Author: Rabindra

Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust’s Nutrition Program Serves 10 Million Children, Becomes World’s Largest

National, 18th September 2024: The Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, under the aegis of revered Global Humanitarian Sri Madhusudan Sai, has achieved an unprecedented feat by serving 10 million children across different parts of India, making it the world’s largest ‘Nutrition’ Programme. A part of Sri Madhusudan Sai’s worldwide mission of combating hidden hunger and enhancing nutritional intake among children, the flagship initiative covers students of government and government-aided schools at a pan-India level across both rural as well as urban regions. The announcement was made at the coveted ‘Power of Poshan’ Award ceremony, in the esteemed presence of international cricketing legend Jonty Rhodes, IIMR Director – Ms Tara Satyavathi, senior Karnataka IAS officer – Mr YS Patil and over 250 members from the farmers community, among others.

During the event, while defining the next milestone set for the Trust’s flagship ‘Nutrition’ mission, Sri Madhusudan Sai shared, “As we navigated the pandemic challenges, we remained steadfast in our commitment to ensure no child goes hungry. Before the pandemic, our Trust served 500,000 children daily. After schools reopened, we are now expanding our reach to 10 million children covering the school in Karnataka and Telangana. This nutrition programme is now implemented across 25 States and 4 UTs.”

“Holistic nutrition as opposed to just filling the stomach ought to be the approach and this is what the Annapoorna Morning Nutrition Programme is doing. The power of team work is something that I am very familiar with, by being in the game of cricket. I see that the scale that this nutrition programme has reached is backed by the wonderful team of this institution who are sitting under this beautiful auditorium roof today. Many congratulations!” stated Mr Jonty Rhodes during his address.

The event, hosted at the Sathya Sai Grama near Chikkaballapur in Karnataka, recognised the invaluable contributions of corporate partners, farmers, and key stakeholders, whose support has been instrumental in scaling up the nutrition programme. One of the vital aspects of the Trust’s programme is its strong collaboration with local farming communities. Partnering with nearly 1,000 farmers in Tumkur, Karnataka, the Trust procures 500 to 600 tons of millet grains monthly, not at the minimum support price but at the livelihood price, thus paying the farmers a gracious amount that they deserve. This sustainable relationship supports both rural livelihoods and the nutrition programme, promoting economic growth of the farmers and taking care of the nourishment and health of their own children and others who study at the government schools.

Notably, there is a nutraceutical manufacturing unit – SaiSure Nutritions LLP, based at their HeadQuarters to produce the vital multi and micronutrient supplement. This micro nutrient health mix is delivered to the government schools, across 25 States and 4 Union Territories. The State of Karnataka is the thriving ground for the programme, wherein approximately 5.5 million children, which is all the Government school-going children, have been covered for morning nutrition.

Under the visionary guidance of Sri Madhusudan Sai, the initiative has grown to become the world’s largest morning nutrition programme, transforming the lives of millions of children. As the programme continues to expand, the Trust’s mission remains unwavering: no child should go to school hungry ever. By investing in children’s health today, the Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust is building a foundation for reduced future healthcare costs and fostering a generation of healthy, responsible citizens.

PL Capital’s Beat report: Rupees4.25 Lakh Crore Expected from 35 Lakh Weddings Nov-Dec 2024

Mumbai, September 18, 2024: PL Capital – Prabhudas Lilladher, one of the most trusted financial services organisations in India, in its latest beat report titled BAND, BAAJA, BAARAAT & MARKETS cited that the recent cut in gold import duties from 15% to 6% is anticipated to lead to a notable rise in gold purchases nationwide, especially during the upcoming festive and wedding seasons. Given gold’s cultural and religious importance, along with its status as a valuable investment, this reduction is expected to significantly boost demand.

The Indian stock market frequently sees a boost during the festive and wedding seasons, largely driven by heightened consumer spending. Sectors such as retail, hospitality, jewellery, and automobiles see substantial benefits from this increased demand. Contributing factors include economic stability, low inflation, supportive government policies, and evolving consumer preferences. While the impact may differ across sectors, the overall effect on the Indian economy is positive. Higher spending on premium goods and services, such as airlines and hotels, boosts revenue. This increased demand enhances profit margins and drives stock prices higher, supporting overall economic growth.

India conducts approximately 10 million weddings each year, making its wedding industry the second largest in the world. A report by The Economist highlights that this sector is the fourth largest industry in India, with the annual spending reaching $130 billion and creating millions of jobs. In 2024, from January 15 to July 15, the industry has already seen more than 4.2 million weddings, resulting in an estimated expenditure of $66.4 billion (INR 5.5 lakh crore), according to a survey by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).

The Indian Government plans to enhance tourism by promoting India as a top choice for international weddings. The initiative will begin by highlighting around 25 key destinations across the country, demonstrating how India can cater to various wedding preferences. Building on the success of the Make in India campaign, this strategy aims to capture approximately $12.1 billion (INR 1 lakh crore) that is currently spent on destination weddings overseas.

Devrana Launches New Express Outlet in Shastri Nagar with INR 1.5 Crore Investment

Meerut, 18th September 2024: Devrana an authentic culinary destination announces the opening of its new outlet in Shastri Nagar, Meerut. Located at K6 opposite PVS Mall, this express model outlet represents Devrana’s ongoing efforts to provide quality culinary experiences in convenient locations. Devrana’s investment model starts from INR 70 lakhs. The new establishment involves an investment of approximately INR 1.5 crore and aims to serve the local community with efficiency and authenticity.

Devrana’s new express outlet offers a wide range of vegetarian dishes, designed to cater to a variety of tastes and preferences with a 10% off on every order. The highest-priced item on the menu is the Executive Thali, priced at INR300. This diverse menu reflects Devrana’s commitment to delivering traditional flavors with a modern touch. Special attention is given to dietary preferences, with options available for food without onion and garlic.

Abhinav Singh, MD and CEO, Devrana commented, “The new outlet in Shastri Nagar covers 5000sqft, is part of Devrana’s strategy to expand its footprint and make its offerings more accessible. The express model is tailored for urban residents who seek a quick yet authentic dining experience. This approach aligns with the evolving lifestyle of consumers who value both speed and quality in their dining choices.”

Devrana‘s menu is designed to appeal to a wide range of palates. From traditional Indian snacks like Paneer Pakoda and Choley Bhature to South Indian specialties such as Masala Dosa and Idli Sambar, the variety ensures that every guest can find something to enjoy. Additionally, the menu includes a selection of beverages, both hot and cold, with prices ranging from INR 40 to INR 160, providing options for every budget.

Devrana’s new outlet is strategically located to serve the residents of Shastri Nagar and the surrounding areas. The choice of location opposite PVS Mall ensures easy accessibility and visibility, making it a convenient dining option for shoppers and local residents alike.

The introduction of the express model in Shastri Nagar is expected to enhance Devrana’s presence in Meerut, offering a blend of traditional flavours and modern convenience. This expansion is a testament to Devrana’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the needs of its customers while maintaining the essence of its culinary heritage.

Attila Mermer Joins LatentView Analytics as Director in the EMEA Region

Chennai, 18th September 2024, LatentView Analytics, a global digital analytics consulting and solutions firm, today announced that Attila Mermer has joined the company as a Director in the EMEA region. Attila will focus on boosting LatentView’s visibility in the Automotive, Financial Services, and CPG sectors in EMEA, especially the DACH region.

A strong business leader with cross-industry experience, Attila is a seasoned sales and marketing executive with over 25 years of experience in commercial roles across the DACH and EMEA markets. His expertise spans ad tech, AI data analytics, media marketing, and publishing. In his previous roles, Attila has held leadership positions in VidMob, Emoteev, Bloomberg LP and The Economist Group, among others.

“Attila’s extensive experience and international network will be instrumental in advancing our data analytics solutions in key sectors like Automotive, Financial Services and Consumer Goods in the DACH region,” said Rajan Sethuraman, CEO of LatentView Analytics. “His proven success in digital transformation aligns with our goal of helping clients achieve business impact through data analytics.”

When asked about his new role, Attila said, “In the DACH region, data and analytics—particularly in the realm of Generative AI—are becoming increasingly relevant. The demand for advanced data analytical solutions is very high, and success in the field is marked by one’s ability to adapt and capitalise on emerging trends. In my new role, I intend to strengthen the LatentView brand in this region, while helping our clients derive value from their AI and analytics journey.”

Mary Jo K Cult Makeup Takes Digital Leap with Sleek New Website

New Delhi, 18th September 2024: In response to the growing demand for its innovative and trendsetting beauty products, Mary Jo K Cult Makeup announces the launch of its new website, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s mission to make high-performance, affordable makeup accessible to women across India. This launch represents a pivotal step forward, allowing the brand to reach an even broader audience and provide every Indian woman with the tools to create iconic looks with ease.

Mary Jo K Cult Makeup, a leading Indian cosmetics brand renowned for its high-performance, effortless, and pocket-friendly beauty products, today announced the launch of its official website. This move aims to create a pan-India presence as the demand for the brand’s products has been steadily increasing, allowing the brand to reach an even broader audience and provide every Indian woman with the tools to create iconic looks with ease.

For over a decade, Mary Jo K Cult Makeup has built a reputation for delivering effortless and pocket-friendly beauty products that resonate with makeup enthusiasts nationwide. The new online platform is set to further reinforce this reputation, offering a seamless shopping experience and an extensive range of products designed to cater to diverse beauty needs.

In a strategic move to better serve its customers, Mary Jo K Cult Makeup has organized its extensive product line into three distinct sub-brands, Way2Slay, Rizz&Roll, and Pro Studio. Way2Slay offers basic makeup products tailored for everyday users, providing affordable and easy-to-use items that enable stylish, on-the-go looks. Rizz&Roll, on the other hand, caters to those who love to make bold statements, with products designed to create high-impact, smudge-proof, and crease-resistant looks. Lastly, Pro Studio is a professional-grade collection that ensures flawless finishes under the spotlight, making it the go-to choice for makeup artists working with celebrities, models, and performers.

The brand’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence is evident in its meticulous approach to product development. Mary Jo K Cult Makeup’s range is crafted to cater to the diverse needs of various skin tones, ensuring a perfect match and a flawless finish for all. “This dedication to quality and inclusivity is at the heart of the brand’s philosophy”, as emphasized by Co-founder Devji Hathiyani, who stated, “We launched the website because we wanted to create a Pan-India presence as the demand for our products was increasing. With this website launch, every Indian woman will have access to trendsetting and iconic looks.”

“Our brand philosophy, ‘Face it, Ace it,’ is all about empowering women to feel confident and ready to take on any challenge. This belief is at the core of everything we do, guiding how we create our products and how we operate as a brand,” added Pravin Bera, Co-founder.

The Indian cosmetics market is experiencing rapid growth, valued at USD 8.1 billion in 2023 and projected to reach USD 18.4 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 3.2%. This surge is driven by an increasingly affluent middle class, which is allocating more resources to personal grooming and beauty products. Recognizing this trend, Mary Jo K Cult Makeup is well-positioned to meet the rising demand for high-quality cosmetics. Co-founder Dinesh Ravariya highlighted the brand’s mission, stating, “Our mission has always been to celebrate individuality and empower women to express their unique style boldly. The new website will serve as a platform for women across India to explore, experiment, and embrace their inner diva.”

Founded by Devji Hathiyani, Pravin Bera, Dinesh Ravariya, Mary Jo K Cult Makeup has always been driven by a vision to create high-end makeup products that defy conventions and deliver uncompromising quality. Over the years, the brand has set new benchmarks for creativity, inclusivity, and excellence, empowering makeup enthusiasts to embrace their individuality with confidence. The launch of the new website marks the continuation of this journey, offering customers a comprehensive platform to discover, shop, and enjoy the full range of Mary Jo K Cult Makeup products.

Sightsavers India and Authors of Scaling Small Businesses Unite for Social Impact

New Delhi, India, 18th September, 2024 – Sightsavers India is excited to announce a unique collaboration with authors Mr Aditya Gupta and Mrs Himani Chandorkar, aimed at enabling livelihood opportunities and economic empowerment for individuals with disabilities, especially women. Through this campaign, supporters will receive copies of their latest book, Scaling Small Businesses, as a token of appreciation for joining us in this transformative mission.

Two key objectives drive the campaign:

Empowering Small Enterprises: The book is an anthology of simple and actionable ideas designed to solve common business challenges that often hinder growth. Drawing on decades of experience, Mr Gupta and Mrs Chandorkar have crafted a guide that can help small enterprises thrive and expand, benefiting thousands of entrepreneurs across the country. The knowledge shared in this book has the potential to create a ripple effect, amplifying opportunities for small businesses far and wide.

Promoting Economic Empowerment: What makes this campaign truly special is its dual focus on knowledge-sharing and social responsibility. All net proceeds from the book will be used to support Sightsavers India’s Social Inclusion programme, which aims to enable persons with disabilities, particularly women, to achieve economic independence. By participating in this campaign, supporters are not only investing in their own personal and professional growth but also contributing to a larger movement that promotes inclusion and empowerment.

RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, “This collaboration is a perfect blend of knowledge and purpose, offering a unique opportunity to support economic empowerment for persons with disabilities, especially women. Through the book, Scaling Small Businesses, Mr Aditya Gupta and Mrs Himani Chandorkar share business insights from their decades of experience while creating livelihood opportunities and driving positive change. We are grateful for their partnership and for the collective impact we can make together in promoting inclusion and ensuring equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, including those with visual impairments, to reach their full potential.”

Aditya Gupta, Founder—The Rug Republic and Author said, “This book shares management ideas that have been thoughtfully crafted and successfully implemented at Sharda Exports and The Rug Republic over the years. From our inception in 1991 to now, these real-life ideas have evolved internally and have proven to be effective in driving growth. By contributing to Sightsavers India’s initiative through this book, we aim to extend these benefits to others while also supporting a cause that is close to our hearts—empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve economic independence.”

Himani Chandorkar—Etude 360, Acumen 360 and Author said, “In my 17 years of HR consulting experience with over 200 clients, I’ve seen firsthand that the real challenge lies not in initiating ideas but in consistently implementing them. Simplicity, follow-up, incentives, leadership, and work-life balance are crucial to success. Through this book, we hope to inspire practical change in small businesses while also contributing to Sightsavers India’s mission of economic empowerment for persons with disabilities. The multiplier effect of this progress will be our most meaningful reward, knowing that it helps create livelihood opportunities.”

Euro Panel Products Invests INR 30 Crore in India’s Advanced Coil Coating Line to Boost Make-in-India Initiative

India, 18 September, 2024: Euro Panel Products Ltd, which owns EUROBOND – one of the leading Aluminium Composite Panel Brands in India, today integrated India’s most advanced coating line in an INR 30 Crore investment. The development aims to strengthen the Make-in-India initiative, with a significant capacity of 750 tons monthly. This cutting-edge coating line is also the country’s longest line and features a three-coat two-bake continuous processing with an accumulator, helping Euro Panel Products Ltd to mitigate dependency on Chinese materials and manufacture 100% Make-in-India products.

The INR 30 Crore investment by Euro Panel Products Ltd includes costs associated with machinery and land; It will also generate 50 immediate jobs, with another 25 in the next 6 months, contributing to local employment and economic growth. This development is aimed at enhancing the supportive ecosystem behind ACP manufacturing and will have a positive impact on the balance sheets for the upcoming fiscal years. This strategic initiative will help EUROBOND to decouple from Chinese supply chain dependencies, where coated coils were imported from China. Going forward, the company will source coils from prominent Indian manufacturers to finish the coating in-house using Indian paint, reducing the time from 2 months to 1-2 weeks — a critical step in ensuring faster service and better quality for customers.

Mr. Rajesh Shah, Managing Director of Euro Panel Products Ltd. shared his insights on the development saying, “Our focus is to facilitate a customer-oriented approach through premium quality and customisable products that contribute to the national economy. We plan to drive this strategy by adopting a comprehensive transition away from Chinese materials and strengthening the Make-in-India initiative. The impact of this development is not only limited to raising efficiency and generating new employment opportunities but also significantly reducing delivery time by over 75%, while maintaining significantly lowered RM holding in our inventories. Integrating this next-gen technology will enable our customers to choose from an infinite range of customization aspects, directly contributing to growth and scalability in future.”

Integrating the coating-line technology will also lead to Euro Panel Products Ltd undertaking in-house R&D efforts that will focus on designs and texture. This will enable the company to offer exclusive and customised designs equipped with specialised coatings and extended warranties on special requirements to its extensive clientele. The firm will focus on sourcing only base coils, to be coated based on requirements and demand. This will enable them to reduce RM inventory, as the requirement of holding coated coils of different colours and grades in stock will be diminished.

This strategic development is far from limited to enhancing employment and efficiency but reducing man-hours, optimising resource utilisation and flexibility in customisation. Furthermore, it will help the company to open up a brand new business avenue of providing coated coils, passively contributing to increased turnover.

GoDaddy’s AI-Powered Digital Marketing Tools Fuel Small Business Growth

India, 18 September 2024 – Entrepreneurs today understand the importance of marketing to stay competitive, build their brand and attract customers. According to a recent survey study from GoDaddy, 48% Indian small business owners believe that marketing their business online was the biggest challenge when they first started their business, and 65% think they would most benefit from artificial intelligence in the areas of marketing.

To remove these barriers and help businesses get found online, GoDaddy recently launched Digital Marketing. Digital Marketing is an all-in-one product designed to manage marketing efforts and increase the accessibility of tools like SEO, social media and email marketing, with the added benefit of a unified inbox to streamline the management of customer messages. Regardless of where their website is hosted, customers can easily integrate these tools into new and existing websites.

Nearly 88% of Indian small business owners express confidence in navigating and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for business growth. Now, anyone can quickly create customized, AI-powered branded content that is relevant to their industry and their target audience, in real time.

Digital Marketing leverages the intuitive features of GoDaddy Studio to grant entrepreneurs’ access to email marketing campaigns and branded images and videos. Social media is another important tool for small businesses to acquire and engage their customers, create custom AI-generated content, and schedule social media posts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, and Google. This together streamlines the process to help them grow.

Entrepreneurs have the power to upgrade their Digital Marketing plan to unlock even more GenAI tools such as Digital Ads from Yelp to promote their business, and the Marketing Calendar. The calendar is an innovative feature that details hundreds of upcoming events and holidays – even making tailored social post suggestions you can schedule ahead of time – to ensure marketing content remains relevant and timely.

Apurva Palnitkar, Senior Director Marketing, GoDaddy India said, “At GoDaddy, we understand the challenges faced by small business owners, especially when it comes to effectively marketing their businesses online. Our new AI-powered Digital Marketing suite is designed to democratize access to sophisticated marketing tools, making it easier than ever for entrepreneurs to leverage the power of AI to reach their target audience, grow their customer base, and achieve their business goals.”

National Cinema Day Returns With Movies For Just Rupees99 On September 20th

National, 18th September 2024: Mark your calendars for Friday, September 20th, as The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) and Cinemas all over India unite once again to bring you National Cinema Day. 

Building on the resounding success of the previous two editions, which saw a record number of over 6 million admissions, National Cinema Day this year will unfold across more than 4000 participating screens, including renowned cinemas like PVR INOX, CINEPOLIS, MIRAJ, CITYPRIDE, ASIAN, MUKTA A2, MOVIE TIME, WAVE, MOVIEMAX, M2K, DELITE, and many others.

This special occasion brings audiences of all ages together for a day of cinematic bliss, celebrating the incredible success of multiple films at the box office this year. It’s a heartfelt “thank you” to all the moviegoers who contributed to this success and an open invitation to those who haven’t yet returned to their local cinema.

National Cinema Day 2024 promises an exciting lineup of films for every movie lover. With a mix of blockbusters, anticipated sequels, and timeless classics, the day will showcase movies like Transformers One, Never Let Go, Yudhra, Stree 2, Tumbbad, Veer Zaara, Kahan Shuru Kahan Khatam, and The Buckingham Murders. Regional films like Navra Maza Navsacha – 2, Sucha Soorma and Ardaas Sarbat De Bhale Di add to the diverse offering. Whether you’re in the mood for action, romance, or drama, this year’s National Cinema Day has something for everyone to enjoy on the big screen!

Stay tuned for additional details around exciting offers or exclusions (if any), which will be revealed at the participating cinemas, on their websites, and via their social media channels. Be sure to follow #NationalCinemaDay for the latest announcements and updates.

Vignan Online to explore career potential in AI with an exclusive webinar

Guntur 18th September 2024: Vignan Online, the online learning arm of Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology & Research (Deemed-to-be-University), will hold a live webinar titled “AI’s Job Revolution” on Wednesday, 18th September, from 7 PM onwards. This event will be organized under Vignan Online Experience (VOX), the learner’s community space of Vignan Online.

The session will be led by Dipanjan Deb, Executive Director of Decision Science & Artificial Intelligence at Wells Fargo. With over two decades of experience, Mr. Deb will provide an in-depth understanding of AI’s transformation across sectors and the multitude of opportunities it continues to generate. He will also cover AI’s impact on industries and highlight key skills that professionals need to excel in this dynamic field.

Srikant Nandigam, CEO of Vignan Online said, “The upcoming webinar aims to illuminate AI’s ongoing evolution and the vast opportunities it will bring in. We believe the insights shared by Mr. Dipanjan Deb will provide valuable knowledge and practical understanding for learners and professionals in the AI space.”