11, Oct 2023
Shri Mahendra Dohare Appointed as Executive Director of Central Bank of India
Shri Mahendra Dohare assumed charge as Executive Director of the Central Bank of India with effect from 9th October 2023. Before his elevation to this current position, Shri Mahendra Dohare was Chief General Manager of Punjab National Bank. His earlier posting in Punjab National Bank was as a Head of Business Acquisition and Relationship Management Division. He has also handled the Digital Transformation Division.

Shri Mahendra Dohare (MBA in Marketing & Finance, CAIIB), began his career with Corporation Bank as a Probationary Officer and has over two decades of professional banking experience in leadership roles.
During his long stint in the Banking Industry, he worked in various Branches Zonal offices Circle Office, and Head offices. He successfully handled the responsibilities such as FinTech, Credit Card, Merchant Acquiring Business, IT, MIS, and digital Banking.
Shri Mahendra Dohare also held a position as a Nominee Director on the Board of Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB) and PNB Cards & Services Ltd.
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- By Rabindra
11, Oct 2023
Grand opening of Interwood’s 16th (E.B.O Exclusive Brand outlet) at Hyderabad

Hyderabad saw the opening of Interwood ‘s 16th exclusive brand outlet at the Asian sun city Building located behind the AMB mall at Kothaguda Circle. The event was a day long soirée that witnessed the congregation of the best design minds comprising of architects, interior designers and boutique builders alike.
With more than 14curated ensembles of Modular Kitchens and wardrobes, the experience centre is replete with an entire suite of the brand s best offerings. It works on a design, develop and install principle where every Kitchen and wardrobe solution is made to order based on the customer’s requirements.
Enumerating the brand’s vision, Mr. Hardeep Sawhney (Chairman Interwood) said “Interwood, over the last thirty years in existence has evolved into a mature brand fulfilling aspirations and desires of premium Indian households helping them transform the way they cook and live.” He further stated the readiness of Interwood in catering to the demand drive caused by growing demographics of cities like Hyderabad.
The brand has its USP as – “The best of European grade quality, at honest Indian Prices. It stands up to its reputation of having serviced more than 20,000 premium households over the last three decades boasting of an impressive repertoire of clients. Speaking on the occasion Ms. Kasturi Sawhney (Executive director) stated “With a wide range of design and finishes being offered, the architects and interior designers will experience a latitude of options to express their design sensibilities.”
With a captive manufacturing facility spread over 1 lac sft. at Bangalore, Interwood has a capacity to produce about 1000 kitchens and wardrobes in a month.
About Interwood:
Interwood is a legacy brand and a leading provider of high-quality Modular Kitchens & Wardrobes for premium homes. Their products are made using state-of-the-art German technology, and they use the most modern of materials and manufacturing techniques.
Their products are also designed to reflect contemporary design trends. Their goal is to provide customers with products that accentuate the living ambience in their homes with human safety and wellness as their core purpose. They are committed to offering products that are stylish, functional, and durable.
They also offer excellent customer service, and stand behind their products with a satisfaction guarantee. Their products are made from smart and sustainable materials and incorporate contemporary design methods reflecting innovation and their commitment to providing only the best for their customers.
11, Oct 2023
Madame Cakes and Bakes Delights Taste Buds with New Product Line and Puja Specials
Kolkata, 11th October 2023 – In a delightful celebration of culinary innovation, Madame Cakes and Bakes proudly unveiled an array of attractive food combos that have taken the metropolis by the typhoon. This offer is located at all 25 outlets which are situated in Kolkata, the bakery and eatery have grown to be nearby and preferred for those searching for high-quality flavours.
Madame Cakes and Bakes was pleased to introduce its Special Oil Free Roll Combo Recharge Box, available at an impossible-to-resist price of just Rs 55. This sensational provide, which made its debut for the duration of the Pujo festivities, is ready to continue throughout the 12 months. The blend includes a delectable choice of Veg and Non-Veg alternatives that cater to various tastes.
For the vegetarian palate, the Veg Combo boasts alternatives like the mouthwatering Chilli Paneer Roll paired with a fresh Coke, the highly spiced Veg Kolhapuri Roll also observed with the aid of Coke, and the flavorful Veg Chettinad Roll with, you guessed it, a chilled Coke. Carnivores are in for a deal with as nicely with the Non-Veg Combo, offering the tantalizing Chicken Kolhapuri Roll, the savory Chicken Chettinad Roll, and the succulent Chicken Hariyali Roll, each served with a cool Coke.

To sweeten the deal, Madame Cakes and Bakes is supplying a complimentary Madame Chocolate Bar with each buy of Madame products, provided the minimal order amount is Rs 200/-. This sweet gesture ensures that each visit to the status quo comes with a further dose of pride.
In line with the continuing festive spirit, Madame Cakes and Bakes is excited to announce the launch of its new product line, “Something Fishy.” This food extravaganza consists of Fish Finger, Fish Cutlet, Fish Chop, and Fish Burger, promising seafood fans an unforgettable eating experience
Madame Cakes and Bakes continues to be the go-to destination for the ones seeking top-notch flavours, unbeatable deals, and a warm eating revel. With those delectable offerings and interesting reductions, Madame Cakes and Bakes is poised to make each meal a memorable one.
11, Oct 2023
Umeed Awards 2023: Celebrating Extraordinary Achievements of Special Children
In a heartwarming celebration of resilience, talent, and achievement, the Umeed Awards 2023, hosted by the Nanhaa Gyan Foundation, established by Romal Surana, and Sva Eternal, founded by Gayatri Chadwa, in collaboration with The World of Blessings, came to a close on October 7, 2023, at Trinity International School.
This exceptional event united a diverse community to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of special children who have overcome obstacles and demonstrated exceptional talents.
Romal Surana, the visionary behind the Nanhaa Gyan Foundation, expressed her profound pride, stating, “The Umeed Awards serve as a testament to the unbreakable spirit of these remarkable individuals. At the Nanhaa Gyan Foundation, we are dedicated to providing a platform for these talents to shine, and today, we witness their brilliance illuminating our hearts.”
Gayatri Chadwa, the founder of Sva Eternal, echoed these sentiments, adding, “Sva Eternal is committed to nurturing inclusivity and celebrating diversity. The Umeed Awards showcase the power of community, determination, and support. Each awardee has shown us that obstacles can be turned into stepping stones toward greatness.”
Distinguished chief guests Ulka Devrukhkar, Kapila Soni, and Chetna Bidave graced the event, enhancing its significance.
List of Awardees:
Sagar Rode
Venishetti Ravikumar
Vinod Ram Vanjari
Raghav Srivastava
Devaj Abhiit Bhate
Prerna Appa Gholap
Omkar Balkrishna Shinde
Akshay Shanbhag
Aditya Amit Ande
Aashrita Shetty
Pranay Oswal
Mogili Laxmaiah
Diya Jayesh Shah
Sowmil Kowadkar
Shivam Punabi
Jinisha Oswal
Pratik Kishor Chopada
Ajit Kunte
Swami Balu Karande
Kaneecka Karbhari
Aarush Jain
Samiksha Nair
Aditi Murugkar
Rohan Goyal
Yuvraj Mahalle
Muskan Shekh
Skandan Deshmukh
The Umeed Awards were notable for their emphasis on substance rather than style. Unlike many high-profile ceremonies, this event placed a spotlight on the genuine accomplishments of the awardees, showcasing their incredible journeys and talents. The morning featured heartwarming performances that displayed the exceptional skills of the award recipients, leaving a lasting impact on all in attendance.
The organizers expressed their heartfelt appreciation to supporters Rupali Dhamdhere, Principal of Trinity International School, Dr. Prachetan Potadar, Founder of Stay Featured, Vindi Pujari, Director of Nerva Education Foundation, Bhavisha Buddhadeo, and Pooja D, Founders of Rootskill and Rootcoom, and other contributors who played a pivotal role in the event’s success.
Distinguished guests, including Dr. Anita Kaul, Sejal Desai Ray, Dr Sarvjeet Kirad, Ujjwala, Jayprada Biswal, Neha Verma Madan, as well as representatives from Sunderjis Global Academia and Institute of Special Needs, Revachand Academy, and many others, attended the event to offer support and encouragement to the awardees and performers. This event not only celebrated the talents of these exceptional individuals but also served as a powerful reminder of the boundless potential that resides within every person, regardless of the challenges they face.
Media Partners who contributed to the event’s success include Neel Writes, Brand Maker RD, Aimsolute, and regional media partner Samruddha Vyapar.
The event also featured a “Walk with Plants” organized by Rootskill and choreographed by Sumaya Pathan, where parents and guests carried a plant to raise awareness about nature.
11, Oct 2023
Nuivio Ventures Inc. onboards former KPMG exec Basant Venugopal as CFO

Bengaluru, October 11, 2023: Nuivio Ventures Inc., a US-based tech venture builder, has onboarded Basant “Baz” Venugopal as its Partner and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Baz will assume a pivotal role in shaping Nuivio’s financial management and driving fundraising initiatives to support Nuivio’s startup studio model of ideating, building and scaling up promising startups, fostering their growth and success.
Baz comes to Nuivio with significant financial and leadership experience in the startup and venture capital industry, previously serving KPMG and EY in deal and business advisory teams. He had successfully launched and managed a North America based capital advisory firm wherein he had raised capital of over USD 350 million over the last 5 years for startup and midcap clients. He has led and delivered on finance transformation and has a proven track record of finance control, risk and compliance, fund raise and M&A.
This appointment reflects Nuivio’s commitment to strengthen its leadership team to support its portfolio companies. Nuivio’s current portfolio companies include Ignitho, a successful AI & Digital Engineering services company; Piqual, a B2B sales lead generation SaaS platform and Talentou, an AI-driven talent scouting SaaS platform. The venture-builder has been bootstrapped thus far and is planning a potential pre-Series A fund raise of USD 7-8 million by mid-2024.
Commenting on Baz’s appointment, Joseph Olassa, CEO of Nuivio Ventures, said, “We are thrilled to have Baz Venugopal join our leadership team. His financial acumen and commitment to disciplined financial management align perfectly with Nuivio’s mission to create value for our investors and portfolio companies. Nuivio Ventures has been growing its portfolio through internal revenue accruals and Baz’s experience will enable us to raise external capital by showcasing Nuivio as a great investment opportunity to potential investors”.
Scott Nugent, CCO at Nuivio, stated, “Baz’s appointment underscores our dedication to building a strategic portfolio of AI companies with streamlined financial management. Nuivio is firmly committed to creating sustainable value for our stakeholders, and Baz will play a central role in achieving this goal.”
Baz Venugopal shared his excitement about joining Nuivio Ventures, “I’m excited to be part of Nuivio and its commitment to creating value for entrepreneurs and investors. Nuivio provides me with a unique platform and opportunity to build a strong foundation for its growth, innovation and impact in the startup community. I look forward to leading the financial management and fundraising efforts that will support our portfolio companies and drive returns for our investors.”
10, Oct 2023
Emoneeds’ EndTheSilence Campaign Impacts Over 3 Lakh Lives, Highlighting Mental Health as a Universal Human Right

New Delhi, 10th October 2023 – Emoneeds, a pioneering mental and emotional wellness startup, is proud to announce a significant milestone achieved through its ‘#EndTheSilence’ campaign. In collaboration with esteemed partners, 1mg and ekincare, Emoneeds has successfully reached and positively impacted the lives of over 3 lakh individuals. This achievement comes as the world unites to observe World Mental Health Day with the theme of “Universal Human Right.”
Under the campaign the brand organized a series of Webinars around- Anxiety and Mental Health Awareness along with strong messaging and information around signs to look out for to address the challenges related to one’s mental health. Dr. Neerja Agarwal and Dr. Gorav Gupta from Emoneeds along with her esteemed team has curated the entire conversation and communication for the campaign.
The ‘#EndTheSilence’ campaign, orchestrated by Emoneeds, resonates deeply with the core message of Mental Health Day 2023 – mental health is a universal human right. In a world where the stigma surrounding mental health issues persists, Emoneeds has taken remarkable strides to break the silence and shed light on the importance of mental and emotional wellbeing for all.
Emoneeds’ collaboration with healthcare giants, 1mg and India’s most advanced enterprise ready health benefits platform ekincare, has proven instrumental in achieving this significant milestone. Through a series of insightful webinars, these partnerships have brought essential awareness and support to individuals across various walks of life.
“Following the campaign, we understood the barriers even better. It is not a one-way conversation but a dialogue that we establish through this campaign. This opens the stage for audiences and enables us to devise an approach that suits those in need. After all, we are trying to solve it for millions of people here, and the one-size-fits-all approach will never help. We strongly believe that Mental health is a Human right and #EndTheSilence is a powerful campaign that emphasizes the need to prioritize mental health. Emoneeds is setting an inspiring example, working to create a society where mental wellness is universally recognized.” Said Dr Gorav Gupta Co Founder of Emoneeds.
This campaign goes beyond awareness; it strives to create tangible change in the lives of people. Emoneeds recognizes the pivotal role that mental health plays in the workplace. The ‘#EndTheSilence’ campaign champions workplace wellbeing, emphasizing its direct impact on productivity and overall satisfaction. By providing resources and guidance, Emoneeds aims to create a healthier, more productive workforce that fosters organizational success.
Emoneeds remains committed to its mission of enhancing mental and emotional wellness, breaking the silence surrounding mental health issues, and advocating for mental health as a universal human right. As the campaign continues to make a profound impact on lives, Emoneeds invites individuals and organizations to join the movement towards a mentally healthier world.
10, Oct 2023
Niryo, the global startup democratizing collaborative robot arms, raises €10 million

Lille, France, October 10, 2023 : Niryo, the industrial start-up specialized in the design of compact collaborative robotic arms, announces a €6.4 million round of financing, marking a new stage in its ambition to revolutionize the collaborative robotics industry on a global scale. This Series A financing round, led by the BPI Digital Venture investment fund, the Innovacom investment fund and 4 other historical funds (IRD, Finorpa, NFA and Go Capital), aims to support Niryo’s growth, particularly by addressing new use cases, developing a range aimed at professionals, and consolidating its international expansion. This financing is complemented by €3.6 million in loans provided by a banking pool.
Since its creation, Niryo has gained an international reputation for its accessible collaborative robot arms and its Niryo Studio application for controlling them, combined with an approach focused on engagement and proximity with its customers. Its latest robotic arm, NED2, is used and approved worldwide, notably by the education, research and training sectors.Many international companies have also adopted Niryo cobots, including Airbus, Deutsch Bahn, Siemens, Solvay, Coca-Cola as well as Texas Instrument. Guided by the bold vision of its founder, Marc-Henri Frouin, the company has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the democratization of cobotics, robotics made to work with humans. Its mission? To work towards a new, more resilient and more human-oriented form of robotics.
Marc-Henri Frouin, CEO of Niryo, speaks enthusiastically about this new step: “At Niryo, we are driven by a deep conviction in the power of technology to shape a more sustainable and humane future. Niryo makes collaborative robotics accessible to all, and promotes a more resilient vision of technology. With this fundraising, we continue to write our history by pushing back the limits of what robotics can achieve. It is also an opportunity for us to demonstrate that collaboration between man and machine is the key to innovation in all sectors.”
This €10 million round of financing reinforces the start-up’s ongoing development. With a team of some forty employees, Niryo remains deeply rooted in Lille, France. Indeed, the company continues to favor the use of French products and maintains an in-house assembly process, reinforcing its commitment to national innovation.
“This investment, which we are delighted to announce, is fully in line with our investment philosophy: to support innovative and ambitious industrial projects in our regions. Based in the Hauts-de-France region, Niryo’s products contribute to the development of Industry 4.0 in France, not least through local production. Thanks to its affordable, robust robotic solutions, Niryo offers a wide range of use cases, making industrial robotics, until now reserved for large companies, accessible to smaller structures”, explains Alban Nénert, Business Manager at Innovacom.
Today, Niryo has a presence in over 70 countries, with a strong footprint in the US, Germany and the UK markets. Its latest development, the “NED 2” educational robot, offers an accessible and compact solution for training engineers. This small, lightweight robot can simulate real-life industrial scenarios by connecting several units. Engineering schools and research centers are the main customers for this product, reflecting Niryo’s desire to shape the future of robotics through education and research.
“We’re convinced that the cobot market is set for strong growth over the next few years. Thanks to its range of lightweight, space-saving, easily programmable collaborative robots with a simple UX, Niryo seems ideally positioned to democratize the use of cobots in many sectors, beyond the traditional uses of robotics in industry,” explains Marion Aubry, Investment Director at Bpifrance Digital Venture.
This new phase of financing opens the way to a promising future. It’s an opportunity for the startup pioneer in the educational robotics market to extend its expertise and range of robots to the needs of the professional sector. The company remains committed to transforming collaborative robotics into a sustainable strength, with the main goal of reinforcing the impact of technology while preserving humanity at the heart of every advance.
It is with this in mind that Niryo is opening 20 permanent positions to carry out its ambitious projects.
10, Oct 2023
Adani Kattupalli Port inaugurated the Desiltation of Boat Parking Areas at Satthankuppam and Thirumalainagar village

Chennai: October 10th, 2023: Adani Kattupalli Port inaugurated the Desiltation of Boat Parking Areas at Satthankuppam and Thirumalainagar Village. The initiative will provide adequate basic infrastructure facilities benefiting 346 families from the 14 fishermen villages. The pooja was done by Mr. Sudip Dasgupta, CEO – Adani Kattupalli & Ennore Port in the presence of the community members, traditional leaders, and panchayat administration. Adani Kattupalli Port dedicated to community and societal development, and this initiative provides an assistance to underprivileged people.
This is a significant challenge for fishermen during the monsoon periods and natural disasters when safeguarding their boats, which are crucial for their livelihood. The displacement and damage caused by heavy rain and unforeseen disasters can have a significant impact on their ability to earn a living. Community support and government initiatives can play a vital role in helping them protect their boats and recover from such challenges. The low water levels and silt deposition in boat parking areas from February to mid-October are indeed challenging for fishermen. Having to physically push and park their boats under such conditions can lead to injuries and additional hardships. It’s crucial for local authorities and communities to address these issues by dredging or maintaining the parking areas, ensuring the safety and well-being of the fishermen.
The Panchayat & traditional leaders of Satthankuppam, Gunangkuppam, Thirumalainagar, Sembasipalli, LightHouse Nadukuppam, Vairavankuppam, Pasiyavaram, Kulathumedu, Edamani Kuppam, Edamani Colony, Israel Nagar, Karimanal, Karayar Kuppam and Rahmad Nagar have approached Adani Kattupalli Port to help them in desilting their boat parking areas. Considering the needs of fishermen communities and to support their livelihood, Adani Kattupalli Port came forward to support the fishermen’s through its CSR programs.
Speaking on the occasion Adani Kattupalli management said, “This initiative is a progressive step undertaken by Adani Kattupalli Port as part of its community welfare initiative. The port had received a requisition from the villages for the inauguration of the desiltation of boat parking project at Satthankuppam and Thirumalainagar village. This project will benefit to 346 families of the 14 fishermen villages and this will provide the right facilities to local people to organize social and personal events without facing the trouble of travelling. We are extremely delighted to be a part of the village’s growth & happiness.”
10, Oct 2023
Axis Bank and Fibe Partner to Launch India’s First Numberless Credit Card

October 10, 2023: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India and Fibe, (formerly known as EarlySalary), India’s leading Fintech, today partnered to launch India’s first-ever numberless credit card for tech-savvy Gen Zs.
With a numberless credit card, customers get an added level of security as there is no card number, expiry date, or CVV printed on the card plastic. This reduces the risk of identity theft or unauthorized access to customer’s card details ensuring absolute security and privacy. Customers can easily access their Fibe Axis Bank Credit Card details on the Fibe app, giving them complete control over their information.
The power-packed co-branded credit card offers industry-best features like cashback of flat 3% on online food delivery across all restaurant aggregators, local commute on leading ride-hailing apps and entertainment on online ticketing platforms. In addition, customers also get a 1% cashback on all online and offline transactions.
The card is powered by RuPay, which allows the customer to link this credit card to UPI. The card is accepted across all offline stores in addition to all digital platforms. It also offers the tap-and-pay feature for added convenience. Furthermore, this card has zero joining fee and zero annual fee for lifetime. This card will be available to Fibe’s existing 2.1 million+ customers.
Some of the other features of this card include access to four domestic airport lounges per quarter, fuel surcharge waiver for fuel spends between Rs. 400 and Rs. 5,000 as well as the added advantage of Axis Dining Delights, Wednesday Delights, End of Season Sales, and RuPay portfolio offerings available across all their cards.
On this partnership with Axis Bank, Akshay Mehrotra, Co-Founder and CEO of Fibe said, “We take great pleasure in introducing India’s first numberless credit card, in association with Axis Bank. This exceptional card represents a significant stride in our commitment to offering secure and inclusive financial solutions to the ambitious youth of India. We aim to empower our users with a safe and secure payment ecosystem clubbed with the convenience of UPI payments thereby establishing a fresh benchmark in the credit card industry.”
Speaking on this announcement, Sanjeev Moghe, President & Head – Cards & Payments, Axis Bank, said, “Axis Bank is a full suite cards & payments player, and we continue to build on innovation-led partnership models. We are committed to drive access to formal credit in India with various offerings that benefit our customers. We are delighted to partner with Fibe in this ground-breaking market revolution, with an opportunity to serve an expanding customer base. This numberless Axis Bank card will prioritize the security of our customers while offering a robust financial solution that empowers
the smart and ambitious youth of our nation. Our overarching banking strategy of being connected aims to foster inclusivity and enhance accessibility for the diverse and growing consumer segment.”
Already a leader in the personal loan for salaried professionals’ segment, Fibe now ventures into the expansive credit card market. It raised $110 million in its Series D funding last year and is now widening its geographic reach and diversifying its offering. The fintech was recently titled as the Best Startup in Fintech in the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance Mega Summit.


