IsFon Soft Skill Training_Vocational Skill Dveleopment Project
24, Feb 2023
Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (DFPCL)’s CSR Report

New Delhi, February 24, 2023: Deepak Fertilisers And Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (DFPCL) has released its latest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report, highlighting its contribution to supporting health, education, and women and youth empowerment initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods. The report showcases the successful implementation of various social welfare programs and sustainable development projects that have positively impacted the lives of communities in and around the areas where the company operates.

Through the non-profit organization Ishanya Foundation (IsFon), affiliated with DFPCL, the company has completed multiple CSR projects across Navi Mumbai and Raigad, supporting holistic rural development and empowering communities through smart initiatives. These CSR activities have touched the lives of more than 19527 (Taloja Location) regional beneficiaries. DFPCL’s comprehensive CSR report reaffirms its commitment to creating a better, more equitable future for all.

Speaking about DFPCL’s CSR commitments, (company spokesperson’s name) said, “At DFPCL, we believe that our commitment to CSR reflects our commitment to society. We have been promoting sustainability in all aspects of our corporate operations. Our success in health, education, women and youth empowerment is a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating a better future for all.”

Ishanya Foundation has been supporting rural communities in multiple locations across Maharashtra in the areas of dairy development, health, vocational training and income creation initiatives for the past 15 years with a focus on women’s empowerment. By acting as an effective catalyst in DFPCL’s geographies of operations, Ishanya Foundation is creating a self-reliant and respectable society with a secure and sustained means of livelihood through employment skills and resource support. Ishanya Foundation’s Community development initiatives have benefited 25877 (all locations) beneficiaries through its various schemes during 2022–2023.

Gyanam:

Under the ‘Gyanam’ initiative, IsFon has successfully executed a noteworthy CSR project in Valavali Village by installing a tin sheet roofing shed on the school building. The previous classrooms were dilapidated and vulnerable to rainwater leakage and seepage, posing a risk to the student’s safety during the rainy season. The local leaders and school authorities made the request, verified by the CSR team, and subsequently, DFPCL completed the work with management’s approval.

IsFon has facilitated digital education by equipping 9 Raigad Zillah Parishad Schools in and around the Taloja MIDC with a digital learning facility that includes a 55″ Smart Android TV, a keyboard, a mouse, and a pen drive containing a digital syllabus customized to the school’s requirements. The CSR team has provided teacher training to ensure efficient utilization of this system. IsFon’s ‘Gyanam’ initiative has successfully assisted students through the digitalization of 42 schools, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s ongoing efforts. In the recently concluded fiscal year 2022-23, IsFon reaffirmed this commitment by supporting 22 schools.

IsFon has also organized career guidance seminars for over a thousand 10th and 12th-standard students in eight schools and junior colleges to help them explore their future career options. The organization has further contributed to enhancing the learning environment by providing safe drinking water facilities to three schools and donating desktop computers and printers to three other schools, reflecting DFPCL’s commitment to supporting and improving education quality in local communities.

Aarogyam:

As a part of IsFon’s ‘Aarogyam’ initiative, the foundation recently conducted four eye checkup camps in Pale Kh. village in collaboration with the Laxmi Charitable Trust Panvel. Out of 830 patients screened, 283 were diagnosed with cataract problems, and 182 cataract operations were performed. In addition, 306 patients were detected with vision errors and were provided with spectacles. Foundation is also providing regular doorstep health services through a mobile clinic in over 21 villages in the Taloja MIDC and has provided free health checkups and medications to 13,438 patients so far in FY 2022-23. Other initiatives under the Aarogyam Program include distributing perennial kitchen gardens to 314 families and providing water tanks and computer equipment to primary health centers and subcenters.

Sustainable Livelihood:

IsFon is committed to developing farmers’ livelihoods and, to that end, has implemented the Wadi project. Foundation supported 380 farmers under this project. This project provides farmers with 30 mango grafts to cover half an acre of land, along with 100 forestry plants for live fencing, required inputs and support for up to 4 years (fertilizers/pesticides), support for water resource development, soil conservation, and capacity building of farmers.

CSR team recently conducted ‘Kisan Melava’ at Gadeswar and Wangni villages of Panvel Block, where IsFon trained 139 participants about fertilizer application, soil conservation, disease and pest management, and safety precautions to be taken during pesticide application.

IsFon, under its rural initiatives for small/marginalized/landless laborers in Raigad and Thane districts, is focused on improving farmers’ livelihoods through its Dairy Project. The project provides holistic support through dairy management training, vaccinations, assistance developing fodder plots, and artificial insemination. IsFon has supported purchasing cows, provided artificial insemination services, and distributed maize seeds for green fodder development to farmers. Additionally, IsFon supports enterprise development by providing new technology and equipment to the participants. As part of its commitment to providing sustainable livelihoods, the Foundation has supported 36 beneficiaries through its enterprise development program. Under Community Development and Social Welfare, IsFon has constructed a Community Katta at Ghot village, PVC pipeline work with Standpost for Drinking water Scheme at Dongryachapada Village, Donated desktop computers to Commissioner of Police Office CBD Belapur and installed an Open Gym at Khairne Village.

24, Feb 2023
Edvoy and Trent University launches TEX, First ever learning centre by Indian Study abroad consultancy

24 February 2023, Edvoy, a tech platform supporting and enabling international study abroad, and Trent University, Canada, have joined hands to launch a new joint venture, ‘TEX Advanced Learning Centre’. Mr. Sadiq Basha, Founder and CEO of Edvoy, and Dr. Leo Groarke, President of Trent University, signed the agreement in February 2023.

The jointly owned campus of TEX Advanced Learning Centre will be based in Oshawa, Canada – nearby Trent University’s Durham and Peterborough campuses in the Greater Toronto Area. The reason behind the location is that the area is grooming the tech sector and promoting eco-friendly infrastructure which makes it more prominent in finding placement opportunities.

The venture will be focused on quality education and have a student strength of 2000 to enroll in their program. It will provide courses in much less amount than other institutions and they have reduced the cost by more than $8000 Canadian dollars.

As per the Canadian government rules, the country allows 1 million students from all over the world to study in Canada. In the year 2022, 226450 Indian Students went to study in Canada which is a great chance for students who want to study abroad.

TEX offers the best services to the Indian students by providing mental health support, housing solutions, Visa fast-tracking and Visa related programs and also organizes special events to socialize new students with the society. Whereas Trent University will continue its legacy of providing world-class
teaching.

Trent University has been the number one undergraduate university in Ontario since 2010 and number one Canadian university for scholarships and bursaries which is a massive advantage for International students. 92% of graduates find employment within 2 years of program completion.

Edvoy is headquartered in Manchester, UK. It was established to centralize information for students so they are empowered to make the best possible decisions about their future. Dedicated counselors guide students through their application process from choosing the right course to applying for a visa. Edvoy’s app is free and uses remote counseling, so is available for students worldwide.

On joining hands with Trent University, Sadiq Basha, Founder and CEO of Edvoy, said, “We’re thrilled to be embarking on this joint venture with Trent University. Edvoy aligns with quality universities, globally. Our agreement means we can both focus on what we do best, Edvoy guiding students through

their application process and Trent University delivering world-class teaching. This is the next level in supporting international students in achieving their travel abroad ambitions.”

Dr. Scott Handerson, Dean and Head of Trent commented, “Edvoy’s mission to serve international students with integrity is at the heart of our venture with them. We trust that they will work with students to find the best courses for them so they thrive and progress in their chosen careers.”

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24, Feb 2023
LG Begins Rollout of 2023 Soundbar Lineup in India

BENGALURU, FEBRUARY 24, 2023 — LG Electronics India announced the rollout of the 2023 LG Soundbar lineup, delivering a range of stellar, new models that elevate the home entertainment experience with immersive sound, convenient features, and stylish, eco-minded design.

Taking home cinema to a whole new level, LG’s latest high-end soundbars1 provide powerful and precise multi-channel audio that leverages the world’s first center up-firing speaker to create an exceptionally realistic soundstage. The center up-firing speaker enhances the clarity of dialogue and ‘positions’ sounds more accurately in space to make movies and other content feel more lifelike.

The flagship model of the 2023 lineup, the S95QR is the complete package and an ideal solution for home cinema buffs, offering an 810W output, 9.1.5 channels, and center up-firing speakers. LG’s top-of-the-line soundbar features a total of five up-firing channels – three on the soundbar itself, and two in the wireless rear speakers – to create an expansive, dynamic soundscape that surrounds users and draws them deeper into the onscreen action and to make Meridian, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX enhanced content even more immersive.

The premium S95QR also features upgraded wireless rear speakers this year, sporting six channels compared to the four of its predecessors. With triple up-firing drivers complementing four front/side drivers, S95QR’s rear speakers distribute sound evenly across an impressively wide 135-degree angle. This enhanced capability gives users more flexibility when it comes to speaker placement and is especially helpful for those with limited space.

The S95QR, and other select 2023 LG Soundbars, are equipped with a more sensitive receiver that allows for greater distances between the soundbar, subwoofer and rear speakers without adversely affecting audio quality. LG’s premium models also ensure uninterrupted viewing and listening pleasure thanks to improved wireless connection stability that largely prevents any drops or lag in audio output. Meanwhile, Music Mode featuring Meridian Audio’s Horizon technology enables the 2023 soundbars to up-mix two-channel audio to 9.1.5-channels for more realistic acoustic surround sound.

LG’s latest high-end models support IMAX Enhanced3, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X2, allowing movie buffs to enjoy authentic cinematic experiences from the comfort of their own living room or private theater. New for this year, LG’s soundbars welcome MERIDEAN support, which delivers a new level of audio three-dimensionality when playing compatible content.

In addition to variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM), which help make console gaming more immersive by perfectly syncing the sound with the gameplay on screen4. It is also equipped with 4K/120Hz pass through, which will provide the best image quality.

The WOW Orchestra feature of the soundbar provides rich surround effect by using TV speakers. It also comes with an improved volume UI design for external audio devices connection. The 2023 soundbars are equipped with AI Room Calibration which intelligently adjusts low-frequency performance to the room’s dimensions for optimized sound delivery. Its frequency band is expanded from 200Hz to 400Hz to improve the balance and loudness of voice.

Commenting on the launch, Hak Hyun Kim, Director- Home Entertainment, LG Electronics India said, “LG constantly works on innovating products with cutting-edge technology and advanced features to offer an immersive experience to our customers. The latest range of soundbars are equipped with the world’s first Center Firing-Up speaker, thus offering a high-end audio experience. We are confident that this innovation will cater to the varied needs of our consumers and will be a game changer in the industry.”

LG Soundbar continues to set the standard for environmentally-conscious design, employing reused and easily recyclable materials, consuming a minimal amount of power during operation, and shipping in eco-friendly packaging. All 2023 models have received SGS Eco-Product recognition from SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA of Switzerland for their minimal environmental impact, and feature polyester jersey fabric made from recycled materials that meet the Global Recycled Standard (GRS).5 Furthermore, LG’s sustainably designed soundbars contain parts fabricated from recycled plastic resin and have been validated by UL’s Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP). LG’s 2023 soundbars are ENERGY STAR® certified thanks to their minimal and efficient use of power.

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24, Feb 2023
News18 is back with the News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2023, a celebration of Hindi cinema and web shows

24 February 2023: The art of cinema has evolved significantly to become content-driven over the past few years, and the advent of OTT platforms has transformed the entertainment landscape. In a bid to honor the exceptional talent of the Hindi entertainment industry, News18 presents the News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2023. To be held on February 25 at Taj Lands End, Mumbai, this edition of the coveted awards ceremony will felicitate exceptional films of the Hindi film industry and web series along with the best cast and crew.

The eminent jury of the award features notable personalities such as Ramesh Sippy, filmmaker; Sriram Raghavan, director, and screenwriter; Divya Dutta, actress; Ashwiny Iyer Tiwary, filmmaker, and writer; and Tavishi Paitandy, Entertainment and Lifestyle Editor of News18.com. This jury would select the best from the jury categories like such as Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Debut (Male/Female), and Best Director. Films and web series such as 83, Shershaah, Mimi, Gangubai Kathiawadi, The Kashmir Files, Delhi Crime, and Family Man 2, among others, are the contenders for the awards in the Jury Awards and Popular Choice categories.

The latest edition of the News18 Showsha Reel Awards will bring together many icons on one stage such as Rajkummar Rao, Vidya Balan, Bhumi Pednekar, Karan Johar, Kriti Sanon, Sidharth Malhotra, Ayan Mukerji, Anil Kapoor, Neha Dhupia, Divya Dutta, Jasleen Royal, Manoj Bajpayee, Huma Qureshi, Siddharth Roy Kapur, Vasan Bala, and many others.

Commenting on the awards ceremony, Mr. Puneet Singhvi – CEO & President – of Digital & Corporate Strategy, Network18, said “As India’s No. 1 news network, we are constantly looking at unique opportunities and initiatives that commemorate the myriad of creative voices our country hosts. With this new edition of the News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2023, we aspire to recognize incredible talent in the Hindi film industry and web shows. We strive to champion original voices who have showcased unparalleled brilliance and encourage diversity in content by recognizing films and web series that have not just made a noise because of their unprecedented box office numbers but also pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling.”

Ameya Bhise – Editor – of News18.com, said “Hindi cinema and web shows have the potential to inspire, move, and transport us to new realms. And when there are some particularly exceptional talents who are revolutionizing the art of visual storytelling, we at News18 believe that such efforts must be acknowledged. Through the News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2023, we are now stepping up our efforts to support the creative spirit that makes our Hindi cinema and the world of web shows unique and recognize the artists who bring these stories to life.”

23, Feb 2023
Quixy Ranks in ICONIQ Growth’s Report for 2022

Hyderabad, February 24, 2023 – Quixy, the leading Indian No-Code Workflow Automation, and Enterprise Application Development platform, has ranked on ICONIQ Growth Report. It features software tools at a global level, that grew exceptionally well in 2022 based on data provided by G2. In the category of Workflow Automation, Quixy was recognized as an Emerging Leader – the only Indian company to achieve this remarkable feat. Workflow automation is notably a critical bridge to a greater digital transformation journey, accomplished by reducing manual touchpoints and increasing human focus on high-value tasks.

This study is an overview of the essential technology stack for software companies, to help companies make informed decisions when choosing the tools and platforms. To be positioned on this elite list, the tools and platforms need to support four key areas: product development, data management, and security, go-to-market, and internal operations. Quixy checks all the right boxes, with its advanced capability to empower business users with no coding skills to build enterprise-grade complex business applications without writing any code.

“We are honored to be recognized by ICONIQ Growth as an emerging leader, amongst established industry players. This recognition is a reflection of Quixy’s unwavering commitment to boosting digital resilience among organizations today. We are grateful for the advocacy and confidence that our users entrusted us with, which helps us realize our vision.” said Mr. Gautam Nimmagadda, Founder & CEO, Quixy

In the recent past, Quixy was also ranked as the #1 Drag and Drop No-Code App Builder for the 6th time in a row under G2’s Momentum Report for Winter in 2023. Previously, Quixy was also recognised in Gartner’s Voice of Customer Report for Enterprise Low-Code Application Platforms (LCAP) for 2nd time in a row and Forrester’s Now Tech Report for General-Purpose Low-Code Development Platforms. Quixy is the only India-based Gold Tier Partner in PMI’s Citizen Development Partner Program.

23, Feb 2023
Wardwizard Foods and Beverages expands to Southern India, announces participation in Chennai Food & Beverage Expo 2023

Mumbai, February 23, 2023: Wardwizard Foods and Beverages Ltd (BSE Code: 539132), one of India’s leading food manufacturers, is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming Chennai Food and Beverage Expo 2023. Taking its mission to expand its presence across India one step further, WWFnB is bringing its
entire range of high-quality products to the South Indian market. With a successful track record of establishing itself in various major markets in India, WWFnB is confident of achieving similar success in Chennai.

Chennai Food and Beverage Expo 2023 is an unparalleled event that brings together food manufacturers, producers, distributors, and traders on a single platform. It’s an opportunity to network, gain valuable insights, and experience the latest in technological advancements that are revolutionizing the F&B sector. From production and processing to distribution and sales, this Expo showcases the industry’s ongoing shift towards superior product quality and greater efficiency. With an average footfall of 50K-1 Lakh each day, it is India’s most prominent exhibition in the industry and this year, Wardwizard Foods and Beverages Limited will be exhibiting its extensive range of Ready-To-Eat (RTE) products, beverages, and condiments at the event. The WWFnB team will be present at the Expo to demonstrate its products and address queries about their technologies, manufacturing processes, sales, and distribution partnerships.

With its participation in Expo, the company confirms its entry into the Southern market with its popular brands- QuikShef, which deals in frozen foods and Ready to Eat (RTE) range of products and Snack Buddy, dealing in condiments and beverages. At the initial stage, the company is looking forward to creating distribution
networks to gain a strong presence and grow its reach. With the new market, the company is committed to providing its customers with quality products and excellent customer service. The event is sponsored by Paytm, and is supported by an array of industry-leading participants. The Expo will offer the experience of the best in innovation and collaboration from some of the most well-known brands in the business.

Commenting on the development, Ms. Sheetal Bhalerao, Chairperson and MD, Wardwizard Foods and Beverages Ltd said, “We are delighted to take part in the Chennai Food and Beverage Expo 2023 and introduce our products to the South Indian market. With its unique culture and flavour, this region of India is a highly important market for us. Our extensive range of Ready to Eat (RTE) products, beverages and condiments will bring the best taste of different parts of India to the people of Southern India. With the highest employment rate in the country, this
region has a large working population. Our products offer convenience, comfort, and a home-cooked-like meal in just three easy steps, perfect for people with busy lives.

Participating in this Expo is a huge milestone in our journey to expand our network and increase our visibility in the Indian market. We guarantee our consumers will get the highest quality products with amazing flavors, all manufactured in hygienic
conditions.”

Wardwizard Foods and Beverages Ltd is excited to be a part of this ground-breaking opportunity that will enable them to expand its presence in India, gain a stronger foothold in the food industry, and solidify its position as a leader.

23, Feb 2023
Recent Advances In Paediatric Oncology Treatment- Transforming Cancer Care in Children

Dr.-Intezar-Mehdi

 By Dr. Intezar Mehdi, Director and Head of the Department, Senior Consultant – Paediatric Haematology Oncology & BMT, HCG Cancer Centre, Bengaluru

Cancer, a disorder affecting millions of lives across all age groups, is of 100 different kinds. Paediatric cancer, one of the many kinds of cancer, refers to cancer that occurs in children under the age of 18. It is a rare but serious disease that affects thousands of children worldwide each year. While the causes of paediatric cancer are not fully understood, it has been clinically observed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may play a role albeit in a small percentage of kids.

Identifying the causes and signs of paediatric cancer

One of the most common causes of paediatric cancer is a genetic mutation. These mutations can occur spontaneously or can be inherited from a parent. Some genetic mutations are known to increase a child’s risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as retinoblastoma- a cancer of the eye, Osteosarcoma- a cancer of the bone and neuroblastoma- a cancer that affects the nervous system. Environmental factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, may also increase a child’s risk of developing cancer.

The signs and symptoms of Childhood Cancer can vary depending on the type of cancer and where it is located in the body. Common signs include:

  • Unexplained or prolonged Fever or infection that doesn’t go away
  •  Lump or mass that can be felt in the neck, armpit or groin or abdomen
  •  Pallor, or bleeding – external or internal
  •  Pain or discomfort especially if it is persistent or progressing
  •  Unexplained weight loss
  •  Feeling tired or unexplained weakness
  •  Persistent early morning headache associated with vomiting
  •  Changes in the skin, such as a new mole or a sore that doesn’t heal

If a child has any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor/Pediatrician for an evaluation to rule out the possibility of cancer. The earlier the paediatric cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment and cure.

Treating Children with Cancer

Treatment for Childhood cancer typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Surgery is often used to remove the tumour and nearby lymph nodes and sometimes for diagnosis. Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer. Managing children with Cancer has to follow a Multidisciplinary approach involving multiple specialists trying to give personalized treatment focusing on that particular child. It is also important to have an empathetic and holistic approach. In Cancer- first time is the best time for treating cancer successfully and in Childhood cancer- we have to make sure that not only the child has a successful treatment outcome but also he/she should have normal growth, development, a normal future and a career. Because, the child is not only the future of that family, but also for society and the Nation as a whole.

Recent Advances revolutionising paediatric cancer treatment

Advances in paediatric cancer treatment have led to significant improvements in survival rates for children with cancer. Cure rates for children with cancer have improved in the last few decades significantly. Currently, almost 75-80 % of children are expected to be cured completely with the right treatment approach. Now, the focus is moving towards improving the outcomes as well as minimizing the side effects of therapy. Also research at the genetic and molecular levels have led to targeted therapy and immunotherapy. These recent advances in technology and research have led to more targeted and effective treatments.

Precision medicine: One major advance in paediatric cancer treatment is the use of precision medicine. Precision medicine is an approach to treatment that takes into account the specific genetic makeup of a patient’s cancer. By identifying the specific mutations that are driving a child’s cancer, doctors can select treatments that are more likely to be effective. Targeted therapies, such as those that target the B-Raf or ALK genes, have been developed for children with certain types of cancer, such as Melanoma or Neuroblastoma.

Immunotherapy: Another advance in paediatric cancer treatment is the use of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer. One type of immunotherapy, called CAR-T cell therapy, involves taking T cells (a type of white blood cell) from a child’s blood, genetically modifying them to target cancer cells, and then infusing them back into the child’s bloodstream. This type of therapy has shown promise in treating paediatric leukaemias and lymphomas.

Proton Therapy: Another recent advancement in paediatric cancer treatment is the use of proton therapy. Proton therapy is a type of radiation therapy that uses protons, instead of X-rays (Photons), to treat cancer. Because protons can be more precisely targeted to a tumour, they can deliver higher doses of radiation to cancer while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This can be especially beneficial for children, whose bodies are still growing and developing.

Improved management of side-effects

In addition to these advances in treatment, there have also been improvements in the management of side effects. Like, new medications have been developed to manage nausea and vomiting, which are common side effects of chemotherapy. Other advances, such as the use of virtual reality and other forms of distraction therapy, can help children to cope with the stress and anxiety of cancer treatment.

Research into paediatric cancer is ongoing and new treatments are being developed all the time. In recent years, scientists have made significant progress in understanding the genetic and molecular changes that drive paediatric cancer. This has led to the development of new drugs and therapies that are more targeted and effective.

Advances in paediatric cancer treatment have led to significant improvements in survival rates for children with cancer. Precision medicine, immunotherapy, and proton therapy are among the most promising new treatments. However, there are still many challenges in paediatric cancer treatment and research into paediatric cancer is ongoing. With continued support for research, it is hoped that even more effective treatments for paediatric cancer will be developed in the future.

For more details about advances in paediatric cancer treatment, one may reach out to the highly skilled team of Paediatric oncologists at HCG Cancer Centre (Bangalore), the hub of advanced cancer based research and treatment breakthroughs.

23, Feb 2023
Blum India expands distribution network

Mr. Nadeem Patni, Managing Director, Blum India

Blum, the Austrian manufacturer of furniture fittings, has been represented in India for more than 20 years, offering innovative fittings for the furniture industry. The Austrian company has developed its Indian subsidiary which includes a newly constructed warehouse as well as a new and diverse distributor network.

International company Blum offers top-quality, “made in Austria” furniture fittings to its customers in trade, the furniture industry, and the interior design segment to bring creative furniture projects to life. Blum India has expanded its distribution network with a promise to provide internationally acclaimed standard products. Explaining the strategy, Nadeem Patni, Managing Director of the subsidiary, says: “For many countries, India has been a center of investment, and we see this potential materializing on a larger scale. From taking the first step of establishing headquarters in Mumbai in 2017 to building the warehouse and directly catering to our customers from 2022 onwards, we have strong expansion plans for India.” In support of these plans, Blum has built a large, new warehouse in Bhiwandi (closer to Mumbai), to guarantee a reliable delivery experience for its customers.

Intensifying customer relationships

The furniture market is changing, and demands for quality of living are evolving. As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of fittings, Blum wants to provide its customers with comprehensive support to navigate these new developments. “More end-consumers are now moving towards quality furniture fittings as they’ve started to understand the difference that these can make”, explains Nadeem Patni, adding: “And we are seeing a huge shift in the industry towards modular kitchens”

To maintain good customer relations and promote a personal exchange of ideas and experiences, Blum India has set up a customer service team in Mumbai along with a newly furbished Experience Center. This new development will help to serve Blum customers in a more organized and direct manner. For Blum, it’s very important to remain a trusted partner to their customers in the face of this substantial growth. Customers can now contact Blum directly or visit their experience centers to purchase premium Austrian-made products.

KRAFTON LOCALIZES ROAD TO VALOR
23, Feb 2023
Krafton Localizes Road to Valor: Empires; Opens Pre-registrations for a New Indian Version

New Delhi, February 23rd, 2023: Dreamotion and KRAFTON, Inc., makers of the popular battle royale game BGMI, today announced pre-registration for an all–new Indian version of Road to Valor: Empires, a real-time player-versus-player (PvP) strategy game. Renowned for bringing high-quality, engaging games to users worldwide, KRAFTON, Inc. has reimagined the game for the Indian audience, bringing several new updates including full-fledged Hindi language support to provide an immersive experience for the Indian gaming community.

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In Road to Valor: Empires, the first casual game for India from KRAFTON, players embark on a quest to build armies and win thrilling battles while commanding mythical guardians and troops. With the addition of the Hindi user interface, players can enjoy an enthralling visual journey as they play with various civilizations. Furthermore, exclusive India-specific updates include the option to create custom rooms where users can host, spectate, and play together with fellow gamers. Keeping in mind the regional pricing, the new optional starter pack with exclusive rewards for Indian users will also be available starting at INR 29.

With stunning graphics, captivating music, and easy-to-use controls, Road to Valor: Empires delivers an exhilarating experience for both hardcore and casual gamers alike. In addition to being made available in Hindi, the game will also subsequently support other Indian languages. More than just a launch, RTV Empires will also bring in new content regularly such as new characters, civilizations, in-game events, and esports tournaments.

“We’ve been at work on a neat surprise for our beloved Indian audience and are excited to bring Road To Valor: Empires along with Indian nuances and local customizations. We’re very excited to have worked with our talented studio, Dreamotion to bring in an authentic strategy experience in a casual format for Indians. With the addition of Indian rewards, new UI, and unique features, we hope players have a great time exploring the world of mythical and historical civilizations.” said Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON, Inc. India. He further added, “We are committed to the Indian audience and will continue bringing new and exciting games that will enthrall our Indian gamers”

“We are eager to bring the all-new Road to Valor: Empires to India and hope that users enjoy the interplay of strategy, realistic graphics, and exclusive features that the game offers. With thrilling large-scale wars, and a host of characters, we are excited for users to experience the game. The new custom room feature will help casual players in India invite and jump into quick 2v2 matches or even spectate top players” said Junyoung Lee, CEO, Dreamotion. “For us, this is more than just a launch. We will be bringing in new civilizations, local characters, and features that challenge and excite our players in the future. And hopefully, make it esports ready, to encourage the vast talent in India to compete for valor!”

Key features of the game include:

Command armies, your way: It is a real-time PVP strategy game where players can outplay their opponents by creating their own army from different factions and unique units to claim the throne.
Hindi and English language support: With the latest addition of Hindi UI users can choose to enjoy the game in a way that feels natural to them

Bring legends to life: Choose characters from different mythologies and experiment with a diverse range of characters. From Athena, the Goddess of War, to Odin, the King of Asgard, to Caeser and and Cyrus players can select their guardians and experiment to see which characters and armies suit their playing style.

Stunning visuals: Realistic and fierce battles with immersive experience. From cavalry rushing to destroy enemy towers, continuing the fight even when knocked from their horses – feel the realistic fierce feel of battle right in your hands No one way to glory: Choose different mythological beasts and gods from the myths of multiple cultures and pit them against your enemy’s army while you’re vying for supremacy. As you gradually progress, you unlock features, heroes, units and better upgrades to your troops

Host epic battles: Custom rooms to host, spectate and enjoy multi-player experiences with friends
Road to Valor: Empires is the successor to Road to Valor: World War II, which launched in January 2019 and crossed more than 3 million downloads. Players can now pre-register to download the game from Google Play and the Apple App Store and the title will be available to play in March 2023.

To pre-register for Road to Valor: Empires, please visit Google Play Store and Apple iOS Store. For more details, follow the official India website, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube pages of Road To Valor: Empires.

23, Feb 2023
Narsee Monjee Model United Nations (NMMUN) 2023: A Long Legacy of Empowering Students to Lead Towards Change

Mumbai, 23 February 2023: SVKM’s NMIMS Shirpur Campus hosted the 14 th edition of Narsee Monjee Model United Nations (NMMUN) 2023 on 11th and 12th February 2023 at its Shirpur campus.

NMMUN is an annual event that provides students from various fields with the opportunity to participate in a simulation of the United Nations conference. This conference is a flagship event of the SVKM’s NMIMS Shirpur campus and has become one of the most prestigious Model UN conferences in the country. NMMUN 2023 has reached remarkable milestones over the past decade. The mission of this conference is to instil a holistic approach to debate, public speaking, and current affairs while promoting peace and the United Nations’ goals through
partnership and diplomacy.

The NMMUN conference provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to participate in comprehensive global debates that help them “lead towards change.” It is an unforgettable experience that engages students with delegates from all across the country. NMMUN enables students to express their thoughts and opinions on various global issues, expand their network, and hone their diplomatic skills. The conference aims to produce well-informed
individuals who comprehend not just the decisions their nation takes, but also the effects of those actions on national, regional, and international politics. Students from a wide range of fields, including law, engineering, pharmacy, among others, from eminent institutes in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan were a part of this event.

NMMUN is different from other MUNs in the country because of its recognition by the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres himself. The conference has been conducting successive events since 2009, and it is the only MUN in the Maharashtra circuit to do so. Even during the global pandemic and the lockdown of the entire nation, the Narsee Monjee MUN did not stop and continued in online mode for those two years.
NMMUN 2023 conducted conferences for 5 different committees, each with its own agenda.

The agendas of various committees in a MUN are chosen through analysis of current worldwide situations and the need for them to be addressed. This year, the agenda was:

  1. 1. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): Internal Displacement of refugees in rehabilitated countries.
    2. United Nations Security Council (UNSC): Discussion of possible actions in the situation between Russia and Ukraine.
    3. Lok Sabha: Discussion on the constitutional validity of reservation in the light of the recent trends.
    4. Historical Crisis Committee (HCC): Discussing the course of the third Indo-Pak war of 1971 and role of non-alignment nations.
    5. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC): Role of sustainable development goals in taking illicit drug trade.

In the committee sessions, delegates discussed the root causes of the respective issues and explored various initiatives and programmes that have been developed to address them. 2 Delegates also considered new and innovative ways to address these issues and ensure the protection and well-being of those affected.

Director of SVKM’s NMIMS Shirpur campus, Dr Akshay Malhotra, said, “The 14th edition of Narsee Monjee Model United Nations (NMMUN) was hosted at the prestigious SVKM’s NMIMS Shirpur Campus, and it was a proud moment for all of us. NMMUN is a flagship event of our campus and one of the most renowned Model UN conferences in the country. We are honoured to have played a pivotal role in enabling students from diverse fields to participate in a comprehensive debate, where they get a chance to express their views and opinions on various
global issues while promoting peace, partnership, and diplomacy.”