Author: Rabindra

Birla Estate Subsidiary Acquires Rs.537 Crore Worth Land Parcel in Mumbai MMR: Square Yards

Mumbai, 13th September 2024: Birla Estates, the real estate venture of the Aditya Birla Group has made a notable acquisition of a land parcel in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), valued at Rs. 537.42 crore, according to Square Yards. The strategically located plot is in Kalwa, along the Thane-Belapur Road, an area experiencing rapid growth due to its proximity to key hubs and improving infrastructure.

Kalwa has emerged as an attractive residential destination, benefitting from its close connection to Thane, one of India’s most active real estate markets, and Navi Mumbai, a growing employment hub. These factors make it particularly appealing to working professionals seeking convenient housing options.

Anand Moorthy, Co-founder and CBO, Capital Market & Services, Square Yards said, “We are witnessing leading developers strategically positioning themselves across key markets, acquiring significant land parcels. This aligns with the growing demand for office spaces as well as residential apartments in gated communities as homebuyer preference have shifted towards projects that offer a range of amenities and open spaces. These high-value deals in the market clearly signal profitable opportunities for developers in both residential and commercial sectors. Additionally, global firms and tech-giants are increasingly expanding their presence in India. The digitization of land records and enhanced transparency have played a key role in boosting stakeholder confidence in the Indian real estate sector.”

The registration document, reviewed by Square Yards, indicates that Ekamaya Property Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Birla Estates Private Limited, acquired the 99,021.47 square meter (~24.5 acres) land parcel. The transaction, finalized in September 2024, involved the purchase from Hindalco Industries Limited.

Birla Estates has a strong geographical footprint, with residential and commercial developments across Mumbai MMR, Pune, Bengaluru, and Delhi NCR. As per Square Yards data insights Birla Estates, ranked third in the Mumbai MMR amongst developers with the highest registered home sales values during the April-June quarter of 2024.

Zuno General Insurance Appoints Jackson Jacob as Chief Distribution Officer

New Delhi, 13th September 2024: Zuno General Insurance Ltd, a new-age digital insurer, has appointed Mr. Jackson Jacob as Chief Distribution Officer, effective September 6, 2024.

With over 21 years of experience in the insurance sector, Mr. Jacob is a seasoned professional known for his expertise in Profit Centre Management, Sales, and Distribution. He’s navigated every channel in the book, be it Bancassurance, Broking, Agency, Motor Dealer, Commercial Lines, Travel or Direct Marketing. His most recent role was as Executive Vice President and National Head at Bajaj Allianz General Insurance catering to the retail broking segment. Prior to that he successfully transformed the distribution division into a leading distribution arm through new product launches, and strategic partnerships. His expertise in aligning distribution strategies with business goals has been instrumental in driving Bajaj Allianz General Insurance’s massive revenue growth, setting up successful partnerships, and significantly boosting team productivity.

Throughout his career, Mr. Jacob has successfully crafted success stories with diverse partners across geographies, from small towns to major cities pan India. His deep understanding of these markets will be crucial in expanding Zuno’s reach and enhancing the company’s mission to provide accessible, customer-friendly, and transparent insurance solutions.

Commenting on the appointment, Ms. Shanai Ghosh, MD & CEO of Zuno General Insurance, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Jackson to our team. His extensive experience in insurance distribution and market engagement will be instrumental to drive the Zuno outreach, in our pursuit of making insurance easy, friendly, and transparent for all.”

Ms. Ghosh further remarked, “Jackson’s unique combination of experience, vision, and passion aligns perfectly with our commitment to growth and innovation in the ever-evolving insurance sector.”

A strong advocate for integrating advanced technology into distribution channels, Mr Jacob believes that innovation is key to maintaining a competitive edge in today’s dynamic landscape.

“I am excited to join Zuno General Insurance as Chief Distribution Officer. With its commitment to redefining the insurance experience through innovation and customer-centric solutions, Zuno presents a dynamic platform for growth. My goal is to leverage my extensive experience in distribution and market engagement to drive strategic expansion and enhance our reach. Together, we will continue to make insurance more accessible, transparent, and tailored to our customers’ needs, embracing technology as a vital component of our success.” Mr. Jackson Jacob, Chief Distribution Officer, Zuno General Insurance, said.

Outside of his professional endeavours, Mr. Jacob is a meditation practitioner, runner, and fitness enthusiast. He also enjoys cooking dishes from eastern and southern India and is a passionate biker and Royal Enfield aficionado.

Rashmika Mandanna Shares Her Secrets to Achieving a Festive Glow This Onam

Onam, the grand harvest festival of Kerala, is a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence. As traditions come alive during this vibrant season, every aspect of life is enriched—from the delicious Onam Sadhya to the vibrant Pookalam adorning your home. This Onam, treat yourself to an indulgent bathing ritual that not only refreshes your spirit but also leaves your skin glowing with radiance.

ITC Fiama brand ambassador Rashmika Mandanna says, “The festive season is the most favourite time of the year because I get to unwind from my busy life. My ultimate secret weapon to shine during the festivities must be Sandalwood! The goodness of its natural moisturising properties act as a doorway to flawless and glowing skin. ITC Fiama Golden Sandalwood Oil and Patchouli Shower Gel unique combination of sandalwood oil and patchouli helps me relax my senses and feel rejuvenated”.

Here’s how you can also pamper yourself and embrace the festive season with a luminous glow.

1. Set the Mood with Aromatic Bliss

Begin your bathing ritual by setting a serene and calming atmosphere. Light a few aromatic candles or incense sticks infused with floral and earthy fragrances. These soothing scents will envelop you in a peaceful embrace, capturing the essence of the festival. It’s the perfect way to relax and immerse yourself in the festive spirit.

2. Choose a Revitalizing Shower Gel

Elevate your bathing routine with a refreshing shower gel that energizes your senses. Opt for something infused with natural ingredients like Fiama Golden Sandalwood & Patchouli Body Wash Shower Gel, known for its calming and skin-conditioning properties. Sandalwood, often associated with traditional festivals, carries a sacred and aromatic essence that enhances the festive spirit. This soothing ingredient helps calm your mind while invigorating your senses, while patchouli adds an earthy richness to your bathing experience.

3. Finish with a Fragrance Mist

Complete your indulgent bathing ritual by spritzing a light fragrance mist. A citrusy fragrance can be the perfect finishing touch, keeping you fresh and fragrant throughout the day. Alternatively, the warm and comforting notes of sandalwood can provide a traditional scent that lingers beautifully.

Onam is a time for joy, celebration, and renewal. Amidst all the excitement, taking a moment for yourself can enhance your festive spirit. By indulging in a bathing routine, you not only prepare for the celebrations but also honour the tradition of looking and feeling your best during this auspicious time.

D2H Celebrates Onam with a Heartwarming Film Campaign by LS Digital and Special Festive Offers for Customers

India, September 13th, 2024: D2H, a leading DTH brand of Dish TV India Ltd. is marking the Onam festival with a dual celebration. The festivities include a compelling film, developed in partnership with LS Digital, which beautifully showcases the rich traditions and communal spirit of Onam. Complementing the film, D2H is also offering exclusive promotions that enhance value and entertainment, ensuring a festive and memorable experience for all customers.

India’s leading integrated Digital Business Transformation (DBT) company, partnered with D2H, a leading DTH brand of Dish TV India Ltd., to develop a heartwarming film to mark the Onam festival with a dual celebration. The festivities include a compelling film, crafted in collaboration with LS Digital, which beautifully showcases the rich traditions and communal spirit of Onam. Complementing the film, D2H is also offering exclusive promotions that enhance value and entertainment, ensuring a festive and memorable experience for all customers.

Titled ‘Onam: A Celebration of Togetherness,’ D2H has introduced a poignant film campaign in collaboration with LS Digital. This campaign masterfully blends traditional Onam customs with a modern narrative, capturing the festival’s essence through a contemporary lens. The film takes viewers on a nostalgic journey, celebrating the vibrant Pookalam (flower carpet) and the elaborate Thiruvonam feast while highlighting the significance of maintaining cultural connections in a rapidly changing world.

To add a special touch to the Onam festivities, D2H is rolling out enticing offers for both new and existing customers. New customers can take advantage of two special offers: the first offer is available with all modern retail chain outlets priced at ₹1,999, includes ₹5,000 cashback—₹2,000 as instant cashback plus 33% cash back on every subsequent recharges—and comes with a robust 5-year warranty (1 year comprehensive and 4 years on the set-top box) plus access to 6 OTT platforms (5 constant and 1 as per choice), available at select stores like Lulu Connect, Nandilath G-Mart, Pittapilly Agencies, KannanKandy, White Mart, Easy store, among others. The second Offer priced at ₹2,500, offers similar cashback benefits plus access to 6 OTT platforms (5 constant and 1 as per choice) and also includes a 3-year warranty. For existing customers, any customer having ₹200 or more pack unlocks access to 6 OTT platforms (5 constant and 1 as per choice) without any extra cost, making it a perfect time to upgrade and enjoy enhanced entertainment options.

Sukhpreet Singh, Corporate Head – Marketing, Dish TV and Watcho, Dish TV India Ltd, said, “At D2H and Dish TV, we consider our customers part of our extended family, celebrating their joys and milestones together. Onam is more than just a festival; it honors our cultural heritage, the values of kindness, and the spirit of community. Through this campaign, we aim to reconnect with these timeless traditions, especially during times when we may feel distanced from our roots. We are also excited to offer exclusive deals that provide exceptional value and enhance our customers’ entertainment experiences, underscoring our commitment to delivering the best in entertainment and being a cherished part of their lives.”

The film, which is now available on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram has resonated deeply with audiences, garnering significant attention and sparking meaningful conversations on social media about the value of preserving heritage. The authenticity and emotional depth of the film have been praised for their ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and pride, making it a compelling tribute to the spirit of Onam.

Manesh Swamy, MD and CCO of LS Digital shared his insights into making the film, “It was an exciting opportunity to create something that felt authentic yet relatable to the youth as well. Onam is like this big cultural melting pot of stunning visuals like the iconic boat races, quiet moments of reflection by the Pookkalam (flower rangoli), the laughter at the Onam Sadya feast, the vibe of the Pulikali Performances and festivities. We wanted to show the homecoming of Mahabali in a New Vibe, New Beat. Hence, we got a mix of traditional Kerala Musicians and Rappers to come up with this unique piece of Sound to sing along”.

With this campaign, D2H aims to celebrate Onam and strengthen cultural connections, reminding audiences of the values that bind us together during festive times. With these special offers and the heartfelt film campaign, D2H invites everyone to embrace the spirit of Onam, celebrate their cultural heritage, and enjoy an enriched entertainment experience during this festive season.

Techno India Group and Manchester City Usher in a New Era with the Launch of an Exclusive Manchester City Football School in Kolkata

Kolkata, 12th September 2024: Techno India Group officially partnered with City Football Group to launch the first-ever Manchester City Football School in West Bengal, marking a new era in Indian football development. The school, which began its pre-registration in September, aims to nurture young talent from across the country by offering players a unique blend of world-class football coaching and a strong sports foundation.

The football school will cater to athletes aged three to seventeen, providing them with top-tier training led by full-time Manchester City coaches who have been handpicked by City Football Group. These coaches will implement Manchester City’s renowned training methodology, tailored to each player’s skill level and designed to elevate young athletes to international standards.

Alongside the football training, the school will provide a select group of exceptional students with a unique opportunity to train at Manchester City’s UK facilities. They will be invited to immerse themselves in the club’s renowned training environment and gain exposure to top-tier international football facilities.

Furthermore, all enrolled students will receive a detailed performance report and personalised improvement plan during the program, crafted directly by Manchester City Football School in the UK. These reports will be sent to Kolkata to be distributed to the students, offering valuable insight and tailored recommendations to accelerate their skill development and enhance their understanding of the game at a professional level.

The opening of this football school is expected to set a new benchmark for sports education in India, broadening the opportunities for aspiring footballers. The school, with an initial capacity of 150 students, underscores Techno India Group’s dedication to fostering holistic development through distinguished sports training.

Debdut Roychowdhury, Director of Techno India Group, emphasised the significance of this partnership, “It is with immense pride, excitement and joy that we announce our partnership with the Manchester City Football School. By combining their world-class expertise in football training with Kolkata’s proud football heritage, this collaboration reflects our vision and deep commitment to nurturing the champions of tomorrow.”

“We are delighted to be opening our first Manchester City Football School in Kolkata with Techno India Group, who are a leading education provider to children and young adults throughout West Bengal. We are looking forward to creating a first-class educational experience, through the presence of fully trained, full time Manchester City Coaches, based on the same approach and methodology that we use in our programs in Manchester, tailored to the level of each player,” said Jorgina Busquets, Managing Director – Football Education, Recreation and Partner Clubs for City Football Group.

Neha Rawat Joins Pride Elite Haridwar as General Manager

Neha Rawat has been appointed as the new General Manager of Pride Elite Haridwar, marking her third tenure with Pride Hotel Group. The announcement reflects Neha’s longstanding association with the group and her vast expertise in hospitality management.

With over 15 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Neha’s brings a proven track record in managing front office operations, strategic planning, team leadership, and customer relations. Her previous roles include leading operations at Modi Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh and Pride Hotel & Resort in Rishikesh, where she was part of the pre-opening team.

Neha’s educational background includes a graduation from Kumaon University and a diploma in Aviation & Hospitality Management from Frankfinn Institute. She is currently pursuing her MBA from William Carey University. Her strong qualifications in sales, marketing, budget analysis, and organizational management are expected to bring a fresh perspective to Pride Elite Haridwar.

In her new role, Neha’s will oversee the overall operations of the hotel, ensuring compliance with the brand’s standards while driving guest satisfaction, profitability, and market growth. Her leadership is anticipated to strengthen Pride Elite’s position as a leading hospitality provider in the region.

“We are delighted to welcome Neha back to the Pride family,” said Mohammad Shoeb AVP-North India for Pride Hotel Group. “Her extensive experience and commitment to operational excellence will be instrumental in enhancing the guest experience and furthering the success of Pride Elite Haridwar.”

Neha’s appointment aligns with Pride Hotel Group‘s mission to deliver superior guest experiences through exceptional leadership and innovative strategies. With her at the helm, the property is set to achieve new milestones in service and operational performance.

Statement from Mr Shailesh Chandra, President, SIAM

Mumbai, 12th September 2024

Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) welcomes the Cabinet’s approval of schemes related to enhancing electric mobility in the country.

Mr Shailesh Chandra, President, SIAM and Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd & Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. said “PM e-DRIVE scheme of Rs 10,900 Crores, which includes Two-Wheelers, Three-Wheelers, Ambulances, Trucks & E-Buses and PM-eBus Sewa Payment Security Mechanism of Rs 3,435 Crores is a progressive step that underscores the firm commitment towards promoting sustainable mobility. It will undoubtedly help accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the country, making clean and green transportation more accessible to all.

This forward-thinking initiative reflects the Government’s unwavering support for India’s transition to electric mobility, fostering innovation and investment within the sector. We believe this scheme will not only enhance the growth of the EV ecosystem but also strengthen India’s leadership in the global movement towards environmental sustainability.

The automotive industry stands ready to continue working collaboratively with the Government to ensure advancements in EV technology and infrastructure, aligning our efforts with the nation’s ambitious goals for a cleaner, greener future.”

Acer Unveils Aspire 7, Power-Packed Laptop for Gaming and Productivity

Mumbai, 12th September 2024: Acer, one of the leading brands in the PC industry, has unveiled today the Aspire 7 gaming laptop, engineered to deliver unmatched performance and cutting-edge features for gamers and professionals. Equipped with the latest 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 processor, Windows 11, featuring NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX™ 2050 and NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX™ 3050 graphics, the Aspire 7 ensures lightning-fast speed, seamless responsiveness, and breathtaking visuals. Designed to elevate the gaming experience, this powerhouse laptop strikes the ideal balance between performance, precision, and portability, making it a perfect choice for casual and professional users.

Built for high performance across various tasks, the Aspire 7 is ideal for gamers, content creators, and professionals requiring robust computing capabilities. The Intel® Core™ i5 processor delivers fast, efficient performance for resource-heavy gaming and multitasking workloads. With 4GB of GDDR6 VRAM on the NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX™ 2050 and 6GB on the NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX™ 3050, the laptop provides smooth frame rates, enhanced visual effects, and superior graphics rendering. The 15.6-inch Full HD display, with a 144Hz refresh rate, ensures fluid visuals and minimizes motion blur, while the WVA LCD panel provides vibrant colors and wide viewing angles. With 512 GB SSD storage and 16 GB DDR4 RAM, the Aspire 7 is designed for speed and seamless responsiveness. Equipped with High-Definition Audio, dual stereo speakers, and dual microphones, it delivers an immersive sound experience, making it the perfect all-in-one solution for gamers and professionals.

Weighing just 1.99 kg, the Aspire 7 is built for portability, making it the perfect companion for gamers who need power. Its sleek design is complemented by practical features such as a multi-color illuminated full-size keyboard with a numeric pad, ensuring comfort in low-light environments. The laptop offers extensive connectivity options, including USB 3.2 Type-C and Type-A ports, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, and an RJ-45 port, providing flexibility with various peripherals and accessories. Additionally, Intel® Wireless Wi-Fi 6 ensures faster and more reliable internet connectivity, whether gaming online or working remotely.

Cloudera Unveils New Suite of Accelerators for Machine Learning Projects

India – September 12, 2024 – Cloudera, the only true hybrid platform for data, analytics and AI, today announced six new Accelerators for ML Projects (AMPs), designed to reduce time-to-value for enterprise AI use cases. The new additions focus on providing enterprises with cutting-edge AI techniques and examples within Cloudera that can assist AI integration and drive more impactful results.

AMPs are end-to-end machine learning (ML) based projects that can be deployed with a single-click directly from the Cloudera platform. Each AMP encapsulates industry-leading practices for tackling complex ML challenges with workflows that facilitate seamless transitions, no matter where enterprises are running examples or deploying data.

With its collection of AMPs, Cloudera is committed to making AI more accessible so businesses can accelerate adoption and maximize the value of both their own data and the generated AI outputs. The latest AMPs and updates include:

Fine-Tuning Studio – Provides users with an all-encompassing application and “ecosystem” for managing, fine tuning, and evaluating LLMs.

 RAG with Knowledge Graph – A demonstration of how to power a RAG (retrieval augmented generation) application with a knowledge graph to capture relationships and context not easily accessible by vector stores alone.

 PromptBrew – Offers AI-powered assistance to create high-performing and reliable prompts via a simple user interface.
Document Analysis with Cohere CommandR and FAISS – Showcases RAG using CommandR as the LLM and FAISS as the vector store.

 Chat with Your Documents – Building upon the previous LLM Chatbot Augmented with Enterprise Data AMP, this accelerator enhances the responses of the LLM using context from an internal knowledge base created from the documents uploaded by the user.

In addition to accelerating AI projects, Cloudera AMPs are fully open source and include deployment instructions for any environment, serving as further testament of Cloudera’s commitment to the open source community.

“While almost every business is experimenting with Generative AI, the technology is still so new that there are very few best practices for enterprises,” said The Futurum Group’s Chief Technology Advisor, Steven Dickens. “As a result, it’s common practice for data scientists and AI engineers to build on existing examples when starting new AI projects. However, there are many drawbacks with this approach, including added security and legal risks. AMPs remove this ambiguity by providing fully built, end-to-end solutions that give data scientists a ready-to-go MVP for various AI use cases that are proven to be effective and able to quickly drive value.”

“In today’s environment, enterprises are constrained with time and resources to get AI projects off the ground,,” said Dipto Chakravarty, Chief Product Officer at Cloudera. “Our AMPs are catalysts to fast-track AI projects from concept to reality with pre-built solutions and working examples, ensuring that use cases are dependable and cost effective, while reducing development time. This enables enterprises to swiftly experience the productivity gains and efficiencies that come from AI initiatives.”

JITO Incubation Centre (JIC) successfully launches Cohort 10

India, 12th September 2024 – JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation (JIIF), the only community-based angel network, announces the launch of JITO Incubation Centre (JIC) Cohort 10 Incubation Program with the mission to foster innovation and support early-stage startups. Building on the success of Cohorts 8 and 9, which included path-breaking ventures across various sectors, JIIF continues to drive innovation with this latest initiative.

With the launch of Cohort 10, featuring startups from diverse sectors and regions across India, JIIF continues to champion the future of innovation, tackling real-world challenges with cutting-edge solutions. This recently successfully concluded Cohort 10 Bootcamp, held from August 1st to August 3rd, 2024, marked another milestone in JIIF’s goal to support emerging entrepreneurs. This entirely online bootcamp offered a comprehensive learning environment with interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, engaging over 100 participants. From this competitive pool, nine standout startups were selected to join the JIC Cohort 10.

The selected startups for Cohort 10 included – Meri Bhakti, a digital platform enhancing spiritual journeys with innovative worship tools; Kwei, which integrates live streaming and chat into applications; Oatizens, a brand revolutionizing oats-based products beyond breakfast; ChemcAl, leveraging AI for data-driven solutions in the chemical industry; Teachspoon Edtech, improving higher education accessibility through animated resources; Nuava Sports, digitizing sports infrastructure in educational institutions; Claw Legaltech, India’s first SaaS platform for Generative AI products in the legal sector; Mono Space, transforming the wedding industry with WedTech solutions; and VrisaElectric, delivering sustainable and affordable electric vehicles.

Rajat Mehta, Chairman of JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation (JIIF), said, “The launch of Cohort 10 is a significant milestone in our journey of building innovation. We are excited to support these startups as they address pressing societal challenges, building on the success of Cohorts 8 and 9, that promoted entrepreneurial excellence in line with the ‘Make in India’ initiative. We believe Cohort 10 will enhance our reputation, expand our network, facilitate knowledge exchange, and drive ecosystem growth, ensuring continuous support for budding ventures.”

Cohort 10 startups will be a three-month incubation journey, benefiting from JIIF’s mentoring, co-working spaces, and strategic support. The 12-week program will offer extensive benefits, including business mentoring, marketing assistance, and access to national and international events, promoting collaboration and providing exposure to government grants and schemes.

Vikash Kawar, Vice-Chairman of JITO Incubation Centre (JIC), added, “With each new cohort, we reaffirm our commitment as a dedicated growth partner for startups. We’re proud to provide these startups with the resources and mentorship they need to scale and transform industries. Witnessing the potential of India’s entrepreneurs, we’re honored to contribute to PM Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat,’ and we believe our efforts will continue to attract investments and drive digital innovation in India.”

Cohort 8 highlighted women-led startups excelling in D2C and EdTech, while Cohort 9 showcased dynamic ventures across logistics, EdTech, and other sectors. JIC is now proud to be at the forefront of this movement, positioning itself as a “skin-in-the-game” growth partner for startups.

JIIF also opened applications for Cohort 11, with a deadline of September 30th, 2024. Since its inception in 2017, JIC has been transforming the startup scene by nurturing new-age founders and attracting numerous applicants to its impactful cohort-based programs.