Popeyes® India's Mega Chance to Score ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Final Tickets!

Noida, 31.10.2023: Popeyes®, the iconic US fried chicken brand, is thrilled to present an extraordinary opportunity for all Indian cricket enthusiasts. Get ready to win coveted match tickets for the ODI Men’s Cricket World Cup Final Live in Ahmedabad on 19th Nov’23.

To kick off the cricket season with unmatched enthusiasm, Popeyes India has unveiled an array of World Cup Special Combos. When you purchase any of these special Combos, not only do you receive a complimentary branded sipper, but you also earn 1 run for every Re. spent. The top 4 scorers between 15th September and 31st October will be the lucky winners of these exclusive match tickets to witness the Men’s Cricket World Cup Final.

Popeyes made its grand debut in India with the launch of its flagship restaurant in Bengaluru, followed by a rapid and successful expansion into multiple cities, including Chennai, Manipal, Coimbatore, and Hyderabad and Madurai. Chicken aficionados across these cities have warmly embraced Popeyes in India. The meteoric success of Popeyes® can be attributed to its meticulous hand-breading, battering, and marinating of locally sourced fresh chicken for a full 12 hours in distinctive Cajun seasonings – a classic fusion of cayenne pepper, garlic, onion, black and white pepper, and celery, guaranteeing a truly memorable gastronomic experience with every bite.

Gaurav Pande, Executive Vice President and Head of Business at Popeyes India, shared his thoughts on this unique campaign, saying, “Cricket in India is more than just a game; it has the power to unite people from all walks of life. Similarly, Popeyes India aims to unite friends and family through their iconic Louisiana-style fried chicken and signature Cajun flavors. During the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, we at Popeyes India have a special treat for our die-hard cricket fans. Order any World Cup Special combo at our participating Popeyes stores and stand a chance to win two tickets to the ICC Men's ODI World Cup final. Popeyes®, renowned for its world-famous Chicken Sandwich and a range of freshly sourced, antibiotic-free chicken special combos, offers not only flavor in every bite but also this unique opportunity for cricket enthusiasts to witness the ICC Men's World Cup final LIVE.”

With India hosting the ICC ODI World Cup, emotions are set to reach fever pitch as millions of fans come together to support their favorite teams and players. ICC Men's Cricket World Cup tickets are scarcely available as most of them have been sold out. Fans of Popeyes across Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, and Manipal have this golden opportunity to turn their dreams into reality. Simply visit any of our restaurants, purchase any of our World Cup Special combos, and stand a chance to enjoy the Men’s Cricket World Cup Final Live from the stadium!

"AYJNISHD(D) Mumbai Honors Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on National Unity Day with 'Run for Unity' Event"

In a resounding tribute to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, AYJNISHD(D) Mumbai, in collaboration with persons with speech and hearing disabilities, staff, and students, marked National Unity Day with a remarkable inclusive program at Bandra West Mumbai, on October 31, 2023. The event was organized as part of the initiative of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India, New Delhi.

The highlight of the event, the 'Run for Unity,' was initiated at 10:30 AM from the institute's National Flag Point by Advocate Shri Ashish Shelar. Over 400 enthusiastic participants, including staff, students, and individuals with disabilities, joined the spirited Unity Run, demonstrating their commitment to national unity. The day commenced with a Pad Pooja- ceremony, dedicated to Hon'ble Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at 10:00 AM. Advocate Shri Ashish Shelar and Dr. Raju Arakh, Director of AYJNISHD(D), led the ceremony, paying homage to the "Iron Man of India." The 'Run for Unity' took more than 400 participants with placards of unity directed messages, on a route from Gate-1 of the institute to KC Marg via Arun Vaidya Marg, before returning to the institute via Gate No. 1 by 12:15 PM. The event was flagged off by a local MLA Advocate Ashish Shelar in the presence of Shri Khot, Convenor of Maharashtra State, PRAHAR Association, reinforcing the importance of unity in our diverse nation.

  

Advocate Shri Ashish Shelar, during the flagging off ceremony, emphasized the need for national unity rooted in shared thoughts and emotions. He underlined that the development of our nation is intricately tied to our societal emotions. Dr. Raju Arakh, Director of AYJNISHD(D), highlighted that the 'Run for Unity' is a fundamental activity on National Unity Day. It aims to promote social and community service initiatives and foster the inclusion of individuals with speech and hearing disabilities. This National Unity Day event at AYJNISHD(D) Mumbai not only paid tribute to a great leader but also served as a powerful reminder of the significance of unity, inclusivity, and community service in building a strong and cohesive nation.

    

India Post, Maharashtra Circle has celebrated the “Rashtriya Ekta Diwas” (National Unity Day) today, ie on 31.10.2023,

from 8:00 am to 9:00 am, as a tribute to the architect of national integration of independent India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary and foster and reinforce our commitment to strengthen the unity, integrity and security of the nation. 

           The event had commenced with the “Pledge of Unity” followed by the “Run for Unity” from Mahim H.O till Shivaji Park, and return. 

      More than 200 participants across the entire postal fraternity of Mumbai city and suburb participated in the event. The event was led by Director of Postal Services, Mumbai Region, Dr Ajinkya Kale, who emphasized the invaluable contribution of Sardar Patel towards a unified and integrated India. Other officers of India Post, Mumbai Region also participated in the event. 

     

ESAF Small Finance Bank Limited’s Initial Public Offering to open on Friday, November 3, 2023, sets price band at ₹57 to ₹60 per Equity Share

 

(L-R) Mr. Gireesh C.P., CFO and Mr. Kadambelil Paul Thomas, MD & CEO during IPO announcement at Mumbai

Mumbai, October 31, 2023: ESAF Small Finance Bank Limited, a small finance bank with a focus on unbanked and under-banked customer segments, especially in rural and semi-urban centers, has fixed the price band at ₹57 to ₹60 per Equity Share for its maiden initial public offer. The Initial Public Offering (“IPO” or “Offer”) of the Company will open on Friday, November 3, 2023, for subscription and close on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Investors can bid for a minimum of 250 Equity Shares and in multiples of 250 Equity Shares thereafter.

The Public Issue of face value of ₹10 per Equity Share comprises of fresh issuance of Equity Shares worth Rs 390.70 crore and an Offer for Sale (OFS) of up to Rs 72.30 crore aggregating to Rs 463 crore.

The Bank proposes to utilise the proceeds of the fresh issue to augment its Tier 1 capital base.

The Lender's primary products are advances and deposits (current accounts, savings accounts, term deposits, and recurring deposits). Its advances comprise of Micro Loans (comprising Microfinance Loans and Other Micro Loans), retail loans (such as gold loans, mortgages, personal loans, and vehicle loans), MSME loans, loans to financial institutions, and agricultural loans. 

It has a network of 700 banking outlets (including 59 business correspondent-operated banking outlets), 767 customer service centers (operated by its business correspondents), 22 business correspondents, 2,116 banking agents, 525 business facilitators, and 559 ATMs spread across 21 states and two union territories, serving 7.15 million customers as at June 30, 2023.

As of June 30, 2023, 62.97% of their gross advances were directed toward customers in rural and semi-urban areas, and 71.71% of their banking outlets were located in these regions. The bank has 72% branches present in rural and semi-urban regions as of June 30, 2023.

As of June 30, 2023, ESAF SFB was the fifth largest SFB in India in terms of AUM. Between March 31, 2021, and 2023, the bank had the fourth-highest deposit growth among its comparable peers and the highest AUM growth. Its assets under management (AUM) grew from ₹8,425.93 crore to ₹16,331.27 crore, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39%. 

It reported the second highest year-on-year AUM growth for three months ended Fiscal 2024 among compared SFBs. Deposits also increased from ₹8,999.43 crores to ₹14,665.63 crores during the same period, registering a CAGR of 28%, the fourth highest growth among their peers. As of June 30, 2023, Retail Deposits were ₹13,977.27 crore, which accounted for 89.28% of the total deposits.

ICICI Securities Limited, DAM Capital Advisors Limited, and Nuvama Wealth Management Limited (formerly known as Edelweiss Securities Limited) are the book-running lead managers.

Notes for Reference: 

Issue Size of the IPO based on the upper and lower end of the price band

Fresh (Rs 390.70 crore) OFS (Rs 72.30 crore) Total (Rs 463 crore) 

Lower Band (@Rs 57) Rs 390.70 crore Rs 72.30 crore Rs 463 crore

Upper Band (@Rs 60) Rs 390.70 crore Rs 72.30 crore Rs 463 crore

Mumbai Welcomes Food Square, the City's Premier Luxurious Gourmet Food Retail Store, at its Grand Unveiling!

Food Square, Mumbai's First Luxury Gourmet Store, Shines Bright at Grand Opening Gala with Anshula Kapoor, Abhimanyu Dasani, and Pulkit Samrat.

28th October 2023, Mumbai:  Food Square, Mumbai's premier upscale gourmet retail store, marked its grand debut on Saturday, at their inaugural location on Linking Road, Bandra. The evening was graced by notable personalities including Anshula Kapoor, Abhimanyu Dasani accompanied by his sibling, Pulkit Samrat, Sunita Ahuja, Elnaaz Narouzi, Alvira Khan, Teena Singh, and a host of popular influencers such as Ishna Batra from Mamma's Lifestyle, Rizwan Bachav, Sonakshi Raj, Nishka Lulla, Vivek Dhadha, Rishina Khandari, and Payal Singhal. The event showcased an impressive selection of offerings, including international liquors, a variety of cheeses, imported chocolates, and live stations featuring a pizzeria and patisserie.

The evening sparkled with glamour as Masaba Gupta elegantly cut the ribbon, marking the grand opening of Food Square on 27th October 2023. Later, a lively atmosphere permeated the lower ground during a cheese cutting ceremony, infused with DJ beats, making it a memorable evening. Across all four floors, musical performances accompanied delightful culinary experiences. Counters presented an array of pizzas, ice cream tastings and diverse pasta dishes with other stuff being offered, while the bar section showcased an impressive selection of wines from around the globe.

The Champagne Shower was hosted by Lalit Jhawar (Co-founder and CEO, LandCraft Retail- Food Square) & Mayank Gupta (Managing Director) . The celebrations were left open to everyone, with the store witnessing immensive footfall and lively ambiance. Starting off with a welcoming red carpet at the entrance, celebrities and expats were spotted entering the store. The event had everything one wouldn't want to miss- From samplers of culinary delights from all across the globe, to sophisticated wine tasting sessions, engaging rounds of fun games, to enjoyable live melodies playing at every floor of the store. The event showcased a glimpse of what Food Square will bring to the city, highlighting how its culinary delights bring the world closer to each other, making Food Square a one-stop destination for all things gourmet available right in the heart of Bandra, Mumbai. Attendees claimed to have had a great time, making the event one of Mumbai’s greatest gourmet store launches, and an unforgettable experience.

About Food Square:

Food Square, a one stop premium destination for gourmet food items, is spread across 25,000 square foot. Nestled in the heart of Bandra, Mumbai, stands as a unique and luxurious gourmet store offering an array of the finest groceries to the rarest flavours sourced from across the globe-– from fresh fruits to healthy snacking, catering to a diverse range of culinary desires. The store offers an extensive range of products from 6000+ brands across the globe. The lavish experience extends beyond the edible, catering even to discerning pet owners with an assortment of imported treats and bespoke pet hampers. Food Square allows the customer to not only buy unique, rare, fresh ingredients but also taste fresh food-indulging all five senses. The store will encourage artisanal brands (namely start-ups) to display their millennial product mindset and offering various range of products to the customer as per the market trends.

ABD delivers 2 millionaire brands in the Prestige and Above segments in the last 5 years

The largest Indian-owned spirits company shifts gear to better margin segments

Allied Blenders and Distillers Ltd. (ABD) has earned the rare distinction of being the only Spirits company in India with two millionaire brands launched in the past five years (CY18 - CY22). Both Sterling Reserve Whisky and ICONiQ Whisky operate in the Prestige and Above segments, and they form the core for profitable growth.

The alcohol beverage industry terms a ‘millionaire brand’ as one that sells more than 1 million (10 lakh) cases of 9-litres each in a year.

Sterling Reserve joined the ‘millionaire brand’ club in the very first full year of its launch (CY2018). It went on to earn the tag of the ‘world’s fastest-growing spirits brand’ in terms of cases sold in 2019*. The brand breached the 5 million cases milestone in CY2022**. 

(Source: *Drinks International Millionaire’s Club Report 2020; ** Drinks International Millionaire's Club Report 2023)

ABD recently confirmed that ICONiQ Whisky, which launched September 2022 onwards, crossed the 1 million cases milestone in September 2023.  

These successes, show ABD’s ability to understand consumers, and deliver efficiently and effectively. It sets pace for ABD to transit to a higher value portfolio and build further for super-premium and luxury segments. 

ABD's flagship brand, Officer's Choice continued its run in CY2022 to be amongst the 3 top-selling whisky brands globally. The company now has 4 millionaire brands in its portfolio.

Commenting on the successes behind Sterling Reserve and ICONiQ Whisky, Bikram Basu, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer said, ‘At ABD, we believe we have the ideas, skills, mindset, and experience to be the best. We’ve let our brands do the talking in the market with the consumer. Our pan-India distribution strength and manufacturing footprint allows us to pivot quickly as we see success. We are grateful to all our business partners for their unstinted and consistent support. The performance of Sterling Reserve and ICONiQ Whiskies will help us deliver on a higher margin business in Prestige and Above segments.’  

Disclaimer: “Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, an initial public offering of its equity shares and has filed a draft red herring prospectus dated June 27, 2022 (“DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”). The DRHP is available on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in, and the website of the Book Running Lead Managers, ICICI Securities Limited at www.icicisecurities.com Axis Capital Limited at www.axiscapital.co.in, Equirus Capital Private Limited at https://www.equirus.com/, JM Financial Limited at www.jmfl.com and Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited at http://www.investmentbank.kotak.com/ and the websites of BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited at www.bseindia.com and www.nseindia.com, respectively. Investors should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details refer to the Red Herring Prospectus, including the section titled “Risk Factors” of the Red Herring Prospectus when available. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP for any investment decision.”

The Equity Shares have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws in the United States, and unless so registered, and may not be offered or sold within the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. Accordingly, the Equity Shares are being offered and sold outside the United States in ‘offshore transactions’ in reliance on Regulation S and the applicable laws of each jurisdictions where such offers and sales are made. There will be no public offering of the Equity Shares in the United States.

Airtel collaborates with Microsoft to enable integrated calling through Microsoft Teams

To introduce Airtel IQ for Microsoft Teams a network-integrated telecom solution for organizations ̶  to enable phone calling via Microsoft Teams

New Delhi, October 29, 2023: Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, today, announced that it has partnered with Microsoft to offer Indian organizations calling services over Microsoft Teams through an integration with Airtel IQ.

With Airtel IQ for Microsoft Teams, enterprises will soon be able to enjoy greater flexibility in connecting with customers across the country over fixed line through the internet. This new service will enable enterprises to make and take calls to external users through the Teams experience streamlining communications and collaboration within the flow of work.

Abhishek Biswal – Business Head, Airtel IQ said, “We are delighted to partner with Microsoft to bring an agile, flexible and innovative solution to ease one of the biggest issues facing Indian enterprises today. Airtel’s traditional strength of connectivity combined with Microsoft’s technology will result in reliability, cost savings, ease of management and, most importantly, scalability for all customers, ensuring that going forward they can focus solely on productivity”. 

Airtel IQ for Microsoft Teams is a plug and play solution that can be set up within a day with minimum provisioning and management. It will allow management to save on infrastructure purchase as there is no additional hardware involved and will offer enterprise grade reliability and support. . 

Teams Phone integrated calling on Airtel IQ will help remove key roadblocks in every enterprise’s journey from managing multiple platforms for IP telephony and collaborations, to lack of control and security, lack of flexibility in supporting remote and hybrid working, and a paucity of the higher capex investments needed to ensure uniform and seamless collaborations.

Shruti Bhatia, Country Head, Modern Work & Surface, India & South Asia, Microsoft said, “In today’s constantly evolving hybrid world, users need the flexibility to work and connect. At Microsoft, it has been our endeavor to power the modern workplace by providing enterprises with the right tools and technologies that cater to their needs and make hybrid work seamless for everyone. Taking a step further in that direction, we are thrilled to partner with Airtel and introduce an innovative solution that will enable India’s workforce to unlock a new level of productivity, collaboration, and efficiency, transforming the future of work in the country.”

About Airtel: Headquartered in India, Airtel is a global communications solutions provider with over 500 Mn. customers in 17 countries across South Asia and Africa. The company ranks among the top three mobile operators globally and its networks cover over two billion people. Airtel is India’s largest integrated communications solutions provider and the second-largest mobile operator in Africa. Airtel’s retail portfolio includes high-speed 4G/5G mobile broadband, Airtel Xstream Fiber that promises speeds up to 1 Gbps with convergence across linear and on-demand entertainment, streaming services spanning music and video, digital payments and financial services. For enterprise customers, Airtel offers a gamut of solutions that includes secure connectivity, cloud and data centre services, cyber security, IoT, Ad Tech and cloud-based communication. For more details visit  www.airtel.com/   

 

Biz Angels: On a Mission to Handhold, Support, and Scale Small and Medium Businesses Across India.

 

Ashish Trivedi - Founder 

In the fiercely competitive world of business, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India find themselves constantly striving for efficiency and productivity. With limited resources and a relentless need to stay ahead of the curve, these businesses often grapple with the challenge of realizing their full potential. That's where Biz Angels makes its entrance. Committed to empowering Indian SMEs, Biz Angels provides a suite of innovative solutions to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and foster sustainable growth. From state-of-the-art technological solutions to strategic guidance, Biz Angels leverage its expertise to help SMEs not just tackle their challenges but also seize new opportunities. Biz Angels not only provides solutions and guidance but also makes sure to handhold and work hand-in-hand in implementing the strategies and solutions.

With an acute understanding of the Indian market and a client-centric approach, Biz Angels collaborates closely with businesses to identify their specific pain points and customize solutions accordingly. Whether the focus is on process optimization, efficient workforce management, or embarking on a digital transformation journey, Biz Angels offers an extensive range of services to bolster efficiency and productivity. By partnering with Biz Angels, Indian SMEs can unlock their full potential, flourish in a fiercely competitive landscape, and lay the foundation for long-term success.

In prioritizing efficiency and productivity, Biz Angels is spearheading a transformation in the way Indian SMEs operate, opening doors to previously unattainable heights of growth and profitability.

In the realm of SMEs, the battle for survival is a daily challenge. For many, the key to thriving in this environment lies in optimizing their operations. Biz Angels understands the unique hurdles faced by Indian SMEs. By conducting in-depth assessments of their processes and challenges, Biz Angels creates tailored strategies to address their specific needs.

Process optimization is a crucial pillar in the Biz Angels approach. The streamlined processes they introduce enable businesses to operate more efficiently, cutting down on waste and improving overall productivity. 

By fine-tuning operations, businesses can redirect their resources and energy towards value-added tasks, thereby maximizing their output.

Efficient workforce management is another facet where Biz Angels excels. They help businesses in identifying areas where their human resources can be deployed more effectively, ensuring that talents are allocated where they can make the most significant impact. This not only leads to higher productivity but also boosts employee morale and engagement.

Digital transformation is at the forefront of Biz Angels' offerings. In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, businesses need to embrace digitization to remain competitive. Biz Angels facilitates this transition by providing guidance and solutions for SMEs to embrace cutting-edge technologies. This digital evolution equips businesses to streamline operations, reach a wider audience, and stay agile in the face of market changes.

The transformation ushered in by Biz Angels is not limited to operational efficiency alone. It extends to the overarching culture of productivity within SMEs. By nurturing a culture of productivity and innovation, Biz Angels inspires employees to strive for excellence and take ownership of their roles. This shift in mindset plays a pivotal role in driving SMEs towards sustainable growth and long-term success.

The impact of Biz Angels extends beyond mere operational changes. It is deeply rooted in the financial success of Indian SMEs. By leveraging the solutions and expertise offered by Biz Angels, these businesses not only reduce costs but also significantly increase their output. This translates to improved profitability and a more robust bottom line.

The need for efficiency and productivity is the cornerstone of Biz Angels' mission. They aim to empower Indian SMEs to navigate the complex and competitive business environment more effectively. By achieving this, they not only bolster the economic landscape but also contribute to job creation and overall economic growth.

In conclusion, Biz Angels stands as a beacon of hope for Indian SMEs striving for efficiency, productivity, and growth. With their tailored solutions, process optimization, workforce management expertise, and digital transformation strategies, Biz Angels is revolutionizing the way these businesses operate. Their client-centric approach is driving the Indian SME sector towards a brighter and more prosperous future, where long-term success is not just a dream but a tangible reality.

KVIC & NGO HWARF celebrate Indian Heritage and Sustainability with Unique Khadi Campaign

Khadi Village India Commission & NGO HWARF celebrate Indian Heritage and Sustainability with Unique Khadi Campaign successfully promoted by bubble communication

Mumbai – Humanitarian Welfare And Research Foundation in collaboration with the esteemed Khadi Village and Industries Commission (KVIC), has successfully organized a remarkable Khadi Exhibition at Seva Mandal Education Society. This grand event not only celebrated the vibrant charm of Khadi but also highlighted its significant role in preserving Indian heritage and promoting sustainability. The exhibition was graced by distinguished guests and dignitaries, key representatives ncluding Mr.Yogesh Bhamare of KVIC, Smt. Sunanda Pravin Gambhirchand Institute of Nursing & Paramedical Sciences, Mrs. Shilpa Shettigar – Principal, Mrs. Delphina Gurav - Vice Principal and other notable figures from Seva Mandal Education Society, and the renowned actress Gouri Tonnk.

Khadi Village and Industries Commission (KVIC), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of India, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding and promoting India's rural heritage, fostering self-reliance, and contributing to the socio-economic development of rural communities. As part of their commitment, KVIC has launched an extensive Khadi Awareness Campaign from October 2 to October 31, 2023, aimed at increasing awareness about Khadi and its importance.

One of the campaign's highlights was a Khadi yatra rally, held at SMES College, which saw active participation from over 4000 students. The enthusiastic participants carried banners and chanted slogans promoting Khadi in fashion, notably "Yeh Diwali Khadi Wali." This event showcased the dynamic and contemporary side of Khadi, dispelling the misconception of it being boring or limited to stiff fabrics and dull colors.

Adding star power to the campaign, renowned actress Gouri Tonnk, famous for her role in "Shakti," graced the event. Gouri Tonnk not only visited the exhibition but also made a significant contribution by purchasing several Khadi products. In particular, she was captivated by a Khadi bag that resembled leather but was entirely crafted from Khadi. She expressed her support for Khadi, stating, "Khadi is more versatile and sustainable than ever. This bag is not just a fashion statement; it's a testament to the incredible craftsmanship and eco-friendliness of Khadi."

The event was brought to life through the dedicated efforts of Christine Swaminathan from HWARF. Her leadership and unwavering commitment to social and rural development have yielded numerous impactful initiatives, including "Make Way for Ambulance," "Village Development Program," "Project Swatch", Skill Development Training Programs for Government of Maharashtra and the ongoing "Yeh Diwali Khadi Wali" campaign. Christine Swaminathan emphasized the profound significance of Khadi, stating, "We believe that Khadi is not just a fabric; it's a living testament to our rich cultural heritage and a sustainable way of life. Through initiatives like 'Yeh Diwali Khadi Wali,' we aim to connect the modern world with the timeless charm of Khadi, fostering a deep appreciation for its versatility and eco-friendliness." "We believe that Khadi is not just a fabric; it's a living testament to our rich cultural heritage and a sustainable way of life. Through initiatives like 'Yeh Diwali Khadi Wali,' we aim to connect the modern world with the timeless charm of Khadi, fostering a deep appreciation for its versatility and eco-friendliness” said Ms. Swaminathan. 

Bubble Communication played a pivotal role by managing media communication and outreach for the entire Khadi Campaign, while the creative aspects, including conceptualization and design, were expertly handled by Halfglassfull Advertising. This collaborative partnership ensured a comprehensive approach to event management, resulting in a well-rounded and impactful experience.

The Khadi Exhibition truly emphasized the profound significance of Khadi as a symbol of Indian heritage and sustainability. Prominent figures, including actress Gouri Tonnk, showed their unwavering support for this noble cause, proving that Khadi is not just a fabric but a timeless icon of India's cultural heritage and sustainability.

Blue Jet Healthcare Ltd IPO fully subscribed on Day 2

The Rs 840.17 crore Initial Public Offering of Blue Jet Healthcare Limited was fully subscribed on the second day of bidding led by NII and Retail Investors.

The issue received bids of 2,24,16,115 shares against the offered 1,69,99,612 equity shares, at a price band of ₹329-346, according to the data available on the stock exchanges.

Non-Institutional Investors Portion was the most subscribed with 2.84 times, followed by Retail Portion with 1.37 times, whereas Qualified Institutional Buyer Portion subscribed 0.09 times. The issue kicked off for subscription on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 and will close on Friday, October 27, 2023. 

A day prior to the opening of the issue, Blue Jet Healthcare Ltd had raised Rs 252 crores from anchor investors. Foreign and Domestic Institutions who participated in the anchor were HDFC MF, Nippon MF, Government Pension Fund Global, Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance, ICICI Prudential MF, Bandhan MF, BNP Paribas Arbitrage, Societe Generale, Edelweiss Trusteeship, Integrated Core Strategies (Asia), Singularity Growth Opportunities Fund, and Troo Capital Ltd.

Leading brokerages like Motilal Oswal, Nirmal Bang, Reliance Securities, Ajcon Global Services, BP Equities, Choice Equity, Geojit Securities, Indsec Securities, Investmentz, Mehta Equities, Stoxbox, Sushil Finance, Ventura Securities have given a “SUBSCRIBE” rating to the issue, citing its strategic focus on complex chemistry categories in both the contrast media intermediate and high-intensity sweetener categories with high entry barriers. BJH is the largest manufacturer of Contrast Media intermediates in India. The company also has long-standing relationships and multi-year contracts with multi-national customers. They are also optimistic regarding its proven R&D capabilities and future strategies of diversifiying revenues, capacity expansion and improving exports with a high margin product mix.

Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited, ICICI Securities Limited and J.P. Morgan India Private Limited are book running lead manager and Link Intime India Private Limited is the registrar to the offer. The equity shares are proposed to be listed on BSE and NSE.

Company Information

Incorporated in the year 1968 as Jet Chemicals Private Limited by the Late Shri B L Arora, Blue Jet Healthcare is promoted by its Executive Chairman; Akshay Bansarilal Arora. The company operates under the “Blue Jet” brand name and has competencies and manufacturing capabilities in contrast to media intermediates and high-intensity sweeteners, including saccharin and its salts as well as active pharmaceutical ingredients. Its business model focuses on collaboration, development, and manufacturing of complex chemistry categories. Over the past 5 decades through its R&D center, it has developed over 100 products with over 40 products commercialised.

Over three years, the company has catered to more than 400 customers across 39 countries some of them being Colgate Palmolive (India) Ltd, Unilever, Prinova US LLC, and MMAG Co Ltd in the oral care and non-alcoholic beverage space; Hovione Farmaciência, Olon S.p.A., Esperion Therapeutics Inc., and Bial– Portela & CA, S.A for pharmaceutical intermediates, API and CDMO area and GE Healthcare AS, Guerbet Group, Bracco Imaging S.p.A, and Bayer AG, in the contrast media area. 

The table below shows subscription data for all the categories of investors: 

BLUE JET HEALTHCARE LIMITED

Last updated on

26 Oct 2023 | 05:00:00 PM

Sr.No. Category No.of shares offered / reserved No. of shares bid for No. of times of total meant for the category

1 Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) 48,57,032 4,46,297 0.09

1(a) Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) - 1,20,271 -

1(b) Domestic Financial Institutions(Banks/ Financial Institutions(FIs)/ Insurance Companies) - - -

1(c) Mutual Funds - - -

1(D) Others - 3,26,026 -

2 Non Institutional Investors(NIIS) 36,42,774 1,03,42,575 2.84

2.1 Non Institutional Investors(Bid amount of more than Ten Lakh Rupees) 24,28,516 66,11,121 2.72

2.1(a) Corporates - 2,16,247 -

2.1(b) Individuals (Other than RIIs) - 55,96,493 -

2.1(c) Others - 7,98,381 -

2.2 Non Institutional Investors(Bid amount of more than Two Lakh Rupees and upto 10 lakh rupees) 12,14,258 37,31,454 3.07

2.2(a) Corporates - 17,888 -

2.2(b) Individuals (Other than RIIs) - 32,45,812 -

2.2(c) Others - 4,67,754 -

3 Retail Individual Investors (RIIs) 84,99,806 1,16,27,243 1.37

3(a) Cut Off - 99,94,791 -

3(b) Price Bids - 16,32,452 -

4 Employee Reserved - - -

4(a) Employee (Cut off) - - -

4(b) Employee (Price) - - -

5 Reservation PortionShareholder - - -

5(a) RPS (Cut off) - - -

5(b) RPS (Price) - - -

Total 1,69,99,612 2,24,16,115 1.32

AADHAAR NUMBER and MOBILE NUMBER MANDATORY for any of the Post Office Small Savings Schemes

In accordance with The Ministry of Finance, vide their Gazetted notification no. GSR/238 (E) dated 31.03.2023 an individual shall submit the Aadhaar number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India for purpose of opening of an account: 

Provided that :-

(a) where the Aadhaar Number has not been assigned to an individual, he shall furnish proof of application of enrollment for Aadhaar at the time of opening an account and the account holder shall furnish the Aadhaar number to the Office where the account stands within a period of six months from the date of opening of account for linking the account with Aadhaar Number; 

(b) if a depositor has already opened an account and has not submitted his Aadhaar number to the Office where the account stands, he shall do so within a period of six months with effect from the 1st day of April,2023,

And in the event of failure of the depositor to submit the Aadhaar number within the specified period of six months, his account shall cease to be operational till the time he submits the Aadhaar Number to the Office where account stands; 

Linking of Mobile number of account holder has been made MANDATORY for opening of any POSB account. The existing accounts are also to be seeded with the mobile numbers. This is done as a fraud prevention measure and to facilitate the POSB customers to avail SMS, ePassbook and IVR facilities. All POSB Customers are thus requested to visit their Post Office where their account stands for mobile number seeding within one month to avoid restrictions of transactions in their accounts. 

Legal System: Must safeguard, trust, and provide fairness to all: Akshat Khetan, Founder, AU Corporate and Legal Advisory Services (AUCL)

Mumbai, October 23, 2023 : A country’s economic success is not only about resource availability but equally about the presence of a robust legal system that safeguards trust, investment, and fairness for all. Just as the skeletal system keeps the human body functional and stable, the legal system serves as the backbone keeping a nation’s economic body upright and moving forward, stressed, Akshat Khetan, Founder of AU Corporate and Legal Advisory Services at recently concluded ASSOCHAM Bharat Legal Conclave & National Legal Excellence Awards 2023 at The Imperial Hotel in Delhi. 

As a key note speaker, at ASSOCHAM Bharat Legal Conclave, Akshat Khetan, Founder of AUCL said,” The annals of our nation’s corporate journey are rich with instances where legal jurisprudence has stood as the bedrock of ethical commercial practice. Our judiciary, armed with the Constitution, statutory frameworks, and an ever-evolving corpus of case law, has tirelessly navigated the complex waters of corporate governance, competition, labor relations, and consumer protection, fostering an environment where business integrity and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive.

In parallel, the role of our present government under the dynamic leadership of our visionary Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in shaping this corporate landscape cannot be understated. Through policy reforms, incentive-based schemes, and digitalization drives, the government has shown a commitment to transforming India into a global business powerhouse. Initiatives such as ‘Make in India’, GST reforms, and ease of doing business policies are reshaping traditional paradigms, inviting both domestic entrepreneurial spirit and foreign interests to write their growth stories on Indian soil, Khetan,” added.

At the Bharat Legal Conclave, Shri, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of Law and Justice, Preeti Malhotra, Chairman, Smart Bharat Group and Chairperson, ASSOCHAM National Council for Corporate Affairs, Company Law and Corporate Governance, Suresh Chandra, Information Commissioner at the Central Information Commission of India and former Secretary at the Ministry of Law and Justice of India, were present on the occasion. 

About AUCL

    

AUCL is a renowned corporate and legal advisory services firm, with decades of experience in corporate debt restructuring and insolvency and brings to the table a unique fusion of experience-driven business acumen and an unconventional approach to empower clients to conclusively address their problems. This operational tenet is fortified by a firm belief in value creation, enabling to facilitate turnarounds, whenever and wherever possible.  

The strategic advisory services provided by AUCL helps clients to capitalize on opportunities, mitigate risk and achieve desired business objectives. AUCL is an expert at including regulatory, compliance, policy development and implementation, director’s duties and corporate governance, share capital and other distribution matters such as share rights, redemption, transfers, buybacks and dividend declarations, capital distributions, intellectual property rights registration, protection and enforcement.

AUCL has a track record of working with firms in various industries, major corporations, emerging businesses and banks to provide solutions to problems that are multifaceted and complex. Driven by experienced partners and a customer-centric approach, AUCL has solutions to all dynamic issues facing various sectors.

Leader in Regulatory Compliance ‘Aparajitha’ gets new CTO

eyes transition from services to product-based model

Mumbai, 26 October 2023: Aparajitha, a prominent player providing tech-driven compliance solutions, has appointed Dr. Venu Murthy as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The move reflects the company's efforts to strengthen its technology leadership and drive innovation in a competitive market.

As the CTO, Dr. Murthy aims to guide Aparajitha’s shift from a services-oriented to a product-centric model, particularly in the realm of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) solutions.

Dr. Murthy has previously essayed pivotal roles in multinational corporations such as ThoughtWorks, Unisys, IBM, and Infosys. He is a member of the Forbes Technology Council and has also authored several research papers.

“We are glad to welcome Dr. Murthy. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge in technology strategy, cloud computing, enterprise architecture, data analytics, cybersecurity, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. We are confident that his expertise will help Aparajitha turn into a one billion dollar entity in the next five years,” Aparajitha’s Managing Director Nagaraj Krishnan said.

“I am honoured to join Aparajitha and look forward to leveraging my experience to drive innovation and propel the company to new heights in the ever-evolving technology landscape," Dr. Murthy said.

About the organisation

Aparajitha is an industry leader in providing tech-driven labour, industrial, and financial compliance solutions. Its domain-specific services are crafted to assist businesses with the necessary licenses, registrations, and compliance management under various domains. Some of Aparajitha’s clients include Amazon, Google, Oracle, HSBC, HDFC Life, Airtel, Boeing, JP Morgan, Samsung, Shell and Sony.

For more information, please visit: https://aparajitha.com/

Lubrizol and Grasim Industries Limited Break Ground on World’s Largest CPVC Resin Plant

New state-of-the-art CPVC resin plant in Vilayat advances Lubrizol’s 

$150 million investment in India

Mumbai, Oct 25, 2023: Lubrizol, a global leader in specialty chemicals, and Grasim Industries Limited, a flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, today broke ground on the first phase of a 100,000 metric-ton CPVC resin plant in Vilayat, Gujarat, India. The facility located at the Grasim Industries’ site will be the largest single-site capacity for CPVC resin production globally, designed to meet rising CPVC demand for piping applications in India, as well as neighboring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and Indonesia.

This resin plant will utilize Lubrizol’s most advanced CPVC resin manufacturing technology. This technology, coupled with Grasim’s expertise in reliable manufacturing, will enable access to high-quality, locally manufactured CPVC material. 

In addition to the resin site, Lubrizol is doubling its existing CPVC compound manufacturing capacity at its Dahej, Gujarat, India site from 70,000MT to 140,000MT. When coupled, these projects advance Lubrizol’s standing in the region to be the largest producer and the only company with end-to-end CPVC capability, allowing for Lubrizol’s partners to meet the projected 10-12% annual increase in CPVC demand within the India market. Lubrizol is also planning a research and development center at its Dahej site to address the rapidly changing needs of the India market.

Phase one of the resin site in Vilayat, as well as the additional line in Dahej, are expected to be operational by early 2025. With the upcoming project in Vilayat and expansion of the Dahej plant, Lubrizol is expected to generate more than 4,000 direct and indirect jobs. In addition, Lubrizol is creating a Global Capability Center in India, adding to capabilities to support regional growth and allow closer collaboration amongst employees in region. Lubrizol expects to add 150 to 200 new employees in the next year at this location, with an intention to add more jobs over the next several years.      

 

Commenting on the occasion, Scott Mold, General Manager, Lubrizol TempRite said, “Lubrizol is extremely proud of these milestones. They enable Lubrizol to be the largest integrated supplier of CPVC compound and services in India. Investing in India will ensure our ability to service and support the growing demand in India and the country’s increasing quality expectations when it comes to improving access to clean, safe drinking water for millions globally. India is a key market for building and expanding our global CPVC leadership position.”

Lubrizol introduced CPVC into the India market 25 years ago, which has represented a significant economic development opportunity for the region. Today, India is amongst the largest consumers of CPVC, primarily in the form of plumbing pipe and fittings, and growing needs for clean water in all residential and commercial buildings will drive continued growth. 

About The Lubrizol Corporation 

The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a specialty chemical company whose science delivers sustainable solutions to advance mobility, improve wellbeing and enhance modern life. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol owns and operates more than 100 manufacturing facilities, sales and technical offices around the world and has more than 8,000 employees. For more information, visit www.Lubrizol.com.

Media Contact:

Pooja Shetty

South Asia Marketing Manager, TempRite® Engineered Polymers 

pooja.shetty@lubrizol.com

*World’s largest based on single-site capacity for CPVC resin

Life-saving PAMI procedure saves 29-year-old heart patient life in Mumbai

Mumbai- Heart attacks were previously believed to affect only older individuals, but now they are affecting every other young person between the ages of 30 and 40. Several factors contribute to this health risk, including inactivity, stress, insomnia, smoking, drinking, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Heart disease is a significant cause of death worldwide and its prevalence has risen in India over the last ten years. This rise in cardiac arrest and related issues is attributed to the fast-paced lifestyle and changes in habits. Worldwide Primary Angioplasty in Myocardial Infarction (PAMI) is the gold standard treatment for the patients suffering from heart attack. Acute myocardial infarction or Heart Attack occurs due to sudden total occlusion (blockage) of blood vessels supplying heart due to formation of blood clots causing injury to heart muscle. Primary Angioplasty in Myocardial Infarction (PAMI) procedure performed by Dr Vivek Agarwal, DM, cardiology and DNB cardiology at Apex Hospital, Kandivali has given a new lease of life to a 29-year-old Mumbai based heart patient. PAMI is the angioplasty done as a life-saving emergency procedure in a patient with an on-going Myocardial Infarction or Heart Attack.

Giving more information Dr. Vivek Agarwal, Consultant Interventional cardiologist from Apex Hospital, Kandivali said,” A 29-year-old male resident of Malad presented to Apex Hospital, Kandivali recently with acute chest pain associated with sweating. Immediately the patient's ECG was done and was diagnosed as Acute AWMI and blood pressure on the lower side. Loading dose of antiplatelet and statin was given with anticoagulant and within 30mins patient was shifted to Cath lab for Coronary angiography and PAMI procedure. Coronary angiography showed 99% lesion with large thrombus in proximal LAD. Angioplasty was done with 1 Drug eluting stent with TIMI III flow and no dissection. After 2 days of Hospital stay, the patient was discharged in a hemodynamically stable condition.”

Several procedures are not easy during primary angioplasty. Identification of culprit lesion may require a thorough evaluation; vessel access can be challenging; lesion morphology can be tricky; thrombus burden can be truly “burdensome”; hemodynamics critical and worsening by the minute; or no re-flow may be stubborn to usual treatment. Or, simply, a combination of these variables and darned. This requires not only specialised training in interventional cardiology, more importantly a dedicated team of nurses, and Cath lab technician which is available in Apex Hospital, Kandivali which is part of Apex Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, added by Consultant Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Vivek Agarwal. 

Apex Group of Hospitals is a chain of Hospitals managed and run by expert Medical Professionals with experience of 25 years. Currently Apex group of Hospitals manages more than 350+ beds and provides qualitative healthcare services to the people of Mumbai and surrounding areas. Apex Hospitals is located in Borivali, Kandivali & Mulund.

www.apexgroupofhospitals.com

Saffola emerges as India's Number 1 Oats* Brand

~ Innovation in Taste and Flavour Proves to be a Winning Formula for the Indian Consumer ~

India, 25th October 2023: In a remarkable achievement, Saffola Oats, one of the leading brands of Marico Limited, has emerged as the Number 1 Oats* brand in India, according to Kantar Household Panel Data. Since its inception in 2011, the brand has crafted a legacy of trust, consumer understanding and innovation to meet the diverse taste preferences of the Indian consumer and offer “better for you” food products. 

Saffola Oats has risen to prominence, experiencing remarkable growth within the category while seamlessly becoming a staple in the daily breakfast choices of consumers. The brand has witnessed an astonishing tenfold increase in offtake volumes since inception. According to the Kantar Household Panel Data, Saffola Oats now commands an impressive 43% share of the market in value terms, surpassing all competitors. The data also underscores that 1 out of every 11 households in the country actively includes oats into their daily consumption.  

Commenting on the development, Saugata Gupta, MD and CEO, Marico Limited, said, "We are proud to have achieved this significant milestone and emerge as leaders in the oats category. It’s a testament to our dedication to excellence, innovation and consumer satisfaction. Indians are uncompromising when it comes to taste. With this basic learning, we set out to Indianise oats by addressing the quintessential Indian taste preferences, while seamlessly integrating the health benefits that it offers. Supporting the government's vision of promoting millets as a sustainable and nutritious food source, we have embraced millets in our product portfolio and blended the goodness of two superfoods - oats and millets in our Saffola oats range. Our unwavering commitment to delight our consumers has helped us revolutionise oats as a category and played a pivotal role in propelling Saffola Oats to the coveted position of India's Number 1 Oats* Brand. Our journey continues, fuelled by the trust of our customers and our commitment to provide ‘better for you’ products.” 

In an ever-changing consumer landscape, Saffola Oats has been quick to adapt. As the 21st entrant in the competitive plain oats market, Saffola Oats embarked on a journey to understand the unique preferences of Indian consumers. Recognizing their love for masaaledaar (spicy) flavours, often found in chatpata street food in every corner across the country, the brand strategically pivoted to meet this demand by introducing the world’s first 'Savoury Oats'. 

Aligning with the government’s vision of promoting millets, Saffola expanded its Oats portfolio with the launch of Saffola Oats Gold that offers a perfect blend of two wholesome grains - Millet (Jowar) and Oats. 

Saffola Oats offers a super-creamy texture as it is made from specially sourced soft & 100% natural wholegrain oats. The oats are a powerhouse of nutrients, offering Protein, Iron, and fiber, ensuring long-lasting energy for your day. Its savoury variant, Saffola Masala Oats, offers a wide array of flavours, including Classic Masala, Peppy Tomato, Veggie Twist, Masala Coriander, and Curry Pepper. 

Cello World Limited’s Initial Public Offering to open on Monday, October 30, 2023, sets price band at ₹617 to ₹648 per Equity Share

Mr. Pradeep Rathod, CMD and Mr. Atul Parolia, CFO of Cello World Limited during IPO announcement at Mumbai

Cello World Limited, a leading company in the consumer ware market in India with presence in the consumer houseware, writing instruments and stationery, and moulded furniture and allied products categories, and are amongst the largest brands in the Indian consumer ware market, has fixed the price band at ₹617 to ₹648 per Equity Share for its maiden initial public offer.  The Initial Public Offering (“IPO” or “Offer”) of the Company will open on Monday, October 30, 2023, for subscription and close on Wednesday, November 01, 2023. Investors can bid for a minimum of 23 Equity Shares and in multiples of 23 Equity Shares thereafter.

The Public Issue of face value of ₹5 per Equity Share is entirely an offer for sale of equity shares up to Rs 1900 crore. The offer also includes a reservation for a subscription by eligible employees and a discount of Rs 61 per equity share is being offered to eligible employees bidding in the employee reservation portion.

Founded by late Ghisulal Dhanraj Rathod, formerly the promoter and father of two current promoters, Pradeep Ghisulal Rathod and Pankaj Ghisulal Rathod, had been associated with Cello Plastic Industrial Works and the "Cello" brand since 1962.

As of June 30, 2023, the company offered a wide range of 15,891 stock-keeping units ("SKUs") spanning its various product categories. In 2017, it ventured into the glassware and opal ware business under the "Cello" brand. The company boasts an extensive product portfolio across three key categories: consumer houseware, writing instruments and stationery, and moulded furniture and related products. 

The company's robust distribution network spans across the nation, supported by a sales team consisting of 721 members as of June 30, 2023. For the Consumer Houseware category, it collaborates with 717 distributors and around 58,716 retailers across India. For Writing Instruments and Stationery, it has 29 super-stockists, approximately 1,509 distributors, and roughly 60,826 retailers. In the Moulded Furniture and Allied Products category, it works with 1,067 distributors and around 6,840 retailers located throughout India.

For the fiscal year 2023, the consolidated revenue from operations increased 32.19% to Rs 1796.69 crore against Rs 1359.18 crore a year ago. Net profit increased by 29.86% from Rs 219.52 crore in fiscal 2022 to Rs 285.07 crore in fiscal 2023. It had the highest ROCE amongst the peers in FY 2021 and FY 2023 and highest EBITDA Margin for fiscal 2021, 2022 and 2023.

For the three months ended June 30, 2023, revenue from operations stood at Rs 471.78 crore and profit after tax at Rs 82.83 crore.

Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited, ICICI Securities Limited, IIFL Securities Limited, JM Financial Limited and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Limited are the book running lead managers and Link Intime India Private Limited is the registrar to the offer. The equity shares are proposed to be listed on BSE and NSE.

Notes for Reference: 

Issue Size of the IPO based on the upper and lower end of the price band

Offer for Sale (2,93,20,988 equity shares)

Lower Band (@617) Rs 1900 crore

Upper Band (@648) Rs 1900 crore

OnePlus Ignites the Foldable Smartphone Market with Global Launch of the OnePlus Open

 A true replacement for single-display flagship phablets, the “Never Settle” OnePlus Open combines light, compact-slim design with revolutionary imaging to deliver the best foldable experience

 

Mumbai, India, 22nd October 2023: Global technology brand OnePlus today announced the global launch of its new folding flagship smartphone, the OnePlus Open. First of its kind for OnePlus, the OnePlus Open is set to disrupt the foldable market with its uncompromising specifications, bringing together OnePlus’ signature Fast & Smooth user experience, a Hasselblad Camera for Fold, and immersive spatial entertainment, all in an ultra-portable, modern elegant foldable design. 

“The word ‘Open’ not only represents a new folding form factor, but also our openness to explore new possibilities allowed by bleeding-edge tech-solutions on the market. OnePlus Open provides unparalleled hardware, innovative software features and services built around the new form factor, continuing to live up to OnePlus’s Never Settle belief.” said Kinder Liu, President and COO of OnePlus. “With the launch of OnePlus Open, we are thrilled to be bringing an uncompromising flagship foldable experience to users worldwide. The OnePlus Open will be a true flagship that is set to revolutionize the foldable market.”

Extraordinary Portability Makes Incredible Durability

As OnePlus’s first folding flagship, the OnePlus Open perfectly inherits the brand’s iconic design philosophy — industrial minimalism combined with elegant sophistication. Coming in two colorways, both Emerald Dusk and Voyager Black are visual delights in their own rights. Emerald Dusk is an iconic green colorway reserved exclusively for OnePlus flagship series. It features a matte-frosted glass rear that shimmer in adequate lighting. Micro-beads on the textured surface allows for an elegant gradient of light and shadows when viewed from different angles. Meanwhile, Voyager Black features a more understated rear cover in vegan leather that oozes class. 

In addition, one will notice a depth-vacuum separating camera sensors and the exterior glass dome, much like the sophistication you’ll find on luxury watches. This is accompanied by a light-reflective CD-pattern crafted on the dial, facilitating light-play, all designed to stand out. 

OnePlus’s iconic alert slider is being introduced to phablet-foldables for the first time. This slider on the OnePlus Open has been redesigned from ground up so as to fit the phone’s 5.8mm compact folding body. While size of the slider has been increased, its position on the device mid-frame has been adjusted, making things more convenient for one-handed operation. Height and width of the module interior have also been reduced by 1.7mm and 1mm respectively in comparison to that of OnePlus 11, saving up to 42% more space on device interior.

The OnePlus Open is made extremely light and compact where users will barely notice a difference in their pockets, especially when put against single-display phablets. Weighing in at just 239g, and measuring at 5.8mm when unfolded, the Open combines the handy experience of a single display smartphone and a Pro tablet without the additional bulk.

Durability, in this case, has not been compromised. Thanks to clever material-component choices and a high-efficient, well optimized mechanical design, the Open remains incredibly robust despite its ultra-compact form factor. Just 69 parts in comparison to the industry average of more than a hundred, the patented Flexion Hinge allows more space on the interior for high-performance hardware.

OnePlus Open has also been certified for reliable folding by international certification institute in TÜV Rheinland where it was put through extreme environmental tests and 1,000,000 test-folds that amounts to way more than 100 folds per day, lasting for over 10 years.

Light makes might, and might makes “crease-minimal” - micro-openings of 0.15mm weaved onto the carbon fiber display support structure, works in tandem with the 8-axis turn-mechanism and the Flexion "water-drop"-shaped pressure-relieving hinge to keep crease at the minimal, even after extensive use.

Hasselblad Camera for Imaging beyond Pros

OnePlus Open features a revolutionary set of triple main camera setup. 

At the heart of this is a 48MP SONY LYTIA-T808 “Pixel Stacked” primary camera with OIS, complemented by a 64MP periscope telephoto with 6x in-sensor lossless zoom and OIS, and a 48MP ultra-wide angle camera with AutoFocus. Rear cameras aside, the Open also comes with two selfie cameras – a 20MP sensor on the main display and a 32MP camera on cover screen.

OnePlus Open is the first foldable smartphone to debut Sony’s new line of revolutionary image sensor in LYT-T808. The 1/1.43-inch large sensor boast a 1.12μm pixel size. Also known as "Dual-Layer Transistor Pixel", the “Pixel Stacked” technology features a redesigned pixel architecture that boost light in-take and storage within a smaller physical footprint. Instead of arranging pixels on the same plane (side by side), the "Dual-Layer Transistor Pixel" architecture separates and stacks two layers of pixel transistors below the photodiodes. This allows for major expansion of light capacity, doubling the maximum light in-take and storage (Full Well Capacity), and hence allows for brighter, clearer images with significantly less overexposure very much on par with that of the IMX989, the most advanced Sony IMX 1-inch sensor that still retains a conventional pixel-structure today. 

The OnePlus Open is configured to allow the best possible imaging on focal lengths most commonly used by consumers, from 0.6X to 10X. Main camera aside, the Open brings a customed 64MP telephoto camera with OIS that will not only allow for 3X optical and 6X lossless in-sensor zoom, but up to 120X Ultra Res Zoom. Here, physically customization of the sensor is crucial. Its periscope zoom construction and customed d-cut made on lens exterior allow for perfect fitting into a device as thin as the Open - allows exactly 23% more light into the sensor than one without. Most importantly, this is the largest telephoto sensor ever utilized on a foldable at 1/2-inch and this ensures quality telephoto imaging even in low-light.

While the best main and telephoto camera on any fold ensures the quality of portrait images, OnePlus leverages the Hasselblad partnership to bring an improved Hasselblad Portrait Mode. Works particularly well in low-light, revolutionary cameras onboard the OnePlus Open works in tandem to deliver DSLR-level depth-tracking, bokeh and flare effects captured by Hasselblad cameras fitted with XCD 3,5/30, 2,8/65 and 2,5/90V lenses.

Dual-hero Displays, Epic Entertainment Experience

Equipped with dual 2K 120Hz fluid AMOLED ProXDR displays, the OnePlus Open shall allow for not only a great flagship-level cover screen but a main display that opens up to a Pro tablet.

The cover screen sizes in at 6.31", with an aspect ratio of 20:09. With a peak brightness of 2800nits, the 120Hz cover screen also boasts a high brightness mode (HBM) of up to 1400nits for ultra-bright, smooth, and responsive visuals during any time of the day. Far as protection goes, the cover screen is shielded by Ceramic Guard - purified ceramic crystals undergone the ion exchange process - that’s up 20% more impact resistant than Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.

To elevate content immersion, open up the device to the large 7.82” main display that boasts an 89.6% screen-to-body ratio. Of identical high quality as per the cover screen, this outstanding main display is fortified by 3 layers of protection - Ultra-Thin Glass that sits above the flexi OLED, a layer TPU for shielding against physical impact, and an anti-reflection screen protector to reduce everyday wear and tear.

On compatibility, the Open supports Dolby Vision® video playback for more ultra-immersive modern entertainment. And to match stunning visuals with impressive audio, the OnePlus Open is equipped with a triple spatial speaker set-up.  These speakers work in tandem with a proprietary spatial audio algorithm to take Dolby Atmos® content to the next level. This allows for three-dimensional sound that will come to users from all directions. This same quality is also offered through the OnePlus Buds Pro 2, a true wireless flagship, so users can enjoy a full cinematic audio-visual experience whenever, wherever.

Hassle-free Efficiency, Real-time Interaction in OxygenOS 13.2

In the all-new OxygenOS 13.2, Open Canvas was built from ground up with a singular mission of amping up everyday productivity - multi-window efficiency on a large display. In fact, around 95% of mainstream apps are compatible with the extended screen real estate without forcing weird visual adjustments or resizing.

With Open Canvas, multi-window operations or “split screen” are no longer restricted to physical size of the display. Active windows can be stretched and resized as desired, with secondary windows sliding in and out of the physical display on demand (rests on virtual screen real estate), allowing users to hop between or focus in on a particular app when the user wants. Up to four app-windows can be displayed on the screen at the same time. In addition, up to nine multi-app presets can be saved for instant access. 

Open Canvas will also introduce a desktop-like taskbar near the bottom of the expanded main display, allowing easy access to recent and preset applications. A never-seen-before “Recent” folder has created on OnePlus Open’s taskbar allowing for almost instantaneous access to recent photos, saved images, edited documents and more. Here, one can even MOVE them around freely via simple drag and drop, directly into any compatible applications, such as Gmail, apps among the Microsoft 365 suite like OneNote, or even messaging apps for example Google Message, Microsoft Teams and even WhatsApp for instant-sharing.

All-round Flagship Configuration, Fast & Smooth Experiences

To turbocharge this second-to-none experience from top to bottom, the OnePlus Open comes equipped with top-tier power specifications that powered the OnePlus 11.

At the heart of this all is the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform, over-the-top 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM accelerated by OnePlus’s proprietary RAM-Vita software, and 512GB of UFS 4.0 read-only memory (ROM). This is accompanied by a large 4,805mAh battery and 67W SUPERVOOC charging that charge up the battery on the OnePlus Open (from 1-100%) in approximately 42 minutes.

The Open also supports Wi-Fi 7 out of the box and dual 5G cellular connectivity for fast and seamless connection whenever, wherever. All of these shall ensure an uncompromised fast and smooth foldable experience for years to come.

Price and Availability

The OnePlus Open will be available in India starting October 27th, 2023, at an enticing price of INR 1,39,999. (For our North American friends, it will be available for $1699 USD, while our European audience can enjoy it for €1799.) This remarkable device will be accessible in two elegant color options: the timeless Voyager Black and the enchanting Emerald Dusk. You can acquire the OnePlus Open through various convenient channels, including OnePlus.in, the OnePlus Store App, OnePlus Experience Stores, Reliance Digital, Amazon.in and Select Partner Stores.

For eager buyers, the OnePlus Open will be available for pre-order starting 19th October 2023. As part of the early access, users can avail benefits of up to INR 13,000. 

-    Users can exchange their current phones and get an exciting additional bonus of INR 8,000 on select devices. 

-    Users can also avail an instant bank discount of INR 5,000 on purchase via ICICI Bank Credit and Debit cards, and OneCard. 

Additional Pre-order offers for JioPlus Users: 

-    Jio has created an exciting proposition for OnePlus Open Smartphones users. The offer provides benefits worth up to INR 15,000 on INR 699 Postpaid Plan

-    Under this special offer, OnePlus 11 user can enjoy 100 GB per month with OTT benefits on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Jio TV, and additional 3 SIM for friends/family

-    The offer will be available to all existing and new Jio users.

For more information about the OnePlus Open, please visit https://www.oneplus.in/launch/open

(Poonawalla Fincorp) Highest ever quarterly PAT of ₹ 230 crore in Q2FY24, jumps 77% YoY, AUM up 54% YoY to ₹ 20,215 crore, NNPA down to 0.72%

Pune, October 20, 2023: The Board of Directors of Poonawalla Fincorp Limited, a non-deposit taking systemically important NBFC, focusing on consumer and MSME finance, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. 

 

The Company achieved remarkable milestones, demonstrating strong financial growth and customer engagement during this period. 

Key Highlights – Q2FY24 (Standalone): 

 

Assets: 

• Highest Ever Quarterly Disbursement: Poonawalla Fincorp has achieved the highest ever quarterly disbursement of ₹ 7,807 crore, up 151% YoY and 11% QoQ. 
• Assets Under Management (AUM): Poonawalla Fincorp's Assets Under Management (AUM) stood at ₹ 20,215 crore, up 54% YoY and 14% QoQ. It reflects the trust and confidence placed by its customers. 

 

Asset Quality: 

• Gross NPA at 1.36%,reduced 41 bpsYoY and 6 bps QoQ. 
• Net NPA at 0.72%, reduced22 bps YoY and 4 bps QoQ. 

 

Profitability: 

• Profit After Tax (PAT) (excluding exceptional items): Poonawalla Fincorp reported Highest Ever quarterly PAT of ₹ 230 crore, up 77% YoY and 15% QoQ. This showcases the company's strong financial performance. 
• Return on Assets (RoA) (excluding exceptional items) stood at 5.0%, up 96 bps YoY and 19 bps QoQ. 
• Net Interest Margin (NIM) was at 11.42%, an improvement of 106 bps YoY and 2 bps QoQ. 
• Operating expensesstood at ₹ 194 crore, down 8% YoY. 
• Operating Profit(PPOP) was at ₹ 336 crore, up 167% YoY and up 14% QoQ. 

 

Capital Adequacy and Liquidity: 

• Capital AdequacyRatio stoodat 42%. 
• Liquidity buffer stood at ₹ 3,823 crore. 

 

Further, we welcome Mr. Sunil Samdani, who has joined us as the Whole-time Director (Executive Director), for a period of 5 (five) consecutive years effective from today. 

 

Commenting on the results, Mr. Abhay Bhutada, Managing Director, Poonawalla Fincorp, said, “The first half of FY24 has been extremely promising for us with exceptional results for the second quarter as well. We continued to build on the momentum by crossing ₹ 20,000 crore mark in AUM, achieving highest profitability, best-in-class asset quality and significant growth across various financial parameters. We have started offering instant personal loans through our recently launched cutting-edge mobile app, a step forward in shaping the financial landscape. We are fully prepared and excited about the journey ahead and are confident of delivering stellar performance going ahead.” 

 

 

About Poonawalla Fincorp Limited 

Poonawalla Fincorp Limited (“the Company”) is a Cyrus Poonawalla group promoted non-deposit taking systemically important non-banking finance company (ND-SI-NBFC), registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The Company started operations nearly three decades back and is listed on the BSE Limited (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE). 

 

The Company’s identity “P” stands for Passion, Principles, Purpose, People and Possibilities. The Company has widespread coverage across 19 states. The Company has standalone AUM of ₹20,215 crore as on September 30, 2023, and employs around 2300 people. The Company’s financial services offerings include pre-owned car finance, personal loans, loan to professionals, business loans, loan against property, supply chain finance, machinery loans, medical equipment loans and consumer loans.