Author: Rabindra

Bengaluru’s Rainy-Day Delights: A Food Lover’s Guide to Monsoon Munchies from Chef Ajay Chopra

By-Chef Ajay Chopra

Bengaluru’s monsoon is a symphony of pitter-patter, a cool breeze, and an insatiable craving for something warm and comforting. As the city dons its rain-kissed cloak, the aroma of sizzling street food fills the air, inviting food lovers to indulge in a culinary escapade. From the iconic masala puri and dosas to the newer entrants like Kathi Rolls and Darjeeling momos, the city’s street food scene offers a delightful array of options to satiate your rainy-day munchies.

Longing for these Local favourites?

Let’s embark on a gastronomic journey through Bengaluru’s monsoon magic. For breakfast, we recommend the quintessential Mangalore Buns. These soft, fluffy delights, infused with the sweetness of banana and a hint of spice from jeera, are a perfect match for a bowl of coconut chutney or piping hot sambar. It’s a breakfast indulgence that will leave you feeling warm and cozy.

Our Recommendation: Chetty’s Corner in Seshadripuram

If you’re seeking a more decadent treat, the Benne Dosa is your answer. This buttery masterpiece, with its crisp exterior and rich, flavourful interior, is a true indulgence. Enjoy it plain or with a side of chutney or aloo bhaji for an extra burst of flavour. And let’s not forget the Thatte Idli, a larger-than-life version of its classic counterpart. This hearty snack, typically served with a sprinkle of podi masala, is a filling and satisfying option for those on the go.

Our Recommendation: Rameshwaram Café in Indiranagar

Embarking on the streets of Bengaluru

Beyond these local favourites, Bengaluru’s street food scene offers a diverse range of options. Momos, with their Tibetan origins, have become a monsoon staple. These delightful dumplings, filled with juicy minced meat or vibrant vegetables, are a perfect accompaniment to spicy chutneys. And let’s not forget the iconic Kathi roll, a Kolkata import that has found a loyal following in the city. With its versatile fillings of succulent kebabs, spiced meats, eggs, or fresh vegetables wrapped in a soft paratha, the Kathi roll is a satisfying and flavourful treat.

Our Recommendation: Chakum Chukum Calcutta on a Roll in Indiranagar & Choi Choi momos near Brigade Road

Bangaloreans swear by it as their ultimate monsoon street food. This piping hot chaat is a symphony of flavours and textures. Crispy puris form the base, layered with a fiery gravy, tender peas, and hearty potatoes. A colourful assortment of onions, cucumbers, and carrots adds crunch, while a drizzle of sweet and spicy chutneys completes this irresistible street food masterpiece.

Our Recommendation: Karnataka Bhel House in Basavanagudi

To complement these delicious bites, a hot cup of filter coffee or ginger lemon tea is an absolute must. The perfect combination of warmth and flavour to elevate your monsoon snacking experience.

But what if you’re a homebody, relishing the cozy comfort of your abode?

Fear not, for we have curated a list of monsoon-friendly snacks that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. For a potato-packed delight, Godrej Yummiez Crispy Potato Starz are a must-try. If you do not want to sacrifice out on the non-vegetarian in you then, the Yummiez Chicken Nuggets will satiate your senses with the perfect choice of chutney/sauce. Craving the authentic taste of South Indian cuisine? MTR’s ready dosa and idli mix will transport you to a world of flavours. To add a protein-packed twist to your snacking, Bikanervala’s Rajma mix is a hearty option that can be paired with a steaming bowl of Jeera rice.

Covestro and Carlisle Lead in Sustainable Construction with Bio-Circular Materials

Buildings and the built environment account for nearly 40% of energy use in the U.S. Architects, builders and building owners know that energy efficiency is a critical component of a sustainable future. To that end, Covestro and Carlisle Construction Materials (Carlisle) are collaborating to bring bio-circular products to the construction industry.

Covestro will supply Carlisle with methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) that is based on ISCC PLUS certified mass balanced bio-circular raw materials and features up to a 99%1 lower product carbon footprint than fossil-based MDI. It specifically has a CO2 reduction potential of 2.4 KG per KG of MDI produced.2 This will enable Carlisle to produce its high-performance polyiso insulation boards with lower embodied carbon.

The collaboration between Covestro and Carlisle extends a legacy of joint innovation in the construction industry that spans decades. As sustainability targets for the built environment stand to increase, the two companies are prepared to develop and introduce the next generation of insulation materials.

“Covestro’s vision to become fully circular requires R&D advancements that directly support the scope 3 goals of our customers, like Carlisle,” said Hermann-Josef Doerholt, global head of the segment Performance Materials at Covestro. “Covestro has some of the most aggressive sustainability and climate targets in the chemical industry, and the further we progress in developing solutions to achieve them, the more the effects resonate along the supply chain.”

Covestro will supply its Mondur® CQ 489 MS isocyanate to Carlisle. The CQ, or “Circular Intelligence” designation represents a broad family of Covestro’s circular products with an attribution of at least 25 percent alternative raw materials derived from biomass or recycled plastics.

Carlisle Construction Materials, a global leader in building envelope solutions, aims to be net zero by 2050. Carlisle will produce its bio-based rigid foam insulation, which contains 5% bio-circular content, for the SynTec, Versico, Hunter Panels and WeatherBond brands. This state-of-the-art bio-based insulation is the latest addition to Carlisle Construction Materials’ portfolio of sustainable building products.

“Carlisle Construction Materials has always been at the forefront of developing high-performance construction products that lead the way in sustainability,” said Steve Schwar, President of Carlisle Construction Materials. “With our new bio-based rigid foam insulation, we are demonstrating our unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility while ensuring that our customers have access to the most advanced building materials available. Our partners play a pivotal role in the realization of our bio-based isolation,” added Steve. “Together, we’re not only pushing the boundaries of material science, but also supporting the construction industry’s transition to a more sustainable future.”

“At Covestro, we have long understood the unparalleled performance attributes of polyurethane insulation,” said Julia Rubino, head of sales for Performance Materials at Covestro North America. “The ability to provide an innovative, bio-circular raw material solution to a long-time partner and a leader in the construction industry, like Carlisle, shows that future-focused sustainable solutions are available today.”

Covestro has ISCC PLUS certified facilities in every major global market, including its manufacturing facility in Baytown, Texas. In support of its vision to be fully circular, Covestro aims to be operationally climate neutral (scope 1 and scope 2) by 2035 and climate neutral for scope 3 by 2050. The company currently has hundreds of circular CQ products and is continuously expanding its product portfolio.

1 Exact percentage depends on the amount of allocated raw material.

2 Bio-circular attributed MDI contains ~60% ISCC PLUS certified feedstock. The calculation is based on Covestro-specific production and supply chain data, replacing fossil raw material with ISCC PLUS certified renewable feedstock via the mass balance approach.

CTPL Secures USD 4 Million Series A Funding to Revolutionize Admissions Technology

New Delhi, August 17, 2024: CTPL has successfully secured $4 million Series A funding round, which includes a mix of dilutive and non-dilutive capital, reflecting the confidence of investors in the company’s growth potential.

Led by Gujarat Venture Finance Limited (GVFL) and co-invested by Physis Capital, the round also saw participation from UCIC, Recur, and other investors. “GVFL is pleased to lead the investment in CTPL, a company at the forefront of transforming the education sector with its cutting-edge technology solutions. This investment underscores our commitment to supporting innovative ventures that drive significant impact. With CTPL’s robust admissions management systems and visionary leadership, we are confident in their ability to empower educational institutions to achieve greater efficiencies and enhanced student experiences,” remarked Kamal Bansal, MD, GVFL.

This significant funding milestone underscores the pivotal role of technology in reshaping the landscape of admissions in education sector. CTPL’s technology and strategic marketing innovations have streamlined university admissions, increasing efficiency and user-friendliness. “We’ve closely monitored CTPL’s progress and are delighted to see their annual revenue double over the past three years while maintaining profitability. With this funding, CTPL plans to expand its offerings and pursue global expansion. Physis Capital has been a strategic partner, offering experiential capital and connecting CTPL with key business partners. We at Physis are proud to support CTPL as they continue to innovate and lead the way in transforming university admissions,” said Anukr Mittal, Partner, Physis Capital.

“We are delighted to announce the successful closure of our recent funding round, which will catalyze our endeavors in revolutionizing the education sector through technological innovation,” stated Mr. Bikash Sahoo, Founder & CEO of CTPL. “With the backing of GVFL, Physis Capital, and all our partners, we are eager to broaden our reach and empower more universities to scale their admissions processes.”

About CTPL:

CTPL currently serves a diverse clientele, facilitating over 30,000 admissions for partner universities and institutions in the academic year 2024. CTPL’s revenue has more than doubled in FY24, and the company aims for another 100% growth in FY25, indicating strong market demand for its solutions.

CTPL’s steadfast commitment to innovation and excellence has solidified its position as a trusted ally for educational institutions seeking to modernize their operations and provide a seamless student experience. By offering adaptable and personalized Admissions First solutions, CTPL is spearheading a more efficient and student-centric approach to admissions.

Leadership and Expertise:

Under the guidance of visionary founder Bikash Sahoo, who has a robust background in education, and a senior leadership team of experts, CTPL is dedicated to driving innovation and excellence in the education ecosystem. The leadership team’s wealth of experience and hands-on knowledge ensures that CTPL remains at the forefront of transforming the admissions landscape.

MidsCap Advisory, a Delhi-based boutique investment advisory firm, served as the exclusive advisor for this transaction.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this press release is provided by a third party and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of our organization. We do not endorse or guarantee its accuracy.

Indian Bank Partners with Aparajitha Foundation to Empower Youth through Life Skills Education

Chennai, 17th August 2024: Indian Bank signed MoA with the Aparajitha Foundations, the CSR arm of Aparajitha Corporate Services, to support transformative life skills education programs for students across India. The foundation’s initiatives such as ‘AlcheMe’ for primary students and ‘Tim Tim Tare’(TTT) for adolescents, are aimed at fostering essential social and emotional skills.

These programs are specially tailored to help students transition successfully into adulthood, encouraging independence, responsible citizenship, and high self-esteem. Last year, Indian Bank partnered with Aparajitha Foundations for implementing the ‘Tim Tim Tare’(TTT) project across 3 states including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand benefitting numerous students.

Building on the success, this year also, the Bank continued to support the programme by sponsoring resource cost for 15 head counts in 10 states for a period of 9 months. By investing in comprehensive youth development, Indian Bank aims to contribute significantly to the well-being of families and communities, empowering students to make informed choices and thrive in their future endeavours.

A Week of Unmissable and Affordable Eyewear Extravaganza at The Great Indian Spectacle by Titan Eye+

Bengaluru, August 17th, 2024 – Titan Eye+ is set to redefine the eyewear experience with its upcoming extravaganza, “The Great Indian Spectacle.” This spectacular event, running from August 14th to 19th, meticulously crafted to bring the latest trends in the eyewear category within everyone’s reach. With a focus on providing exceptional value and style, one can enjoy a discount up to 25% on a range of stylish frames and spectacles to choose from.

The Great Indian Spectacle offers a compelling range of deals. From budget-friendly kids’ eyewear to cutting-edge progressive lenses, the event caters to a diverse audience. Parents can select stylish and functional eyewear for their children at the affordable price. Fashion enthusiasts can acquire luxury eyewear at competitive prices with a 20% discount on two international brands. Customers can expand their Titan eyewear collection with a 25% discount on two spectacles. For budget-conscious individuals, two stylish frames are available. Lastly, those requiring vision correction can benefit from high-quality progressive spectacles.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your eyewear collection or simply treat yourself to something new, The Great Indian Spectacle has something for everyone. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your vision and style with incredible savings! Visit your nearest Titan Eye+ store or browse the extensive online collection at www.titaneyeplus.com to get your hands on a variety of eyeglasses and sunglasses from Titan, Fastrack, and your favorite international brands Carrera, Vogue, Zeiss and many more.

Delhi Public School lndirapuram celebrates Independence Day

Delhi Public School lndirapuram celebrated India’s Independence Day with great enthusiasm and patriotism. The celebrations were a wonderful display of the students’ dedication to their country and their eagerness to participate in activities that honor India’s independence. The event began with a vibrant Fancy Dress Competition, where Pre-primary students dressed as national heroes and symbols, showcased their love for the country.

The major highlight of the day was the EBSB assembly for Classes I to V, where the students exhibited the rich culture of Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, our partner states, under the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Program’. Students performed songs and dances from these states, and traditional crafts and foods were displayed, portraying the diversity that makes India unique.

Students from Classes I and II participated in hindi patriotic poem recitation competition. The young orators impressed everyone with their passionate and confident recitation of poems that echoed their love for the nation. A special assembly was organized for Classes Nursery to II students, featuring a dance performance as a beautiful tribute to the nation. The energy and enthusiasm of the children left the audience inspired and filled with pride.

Further, an Inter-House Patriotic Song Competition was held for Classes III to V students. Each house delivered melodious and spirited performances, singing songs that resonated with the patriotic fervor of the day. The school’s senior wing choir also presented an enthralling performance on the song -‘Hum sab bhartiya hai’, followed by a mime presentation on –‘ Veero ki Virasat’, a poem recitation and a play on the lesser celebrated freedom fighters of India – ‘Veerangana Durga bhabhi ki gatha’.

“The Independence Day celebrations at DPS Indirapuram are a testament to our students’ deep-rooted love and respect for their country. It is heartening to see them express their patriotism with such enthusiasm and creativity. These activities not only celebrate our nation’s independence but also cultivate in our young learners a deep sense of unity and pride in their cultural heritage,” said Mrs. Priya John, Principal, DPS Indirapuram.

Fede Álvarez Talks Ridley Scott and James Cameron’s Advice for ‘Alien: Romulus,’ Aims for a ‘Rebel Child’ of the Originals

Fede Álvarez’s Alien: Romulus has arrived with a resounding critical reception, earning a remarkable 83% “Certified Fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes. This achievement places the film as the highest-rated entry in the iconic Alien franchise since the original 1979 and 1986 masterpieces. The film’s success is a testament to Álvarez’s ability to navigate the complex world of the Alien universe, while delivering a thrilling and original story. Critics have praised the film’s atmospheric visuals, intense action sequences, and strong performances.

One of the standout aspects of Alien: Romulus is its ability to capture the essence of the original Alien while also offering something fresh and exciting. “You have these conversations with guys like Cameron and Ridley, and you’re turning all of your attention up to the max to really absorb the wisdom,” Álvarez said. “At the end of the day, I hope it is some sort of rebel child of those first two movies,” he said. “Like, you kind of look like your parents, but you don’t want to look like your parents. You want to be your own man. That’s kind of what the spirit of the movie is.”

The film’s exploration of themes such as isolation, fear, and the dangers of unchecked corporate greed resonates deeply with audiences. A stunning visual style, breathtaking shots of alien landscapes and terrifying close-ups of the titular creature all tie-together perfectly to make the horror-thriller amongst the best executed sequels of the franchise. “Alien: Romulus” takes the phenomenally successful “Alien” franchise back to its roots: While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe. The cast of Alien: Romulus delivers strong performances, with Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, Aileen Wu turning in particularly memorable turns.

In addition to its critical acclaim, Alien: Romulus has also been praised for its pacing and structure. While the box office performance of Alien: Romulus remains to be seen, its critical acclaim suggests that it could be a major success for the franchise. As audiences continue to discover this new chapter in the Alien saga, it’s clear that Alien: Romulus has set a new benchmark for the series.

A year full of achievements, NIFTEM-K celebrates 78th Independence Day.

17th August 2024 : As India commemorates its 78th Independence Day, the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K), exhibits its notable progress and looks forward with a revitalized spirit. Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM-K, extended heartfelt congratulations to the institute’s Deans, Heads, Administration, Faculty, Staff, and Students for their undulating dedication that steered the institute’s winning momentum. From the productive ICMANES conference on Millets to our impressive footprints at World Food India 2023, NIFTEM-K is firmly moving towards its vision of becoming a globally acclaimed leader in food technology, entrepreneurship, and management.

Some of the milestones crossed with 150+ research papers publication, 7 patents secured, and 24 innovative technologies transferred.

Dr. Oberoi announced some enthusing initiatives for the coming years, including the formation of a Start-up ecosystem targeted to mentor 150 start-ups and new programs custom-made to meet industry needs and hone viable skills.

NIFTEM-K, is geared up for World Food India 2024, where it will showcase its modern innovations, including an IoT-enabled wheel cart created to enhance the storage conditions of fruits and vegetables during transport. Stay tuned for more! Independence Day celebration With new hopes, aplomb, and zeal, we left no stone unturned to celebrate the 78th Independence Day. Traditional dances, musical performances, and a patriotic play—our Independence Day celebration brought the NIFTEM-K family together.

DEE Development’s Total Income rises by 18% YoY, reaching Rs 18,817 Lakhs

Mumbai, 17^th August 2024:

DEE Development Engineers Limited (herein referred to as “DDEL”), one of the most trusted names in Process Piping Solutions, announced its Q1 FY25 results today. The Board of Directors of DDEL, at its meeting held on 14 August 2024, recorded the Unaudited Financial Results for the first quarter of the Financial Year 2024-25.                                        

Commenting on the results, Mr. Krishan Lalit Bansal, Chairman, DEE Development Engineers Limited said:

“To start with, I, on behalf of DEE Development Engineers management team, would like to thank the entire Investment Community for the incredible response to our IPO. We really do not know how to thank each and every one of you for the faith bestowed upon us. Your support and trust in us impose upon us a greater responsibility to deliver and meet your expectations. I want to assure you that our entire team is committed to taking DEE Development Engineers to new heights.

The primary objectives of our IPO were to fund working capital requirements and prepay outstanding borrowings. We are pleased to share that we are making significant progress toward these goals. Of the total IPO proceeds of ₹ 29,712.90 Lakhs, ₹ 9,353.20 Lakhs has been utilized so far: ₹ 1,798.20 Lakhs for working capital needs and ₹ 7,555.00 Lakhs to pay off debt.

We are pleased to report that the company demonstrated robust growth in the quarter gone by, with Total Income increasing by 18.0% year-over-year to ₹ 18,817 Lakhs. The order book as on 30th June 2024 stood at ₹ 80,320 Lakhs as against ₹ 80,009 Lakhs as on 31st March 2024.

EBITDA surged by 72.9% to ₹ 2,799 Lakhs from ₹ 1,619 Lakhs in Q1 FY24, resulting in an EBITDA Margin of 14.9%, with a 472 basis point expansion year-over-year.

The company’s PAT reached ₹ 319 Lakhs in Q1 FY25, with a PAT Margin of 1.7%, expanding 456 basis points over the Q1 FY24.

The company remains steadfast in its commitment to automation and capacity enhancement. We are in the process of establishing the New Anjar Facility II, which will increase our capacity from 3,000 MT to 15,000 MT, bringing our total capacity to 1,12,500 MT. This new facility will reduce logistics costs, enhance production efficiency, and lower manpower expenses. Additionally, the New Anjar Facility II will be dedicated to fulfilling orders from the Oil and Gas Sector, allowing the Palwal Facility to focus on catering to the Power Sector with the added benefit of reduced logistics overheads due to its close proximity to the Kandla Port in Gujarat. Our strategy is to leverage the upswing in capital expenditure in the Power and Oil & Gas Industry, preemptively establishing infrastructure and operational capabilities to meet the growing demand from our core sectors.”

Milestones Achieved in Q1 FY 25

• Total Income:
• Total income at ₹ 18,817 Lakhs for Q1 FY25, registering a growth of 18.0% YoY
• EBITDA:
• EBITDA at ₹ 2,799 Lakhs in Q1 FY25, up 72.9% YoY. EBITDA Margin was at 14.9%, up by 472 basis points YoY
• PAT:
• PAT at ₹ 319 Lakhs in Q1 FY25 against Q1 FY24 PAT of ₹ (458) Lakhs. PAT Margin was at 1.7%
• Diluted EPS stood at ₹ 0.60 as against ₹ (0.86) in Q1 FY24
• Net Debt: 
• Net Debt stood at ₹ 8,840 Lakhs as against ₹ 42,528 Lakhs in FY24
• Net Debt/EBITDA improved further to 0.79 in Q1 FY25 from 3.53 in FY24.
• Order Book Update: 
• The total order book as of June 30th 2024, stands at Rs 803 crore; Apart from this the company has recently secured an international contract, valued at approximately ₹340 crore. This project involves the fabrication of pipe spools under a Blanket Price Agreement from September 2024 to December 2026, highlighting DDEL’s expertise in delivering high-quality piping solutions globally.