Marico’s Saffola Honey and Pankaj Tripathi Uncover the Secret of Shuddha Honey in its latest TVC

 

The campaign creatively showcases the dedication and efforts involved in sourcing 100% Shuddha Honey - Saffola Honey made with Sundarbans Forest Honey

Link to the TVC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rjm8ySOPlKQ

Mumbai, 03 October 2024 - Marico Limited’s Saffola Honey, one of India's leading honey brands, today unveiled its latest TVC featuring actor Pankaj Tripathi. The TVC invites viewers on a captivating journey through the Sundarban forest, beautifully showcasing the challenges and lengths one might need to go through to source Shuddha honey, but thanks to Saffola Honey Made with Sundarbans Forest Honey, this exquisite treasure is made easily accessible in our nearby stores. 

The TVC, conceptualized by Mullen Lintas, opens with a woman in a grocery store, asking Pankaj Tripathi, the shopkeeper, for Shuddha honey. Pankaj, with the iconic twinkle in his eye, hands her a jar of Saffola Honey and says, “Shukar hai Saffola Honey hai madam, Varnaa…” In that instant, the mundane store transforms into a lush forest. Vines creep up the walls, branches sprout, and Pankaj narrates the adventure of getting the purest honey: venturing into dense forest such as Sundarbans, crossing the Ganga River, and dodging the buzzing bees around. As the woman gazes in wonder, the scene transitions to a beehive nestled in the lush Sundarbans, where golden honey drips slowly into a jar. He draws her back from the enchanting Sundarbans to the reality of his store, concluding with, "Aap ko toh sirf humse maangna hai…Shuddha honey…Saffola Honey’’. With a smile, he hands her the Saffola Honey jar.

The TVC artfully highlights the dedication and effort involved in sourcing the purest honey, drawing a parallel to the brand’s process behind sourcing 100% Shuddha Saffola honey from pristine flora and Sundarbans. The light-hearted narrative and Pankaj Tripathi's endearing presence convey the message that while obtaining pure honey might seem like a wild adventure, with Saffola Honey, you can enjoy the magic of Shuddha honey from Sundarbans and other natural flora and at your convenience.

Mr. Vaibhav Bhanchawat, Chief Operating Officer, India & Foods Business, Marico Ltd. stated, "Saffola Honey has always been synonymous with purity and quality. We are committed to delivering 100% Shuddha honey, made with honey sourced from Sunderbans and other natural flora to our consumers. With Pankaj Tripathi’s presence, we were able to capture the essence of our brand in a delightful and engaging manner, reflecting the credibility and purity inherent in his nature—qualities that resonate with Saffola Honey. We believe this campaign will connect with our consumers and further strengthen their trust in Shuddha Honey - Saffola Honey, making it their preferred choice."

Speaking about his experience of being a part of the campaign, Mr. Pankaj Tripathi, Brand Ambassador, Saffola Honey said: ‘’I'm delighted to be associated with Saffola Honey Active, a brand that embodies purity and quality – just like my personality. For me, this TVC beautifully encapsulates the journey of sourcing pure honey, emphasizing the dedication and effort involved in ensuring its authenticity, something that matters deeply to me. It's a light-hearted and delightful watch that perfectly reflects the brand's commitment to offering its consumers the finest Shuddha honey."

“Traditionally, purity of the highest order demands that high levels of effort be put in. Ours is a cheeky, contrarian take on a serious ‘source’ story. While Saffola Honey comes from the distant, mythical Sundarbans and other natural flora, consumers just need to walk up to their nearest Kirana store and ask for it. Easy-peasy. Pretty much like you can, today.” – Ram Cobain, Chief Creative Officer, Mullen Lintas.

Utkarsh Small Finance Bank Launches superCard* & WhatsApp Banking to enhance Customer Experience

Mumbai, Oct 3, 2024: Utkarsh Small Finance Bank Limited (Utkarsh SFB), a leading provider of banking and financial services with a focus on financial inclusion. today announced the launch of two new products: superCard (Credit Card) and WhatsApp Banking. Utkarsh SFB announced the launch of these products at a conference held today to announce their new brand ambassadors Ms. Mary Kom and Mr. Sunil Chhetri and the products launched were  superCard and WhatsApp Banking service. 

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Parveen Kumar Gupta, Chairman Utkarsh Small Finance Bank said, “Harnessing Technology for seamless Banking Experience is one of the significant step towards delightful customer service. The launch of WhatsApp Banking and superCard is a tailor made to enhance customer experience and provide for convenient banking services. This is sure to steer the Bank towards the right direction in redefining excellence in banking experience for our customers”

Mr. Govind Singh, MD & CEO, Utkarsh Small Finance Bank speaking on the occasion said, “We are dedicated to becoming the preferred financial institution for all customer segments. Our solutions are powered by technology and are designed to be sustainable, inclusive, and scalable. We are supported by a work culture that values passion, ethics, and corporate values. Our aim is to deliver the best customer experience. superCard and WhatsApp Banking Service marks a significant step in this direction. superCard offers exclusive, tailored made benefits such as Credit Card on UPI. Meanwhile, WhatsApp Banking provides everyday banking services directly to mobile phones, ensuring convenience and security.”

Utkarsh Small Finance Bank’s superCard offers a host of benefits, ranging from exclusive rewards to instant payments, designed to meet the modern lifestyle needs. superCard offers cash back on various card transactions as well as exciting rewards from the Bank’s preferred partner merchants. 

Utkarsh Small Finance Bank’s WhatsApp Banking Service provides a convenient and secure way for customers to manage their accounts and perform various banking transactions. Through this service, users can access information such as account balances, recent transactions and brand details, as well as perform functions like fund transfers and bill payments. The aim is to offer a user-friendly platform that seamlessly integrates with the user’s daily communication, allowing them to manage your finances effortlessly from anywhere.

 

Through this, users can access the following services:

1. Account Balance: This feature allows the customers to view their current available balance in their accounts.

2. Mini Statement: It allows the customers to view their last 10 transactions.

3. Issue New Cheque Book: Customers can place a request for Cheque Book. Post successfully completion a deferred CRM ticket will be created and same will be processed and dispatched to the customers as per existing flow.

4. Block/Unblock Debit Card: Customers can Temporary Block/Unblock their Debit Card. Also, it allows the customers to permanent block their Debit Card.

5. View / Update Nominee Details: Customers can view the Nominee updated in their Savings Account. To update Nominee, the script redirects the customers to Utkarsh Internet Banking to follow the update nominee process as per existing SOP.

6. Locate Us: This feature asks the customers to share their current location and suggest nearest Utkarsh SFB Branches.

7. Raise Complaint: This option will redirect the customers to Utkarsh SFB Website to lodge their complaints. 

For more information on WhatsApp Banking, visit WhatsApp Banking (utkarsh.bank) or simply send "Hi" to 9506941111.

Utkarsh SFB, with a 967-branch strong banking outlets infrastructure, provides an array of financial products and services to its customers, which includes savings and current accounts, fixed deposits and recurring deposits. The Bank has kept pace with the evolving needs of their customers and offers them digital banking capabilities for an integrated banking experience through multiple channels such as Internet banking, Mobile banking, Unified Payment Interface (UPI) ), Merchant Payment Solutions – Utkarsh Vyapar, Debit cards, ATM/ Micro ATMs, Aaadhar enable payment systems, Digital Onboarding of Savings, Fixed Deposits and Call Centre. 

Utkarsh SFBL aims to provide financial services to the underserved and unserved customer segments with micro-banking loans (JLG loans), while serving other segments of society with products and services including  Business loans, personal loans, commercial vehicle and equipment loans (Wheels), MSME loans, housing loans and loan against property, credit cards amongst others. Also, the Bank provides facility to customers for opening a bank account without having to visit the branch through the tablet-based application assisted model, “Digi On-Boarding”.

Utkarsh Small Finance Bank takes pride in its commitment to persistence, driving continuous growth and innovation. The bank remains responsible and ethical in its dealings, with inclusivity at the core of its approach. Striving for excellence in every aspect. 

In a separate announcement, Utkarsh SFB also announced Mary Kom and Sunil Chhetri as their new brand ambassadors to drive the bank’s communications to their growing community of customers and investors. Mary Kom’s legacy as a trailblazer in Indian Women’s Boxing and Sunil Chhetri’s leadership in Indian Football make them aspirational figures. Their humility, perseverance, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life positions them as relatable and trustworthy ambassadors for a brand like Utkarsh SFB, which caters to a diverse audience.

About Utkarsh Small Finance Bank Limited:

Utkarsh Small Finance Bank Limited (Utkarsh SFBL), incorporated on April 30, 2016, is engaged in providing banking and financial services with a focus on providing microfinance to the underserved and unserved segments. The Bank’s micro-banking operations are focused in rural and semi-urban locations of the country while its general banking operations are spread across the country. The Bank commenced its operations on January 23, 2017, pursuant to the small finance banking license granted by Reserve Bank of India on November 25, 2016. 

The Bank extends microfinance loans based on Joint Liability Group (JLG) model to individuals, other retail asset loans including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Loans, Housing Loans (HL), Personal Loans, Commercial Vehicle Loans, Construction Equipment Loans and Wholesale Lending to borrowers.  

The Bank offers a slew of digital services such as internet and mobile banking, Digi On-Boarding, UPI and an online account opening facility for clients, besides a range of ATMs and Micro ATMs for ease of transactions, amongst others.  The Bank is headquartered at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. 

For media queries, please contact:

Ms. Meenakshi Vijay 

Utkarsh Small Finance Bank Limited

Email: meenakshi.vijay@utkarsh.bank

Mobile: +91 9823322290

ZEVO Secures $2 Million in Pre-Series a Funding from, Pegasus, BizDateUp, JIIF & Family Office

   Investment to Drive Deployment of 5,000 Electric Vehicles, Fulfillment Centers, and Technological Advancements

Mumbai, 3^rd October 2024: ZEVO, a powerhouse tech-enabled EV mobility platform, has successfully raised $2 million in a Pre-Series A funding round. The investment was led by Pegasus India Fund, BizDateUp, JIIF and a family office, marking a significant milestone in ZEVO’s journey towards revolutionizing the electric vehicle supply chain and logistics industry.

The newly acquired funds will be strategically utilized to deploy 5,000 electric vehicles and develop state-of-the-art fulfilment centres across key locations. This initiative aligns with ZEVO's commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities and meeting the growing demand for sustainable, efficient, and reliable logistics solutions.

ZEVO is set to upgrade its technological infrastructure, ensuring cutting-edge solutions are in place to optimize logistics and supply chain management. The company plans to expand its footprint to new cities and strengthen its presence in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, bringing sustainable mobility solutions to a broader audience.

Aditya Singh Ratnu, CEO of ZEVO, expressed his enthusiasm about the funding round, stating, "This investment is a testament to the confidence our investors have in our vision and the significant impact we are making in the EV industry. With these funds, we aim to accelerate our growth, enhance our technological capabilities, and expand our reach, ultimately driving the adoption of electric vehicles in India. At ZEVO, we are committed to pioneering a new era of sustainable logistics, where efficiency meets environmental responsibility. Our mission is to redefine the industry standards, and this funding will help us get closer to achieving that goal."

Dhruv Bhatia, Co-Founder of ZEVO stated: “This funding marks a pivotal step in our journey to revolutionize the EV supply chain. Our focus on deploying advanced technologies and expanding our footprint into tier 2 and tier 3 cities is driven by a commitment to sustainable growth and innovation. We believe this infusion of capital will not only accelerate our mission but also set new benchmarks for efficiency and reliability in the industry.”

Meet Jain, Co-Founder of BizDateUp, added, "At BizDateUp, we focus on identifying businesses that have the potential to create lasting change, and ZEVO stands out as a key player in the EV mobility space. This investment is not just about financial support but about partnering with a company that is set to redefine logistics with its sustainable solutions. Recently, the Union Transport Minister highlighted India's potential to become the top exporter of electric two-wheelers, and we believe that ZEVO is well-positioned to contribute to this vision. We are excited to be part of ZEVO’s journey as they expand their electric fleet and help drive the transition to a greener, more efficient future for the logistics industry."

Looking ahead, ZEVO is in talks to raise $20 million by January 2025. This future investment will further bolster the company's efforts to lead the EV supply chain market and achieve its ambitious growth and sustainability goals to have 2,00,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2030.

Founded by visionary entrepreneurs, ZEVO is committed to redefining the standards of the electric vehicle industry. The company operates a comprehensive fleet of electric vehicles, catering to diverse delivery needs with a strong focus on operational efficiency and sustainability. ZEVO’s innovative approach and strategic partnerships are driving a new era of zero-emission logistics solutions in India.

Flavors of Light: A Diwali Feast at Bombay Brasserie

For images: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1J5QJQz-0mFmUlLr3FAT9YEcMueB2KvJ-?usp=sharing

This Diwali, Bombay Brasserie presents a culinary celebration like no other, crafted by the restaurant’s newest culinary artist, Chef Pranav Upadhyay. Known for his boundless creativity and passion for bold, vibrant flavors, Chef Pranav’s dishes promise to turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience. His debut Diwali menu offers a four-course gastronomic journey that showcases his talent for innovation and respect for tradition.

The specially curated menu highlights a perfect blend of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, designed to cater to diverse palates. Start your meal with Peri Peri Tandoori Soya Chap, a vegetarian twist on classic Indian tandoori flavors infused with a tantalizing peri-peri spice. For those who prefer the comforting warmth of dairy and vegetables, the Chowki Dahi aur Karai Subji delivers a harmonious mix of textures and flavors that is both hearty and satisfying. Non-vegetarian diners can indulge in the rich and tender Mutton Ghjhia Ki Chaat or the decadent Kashmiri Murgh Kofta, which are sure to evoke the traditional spirit of Indian festive feasts, while pushing the boundaries of creativity. Each dish draws inspiration from a Diwali element, with décor adding to the festive ambiance.

No Diwali feast is complete without a sweet indulgence, and Chef Pranav’s dessert selection offers the perfect end to this culinary journey. Guests can choose between the refreshing and colorful Very Berry Ghewar, a modern take on a traditional Indian dessert, or the indulgent Akhrot Chocolate Halwa, a rich walnut and chocolate treat that embodies the spirit of celebration and sweetness.

The four-course menu, available from 22nd October to 4th November between 6:00 PM to Midnight, is designed not only to elevate your Diwali dining experience but also to create lasting memories. To add a special touch to the occasion, each guest will receive a thoughtful Diwali gift, a token to remember this extraordinary dining experience at Bombay Brasserie.

Whether you are looking to immerse yourself in the festive flavors of India or simply seeking a luxurious dining experience, Bombay Brasserie’s Diwali menu by Chef Pranav Upadhyay offers a journey that will delight your senses and make your Diwali truly unforgettable.

For reservations and inquiries, please contact: Bombay Brasserie, Taj Dubai Phone: +97150 189 6089 or Email: fbreservations.dubai@tajhotels.com

For media inquiries, please contact farah.bootwala@tajhotels.com

Garuda Construction and Engineering Limited’s Initial Public Offering to open on Tuesday, October 08, 2024, price band set at ₹92/- to ₹95/- per Equity Share

Mumbai, October 3, 2024: Garuda Construction and Engineering Limited, a growing civil construction company provide end-to-end civil construction for residential, commercial, residential cum commercial, infrastructure and industrial projects and additional services for infrastructure and also hospitality projects, has fixed the price band of ₹92/- to ₹95/- per Equity Share of face value ₹5/- each for its maiden initial public offer. 

The Initial Public Offering (“IPO” or “Offer”) of the Company will open on Tuesday, October 08, 2024, for subscription and close on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Investors can bid for a minimum of 157 Equity Shares and in multiples of 157 Equity Shares thereafter.

The IPO is a mix of fresh issue of up to 1,83,00,000 equity shares and an offer of sale up to 95,00,000 equity shares.

The net proceeds (gross proceeds less issue expenses) from its fresh issuance will be utilized to the extent of Rs 100 crore towards working capital requirement; and balance towards general corporate purposes including unidentified inorganic acquisitions.

Garuda Construction and Engineering is a growing civil construction company providing end-to-end civil construction for residential, commercial, residential cum commercial, infrastructure and industrial projects and additional services for infrastructure and also hospitality projects.

Its end-to-end civil construction starts with detailed route survey, designing, detailed engineering, mobilization of resources, micro scheduling of construction activities, obtaining construction permissions and conducting soil/water testing, hiring of contractor / manpower, procurement of material, lab testing, carrying out construction activities as per approved plan and finally handing over the project are per the agreed terms. 

Besides, civil construction it is also involved in services. It also provides services such as operations and maintenance services (“O&M”) and Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (“MEP”) services and finishing works as a part of its construction services.

It is currently engaged in civil construction of six (6) residential projects, two (2) commercial projects, one (1) industrial project and one (1) infrastructure, with an order book of ₹ 1,408.27 crore.

Garuda Construction’s revenue from operations has grown from ₹ 77.02 crore in Fiscal 2022 to ₹ 154.18 crore in Fiscal 2024, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (“CAGR”) of 26.03%, and profit after tax has increased from ₹ 18.78 crore in Fiscal 2022 to ₹ 36.43 crore in Fiscal 2024, at a CAGR of 24.72%. 

For the one month ended April 2024, revenue from operations stood at ₹ 11.87 crore and Profit after Tax stood at ₹ 3.50 crore.

The offer is being made through the book-building process, wherein not more than 50% of the offer shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to qualified institutional buyers, not less than 15% of the offer shall be available for allocation to non-institutional bidders, and not less than 35% of the offer shall be available for allocation to retail individual bidders.

Corpwis Advisors Private Limited is the sole book running lead manager, and Link Intime India Private Limited is the registrar of the issue.

Notes for Reference: 

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

Fresh (1,83,00,000 equity shares)  OFS (95,00,000 equity shares) Total (2,78,00,000)

Lower Band (@Rs 92) Rs 168.36 crore Rs 87.40 crore Rs 255.76 crore

Upper Band (@Rs 95) Rs 173.85 crore Rs 90.25 crore Rs 264.10 crore

Streax Professional Transforms Mumbai's Beauty Scene with Innovative & Global Trends at Professional Beauty India 2024

 Mumbai, October 3rd, 2024 – Streax Professional, known for its innovation and leadership in the salon products industry, successfully concluded its participation at Professional Beauty India 2024. Held on 30th September and 1st Oct 2024 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Nesco, Goregaon East, the event marked a significant platform for industry professionals, brands, and enthusiasts to explore the latest trends and innovations in beauty.

During Professional Beauty India 2024, Streax Professional reaffirmed its position as a frontrunner in the haircare sector by unveiling its latest product innovations such as Streax Professional Huemagic No-Ammonia Hair Colour and Argan Secrets High Lift shades. 

Rochelle Chhabra, Head - Streax Professional shared, “At PBI, Streax Professional truly captivated the audience with an immersive experience that included engaging booths, dynamic live demonstrations, and stunning ramp shows taking inspiration from our IP the MEGA SHOW – SPECTRUM COLLECTION 2024. The response from beauty professionals and enthusiasts was incredible, as they explored our wide range of products and learned about the latest trends and techniques. We are excited to introduce Huemagic, a breakthrough no-ammonia hair colour that meets the demands of both stylists and clients.”

 

Priyanka Puri, Senior Vice President Marketing at Streax Professional expressed, “Streax Professional stands as a trendsetter in the industry, consistently harnessing the latest international styles while leveraging our deep understanding of Indian hair. Our bespoke collections are meticulously crafted for our salon community and consumers, showcasing our adaptability and exceptional quality. Building on the strong foundation of our showcase in Delhi, we are excited to expand our success in Mumbai, empowering salon professionals to enhance their clients’ experiences and meet the evolving demands of today's discerning Indian consumers. Witnessing the enthusiastic reception from the industry is incredibly fulfilling.” 

In conclusion, Shirin Merchant – Technical Ambassador, Streax Professional said “Our presence at Professional Beauty India 2024 highlights our commitment to bringing global haircare trends to India and adapting them to meet the unique needs of the Indian salon industry. By bridging international innovations with local expertise, we aim to inspire and elevate the standards of haircare and styling across the country.”

Key Highlights:

Interactive Professional Booth: Streax Professional engaged attendees with an interactive booth offering comprehensive product information and personalized consultations. Visitors enjoyed experiential styling sessions and participated in a fun fortune wheel activity, winning exciting product giveaways.

Colour Pod: Exclusively dedicated to hair colouring, the Colour Pod featured live demonstrations and educational sessions, showcasing Streax Professional’s diverse range of hair colourants and techniques. Highlights included the newly launched Streax Professional Argan Secrets High-lift shades and Huemagic No Ammonia Hair Colour. 

Live Haircut & Hairstyle Show on the Ramp: The packed arena was treated to innovative techniques and stylish looks. Live haircut and styling sessions by our Technical Ambassador Shirin Merchant and Deputy General Manager of Technical Education Heena Dalvi, showcased international innovations with local expertise. In hair styling, attendees were impressed by the Vintage Wave up style and Cornrow with Hollywood waves.

Ramp Hairstyles: Models presented a variety of stunning hairstyles, such as beachy waves, glamorous high ponytails, smoothened waves, high-volume blown hair, and textured styles, highlighting the versatility and creativity of Streax Professional products.

 

REC signs MoU with Govt. of Rajasthan for Rs. 3 Lac Crore

Delhi, 30 sept 2024: REC Limited, a Maharatna CPSU under Ministry of Power and a leading NBFC, has signed MoU with Govt of Rajasthan, Department of Finance during the "Rising Rajasthan Investors meet" today. As per MoU, REC will provide Rs. 50,000 Crore annually (increase from Rs. 20,000 Crore) to finance projects across power and non-power infrastructure for a period of six years upto 2030 i.e. total value of MoU is Rs. 3.00 lac cr.  

The MoU was signed in the presence of Hon'ble Chief Minister, Govt of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma; Col Rajyavardhan Rathore, Minister for Industries & commerce, GoR; Sri Sudhansh Pant, Chief Secretary, GoR. The MoU was exchanged by Shri Rahul Dwivedi, ED (PMD and I&L) REC and Shri Debasish Prusty, Secretary to GoR.

On 10th March 2024, MoU was signed in Jaipur between REC and Govt of Rajasthan to finance Rs. 20,000 Crore annually till 2030. Today's MoU is update of the same. 

With this MoU, there is expected to be a rapid increase in projects in Rajasthan related to the state's infrastructure sector, such as power projects, metros, roads & highways, airports, IT infrastructure, oil refinery, steel infrastructure, ports & waterways, fiber optics, telecom, health sector, tourism infrastructure, agriculture and other infra projects. This collaboration underscores REC's commitment to supporting the development of both power and non-power infrastructure in Rajasthan, thereby contributing to the state's economic growth and prosperity.

About REC LIMITED

REC is a 'Maharatna' company under the administrative control of the Ministry of Power, Government of India, and is registered with RBI as Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC), Public Financial Institution (PFI) and Infrastructure Financing Company (IFC). REC is financing the entire Power-Infrastructure sector comprising Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Renewable Energy and new technologies like Electric Vehicles, Battery Storage, Pump Storage projects, Green Hydrogen, Green Ammonia projects etc. More recently REC Limited has also diversified into the Non-Power Infrastructure sector comprising Roads & Expressways, Metro Rail, Airports, IT Communication, Social and Commercial Infrastructure (Educational Institution, Hospitals), Ports and Electro-Mechanical (E&M) works in respect of various other sectors like Steel, Refinery, etc.

REC Limited provides loans of various maturities to State, Central and Private Companies for creation of infrastructure assets in the country. REC Limited continues to play a key strategic role in the flagship schemes of the Government for the power sector and has been nodal agency for Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGAYA), Deen Dayal Upadhaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), National Electricity Fund (NEF) Scheme which resulted in strengthening of last mile distribution system, 100% village electrification and household electrification in the country. REC has also been made the nodal agency for certain States and Union Territories for the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). REC has also been given the responsibility of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna from Central Government. The loan book of REC stands at ₹ 5.30 lakh crore and Net Worth at Rs. ₹ 72,351 crore as on 30th June, 2024.

प्रबोधन-मार्मिक कथा स्पर्धेला देशभरातून भरघोस प्रतिसाद

*मुंबई : *प्रबोधन गोरेगाव आणि साप्ताहिक मार्मिक* यांच्यातर्फे आयोजित *साहित्य सेवक वसंत तावडे स्मृती कथा स्पर्धेला* देशभरातून  उदंड प्रतिसाद लाभला असून ३० सप्टेंबर या मुदतीअंती १००हून अधिक कथा स्पर्धेसाठी पाठविल्या गेल्या आहेत. 

साहित्यसेवक वसंत तावडे यांच्या स्मृतीप्रीत्यर्थ आयोजित या स्पर्धेत प्रथम क्रमांक पटकावणाऱ्या कथेला ११ हजार रुपयांचा पुरस्कार देण्यात येणार असून द्वितीय व तृतीय क्रमांकाच्या कथांना अनुक्रमे 5 हजार आणि 3 हजार रुपयांचे पारितोषिक दिले जाईल. त्याशिवाय दोन कथांना २५०० रुपयांचा उत्तेजनार्थ पुरस्कारही देण्यात येणार आहे. 

स्पर्धेचा निकाल लवकरच जाहीर होईल आणि विजेत्यांना पुरस्कार प्रदान केले जातील. पुरस्कारविजेत्या कथा साप्ताहिक मार्मिकमध्ये प्रसिद्धही केल्या जाणार आहेत.

Critical Brain Surgery Saves Life of 34-Year-Old Man with a rare Moyamoya Disease

 

Dr. Sachin Ashok Giri ( Neuro surgeon )

Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital        

“Your family super speciality hospital”

ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED

DAR & NABCB ACCREDITED

(National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers.  An initiative of Quality Council of India) 

A NABH Accredited Hospital

Mumbai, 2nd October, 2024: A 34-year-old man’s life was recently saved after undergoing urgent brain surgery at Dr. L H Hiranandani Hospital in Powai, Mumbai, following a rare and life-threatening stroke. The man was brought to the hospital comatose state and was unable to move the left side of his body. Doctors quickly diagnosed him with a hemorrhagic stroke caused by a rare condition called Moyamoya disease.

Dr. Sachin Ashok Giri, a Neurosurgeon at the hospital who led the procedure, explained, “Moyamoya disease is a rare, progressive condition that affects the blood vessels in the brain. In this disease, the internal carotid arteries at the base of the brain became narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow. To compensate, the brain forms tiny, fragile blood vessels in an attempt to bypass the blockage. These vessels resemble a “puff of smoke” on brain angiography, which is where the name “Moyamoya” (Japanese for ‘Hazy’) comes from. Over time, these vessels can rupture, leading to strokes or brain hemorrhages. The disease primarily affects children but can also occur in adults. In this case, the patient had a large blood clot on the right side of his brain, putting his life in danger. Our team, performed an emergency surgery to remove the clot and in the same sitting augmented blood flow to the brain using a special technique. It was a complex operation but crucial for saving his life.”

Thanks to the surgery, the patient made remarkable progress. By the fourth day, he regained movement in his left side and was able to walk without support.

This success story underscores the importance of rapid intervention and expert medical care in treating strokes. The skilled team at Dr. L H Hiranandani Hospital has given the patient a new lease on life, and he is well on his way to recovery.

For more information, please contact: 9820545985.

To know more about the Hospital visit www.hiranandanihospital.org

Hillside Avenue, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, Mumbai  400 076. India Tel: 2576 3333/ 3300, Fax: 2576 3311/ 2576 3344

Website: www.hiranandanihospital.org, Email: wecare@hiranandanihospital.org

The 7th Edition of Big Cine Expo Concludes with a Spectacular Showcase of Cinema Innovation, Industry Excellence, and New Horizons

Key highlights:

● Exclusive Studio Presentation by Warner Bros. Discovery

● Acclaimed Director Atlee treated the audience to an exclusive preview of his highly anticipated film, Baby John. 

● Ramesh Sippy Honored with Special Achievement Award

● Mukta A2 Cinemas, founded by director Subhash Ghai, announced a Rs 99 cap on all food and beverage prices to make movie outing costs more affordable for Indians. 

Mumbai, 1st October 2024 – The Big Cine Expo, Asia’s largest and the world’s second-largest international convention and trade show for the cinema industry, recently held in Mumbai from September 30th to October 1st. The grand inauguration saw the presence of esteemed industry leaders, including Dinesh Vijan, Founder of Maddock Films; Alok Tandon, Co-CEO of PVR-INOX; Raghavendra T. (Raghav), Director of Big Cine Expo; and Yusuf A. Galabhaiwala, Founder of Galalite Screens.

This two-day event provided a unique platform for local and international stakeholders to network, exchange insights, and showcase the latest innovations in cinema technology, products, and services aimed at transforming the entertainment landscape.

One of the major highlights of the expo was the exclusive screening of never-before-seen footage from Atlee's much-anticipated upcoming film, Baby John. The film, featuring an all-star cast including Varun Dhawan, Jackie Shroff, Keerthy Suresh, and Wamiqa Gabbi, drew significant attention and excitement from attendees.

Another key highlight was the IMAX Big Cine Awards 2024, which celebrated outstanding achievements in the cinema exhibition industry. The prestigious awards recognized leaders and innovators across several categories. PVR Inox was honored as India’s Top Multiplex Chain, while Mr. Mukunda from Bengaluru won Best Single Screen Theater of the Year. MovieMax Cinema was awarded the title of Fastest Growing Cinema Chain, and the Most Talented Cinema Entrepreneur Award went to Mr. Akkshay Rathie, acknowledging his dynamic contributions to the industry.

A panel discussion titled "Driving Innovation in the Cinema F&B Experience" brought together industry leaders to explore innovative pricing models in cinema food and beverage offerings aimed at attracting and retaining customers. The discussion focused on how cinemas can strike the right balance between creative pricing strategies and enhanced customer satisfaction, ultimately driving increased revenue and improving the overall cinematic experience. Mukta A2 Cinemas, founded by director Subhash Ghai, announced a Rs 99 cap on all food and beverage prices to make movie outing costs more affordable for Indians. The move aims to remove one of the most common deterrents for moviegoers, was revealed at the Big Cine Expo during the discussion

“Big Cine Expo is the world’s largest trade show dedicated to multiplexes, single-screen theaters, malls, and theatrical distribution in Asia, showcasing groundbreaking innovations. In the post-pandemic era, the cinema industry has the opportunity to reinvent itself. This year’s event emphasizes innovative productions that cater to the evolving needs of audiences, fueled by technological advancements.” said Raghavendra T (Raghav), Director of Big Cine Expo.

“Big Cine Expo’s 7th edition successfully united the cinema exhibition industry, offering an excellent platform for networking and collaboration. It stands as a testament to strength and innovation, and at PVR INOX, we are proud to be part of this journey. Congratulations to the team for organizing another outstanding event and for their commitment to our industry's growth,” said Ajay Bijli, Managing Director of PVR INOX Limited.

The 7th edition of Big Cine Expo not only celebrated the industry's milestones but also set the course for its future. With its focus on innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration, the expo reaffirmed its importance as a beacon for the cinema industry's ongoing evolution, promising exciting new horizons for both professionals and audiences alike.

About Network208

Network208 is a leading media company providing a better platform for the cinema and entertainment B2B business domestically and internationally. Network208 publishes a quarterly magazine ‘TheatreWorld’ and organizes the international tradeshow and convention for single-screen, multiplex cinemas and malls known as ‘Big Cine Expo.’ Asian countries are surging ahead. India is one of the world's emerging economies with the entertainment sector occupying a dominant position. In fact, the Indian cinema industry is second only to Hollywood in size. South India, having the highest number of cinema screens and the highest number of movie releases, is the top market for cinema exhibitions in India. There is a huge appetite for technical know-how and equipment owing to the untapped potential in the cinema theatre market in India and other Asian countries. And herein lies an opportunity for a viable platform in India.

For further information, please visit: https://www.bigcineexpo.com/

For more info: Please connect with Isha at 

Honourable Speaker, 18th Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla graces The CSR Journal Excellence Awards 2024 (7th Edition)

 Mumbai, 30 September, 2024: Honourable Speaker, 18th Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla was the Chief Guest at the 7th Edition of The CSR Journal Excellence Awards 2024 hosted on the 30th of September, 2024, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. As it has been since the very inception, this year also, the theme for our awards was ‘India First’ with a focus on Women Empowerment.

Addressing a gathering of over 600 guests including senior bureaucrats, public representatives, social activists, youth leaders, artists, members of India Inc. and meritorious students representing the future of our nation at the 7th edition of The CSR Journal Excellence Awards, Honourable Speaker, 18th Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla stated, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone who are working hard to bring a smile on the faces of the underprivileged people and trying to make their lives better. What the companies are doing for the society is also a very noble task. I would like to say this that if with your efforts you are able to bring about a smile on at least one person's face, there is no job nobler than this.

The government at the Central and state level has introduced schemes for the economic betterment of the society and today we are witnessing a socio-economic change in India. India is progressing as a nation and has become stronger and more powerful and our nation is earning respect internationally."

Mr Amit Upadhyay, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, The CSR Journal, expressed, “Our theme for this event is India first and our focus is on women empowerment. This is a subject closer to my heart and I always keep saying this that women do not need any empowerment. They are empowered. Historically responsibility towards the society has been ingrained in Indian culture just like communal harmony. It is a part of our culture and tradition which has been running through our veins."

Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and President, Indian Olympic Association Smt P. T. Usha was present as one of our esteemed guests. The star-studded event also witnessed the attendance of Bollywood superstar Ayushmann Khurana, noted actors Vikrant Massey, Dia Mirza and Manushi Chhillar who are also known for their philanthropy and social work. Indian star footballer Sunil Chhetri also graced the event. Paralympic athletes Navdeep Singh and Avani Lekhara were honoured on stage for drinking honour to the nation.  

The prestigious event was hosted by Emcee Shaina Khan while talented singer Annkur Pathakk and his team left everyone mesmerised with their soulful rendition. Dance performance by V Company was a major attraction of the evening. 

India mandated Corporate Social Responsibility in 2014, and since then the field has seen enormous growth potential for human development. With an aim to recognise the efforts of India Inc. in CSR, The CSR Journal Excellence Awards are organised annually.

The CSR Journal Excellence Awards 2024 – List of Winners

Category Organisation Position

 

Education & Skill Training HDFC Bank Ltd. 1

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) 2

Amazon India 3

   

Health & Sanitation SBI Foundation 1

Sankara Eye Foundation India 2

Maruti Suzuki India Limited 3

   

Environment Coca-Cola India Foundation (wholly owned subsidiary of Coca-Cola India Private Limited) 1

  VFS Global 2

  Sudarshan Chemical Industries Ltd. 3

   

Women Empowerment & Child Welfare NMDC Limited 1

Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd. 2

Central Coalfields Limited 3

   

Agriculture & Rural Development Dabur India Ltd. 1

JM Financial Institutional Securities Limited 2

IndusInd Bank Ltd. 3

   

Sports Jindal Steel and Power 1

Hyundai Motor India Limited 2

SBI Foundation 3

   

 The CSR Journal is pleased to announce its Special Awardees for this year:

Awardee Name

  Award Title

 

PT Usha, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and President, Indian Olympic Association The CSR Journal Lifetime Achievement Award 

Sunil Chhetri, Indian Footballer The CSR Journal Pride of India Award

Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson, Aditya Birla Education Trust The CSR Journal Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award 

Upasana Kamineni Konidela, Founder, URLife and Vice Chairperson CSR, Apollo Hospital The CSR Journal EmpowerHER Champion Award 

Dia Mirza, Actor, Producer, UN Secretary General’s Advocate for Sustainable Development Goals The CSR Journal Sustainability & Climate Advocate of the Year Award 

Ayushmann Khurrana, Bollywood Superstar and National Ambassador of Child Rights, UNICEF India The CSR Journal Ambassador for India’s Youth Award

Vikrant Massey, Indian Actor The CSR Journal Inspiring Youth Icon Award

Manushi Chhillar, Miss World 2017 and Indian Actress  The CSR Journal Celebrity Voice of Change

Revant Himatsingka aka Food Pharmer, Influencer The CSR Journal Social Influencer of the Year Award 

 Navdeep Singh, Indian Paralympic Athlete The CSR Journal National Hero (Sports) Award

 Avani Lekhara, Indian Paralympic Athlete The CSR Journal National Hero (Sports) Award

 

This year, we have partnered with The Centre for Excellence in CSR, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, to evaluate a record number of applications for impactful programmes in the Corporate Social Responsibility domain for The CSR Journal Excellence Awards 2024. TISS was our Knowledge Partner for the shortlisting process and background research which was done for months ahead of the event. The winners were chosen based on personal assessment of the jurors, following a live Q&A round which was conducted virtually before the event with the representatives of the CSR programmes in the respective categories.   

Following is the list of our Honourable Jury Members at The CSR Journal Excellence Awards 2024

• Dr. Arti Singh, IPS, Inspector General of Police, Mumbai

• Shri. Gopal Shetty, Former Member of Parliament, Mumbai North & Former Member, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly

• Manuj Jindal, Joint Managing Director, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC)

• Nidhi Chaudhari, IAS, Director, National Gallery of Modern Arts

• Praveen Pardeshi, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Maharashtra Institution for Transformation, Government of Maharashtra

• Upma Dada Chawdhry, IAS (Retd.), Former Director, Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie & Former Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Himachal Pradesh

This year, The CSR Journal’s Special Commendation Award in Corporate Social Responsibility was awarded to:

• Capgemini (For project Digital Academy)

• Novartis (For project Sustainable Livelihoods for People at High Risk of Unemployment and the Community)

• Redington Limited 

• Apollo Foundation Total Health (For project Total Health)

• Mindspace Business Parks REIT (For project Durgam Chevu Lake Transformation)

• Vizag General Cargo Berth Pvt. Ltd. (For project Aarogya)

• Marico (For project Jalashay- Watershed Programme)

The CSR Journal Excellence Awards’ Special Awardees for 2024 are:

• Annamrita Foundation - The CSR Journal's Food for Social Change

• Wockhardt Foundation - The CSR Journal's Leader in Health & Community Wellbeing Award 2024

• Friends Union for Energising Lives (FUEL) - The CSR Journal's Skill-a-Nation Pioneer and Leadership Award 2024

• SBI Foundation

We extend heartfelt gratitude to our partners for The CSR Journal Excellence Awards 2024. The CSR Journal Excellence Awards 2024 is presented by The CSR Journal, India’s leading print and digital news organisation in the Corporate Social Responsibility domain in association with Dr. Shrikant Shinde Foundation, our Principal Partner Reliance Industries Limited and is powered by the Aakshya Infra Projects Private Limited, MSRDC, CIDCO and Maharashtra Tourism. 

Our Esteemed Partners: 

Official Partners: Ashoka Buildcon Ltd., Maharashtra State Power Generation Co. Ltd. (MAHAGENCO), Mangrove Foundation, Paradigm Realty, MMRDA, MIDC, SLUM Rehabilitation Authority Brihanmumbai and MHADA 

Venue Partner: Jio World Center

TV Partners: ABP News and ABP Majha 

Digital Partner: ABP Live

Knowledge Partners: Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) 

Associate Partners: Playbox TV and Microscan 

PR Partner: AdFactors PR 

Gift Partners: Karma Art Gallery and MiRa Gifting Solutions 

Travel Partner: Tibro Tours Pvt Ltd 

Design Partner: Pixburg

Talent Partner: Live Clefs and On Call Entertainment 

The upcoming edition of The CSR Journal print magazine will feature insightful columns and articles about our prestigious awards show. To Subscribe please visit thecsrjournal.in/magazine

Kolkata-based Vikram Solar Limited files DRHP for IPO

 Kolkata-based Vikram Solar Limited, a leading solar photo-voltaic module manufacturer in India, has filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI to raise funds through an initial public offering (IPO). 

With over 15 years of industry experience as of 31 March 2024, Vikram Solar aims for an IPO comprising fresh issues of shares up to ₹1,500 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 17.45 million equity shares by its promoter group.

The IPO has a face value of ₹10 per equity share and includes a reservation for eligible employees, alongside a discount for those participating in the employee subscription portion. In consultation with the book-running lead manager, the company may also consider issuing specified securities up to ₹300 crore as a "pre-IPO placement." 

The offer will use a book-building process, allocating not more than 50% for qualified institutional buyers, a minimum of 15% to non-institutional bidders, and at least 35% for retail individual investors.

The company plans to use the net proceeds from fresh issuance, dedicating ₹793.36 crore for capital expenditure through investment in its wholly owned subsidiary, VSL Green Power Private Limited, to set up a 3,000 MW solar cell and module manufacturing facility. Additionally, ₹602.95 crore is earmarked for expanding the existing solar module manufacturing facility from 3,000 MW to 6,000 MW, along with allocations for general corporate purposes.

Vikram Solar commenced its manufacturing journey in 2009 with a capacity of 12.00 MW, expanding to 3.50 GW by the time of the DRHP filing. According to a CRISIL report, the company holds one of the largest capacities among non-captive manufacturers on the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy’s Approved List of Module Manufacturers (ALMM), with 2.43 GW listed as of July 2024. Recognized as a Tier 1 manufacturer by BloombergNEF since 2014, Vikram Solar continues to reside in this tier in 2024.

In response to growing market demand, the company is actively pursuing expansions to increase production capacity to 10.50 GW by Fiscal 2026 and 15.50 GW by Fiscal 2027, including a 3.00 GW solar cell manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu. 

With a presence across 23 states and three union territories, Vikram Solar operates through a network of distributors, dealers, and system integrators. It has a sales office in the U.S. and a procurement office in China, supplying solar PV modules to customers in 39 countries as of March 31, 2024.

Vikram Solar serves clients, both PSU and private, including National Thermal Power Corporation, Neyveli Lignite Corporation, and more. With extensive experience in executing EPC projects, it has completed or is engaged in over 275 projects totaling 1.03 GW capacity as of March 31, 2024. The company is endorsed by the UN Global Compact and is among the 93 Indian firms approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI) for its sustainability efforts. 

As of the DRHP date, Vikram Solar held an order book of 8,214.63 MW, significantly exceeding its total rated capacity for Fiscal 2024. 

In CY 2024, notable contracts included a 397.70 MW project from NTPC Renewable Energy and others, along with a significant 1.00 GW order from a JSW Energy subsidiary. Vikram Solar’s revenue grew by 21.11% to ₹2,510.99 crore in Fiscal 2024, with a profit after tax rise of 450.10%. 

The book-running lead managers for the IPO include Nuvama Wealth Management and others, with Link Intime India Private Limited as the registrar.

Federal Bank Partners with Bhashini to Enhance Chatbot Feddy with Vernacular Language Support

1st October 2024, Mumbai: Federal Bank, a leading private sector Bank in India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhashini, AI-Powered Language Translation Platform, to enable vernacular language support in its AI Virtual Assistant, Feddy. This partnership emerged as a result of Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH)’s local language initiative to promote banking in vernacular languages. It has significantly enhanced Feddy's capabilities, making it more accessible to a wider range of customers across India. 

Feddy, Federal Bank's AI-powered chatbot, is already a popular tool for customers seeking quick and convenient banking services. With the integration of Bhashini's language translation capabilities, Feddy is now able to respond to user queries in 14 different Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Assamese, Punjabi, Urdu, Manipuri, and Bodo.

The MoU was signed by Ms. Shalini Warrier, Executive Director of Federal Bank, and Mr. Amitabh Nag, CEO of Bhashini. Speaking at the occasion, Ms. Shalini Warrier, Executive Director of Federal Bank, said, "India is a country of many languages, and we have always been in the forefront of catering to our unique customer needs.  By enabling vernacular language support, we are confident that Feddy will become more user friendly and accessible. Our partnership with Bhashini, along with the huge support we have received from Reserve Bank of India’s Innovation Hub (RBIH) has enabled us to enhance the level of customer experience we provide."

Mr. Amitabh Nag, CEO of Bhashini, said, "Partnering with Federal Bank to address language barriers in fintech, Bhashini aims to revolutionize financial services by integrating advanced multilingual voice communication technology with a voice-first approach. This collaboration seeks to ensure that banking services are accessible to all, regardless of linguistic background, thereby fostering greater inclusivity and setting a new standard for user engagement in the financial sector."

Mr. Rajesh Bansal, CEO of RBIH, praised this initiative and said "In a nation as diverse as India, true digital financial inclusion must account for the linguistic variety of our people. Local language banking, powered by AI-driven solutions like Bhashini, is not just an innovation but a necessity to ensure the digital revolution benefits a billion Indians. We are proud to support this partnership between Bhashini and Federal Bank, which marks a significant step in making digital financial services more accessible and inclusive. At RBIH, we remain committed to fostering collaborations that drive innovation and inclusivity across the financial ecosystem."

With the integration of Bhashini's language translation capabilities, Feddy is now capable of responding to user queries in 14 different Indian languages. This will make it easier for customers to get the information they need, when they need it, in the language they prefer.

About Federal Bank:

Federal Bank (NSE: FEDERALBNK) is a leading Indian private sector bank with a network of around 1508 banking outlets and 2013 ATMs/Recyclers spread across the country and the Bank’s total business mix (deposits + advances) stood at ₹ 4.62 Lakh Crore as on 31st March 2024. Capital Adequacy Ratio (CRAR) of the Bank, computed as per Basel III guidelines, stood at 16.13 % as on 31st March 2024. Federal Bank has Representative Offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that serve as a nerve centre for Non-Resident Indian customers in the UAE. The Bank also has an IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). Federal Bank is transforming itself, keeping its principles intact, into an organization that offers services beyond par. It has a well-defined vision for the future as a guidepost to its progress.

Indian Street Premier League Season 2 trials will begin from 1st October 2024

Season 2 will be a combination of talent and technology whose trials will be held in 55 cities around the nation

- The integration of cutting-edge technology, including their bar code system and slot selection, had made the trials more seamless than ever before, it allows lakhs of aspirants to participate smoothly

Mumbai, September 30, 2024: The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 2 is set to kick off on January 26th – February 9th, 2025, promising an exhilarating showcase of talent and entertainment across the cricketing landscape. This season with the key focus on precision, fairness, and transparency the trial commences on October 1st and will be held in 55 cities divided in five zones.

Looking forward to the enthusiastic start of season 2, Suraj Samat-League commissioner – ISPL said, “Following the overwhelming success of Season 1, the Indian Sports Premier League (ISPL) is thrilled to kick off the highly anticipated trials for Season 2, starting on October 1st. Building on the strong foundation of Season 1, we remain dedicated to nurturing exceptional talent and fostering healthy competition. We are honoured to have Indian cricket legends Jatin Paranjape and Pravin Amre, who have served on BCCI and IPL selection committees, leading our selection trials, ensuring fairness, precision, and transparency. 

In response to the high demand, we’ve introduced new spot registration options, and for the first time, players can select their trial slot based on real-time availability in their city. To further streamline the process, registered players receive a ‘Golden Ticket’ with a unique QR code via WhatsApp, email, and their ISPL account profile. The integration of cutting-edge technology, including our bar code system and slot selection, has made the trials more seamless than ever before, allowing lakhs of aspirants to participate smoothly as we scout for the champions of tomorrow.”

Jatin Paranjape, Head of Selectors – ISPL said, "To truly elevate the Indian Street Premier League, we must strike a balance between entertainment and talent development. As selectors, it is our responsibility to recognize the holistic potential of every player, especially those with limited resources who demonstrate extraordinary talent. By fostering an inclusive environment that champions grassroots cricket, we can unearth hidden gems and empower the next generation of cricketing stars."

Pravin Amre, Head of Selectors – ISPL, said, "Consistency in trials is paramount for identifying true talent. Through my journey in Indian cricket, both as a player and a coach, with teams like the Delhi Capitals, I've learned that a structured and reliable selection process is crucial. It's not only about evaluating skills on the field; it’s about creating an environment where emerging cricketers can thrive. By maintaining rigorous standards and a fair approach during trials, we can ensure that we are not only recognizing talent but also nurturing it for the future of Indian cricket."

ISPL’s inaugural season in March captivated audiences, drawing over 12,000 fans per match. Over 5 lakh fans attended the tournament, which was filled with entertainment extravaganza. From the star-studded opening ceremony to the nail-biting matches, the league offered a perfect blend of sports and entertainment. Innovative features like the ‘Tip Top’ toss, the 50/50 challenge, ‘Tape Ball Over,’ and ‘9 Street Runs’ added layers of excitement, making every match a thrilling experience for fans.

Season 2 of the ISPL will take place from January 26th to February 9th, 2025, with the player auctions scheduled for December 15th, 2024. The unwavering support of Bharat Ratna Shri. Sachin Tendulkar and BCCI Treasurer Shri. Ashish Shelar has been instrumental in the league’s continued growth and success. Their dedication, along with the blessings of the late Shri. Amol Kale, has been invaluable in upholding the ISPL’s mission of discovering talent from the streets and showcasing them on grand stages, nurturing the heroes of tomorrow.

As the ISPL gears up for Season 2, the league is committed to finding the next generation of cricketing champions. With selectors and officials ready to discover and nurture talent from across 55 cities, ISPL continues its mission to redefine the cricketing landscape in India., divided into five competitive zones, offering amazing opportunities for new talent. 

Link to registration for ISPL season 2:

 

If you scan this code you can go directly to the registration page

Break out the stumps because ISPL Season-2 is hitting in 55 new cities 🏏

Register for ISPL Season 2 Trials

1. MUMBAI 2. AGRA

3. PUNE 4. PALGHAR

5. INDORE 6. DEHRADUN

7. DELHI 8. NASHIK

9. AHMEDABAD 10. VARANASI

11. THANE 12. FARIDABAD

13. BANGALORE 14. SRINAGAR

15. JAIPUR 16. ALLAHABAD

17. BHOPAL 18. RANCHI

19. KOLKATA 20. HOWRAH

21. LUCKNOW 22. COIMBATORE

23. VISAKHAPATNAM 24. JABALPUR

25. CHENNAI 26. MADURAI

27. KANPUR 28. RAIPUR

29. RAIGAD 30. KOTA

31. HYDERABAD 32. GWALIOR

33. NAGPUR 34. SILIGURI

35. PATNA 36. VIJAYAWADA

37. VADODARA 38. GUWAHATI

39. AURANGABAD 40. RATNAGIRI

41. MEERUT 42. JODHPUR

43. GHAZIABAD 44. PANJIM

45. RAJKOT 46. AYODHYA

47. DHANBAD 48. TIRUNELVELI

49. LUDHIANA 50. BAREILLY

51. ALIBAUG 52. MORADABAD

53. AMRITSAR 54. MYSURU

55. TIRUPUR

About the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL):

The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) is India’s pioneering tennis ball T10 cricket tournament played inside a stadium. During this season, Mumbai was the epicentre of new-age cricket entertainment, featuring six competitive teams – Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Srinagar. ISPL ignited fresh anticipation among cricket fans across the nation, coming after a spectacular line-up of celebrity superstars taking up the mantle as team owners – Amitabh Bachchan (Majhi Mumbai), Akshay Kumar (Srinagar Ke Veer), Hrithik Roshan (KVN Bengaluru Strikers), Suriya (Chennai Singams), Ram Charan (Falcon Risers Hyderabad) and Saif & Kareena (Tiigers of Kolkata).The league not only promised thrilling on-field action but also aspired to revolutionize sports entertainment. Attendees could anticipate a vibrant musical festival with live performances, mesmerizing drone shows, breath-taking laser displays, and DJ Chetas spinning the latest beats, creating a seamless blend of cricket prowess and entertainment extravagance. The ISPL aims to redefine the sports entertainment landscape with this unprecedented fusion.

Bombay Sweet Shop Opens in Kala Ghoda

Inaugurated by Shri Saurabh Rao, Commissioner of Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC)

Mumbai, 30 September 2024: Bombay Sweet Shop, by Hunger Inc. Hospitality, celebrated the opening of its third mithai shop cum café in Kala Ghoda on Monday, 30 September 2024, with Shri Saurabh Rao, Commissioner of Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), leading the inauguration ceremony. Following successful openings in Byculla and Bandra, this new store brings Bombay Sweet Shop’s signature combination of traditional Indian sweets and mithai with a modern twist to the vibrant Kala Ghoda district.

Bombay Sweet Shop’s new Kala Ghoda location offers a fresh, modern spin on the traditional mithai shop. Blending the essence of a traditional mithai shop with the vibrant energy of Kala Ghoda, the new location invites guests to discover inventive, 100% vegetarian sweets and savoury treats that reimagine familiar flavours. Bursting with colour and creativity, the shop brings together playful fusion desserts, innovative chaat, specialty coffee and a beautifully curated retail experience. More than just a place for sweets, it’s a lively space designed to capture the neighbourhood’s spirit, making it the go-to destination for indulgent treats and thoughtful gifting, with hampers, reimagined mithai and an eclectic café menu adding a unique touch to every visit.

Open on all days of the week: Monday to Sunday

Timings: 11 am to 12 midnight  

Address: Bombay Sweet Shop, Ground Floor, Seksaria Chambers, 139, Nagindas Master Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai 400001

REC Raises CBDT Notified Zero Coupon Bonds of Rs 5000 crore

Gurgaon, 30 Sep 2024: REC Limited has successfully raised CBDT notified Zero Coupon Bonds (ZCB) of Rs 5,000 crore at the effective yield of 6.25 % p.a.  

REC bonds received tremendous response from the market as the bond was oversubscribed 7 times over the issue size of Rs. 5,000 Crore .

The bond issuance was rated AAA by all the four Credit Rating Agencies (CARE, CRISIL, ICAR, IRRPL).

ZCB are issued at deep discount and are redeemed at face value. Since these ZCBs are CBDT notified, investors are benefitted in the form of lower taxation as redemption of ZCB on maturity is treated as long term capital gain and is accordingly taxed at much lower rate of 12.5% p.a.

Last issuance of CBDT notified ZCB of REC was done in FY 2010-11.

Net Pay-in of Rs. 2,712.50 crore against the bond issuance shall happen on 03rd September 2024.

Bonds will be listed on BSE and NSE.

About REC LIMITED

REC is a 'Maharatna' company under the administrative control of the Ministry of Power, Government of India, and is registered with RBI as Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC), Public Financial Institution (PFI) and Infrastructure Financing Company (IFC). REC is financing the entire Power-Infrastructure sector comprising Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Renewable Energy and new technologies like Electric Vehicles, Battery Storage, Pump Storage projects, Green Hydrogen, Green Ammonia projects etc. More recently REC Limited has also diversified into the Non-Power Infrastructure sector comprising Roads & Expressways, Metro Rail, Airports, IT Communication, Social and Commercial Infrastructure (Educational Institution, Hospitals), Ports and Electro-Mechanical (E&M) works in respect of various other sectors like Steel, Refinery, etc.

REC Limited provides loans of various maturities to State, Central and Private Companies for creation of infrastructure assets in the country. REC Limited continues to play a key strategic role in the flagship schemes of the Government for the power sector and has been nodal agency for Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGAYA), Deen Dayal Upadhaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), National Electricity Fund (NEF) Scheme which resulted in strengthening of last mile distribution system, 100% village electrification and household electrification in the country. REC has also been made the nodal agency for certain States and Union Territories for the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). REC has also been given the responsibility of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna from Central Government. The loan book of REC stands at ₹ 5.30 lakh crore and Net Worth at Rs. ₹ 72,351 crore as on 30th June, 2024.

Amritapuri Celebrates Amma's 71st Birthday

NATIONAL, September 30, 2024: Amma, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi’s 71st birthday was celebrated at Amritapuri Ashram with simple ceremonies, reflecting the solemn backdrop of the recent Wayanad disaster. The festivities began at 5:00 a.m. with a Ganapati Homam, followed by Lalita Sahasranama Archana. A satsang was held at 7:30 a.m. in the ashram's main prayer hall by Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Vice Chairman of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math.

At 9:00 a.m., Amma graced the birthday stage with a warm smile, greeting the thousands of devotees who had gathered in anticipation. Following her arrival, a Guru Paduka Puja was performed under the guidance of Swami Amritaswarupananda. Amma then delivered her birthday message, led everyone in meditation, bhajans and prayers for world peace. During the ceremony, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi awarded the Amritakeerthi Puraskaram to renowned poet Prof. V. Madhusoodanan Nair.

As part of the celebrations, mass marriages were organised, with Amma personally overseeing and leading the ceremonies. Amma’s darshan continued till Saturday morning, as she met individually the  thousands of devotees who had come from around the world to Amritapuri to celebrate their beloved Amma’s birthday. Several prominent figures visited the Ashram to extend their birthday wishes.

Real love is born from fearlessness: 

Amma, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi

““It is from real love is born from fearlessness. It is from this love that new creations, shining with goodness, emerge.” Said Amma, on her 71st Birthday message. Selfishness is fear. It is darkness. It drinks our energy and leaves us drained. It makes us weak and helpless. It drives the individual and society to destruction. Rather than war and endless conflict, may patience, love and compromise guide our attitudes and actions.”

“Instead of the dark climate of religious wars and genocides, let us hear the call for expansiveness and compassion ringing from all quarters. May we all be vigilant in abandoning the desire to exploit nature, as it leads to the tragedies that affect our lives, our loved ones, our wealth and all that we hold dear. May each of us extend our hands to comfort those who are suffering and in pain. And, thus, may everyone find peace and happiness.”

“No one is willing to introspect, honestly evaluate themselves and change their behaviour. As a result, we are unable to look around us with love for others or to protect nature with respect.

Numerous discussions have been held about the dangerous path the world is on, yet we are not showing the required alertness to act with discernment. Our attitude towards the world is like this: “The world’s condition is serious, but there’s nothing to worry about.””

“On one hand, we organise massive symposiums and conferences to discuss solutions for global warming and climate change. On the other, we don’t hesitate to continue destroying forests, mountains and rivers. We hold large discussions about reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, while simultaneously building more factories. The smoke and waste from these factories pollute our air, rivers and oceans. People are very adept at giving impassioned speeches about truth and justice. Yet we often see these same people engaged in hypocritical actions. People loudly warn of the detriments of alcohol and tobacco use, and at the same time they expand their production to increase the GDP. People find new ways to market them and entice people to buy them. While GDP is important, the survival of the world and nature, as well as society’s physical and mental health, is far more vital. Therefore, it is crucial that we bring some balance to this state of affairs.” said Amma.

The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Launches ‘Cruise Bharat Mission,’ to Double Cruise Calls and Passengers within Five years

 

Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

Mission aims at creation of 4 lakh jobs in the revamped Cruise Sector in India: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal

Cruise circuits to be designed to celebrate and promote globally the cultural, historical and natural heritage of Bharat: Shri Sonowal

Mission to be implemented in Three Phases & cover three key segments - Ocean & Harbour cruise, River & Island cruise, Island cruise

Cruise Bharat Mission will also result in over 1.5 million river cruise passengers over more than 5,000 Kms of Operational Waterways in India

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, launched the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ from the Mumbai port. Aimed at the boosting the tremendous potential of cruise tourism in the country, the programme by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways aims to propel country’s cruise tourism industry by doubling cruise passenger traffic within five years; i.e. by 2029, said Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. The Union Minister of State, MoPSW, Shri Shantanu Thakur also joined Sonowal at this historic occasion.

Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launched the mission from onboard cruise ship ‘Empress’ here today. The initiative aims to excel India’s vision to become a global hub for cruise tourism and promote the country as the leading global cruise destination. The Cruise India Mission will be implemented in three phases, beginning from 1 October 2024 up to 31 March 2029. The Phase 1 (01.10.2024 – 30.09.2025) will focus on conducting studies, master planning, and forming cruise alliances with neighbouring countries. It will also modernise existing cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations to enhance the potential of cruise circuits. The Phase 2 (01.10.2025 – 31.03.2027) will concentrate on developing new cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations to activate high-potential cruise locations and circuits. Phase 3 (01.04.2027 – 31.03.2029) will focus on integrating all cruise circuits across the Indian Subcontinent, marking the maturity of the cruise ecosystem while continuing the development of cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations.

Key performance targets across the phases include increasing sea cruise passengers from 0.5 million in Phase 1 to 1 million by Phase 3, with corresponding increases in sea cruise calls from 125 to 500. River cruise passengers will grow from 0.5 million in Phase 1 to 1.5 million by Phase 3. The number of international cruise terminals will expand from 2 in Phase 1 to 10 by Phase 3, while river cruise terminals will increase from 50 to 100. Similarly, marinas will grow from 1 to 5, and employment generated will rise from 0.1 million to 0.4 million by the final phase.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ is a watershed moment in the revamp of the cruise sector of India. Under the visionary leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the government is committed to harness the tremendous potential of Blue Economy of India. Cruise, with its tremendous potential in our country, has remained unexplored for long. With this visionary mission, it is aimed at transforming our maritime landscape and harness the potential of India’s vast coastline and waterways through cruise tourism. Based on critical pillars of infrastructure development, amp up cruise experience for tourists and sustainability of resources, the three phased mission will develop world class infrastructure and enable growth of cruise tourism and maritime trade.” 

The mission aims to continuously work towards the development of world-class infrastructure and destinations while leveraging technology to provide a seamless experience for embarkation, disembarkation, and destination visits. It will promote the cultural, historical, and natural circuits of the Indian Subcontinent, ensuring inclusive and equitable growth for all stakeholders, including ports, cruise lines, vessel operators, tour operators, service providers, and local communities. Additionally, the mission will enable the responsible involvement of all regulatory agencies such as Customs, Immigration, CISF, State Tourism Departments, State Maritime Agencies, District Administrations, and local police.

“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the government has been taking measures that witnessed a remarkable increase of 400% passenger footfall in cruise since 2014. The ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ will further build on this as it aims to double volume of cruise calls from 254 in 2024 to 500 by 2030 and 1,100 by 2047. We are expecting rise in passengers from 4.6 lakh in 2024 to 5 million by 2047. The mission also aims to create 4 lakhs employment in the cruise sector during this period,” added Sarbananda Sonowal.

The Cruise India Mission targets three key cruise segments. First, the Ocean & Harbour Cruise segment encompasses ocean cruises, including deep-sea and coastal cruises, along with harbour-based yachting and sailing cruises. Second, the River & Inland Cruise segment focuses on river and inland cruises on canals, backwaters, creeks, and lakes. Lastly, the Island Cruise segment highlights inter-island cruises, lighthouse tours, live-aboard experiences, expedition cruises, and boutique cruises to lesser-known destinations.

 

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister of State, MoPSW, Shri Shantanu Thakur said, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, this mission reflects the commitment of the Government to transform India into a world class hub for cruise tourism. This mission aims at creating sustainable and vibrant ecosystem which will be beneficial for cruise operators, tourists and communities. This visionary mission will power India’s maritime sector which will open new vistas in tourism and harnessing the Blue Economy.”

 

The mission has identified key initiatives across five strategic pillars. The Sustainable Infrastructure & Capital pillar addresses infrastructure gaps, focusing on developing world-class terminals, marinas, water aerodromes, and heliports, alongside digitalisation (e.g., facial recognition) and decarbonisation (e.g., shore power). It includes creating a National Cruise Infrastructure Masterplan 2047, setting up a cruise-focused SPV under Indian Ports Association (IPA), and establishing a cruise development fund. The Operations Including Technology Enabled pillar aims to streamline operations, ensuring smooth embarkation, disembarkation, and destination visits with a focus on digital solutions such as e-clearance systems and e-visa facilities.

The Cruise Promotion & Circuit Integration pillar focuses on international marketing and investment promotion, including linking cruise circuits, hosting events like the "Cruise India Summit," and forming alliances with neighbouring countries. The Regulatory, Fiscal & Financial Policy pillar is centred on creating tailored fiscal and financial policies, with a focus on tax scenarios, cruise regulations, and the launch of a National Cruise Tourism Policy. Lastly, the Capacity Building and Economic Research pillar emphasizes skill development, creating a Centre of Excellence for cruise-related economic research, and formulating National Occupational Standards to promote youth employment in the cruise industry.

The Cruise Bharat Mission will not only elevate India’s cruise tourism sector but also create lasting opportunities for generations to come.

The event saw participation from key leaders across the cruise industry namely Rahul Narvekar, Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly; Maharashtra; T.K. Ramchandran, Secretary of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India; and Jurgen Bailom, CEO of Cordelia Cruises, including other dignitaries, government officials and stakeholders.

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