Author: Rabindra

Ambuja Cements continues supporting water conservation efforts through workshop in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh, 16th May 2024: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, through its CSR arm, continues to spearhead sustainable water management and conservation initiatives across Himachal Pradesh. It recently organized a closed-door workshop on ‘Sustainable Watershed Management for Climate Resilience’ in Shimla, bringing together various experts and stakeholders to address the region’s pressing water challenges.

Ambuja Cements, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, has been actively involved in implementing multiple watershed development projects, especially in Darlaghat, Himachal Pradesh, in conjunction with various government agencies. At the core of Ambuja Cements’ CSR initiatives lies a commitment to empowering communities and preserving the environment around its operations. Under its CSR arm, the company has undertaken watershed projects in nearly 200 villages across three districts of Himachal Pradesh.

Speakers at the event included water conservation experts who interacted with over 100 attendees comprising corporate, government, community, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The experts discussed the critical importance of sustainable water resource management practices, including watershed development, green energy utilization, and farmer capacity building. Additionally, participants were briefed on available government schemes promoting solar pumping, irrigation efficiency, and sustainable water conservation practices. Community members were also invited as speakers to share their experiences on watersheds and climate change.

Furthermore, experts from educational institutions emphasized the key role of education and awareness regarding eco-literacy among the next generation. Proposals were made to introduce eco-literacy courses and establish a dedicated department focused on watershed development and climate resilience, highlighting the need for long-term approaches to address water-related challenges.

Through such initiatives, Ambuja Cements reaffirms its dedication to promoting sustainable water management practices and climate action. The company also strives to secure a resilient future for generations to come, ensuring the preservation of vital water resources.

IOL Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Ltd Q4 & FY24 income stands at Rs. 511 Crore

16th May 2024, Ludhiana: IOL Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a leading manufacturer of pharmaceutical APIs and specialty chemicals, announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended March 31, 2024.

Standalone Q4 & FY24 Financial Highlights (₹ in Crore)

Commenting on the performance, Mr Vikas Gupta, Joint Managing Director said, “The Company has exhibited resilient financial performance in FY24 despite challenging macro-economic environment and volatile chemical sector trajectory. We are receiving positive responses in the export market despite geopolitical uncertainties and supply chain obstacles.  Though the revenue growth has been sluggish, the margins were stable following the Company’s sustained cost-control initiatives. We believe that chemical sector turbulence would likely stabilize this financial year. In the non-ibuprofen segment, we are on track to expand our footprints in key regulated markets following approvals and certifications received last year. During the year the capex in infrastructure and automation will improve the operational efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint.”

FY24 Financial Highlights

• Total income at ₹ 2,162.9 Cr against ₹ 2,242.7 Cr
• EBITDA up 3.8% YoY to ₹ 261.6 Cr
• Net profit  at ₹ 135 Cr against ₹ 140 Cr 

Q4FY24 Financial Highlights

• Total income at ₹ 511 Cr against 596 Cr 
• EBITDA at ₹ 57.6 Cr against ₹ 104.5 Cr 
• Net profit at ₹ 28.2 Cr against ₹ 65.3 Cr

Operational Highlights

• Completed the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) GMP audit of all the 10 APIs manufacturing Units situated at Barnala, Punjab without any observation.
• Approval from the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), China to export “Metformin Hydrochloride” into China Market

• Received CEP Certificate for Losartan Potassium issued by EDQM which will enable higher export to the European market
• Commenced plant for Acetic Anhydride, for captive consumption as well as merchant sale
• CARE Rating has been reaffirmed to A+ with a stable outlook

Plum unveils Plum+; the BFF in your beauty journey

16th May 2024: Plum, India’s first 100% vegan beauty brand founded in science, and renowned for its premium skincare & beauty products, has just announced a loyalty program, Plum+, a groundbreaking loyalty program set to redefine your beauty journey. Available now on the Plum app and in Plum exclusive stores nationwide, Plum+ promises to be your trusted ally, offering personalized beauty consultations and exclusive perks on new launches and Plum products.

In a recent social media announcement, Plum revealed a new golden Plum+ logo, symbolizing this innovative program. Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, Plum places its loyal consumers, affectionately known as “Plumsters,” at the forefront. Plum+ is meticulously designed as a consumer-centric initiative, tailored to address the diverse beauty needs of Plum’s discerning clientele, fostering stronger bonds between Plum & Plumsters.

Shankar Prasad, Founder and CEO at Plum, shared, “At Plum, customer delight is not just a goal; it’s a value we live by. The Plum+ program is an outcome of our relentless focus on exceeding customer expectations.. As we unveil this new feature, we’re not just enhancing functionality, but also crafting experiences that empower Plumsters to redefine beauty on their own terms, seamlessly blending innovation with inspiration”.

Experts Promote Empowerment Throughout Asthma Awareness Month

Hyderabad, 16th May 2024:Amidst the pressing public health challenges of high mortality rates and compromised quality of life, the significance of effective asthma management comes into sharp focus. This year’s World Asthma Awareness Month theme, “Asthma Education Empowers,” underscores the vital role of knowledge in enhancing asthma management and patient outcomes. With India ranking #1 in prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to asthma, in addition to accounting for 42% of all asthma-related deaths worldwide, this year’s theme amplifies the urgency for national-level mobilization to address this critical issue. 1, 2, 3

Effective asthma management is multifaceted and awareness efforts must be supported by an ecosystem that encompasses various aspects of care. From disease and therapy awareness to diagnostics, screening, counseling, and treatment adherence, every step in the asthma journey matters.The collaboration between public awareness campaigns like Cipla’s Berok Zindagi and Tuffies, along with patient support efforts such as the company’s Breathefree initiative, creates a network of support for patients. Breathefree encompasses both physical and digital components, including an AI-enabled device training platform. This network not only assists patients but also provides relief to their families.

Commenting on the importance of education-empowered action. K. K. Reddy, Pulmonologist, Hyderabad said, “Characterized by narrowed airways, increased sensitivity to triggers (like dust mites, smoke, cold air, etc.) and changes in the air passages, Asthma is a long-term/chronic disease. Although incurable, it can be controlled through timely diagnosis and medical intervention. However, misconceptions, especially about inhalation therapy, often lead to patients failing to follow their doctor’s advice. Only about 23% of patients in India call their condition by its actual name with others referring to it as something like a cold and cough. By increasing awareness, not only among patients but also within the broader community, we can ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate management, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for asthma patients.4

Emphasizing the importance of education to ensure early intervention and treatment adherence, Dr. Pradyut Waghray, Senior Pulmonologist, Hyderabad added, “impact on quality of life. This is usually achieved through a combination of maintenance and reliever therapies. Inhalation therapy serves as a cornerstone, greatly enhancing quality of life. In fact, for certain patient populations like children or seniors who struggle with quick inhalation, nebulized treatments offer a practical solution, especially during acute exacerbations. However, it’s concerning that less than 9% of diagnosed patients use inhalation therapy with misconceptions about inhalers playing a leading role in treatment non-adherence. These challenges are further magnified by other factors like limited healthcare access, and inadequate device training and guidance. Therefore, to address these issues, a fundamental shift in how we approach asthma care in India is needed.”5, 6, 7

By prioritizing awareness and building a supportive ecosystem, Cipla remains dedicated to ensuring that patients receive the necessary support throughout their asthma journey. With Berok Zindagi, Cipla has challenged asthma misconceptions and its treatment-related stigmas through a multitude of creative mediums. The Tuffies campaign has evolved into a movement of inspiration for kids with respiratory conditions such as asthma and their caregivers through engaging comic books as well as on-ground school programs like the Tuffies Ki School Yatra.

Parallelly, Cipla’s Breathefree initiative has been instrumental in providing comprehensive support resources for asthma patients in the areas of screening, counseling, and treatment adherence. From on-ground screening camps to a now AI-enabled Breathefree Digital Educator platform and device training‘how-to’ videos; Breathefree has evolved into a one-stop support solution for those living with asthma.

Mahindra Launches a New Store at Spectrum@Metro in Noida

Mahindra, an automobile manufacturing company, has launched its new store at Noida’s Spectrum Metro, located in Sector 75 in Central Noida. This newest addition to the list of brands at Spectrum Metro occupies a super area of 3875 sq. ft. and a carpet area of 1940 sq. ft. and is located on the ground floor tower D Spectrum@Metro Phase -1. The brand became operational on May 9.

On the opening of Mahindra, Ajendra Singh, VP of Sales & Marketing, Spectrum@Metro, said, “Mahindra’s new store launch at Spectrum@Metro Noida signifies a significant step in enhancing accessibility to our quality products. This prime location within the vibrant commercial hub aligns with our commitment to customer convenience and satisfaction. We eagerly anticipate enriching experiences and fostering strong community connections.”

Spectrum@Metro is a high-street commercial project that offers serviced apartments, office spaces, retail spaces, and other amenities to the 15 lakh people in the catchment. Spectrum@Metro hosts the most popular global brands across lifestyle, food, fashion, etc., and is just opposite the Aqua Line Sector 50 metro station.

Experion Technologies & Twixor Forge Alliance to Revolutionize CX Automation Across Industries

16th May 2024, Thiruvananthapuram: Experion is excited to announce its strategic partnership with Twixor, the pioneering Actionable Intelligence Platform that empowers businesses to build hyper-personalized engagement platforms. These platforms enable customers to initiate end-to-end fulfillment processes for digital process automation, transcending industries such as BFSI, Healthcare, Retail, Logistics, and Transportation.

Twixor’s award-winning low-code/no-code Conversational AI platform seamlessly integrates messaging and automation, serving over 400 global customers, including Fortune 500 companies. The platform, recognized with 7 Global patents and numerous industry accolades, handles 4 billion+ interactions annually across diverse industries. On the other hand, Experion brings a singular focus on digital products, 100% engineering talent, end-to-end management of product IP, high-quality contracts, a learning culture, and a commitment to being a client partner rather than a staffing vendor.

This partnership aims to deliver unparalleled value through CX automation at scale, deep domain expertise, single-vendor engagement, predictable pricing, and a commitment to innovation and futureproofing.

Experion’s approach to onboarding into the Twixor solution is centered around top talent, human-centered methodologies, and industry best practices. It provides an efficient and seamless transition for clients seeking the transformative benefits of Conversational AI and CX automation. This partnership is poised to be a game-changer, doubling Experion and Twixor’s capabilities in the dynamic realms of AI and CX automation.

Binu Jacob, MD & CEO, Experion Technologies: “This partnership significantly enhances Experion’s capabilities in providing impactful solutions in the dynamic realms of AI and CX automation. The synergy between our engineering talent and Twixor’s cutting-edge platform will drive transformative outcomes for our clients.”

Today, customer engagements frequently take place via messaging across all industries, and hence, digital and automation-enabled customer journeys are crucial. The Experion-Twixor partnership focuses on customer experience, ensuring customer satisfaction, and fostering loyalty in this modern era of chat economy.

The collaboration between Experion and Twixor brings forth a suite of solutions catering to the B2C & B2B space. Twixor’s main USPs, including CX Automation platform, Intelligent Process Automation, and Omnichannel Chat Solutions, will empower clients in BFSI, Healthcare, Retail, Logistics, and Transportation to streamline operations and elevate customer experiences.

Ashok Anand, CEO, of Twixor: “Partnering up with Experion unlocks a wealth of opportunities to broaden our presence worldwide. Our shared goal is to deliver a robust customer experience solution, harnessing the power of Twixor’s Generative-AI Powered platform and ground-breaking innovations spanning the entire customer lifecycle. This strategic partnership is dedicated to delivering unparalleled value and innovation, tailored to address the distinctive needs of our clients.”

The alliance with Twixor is a strategic move that aligns with Experion’s broader goals of sustainable growth, market leadership, and creating a workplace culture that fosters excellence. This collaboration is poised to elevate Experion’s standing in the market, opening doors to new opportunities, and enhancing its competitive edge.

InfoVision garners ISG ‘Standout’ recognition for client’s digital transformation

16th May 2024, InfoVision, a leader in providing cutting-edge digital transformation solutions, is proud to announce its recognition as a ‘Standout’ in the ISG Case Study Research for 2023, within the Banking and Financial Services sector for North America.

This esteemed recognition celebrates the outstanding work and tangible outcomes achieved in InfoVision’s digital transformation project with a renowned mortgage technology company. The project was highlighted for its exceptional impact on the client’s business, showcasing a 40% increase in platform efficiency and a significant 50% reduction in operational costs.

The ISG Case Study Research program, which assesses and validates technology and service providers’ case studies worldwide, recognized InfoVision for its innovative and unique solution that rejuvenated the client’s flagship platform. The transformation was marked by strategic moves such as migrating the platform to a more cost-effective, fully managed data center and improving customer experience through advanced automation and design enhancements.

“Our partnership with the client and the success of their product is a testament to our commitment to ‘imagining IT differently’,” said Sean Yalamanchi, President of InfoVision. “We’re honored that ISG has acknowledged our efforts and the value we bring to our clients through transformative digital solutions.”

The ISG research review committee independently validated the case study, emphasizing the complexity of the technology ecosystem managed and the ‘skin-in-the-game’ approach of InfoVision. As a result of this success, our client is expanding the partnership to grant more product ownership to InfoVision, further demonstrating the trust and effectiveness of the collaboration.

InfoVision’s dedication to innovation and its client-centric approach have been pivotal in achieving recognition by ISG, confirming its role as a leader in digital transformation within the Banking and Financial Services industry.

Veira Invests ₹450 Crore to Expand Washing Machine & Air Cooler Production in Greater Noida

Delhi, Veira, a key player in consumer electronics and appliances manufacturing, is set to significantly expand its current manufacturing capacity for air coolers and washing machines with a 450 crore investment in its new manufacturing facility in Greater Noida. This investment will elevate the company’s existing production capacity from 100,000 units to 500,000 units of washing machines and air coolers annually. As a trusted OEM/ODM partner, Veira already manufactures air coolers for 23 and washing machines for 25 top Indian and global brands. This underscores its commitment to local production and the ‘Make in India, Made for India’ ethos, cementing its leadership in consumer appliance manufacturing

Operating two state-of-the-art facilities in Noida’s Sector 81 and 85, covering a combined area of 500,000 square feet, Veira’s investment will focus on setting up manufacturing infrastructure in the new unit. This includes acquiring molding machines, essential for shaping components, along with cooling systems, auxiliary equipment, and a dust control system to expand the total manufacturing capacity of the facility and new molds apart from fully automatic production lines & High Standard R & D. This investment not only advances manufacturing capacity and technology but also actively contributes to the localization of production, job creation, R&D enhancement, and fostering skill development in India.

With the air cooler market projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.1% and increasing demand for washing machines among Indian consumers, this investment strategically addresses market demands and opportunities. Veira boasts a vast manufacturing capacity under Consumer appliances, including air coolers, Washing Machines (Commercial & Household needs), and Smart TVs. Additionally, the company plans to enrich its existing product portfolio of washing machines by introducing semi-automatic washing machines by the end of the month.

Speaking of the development, Mr. Ankit Maini, Director at Veira, said, “This expansion marks our commitment to serving both domestic and international markets. We recognize significant export potential, particularly in light of the government’s ambitious goal of achieving a $300 billion electronics industry. We anticipate these product segments to contribute 15% to our revenue by the end of FY 2025. Beyond business, this initiative empowers local talent, fosters innovation, and contributes to the economic prosperity of our country.”

Already renowned as the largest manufacturer of Smart TVs in India, and the pioneer Indian ODM/OEM to offer multiple operating systems for smart TVs, Veira continues to lead the way in technological innovation with an enhanced focus on a comprehensive range of consumer appliances.

BOP.in and Gaurs Group unveils the 9 years guaranteed passive income investment plan

New Delhi/Noida: In response to the growing demand for diversified income sources, BOP Group and Gaurs Group are proud to announce the launch of the groundbreaking Guaranteed Income Investment Plan as part of the Gaur World Smart Street project. The launch of this innovative investment opportunity is set to take place at Gaur World Smart Street in Greater Noida, West on May 19, 2024.

The Gaur World Smart Street’s Plan introduces a pioneering 9-year guaranteed income investment model, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the real estate market — focused upon enabling a secondary income strategy for investors and homeowners. This distinctive feature sets it apart from conventional investment schemes, offering investors the reassurance of long-term returns and financial stability. The investment plan spans three critical phases: during the initial three years, investors will receive an assured return on their total investment, while the subsequent six years will incorporate a booster plan along with actual rental income based on market rates. Detailed information about this lucrative scheme can be found in the prospectus that would be shared by the Gaurs Group in unison with BOP.

Mr. Gaurav Mavi, Co-founder of BOP Group, shared his insights on the scheme, stating, “The Gaur World Smarts Street project represents a paradigm shift in investment strategies. By extending the tenure of guaranteed returns over 9 years, we aim to provide investors with a secure and lucrative financial avenue to enhance their wealth portfolio. A handsome return on the initial investment coupled with rental income streams, makes the Gaur World Smart Street’s investment — rightly positioned to cater to those who want to build a secondary stable income besides their primary income streams. The GWSS project is officially approved by RERA, and all requirements are completed. Now, we’re ready for registry.”

Upon the completion of the 9-year period, investors can anticipate receiving the highest returns on their initial investment, complemented by rental income determined by prevailing market conditions, making the scheme one-of-a-kind and probably ushering a new era of guaranteed investment plans, something that was unheard of — in the real estate industry.

SURVEY Consumers Want More Live Interactive Shopping Events

Live shopping is anticipated to grow into a mainstream online retail avenue, significantly transforming the consumer shopping experience. As retailers and marketplaces strategically position themselves to harness this burgeoning trend, they are shifting focus to curating immersive, unforgettable experiences that transcend the digital realm and provide a competitive edge in the evolving marketplace.

“To create successful live shopping experiences, online retailers and marketplaces must first understand their customers’ behavior, preferences, and motivations,” said Joe Kwong, Director of E-commerce at Agora. “Through these insights, they can enhance interactivity and curate exclusive offerings that truly resonate with customers, going beyond selling products to create immersive experiences that redefine retail as we know it.”

For the study, Agora surveyed over 1,000 consumers on their perception of interactive livestream shopping events, uncovering divergent views on interest, benefits, and influential factors across different age groups. Here’s a closer look at what they found.

Shifting Tides in E-Commerce

Interactive live streaming shopping experiences are quickly becoming a cornerstone in the future of e-commerce, with nearly half (46%) of respondents expressing interest in live stream shopping events. However, despite this increasing popularity, 28% of consumers continue to favor traditional online shopping, while only a quarter of respondents don’t see the appeal of live shopping events at all.

Taking a deeper look at these trends the survey revealed intriguing age-based differences in attitudes and perceptions towards live interactive streaming shopping events, with 61% of the under 55 group showing interest in live shopping experiences, while 71% of the 55+ group were uninterested or preferred traditional online shopping.

Despite these differences, product demonstrations, exclusive deals, and convenience emerged as key influencing factors across age groups.

“While younger consumers are more receptive to the immersive and interactive nature of live shopping events, older shoppers’ reluctance to embrace this new format underscores the need to strike a balance between innovation and familiarity,” said Joe Kwong, Director of E-commerce at Agora. “By tailoring their strategies to cater to the customers’ diverse expectations, brands and retailers can create engaging and meaningful live shopping experiences that resonate across generations.”

Key Drivers for Live Shopping Engagement Identified

Consumers are clear about what draws them to live interactive streaming shopping events. Convenience emerged as the predominant factor influencing consumer participation in these events, 40% of respondents highlighted ease of shopping as a primary motivator, underscoring live shopping events’ ability to further enhance the online commerce experience.

Product demonstrations followed closely – 36% noted the ability to products in action as an influencing factor. Nearly a quarter attributed some form of interactivity – such as, engaging with influencers (15%) or interacting with other shoppers (9%) – to their decision to participate in live shopping events.

“As we look to the future of online retail, it’s clear that creating live shopping environments that not only prioritize convenience but also deliver engaging, immersive experiences is critical,” said Joe Kwong, Director of E-commerce at Agora. “Retailers who can successfully integrate features that center real-time interactions and engagement will be well-positioned to thrive in the evolving landscape of live shopping and beyond. The key lies in striking the right balance between convenience and immersion, crafting experiences that seamlessly blend the two to meet the changing expectations of today’s consumers.”

Real-Time Interaction and Entertainment Drive Live Shopping Appeal

It’s becoming evident that live shopping is striking a chord with consumers who value its immediacy and engagement. Live commerce is rapidly becoming an important component of the online retail experience. According to the study, 27% of consumers view real-time interaction—the ability to inquire and receive instant feedback—as the principal benefit over traditional online shopping. The entertainment factor is not far behind, with 21% of shoppers finding live streams more engaging and fun, transforming shopping from a chore into an experience. Additionally, 23% are attracted by the lure of exclusive deals, often only available during these events.

“Consumers are waiting for that additional nudge when making online purchases—a demonstration of value, an assurance of convenience, or perhaps a personalized experience that can pull them fully into the fold of a live shopping experience, ” said Joe Kwong, Director of E-commerce at Agora. “They’re seeking more than transactions; they’re seeking connections. Live shopping’s interactive nature satisfies this desire, turning shopping from a solitary task into a shared experience.”