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The Chatterjee Group (TCG) appoints Kashyap Mehta as CPO, Prashant Gagneja as CGRO for latest ventures Ziki and Sirrus.ai

Mumbai, 8th May, 2024 : First Livingspaces Private Limited (FLS), an enterprise of The Chatterjee Group (TCG), has onboarded Kashyap Mehta and Prashant Gagneja as key leaders of its new technology ventures — Ziki and Sirrus.ai.

FLS has positioned its new businesses in two core domains. Ziki focuses on crafting technology-enabled communities, both online and offline. Sirrus.ai is an experience ecosystem with AI-first principles, catering to the real estate industry.

Mehta, an e-commerce specialist with over 25 years of expertise in multiple industries, has joined FLS as the Chief Product Officer (CPO), while Gagneja, a seasoned strategist in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and Fintech industries, has assumed the role of the Chief Growth & Revenue Officer (CGRO).

Welcoming the two leaders, FLS spokesperson Sovon Manna said, “We are delighted to have the two visionary achievers joining us. Their experience, exuberance and unique approaches will be instrumental in propelling our businesses towards greater heights of success.”

Fondly known as ‘Kash’ in industry circles, Mehta had previously served as the Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at Croma. ‘Kash’ has also been a key contributor to several technology initiatives, having led SAP’s ecommerce vertical across APAC. He played a pivotal role in India’s consumer internet story, leaving his mark at Tata CLiQ, Baazi, and eBay.

Speaking about his new role, Mehta said, “I am thrilled to embark on this unique zero-to-hundred journey. Building a successful tech-enhanced business ecosystem from ground up, without any pre-existing template, is what drives me to embrace this adventure.”

Gagneja brings to the table his 16 years of extensive experience in driving operational success and optimising revenue streams through technology adoption. In his previous role as the vice president of organised trade at BharatPe, he had played a pivotal role in fostering key account relationships. His go-to-market strategy has been instrumental in advancing revenue strategies at several CPG and FMCG giants, including Pepsico, Kellogg, Coca-Cola, and Pernod Ricard.

Excited about his new responsibility at FLS, Gagneja said, “Drawing from my experiences thus far, I aim to champion operational efficiencies and revenue growth through strategic technology adoption.”

Prime Video’s Innovative Twist: Embracing the Humble ‘Lauki’ to Reveal the Launch Date of Original Series Panchayat’s Much-awaited Season 3

MUMBAI—8th May 2024 — Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, recently unveiled a one-of-its-kind marketing campaign as a precursor to the date announcement of its upcoming Original series Panchayat Season 3. What sets this campaign apart from other title announcement initiatives is the inventive use of one of the most underrated yet constant summer vegetables in many Indian households – Lauki. By positioning this simple yet highly versatile vegetable, which has been an integral part of the series’ narrative from the beginning, at the core of the campaign, Prime Video reinforces its commitment to delivering authenticity, originality, and innovation in its programming and marketing. This approach has made Panchayat ki lauki a buzzworthy topic nationwide.

The week-long hybrid marketing campaign, encompassing both digital as well as offline, began on April 29. Prime Video kicked off the campaign by launching an intriguing website – www.panchayat3date.com that featured the date announcement creative covered with laukis. The visitors were urged to pluck (click) the iconic Phulera ki lakes to unveil the official launch date. Simultaneously, the laukis adorned billboards across Mumbai and Delhi, concealing the date, and creating curiosity amongst the on-lookers.

As the lakes were being removed online, the progress was also being reflected on the hoardings across Delhi and Mumbai, further amping up the curiosity and fueling excitement amongst the public. The success of the campaign could be seen in the fact that over one million people were engaged, with 14,02,077 laukis being clicked off from the image on the webpage. Getting caught up in the lauki ki peeche ka raaz fervor, the cast of Panchayat, along with several social media influencers urged Panchayat fans as well as their followers to participate in this unique initiative by posting snippets about the campaign on their social media handles. The on-ground initiative also extended to prominent vegetable markets in major and smaller cities nationwide, such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Indore, and New Delhi, to name a few. These markets were inundated with laukis bearing the release date, accompanied by visits from the series’ cast, amplifying awareness of the show among the general public.

Prime Video also gifted the launch date stamped laukis, or as many will consider, the lucky mascot of Original series Panchayat, to several social media influencers.

Panchayat, with its light-hearted, realistic narrative and characters has become an antidote for many to tackle the mundane, stressful lives one leads. Over the last 4 years, the series has proved to be a perfect “comfort watch’, across demographics and age groups. Based on this interesting customer insight, the streaming service conceptualized the campaign line, ‘Tension Khatam. Panchayat Shuru’, with hoardings spreading the message of ‘Panchayat Lijiye’, as a magic pill to drive away all your worries and leave you with a smile and a lighter mood. Each season of Panchayat has become a proxy to actionable solutions to everyday problems. Through targeted advertisements, engaging social media content, and interactive experiences, Prime Video saw an unprecedented level of engagement amongst existing as well as potential customers. The success of this campaign underscores Prime Video’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional content and unparalleled experiences to viewers worldwide.

Prime Video executed the campaign alongside its agency partners Kulfi Collective, So Cheers, Initiative (IPG), and Trzy Innovations.

Created by The Viral Fever, Panchayat S3 is directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and written by Chandan Kumar. The star cast boasts Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, and Sanvikaa in pivotal roles. The new season will premiere in Hindi, with dubs in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, exclusively on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide on May 28.

Sport Star Academy, Australia’s leading grassroots academy joins forces with Franchise India for business expansion in India Inbox

 08th May 2024: Sports Star Academy, one of the leading sports academies in Australia run by professional coaches is excited to announce its entry into the Indian market through a strategic collaboration with Franchise India, Asia’s largest integrated Franchise and Retail Solution Company since 1999, with absolute authority on Franchising, Retailing and Licensing.

This exciting alliance marks a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy and also aims to revolutionize the sports academy franchise landscape in India.

The Academy has delivered across 330 school avenues and 100 franchises across Australia. The key objective for its expansion in India is to provide young players with access to high-quality training and development opportunities by focusing on mental well-being.

With exceptional achievements in Australia, Sport Star Academy has rapidly emerged as a quality children’s sports programs academy for creating a movement of change for tomorrow’s grassroots leaders. Starting over from only one sport, Football Star Academy in 2010 to 12 sports in 2024, the journey has been commendable for the company.

Commenting on the business expansion, Mr Peter Nikolakopoulos, Founder and CFE, Sport Star Academy stated “As we expand Sport Star Academy into the vibrant and diverse market of India, we are not just bringing coaching expertise, we are igniting a passion for sports and fostering a culture of excellence within local communities. Our goal is to empower young players with the skills, confidence, and values they need to succeed, both on and off the field. Through Sport Star Academy in India, we aim to make a lasting impact, shaping future leaders and champions who will inspire generations to come”

Mr Gaurav Marya, Chairman, Franchise India Group also expressed the excitement of collaboration, saying “The sports business in India is rapidly expanding and represents the next great opportunity. Training is the first and most important phase in professional sports, and it should begin from an initial stage. If we want to develop Olympic athletes in the next 20 years, we must train them to begin playing at the age of 4-5 years. This alliance will result in a significant revolution in the sports business.”

The two companies are collectively set to drive growth in the sports industry with three key objectives: skill-based development, mental wellbeing, and community building. By encouraging children and adolescents to engage in regular physical activity through organized sports programs, Sport Star Academy can contribute to reducing sedentary lifestyles and combating issues like childhood obesity.

Through its programs, Sport Star Academy aims to help young athletes in India build strong mental foundations, equipping them to navigate life’s challenges both on and off the field. By establishing sports programs in Indian communities, Sport Star Academy can contribute to community cohesion and foster a sense of belonging among participants which can lead to stronger social ties, increased civic engagement and a more inclusive society.

Mir and Marini back in the saddle for Le Mans

France,8th May 2024: With the season now in full flow, the Repsol Honda Team is back on track for the French GP after an important weekend last time out in Spain.

Made world famous by two and four-wheeled endurance races, the Le Mans Bugatti Grand Prix circuit sits just outside the town of Le Mans and has featured full-time on the World Championship calendar since 2000. With several slow corners and tight chicanes, late braking and hard acceleration are the order of the day at the French GP.
Joan Mir did well in front of his home fans to recover to two-point scoring results in the Sprint and the Spanish Grand Prix. Recreating that form and improving throughout the French GP weekend will be the objective again. The last race showed what Mir and his team can do throughout the weekend, building each session to maximize the potential of their package.

On the other side of the Repsol Honda Team garage, Luca Marini continues to work on improving his feeling with the Honda RC213V. Experimenting with setup options during the post-race test should give the Italian more tools when he arrives in France for Friday practice.

Joan Mir

“Finally when we look at what happened in Jerez we have to be content, we achieved the maximum that we could. Doing the same again this weekend is the goal. Le Mans is a different kind of track with lots of slow speed corners, so we need to work to setup for that as much as possible. It’s true it has been a bit of a tricky track for me in the past but we approach with our goals and our plan this weekend.”

Luca Marini

“Another opportunity for us to make improvements. Myself and my team are giving our maximum to make progress and we enter the French GP weekend with the same intensity. It’s important to stay focused and make the most of every opportunity we are presented. The weather in Le Mans can be quite wet and cold, so let’s see what we can achieve.”

The Role of Technology in Advancing Green Construction for a Sustainable Future

Technology plays a critical role in advancing green construction towards a sustainable future. Innovations such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) optimize design efficiency, reducing material waste. Smart sensors and IoT enable real-time monitoring of energy usage, enhancing building performance. Renewable energy technologies like solar panels and geothermal systems decrease reliance on fossil fuels. Advanced insulation materials and green roofs improve energy efficiency and mitigate urban heat island effects. 3D printing facilitates eco-friendly construction using recycled materials. Overall, integrating technology promotes resource efficiency, reduces environmental impact, and fosters the evolution towards greener, more sustainable construction practices.

Lalit Kumar Aggarwal, Co-founder & Vice-Chairman, of Signature Global (India) Limited said, “The adoption of construction management software is experiencing significant growth due to its numerous benefits. This sophisticated software empowers contractors to meticulously plan and monitor all aspects of a building project, ensuring smooth and efficient progress. By utilizing these tools, project managers can closely oversee project development, exercise precise cost control, and minimize waste, resulting in significant time and resource savings.”

Lalit Aggarwal added, “Modular construction is gaining popularity in green construction, involving the fabrication of building components or entire sections in a factory before on-site assembly. This method minimizes waste by precisely cutting and producing only necessary materials, significantly reducing errors. Additionally, modular construction is quicker and safer, requiring fewer on-site workers and reducing overall construction time.”

Ankit Kansal, Managing Director of 360 Realtors said, “Indian real estate’s role in promoting long-term sustainability is unquestionable. The sector contributes 35% of greenhouse emissions besides contributing to 33% and 25% consumption of electricity and water resources respectively. It is pertinent for the sector to step up and play a larger role. Although India has 3rd largest volume of green-certified buildings after USA and China, there is a pressing need to be more proactive in terms of neutralizing environmental menaces. This is all the more important in the face of an unprecedented rise in urbanization and spurred population growth. One of the prudent approaches will be to integrate green technologies and smarter practices throughout the real estate lifecycle from land acquisition to leveling to construction to deconstruction. This will help in optimizing resource consumption besides lowering greenhouse emission.”

Kushagr Ansal, Director of Ansal Housing said, “3D printing is a transformative technology revolutionizing the construction industry. It enables the creation of 3D models using various materials like concrete and plastic. By leveraging 3D printing, construction firms can decrease waste, streamline production time, and lower expenses. Moreover, architects can develop intricate designs previously unachievable with traditional construction methods.”

In recent years, heightened global attention to sustainability and environmental awareness has spurred a notable rise in the demand for eco-friendly building materials. This trend is especially pronounced in green construction projects, where the emphasis on sustainable materials exceeds that of conventional construction methods.

To address this demand, developers are creating and incorporating innovative, eco-conscious materials. These materials encompass not only recycled steel and reclaimed wood but also a diverse array of other sustainable options. For example, bamboo is increasingly favored for its fast growth and renewable qualities, while bio-based plastics provide a viable alternative to traditional petroleum-derived plastics.

Embracing the use of sustainable materials is not just a trend; it is a crucial step towards a more sustainable future. By adopting these practices, we are actively contributing to the preservation of our planet and creating a cleaner and greener world for generations to come.

Sanjay Sharma, Director of SKA Group said, “New construction methods increasingly incorporate smart home technology to optimize energy consumption and decrease carbon footprints. Smart systems can regulate temperature, lighting, and other energy-consuming functions to efficiently manage and reduce energy usage. These advancements enhance comfort, safety, and overall energy efficiency in homes and buildings.

Solar energy stands out as one of the most popular green technologies in construction. Solar panels or photovoltaic (PV) systems are installed on building rooftops to harness electricity from sunlight. This renewable energy source can power homes and buildings while contributing to reduced carbon emissions. Solar energy adoption is especially common in residential construction, often with solar panels integrated onto rooftops.

The incorporation of green building technologies in construction can profoundly benefit the environment. For instance, innovative technologies like green roofs and vertical gardens can markedly diminish a building’s carbon footprint. These features can absorb rainfall, thereby minimizing runoff and mitigating waterway pollution. Additionally, they enhance a building’s insulation, reducing energy consumption in both winter and summer seasons. The widespread adoption of such technologies not only decreases our carbon footprint but also conserves vital natural resources, making a broader positive impact on humanity.

In summary, the integration of green technologies in construction is revolutionizing the industry and paving a promising path towards sustainability. While initial costs may be higher, the long-term financial savings, increased property value, healthier living environments, and societal benefits make green construction an attractive and responsible choice.

Celebrate Akshaya Tritiya in Style with BlueStone’s FeelingGolden Campaign

As Akshaya Tritiya approaches and you start compiling your wishlist, let BlueStone’s jewelry be your ultimate indulgence. The brand invites viewers to explore its design-led gold collections with a social media campaign, #FeelingGolden, offering a refreshing and stylish departure from traditional gold pieces. Crafted in pure 18kt and 22kt gold and adorned with diamonds, these exquisite designs strike a balance between style and abundance.

If you’re drawn to avant-garde aesthetics and innovative design, refer to BlueStone’s Sheer collection. Elevating traditional latticework to new heights of contemporary chic, these pieces redefine the boundaries of jewelry design. Crafted with 3D printing techniques, Sheer’s dynamic designs exude an air of modern style and artistic expression. Our latest launch, aptly named Sheer Style, is a sequel to the Sheer collection. Elevating the intricate 3D printed latticework to new heights, Sheer Style incorporates dazzling diamonds, making it the preferred choice for the occasion. Inspired by modern architecture, Sheer Style features more dramatic silhouettes, adding an extra layer of intrigue and sophistication to your ensemble.

If you desire to stand out from the crowd and captivate attention, look no further than BlueStone’s Fluo collection. Inspired by the dripping effect created by molten gold, these pieces exude an appealing allure, perfect for making a bold statement. Whether you’re attending a glamorous soirée or simply want to elevate your everyday look, Fluo offers a versatile range of designs that effortlessly transition from day to night.

The Beatrice collection, with its artistic organic shapes featuring satin finishes, is a masterpiece of editorial finesse. Designed for the discerning tastemaker who appreciates refined elegance, Beatrice exudes an allure that transcends the confines of fashion. Understated yet unmissable, this is one investment that promises enduring style.

The Sabbia collection, inspired by the tranquil beauty of sand dunes, captures the gentle undulations with its delicate ripple effect. As Akshaya Tritiya signifies the onset of new beginnings and eternal prosperity, this gold collection adorned with diamonds serves as a poignant reflection of this sentiment. Its harmonious blend of matte and polished gold embodies the duality of life’s experiences – the subdued matte finish represents resilience in the face of challenges, while the lustrous polished gold symbolizes the promise of brighter days ahead.

“Across India, Akshaya Tritiya is considered an auspicious occasion to buy gold, a symbol of the richness of our culture. We at BlueStone are constantly striving to offer contemporary ways in which one can embrace the importance of the occasion, yet be able to indulge in one’s preference for modern and trendy designs,” says Vipin Sharma, Chief Merchandising Officer at BlueStone.

Celebrate this Akshaya Tritiya with luminous gold, modern styles, and BlueStone.

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Airtel Announces Winners of Inaugural ‘SheCodes’ Competition

New Delhi, 08 May 2024: Bharti Airtel, a leading telecommunications service provider in India, today announced the successful conclusion of their inaugural coding competition for women named ‘SheCodes’. The competition was launched in April in partnership with TechGig, the country’s largest developer community, which aimed to spotlight and empower female coders across the nation.

The competition, tailored exclusively for female students in their third year of engineering, attracted participation from 93 prestigious engineering campuses, including NITs, IITs, and IIITs, reaching over 4000 talented young women across 11 states.

Amrita Padda, Chief People Officer – Airtel, says “We are immensely proud of the overwhelming response and enthusiasm we received for ‘SheCodes’. This initiative not only underlines our commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity but also serves as a platform to identify and nurture the next generation of female tech leaders.”

The ‘SheCodes’ competition featured three challenging rounds at the Airtel Gurgaon office, designed to evaluate participants’ technical skills, creativity, and innovative thinking. These included a 30-minute Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) quiz, a 90-minute Hackathon, and an Idea Submission round, where teams presented their strategic and creative ideas directly to the Airtel jury. Selected candidates went through the interviews with Airtel jury and later got offers to join Airtel in July 2025 across the network and digital teams.

After rigorous evaluation, the winners of ‘SheCodes’ emerged as team Network – X, which comprised of students from Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology & Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women. At 1st Runners up, there stood CodeCrew, who contested in the Digital track, from Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, and for the 2nd runners-up place, team Dark Mode Girls took the spot from 3 institutes – Indian Institute of Information Technology, Raichur, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal and National Institute of Technology, Agartala.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, team Network X remarked, “Participating in SheCodes has been an enriching experience, and we are grateful to Airtel and TechGig for providing this platform to showcase our skills and creativity. Speaking on the win, CodeCrew shared, “SheCodes not only allowed us to demonstrate our coding abilities but also opened doors to exciting career opportunities. We are thankful for this empowering experience.”

Airtel consistently remains dedicated to promoting gender diversity and creating inclusive spaces within the technology sector.

Client Associates Announces INR 300 Crore Maiden Fund’s First Close

New Delhi, 8th May 2024: Client Associates, a trusted name in the wealth management industry, has announced the first close of its maiden fund, Client Associates Alternate Fund (CAAF). With 22 years of excellence, Client Associates is currently managing Assets Under Advisory (AUA) of ~$5.5 billion and serving over 1100+ relationships with HNIs and UHNIs families in India. With the first close at about INR 300 crores of the company’s AIF Cat II, Client Associates is now targeting to achieve overall commitments of up to ~INR 500 crores by exercising the green shoe option of INR 200 crores and concluding the same during the ongoing financial year. Through this initiative, Client Associates is aiming to reinforce and further enhance its reputation as an astute investors in the Indian investment landscape.

Himanshu Kohli, Co-founder, of Client Associates, expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm on the first close, stating, “CAAF represents a significant milestone for us as we venture into the realm of asset management. We are thankful to our clients for the faith they have reposed in our abilities which has enabled us to make the first close in record time. We remain committed to continue to deliver superior outcomes for our clients in this new journey.”

Shivam Diwan, Executive Director – CA Alternate Funds, Client Associates, added, “CAAF’s investment strategy is designed to capitalize on the immense potential of India’s startup ecosystem. We are excited about the opportunity to partner fundamentally strong businesses with proven operational excellence. We aim to not only deliver solid returns for our clients but also contribute to the growth and development of the overall ecosystem.”

CAAF’s investment strategy focuses on identifying and supporting pre-Series A, Series A, and pre-Series B and Series B stage companies predominantly in the consumer and consumer-related sectors, along with financial services. The fund aims to construct a robust portfolio comprising 12-15 carefully selected companies, with planned investments ranging from INR 10 to INR 50 crore per company. Furthermore, CAAF will selectively explore later-stage opportunities (pre-IPO) where it feels there could be value-creation opportunities for its Limited Partners (LPs).

The fund has garnered strong interest and participation from domestic Family offices and Ultra High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNIs), primarily comprising existing relationships of Client Associates. Through CAAF, Client Associates reaffirms its commitment to excellence and innovation in wealth management, further solidifying its position as a leading player in the Indian investment landscape.

Disclaimer: This press release serves for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any reliance on the information provided is at the reader’s discretion.

Indulge in a memorable Mother’s Day at Shangri-La Eros New Delhi

(New Delhi, 8th May 2024)  For the embodiment of love in our lives, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi is proud to present an opulent array of offerings designed to pamper and celebrate the queens of our hearts. With a focus on creating unforgettable experiences, the hotel has curated bespoke celebrations for all mothers, mothers-to-be, and mother figures alike.

Guests are invited to indulge in the specially curated Mother’s Day brunch at Tamra, the hotel’s renowned international cuisine restaurant, on Sunday, May 12, 2024. The buffet features an exquisite selection of regional delicacies personally crafted by esteemed guest chefs from diverse corners of India and the world. These talented mothers have graciously shared their signature recipes, infusing Tamra’s menu with a home-cooked touch in a special Mama’s brunch experience. From traditional favourites like Machar Jhol and Jhangora Ki Kheer to innovative creations like Seafood Curry in Young Coconut and Punjabi Pakoda Kadhi, the menu promises a gastronomic journey like no other.

The dessert-themed buffet at Tamra will enchant guests with delectable treats such as Mother’s Pearl Cakes, Ruby Chocolate Macaroons, and Red Velvet Cookies, among others.

For an exquisite Italian dining experience reminiscent of a mother’s delicate touch, Sorrento beckons guests with it’s re-imagined new menu featuring traditional pasta, succulent seafood, and delightful desserts. Recognized with the prestigious Golden Q from OspitalitàItaliana, Sorrento promises a culinary journey filled with love and flavour.

Guests seeking Far Eastern flavours can indulge in Shang Palace’s hearty selection of dim sums, stir-fries, and signature staples. Perfected over decades, the flavours at Shang Palace mirror the seamless bond shared with mothers. As a sweet gesture, both Sorrento and Shang Palace will be presenting guests with satiating single-origin chocolates to add a touch of sweetness to the occasion.

Elevating the experience further, a delightful mocktail trolley will be available, offering an engaging and refreshing addition to the celebration.

In addition to culinary delights, guests can explore themed delights at Mister Chai, the hotel’s tea shop and patisserie.

This Mother’s Day, let Shangri-La Eros New Delhi be the canvas for expressing love and gratitude.

The Tamra Brunch experience starts at INR 4,200 plus taxes per person, and for Sorrento and Shang Palace, the experience starts at INR 3,000 plus taxes per person.