7, Nov 2023
Hipi Unveils The Ultimate Dance Extravaganza: HipiDanceBattle
Mumbai, Nov 7, 2023 – Hipi, the ultimate destination for creativity and self-expression, is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest dance challenge, #HipiDanceBattle. Following the immense success of the previous Hipi G.O.A.T, this new endeavour promises to captivate users with its rhythm, energy, and unbeatable groove.
The dance challenge invites users from all corners of the country to showcase their unique dance moves and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or someone who just loves to move, this challenge is designed to bring people together through the universal language of dance.
What sets #HipiDanceBattle apart is its inclusivity and diversity. From professional dancers to first-time movers, everyone is encouraged to join the dance revolution. With a mission to unite people through the universal language of dance, Hipi invites users to participate in this epic celebration of rhythm and movement.
Participants will be provided the opportunity to present their dance prowess and secure a well-deserved place in the limelight. They will create and upload videos on Hipi, showcasing their talents while using specific theme-based monthly hashtags. A daily leaderboard will be in place, along with the recognition of two monthly winners and the ultimate grand winner. The mega showdown will unfold in the last 15 days of the challenge, culminating in a grand contest to crown the winner of the dance battle.
Meet the Judges:
Aanchal Munjal kickstarts the #HipiDanceBattle with the first challenge – #AnyOneCanDance. Aanchal is a renowned actor with a lifelong presence on the screens. Her journey with Hipi began at its inception, where she has consistently amassed millions of views with her captivating content.
Following her lead, there is an esteemed panel of judges who will bring their expertise and discerning eye to evaluate the incredible performances in this season’s competition. Ishita Dutta is an accomplished actor with over a decade of lead roles in successful films and TV series, known for her outstanding performances in Drishyam and its sequel. Shivangi Khedkar, much known for her role in Mehndi Hai
Rachne Wali has won hearts with her short yet impressive career as an accomplished actor and a successful model. Sara Gurpal, already popular on Hipi, is a celebrated Punjabi singer and actor who has claimed numerous awards for her melodious voice. Swati Kapoor, another well-known Indian actor and model, features in Hindi films and TV shows. She is a well-established influencer with a substantial following on Hipi as well as other social media platforms.
Each of these judges will bring a unique perspective and passion for dance, making this season’s competition extremely exciting. Their collective experience and discernment will undoubtedly enrich the #HipiDanceBattle and set the stage for some incredible performances. Stay tuned for an exciting season ahead!
After five thrilling challenges that will showcase exceptional talent, the top 12 finalists will face off for an additional two weeks, vying for the prestigious title of ‘Dance Warrior’. Celebrity judges, the connoisseurs of dance, will carefully select the winner based on his/her incredible talent and the quality of their dance videos. A cash reward of Rs. 1 Lakh awaits the crowned champion of the Hipi Dance Battle.
But the opportunities do not end here; participants can win cash prizes daily by simply garnering likes on their challenge videos. “The Hipi Dance Battle offers a unique opportunity for India to experience the rich diversity of exceptional dance talents nationwide. This new challenge expects to uplift the lives of the talented individuals this country is home to. We hope that Hipi Dance Battle turns out to be as outstanding as Hipi G.O.A.T. 2 and Hipi Lip-sync Battle. The success of Dance Battle will underscore our dedication to fostering creative talent”, said Mr. GBS Bindra – Chief Business Officer of Hipi.
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- By Rabindra
7, Nov 2023
Evaluation Report finds 400 million people benefitted from NDB’s USD 10 billion COVID-19 Emergency Financing
The New Development Bank (NDB)’s financing facility of up to USD 10 billion for loans in response to the COVID-19 emergency in its founding member countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa benefitted 400 million people, including women, health workers, senior citizens, people with disabilities, farmers and more, according to an evaluation report by NDB’s Independent Evaluation Office (IEO).
The report estimates that through this financing, the member countries were able to provide much-needed support, including life cover of USD 67,400 to 2.2 million health workers, USD 4.17 billion in income support to 206.5 million women, ex-gratia payments of USD 13.5 each to 28.1 million senior citizens, widows, and individuals with disabilities, USD 26.9 each in advanced funds to 95 million farmers, and deliver 142 million gas cylinders to 75.6 million people.
Additionally, the India focused COVID-19 Response Programmes generated 5.4 billion person-days of employment, with 52% going to women, and ensured 100% of district hospital doctors and nurses were trained to meet WHO standards, with 61% of them being women.
NDB’s first COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Programme Loan was approved on March 19, 2020. This was the first such loan by any multilateral development bank in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to address the health and economic consequences of the outbreak. The report applauds NDB’s agility in responding to the pandemic and the needs of the member countries and recommends formulating a crisis response policy that can help shape the Bank’s response to a wide range of significant global crises.
The pandemic triggered substantial economic challenges, trade volume contractions, and a surge in global unemployment, posing a unique set of difficulties for nations worldwide.
NDB’s Independent Evaluation Office presented its findings from the comprehensive evaluation of the Bank’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic at a stakeholders’ seminar today in New Delhi, India. This was followed by an Evaluation Capacity Development seminar.
According to Mr. Anil Kishora, Vice-President & Chief Risk Officer, NDB, “The COVID-19 pandemic was one of those rare global crises which demanded a response from almost every institution having a stake in human well-being or global development. It was a reminder that multilateral organisations, in particular, need to stay ever prepared and equipped to respond to global crisis situations which might hit us in future.”
He further added, “The COVID-19 pandemic challenged both the member countries and NDB in terms of magnitude, dynamics, and complexity. However, the Bank demonstrated exceptional agility and speed in its response, prioritizing the immediate needs of its member countries. The COVID-19 Response Programme Evaluation was the logical next step to identify lessons that need to be thought through and internalized.”
The NDB’s response was characterized by the implementation of the Policy on Fast-Track Emergency Response to COVID-19 and the subsequent COVID-19 Emergency Programme loans aimed at alleviating the pandemic’s impact.
Speaking about the evaluation and its learning, Mr. Ashwani Muthoo, Director General of the IEO at the NDB, said “The evaluation accounted for the exceptional challenges posed by the pandemic and the absence of well-established benchmarks. When one comprehensively considers all aspects, it becomes evident that the NDB’s COVID-19 Response Programme played an instrumental role in the triumph of the individual country programs. It is heartening to witness the commitment of all stakeholders discuss the lessons and recommendations from this independent evaluation.”
Among other topics, the stakeholders discussed the need for strengthening coordination and cooperation among different actors including governments, international organisations, civil society, private sector and others for deeper efficiency and better results in crisis-response situations. Participants also discussed the setting up of institutional arrangements to support operational teams when implementing specific multi-country programmes: providing guidance and templates specifically tailored to the programme; as well as ensuring that key quality at entry requirements for funding are met.
Pursuing its commitment to strengthening evaluation capacities across all member countries, NDB also hosted an Evaluation Capacity Development seminar today in New Delhi. This seminar focused on measures to enhance evaluation practices and methodologies that need to be tailored to the local context for promoting improved accountability and learning.
The NDB seminars saw over 100 participants from relevant government offices, development partners, officials from all NDB member countries, NDB project staff, representatives of the NDB Board of Directors, relevant research and academic organizations, non-governmental organizations, foundations and private sector organizations and others.
7, Nov 2023
India’s Biggest Pet Festival is Back – Get Ready for Pet Fed 2023!
New Delhi, Nov 7th,2023: – India’s most anticipated pet extravaganza, Pet Fed, is all set to make a grand return, promising an extraordinary experience for pet lovers and their furry companions. As the proud holder of the Limca World Record for the “Biggest Dog Carnival,” Pet Fed is gearing up for its 8th edition, and this year’s celebration is going to be bigger and better than ever before.
Pet Fed will be taking the festivities to six major cities across the country, creating a platform for pets and their humans to come together for a memorable celebration of their unique bond. Here’s the lineup:
● Bengaluru on 25th & 26th November at Jayamahal Palace Grounds
● Delhi on 16th & 17th December at NSIC Grounds, Okhla
● Mumbai on 13th & 14th January at Nesco Grounds, Goregaon
● Pune Express on 10th & 11th February at Westend Mall, Aundh
● Chandigarh on 24th & 25th February at Elante Mall
● Hyderabad on 16th & 17th March at DSL Virtue Mall
Get ready for an enchanting experience as Pet Fed promises to take you and your pets on an unforgettable journey filled with exhilarating activities, fun stalls, and enlightening workshops. With over 100 stalls showcasing the latest in pet products and services, along with numerous activities and workshops, you and your pets are in for a treat.
The festival spread across a magnificent 3-acre space, offers ample room for pets to frolic, play, and interact freely. Pet Fed is known for its inclusivity, welcoming not only proud pet parents but also those who have yet to welcome a furry friend into their lives. It’s a world filled with thousands of pets, where you can experience the joy, love, and boundless compassion that animals bring to our lives.
The visionary behind this pet phenomenon is Akshay Gupta, whose passion for pets has driven the growth and success of Pet Fed. He envisions Pet Fed as a haven for pet lovers and their beloved companions, providing meticulously planned, unique experiences that leave a lasting impact. Speaking about the upcoming event, Akshay Gupta said, “In our journey of growth over the years, we’ve not only expanded in scale but also in the quality of experiences we offer at Pet Fed. Every pet owner, pet enthusiast, and cherished furry companion who joins us at this festival holds a special place in our hearts. Our mission is to ensure they leave with unforgettable memories. With this upcoming edition of Pet Fed, we are poised to raise the bar even higher. We are excited to provide the ever-growing community of pet lovers and their beloved pets with the perfect haven to come together and partake in a series of meticulously planned, unique experiences.”
Get ready to witness incredible activities at Pet Fed, including a Police Dog Show, Training Masterclasses, Hygiene Masterclasses, Pet Keeping Masterclasses, Pet’s Got Talent, a Fashion Show, an International Cat Show, an Agility Area, a Kids Carnival Area, Free Microchipping for Cats, and Free Entry for Indie Pets.
7, Nov 2023
Chingari App Introduces Live Astrology Consultations…
Connect with Expert Astrologers for Personalized Guidance
Bengaluru, 07 Nov 2023: Chingari, the popular social app announces its latest feature that will bring personalized astrology consultations to its users. In a move aimed at enhancing user experience and providing valuable services, Chingari has introduced Live Astrology Sessions on its platform.
This feature, designed to provide users with personalized insights and predictions, connects them with a network of over 1500 astrologers, tarot readers, numerologists, and Vastu experts. Chingari is committed to empowering its users with valuable insights related to marriage, love life, career, and health through this innovative platform.
Users interested in an astrology consultation can choose from a list of certified astrologers available on the Chingari app. Users can connect with their chosen experts for as low as Rs. 30 per minute, making expert guidance accessible to a wide range of individuals. To make things even more enticing, Chingari is offering the first three calls for free, allowing users to experience the benefits of this new feature without any cost.
In addition to enhancing the user experience, Chingari has set an ambitious revenue target of Rs. 25 crore by 2024 from just this feature alone. With its rapidly growing user base and the addition of this new feature, Chingari is well-positioned to achieve its financial objectives while continuing to provide innovative and engaging content to its community.
Sumit Ghosh, CEO and Co-Founder, Chingari said, “ Chingari has always been committed to providing engaging and valuable content to its users. With the introduction of Live Astrology Consultations, the platform is expanding its offerings to cater to the growing interest in astrology and spiritual guidance. This feature aligns with Chingari’s mission to empower users with meaningful and personalized experiences.”
7, Nov 2023
Delhi Public School, Hinjawadi, Mr. Siddharth Rajgarhia Explores and Shares Insights on Innovative Education in Singapore
Pune, 07th November 2023: Siddharth Rajgarhia, Director of Delhi Public School (DPS) campuses in Nashik, Varanasi, Lava Nagpur, and Hinjawadi, recently returned from a visit to Singapore schools, where he observed innovative teaching methods.
During his visit, Mr. Rajgarhia was captivated by the dynamic learning environments created for students of all ages in Singaporean schools. Notably, hands-on learning stations, such as the one where students crafted spaceships from unconventional materials like toilet paper, left a lasting impression, showcasing the power of creativity and immersive educational experiences.
He noticed that schools in Singapore put an emphasis on keeping records to help improve education. This documentation helps to understand what’s working and what needs to change.
The use of natural materials in schools not only connects students to nature but also sparks creativity. It helps students build a deeper connection with their environment. Singapore schools also have clear rules and paths for teachers and students, which Rajgarhia sees as important for growth.
Mr. Rajgarhia commended the clear organizational structure and well-defined career progression pathways within Singapore schools as a forward-thinking approach. Recognizing the importance of such clarity for both staff and students, he envisions implementing similar structures to foster a conducive environment for personal and professional growth within DPS.
While sharing his joy and excitement Mr. Siddharth Rajgarhia, Chief Learner and Director of Delhi Public School of Hinjawadi, Nashik, Lava Nagpur, and Varanasi said, “Cultivating innovation in education is a shared journey, and the insights gained from Singapore have illuminated the path towards a brighter future for Delhi Public School. I’m excited to bring these valuable lessons back to our campuses, fostering a dynamic learning environment for all our students.”
Expressing gratitude for the learning opportunity, Rajgarhia aims to integrate these innovative ideas into DPS’s educational approach, igniting a renewed spirit to elevate DPS to new heights of excellence. Mr. Rajgarhia eagerly anticipates future collaborations that enrich educational communities across DPS campuses, ensuring DPS remains a pioneer in educational innovation and excellence.
7, Nov 2023
Airtel’s Deepak Gupta Joins CARS24 as Vice President of EngineeringAirtel’s Deepak Gupta Joins CARS24 as Vice President of Engineering
New Delhi, November 07, 2023 – CARS24, India’s leading AutoTech Company has today announced the appointment of Deepak Gupta as its Vice President of Engineering. In his new role, Deepak will catalyze driving technological innovation within the Engineering Division, aiming to enhance both the performance delivery and the overall user experience for customers buying and selling used cars. This move underscores CARS24’s dedication to leveraging cutting-edge technology to transform the way we interact with the pre-owned automobile market, offering customers a seamless and efficient journey
Deepak is a forward-thinking technologist with a career spanning over two decades at the nexus of technology and business. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to shape technical strategies, lead cross-functional teams, and deliver remarkable results that propel organizations to new heights. Throughout his career, Deepak has been the mastermind behind the development of extensive engineering platforms, adaptable and scalable websites, apps, and products, all designed to provide cutting-edge functionality and intelligence to end-users. His dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction drives continuous innovation and swift product development.
An alumnus of IIT, Delhi, Deepak firmly believes in technology as a catalyst for positive change, surpassing mere trend-following to strategically unlock technology’s potential in solving intricate challenges, optimizing operational efficiency, and birthing ground-breaking products and services. His visionary leadership is centred around guiding organizations through this transformative technological landscape, making them agile, competitive, and future-proof.
In his most recent role at Airtel, Deepak spearheaded technology initiatives across 14 countries, overseeing critical functions, including Airtel Money and Airtel Payments Bank. Prior to Airtel, he headed the technology division in G4S, a global integrated security committee, and worked with other renowned organizations like Publicis Sapient, Xchanging, and MPS Technologies. Deepak is also an official member of the Forbes Technology Council.
Talking about us, Deepak Gupta, the newly appointed Vice President of Engineering at CARS24, shared, “I am honoured and excited to join the dynamic team at Cars24 as the Vice President of Engineering. Cars24 is at the forefront of revolutionizing the automotive industry, and I look forward to contributing my expertise to drive innovation leveraging AI and Data Science and excellence in engineering at its Financial engineering and compliance vertical. Together, we’ll build the future of automotive technology.”
Marut Singh, the Chief Technology Officer at CARS24, couldn’t contain his excitement about Deepak’s addition to the team. He expressed, “We’re not just welcoming Deepak; we’re unleashing a tech-savvy maestro to the CARS24 Engineering Team. Our mission has always been to transform the global used car market, and Deepak’s addition to the team at this juncture will work like a booster to our digital transformation journey. With his rich experience across various verticals and ability to lead large teams, we’re geared up to offer our customers a world-class experience”
In his new role, Deepak will lead CARS24’s Financial engineering and compliance vertical, focusing on creating a scalable ecosystem to build various financial products. He will fortify team dynamics, foster seamless collaboration, and spearhead technological and process innovation while driving advanced product development to fuel the organization’s business growth. Deepak’s addition to the CARS24 team represents a pivotal step in reinforcing the company’s commitment to nurturing its talent force, delivering unparalleled experiences, and solidifying its position as an industry leader in the dynamic used car market.
CARS24 remains at the forefront of auto-tech innovation. Earlier this month the company announced its plans to on-board over 100 tech experts in domains such as R&D, data sciences, and product development this quarter to further strengthen its tech team.
7, Nov 2023
NMIMS SOL Indore’s Samatva Garners Appreciation from Legal Luminaries for its Moving Street Act at MPSLSA’s Skill Enhancement Program
Indore, 07 November 2023: Prominent public legal aid body, the Madhya Pradesh State Legal Service Authority (MPSLSA) organized a ‘Skill Enhancement Program’ for Community Mediators on 28 October 2023 to mark the visit of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Judge Supreme Court of India to the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Students from Samatva, NMIMS School of Law (SOL) Indore’s Legal Aid Society, participated in the event and enthralled the attendees with a performance of a Nukkad Naatak, a street play.
The street play by ‘Samatva’ was an energetic performance and addressed critical issues such as alcohol de-addiction, divorce, gender bias, women empowerment, family dispute mediation, and the role of Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) in society. The performance mesmerized the high-profile dignitaries and received appreciation from them for their message of starting a conversation on sensitive issues.
Meanwhile, the program held for Community Mediators was aimed at enhancing their proficiency in conflict resolution and mediation, majorly in cases of family disputes. As part of the program, a skill development workshop was organized where legal experts guided Community Mediation Volunteers of the MPSLSA on mediation principles, communication techniques, legal aspects of family disputes, and women’s rights. The program emphasized the importance of empathy, active listening, and neutrality in mediation.
The program was presided over by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Kaul as the Chief Guest. Dignitaries from the Madhya Pradesh High Court and the MPSLSA also graced the occasion. The prominent guests attending the event included Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vivek Agarwal, Judge, MP High Court (Jabalpur) and Chairman, High Court Legal Services Committee, Jabalpur; Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sheel Nagu, Judge MP High Court (Jabalpur) and Executive Chairman, MP State Legal Services Authority (MPSLSA); Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rohit Arya, Judge, MP High Court (Gwalior) and Chairman, High Court Legal Services Committee, Gwalior; Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari, Administrative Judge, MP High Court (Indore) and Chairman, High Court Legal Services Committee, Indore; Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sujoy Paul, Judge, MP High Court (Jabalpur); Hon’ble Mr. Justice Achal Kumar Paliwal, Judge, MP High Court (Jabalpur); Hon’ble Mr. Justice Anil Verma, Judge, MP High Court (Indore); Hon’ble Mr. Justice Pranay Verma, Judge, MP High Court (Indore); Hon’ble Mr. Justice Subodh Abhyankar, Judge, MP High Court (Indore); Mr. Rajiv Karmahe, Member Secretary, MP State Legal Services Authority (MPSLSA); Mr. Bhagwati Prasad Sharma, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Indore; Mr. Asif Ahmed Abbasi, Secretary, District Legal Service Authority (DLSA); Mr. Sarvesh Chaturvedi, District Legal Aid Officer, Jabalpur and Mr. Mithilesh Deheria, District Legal Aid Officer, Indore.
Commenting on the success of the street play and thanking MPSLSA, Dr. Ashutosh Hajela, NMIMS SOL Indore, said, “Samatva has always been at the forefront of legal advocacy and infusing empowerment in the society. It was a moment of honour for NMIMS SOL Indore and its students to get the opportunity to attend such a prestigious event. It served as a platform for the students to interact and learn from nationally renowned legal luminaries and judicial officials and enhance their knowledge. The program provided students with a chance to advocate legal literacy through creative means like street plays. NMIMS SOL Indore expresses its deep gratitude to MPSLSA for providing us with the opportunity to be a part of such a significant event and looks forward to more such opportunities.”
7, Nov 2023
STPI launches Leap Ahed initiative for startups to get access to investment, mentorship & global connect
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology Secretary Shri S. Krishnan launched the initiative
New Delhi, 7th November 2023: In the bid to support and accelerate the success of tech startups across India, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) Secretary Shri S. Krishnan launched the LEAP AHEAD initiative, a joint collaboration of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Delhi-NCR, here at the LEAP AHEAD summit in the gracious presence of Shri Arvind Kumar, Director General, STPI; Shri Sushil Pal, Joint Secretary, MeitY; Dr. Saurabh Shrivastava, Chairman Emeritus, TiE Delhi-NCR & Co-Founder, Indian Angel Network; Shri Alok Mittal, Co-founder, Indifi Technologies & President, TiE Delhi-NCR; Shri Ashok Singh, Executive Vice President, Investor Relations, Mumbai Angels; Shri Prem Bharthasarathy, Managing Partner, Pontaq Ventures India LLP, Shri Devesh Tyagi, Senior Director, STPI; Shri Subodh Sachan, Director, Innovation and Startups, STPI and Ms. Manjusha Chourasia, Scientist ‘E’, MeitY.
This initiative will be a game-changer for tech Startups that are in the scaling stage, growth stage, product diversification, or planning expansion into new geographical locations. They can benefit through funding support of up to ₹ 1 Crore and a comprehensive three-month mentorship program that combines virtual and in-person sessions for a well-rounded learning experience. Furthermore, the initiative will provide start-ups with access to an extensive network and personalized guidance through one-on-one mentorship sessions with seasoned investors and industry experts.
Secretary MeitY, Shri S Krishnan said, “This LEAP AHEAD initiative is very timely in terms of emphasizing the opportunities that lie for entrepreneurship in India. Today, India is no longer known as a BPO destination, it has evolved into a global capability center and R&D center. India stands as a leader in digital public infrastructure and this can now be used in multiple ways by entrepreneurs to build successful enterprises. Youth in smaller cities have the hunger to do and achieve more. That’s the fire in the belly we need to build on. We would like to also see more women and people from tier 2/3 cities coming as entrepreneurs.”
Shri Arvind Kumar, DG, STPI said,” With this initiative, technology startups will gain entry into the market, experience rapid growth and diversify into new horizons. This program is focused mainly on two things – mentorship and co-investment. Besides Delhi, the LEAP AHEAD Startup Summit is also planned to be held in Bhubaneswar, Vijayawada, and Chandigarh.”
Dr Saurabh Shrivastava, Chairman Emeritus, TiE Delhi-NCR, said, “Through the collaboration with STPI, TiE Delhi-NCR is not only providing funding but also providing mentoring and market access. These are people who build successful companies and know the mistakes they have made. We will help these companies to scale and grow.”
This initiative will enable startups to establish a product market fit, identify customer segments, grow hacking strategies, business compliance, leadership recruitment, and fundraising. With a strong focus on nurturing startups and fostering entrepreneurial brilliance, this event represented the first step in an
an exciting journey that will extend the LEAP AHEAD Accelerator Program to cities like Vijayawada, Chandigarh, and Bhubaneswar.
The launch was followed by three pivotal panel discussions on Path to a Product Oriented Nation, Accelerating Innovation, and Funding Insights: Navigating the Investment Landscape. Esteemed panelists from the industry shared insights with young entrepreneurs in the audience. The event also served as a platform for invaluable networking, connecting entrepreneurs with peers, potential investors, and influential thought leaders within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
A knowledge report on “From Startup to Scale Up: The Role of Digital India and Opportunities Ahead” was unveiled during the event. The report is a comprehensive resource that showcases success stories of startups that have harnessed the potential of Digital India to create innovative solutions that address societal challenges, while also driving economic growth and job creation. The event also saw seven MoUs exchanged between STPINext and ecosystem enablers, felicitation of Build for Bharat IoT Challenge winners, and 20 startups cumulatively received ₹6.1 crore today from NEXTGen Technology Fund1, the fund established under NGIS scheme with STPINEXT as anchor investor and other investors.
7, Nov 2023
BIG FM’s festive campaign ‘Super Duper Dhamaka’ is back with Sonu Sood as India’s next shopping partner
National, 07th November 2023: Embracing the festive spirit, it is the time of the year when people are eagerly excited to shop to their heart’s content. Taking the shopping experience a notch higher, BIG FM, one of the leading radio networks in the country, returns with Season 2 of its celebrated campaign ‘Super Duper Dhamaka’. With the tagline ‘Khelte Khelte Shopping Karega India’, the campaign this year introduces an innovative and dynamic concept – a gamified sale that combines the excitement of the stock market with the joy of retail shopping. The radio network has roped in Bollywood star Sonu Sood, who is the face of the campaign and India’s next shopping partner.
Conceptualized with the aim of helping small-scale retailers to build back better, Super Duper Dhamaka Season 2 takes a step ahead to make this a rewarding experience for all. The campaign offers an enhanced user interface with engaging gamification elements. The website, www.superduperdhamaka.com, is designed to be visually appealing and easy to navigate and features a bar displaying various price points, from the lowest to the highest for the products listed. Adding an exciting element, users will have to catch the lowest price point in an engaging gamified manner, akin to a video game. For retailers, the campaign holds the promise of increased product visibility, and encouraging user engagement.
Once the user registers, Sonu Sood will be the shopping partner for the entire experience. He will explain the entire concept of the Super Duper Dhamaka sale and help them navigate the platform. Offering a more personalized experience, Sonu Sood will engage users by enquiring about their product preferences amongst a host of categories, while also providing information about the best offers available in particular areas. QR codes will also be present in stores which users can scan and a lucky few will stand a chance to win bumper prizes.
Speaking about the campaign, Sunil Kumaran, COO, of BIG FM, said, “Super Duper Dhamaka is our endeavour to provide small-scale retailers with a platform that helps increase their reach resulting in sales and which makes shopping an easy experience for the users as well. After the stupendous success of the first season, we are excited to bring back season 2 with Sonu Sood as the face of the campaign. This year we have completely gamified the entire experience making it extremely interactive for the users whilst highlighting the best deals they can secure”
Actor Sonu Sood said, “I am excited to associate with BIG FM for a campaign that promotes and helps small businesses in such a unique manner. Super Duper Dhamaka aims at giving a rewarding shopping experience to the consumers and I am thrilled to become their shopping partner for this fun, creative and seamless engagement. This is my first stint associating with the brand and I am looking forward to engage with my fans through this medium.”
BIG FM Super Duper Dhamaka Season 2 is presented by Anchor by Panasonic, co-powered by Bikaji and our trading partner, Avadhut Sathe Trading Academy. The campaign combines the local reach of radio with gamification to give advertisers and consumers a never-before opportunity. It is being extensively promoted on-air and across digital and social media platforms of BIG FM.
7, Nov 2023
Varco® Leg Care’s Vision for Healthy Legs Gets an INR 2 Cr Funding Boost
– The funding round was led by Mr. Neeraj Garg, Former CEO of Hindustan Coca-Cola, a blend of existing and new investors participated in the round
– The funds to be used mainly for fuelling the company’s growth and expansion, R&D, among other strategic interventions
National, 7th November 2023: Varco® Leg Care, a leading consumer health-tech company at the forefront of best-in-class science, photo technology, and neural network innovation, has announced raising a bridge funding round of INR 2 Crore to advance its mission of revolutionizing leg care across India and the world. This round was led by Mr. Neeraj Garg, Former CEO of Hindustan Coca-Cola. Besides the participation of existing investors, the round also witnessed participation
from multiple new investors, including senior executives from Coca-Cola, Emporia UAE, Highway Concessions One – a KKR company, and a few HNIs, recognizing the immense potential and promise that Varco® holds.
Varco® Leg Care will be utilizing the newly acquired capital to propel the company’s growth across various crucial areas, such as the acquisition of top talent, expanding retail presence, appointing key opinion leaders (KOLs), exploring new international markets, integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance treatment adherence, enhancing R&D efforts, and elevating customer retention efforts.
Speaking about the latest fundraise, Mr. Anondeep Ganguly, CEO, of Varco® Leg Care remarked, “We are happy to announce the successful conclusion of our bridge fundraise – which is a testament to the trust and confidence that our investors have in Varco® Leg Care and our committed team. Additionally, the funding will play a major role in bolstering our mission of fostering a healthier, happier world, one leg at a time. Beyond pioneering effective leg care products with the help of advanced phyto and neural network technology, we at Varco® are also empowering consumers to actively engage in diagnosing and managing their leg health. In the long run, we aim to become a global leader in the leg care solutions domain, and envision a world where all individuals move freely without any leg disorder burdens”.
Ex-CEO of Hindustan Coca-Cola, Mr. Neeraj Garg, who is the lead investor of the round, and has been recently appointed as an Individual Director of Nano Phyto Care, the parent company of Varco®, expressed his confidence, saying, “This successful fundraise underscores the profound belief that investors have in Varco® Leg Care. By creating breakthrough leg care solutions powered by phytotechnology and enabling consumers to proactively manage their well-being, Varco® is ushering in an unforeseen positive transformation in the leg care space. Going forward, we foresee Varco® Leg Care products becoming a household essential across our country and internationally too”.
Based on its ambitious and strategic vision for growth, over the next two years, Varco® Leg Care is determined to achieve an impressive 10x growth in its Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR). This transformation shall be driven by several key initiatives, including attracting top-notch experts to strengthen its team, integrating technology into operations for streamlining procedures and enhancing client experiences, and ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of innovation and excellence. Furthermore, Varco® will also be expanding its product portfolio, introducing unique topical photo products for foot ulcers, restless leg syndrome, nail fungus, and cellulite.
Through these strategic endeavors, Varco® is poised to establish itself as the world’s leading leg care brand, committed to delivering healthier, happier legs to people across the globe. Varco® Leg Care is actively developing a comprehensive leg care products portfolio and plans to strengthen its position across the US market through strategic partnerships with leading marketplaces, as well as to expand to new markets such as GCC countries.
Powered by state-of-the-art neural network technology and photo technology, Varco® Leg Care offers users the ability to actively self-diagnose and manage their leg health, ushering in a new era of personalized care and convenience. Varco® has achieved many remarkable milestones in its journey since its inception in 2022. To date, they have served over 3 lakh customers, expanded their presence to over 1500+ pharmacies across Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi, and recorded a net
lifetime revenue of over $1 million.
With a retention rate exceeding 40% and an efficacy rate surpassing 82%, Varco® has successfully earned the trust of Indian consumers by offering competitively priced, high-quality, and effective products that target a range of leg health issues. They are proud to be among the select Indian brands listed on Walmart and have been achieving a remarkable 30% month-on-month growth rate. The company is looking to raise more rounds of funding in the near future, to further enhance and skyrocket its growth.
