Author: Rabindra

iSON Xperiences Announces Leadership Transition with Appointment of Vitul Kwatra as Global Chief Executive Officer

24th June 2024 Dubai, United Arab Emirates iSON Xperiences, a global leader in Customer Experience Management (CXM) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) announced the appointment of Vitul Kwatra as its incoming Global Chief Executive Officer, effective this month. Vitul Kwatra succeeds Pravin Kumar, who has served as Global CEO since the company’s founding in 2011.

A Legacy of Excellence and a Vision for the Future

“After many years of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to our company’s growth and success since its inception, Pravin Kumar will be stepping down from the role of Global Chief Executive Officer to take on a new role as Vice-Chairman of the Board,” said Vivek Gupta, Chairman of the iSON Xperiences Board. “Having an industry thought leader of his calibre on our side will be invaluable.”

Gupta continued, “Pravin’s tenure has been marked by substantial growth and successful entry into new markets. We are immensely grateful for his leadership, vision, and tireless efforts in steering the company through many challenges. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we embark on the next chapter of our journey.”

Welcoming a New Era of Growth and Opportunity

“We are thrilled to welcome Vitul Kwatra as our new Global CEO,” Gupta continued. “He brings more than 25 years of experience in both strategic leadership and hands-on management within leading organizations, including almost a decade with iSON Xperiences. During this time, he has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth and expansion across multiple geographies and service lines. His deep understanding of our business, coupled with his exceptional leadership skills, makes him the ideal candidate to lead iSON Xperiences into the next phase of its evolution.”

iSON Xperiences is steadfast in its confidence that under Vitul’s leadership, clients, business partners, and employees can expect the same level of passion, commitment, and support.

FTCCI to Host the First Ever Experiential Tourism MICE Conclave in Hyderabad

24th June 2024 New Delhi, Delhi, India  Conclave organized to boost sustainable inbound and outbound tourism in Telangana

Participation from Telangana government officials, 20 International and State Tourism Boards, 100 + exhibitors and 500+ participants alongside 20+ knowledge sessions with leading experts in various fields and experiential Pop-Up shows.

The Federation of Telangana Chamber of Commerce and Industry – FTCCI under the aegis of the Government of Telangana and the Telangana Tourism Board is all set to host the FTCCI Experiential Tourism MICE Conclave managed by iCONEX in Hyderabad on Monday July 29th and Tuesday 30th, 2024, at HICC. This four-day event Starting from 2 Day experiential FAM trips on Saturday 27th July and Sunday 28th July 2024 followed by the conclave on Monday July 29th and Tuesday 30th, 2024 aims to boost sustainable inbound and outbound tourism in Telangana and attract a global influx of tourists including six specially-curated familiarization trips, allowing participants to experience the state’s vibrancy and to showcase Hyderabad’s culture in all its beauty.

The conclave is expected to feature a diverse array of speakers right from Government Officials to industry titans from the Aviation Industry, Designation Management Companies – DMCs, International Buyers and more who will converse on rising trends and opportunities in various facets of the travel and tourism landscape.

Witnessing participation from 100 + exhibitors and 500+ participating companies from varied industry verticals like tour operators, guides, food packaging, leisure tourism, airlines, heritage properties, medical tourism leaders, adventure tourism, film tourism, sports tourism, hospitality industry, event management & wedding planners, it will like feature a repertoire of speakers like Birad Rajaram Yajnik and more.

Expressing excitement at the upcoming conclave, Mr. Meela Jayadev, President FTCCI said, “With the FTCCI Experiential Tourism MICE Conclave 2024, we aim to empower and enhance the state of World and Telangana’s travel and tourism sector by creating an immersive platform fostering meaningful connections, creativity, and transformative thinking within the experiential tourism industry globally.”

Ms. Rakhi Kankaria, Chairperson of FTCCI Tourism Committee added, “The FTCCI ETM Conclave 2024 showcases the unique aspects like ‘Salar Jung by Night’ which will be an experientially enriching highlight on the canvas of Telangana Tourism. Our FAM trips will promise an unforgettable journey through India’s most cherished treasures, offering firsthand experiences that will deepen your appreciation for our diverse tourism opportunities. Additionally, our experiential pop-up shows will captivate and inspire.”

“The Conclave aims to leave a lasting impact on participants, energizing the industry towards positive change through a series of dynamic and insightful sessions, hands-on experiences, and cultural exchanges, not to mention the collaborations fostered during the Conclave,” said Mr. Abhimanyu Singh, Director iCONEX.

In order to showcase the diverse tapestry and versatility of Hyderabad, six familiarization trips – FAM Trips Will be conducted on Saturday July 27th and Sunday 28th, 2024 covering industries and sectors like religious tourism, sports heritage, the city of Hyderabad, handloom and handicrafts, hospitality, hotels and conventions, as well as medical facilities.

FTCCI’s inaugural ETM Conclave 24’ in India is a groundbreaking event set to transform businesses across 40 dynamic tourism sectors, revolutionizing the industry and setting new benchmarks for the future.

Ms. Rakhi Kankaria, Chairperson of FTCCI Tourism Committee

CHEMAXE: Jay TechnoChem’s Cutting-Edge Solution for the Fragmented Chemical Trading Market

24th June 2024 New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaJay TechnoChem, a pioneering technology startup dedicated to advancing the chemical industry through innovative solutions, has announced the launch of its chemical trading platform CHEMAXE in August 2024. This state-of-the-art platform is set to transform the chemical trading industry by addressing its longstanding inefficiencies and challenges.

CHEMAXE: Trade Live, Trade smart

Founded with a mission to integrate cutting-edge technology into chemical trading, Jay TechnoChem develops platforms, applications, and services designed to be the go-to resources for all information related to chemical trading and the broader industry. It has a vision to lead the way in technological innovation within the chemical sector, fostering a more efficient, accessible, and advanced industry for all stakeholders.

CHEMAXE exemplifies their commitment to revolutionizing the chemical trading landscape. Unlike conventional digital platforms, CHEMAXE will offer a comprehensive, live trading experience. It will use advanced algorithms to match buyers and sellers based on specific product requirements, ensuring efficient transactions and real-time price updates. This platform will address significant challenges faced by the chemical trading industry, which is often fragmented and unorganized. Traditional methods require excessive time for inquiries, negotiations, and networking, which is both stressful and inefficient. CHEMAXE is designed to enhance trust through transparent pricing and secure transactions, allowing buyers, sellers, and traders to develop better strategies and maximize deal value.

The initial concept for CHEMAXE emerged from the extensive experience of the Co-founder and Director of Jay TechnoChem, Mr. Ashok Lakhani, who has spent over 25 years navigating the complexities of the chemical trading industry. Driven by his ambition to create a better future for the next generation of traders, Mr. Lakhani dedicated over a decade to develop a solution that would provide accurate insights into chemical prices and improve the trading experience. His son, Mr. Jay Lakhani, joined the venture, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Together, they began conceptualizing the platform in early 2023, and after approximately seven months of refining the blueprint, the development of CHEMAXE commenced in September 2023.

What sets CHEMAXE apart is its innovative use of advanced algorithms and real-time updates. The platform’s unique LTP (Last Traded Price) model guarantees that market prices remain tamper-proof, updating solely through organic trading activity. This mechanism enhances pricing fairness and significantly diminishes the impact of third-party influences. Additionally, CHEMAXE offers real-time trading and management tools, empowering users to respond swiftly to market conditions and refine their trading strategies. These distinctive features are poised to propel market growth and drive overall industry advancement.

As the launch approaches in the coming months, Mr. Ashok Lakhani, Co-Founder and Director of Jay TechnoChem, shared his thoughts on the CHEMAXE project, “Throughout my decades in the chemical trading industry, I have seen the market’s potential hindered by outdated methods and inefficiencies. CHEMAXE is our answer to these longstanding issues. By providing real-time trading, transparent pricing, and in-depth market information, we aim to empower traders and set a new standard for the industry. Our mission is to transform chemical trading into a seamless and efficient experience for everyone involved.”

While their current focus is on the successful market introduction and launch of CHEMAXE, Jay TechnoChem is committed to continuous upgrades and improvements in user experience. Future plans include expanding their services to international markets and implementing alternate trading methodologies, establishing CHEMAXE as the centralized hub for all chemical trading activities worldwide.

In addition to CHEMAXE, Jay TechnoChem has an array of upcoming models in development, each aimed at addressing various segments of the chemical industry. These future projects will be unveiled in stages, further cementing Jay TechnoChem’s commitment to lead technological advancement within the chemical sector.

After presenting a preview of CHEMAXE to their advisory panel, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Many industry leaders hailed the platform as the future of chemical trading. There is no doubt that CHEMAXE will revolutionize the sector. It’s only a matter of time before it becomes synonymous with all things chemical.

Max Life partners with Star Sports to Serve as the Official Insurance Partner on the Cricket Live Show During the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

24th June 2024 New Delhi, Delhi, India Max Life Insurance Company Ltd. (“Max Life” / “Company”) today announced its association with Star Sports, the Official Broadcaster for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in India. As part of the collaboration, Max Life will serve as the Insurance Partner on the Cricket Live show during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 from June 2nd to June 29th, 2024.

This association with one of India’s most influential cricket shows will place Max Life as “Bharose ka Insurance Partner” across multiple promo tags, ad spots and in-show integrations with visibility across the whole tournament.

This partnership reinforces Max Life’s long-standing commitment to Cricket, one of India’s most watched and beloved sport. By associating with Cricket Live, Max Life aims to connect with passionate cricket fans across the nation during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This association is a powerful reflection of the shared values between Cricket and Max Life. Cricket thrives on teamwork and the unwavering trust between players on the field – values that resonate deeply with Max Life’s approach to building long-term relationships with its policyholders.

Rahul Talwar, Chief Marketing Officer, of Max Life Insurance said, “We are thrilled to partner with Star Sports as an associate sponsor of CricLive during the ICC T20 World Cup. This marquee tournament is an international event that unites cricket fans across the globe. This association is a strategic decision that allows us to not only connect with millions of passionate fans globally but also to further solidify the concept of ‘Bharosa’ (Trust) that is at the core of Max Life’s brand identity. Cricket thrives on trust and teamwork, mirroring the very foundation upon which we build our relationships with our policyholders. We look forward to an exciting tournament and to engaging with cricket fans throughout the ICC T20 World Cup.”

Max Life’s association with cricket is well-established and the company is proud to have India’s Men’s Cricket Team Captain, Rohit Sharma, and his wife Ritika Sajdeh, as its brand ambassadors. In the past also, Max Life has had successful associations with major cricketing events, including the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and various editions of the Indian Premier League (IPL) – both Men’s and Women’s editions.

Tax Filing Made Simpler with Quicko; Now Available on Bajaj Markets

24th June 2024 Pune, Maharashtra, India Bajaj Markets, one of India’s leading financial marketplaces, has introduced a convenient income tax filing solution for their customers. It has partnered with Quicko, a pioneering tax filing platform, to provide a seamless e-filing experience to taxpayers.

Easily file your taxes online before the deadline!

Quicko has established itself as one of India’s fastest-growing tax filing platforms, renowned for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive range of services. This partnership aims to simplify the tax filing process, making it easier and more accessible than ever before. Users can choose from various ‘Do It Yourself’ plans or opt for ‘Get Help’, which is their expert-assisted tax-filing service.

Do It Yourself – Free and Paid Services

• Users can import investment data directly from broker platforms for easy ITR filing
• Basic plan allows taxpayers to file their taxes from Quicko
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Get Help – Expert-assisted Tax Filing

• Individuals can choose from various plans based on their income situation
• Taxpayers can connect with tax professionals through virtual meetings on the MEET platform
• Users can discuss their finances and investments with experts

One of the key advantages of these services is the convenience of digital payments. Customers can seamlessly pay their taxes through UPI or card, ensuring a 100% digital experience.

Quicko also offers advanced tools and calculators to estimate your income tax and advance tax liabilities, providing a comprehensive solution for tax planning and filing. To get started with these services, visit the Bajaj Markets website.

Daugherty Wins New Jersey Top Workplaces 2024 Award

Trenton, NJ, June 24— Daugherty Business Solutions, a leading advisory services and technology consulting firm, has been recognized as a Best Places to Work in New Jersey by NJ.com Top Workplaces.

The confidential survey that determines the award winners from Energage uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, to name a few.

For additional information, please visit the NJ.com website.

About the Award
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 18 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture.

Asia Protein Buyers 100 Reveals Opportunities for Indian Food Companies to Lead in Sustainable Protein Sourcing

24th June 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Amidst soaring temperatures, a rising population, fluctuating crop yields, and changing dietary patterns, India’s nutritional security faces complex challenges. Food companies are under increased scrutiny from consumers, and investors, and rising regulations on supply chain disclosures for sustainability. What is the current state of India’s listed food companies regarding their protein sourcing and supply chains? How do they compare with other major Asian companies, and what are the key sustainability issues and interdependence in India? The latest Asia Protein Buyers 100 report by Asia Research & Engagement (ARE) reveals that there is some progress since the 2022 baseline report, but still a significant distance to cover in the journey towards responsible and sustainable sourcing across the region. This is especially urgent in India, presenting an opportunity for leadership and greater nutritional security.

Cover Image of Asia Protein Buyers 100 Report

The assessment by ARE evaluated 100 regional protein buyers on 40 indicators across 10 sustainability themes, per the Asia Protein Transition Platform investor expected disclosures. The companies include listed manufacturers, restaurants, retailers, and hotels across more than 10 markets, with a combined market capitalisation exceeding USD 563 billion. Designed as a benchmark for investors, banks, and companies striving for responsible and sustainable sourcing, ARE plans to conduct the assessment every two years. The findings highlight a pressing urgency for responsible and sustainable sourcing among Asian food companies, focusing on the supply chains of animal protein as the most resource-intensive and impacting aspect of our food system. This issue is especially critical for India, where food systems account for 14% of the country’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Enteric fermentation in livestock is the leading cause, contributing to more than half of these emissions.

“Asia’s protein buyers still need to confront the deeply problematic social and environmental impacts and dependencies along their supply chains,” said Kate Blaszak, Director of Protein Transition and Co-author of the report, “The Asia Protein Buyers 100: An Assessment of Responsible and Sustainable Sourcing.” “These direct and indirect impacts pose direct risks to the companies, their investors, lenders, and customers. Forward-thinking protein buyers are tackling these risks as a market opportunity, gaining a competitive and financing edge, and working gradually to rebalance our food system with new plant-based and other smart protein offerings.”

The average overall score for the 100 companies was just 9%, with no company scoring above 50%. The average score across 12 major listed Indian companies was only 7%. “Such low scores might seem disheartening,” said Rituj Sahu, India Director for Protein Transition, ARE. “But there’s increasing awareness of the impacts and inefficiencies of our food system, a strong push from the regulatory authority SEBI, and an opportunity for Indian companies to demonstrate leadership and set integrated sustainability strategies, targets and policies by 2025.”

ARE identified the ten highest scoring companies—listed in Thailand, China, and Japan—as “Evolving Strategically”, for making it into tier three of six possible tiers. Companies scored best in the assessment of public disclosure related to protein supply chains on Water & Waste (20%), and poorest on Governance (2%). Results of key themes of priority to Platform investors include:

Labour & Just Transition: average score of 13%. While 23 companies have supplier codes of conduct, only two demonstrate due diligence in labour practices along their supply chains.

Responsible Antibiotic Use: average score of 3%. Only one company has a policy to avoid routine preventive antibiotic use, reflecting a low recognition of the risks associated with this major use of antibiotics and resistance.

Animal Welfare: average score of 7%, with only one company aligning its policy with Farm Animal Responsible Minimum Standards (FARMS) and three setting cage-free commitments.

Climate Change: average score of 12%, with emerging inclusion of indirect emissions but reluctance among most companies to tackle indirect emissions in their supply chains and set science-based reduction targets.

Deforestation & Biodiversity: average score of 5%. 26 companies acknowledge the risk of deforestation in their supply chains, but only two have set zero-deforestation deadlines.

Protein Diversification: average score of 5%. While 33 companies offer plant-based proteins, only two have set targets to increase sales, or to help capture the potential flexitarian consumer segment.

The report highlights significant economic and trade implications for India, particularly the risks to its USD5 billion annual shrimp export business from antibiotics overuse or labour concerns. Against this backdrop, the growing importance of sustainability in decision-making, driven by customers, suppliers, governments, and investors, alongside SEBI’s stance on ESG reporting, offers Indian companies an opportunity to lead in ESG disclosures and nutritional sustainability regionally. The report urges Asia’s protein buyers to enhance their efforts through integrated sustainability strategies, emphasising indirect risks and prioritising interdependencies. This approach will protect and create value for themselves, investors, and lenders while also securing nutritional security and sustainability.

Interdependencies include the linkages between GHG emission reduction and protein diversification for long-term mitigation. They also encompass the connections between improved farm animal welfare, enhanced food quality, reduced antibiotic use, better public health, and, in some cases, reduced emissions, feed requirements, and production costs in the short term.

Actionable recommendations include:

• Protein buyers to develop and publish policies, targets, and commitments by 2025 that:
• strengthen governance around protein sustainability, as part of an integrated business strategy,
• strengthen traceability, transparency, and labour due diligence,
• protect health and safety via clear principles on responsible antibiotic use,
• improve animal welfare towards FARMS, starting with policies and cage-free commitments for eggs and no permanent tethering of dairy cows;
• commit to zero-deforestation, to protect biodiversity and help reduce emissions,
• source seafood sustainably, growing the use of independent verification, and
• diversify further with alternative proteins, setting a sales target to help drive uptake and scale.
• Companies can refer to the Platform to support their sustainability journey and reach out to ARE with the confidence of investor-backed engagement.
• Buyers, suppliers, investors, and financiers should collaborate, accelerating the implementation of a responsible and sustainable protein transition in Asia by 2030.

Protein buyers assessed in this report and their respective tiers can be found here: drive.google.com/file/d/1txt6kuYbdmx2sXmyHyr9dwjbQ6_uWatB/view.

India’s listed companies are highlighted in bold. Note: The names of these companies have been abbreviated for ease of presentation. Please refer to the report for full names and company details.

PGI India Announces the 7th Edition of the Platinum Buyer-Seller Meet to Spotlight Innovation and Category Growth

24th June 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Platinum Guild International (PGI)-India is pleased to announce the highly anticipated 7th edition of its prestigious flagship event, the Platinum Buyer-Seller Meet. The marquee event will be held on 4th and 5th of July 2024, bringing together 16 official platinum jewellery manufacturers and leading names in the retail jewellery business under the PGI programme. Renowned for its focus on design and innovation, this annual meet serves as a premier platform for PGI partners to expand their platinum business.

This year’s edition emphasizes driving long-term demand for platinum jewellery and strengthening partnerships both existing and new. The event will showcase the impactful marketing programme for PGI’s flagship branded categories – Platinum Love Bands, Platinum Evara, and Men of Platinum. The programme will aim to stimulate demand this season by innovative marketing ideas, expanding occasions and enabling last-mile conversion.

The Platinum BSM is a platform that allows the manufacturers to present their new design collections across the 3 branded categories. This year will also see the scaling up of incremental business opportunities for retailers through product innovation and new ideas. The Platinum Buyer-Seller Meet reinforces PGI’s vision of creating consumer demand by identifying and fulfilling new demand opportunities for platinum in jewellery.

Vaishali Banerjee, Managing Director India, Platinum Guild International (PGI)

Commenting on the launch of the upcoming Platinum Buyer-Seller Meet, Vaishali Banerjee, Managing Director, Platinum Guild International-India said, “This event was conceptualised to work with our partners for the growth and expansion of platinum jewellery in the country. This year, our aim is to focus on building a robust future for platinum jewellery. Innovation is at the heart of this year’s BSM. Both in product and marketing. By showcasing cutting-edge designs and launching our new marketing programmes, we’re confident that this exclusive gathering will solidify platinum’s position as a coveted choice for discerning consumers. We look forward to the collaborative spirit and business growth this meet will inspire.”

Rajesh Kalyanaraman, Executive Director, Kalyan Jewellers, “Our customers always seek contemporary designs with minimalistic narratives and the Platinum Buyer-Seller Meet provides us with a great opportunity to explore new designs and stock up on pieces that will attract our customers. At Kalyan Jewellers, we are excited to witness bi-metal jewellery in platinum across various categories to meet the evolving preferences.”

Dipu Mehta, Managing Director, ORRA, “As we embark on a growth plan for ORRA, platinum jewellery continues to play an integral role in our growth story. We are excited for the upcoming Platinum Buyer-Seller Meet to further bolster our network of established industry manufacturers, who have been instrumental in unlocking our business potential for platinum jewellery through metal and design innovations.”

Suvankar Sen, CEO & MD, Senco Gold & Diamonds, “From launching Sencoverse, to constantly updating our design offerings to meet the contemporary and minimalistic design demands of the younger demographic, we at Senco are committed to expanding our reach. Platinum jewellery fits in beautifully with this demographic. We look forward to the upcoming Platinum Buyer-Seller Meet to stock up on some truly unique pieces across all brand categories for the upcoming wedding and festive season.”

Avinash Pahuja, Director ORO Precious Metals Pvt. Ltd., “We are excited to participate in another edition of the Platinum Buyer-Seller Meet. It is an invaluable opportunity to meet industry leaders, decision makers and potential buyers all under one roof! Innovation is entrenched in our DNA at ORO and platinum allows us to create unique, almost bespoke designs. We can’t wait to showcase our strengths in platinum jewellery at the upcoming meet.”

Colin Shah, Founder & Managing Director, Kama Jewelry, “The Platinum Buyer Seller Meet continues to be one of the most important business events in the industry. It gives us the platform to explore new business opportunities with existing partners and expand and build new partnerships. Our collections will spotlight the latest platinum jewellery trends shaped by the younger demographic that desires sleek, elegant, and contemporary designs. We look forward to our partners’ reactions to bi-metal platinum jewellery.”

Madhu Jethwani Dhabuwala, CEO – Jewellery, India & Middle East at Jewelex India Pvt. Ltd., said, “The annual Platinum Buyer-Seller Meet is an important platform for us to showcase our prowess in design, innovation and technology. Over the years we have been the leaders in machine made platinum love bands and Men of Platinum’s rings and we look forward to showcasing our extended portfolio of offerings that embody global trends and noteworthy craftsmanship.”

Nirmal Rawal, MD BN Jewellers added, “We have seen remarkable growth in the men’s jewellery segment. The platinum machine chains have always been one of our best-selling categories and this year we look to further differentiate based on design and innovation, to enable our retail partners to expand the consumer base of first-time buyers. We are excited to showcase our latest portfolio of cutting-edge designs and brilliant craftsmanship at the upcoming Platinum Buyer-Seller Meet.”

The 2023 Platinum Buyer-Seller Meet witnessed an outstanding response, with leading manufacturers displaying a diverse portfolio of contemporary platinum jewellery. The differentiated designs in core categories like Platinum Love Bands, Platinum Evara, and Men’s platinum jewellery reflected changing consumer narratives and global trends, significantly boosting platinum jewellery sales during the wedding and festive season.