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Ministry of Rural Development and Meesho sign MoU to onboard rural women as online sellers

Bangalore, February 17, 2023: The Ministry of Rural Development and Meesho, India’s only true online marketplace, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to drive digital inclusion of all women registered under State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs) and enable them to sell online. The partnership will give impetus to Meesho’s ongoing efforts to onboard rural women entrepreneurs in various states and enable them to launch and grow their businesses online. Over the last few months, Meesho has tied up with several government-run self-help groups (SHGs), such as Sanjeevini – Karnataka State Rural Livelihood Mission and UMEED – Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission.

Meesho will now work with the central government to facilitate this digitisation at scale, organising rural women as community institutions, ensuring their financial inclusion and helping them with market access. The Ministry of Rural Development will support Meesho’s engagement with state-owned and SRLM-promoted enterprises to bring local artisans, weavers and craft producers into the e-commerce fold.

Giriraj Singh, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj,said, “Uplifting rural women across India by unlocking livelihood opportunities for them has been our key objective. Our constant endeavour has been to support the growth and development of rural communities and the collaboration with Meesho will be instrumental in driving financial inclusion for them. Through market insights and training on product cataloging and packaging, women from these self-help groups will be able to leverage the power of technology in making their products visible and accessible to a wider customer base, thereby increasing their earning potential.

With more than 40% of the women population into non-farming, it is our collective responsibility to build capabilities and unlock wider opportunities for them through online selling platforms. We are hopeful to empower 10 crore women financially through this partnership, thereby making them an integral part of India’s vision of becoming a $5 trillion economy.”

Meesho’s continued commitment towards creating a level playing field for the smallest of sellers and its industry-first initiatives like zero commission will encourage women from across the country to embrace internet commerce and allow them to access a wider market. Aligned with Meesho’s vision to enable 100 million small businesses to succeed online, the move will allow them to become self-employed entrepreneurs and fulfill their aspirations of achieving financial independence.

Sanjeev Barnwal, Co-founder and CTO, Meesho, said, “We are honoured to partner with the Ministry of Rural Development on our mission to democratise internet commerce for everyone. Women entrepreneurship is key to India’s vision of becoming a $5 trillion economy and, over the years, Meesho has empowered lakhs of them to succeed in the online world and achieve financial independence. This partnership will amplify our efforts in that direction, unlocking the power of internet commerce for their social and economic growth. We will provide them with all the tools and guidance they need to grow their business online with Meesho.”

Meesho will provide end-to-end support to SHGs, training them on the various facets of running an online business. From guidance on identifying the right products and creating a seller account to uploading catalogues and packaging, Meesho will organise a host of in-person training workshops in several regional languages. Further, Meesho will impart education and training on features like product and pricing recommendations, besides facilitating logistics tie-ups in the respective states.

Blockedge Technologies Inc and Suvik Technologies FZE inks the Joint Venture deal to accelerate Web3 Adoption

Chennai, 17th February 2023: Blockedge Technologies Inc., a leading enterprise blockchain technology platform, and Suvik Technologies FZE, a UAE-based public blockchain technology company, announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding to form a joint venture in Dubai, aimed at creating tools that empower organizations globally migrate to WEB3 technologies.

With the right complementary ingredients to facilitate the movement towards a large-scale secure Web3 adoption, Blockedge brings its infrastructure automation platform, and expertise to develop decentralized applications and interoperable blockchain solutions. At the same time, Suvik group brings its proprietary trading system for crypto assets and Plugin – a Decentralized Oracle Platform built on XDC Network.

“Web3 is all about building system-backed trust to facilitate trusted peer-to-peer transactions,” said Srinivas Mahankali, Chief Business Officer of Blockedge Technologies Inc. “To accelerate the adoption of Web3 technologies globally, we have come together to leverage each other’s strengths to create the required infrastructure layer to encourage and empower over 1000 organizations in the next three years” he added.

Vinod Khurana, Co-Founder of Plugin Decentralized Oracle on XDC Network and CEO of Suvik Group added, “The creation of the joint venture between Blockedge and Suvik has come at the right time and place and has the potential to add immense value to the blockchain ecosystem. With this venture, we aim to launch decentralized applications across industries, with an initial focus on Agriculture, Healthcare, Supply chain, and E-commerce”.

The partnership will be converted into a 55:45 joint venture based in Dubai, specifically focusing on the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and North America.

Daikin Japanese Institute of Manufacturing Excellence (DJIME) launches a virtual academy.

17th February 2023: Daikin Japanese Institute of Manufacturing Excellence (DJIME), a not-for-profit educational institute set up by Daikin Air-Conditioning India Pvt Ltd, has developed a virtual academy to improve awareness about the HVAC sector. The virtual program aims at reaching out to colleges across India to develop interest and project the HVAC industry as a viable career option.

The program aims to help learners understand the latest mechanics of technologies like VRV, Chillers, Inverters, R-32, and many more. Emphasis is given to the fact that good technology is followed by good service. Students will comprehend how service is crucial in the HVAC sector, and a brand depends on quality of installation, servicing,
and troubleshooting. Sales and product knowledge will also be covered.

The Industrial Training Program, which lasts for six weeks, covers theoretical and practical training at A.C.D.C along with deputation with training services across locations. Enrollment is based on a payment of INR 5000. At the end of the program, students will receive certification to aid in receiving employment offers. The top 48 students from the course will get invited by DJIME for a 6-week industrial training programme that includes branch and fieldwork, and out of this lot, the top 10 candidates will get a PPO (Pre Placement Offer) for Daikin and ultimately the “Best HVAC Engineer of India” award will go to the top 5 students, giving them exposure and momentum.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. K J Jawa, Chairman & MD, Daikin India, said, “ With the technological advancement in the HVAC industry, a skilled and knowledgeable workforce is the need of the hour. Our goal is to provide students with the best information possible in the HVAC sector and a solid understanding of all the current technologies. We are giving them a certificate upon completion to help them stand out among others. This program would help with technical skills and numerous other placement opportunities”.

By the end of the course, DJIME guarantees that students will have the in-depth knowledge necessary to begin a promising career in the HVAC industry. The program will put them several steps ahead of their peers.

Afigitis PR wins communication mandate for Thakur Global Business School

Mumbai, 17 February 2023: Afigitis PR, a part of Assured Advertising, is proud to announce their recent acquisition of the PR mandate for Thakur Global Business School (TGBS), a prestigious educational institution in the education sector. With 8 sprawling campuses in Mumbai, boasting 22 institutes and educating over 50,000 students, TGBS offers a world-class education experience. Afigitis PR look forward to promoting the remarkable achievements and offerings of TGBS and elevating their brand to new heights.

The mandate for Thakur Global Business School entails a comprehensive PR strategy, encompassing the planning and execution of communication programs, the development of compelling communication materials, the cultivation and management of media relationships, and the deployment of various PR tools to effectively convey the message.

Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. Shuchi Gautam, In Charge, Director, Thakur Global Business School, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Afigitis PR. During the pitch process, we noticed that they bring a fresh and innovative approach to their work at the same time being flexible and accommodating to the client’s brief. With their extensive industry knowledge and expertise, we are confident that this partnership will be productive and enduring.”

“We are honoured to have been selected as the preferred communications agency by Thakur Global Business School, with a promising corporate vision and strategic direction. We are confident in our ability to craft and disseminate the perfect narrative to the relevant audience through a synergistic blend of traditional and digital PR techniques,” said Dheeraj Mishra, PR Head, Afigitis PR.

BioAsia 2023 to host ‘Innovation Zone’ for startups to foster innovation, investments, and entrepreneurship in the Lifesciences ecosystem

Hyderabad, 17th February 2023: BioAsia 2023, Asia’s largest life-sciences and healthcare conference, rekindles its annual tradition of hosting a start-up showcase, which enables a platform for promising start-ups in the healthcare and life sciences ecosystems. The ‘Innovation Zone’ at the marquee life sciences event, organized by the State government of Telangana, will feature the Startup Stage Pavilion and the Incubator Pavilion that hatches innovation and investment opportunities. With its commitment to driving innovation, the 75+ short-listed start-ups are being given participation fee waivers in addition to a free display booth. The event aims to provide promising startups focused on the pharma, biotech, life sciences, health-tech and med-tech sectors, a global stage to exhibit their innovative ideas.

The Innovation Zone BioAsia 2023 has received an overwhelming response from the startup community, receiving over 400+ applicants from around the world, including some from Singapore, Thailand, the United States, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The jury panel comprised of senior members from the Government, Incubators, PE/VC firms, and successful entrepreneurs, has shortlisted 75+ promising start-ups from the wide nomination numbers. These startups will be provided space to showcase their invocation at the exhibition. The scrutinization of the applications was based on peculiarity, affordability, and the idea/product’s ability to fulfil the demand. PE and VC firms, investment banks, and angel investors have been invited to the event and budding startups will be given the possible opportunity to network and explore potential collaborations. The participating start-ups will be provided access to all conferences and insightful sessions along with an opportunity to network with the industry leaders of global life sciences. In due course, five startups will be selected by the jury panel to exhibit at the main BioAsia Valedictory session and will also be given exclusive pitch time for each team. They will also be handed over a cash prize along with credits for Amazon cloud. The Startup stage is being organized in partnership with Tech Mahindra and BIRAC, Government of India.

The profile of the startups that will be participating in BioAsia 2023 is highly diverse ranging from medical technology startups manufacturing innovative point-of-care cancer screening kits to futuristic bionic limbs, and from Biotechnology startups formulating small molecule nanoparticles to focusing on the discovery of novel drug candidates. BioAsia is also organizing focused domain-specific round tables for the participating startups.

Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Principal Secretary, I&C and IT, Government of Telangana commented, “The sheer number of startup deals and funding is a testimony that Hyderabad has ascended to the country’s top 5 start-up hubs. BioAsia has gained global repute through the impact generated by its 19 previous editions. Telangana is the proud home for this year’s “Innovation Zone”, which presents an enormous opportunity for distinctive startups. Hyderabad has already proved its competency as a robust IT hub and we have a lot of technology startups solving issues like simplifying biostatistical analysis, AI-based virtual triaging solutions, and Deep Tech Bioprinters, among more innovative work in the field.”

“In the past twenty years, BioAsia has been built as a platform that has contributed to the growth of not only the Indian but global lifesciences industry. We are confident that startups seeking access to the Indian market, resources, and technology will find a home here. A significant opportunity awaits innovative startups in BioAsia 2023 Innovation Zone,” added Mr. Shakthi Nagappan, Director of Lifesciences, Govt. of Telangana and CEO of BioAsia.

With its 20th edition right around the corner, BioAsia has gained massive prominence across the globe and is expected to attract the participation of more than 3,000 global participants from over 50 countries in the upcoming edition.

Rage and Keventers shake hands for the coolest coffee shake in town; introducing the Hazelnut Cold Coffee

INDIA Feb 17th, 2023: As spring approaches, Rage Coffee and Keventers have a treat in store for all cold coffee lovers. Rage Coffee’s intensely pure caffeine and Keventers’ classily cool shakes are infused in a bottle together to create the Hazelnut Cold Coffee. The new flavor, born from the collaboration of one of the fastest-growing caffeine innovation FMCG companies in India and one of the most iconic milkshake brands in the country, will be available for consumption at more than 200 Keventers outlets in India.

A delectable slurp, the Rage X Keventers affiliation is surely ready to evoke fandom with this blissful blend. Specially crafted for the cold coffee-loving cohort and the Rangers, the flavor is available in the attractive and elegant Keventers glass bottled segments of regular and large. The regular coffee is perfect for on-the-go caffeine gratification, while the large bottle is the perfect grab for a long and tiring day when you want to experience the creamily divine caffeine slide gracefully through your tastebuds. The regular bottle costs INR 189, while the large bottle costs INR 249.

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Bharat Sethi, Founder, and CEO of Rage Coffee said, “Rage Coffee is all about flavor experimentation, innovation, and a maverick mindset. This is the millennial outlook that we have imbibed into our ethos. However, we also understand that heritage and history have a role to play in the creation of something special. With that in mind, we have collaborated with Keventers, one of the biggest and oldest milkshake brands in India, to bring a brand-new caffeine experience. We hope to see our fans flocking out in numbers to try the Hazelnut Cold Coffee and enjoy the luscious energy of Rage Coffee and the creamy goodness of Keventers in a bottle.”

“We are thrilled to partner with one of India’s leading coffee brands to create a product infused with love and warmth for our audience. As a brand, we are committed to making innovative products & with our aim to create a remarkable cold coffee experience, we believe that Rage Coffee is the perfect match! We are optimistic that the Hazelnut Cold Coffee will be a beautiful addition to our menu”, says Aman Arora, Co-Founder, and CMO, of Keventers.

Being a caffeine innovation brand, Rage Coffee has always been working towards curation of a product range which supersedes the segment in superiority, and originality and has innovation in them whether it be the caffeine-based snacking range or collaborating with brands to introduce coffee-infused products and work towards Menu engineering; Rage has always been ahead of the conventional curve. Rage Coffee is a true made-in and made-for-India brand where customers can enjoy their coffee with flavors infused in it.

Keventers is India’s iconic dairy brand with a legacy spanning over 100 years, best known for its authentic and delicious milkshakes. Being an iconic milkshake brand, its core brand values lie in celebrating its legacy of making authentic and delicious milkshakes and desserts while bringing the flavors of today to the world.

Major cities in India with Keventers outlets like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Srinagar, Dehradun, Imphal, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Guwahati, Lucknow, Bhopal, and Siliguri, among others, will be home to this dynamically engineered delectable beverage.

Dr Manjiri Prabhu’s 19th work – Legend of The Snow Queen, Launched at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2023

 Readomania, New Delhi

Dr. Manjiri Prabhu is an award-winning international fiction and non-fiction Writer, a Short-Filmmaker and the Curator & Founder/Director of two international festivals – Pune International Literary Festival and International Festival of Spiritual India (for Humanity & Wisdom).

Destination Thriller as the genre has been a unique initiation by Dr Prabhu in the world of Indian mysteries and thrillers. It not just portrays a place as a backdrop but uses it like a live character playing a very significant role in the progress and plot of the novel. In other words, the story and the mystery would not take place if the destination is removed from the plot.

Prabhu’s 19th work and the third in this series has just been released and is titled Legend of the Snow Queen. A psychological suspense destination novel, set against a Christmassy, Bavarian winter-wonderland, Legend of the Snow Queen blurs the boundaries of truth and imagination and is a haunting love story. It is the third work in the unique ‘Re Parkar series’. Re Parkar is a Private Investigator from Paris, France with the unique ability to foresee a disaster. His parapsychological prowess enables him to unravel the intricate conspiracies and dark secrets behind crimes of all sorts.

Prabhu’s first two novels in this unique ‘Re Parkar series’ were based in (The Trail of Four) in Salzburg, Austria, and (Voice of the Runes) in Lund, Sweden respectively. They received immense positive responses from readers the world over.

Hon. Dr. Shashi Tharoor, a Member of Parliament and erudite Author graced the occasion and launched this novel. Incidentally, he graciously stated earlier that the world has found a match for Dan Brown in Dr Manjiri Prabhu. Dr. Alka Pande, Historian and noted Art & Festival Curator was in conversation with both of them during the festival.

Mahindra Last Mile Mobility and SLA Mobility sign Distribution Agreement of electric 3-wheelers in Sri Lanka

Bangalore, February 17, 2023: The Last Mile Mobility (LMM) division of Mahindra and Mahindra Limited, has signed a Distribution Agreement with SLA Mobility (SLAML) for electric 3-wheelers in Sri Lanka. The agreement was signed on January 18, 2023, and will involve distribution, and service support. LMM will export the highly lauded electric Treo range and the Zor Grand. These vehicles, based on the Sri Lankan government’s approval, will be imported into Sri Lanka. LMM is also exploring localization or CKD operations in Sri Lanka. SLA Mobility is a part of the Sino-Lanka Group and is focused on introducing EVs to Sri Lanka.

Suman Mishra, CEO of Last Mile Mobility, said, “India’s No.1 electric 3-wheeler company, Mahindra, is pleased to carry the message of sustainability as well as EV propagation to our neighbors. Sri Lanka’s ecosystem will vastly gain from the introduction of Mahindra EVs and together with SLA Mobility, we aim to enhance the lives of our customers.”

Bob Kundanmal, Chairman of SLA Mobility, said “We are proud to be partnered with Mahindra and look forward to untap the manufacturing potential of Sri Lanka. We believe that development in the electric mobility industry is essential for Sri Lanka’s transportation ecosystem.”

LMM currently exports its products to Nepal and the UK. There are also ongoing talks with a few other countries for exports, which will be announced in due course.