, 2023: Double Dhamaka! California Pistachios is celebrating its two favorite holidays, World Pistachio Day on February 26, and National Snacking Day on March 4, through its #CrackItSnackIt campaign. The campaign will showcase the enjoyment and benefits of cracking open and eating California Pistachios through a celebrity partnership, a series of humorous videos on social media, and an addictive Instagram game filter. 

For this year’s campaign, California Pistachios has partnered with Sameera Reddy to advocate the benefits of healthy snacking to her loyal fans. Talking about her association with California Pistachios, Celebrity Mom Influencer, Sameera Reddy said: “Snacking is an integral part of my life, whether it’s for my children, my family or just for me. We absolutely love munching! As a parent of two, I always encourage my family to pick the right snacks that are both delicious and healthy. This World Pistachio Day let’s share our love for Pistas and make mindful choices. Join me and team California Pistachios with #CrackitSnackit to celebrate World Pistachio Day and National Snacking Day!”

 

California Pistachios Partners with Celebrity Mom Influencer, Sameera Reddy 

Watch California Pistachios’ #CrackItSnackItChallenge video here: Instagram Video

Through a series of Instagram Reels in collaboration with some of India’s notable influencers including Nisman Parpia, Pooja and Karan Bafna, Jagriti Pahwa and Santosh Mishra, California Pistachios inspires consumers to see the bigger picture in life this World Pistachio Day! Whatever the problem is today, it might not be the problem tomorrow. The campaign’s emphasis is to take life one step at a time, crack open everyone’s favourite snack and let life flow.

In addition to its celebrity and influencer partnerships, and now available for the very first time on National Snacking Day, California Pistachios has developed a game filter on Instagram called the #CatchItSnackIt challenge. With this filter, Instagram users are encouraged to challenge their friends, family, and followers to see who can achieve the highest score! To earn points, users simply move their head to catch as many falling pistachios in a bowl as they can in 30 seconds! 

Try the California Pistachios’ #CatchItSnackIt filter [here]

California Pistachios is a delicious nutritious snack that can bridge hunger between meals, helping to avoid over-eating at mealtimes. Through World Pistachio Day and National Snacking Day, California Pistachios aims to make pistachios the go-to snack choice for people of all ages.

California Pistachios contain six grams of protein per 28 gram serving. Offering both crunch and delicious flavor, California Pistachios make a satisfying, convenient, tasty and fun snack choice to include in an everyday diet. 

For more information about California Pistachios India, please visit californiapistachios.com/, Instagram at @CaliforniaPistachiosIN, and Facebook at /CaliforniaPistachiosIN. 

# # #

About California Pistachios:

Brought to you by The Wonderful Company, California Pistachios make for a delicious snack that offers both crunch and seasoning. Sun-ripened in the moderate Mediterranean climate of California, these distinctively green nuts pack taste and contain antioxidants and nutrients. And all you need to get the party started is to crack one open! https://californiapistachios.com/ 

PRMIA Bangalore Chapter holds webinar to make workforce future-ready

Bangalore, 27th February, 2023: PRMIA Bangalore Chapter brought together industry stalwarts, banking experts and thought leaders to its interesting webinar on - Enterprise Resilience through Future Ready Workforce. The event was actively participated and drew about 100 participants. Setting the tone of this event, Mr. Pradeep Kumar, the renowned banker and Chairman of Karnataka Bank, emphasized how the Workforce is the most valuable intangible asset of an enterprise.

COVID taught us to develop the next generation of workers into resilient, future-ready workforce, constantly expand capacity to innovate and thrive, rather than just survive. In today’s highly competitive environments, Risk Education gives that required competitive edge to both working professionals and the enterprises. A future ready workforce can optimize organizational progress towards an unseen future. The most challenging task before us today is workforce transformation to support business transformation.

Mr. Pradeep Kumar, Chairman, Karnataka Bank “The organizations worldwide are facing what the World Economic Forum (WEF) calls, a re-skilling emergency. More than a billion people will need to be re-skilled by 2030.”

 Mr. Justin McCarthy, CEO, PRMIA, has highlighted the strategies and sound global practices to strengthen operational resilience. A panel of experts from Banking and IT industries delved deep into various dimensions of skilling and re-skilling the workforce for staying relevant and resilient.

The illustrious panel included Mr. Alok Kumar Dwivedi, DGM & CDO, State Bank of India, LHO, Bangalore; Mr. Piyush Kabra, Head of Risk and Crisis Management for LTIMindtree, Mr. Raghuram H S, Chief Risk Officer, Karnataka Bank Ltd and Mr. Rajesh Varahan, Business Development (FSI), AWS Professional Service. Mr. Hariharan V, former Dy General Manager, State Bank of India, efficiently moderated the webinar. Mr.Ramesh Kanamarlapudi, Regional Director, Bengaluru, PRMIA, India welcomed the gathering. He highlighted how PRMIA India with six chapters and 100 plus volunteers is playing a transformative role in capacity building in risk management. PRMIA’s competency-focused credentials are highly respected globally and have been recognized by the government of India as well as the leading corporate. Dr. Nirakar Pradhan, CEO, PRMIA India offered vote of thanks. Mr Ashok Kumar B R, Director, Board of Karnataka Bank, also graced the webinar.

For information on PRMIA, visit the website - www.prmia.org

About PRMIA

With 56 chapters in major cities across the world and 6 in India, PRMIA ( www.prmia.org) is a globally respected, non-profit, professional association, owned and led by its members, devoted to promoting best practices in risk management. Established in 2002, PRMIA’s mission is to provide an open forum for the development and promotion of the risk profession. Towards this end, PRMIA provides continuous learning for risk professionals throughout their career via a wide range of learning solutions and online resources, including accreditation and certification programs. In addition, through our seminars and conferences, PRMIA also provides a platform for bringing together risk professionals, practitioners, academicians, media and regulators, for sharing thought leadership and global best practices, so that they may exchange ideas and enhance their skills and knowledge, in order to cope with the emerging challenges facing the financial services sector. PRMIA has recently set up six chapters in India and aims to play a vital role in helping the Indian Financial Services Sector build capacity in the area of Risk Management.

Kareena encourages parents to ensure timely vaccination for their children in GSK’s initiative “Faisla Sahi, Zindagi Sahi”

o GSK and Kareena Kapoor Khan join hands to increase awareness about the importance of complying with the vaccination card for children as recommended by their paediatrician

o Campaign aims to increase awareness about vaccination amongst parents to help protect children against infections so that they can lead a healthy life and not miss the big moments 

o The awareness campaign recommends them to consult their paediatrician and log on to MyVaccinationHub.co.in to keep track of their children’s vaccination schedule

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GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited today announced that the acclaimed actress and mother of two, Kareena Kapoor Khan will be the face of their latest digital campaign, “Faisla Sahi, Zindagi Sahi”. Through this campaign, GSK calls on parents to comply with the vaccination card for their children as recommended by their paediatrician, not only through infancy, but also 1 year and beyond. In the digital films, Kareena talks about the ‘moments’ a child may miss because of ‘missed vaccination’.

Speaking about the campaign, Kareena Kapoor Khan said, “I am happy to be raising awareness around childhood vaccination with a trusted company like GSK. As a mother, I want to see my children healthy and happy. In today’s day & age, it is important to be cautious about our children’s wellbeing as they are exposed to different germs at other public places. When I get them vaccinated on time, as recommended by their paediatrician, I am doing my bit to keep them protected from multiple diseases.”

Childhood infections such as flu, meningitis, chicken pox, and hepatitis A can be dangerous for children, and in some cases may require hospitalisation and can negatively impact their crucial developmental milestones. Vaccination can help provide protection against these harmful infections and enable them to lead a healthy life     . The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) recommends a vaccination schedule for children till 18 years of age . Parents often diligently follow the required vaccination card for the first year – after which vaccination can sometimes take a backseat, and children may miss some vaccinations. The campaign, “Faisla Sahi, Zindagi Sahi” encourages parents to comply with the vaccination card for their children, even beyond the first year of life, in consultation with their paediatrician.

Dr. Rashmi Hegde, Executive Vice President - Medical Affairs, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited, said, “There have been frequent outbreaks of certain vaccine-preventable diseases in the country in the past year; for example, the measles outbreak with more than 11,000 cases across the country between May – November 2022 v, the outbreak of swine flu in Maharashtra in August 2022, and that of hepatitis A in Kota in October 2022 vi  vii. These are a cause of concern as there is a possibility that we might see outbreaks of other infections in the future too. For the purpose of prevention, all children must be vaccinated on time. We have launched this campaign to encourage parents to increase their awareness about vaccine-preventable diseases and get their children vaccinated in consultation with their paediatrician so that they always follow their vaccination schedule.”

The campaign attempts to bust some myths around vaccine hesitancy that are prevalent amongst parents which are driven by misinformation, negative beliefs, and safety concerns around immunisation . It also appeals to parents to log on to the website MyVaccinationHub.co.in which provides information on vaccination in 12 languages; and has a ‘digital vaccination tracker’ with timely reminders for parents to keep track of their children’s vaccination. The campaign will run across multiple media formats including digital videos on YouTube, MyVaccinationHub.in, and at paediatricians’ clinics across the country. 

About GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited 

GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited is a subsidiary of GSK plc, a science-led global healthcare company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. Visit GSK-India.com for more information.

MOUNTAIN DEW® REITERATES DARR KE AAGE JEET HAI AAGE MANTRA WITH HRITHIK ROSHAN

Click here to view the film - https://www.instagram.com/reel/CpCSghnOdww/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

National, 24th February 2022:  Mountain Dew® has always maintained that the difference between ‘ordinary’ & ‘extraordinary’ is the decision to move beyond fears & self-doubt. Continuing its efforts to inspire the youth of India to overcome their fears through gripping and thought-provoking cinematic TVCs, Mountain Dew® today unveiled its new film featuring brand ambassador, Hrithik Roshan. With larger-than-life, high-octane stunts and an inspiring storyline, the new campaign will extend the brand’s ongoing ‘Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai’ positioning across its consumers in India. 

The high-octane film begins with the megastar Hrithik Roshan gearing up to perform a never-done-before freefall stunt in a cargo plane from a supremely high-altitude while being televised across live television. As his crew points at the risk quotient of the stunt, we see a seemingly worried Hrithik as he evaluates the choice in front of him. A resolute look crosses his face as he takes a sip of Mountain Dew® and takes the challenge head-on and emerges victorious. 

The film is a reiteration of Mountain Dew®’s belief that in the face of any challenge there are 2 choices; either succumb to fear & turn back or overcome the fear & move ahead – it is this choice that set’s the real heroes apart from the rest.

Speaking on the campaign, Vineet Sharma, Category Director, Mountain Dew, PepsiCo India said, “With our ‘Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai’ philosophy, Mountain Dew has always celebrated the spirit of those who push themselves in the face of fear to achieve extraordinary results. In 2023, the brand acknowledges that every individual has moments of fear, but real heroes are those that face the challenge head-on and emerge as winners. We are confident that this new film will connect with our consumers across the country and relate with Hrithik Roshan as he personifies a true hero in this campaign.” 

Commenting on the film, Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan, said, "It's always a pleasure to associate with Mountain Dew. I connect with the brand's philosophy of conquering one's fear and rising above with courage in the face of challenges. This message of 'Darr Ke Aagey Jeet Hai' is a deeply personal belief and I'm happy to have collaborated with Mountain Dew over the years via innovative campaigns that reiterate this core belief. I'm excited for our latest campaign to be showcased to the consumers.”

Sainath Saraban, Creative Head and Co-Founder of Studio Simple said, “The common goal was to create a campaign that is jaw-dropping without losing the essence of vulnerability that one experiences right before emerging victorious. You will experience high octane drama in it while it remains human and relatable at the core." 

The new Mountain Dew® campaign and TVC will be amplified across TV, digital, outdoor, and social media with a 360-degree campaign. Mountain Dew® is available in single/multi serve packs across modern and traditional retail outlets as well as on leading e-commerce platforms.

Helping India’s Children To Hear: Lilavati Hospital Launches State-Of-The-Art Cochlear Implant Program

 

                                                                         Mumbai, 25th February 2023: India's leading multi-speciality medical facility, Lilavati Hospital And Research Centre, announced the launch of its advanced Surgically Implantable Hearing Device Program. The program aims to provide children who are deaf or hard of hearing, with access to life-changing cochlear implants which can help them regain 100 percent hearing. The inauguration was graced by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder of The Art of Living.

Hearing impairment is a serious yet significantly neglected condition in India. According to the WHO,  six in every 1,000 children in India suffer from profound hearing loss, leading to them experiencing a series of disadvantages throughout life. This profound loss of hearing disability can be alleviated if they get cochlear implants at the right age. Unfortunately, most of the patients who need these devices find it difficult to avail those due to reasons such as high cost or lack of expert care and much more. 

Lilavati’s holistic Surgically Implantable Hearing Device Program offers a complete evaluation and care by a team of experts including ENT surgeons, Neurologists, Paediatricians, Psychiatrists, and Social Workers. It also includes meticulous maintenance of medical records, modern well-equipped operation theatres with state-of-the-art equipment, in-house rehabilitation and speedy troubleshooting. Most importantly, all of these services are available at heavily subsidised rates for families belonging to marginalised and socio-economically weaker communities. 

Speaking about the program, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) V Ravishankar, MS, DNB, MCh, Consultant Cardiovascular surgeon and Chief Operating Officer, Lilavati Hospital said, "We believe that every child deserves the gift of hearing, which is why we are extremely proud to launch our state-of-the-art Surgically Implantable Hearing Device Program. Our team of experts have successfully conducted over 500 implantable hearing device surgeries and we are committed to making this life-changing technology accessible to as many people as possible. We believe that this program will change the lives of many and help them lead a life without limitations."

“We are very grateful to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for inaugurating the program. His blessings are an affirmation of the good work done at Lilavati Hospital. We hope to continue changing the lives of people who are in need of assistance and help them lead a life without limitations," added Lt. Gen. (Dr.) V Ravishankar, Chief Operating Officer, Lilavati Hospital

Lilavati Hospital sets the gold standard for addressing hearing problems with a comprehensive approach, on a scale and scope that is unmatched by other hospitals in India, making it a valuable resource for specialised care.

LAKMÉ FASHION WEEK X FDCI ANNOUNCE SIDDHARTHA BANSAL AS THE WINNER OF THE FIFTH EDITION OF ‘NEXA PRESENTS THE SPOTLIGHT

~ The designer will get the opportunity to present his winning collection at the upcoming edition in Mumbai ~

 

National, 23rd February 2023: NEXA and Lakmé Fashion Week in association with FDCI have been committed towards spotlighting and nurturing new and emerging talent in the country through ‘NEXA presents the Spotlight’. With the upcoming edition of Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI, they will once again be presenting the winner of the fifth edition of this celebrated talent discovery platform.  Delhi-based fashion designer Siddhartha Bansal was declared the winner after a competitive selection process.

An array of designers from across the country presented their collections along with their show concept design to an esteemed jury of industry experts at the impressive Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) headquarters in Delhi. For his dynamic idea and stellar collection based on the theme for the season ‘Disruption’, the winner Siddhartha Bansal, will get a chance to present at the upcoming edition of Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI.

With ability to not conform to the ongoing trends and breaking the norms set by the industry, the theme ‘Disruption’ allows the designer to use the platform to be vocal about their choices which are ahead of the curve. 

The celebrated jury that led the selection process this season included: Shashank Srivastava – Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, Ram Suresh Akella – Executive Director, Marketing at Maruti Suzuki India Limited, Nitin Bal Chauhan – designer of his namesake label, Jamal Shaikh, National Editor, Brunch & New Media Initiatives at Hindustan Times, Fashion designer Namrata Joshipura, Sunil Sethi – Chairman of FDCI and Jaspreet Chandok – Head, Fashion & Lifestyle, RISE Worldwide.

Commenting on the initiative Shashank Srivastava – Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said “We are delighted to be partnering with Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI to present the fifth edition of ‘NEXA presents The Spotlight’, the most sought-after platform to discover upcoming talent in the fashion industry. This continued partnership is a true reflection of the commitment we have towards nurturing and promoting upcoming talent and towards the creation of new. The ideas and ensembles presented by Siddhartha Bansal seamlessly integrated NEXA’s brand ethos of ‘Create inspire’. Innovating with shapes, and making his design the embodiment of “Shape of New”, which is what the new FRONX is all about, Siddhartha experimented and shared his daring opinion of what DISRUPTION means to him. We look forward to Siddhartha’s showcase at the Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI and we are sure that it’ll have a lasting impact on our audience.”

The eight shortlisted and extremely talented designers who competed along with Siddhartha Bansal included – Esha Amiin, Vivek Patel, Countrymade by Sushant Abrol, Line Outline by Deepit Chugh, Quod by Ikshit Pande, Raffughar by Wajahat Rather and The Pot Plant by duo Resham Karmchandani and Sanya Suri. Each of them introduced their labels through a competitive creative expression in line with NEXA’s spirit of ‘create, inspire’ as they presented their collections.

Siddhartha Bansal’s winning collection draws creative inspiration from the designer’s belief that colour is what makes the world beautiful and eclectic. After studying the world of colour he understood the role it plays in arousing one’s mood or garnering a reaction and decided to incorporate that into his 

ensembles. Whilst bringing his silhouettes to life, he aims at reviving the importance of colour and stimulating one’s emotion with the balanced handling of layers of hues to create each unconventional silhouette. His collection is deeply rooted with the idea of colour being an energy that drives the universe’s soul. 

Sunil Sethi, Chairman FDCI said, “Working with NEXA to bring back yet another season of ‘NEXA presents The Spotlight’ has been a wonderful experience. We were especially delighted to host the jury round at the FDCI headquarters in Delhi, once again where we saw an array of creative presentations from designers across the country. I look forward to Siddhartha Bansal’s presentation with his creations inspired from the world of colours and hope to continue to inspire the next generation of designers in the industry.” 

Jaspreet Chandok, Head, Fashion & Lifestyle, RISE Worldwide said, “It is an absolute pleasure to work with NEXA and bring back yet another edition of ‘NEXA presents The Spotlight’ to Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI. When we initiated this program, our goal was to provide young talent in the industry a platform to showcase their design aesthetic to the world and with each season we move one step closer to it. We are extremely excited to have Siddhartha Bansal as the winner of the 5th season and we look forward to seeing his presentation shine on the runway.” 

 

****

For media queries, please contact:

Rise Worldwide 

Yasmin Ranijiwala

yasmin.ranijiwala@riseworldwide.in FDCI

  Tanisha Dadwal

Tanisha@fdci.org Edelman

Riyaz Rangwala 

riyaz.rangwala@edelman.com

About Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI):  

A non-profit organisation, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), is the apex body of fashion design in India, represented by over 400 members. Founded on the premise of promoting, nurturing, and representing the best of fashion and design talent in the country; its prime objective is to propagate the business of fashion. FDCI stays true to its commitment to promote the ‘Make in India’ label as handlooms take centre stage, in a country, who’s heritage is soaked in the flavours of indigenous crafts. For more information, please visit: www.fdci.org    

 

About Lakmé: 

Lakmé, is India’s no.1 colour cosmetics and leading premium skincare brand from Hindustan Unilever Ltd. Lakmé has been the pioneer of the make-up and colour cosmetics in India since 1952 by launching numerous trends leading and high-performance products. Combining international cosmetic technology with an in-depth understanding of the Indian woman’s needs, Lakmé offers women a comprehensive beauty experience through its extensive product portfolio. For Further Information log on to www.Lakméindia.com

About Rise Worldwide:  

RISE Worldwide is India’s largest independent Sports, Lifestyle and Entertainment company. It’s portfolio includes Sports & Sponsorship Consulting, Fashion & Sustainability Platform Building, Athlete Talent Management, Licensing, Broadcast Production, Lifestyle and Entertainment with owned or managed key properties such as: Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI, India’s premier 

Fashion platform; Indian Super League, country’s premier football league; Tata Open Maharashtra, South Asia’s only ATP World Tour event; Jio Wonderland; The Voice of Fashion and SU.RE Sustainable Resolution. 

9-year-old Kazakhstan boy becomes, India’s first Paediatric Living Donor Intestine Transplant

 The team at Global Hospitals, Parel, Mumbai, successfully conducted a Living Donor Intestine transplant with a Sentinel Graft to give a second lease of life to a 9-year-old Kazakhstan boy. Dr Gaurav Chaubal along with his team of doctors performed a 14 hour complex procedure on the patient who was diagnosed with Midgut volvulus followed by Resection of both small and large intestine leading to short bowel syndrome on parenteral nutrition. 

 

Patient Bekarys Zhumabek, was diagnosed with midgut volvulus (condition where the intestines twist upon themselves) in October 2022 when the clinical team decided to go ahead with surgically resecting the part of the small intestine along with appendix. Followed by this, the patient had complications and was immediately taken up for surgery where a significant position of his small intestine and another portion of large intestine was removed leading to a condition called Short Gut Syndrome. The patient was put on TPN since then and he started losing weight. He was referred to Global Hospitals Mumbai in December 2022.

 

Dr Lalit Verma, Senior Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist at Global Hospitals, Parel, Mumbai said, “Bekarys was referred to us as he had exhausted all treatment options in his country. He had already lost significant weight and had a high stoma output. We counselled the family about Living Donor Intestine Transplant and his maternal uncle came forward for organ donation. All requisite permissions from Statutory authorities were sought and he was optimised medically simultaneously. As he was prone to multiple infections, we had a multidisciplinary team meeting before finalising on the date of his surgery. He underwent a Living Donor Intestinal Transplant on the 30th January 2023 and has recovered very well.” 

 

Dr Gaurav Chaubal, Director of Liver, Pancreas, Intestine Transplant Programme and Hepato-Pancreato- Biliary surgery at Global Hospitals, Parel, Mumbai said, “Bekarys’s case was extremely complex as he was extremely malnourished and had multiple infections when he presented to us. After optimising him, we has a detailed multi-disciplinary team discussion where the challenges and options were discussed before finally proceeding with the. As a kid, we did not want him to be subjected to frequent invasive protocol biopsies and hence had Dr Nilesh Satbhai, HOD & Senior Consultant, Plastic Surgery, to implant a free flap graft from his uncle’s thigh on his thigh. This remote free flap graft allows for non-invasive remote monitoring of early rejection. This is the first time this has been attempted in a living donor transplant in India. The surgery was complex and addition of free flap grafting had the surgery lasting for over 14 hours after which the recipient was extubated on table and shifted to transplant ICU for further management. The recipient is recovering well, off TPN and is eating orally well." 

  

“We are grateful to Dr Gaurav Chaubal and his team for giving our child’s life back. Seeing him lose weight and not eat anything orally, I was devastated as any child of his age dreams of eating everything. Also, the lines for TPN had to be carefully monitored and any infection could become dangerous for my child’s life. This surgery will allow my child to return back to normalcy and for that we will forever be grateful to the clinical team and the hospital” said the patient’s mother Shynargul Nassipkaliyeva. 

  

“The year 2022, all the 3 Intestinal Transplants done in India were done in our hospital as per NOTTO statistics. Till date India has seen about 24 transplants, 4 being Living donors and the rest Deceased donors. Western India has seen 11 Intestine Transplants with 3 Living donor and 8 deceased donors. All three Living donor Intestinal Transplants have been done by Dr Gaurav Chaubal. The team is poised to deliver on the “Heal in India” mission and provide clinical excellence and value to not only domestic but International Recipients as well. The clinical team is the first in India to setup a Living Donor Intestine Transplant program and with this surgery, the bar of clinical excellence has been further raised with addition of Sentinel Graft procedure, it truly is a proud moment for the entire team at our hospital to see the Child getting his normal life back,” concluded Dr Vivek Talaulikar, COO - IHH healthcare India

TTK Prestige launches its new range of OTG

 

Now you can Air Fry, Grill, Toast and Bake - All in One!

TTK Prestige, the house of durable, innovative and versatile kitchen appliances launches its new range of Oven Toaster Grillers with stainless steel body. Consumers can now use one appliance to cook a variety of healthy and delicious meals across cuisines.

The new range of OTG comes with a host of new features like an automatic rotating rotisserie function that allows for even cooking when grilling meats and vegetables. The appliance also doubles up as a high capacity air fryer with its convection feature ensuring more healthier meals with minimum usage of oil. Right from pizzas, to kebabs and cookies to French fries and samosas, TTK Prestige’s OTG is designed to help every home cook in preparing various dishes.

In addition to its innovative features, the OTG has a high quality stainless steel body, which is durable, easy to clean and maintain.  To ensure every cook has complete and precise control over the temperature and cooking time the appliance has a timer and temperature control of up to 230 degrees. The appliance is also armed with a range of thoughtful accessories that make every cooking experience an easy one.

The new OTG range not only encourages home cooks to get creative and experimental with their cooking, but is also a versatile addition to every kitchen that takes up less space and is easy to clean. Coming from India’s most trusted kitchen appliance brand, TTK Prestige, home cooks can be assured of a high quality, durable and efficient addition to their kitchen - giving them a cooking experience like no other. A total of three OTG SS models are available in the SS range at prices of INR 10995/- for the POTG 26 SS RC, INR 12795/- for the POTG 36 SS RC and INR 13995/- for the POTG 46 SS RC.

About TTK Prestige (www.shop.ttk prestige.com)

TTK Prestige Limited is part of TTK Group. Over the past six decades TTK Prestige Limited, has emerged as India’s largest kitchen appliances company catering to the needs of homemakers in the country. Every Prestige brand product is built on the pillars of safety, innovation, durability and trust, making the brand the first choice in millions of homes. In April 2016, TTK Prestige launched ‘Prestige Clean Home’, a range of innovative home cleaning solutions.  The company also bought UK based Horwood Homewares in the same month and launched Judge Brand in India in August 2017.

Shreya Ghoshal – Live in concert @ Inorbit Mall, Malad, Mumbai – Feb 25, 2023

Mumbai, The wait is finally over as the Queen of melody, Shreya Ghoshal is all set to enthrall the crowd of Mumbai with her ever scintillating performance. After a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Shreya Ghoshal is finally gearing up for her first-ever post-covid concert in Mumbai. The concert, which is being organized by Vivid Arts Entertainments & Vivikta, Mumbai’s own Popular events companies, is set to take place at the Inorbit Mall, Malad, Mumbai on 25th February 2023. The show begins at 6.30 PM.

Shreya Ghoshal, who has captured the hearts of millions with her soulful voice, has been ruling the music industry for over two decades now. With several hit songs and albums to her credit, Shreya has established herself as one of the most prominent voices in the Indian music scene. Her versatility and incredible voice range have made her the go-to singer for Bollywood playback, and she has lent her voice to some of the biggest hits of the Indian film industry.

The concert is expected to be a showcase of Shreya's musical journey and her most popular songs. The event promises to be an evening filled with music, and entertainment, and is sure to be a treat for fans of all ages. With the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting large gatherings, strict safety protocols will be in place, and only a limited number of tickets will be sold to ensure compliance with the guidelines.

The organizers are expecting a full-house for the event, and tickets for the concert are to sell out quickly. Fans can book their tickets on book my show, the authorized ticket partners.

The concert marks a significant milestone in the Indian music scene post the COVID-19 pandemic and is a testimony to the resilience and determination of the music industry to bounce back from the pandemic's impact. With Shreya Ghoshal back in the spotlight, fans can expect a night filled with music, memories, and magic.

Co-powered by Inorbit Mall, the first-ever concert of Shreya Ghoshal in Mumbai post-Covid is set to be one of the biggest musical events of the year. Fans are in for a treat as Shreya Ghoshal will perform live, treating the audience to an evening filled with her most popular and timeless track

Event: Shreya Ghoshal – Live in Concert

Date: February 25, 2023 (Saturday)

Time: 6.30 PM Onwards

Venue: Inorbit Mall, Malad

For ticket bookings, contact 8108871796 or 99833075522 for personal bookings

Online booking : Book My Show

KRAFTON LOCALIZES ROAD TO VALOR: EMPIRES; OPENS PRE-REGISTRATIONS FOR A NEW INDIAN VERSION

• Pre-registration for ROAD TO VALOR: EMPIRES is now live and the game will be available to download and play in March 2023 

• The first casual game for India from KRAFTON will feature several India-specific content including new starter packs with exclusive rewards, custom multi-player rooms for Indian users and more

• The title will be also available in Hindi and support for other local Indian languages will be rolled out in the future.

• Fans pre-registering will be rewarded with the Long Spear Warrior for free at launch for a quick head-start on the unit deck 

New Delhi, February 23rd, 2023: Dreamotion and KRAFTON, Inc., makers of popular battle royale game BGMI, today announced pre-registration for an all – new Indian version of Road to Valor: Empires, a real-time player-versus-player (PvP) strategy game. Renowned for bringing high-quality, engaging games to users worldwide, KRAFTON, Inc. has reimagined the game for the Indian audience, bringing several new updates including full-fledged Hindi language support to provide an immersive experience for the Indian gaming community. 

 

In Road to Valor: Empires, the first casual game for India from KRAFTON, players embark on a quest to build armies and win thrilling battles while commanding mythical guardians and troops. With the addition of the Hindi user interface, players can enjoy an enthralling visual journey as they play with various civilizations. Furthermore, exclusive India-specific updates include the option to create custom rooms where users can host, spectate, and play together with fellow gamers. Keeping in mind the regional pricing, the new optional starter pack with exclusive rewards for Indian users will also be available starting at INR 29.

With stunning graphics, captivating music, and easy-to-use controls, Road to Valor: Empires delivers an exhilarating experience for both hardcore and casual gamers alike. In addition to being made available in Hindi, the game will also subsequently support other Indian languages. More than just a launch, RTV Empires will also bring in new content regularly such as new characters, civilizations, in-game events, and esports tournaments.  

“We’ve been at work on a neat surprise for our beloved Indian audience and are excited to bring Road To Valor: Empires along with Indian nuances and local customizations. We’re very excited to have worked with our talented studio, Dreamotion to bring in an authentic strategy experience in a casual format for Indians. With the addition of Indian rewards, new UI, and unique features, we hope players have a great time exploring the world of mythical and historical civilizations.” said Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON, Inc. India. He further added, “We are committed to the Indian audience and will continue bringing new and exciting games that will enthrall our Indian gamers”

“We are eager to bring the all-new Road to Valor: Empires to India and hope that users enjoy the interplay of strategy, realistic graphics, and exclusive features that the game offers. With thrilling large-scale wars, and a host of characters, we are excited for users to experience the game. The new custom room feature will help casual players in India invite and jump into quick 2v2 matches or even spectate top players” said Junyoung Lee, CEO, Dreamotion. “For us, this is more than just a launch. We will be bringing in new civilizations, local characters, and features that challenge and excite our players in the future. And hopefully, make it esports ready, to encourage the vast talent in India to compete for valor!”

Key features of the game include:

● Command armies, your way: It is a real-time PVP strategy game where players can outplay their opponents by creating their own army from different factions and unique units to claim the throne.

● Hindi and English language support: With the latest addition of Hindi UI users can choose to enjoy the game in a way that feels natural to them 

● Bring legends to life: Choose characters from different mythologies and experiment with a diverse range of characters. From Athena, the Goddess of War, to Odin, the King of Asgard, to Caeser and and Cyrus players can select their guardians and experiment to see which characters and armies suit their playing style. 

● Stunning visuals: Realistic and fierce battles with immersive experience. From cavalry rushing to destroy enemy towers, continuing the fight even when knocked from their horses - feel the realistic fierce feel of battle right in your hands

● No one way to glory: Choose different mythological beasts and gods from the myths of multiple cultures and pit them against your enemy’s army while you’re vying for supremacy. As you gradually progress, you unlock features, heroes, units and better upgrades to your troops

● Host epic battles: Custom rooms to host, spectate and enjoy multi-player experiences with friends

Road to Valor: Empires is the successor to Road to Valor: World War II, which launched in January 2019 and crossed more than 3 million downloads. Players can now pre-register to download the game from the Google Play and the Apple App Store and the title will be available to play in March 2023.

To pre-register for Road to Valor: Empires, please visit Google Play Store and Apple iOS Store. For more details, follow the official India website, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube pages of Road To Valor: Empires.

 

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ABOUT KRAFTON, Inc.

KRAFTON, Inc. is a South Korean collective of independent game development studios brought together to create innovative and engaging entertainment experiences for gamers across the world. The company consists of PUBG Studios, Bluehole Studio, Striking Distance Studios, RisingWings, Dreamotion, Unknown Worlds and 5minlab, each with its own unique expertise.

KRAFTON is responsible for premier entertainment properties including BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI), PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, NEW STATE MOBILE, The Callisto Protocol, Moonbreaker, TERA, and ELYON. As a technology-driven company that boasts world-class capabilities, KRAFTON seeks to expand its areas of business beyond games to multimedia entertainment and deep learning. For more information about KRAFTON, please visit https://www.krafton.com

About Dreamotion

Dreamotion is a game developer studio founded in 2016 with the mission to create fun, high quality games faster than anyone else. It was acquired by KRAFTON as an independent studio in June 2021. Dreamotion has developed and currently services three global titles with a cumulative 10 million downloads. GunStrider, featuring stylish dual-gun action; Road to Valor: World War II, a western-targeted real-time battle strategy game based on World War II; and Ronin: The Last Samurai, a rogue-like action RPG that determines life or death in a split second, are three global titles that Dreamotion developed and currently services for players around the world. Dreamotion strives to develop diverse games with the goal to make a piece that can deeply touch and stay in the memories of players.

Tata Power inaugurates ‘Divyang’ managed Customer Relations Centre in Mumbai; a first among Indian power utilities

 

Mumbai, February 22, 2023: Tata Power today inaugurated India’s first ever fully Divyang (specially abled) managed Customer Relations Centre, a first among Indian power utilities at Nityanand Nagar, Ghatkopar (W), Mumbai. The centre will be independently managed by a team of five specially-abled personnel. The initiative is a testament to Tata Power’s vision to ensure the inclusion of a diverse workforce and empower persons with disabilities (PwDs) by enabling them with access to mainstream work opportunities. 

Dr. Uday Khopkar, eminent Dermatologist & Pioneer Dermatopathologist inaugurated this Customer Relations Centre (CRC) in the presence of Dr. Nilesh Kane , Chief - Distribution (Mumbai Operations), 

After successfully operating "All Women" CRCs in Mumbai, Tata Power has reinforced its efforts in building an inclusive workforce. Similar to its other customer service centres in states across the country, this centre will also offer a dedicated counter for senior citizens and specially abled customers. The employees at this centre will be able to service various customer requirements, such as new power supply applications, monthly bill payments, and other customer related services. They will also address customers’ concerns and queries.

Mr. Sanjay Banga, President T & D, Tata Power said, "Tata Power is happy to launch its fully Divyang managed Customer Relations Centre at Ghatkopar, a first among Indian power utilities. We believe this initiative will not only provide a seamless customer service experience, like our other centers, but also encourage the PwD community to come forward and shoulder the responsibility of ensuring customer delight.”

Tata Power is committed to support differently abled people and empower them by providing opportunities and a supportive working environment. Going forward, the company plans to establish more such Divyang powered Customer Relations Centres across the its distribution license area in Mumbai.

Union Budget 2023 Amendments will have Devastating Effects on Trusts and Charities”: Experts*

  In an event held in Mumbai experts and philanthropists weigh in on the issue and solutions

- The association will also give a white paper with 250+ signatures of various trusts and institutions to the relevant central authorities 

Mumbai

As many as 250 various public, charitable trusts and non-profit institutions, on Monday, gathered in order to discuss implications of Finance Bill 2023 on charitable institutions and other such not-for-profit organisations. The institutions, will submit a white paper with signatures of NGO representatives to the central government urging them to revise and reconsider its stance.Spearheaded by Association for Protection of Public Trusts and Charities, the institutions also offered solutions to the amendments currently made in the Finance Bill 2023.Under the Finance Bill 2023, it is proposed that if one charitable organisation donates to another charitable organisation, only 85 per cent of such donations given will be considered as application of income for the donor charitable organisation. In other words if Trust A donates a sum of Rs. 100,000/- to Trust B, in the books of account of Trust A Rs. 100,000 will be reflected as charity given, however only Rs. 85,000/- will qualify as ‘application of income for charitable purpose’.Institutions believe this will prove to be a major setback for purely grant-making organisations including corporate foundations and intermediary organisations which work with implementing agencies at the grassroots level. Noshir Dadrawala, CEO, Centre for Advancement of Philanthropy (CAP), said the amendments proposed are detrimental to thousands of charitable institutions across the country. "While there is a visible ease of doing business, there should also be ease of doing charity. This is the change that is needed. The charitable organisations only supplement government's effort in the welfare and development space," he added. Viren Merchant, noted Chartered Accountant, while seconding their opinion, said, “The proposed amendments are discouraging charitable foundation and philanthropic institutions to do good work and reach the last mile. Disallowing 15% of the expenditure, if donations are made to another charitable organization clearly means suffocating small charities of funds and curbing its resources and networks.”Similarly, it is proposed that application out of corpus or a loan before April 1, 2021 shall not to be allowed as application for charitable or religious purposes even when such amount is put back into corpus or the loan is repaid. It is argued that this is in order to avoid double tax deduction. Further, deduction shall be allowed only if the amount taken from the corpus is put back into corpus or the loan is repaid within five years from application out of the corpus or loan.“In our opinion it would be wrong to assume that in every case, expenditure out of loans/borrowings prior to 01.04.2021 has been claimed as application of income U/s 11(1).” said senior advocate Mr Firoze Andhyarujina.

Moreover, expenditures which are on capital account and on the basis of which a capital asset is created may not generate income and hence the repayment within 5 years would lead to enormous practical difficulties. The term loans of the banks are payable over a period of 15-20 years. The repayment of borrowings from commercial banks prior to 01.04.2021 shall be severely affected as no trust shall be able to claim the repayment of such loans as application. Term loans for social projects needs a repayment period of a very long tenure such proposed short term of 5 years will lead to reduction in social projects by charitable trust and affect overall charitable work in the nation. Suggestions from the Association:-

We suggest that this proposed amendment should be repealed OR if required, the same be modified so that deduction u/s 11(1) on donations given to other trusts be restricted to the extent of eighty-five per cent of the amount which is lower of a) such amount credited or paid to other funds/trusts OR b) such amount received from other fund or trust or institution.We would like to propose that a clarification should be inserted that if expenditure out of the loans or borrowings (received prior to 01.04.2021) is not claimed as application of income then the amendment as proposed would not apply.Further the window of five years for repayment is harsh and unrealistic. It should be extended to at least 20 years, if not more.

Thakur Global Business School hosts Annual Fest Samsara 2023

 

Mumbai, 22 February, 2023: Thakur Global Business School hosted the most eagerly anticipated Annual Fest Samsara 2023. The two-day-long fest witnessed an impressive participation of over 1500+ students from various renowned B-schools across the city. Compared to the previous year, where the festival comprised of seven events, this year's edition had double the number of events. Notably, mental well-being was given top priority, with the students raising awareness during street play.

Over the two days, 16th and 17th February, the fest saw participation in events like Aaja Nachle (Dancing), Sound of Music (Singing), The Devil Wears Prada (Fashion Show), Hamlet (Street Play), Hustle & Flow (Rap), Art Attack (Face Painting), Shakalaka Boom-Boom (Comic-A-Thon), Claws (Nail Art) and Picture Perfect (Photography). Under Sports & Fitness, there were events like Shaolin Soccer (Football), Not Out (Cricket) and Shuttle Master (Badminton). Management events included Shark Tank, Ad Mad and Business Quiz. 

Celebrities such as Niraj Yadav, Ankit Kori, Shruti Sinha, Ankush Rampal, RJ Rani from 92.7 Big FM, Aakash Kawa, Aniruddha Deshpande, Sanjay Sawant , Rappers Malang and Talvol graced the fest with their presence and enthusiasm.

Dr. Shuchi Gautam, In-Charge Director, Thakur Global Business School, Kandivali, shares her thoughts: "As the world has returned to normalcy after the pandemic, the scale of events at TGBS Fest amplified significantly this year. The enthusiastic participation of our students contributed to the resounding success of the festival and we witnessed an overwhelming response from over 76+ educational institutes from all over Mumbai and Suburbs. The Samsara festival serves as an ideal platform that not only enables students to showcase their cultural talents but also provides them with opportunities to explore a diverse range of sports and management events."

About Thakur Global Business School

Thakur Global Business School (TGBS), managed by Zagdu Singh Charitable Trust (ZCT), offers Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), a two-year-old flagship programme approved by AICTE, DTE & Govt. of Maharashtra. The campus is located at Kandivali East (Thakur Village). The PGDM programme is designed to mould students from diverse backgrounds into mindful leaders ready to take on the challenges of the new VUCA world.

HP introduces OMEN 17 – its most powerful gaming laptop with NVIDIA GeForce RTX4080 graphics

OMEN 17 is powered by 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i9 processor  for unmatched experience for professional gamers 

News Highlights 

• OMEN 17 is India’s first laptop powered by the NVIDIA GeForce RTX4080 Laptop GPU 

• Supported by OMEN Tempest Cooling Technology for desktop-caliber gaming 

New Delhi, February 22, 2023 – HP has introduced the new OMEN 17, powered by 13th Gen Intel i9 Core processor and the NVIDIA ® GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU, as the newest and strongest laptop in its gaming portfolio in India. With a 17.3-inch screen and up to a QHD (Quad HD) 240hz display , the powerful gaming notebook provides an immersive experience for gamers. 

Today’s professional gamers need a device built with the best technology that delivers exceptional performance coupled with powerful graphics. The all-new OMEN 17 provides stunning graphics to bring the latest games to life with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU. The device utilizes OMEN Tempest Cooling Technology for desktop-caliber gaming. The OMEN 17 also comes equipped with OMEN Gaming Hub, a one-stop destination to elevate a gamer’s play. 

Vickram Bedi, Senior Director (Personal Systems), HP India said, “Our gaming ecosystem is designed to meet the evolving needs of professional gamers, and the all-new OMEN 17 is the latest example of this commitment. Professional gamers look for reliable devices that offer powerful performance, for the best game play experience. With top-of-the-line graphics and uninterrupted performance, OMEN 17 will provide gamers with the ultimate gaming experience.”

Vishal Dhupar, Managing Director Asia South, NVIDIA said: "Today, we welcome a new era of laptop computing, powered by the NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture, GeForce RTX 40 Series laptop GPUs, and new 5th generation Max-Q technologies, including DLSS 3, which combine to bring users our largest-ever generational leap in performance and power efficiency.”

The latest addition to the OMEN portfolio includes the following distinctive features:

• Powerful graphics with NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4080 GPU: Built with the ultra-efficient NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series laptop GPUs bring a quantum leap in performance with AI-powered DLSS 3 and enable lifelike virtual worlds with full ray tracing. Plus, the Max-Q suite of technologies optimizes system performance, power, battery life, and acoustics for peak efficiency.

• Dynamic processor for enhanced multi-tasking performance: 13th Gen Intel® Core™ processors distributes performance where needed the most— saving time and increasing the ability to do more.  

• Superior gaming experience with OMEN Gaming Hub: It is the one place for everything to make the gaming experience better. From software enhancements to hardware control, and live services, OGH (OMEN Gaming Hub) elevates play in an easy and simple way. 

• Faster speed with Wi-Fi 6E: Enjoy faster speeds, improved performance, greater capacity, and lower latencies than earlier iterations with Wi-Fi 6E technology. 

• Top class webcam with exceptional audio experience: HP Wide Vision 720p HD camera with temporal noise reduction and integrated dual array digital microphones. Dual speakers by Bang & Olufsen further elevates the experience. 

Pricing & Availability:

• The new HP OMEN 17 laptops are available for purchase at Omen Playground Stores, HP world stores & HP online store at a starting price of Rs. 2,69,990.

To experience PC gaming, the gamers can locate the nearest Omen Playground store at https://www.hpworldstores.in/omen.

About HP 

HP Inc. is a technology company that believes one thoughtful idea has the power to change the world. Its product and service portfolio of personal systems, printers, and 3D printing solutions helps bring these ideas to life. 

KLM Axiva Finvest Limited launches NCD Issue of Rs. 250 crore.

February 21st, 2023, Mumbai - KLM Axiva Finvest limited (the “Company”) has launched its 8th series of public issue of secured, redeemable, non-convertible debentures to raise up to Rs. 250 crore. 

The base issue size is Rs. 125 Crore with an option to retain an oversubscription of up to Rs. 125 crore, aggregating up to a limit of Rs. 250 Crore (overall Issue Size).

The annual interest rate set for the Issue is ranging from 9.50% to 10.75% and is available in monthly, annually and cumulative options for tenures 400 days, 16 months, 18 months, 2 years, 3 years, 5 years and 82 months, giving the effective yield of up to 11.02% for the longer duration. The minimum application amount for the Issue is 5 NCDs i.e. Rs. 5,000 (across all options of NCDs).

The Company proposes to utilise the funds which are being raised through the Issue, after deducting the Issue related expenses to the extent payable by our Company, towards funding the objects: i) For the purpose of onward lending, financing and repayment/prepayment of principal and interest on existing borrowings; and ii) General Corporate Purposes. The NCDs are proposed to be listed on BSE Limited and the allotment will be on first-cum-first-serve basis.

Who Can Apply?

Category I

• Resident Public Financial Institutions as defined in Section 2(72) of the Companies Act 2013, statutory corporations including state industrial development corporations, scheduled commercial banks, co-operative banks, regional rural banks, and multilateral and bilateral development finance institutions which are authorised to invest in the NCDs;

• Provident Funds of minimum corpus of ₹ 2,500 lakhs, Pension Funds of minimum corpus of ₹ 2,500 lakhs, Superannuation Funds and Gratuity Fund, which are authorised to invest in the NCDs;

• Alternative Investment Funds, subject to investment conditions applicable to them under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012;

• Resident venture capital funds registered with SEBI; 

• Insurance Companies registered with the IRDA;

• National Investment Fund (set up by resolution no. F. No. 2/3/2005-DDII dated November 23, 2005 of the Government of India published in the Gazette of India);

• Insurance funds set up and managed by the Indian army, navy or the air force of the Union of India or by the Department of Posts, India;

• Mutual Funds, registered with SEBI; and

• Systemically Important NBFCs.

Category II

• Companies falling within the meaning of Section 2(20) of the Companies Act 2013; bodies corporate and societies registered under the applicable laws in India and authorised to invest in the NCDs;

• Educational institutions and Associations of Persons and/or bodies established pursuant to or registered under any central or state statutory enactment; which are authorised to invest in the NCDs;

• Trust including Public/private charitable/ religious trusts which are authorised to invest in the NCDs;

• Association of persons

• Scientific and/or industrial research organisations, which are authorised to invest in the NCDs;

• Partnership firms in the name of the partners; 

• Limited liability partnerships formed and registered under the provisions of the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 (No. 6 of 2009); and

• Resident Indian individuals and Hindu undivided families through the Karta applying for an amount aggregating to a value exceeding ₹ 5 lakhs.

Category III*

• Resident Indian individuals; and

• Hindu undivided families through the Karta.

* Applications aggregating to a value not more than ₹ 5 lakhs.

As per the prospectus filed on the SEBI, As of September 30, 2022, March 31, 2022, March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, the company’s AUM was ₹ 1,28,713.05 lakhs, ₹ 1,07,296.71 lakhs, ₹ 74,730.11 lakhs and ₹ 51,354.53 lakhs, respectively. And their AUM increased at a CAGR of 44.55% from ₹ 51,354.53 lakhs as of March 31, 2020 to ₹ 1,07,296.71 lakhs as of March 31, 2022. 

As, on December 31, 2022, the Company had a distribution network of 660 branches spread across six states namely Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. The strategy of Company for branch expansion include further strengthening its presence in South Indian states by providing higher accessibility to customers as well as leveraging its expertise and presence in Southern Indian states. The Company also seek to expand its business through branch expansion in non-southern states. 

The NCDs proposed to be issued under this Issue have been rated “IND BBB-/Stable”, by India Ratings & Research Private Limited. The Lead Manager to the Issue is Vivro Financial Services Private Limited, Vistra ITCL (India) Limited is the Debenture Trustee for the Issue and KFin Technologies Limited is the Registrar to the Issue.

About KLM Axiva Finvest Limited:

KLM Axiva is a non-banking finance company (“NBFC”) primarily serving low- and middle-income individuals and businesses with limited or no access to formal banking and finance channels. 

They operate primarily in four business verticals: (i) gold loan business, lending money against the pledge of household jewellery, (ii) micro, small, and medium enterprises loan, (iii) personal  loan (iv) microfinance loan.

Their loan customers are typically businessmen, vendors, traders, farmers, salaried individuals, and families, who for reasons of convenience, accessibility, or necessity, avail of our credit facilities.

Link of the prospectus and for more details: https://klmaxiva.com/ncd

Disclaimer: KLM Axiva Finvest Limited is subject to market conditions and other considerations, proposing a public issue of Secured Redeemable Non-Convertible Debentures and has filed the prospectus dated February 7, 2023 (“Prospectus”) with the Registrar of Companies, Telangana at Hyderabad, BSE Limited and SEBI. The Prospectus is available on the website of the Company at www.klmaxiva.com, on the website of the stock exchange at www.bseindia.com and on the website of the Lead Manager at www.vivro.net. All investors proposing to participate in the public issue of NCDs by KLM Axiva Finvest Limited should invest only on the basis of information contained in the Prospectus. Please see section entitled“Risk Factors” beginning on page 18 of the Prospectus for risk in this regard.

Offer document link: 

https://klmaxiva.com/ncd

https://www.sebi.gov.in/filings/debt-offer-document/feb-2023/klm-axiva-finvest-limited-prospectus_67992.html