Author: Rabindra

The Pallikoodam: Revolutionizing Performing Arts Education Online

The Pallikoodam, an innovative online platform dedicated to transforming the way we learn performing arts, is making waves in the EdTech and Art communities.

Founded by Kiran Sampath, Nara Visva, and Ranjith Govind, The Pallikoodam brings high-quality art education to learners around the globe, combining the rich traditions of Indian performing arts with cutting-edge technology. The Pallikoodam was born from its founders’ shared vision and passion for the arts and their belief in its power to transform lives.

Kiran Sampath, with extensive experience in learning and development, recognized the importance of E-learning, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nara Visva, a research graduate from UCL, London, an artist and health expert, brings a rich background in product development with international brands. His detail-oriented approach and belief that art, like any skill, can be learned through the right process greatly influence the platform’s offerings.

Ranjith Govind, a celebrated playback singer, indie artist and performer, brings his lifelong dedication to music, leading the vocal training course, PaatuClass.

Unique Selling Proposition (USP) –

The Pallikoodam sets itself apart with its unique approach to online performing arts education. All courses are taught by renowned artists who are strongly established in their respective industries, providing learners with the opportunity to learn from the best. The platform is 100% online, allowing learners from around the world to access top-tier performing arts education. Designed for modern, fast-paced lifestyles, The Pallikoodam offers a blend of live classes and video-based learning to optimize the learning process.

The courses on the platform cater to learners of all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced virtuosos. Each course is centered around the core principles of the art form, making them applicable to artists across all genres.

The Pallikoodam offers a variety of courses led by esteemed instructors.

PaatuClass Levels 1 and 2: Vocal training courses taught by Ranjith Govind, the voice behind some of the biggest hit songs in the Indian film industry.

ActingClass Levels 1 and 2: Taught by National Award-winning actor Lakshmipriyaa Chandramouli, known for her pivotal roles in South Indian cinema across the Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu film Industries.

NatyaClass Levels 1 and 2 (coming soon): Dance and movement fundamentals led by Vithya Arasu, one of the few artists in her industry to have graced Hollywood’s silver screens through her performance in the critically acclaimed film “Life of Pi.”

The platform hosts 8-week instructor-led courses with lessons, daily practices, assignments, live classes, and personalized feedback from the instructor. All this is facilitated through their cutting-edge Learning Management System and their upcoming mobile app.

ArtVizha: The Performance Space – Beyond education, The Pallikoodam’s performance vertical, ArtVizha, offers learners opportunities to showcase their skills and collaborate with others, fostering a vibrant art community.

Airtel Payments Bank Simplifies Digital Banking Experience with Enhanced Security and Transparency Features

New Delhi, 30 August 2024: Airtel Payments Bank is setting a new benchmark in digital banking by introducing two ground-breaking features in the banking section under the Airtel Thanks app: the Fraud Alarm and Transparent Banking. The two features are designed to elevate user experience by offering enhanced security and greater transparency in banking operations. The Bank showcased these solutions at the Global Fintech Fest 2024.

The Fraud Alarm, prominently positioned in the Safe Bank Section on the app, provides users with immediate assistance if they suspect fraudulent activity. With a single swipe, users can quickly report suspicious transactions, initiate service requests for them, and secure their accounts to prevent further transactions. This streamlined approach ensures rapid response and effective resolution, empowering users and the Bank to take swift action against potential fraud.

Complementing the security feature, the Transparent Banking section on the app is designed to redefine the banking experience by centralizing all essential information – including charges, terms & conditions, and customer data storage guidelines – in simplified language in one easily accessible and user-friendly section. It also details why various device permissions are necessary for the app, providing transparency regarding user privacy protection and ensuring that customers are informed about the data the app accesses. The Transparent Banking feature underscores the Bank’s commitment to offering simple, easy and honest banking with clarity in every transaction. With this clarity, users can manage their finances with greater confidence and control.

Anubrata Biswas, MD and CEO of Airtel Payments Bank said at the Global Fintech Fest 2024, “At Airtel Payments Bank, we are dedicated to delivering solutions that blend security, transparency, and user-focused innovation, empowering our customers to manage their finances with greater confidence. The launch of the Fraud Alarm and Transparent Banking on the banking section in the Airtel Thanks app highlights our commitment to making banking simpler, safer, and more rewarding.”

Airtel Payments Bank is the sixth largest player amongst mobile banking users, and it processes over 8 billion transactions annually across its platforms.

MONIN Cup 2024 concluded its National Finale in Hyderabad

National, 30th August 2024: MONIN, the leading syrup brand in India and a trusted partner for hospitality professionals all over the world, has concluded MONIN Cup 2024 National Finale recently in Hyderabad. The contest encouraged new, young bartenders aged 18-27 years from across the world to highlight their talent as mixologists by creating original serves using MONIN products.

Bartenders from India were invited to enter the real Indian Heat held across four regions in India from July 30th, 2024 to August 28th, 2024. Hemanshu Badola took the top spot, earning a paid trip to the MONIN Cup Grand Finale in Bourges, France this December, where they will represent India on the global stage followed by Yathish Kumar V who came second and Cheasong Yonzon Lama as third.

The theme of the 2024 MONIN Cup is ‘Low is More’, a brief for aspiring bartenders to take inspiration from the current low and no alcohol trend. Participants were encouraged to create flavorful cocktails using MONIN’s diverse portfolio, which includes syrups, fruit mixes, purees, crushes, sauces, and frappe powders. MONIN’s wide range of products give the bartenders a lot of freedom to experiment, innovate and curate exquisite drinks aligned with the current trends.

Finalists developed their skills by learning from the best, receiving critiques on presentation, technique, and flavor profile from industry experts. Germain Araud, Managing Director of Monin India Pvt Ltd, enthusiastically expressed, “The MONIN Cup competitions serve as an exceptional platform for budding bartenders across the country to showcase their remarkable talent on a global stage. Our aim has always been to provide a professional arena for them to flourish and acquire new skills. The opportunity to represent their homeland is indeed a significant achievement. Through events like the MONIN Cup, Monin India exhibits steadfast support for the bartending community, fostering skill development, recognition, and representation on an international scale. We are excited to see the national winner perform well at the Grand Finale in France “

Staying abreast of trends is crucial for hospitality venues to maintain relevance. This year’s theme presents young Indian bartenders with an ideal opportunity to refine their skills in crafting cocktails. With MONIN’s comprehensive product range, they can experiment with flavors, infuse unique twists and captivate our judges’ palates.

MONIN encourages prospective entrants from across the hospitality industry to join this celebration of the art of mixology. Competitions like MONIN Cup are key to ensuring a bright future for the drinks industry by bolstering the next generation of bartending talent, whom MONIN is always eager to support.

Know how Delhi-NCR’s Realty Market is Moving on an Upward Growth Trajectory

Delhi-NCR’s realty market has shown steady growth in the second quarter of 2024, with a 30% increase in average housing prices, according to a report by CREDAI- Colliers and Liases Foras. Driven by homebuyers’ positive sentiments and recent trends, the market is moving on an upward growth trajectory. With an increase in price from Rs. 8,652 per sq. ft to Rs. 11,279 sq. ft., Delhi-NCR’s growth graph looks promising.

Navigated by buyers’ evolving lifestyle needs and demand for more spacious homes, the sector has increased demand for bigger homes in the luxury and ultra-luxury segments, with the average price for 3-4 BHK configurations growing by 12% QoQ. This growth impacts the various micro-markets within the region, such as Dwarka Expressway and Greater Noida, which have shown price appreciation at 35% and 45%, respectively.

Another report by Cushman and Wakefield showed that Gurugram is leading this quarterly supply surge, accounting for 69%, with areas such as Sector 37 D and Sector 77 near the Dwarka Expressway driving the lead. Other micro-markets, like the Golf Course Extension Road and Southern Peripheral Road, accounted for 53% of the market share, with new launches focused on the high-end and luxury segment. Besides, the submarkets of Noida, with a great focus on Noida Sector 150, Greater Noida West, and Siddharth Vihar, had 45% of quarterly supply.

Moreover, capital values are expected to appreciate in the coming quarters, with anticipated launches in these premium sub-markets of both Gurugram and Noida. A similar trend was also observed in the rental market during the second quarter. A marginal growth of 1-2% on a q-o-q basis and an annual growth of 4-5 % was observed, with Gurugram and Noida as the front runners with a yearly increase of 12-24%.

Backed by the healthy demand and the presence of renowned developers, Delhi-NCR is likely to sustain a decent residential supply ahead of time as well. Prateek Group is one of the notable developers based out of Noida and they have been crafting the finest projects. Projects like Prateek Canary in Noida Sector 150 and Prateek Grand City in Siddharth Vihar are catering to the growing demand. Prateek Grand City is the only developed township in the Ghaziabad region and is likely to see new developments very soon.

Various factors are contributing to the sustained growth momentum of the residential market in Delhi-NCR. Gurugram and Noida, along with their micro-markets, are likely to be front runners in the growth graph of the residential segment across metros. Infrastructure developments, strong economic growth, and a rising demand for a premium lifestyle among buyers bode well for the sector’s growth momentum.

Lic of India Hands Over Dividend Cheque to Goi

Shri Siddhartha Mohanty, CEO & MD, LIC of India, today presented the Dividend cheque of Rs.3662.17 Crores to Honourable Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, as the Government of India’s share of Dividend, approved by the Shareholders in the Annual General Meeting held on 22.08.2024.

Dr. M P Tangirala, Additional Secretary, GOI, Ministry of Finance, Dept of Financial Services was present along with Officials from Life Insurance Corporation of India, Shri M Jagannath ,MD, Shri Tablesh Pandey, MD, Shri Sat Pal Bhanoo, MD, Shri R Doraiswamy, MD and Shri J.P.S.Bajaj ,ZM(I/C),Northern Zone.

LIC also paid Interim Dividend of Rs. 2441.45 Crores on 1st March 2024, thus totaling to Rs. 6103.62 Crores paid as dividend to Government of India for the year 2023-24.

LIC is completing 68 glorious years since its incorporation and as at 31.03.2024 has an asset base of over Rs.52.85 Lakh Crores. It continues to be the market leader in the Indian Life Insurance market.

JRS Eastman Group Partners with Municipal Corporation Ludhiana to Launch Rupees1 Crore Miyawaki Forest Initiative

National, August 30th, 2024: Mr. Jagdish Rai Singal, Founder and Chairman of Eastman Group, has embarked on an ambitious project to transform a landfill site into a Miyawaki forest, inspired by the Prime Minister’s “Mann Ki Baat” episode broadcast in July 2024. Situated in the Focal Point Industrial Area of Ludhiana, the initiative targets the rejuvenation of 2 acres of land with a total investment of INR 1 crore, executed in two phases. For this green initiative, Mr. Singal has partnered with the Municipal Corporation of Ludhiana to repurpose wasteland in urban areas.

The selected site, covering more than 5500 square yards, was previously a landfill. Recognizing the urgency of land restoration, Mr. Singal has allocated INR 30 lakhs to the initial phase, which involves extensive cleaning to enhance soil fertility. This groundwork is crucial for preparing the land for the subsequent stages of the project, which include land clearing, tree planting, and ensuring long-term sustainability and maintenance.

Lauding the efforts Sandeep Rishi, Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Ludhiana said “The initiative taken by Mr. Jagdish Rai Singal on this transformative Miyawaki forest project is commendable. This project is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in advancing Ludhiana city’s environmental goals toward a cleaner and green future. By converting a former landfill into a vibrant green Miyawaki Forest, on the one hand, we are addressing the aggravated problem of pollution, however, on the other hand, we are setting a new standard for urban sustainability and environment conservation. We applaud Mr. Singal for this vision and commitment to making the industrial land of Ludhiana a healthier place”.

Speaking about the initiative Mr. Jagdish Rai Singal, Said “ Environmental sustainability is the need of the hour, and through this project, we aim to transform barren land into a thriving green space that benefits the community and restores ecological balance. Aligning ourselves with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Vision, we plan to collaborate with municipal corporations across Punjab to replicate such initiatives in various urban areas. We hope this serves as an inspiration for more industry players to contribute to urban sustainability, making our country healthier and more vibrant for future generations”

The Miyawaki forest is renowned for its fast-growing, dense urban forests which will be established through diligent planning and execution. This initiative not only aims to combat urban pollution but also seeks to provide a greener and healthier place for the community and generations to come.

Acknowledging the efforts, Mr. Lokesh Jain, Chairman, CII, commented, “Our initiative ‘Lungs of Ludhiana’, embodies the spirit of industry-administration collaboration for a greener future of the city. We laud the efforts of Eastman Group for the collaboration with Municipal corporation to undertake the task of restoration of the wasteland in the Industrial area. I am certain that this initiative will encourage other industry players to replicate these efforts Pan India to help create a greener, cleaner environment for current and future generations. The ambition to plant 1 million trees, aims to transform Ludhiana into the greenest city in Asia. This collective effort is crucial for improving air quality and enhancing the overall environmental health”

Mr. Singal’s dedication to this cause highlights a significant step toward addressing current environmental challenges and encouragement to revive ecological balance in urban settings. The project is expected to create a lasting impact that is likely to contribute to cleaner air, improved soil health, and an enhanced quality of life for residents of Ludhiana, especially across the industrial area.

This initiative aligns with the Indian government’s broader environmental goals and serves as a model for future urban green projects. It emphasizes the importance of the Eastman Group’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sets a precedent for similar efforts across the nation

Eakadanat: A Cultural Convergence Through Art

Bengaluru, India, 29 August 2024– Lavanya International Art Foundation is thrilled to announce the upcoming art exhibition, Eakadanat, to commemorate Ganesh Chaturthi. This extraordinary event will take place at the Indian Institute of World Culture (IIWC) in Basavanagudu, Bengaluru, from August 31st to September 4th, 2024 between 10. 30 am to 7 pm.

Founded by the passionate artists Asima Choudhry and Piyali Sarkar, Lavanya International Art Foundation is dedicated to celebrating and promoting India’s diverse artistic heritage. Eakadanat is more than just an art show; it’s a cultural convergence that beautifully blends tradition and modernity. The exhibition will be inaugurated by renowned figures Dr. TS Sathyavathi, President of IIWC, and Kishore Joseph, Founder of Colorthon and Breathe Entertainment.

 Featuring the works of over 50 talented artists from across India, Eakadanat showcases a breathtaking array of styles and techniques. From intricate pencil shading to vibrant oil colors and stunning metalworks, the exhibition offers a captivating journey through the evolution of Indian art.

Asima Choudhry, Co-Founder of Lavanya International Art Foundation, emphasized the exhibition’s significance as a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their work. “We aim to create a dialogue between tradition and innovation, highlighting how these elements coexist and enrich each other in the world of art,” she said.

 Piyali Sarkar, Co-Founder, added, “The exhibition also serves as a platform for fostering connections among artists, art lovers, and cultural enthusiasts, encouraging the exchange of ideas and the celebration of artistic excellence.”

 Eakadanat is a must-visit event for art enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs. All are welcome to attend this free exhibition.

KIIT World School Students Shine in Haryana Games, Win Multiple Awards

Gurugram: Students of KIIT World School have made the school proud by winning various awards in the prestigious Haryana Games. The students showcased their exceptional talent and dedication to sports at the block-level competitions.

KIIT World School students demonstrated their athletic prowess by winning positions in the 800m race, throwball, volleyball, and yoga events. Additionally, Deepak from grade 12 and Saurabh from grade 10 have been selected to advance to the district-level volleyball competition. Saksham from grade 9 and Umang from grade 10 represented the school at the district-level cricket tournament, showcasing their skills and sportsmanship on a larger stage.

The under-19 girls’ volleyball team secured first place at the block level, while the under-14 girls’ throwball team achieved second place. The 800m race saw a first-place win, and the under-19 boys’ volleyball team earned third place at the block level. Commenting on these achievements, Principal Neelima Kamrah said, “Our students have achieved these accolades through hard work and perseverance. We congratulate them on their success and wish them a bright future. We are confident that they will also continue to excel in the future.”

KIIT World School congratulates all the winners on their remarkable performances and appreciates their dedication to sports. We look forward to seeing our students continue to make us proud with their athletic talents in future events.

Federal Bank first Indian Bank to launch India’s Pioneering Facial Payment System SmilePay

Chennai, August 30, 2024: Federal Bank, India’s leading private sector Bank, is proud to announce the launch of SmilePayTM, this groundbreaking technology will allow customers to complete transactions using only their face. This revolutionary product, unveiled as we enter India’s 78th year post Independence, marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards financial freedom and convenience. The launch of SmilePayTM happened at the Global Fintech Fest by Ms Shalini Warrier, Executive Director, Federal Bank.

 Introducing SmilePay™: Pioneering a New Era of Facial Athentication Payments
Two of India’s largest corporate houses, Reliance Retail and Ananya Birla helmed Svatantra Micro Housing (SMHFC), are among the first to pilot this innovative technology with their customers at select outlets / branches.

 SmilePay™ is the first-of-its-kind payment solution in India, utilizing advanced facial authentication technology built on the UIDAI’s Bhim Aadhaar Pay. This revolutionary product eliminates the need for traditional payment methods, offering unmatched convenience for customers and enhanced efficiency for merchants.

 “SmilePayTM is not just a product; it’s a step towards a more connected and efficient financial ecosystem,” said Shalini Warrier, Executive Director at Federal Bank. “We’re excited to see how this technology will transform the banking experience for our customers.”

 “The concept of moving from cash to cards to QR codes to wearables, and now just a smile to pay, is an exciting Customer Experience in the making.” added Indraneel Pandit, CDO, Federal Bank

  Speaking on the introduction of the payment system at select Reliance Retail outlets, V Subramaniam, Director, Reliance Retail said, “At Reliance Retail, we are committed to integrating cutting-edge technology that enhances the customer experience. SmilePay™ aligns perfectly with our vision of offering seamless, secure, and innovative solutions to our customers by making the customer journey more intuitive and convenient.”

 “Aligned with Ms. Ananya Birla’s vision, Svatantra Micro Housing (SMHFC) helps create intergenerational equity, by facilitating home-asset acquisition. With a focus on customer-centricity, SMHFC is devoted to providing affordable, convenient, secure, and seamless solutions for our customers. We are happy to partner with Federal Bank and confident that the solutions provided by SmilePayTM represent a truly innovative step in this direction.” Said Mr. Vineet Chattree, Director, SMHFC

Key Features and Benefits of SmilePay™:
Unmatched Convenience: Customers can complete transactions without the need to carry cash, cards, or mobile devices.
Enhanced Merchant Efficiency: Facilitates effective crowd management and seamless transaction processing at counters.
Robust Security: Powered by the secure UIDAI face authentication service, ensuring safe and reliable transactions.
User-Friendly: A simple, intuitive interface requiring only a facial scan to complete a purchase.