Author: Rabindra

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Hosts ‘Nizami Chowki’ Dinner

Novotel Hyderabad Airport (NHA), situated in GMR Aerocity, Hyderabad, is hosting the Nizami Chowki Dinner, an exclusive culinary event celebrating the rich flavours and traditions of the Asafiya dynasty on all Saturdays between August 3rd to August 31st, 2024, at the Food Exchange. Guests are invited to indulge in a memorable dining experience that beautifully blends history and gastronomy.

The Dinner presents an array of exquisite culinary offerings influenced by the grandeur of the Asafiya dynasty. Guests can enjoy fragrant biryanis, succulent kebabs, savoury khageena, and various Nawabi specialities. Additionally, the menu features an assortment of traditional breads and decadent desserts, all delectably prepared to deliver a genuine experience of royal heritage.

The ambience has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the richness of the Asafiya epoch. The luxurious ambience enhances the dining experience, making each meal not only a feast for the palate but also a visual and sensory delight. The setting is thoughtfully curated to create a royal elegance that complements the rich culinary offerings.

“We are thrilled to bring the Nizami Chowki Dinner to our valued guests here in the Food Exchange every Saturday. This event is a tribute to the rich cultural and culinary legacy of the Asafiya era, and we are proud to offer an experience that blends history with the opulent dining of the Nawabs” said Mr Sukhbir Singh, General Manager of Novotel Hyderabad Airport.

Adding to this Ammana Raju, Executive Chef, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, ” During the Asafiya period, Nawabi cuisine was known for its rich flavours, exotic spices, and authentic recipes. The menu offers a wide array of dishes, from kebabs to biryanis, which our team has meticulously crafted to ensure a veritable representation of Nawabi cuisine. We look forward to delighting our guests with dishes that honour the exquisite flavours and traditions of that era.”

Suzuki-backed Next Bharat Ventures Signs Strategic MoU with 3one4 Capital and Antler India to Empower Early-Stage Startups

Mumbai, 07th August 2024: Next Bharat Ventures, a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corp Japan, dedicated to supporting early-stage impact-based startups in India, signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with renowned venture capital funds 3one4 Capital and Antler India, which invest in early-stage startups both in India and internationally.

Siddarth Pai, Founding Partner at 3one4 Capital, alongside Vipul Nath Jindal, Managing Director and CEO of Next Bharat Ventures, signed the MoU. In parallel, Lakshmikant PB, Director – Finance at Antler India, also signed an MoU with Vipul Nath Jindal. Next Bharat will closely work with 3one4 Capital and Antler India to provide strategic guidance, funding opportunities, and extensive networks to early-stage startups in both the mainstream business and social arenas through a cohort-based approach.

Vipul Nath Jindal, Managing Director and CEO of Next Bharat Ventures, commented on the signing of the MoUs, “At Next Bharat, we believe in the transformative power of socially driven entrepreneurship to create a positive impact on the informal and rural economies of the country. Forging strategic associations with Antler India and 3one4 Capital is a conscious move towards nurturing and empowering the early-stage startup ecosystem. We look forward to a successful collaboration that will pave the way for a new generation of socially conscious entrepreneurs in India.”

Siddarth Pai, Founding Partner at 3one4 Capital, added, “We look forward to partnering with Next Bharat Ventures to accelerate the impact entrepreneurship category in India. At 3one4 Capital, we specialize in leveraging our extensive network and data-driven insights to identify and nurture high-potential startups from the early stage. By combining our strategic expertise in early-stage investments with Next Bharat’s focus on socially impactful enterprises, we aim to provide comprehensive support to further the mission of entrepreneurship and value creation in India.”

Rajiv Srivatsa, Partner & Investor at Antler India, stated on the collaboration, “Our association with Next Bharat Ventures is a step towards amplifying our shared vision of driving impactful change in the world through entrepreneurial ventures. We have a tailored approach to nurturing startups through our high selectivity and Antler Residency Platform. We hope the global expertise of Antler in cohort-based investments and Next Bharat’s vision to create social impact in India 2 and India 3 can together help scale solutions that will make a significant difference in India’s current entrepreneurship landscape”

Stylecast 8.0 Set New Trends with MADAME, CAMLA Barcelona, and MSecret

Bengaluru, 7th August, 2024: Stylecast 8.0, the Spring-Summer’25 Collection B2B Preview by renowned fashion brands MADAME, CAMLA Barcelona, and MSecret, made a grand comeback on July 30th.

Like its previous edition, the roadshow drew significant appreciation from the industry. It’s a preview of the brands’ 2025 summer collections. Conceptualized and hosted by Jain Amar, the parent company of these brands, Stylecast 8.0 showcased the collections and offered pre-order options for distributors and partners.

Stylecast 8.0 was held at Grand Hyatt, Gurugram, from July 30 to August 01 and welcomed guests from across the country, including franchise partners, LFR & SIS partners, and more.

Graced by top fashion experts and industry leaders, the exhibition featured vibrant and unique range of clothing, embodying the brand’s philosophies and distinctive designs. The Spring Summer Collection 2025 is characterized by signature styles from each brand which offered a variety of bold, assertive, and contemporary looks to suit every taste.

“The roadshow allows our partners to experience firsthand, our next year’s summer offerings. Stylecast 8.0 was a thrilling event and we’re delighted to see the great response,” said Mr. Akhil Jain, Executive Director of the Jain Amar.

Jain Amar is one of India’s leading fast fashion conglomerates with a portfolio of brands, Madame, Camla Barcelona, MSecret. MADAME, a premium womens’ westernwear brand; CAMLA Barcelona is known for providing premium fashion for both men and women, and MSecret, further diversifies the offerings with comfortwear for women.

IIM Visakhapatnam & TimesPro Launch CRISP Case Conference on Responsible Innovation and Sustainability

National, 7th August 2024: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Visakhapatnam and TimesPro’s initiative – ET Cases, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the Case Conference on Responsible Innovations & Sustainability Practices (CRISP). The joint initiative aims to advance responsible management education and sustainable practices aligned with global standards and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The virtual signing ceremony was attended by key figures including Prof. M. Chandrasekhar, Director, IIM Visakhapatnam, Anish Srikrishna, CEO, TimesPro, Dr. Amit Chakrabarti, Head – Centre for Responsible Management Education, IIM Visakhapatnam and Sunil Sood, Chief Growth and Partnership Officer, TimesPro. CRISP is scheduled for December 13-14 and seeks to bring together academicians, industry leaders, policymakers and students for discussions on sustainable practices, innovations and challenges. The conference will focus on two important aspects, i.e., Innovation and Sustainability, and will feature six thematic tracks aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

On the occasion, Prof. M. Chandrasekhar, Director, IIM Visakhapatnam said, “We take immense pride in collaborating with TimesPro to disseminate high-quality education that is both accessible and affordable. The Case Conference on Responsible Innovations & Sustainability Practices enhances our joint efforts in knowledge generation, offering a platform for showcasing sustainability innovations. This initiative provides a splendid platform for participants to showcase exemplary innovations in sustainability. At IIM Visakhapatnam, we prioritise environmental and social contributions alongside economic value This conference, embedding sustainability principles across our programmes, will significantly influence management education and support a broad spectrum of industry and academia stakeholders. These case studies will form a remarkable repository, marking a pioneering endeavour in this domain.”

Echoing Prof Chandrasekhar, Anish Srikrishna, CEO, TimesPro said, “We are delighted to collaborate with IIM Visakhapatnam in advancing responsible management education through the Case Conference on Responsible Innovations & Sustainability Practices. Institutions must adopt a holistic approach to sustainability for lasting impact. As sustainability has become a board-level priority, this is an opportune moment to develop essential reference materials for educational purposes for future generations. At TimesPro, we focus on future-centric sustainability and our team at ET Cases is diligently constructing a repository of pivotal learning tools. This initiative, which seamlessly integrates the sustainability agenda through CRISP is truly commendable.”

The CRISP conference will address critical global challenges by focusing on sustainability and responsible innovations. It will feature six major thematic tracks aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Sustainable Business Models and Practices, Climate Action and Environmental Stewardship, Social Innovation and Inclusive Development, Health, Well-being, and Safety, Urbanisation and Smart Cities, and Governance, Policy, and Partnerships. The conference will include keynote addresses from eminent speakers from academia and industry, panel discussions, case study presentations, networking sessions, and poster sessions.

Faculty members from Central or State Government institutions, as well as those from institutions ranked in the top 50 by NIRF, are eligible to submit cases at the conference. Additionally, PhD scholars, MBA students, working professionals, NGO representatives, and industry members are welcome to submit cases, provided they have at least one faculty member as a co-author.

DBS Bank India unveils ‘DBS Golden Circle’, an exclusive priority banking program for senior citizens

Chandigarh, August 7, 2024: DBS Bank India has announced the launch of ‘DBS Golden Circle’, a comprehensive priority banking program meticulously designed to cater to the unique needs of senior citizens. This program offers a suite of exclusive benefits and services, making banking simpler and more rewarding for resident Indian citizens aged 60 years and above.

This launch also marks the 30th anniversary of DBS in India, a milestone that underscores the bank’s commitment to the local market. DBS Bank India continues to leverage its extensive physical network and digital capabilities to provide solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers, fostering trust and building lasting relationships.

The India Ageing Report 2023[iv] by the United Nations Population Fund highlights income insecurity as a significant vulnerability in old age. Navigating savings effectively during this stage of life is made more complex by increasing living costs and the challenge of accessing funds without compromising investments.

‘DBS Golden Circle’ addresses these concerns, and one of its key features is the attractive interest rate[v] offered on savings accounts and deposits. Senior citizens can earn an interest rate of up to 7% per annum on savings account balances above INR 4 Lakhs and up to INR 5 Lakhs. Additionally, they can benefit from an enhanced interest rate of 0.50% per annum on fixed deposits with a tenure ranging from 376 days to 540 days. These competitive interest rates enable senior citizens to effectively grow their savings and achieve greater financial stability.

Prashant Joshi, Managing Director and Head of Consumer Banking Group, DBS Bank India, said, “DBS Golden Circle is designed to make banking easier and more convenient for senior citizens, with a strong focus on trust, safety, and convenience. We empower our customers to enjoy their golden years by delivering a banking experience that is secure, reliable, and tailored to their unique needs. This aligns seamlessly with our brand promise of ‘Live More, Bank Less’, as we combine the best of both worlds—tech-driven, tailored service complemented by a personal touch—to help senior citizens navigate banking confidently.”

Security is a key concern for senior citizens, and the ‘DBS Golden Circle’ program addresses this with cyber insurance coverage up to INR 1,00,000[vi]. The program recognises the importance of flexibility and accessibility in financial planning. Senior citizens can choose from flexible interest payout options for Fixed Deposits, including monthly, quarterly, or cumulative payouts. Moreover, fixed deposits with a tenure of over one year do not incur any penalties for premature withdrawals, ensuring that senior citizens have access to their funds in case of any emergencies.

Other benefits of ‘DBS Golden Circle’ include:

· Special overdraft rates against FDs and Loans on Deposit.

· Zero transaction fees[vii] for NEFT, RTGS, duplicate statements, and unlimited free domestic ATM transactions.

· Lifetime free debit cards.

· Discount on locker rentals, providing a safe and affordable option for storing valuable items.

· Selection of products from leading life insurance companies and ecosystem partners[viii], including thoughtfully curated health and wellness benefits, discounts on healthcare services, pharmacy discounts, hospicash benefits, and comprehensive annual health check-ups.

DBS has been named the ‘Safest Bank in Asia’ by Global Finance for 15 consecutive years[ix] and brings strong global expertise matched with a deep understanding of India. Through its premium banking and wealth management platform, Treasures, DBS Bank India provides a range of signature lifestyle privileges and exclusive offers. Customers can access specialised wealth solutions tailored to their short-term needs and long-term goals, aligned with their risk appetite. They can choose from insurance solutions covering health, business, travel, and life. Additionally, DBS Treasures customers receive preferential remittance rates and solutions, allowing seamless money transfers abroad.

DBS Bank India’s digiPortfolio combines human expertise and technology to help customers select ready-made portfolios of mutual funds tailored to their age, income, and risk appetite, including top-ranked mutual funds supported by research inputs from CRISIL. In 2023, the bank launched the DBS Vantage card, an invite-only, super premium credit card that offers a range of privileges, including complimentary memberships to luxurious hotels, a bespoke rewards program, and global travel benefits.

As technology rapidly advances and becomes an integral part of our daily lives, DBS has significantly increased its efforts to educate customers, including senior citizens, on navigating the digital banking landscape. This involves providing guidance on identifying potential scams and implementing robust security measures to protect their personal and financial information.

India’s Data Privacy & Sovereignty Imperative: Industry Leaders Chart a Course for AI Innovation and Digital Trust

Mumbai, August 7, 2024: As India emerges as a global AI frontrunner, the intricate interplay between data innovation, data sovereignty and robust privacy safeguards has become a paramount concern, especially given the rise of AI. To address this critical challenge, Data Dynamics and the Consulate General of the United States in Mumbai convened a high-level roundtable on “The Future of Data Privacy and Security in the Era of AI”.

 Hosted by Consul General Mike Hankey, the event brought together a distinguished gathering of government officials and industry leaders. Sujata Saunik, Home Secretary of Maharashtra, and Yashasvi Yadav, Special Inspector General of Police, Maharashtra Cyber, lent their expertise to the discussions.

 Key decision-makers from India’s corporate landscape, including top-tier CISOs, CIOs, and CTOs from BSE, LIC, HSBC, Citi Bank, HDFC Life Insurance, CAMS, ICICI Lombard, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Apollo Hospitals, Alkem Laboratories, Kenvue, L&T Technology Services, and Hitachi Vantara, participated for in-depth discussions on data privacy for AI, data sovereignty, consumer trust, the evolving regulatory landscape, and the practical implications for businesses.

 U.S. Consul General Mike Hankey delivered the keynote address stating, “As AI technology rapidly advances, safeguarding data privacy and security becomes increasingly crucial. The roundtable highlighted the need for robust frameworks that foster innovation while ensuring the ethical development and deployment of AI solutions. Through international cooperation and adherence to ethical standards, we can empower societies and economies to fully leverage AI’s potential while protecting individual rights and freedoms.”

 “Ensuring Digital Trust is foundational to our nation’s digital aspirations. This is defined by a commitment to data privacy, ethical AI, data sovereignty and security, while complying with social and environmental regulations. It is imperative that we build a data ecosystem that is not just secure but also equitable and inclusive. This requires a collaborative effort between the government, industry, and civil society to establish India as a global leader in data governance and innovation while safeguarding the interests of its citizens. India has the potential to be a global data powerhouse, but realizing this potential requires a delicate balance between fostering innovation and protecting individual privacy rights,” said Piyush Mehta, CEO, Data Dynamics.

 The roundtable delved into the complexities of navigating India’s data landscape, where the potential to harness data for economic growth is immense. Based on an Ericsson Mobility Report, India is set to become the world’s largest mobile data consumer by 2028, surpassing even developed nations. With average monthly data consumption projected to reach 62GB per user, India’s appetite for data will outpace those of the US, Western Europe, South Korea, and China. This surge is fuelled by exceptionally low data costs, rapid 5G expansion, and increasing smartphone affordability.

 Additionally, a Nasscom-BCG report has stated that India’s AI market is expected to touch 17 billion USD by 2027. This creates an urgency for enterprises to strike a balance between data innovation, usage, accessibility and privacy, while ensuring regulatory adherence and digital trust. However, a key challenge lies in the management of this very data—given that 80% of enterprise data today is unstructured (Gartner)—which will continue to grow due to the advent of AI.
The roundtable discussion called for a comprehensive national data strategy that addresses data privacy, security, and sovereignty. While emphasizing the need for industry-wide adoption of best practices and standards for data management, critical topics discussed included:

•  Navigating the Complexities of Data Privacy in the world of AI
• The rapid advancement of AI has introduced new challenges and opportunities for data privacy. The roundtable delved into the implications of AI-driven data processing and emphasized the importance of responsible AI development and deployment, underscored by robust data governance frameworks.
• Emphasising Consent Management with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act
  The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act was a central theme of the discussions. Industry leaders explored the potential impact of the legislation on businesses, consumers, and the overall digital economy. While acknowledging the importance of data protection, participants also highlighted the need for a regulatory environment that fosters innovation.
• Building a Trust-Based Digital Ecosystem
  To ensure the successful implementation of data protection measures, the roundtable emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, industry, and academia. A key focus was on the role of cybersecurity in protecting data from emerging threats such as ransomware and supply chain attacks.
• Data Sovereignty and Localization
  The roundtable underscored the critical role of data sovereignty in India’s digital future. Participants emphasized the need for a strategic approach to data localization that balances national security with fostering a vibrant data economy, one that adheres to the DPDP Act’s guidelines. By establishing clear and predictable data governance policies, India can position itself as a global leader in data management while safeguarding its digital autonomy.

The roundtable closed with a renewed resolve to foster open dialogue and collaboration, laying the groundwork for a robust data ecosystem in India. With a shared commitment to responsible data management and privacy, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in the AI era.
Data Dynamics remains dedicated to empowering organizations with data-driven insights while upholding the highest standards of privacy and security. With a proven track record of serving over 300 enterprises—including 28 Fortune 100 companies—for the past 12 years, Data Dynamics has established itself as a trusted partner in driving data democratization and digital trust.

Air India Flying Returns Members Can Now Earn Points on Tickets to LEGOLAND Parks

WINDSOR/GURUGRAM, 07 AUGUST 2024: Air India, India’s leading global airline, and Merlin Entertainments, a global leader in location-based family entertainment, have entered a partnership, whereby members of Air India Flying Returns loyalty programme will earn Reward Points when they buy tickets to LEGOLAND® theme parks.

 Air India Flying Returns members can earn up to 10 Reward Points per INR 100 spent across five participating LEGOLAND® locations, namely Windsor (UK), New York and California (U.S.), Dubai (UAE), and Malaysia.

 To earn Reward Points, Flying Returns members simply need to book their tickets on https://bit.ly/AirIndiaLegoland Designed specifically for families with children aged 2-12 years old, LEGOLAND® offers a great day out or the ultimate short-break experience. Each LEGOLAND® theme park features interactive family rides, live shows, building workshops, and fun-filled attractions, including Miniland areas reflecting iconic buildings and attractions from the Resort location – all built using the iconic LEGO® brick.

 Sunil Suresh, Head of Marketing, Loyalty & E-commerce, Air India, said: “This partnership enables families to create lasting memories at LEGOLAND® destinations around the world, while also earning valuable Reward Points towards future flights and travel experiences with Air India. Flying Returns is witnessing a rapid evolution into becoming one of the most attractive airline loyalty programmes globally, and this partnership is a yet another reflection of our commitment to delivering exceptional value and experiences to our loyal guests.”

 Dominique Sidley, Global Sales Director Merlin Entertainments, wrote: “I am delighted to announce that Merlin Entertainments, the world’s leading attraction operator, has extended its partnership with India’s national carrier, Air India, to offer exclusive benefits to the ‘Flying Returns’ members. This partnership will allow the members to enjoy discounted access to our amazing LEGOLAND® Resorts across the globe, where they can experience the fun of LEGO and the playful thrill of theme parks. We’re delighted to celebrate the partnership becoming official, with the fantastic team here at LEGOLAND® Windsor. India remains a strategic market for us, and we are committed to providing the best entertainment options for the Indian consumers. We look forward to strengthening this partnership with Air India across our other attractions in the future.”

This announcement marks the latest step in the airline’s continuing effort to transform Flying Returns and comes as the airline enters a new phase of its ongoing five-year transformation journey.

In April this year, Air India overhauled Flying Returns, introducing a simplified new structure, more customer-friendly features, renamed tiers, and an updated identity for the programme. The revamped Flying Returns moves away from the legacy model of miles-based collection of points to a more equitable spend-based approach while offering members instant global status and privileges around the world.

Over the last 18 months, Air India has added over 50 partners for Flying Returns to offer greater ease, more rewards, and recognition for its members.

ZEISS Launches its First Trail Camera ZEISS SECACAM 7 Classic in India

ZEISS, a leading brand in optics and optoelectronics, has launched its first trail camera ZEISS SECACAM 7 Classic in the Indian market. With this new product, ZEISS enables nature preservation organizations and wildlife research institutes to delve deeper into the understanding of habitats, facilitating continuous monitoring of animal behavior, population size, and area utilization.

Internationally renowned for its superior quality lenses, the newly introduced ZEISS trail camera captures sharp, detailed, high-contrast and brilliantly illuminated photos and videos, even in complete darkness.

Key Features of the trail cameras include:

ZEISS SECACAM 7 Classic is furnished with 60 black LEDs and an exceptionally light-sensitive photo sensor, demonstrating resilience even under challenging weather conditions and in complete darkness. Even heat and snowfall won’t affect the functionality of the wildlife camera.
Capture in HD, day and night shots: Delivering clear, vibrant images during an eclipse or in low-light conditions is a significant challenge for cameras of all types. But the renowned impeccable ZEISS image quality incorporated into the ZEISS SECACAM 7 Classic gives images greater detail and contrast than ever before, whether during the day or at night.
The ZEISS SECACAM 7 Classic is easy to operate even without extensive technical knowledge. A colored LCD display on the front allows for both checking the setup of the camera as well as navigating through the pictures taken.
A rapid tripper allows the trail camera to automatically fine-tune the intensity of the flash during the triggering process.
Notably, this flash is imperceptible to both animals and humans, thereby eliminating the risk of improper exposures and significantly reducing the likelihood of unnecessary disturbances.

Talking about the latest launch, Mr. Kunal Girotra, Head of Consumer Products, Sport Optics, Carl Zeiss India (Bangalore) Pvt. Ltd, said: “We are excited to introduce the ZEISS SECACAM 7 Classic. As we are leveraging our vast experience in the development of robust, high-quality outdoor gear and stringent testing procedures, we are establishing new benchmarks for the quality and durability of trail cameras. Our product is designed with a customer-centric approach, ensuring a quick and straightforward installation process, resulting in a user-friendly experience. The SECACAM 7 Classic stands out notably for its compact dimensions and lightweight nature.”

The unveiling of the first ZEISS trail camera signifies a substantial landmark in enhancing nature preservation initiatives across India and is a testament to ZEISS’ commitment of promoting nature preservation and ecological sustainability by enabling scientists and nature parks to monitor and research wildlife behavior and its changes. Trail cameras serve as a critical instrument in wildlife behavior research. Researchers can strategically position these cameras within the natural habitats of wildlife to document their activities, communication patterns, and migratory behaviors. Minimizing human interference and optimizing the protection of wild species through these data is pivotal for comprehending wildlife habits and interactions within the ecosystem. The launch of the ZEISS SECACAM 7 Classic in India ZEISS recognizes the critical role that trail cameras play in that field of research and stands firm in its dedication to support the future viability of the environment.

The conservation of wildlife not only guarantees the enjoyment of our natural world and it’s amazing species by future generations but also leads to a stable and diverse ecosystem. Understanding the interactions between species within their habitats and the impacts of environmental and human factors are crucial in preserving wildlife. To monitor, observe and study animals and their behaviour without disturbance, trail cameras are a crucial device.