12, Oct 2023
Tata Tea Gold’s ode to West Bengal’s Durga Pujo festivities
A celebration of artistic splendor with Banglar Noksha Pujo Packs
National, October 12, 2023: As the vibrant tapestry of West Bengal adorns itself in hues of grandeur to warmly welcome the divine fervor of Durga Pujo, Tata Tea Gold, West Bengal’s favorite tea brand, joyously celebrates this festival with the launch of 10 festive packs inspired from the handloom styles of the state. Durga Pujo is a time when West Bengal is at its colorful best. This heralds a time for the women to adorn themselves with new sarees, selected from a wide array of exquisite traditional handloom and textile creations. This festive ode to the handloom heritage was the inspiration for Tata Tea Gold’s festive series Banglar Noksha Pujo packaging. The Tata Tea Gold festive packs are inspired by 5 handloom styles: Kantha, Jamdani, Baluchari, Batik, and Garad.
Tata Tea Gold has also unveiled a specially crafted film, developed by Media Monks, that beautifully captures how Pujo is celebrated across the five days from Shashthi to Dashami. Each celebration has been depicted in the style of West Bengal’s rich handloom culture. The story unfolds with a curious child observing the similarity between the design of a Tata Tea Gold Jamdani-inspired pack and her mother’s Jamdani saree. Soon, a captivating conversation takes place between the two, narrating about Durga Pujo celebrations, basking in the iconic handloom artistry of the region. The film along with a captivating song, brings to life some of the celebratory rituals intricately illustrated on the festive packs.
The film weaves a rich narrative of West Bengal’s pride and celebrations, from the traditional conch blowing depicted on the Jamdani-inspired packs to the resounding beats of the Dhaki from the Kantha-inspired packs, the devotee (Pujaran) adorned in a Baluchari saree, the Dhunuchi dancer draped in Batik prints, and the women playing Sindoor Khela dressed in Garad sarees.
Reflecting on the essence of the new Durga Pujo campaign, Puneet Das, President – Packaged Beverages, India & South Asia, Tata Consumer Products, shared, “As one of the most loved tea brands of West Bengal, we take pride in understanding the people and the local culture. As Durga Pujo is celebrated with such exuberance, we decided to pay homage to these festive celebrations through the famous handloom and textile art of West Bengal. We partnered with five well-known master weavers of West Bengal – Mrityunjoy Chakraborty for Kantha, Sahadeb and Shanksha Basak for Jamdani, Amitava Pal for Baluchari, Sukanta Nandy for Batik and Jiban Polisha for Garad to create special festive handloom designs, which served as inspiration for the design of Tata Tea Gold’s festive packs. These limited-edition special packs, steeped in local flavors, mirror the lively spirit of the festival, encapsulating its vibrant hues and energy. The film shows the visual narrative of the Durga Pujo celebration through our packs.”
Arnab Chatterjee, Co-founder, of Tree Design who had conceptualized the design said, “To capture the festive spirit of Durga Pujo, we decided to harness the immense beauty and depth of the textile and handloom weaves available in the state. Wearing new clothes on the days of Pujo is a tradition, which is why we decided to leverage the magic of West Bengal’s handlooms. We worked closely with master weavers going across the length and breadth of West Bengal and harnessed the magic of their craft to capture the festive fervour in the Tata Tea Gold Festive series packs.”
Commenting on the genesis of the campaign and the idea, Azazul Haque, Chief Content Officer, Media Monks said “Durga Pujo for West Bengal is not just a festival, it is an emotion. When Tata Tea Gold designed the special festive packs showcasing the events during the different days of Pujo depicted in the handloom style of West Bengal, the brief for the campaign was simple- Celebrate Durga Pujo through the festive packs. And the film does exactly that. In the film, a mother proudly tells her daughter about the different Handlooms of West Bengal and how they are depicting the celebrations around Durga Pujo. The feeling of Durga Pujo is magical and we have tried to convey the same through this musical, celebratory film.”
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- By Rabindra
12, Oct 2023
FADA Releases H1 FY’24 Vehicle Retail Data
12th October’23, New Delhi: The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) today released Vehicle Retail Data for H1 FY’24.
Chart showing All India Vehicle Retail Data for H1 FY’24
| CATEGORY | H1 FY’24 | H1 FY’23 | H1 FY’22 | % Chg (H1’23) | % Chg (H1’22) | H1 FY’21 | % Chg (H1’21) |
| 2W | 78,28,015 | 73,13,930 | 59,14,894 | 7.03% | 32.34% | 47,76,407 | 63.89% |
| 3W | 5,33,353 | 3,21,964 | 1,42,168 | 65.66% | 275.16% | 83,925 | 535.51% |
| CV | 4,65,097 | 4,50,458 | 2,83,562 | 3.25% | 64.02% | 1,25,453 | 270.73% |
| PV | 18,08,311 | 17,02,905 | 13,35,814 | 6.19% | 35.37% | 7,83,333 | 130.85% |
| TRAC | 4,44,340 | 3,89,815 | 3,73,856 | 13.99% | 18.85% | 3,34,648 | 32.78% |
| Total | 1,10,79,116 | 1,01,79,072 | 80,50,294 | 8.84% | 37.62% | 61,03,766 | 81.51% |
Source: FADA Research
Disclaimer:
- The above numbers do not have figures from TS & LD.
- Vehicle Retail Data has been collated as on 06.10.23 in collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, and has been gathered from 1,352 out of 1,440 RTOs.
H1 FY’24 Retails
Commenting on H1 FY’24 Auto Retails, FADA President, Mr. Manish Raj Singhania said, “As Fiscal Year 2024 unfolded, the auto retail sector in India embarked on a journey of cautious optimism and resilience amidst a mix of obstacles and victories across various vehicle categories. The initial modest 4% decline in April’s overall vehicle retails was not only a reflection of the dynamic nature of the automotive market but also a precursor to a story of gradual recovery and growth that would unfold over the subsequent months, culminating in a robust 20% YoY growth in September.
The narrative of H1 FY’24 is one of resilience and recovery, with the total auto retail registering a 9% growth YoY. All categories also showed YoY growth with 2W, 3W, CV, PV, and Trac growing by 7%, 66%, 3%, 6%, and 14% respectively.
The 3W segment was the undisputed star, with a remarkable 66% YoY growth, consistently registering unparalleled sales figures month after month. Notably, the first half of FY’24 saw the 3W segment retailing a record-breaking 5,33,353 units, significantly outperforming the H1 FY’19 figures of 3,58,187. This extraordinary performance in the 3W category underscores the sector’s vigorous recovery and adaptability in navigating through the complex market challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic.
The PV segment, while having its set of challenges, also showcased a narrative of steady resurgence and growth. It not only grew by 6% YoY but also witnessed record retails, with H1 FY’24 seeing an all-time high in PV retails at 18,08,311, surpassing the previous record set in H1 FY’23 at 17,02,905. This continued growth trajectory of the PV segment for two consecutive fiscal years is a testament to the resilient demand and the market’s positive response to the diverse and dynamic offerings in the segment.
Despite a slowdown in the last month, Tractor sales have not been left behind in this growth narrative. The first half of FY’24 witnessed record-breaking retails of 4,44,340 units, reflecting a substantial 20% YoY growth. This performance not only indicates a strong market demand but also surpasses the sales figures of H1 FY’23, which stood at 3,89,815.
The CV sector experienced robust sales, registering 4,65,097 units, only second to its record in H1 FY’19 with 4,72,492 units. However, the 2W segment is under stress, still far from its H1 FY’19 peak of 97,27,200 units, reflecting the diverse challenges and successes within India’s auto retail sector.
With the festive season on the horizon, bringing with it a promise of renewed consumer interest and potential demand surge, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) anticipates a season of growth and prosperity for the auto retail sector, moving from cautious optimism to a hopeful and positive outlook for the market.”
12, Oct 2023
Omaxe World Street Unveils Exciting Lineup of Festive Delights for a Memorable Season
Omaxe World Street, Faridabad, is all set to enter the festive season with a bang with an array of back-to-back events over the next three months, making this festive season truly unforgettable. Hosting a series of festivities, including cultural performances, live music, food festivals, and much more, it will cater to the diverse tastes of families and friends to come together and celebrate.
A mesmerising five days’ Navratri celebration would be organised, including Durga Pooja, live performances by Bollywood singers, dance groups and a heart-throbbing Dandiya night. Karwa Chowth would be celebrated towards the end of October with astonishing decor, mehendi for ladies and a day full of music. Diwali Carnival will be held from 27 October to 10 November with fun, food, music, and soulfully decorated to capture the lovely moments.
Dance Street will be held on 5 November with over 20 dance performances by talented groups and individuals. Games Street will also be held from 18 November to 26 November with 15 games competitions and attractive prizes and certificates for winners and participants. Renowned comedian Harsh Gujral will be setting the stage on fire with his humor on 25 November. A Sunburn tour of Faridabad will also be organized during the mid-December.
Christmas Carnival and New Year Celebration will be a long festival from 20 December to 5 January. It will be lightened by Live Santa, dance and music performances, Santa and Carnival parade, beautiful decorations, etc., allowing everyone to enter the new year with a lively experience.
Mr. Mohit Goel, Managing Director, Omaxe Group, said, “We are thrilled to announce our exciting lineup of events for the upcoming festive season. Omaxe World Street has always been about creating memorable experiences, and we believe these festivities will add that extra sparkle to our visitors’ experience. We invite everyone to join us in Faridabad and enjoy an unparalleled celebration like never before.”
Omaxe World Street is not just a shopping destination but a place to create lasting memories. With a wide range of retail outlets, restaurants, and entertainment options, visitors can indulge in shopping for the latest fashion trends, relish a wide variety of cuisines, and enjoy a vibrant and lively atmosphere that will make their festive season truly special.
12, Oct 2023
ASUS Encourages Responsible E-Waste Disposal Through DiscardResponsibly Initiative for Indian Consumers
12 October 2023: Charging towards a more sustainable and green future, ASUS India – A Taiwanese technology giant, to mark the occasion of International E-Waste Day, announced the #DiscardResponsibly campaign aimed at promoting responsible e-waste disposal. The campaign themed around “You can recycle anything with a plug, battery, or cable!” underscores the importance of driving awareness amongst end users about the repercussions of improper electronic waste disposal while also empowering individuals to discard their e-waste in a more accountable manner.
According to the United Nations, 8 kg of e-waste per person will be produced worldwide in 2023 which means a total of 61.3 million tonnes of electronic waste will make headway in the landfills within a year. Attempting to reduce this waste, ASUS India is running an awareness drive to inform citizens while also facilitating a home-collection drive across the country.
Commenting on launching the #DiscardResponsibly-2023 campaign, Eric Ou, Country Head of ASUS India, shared, “ASUS globally has been a harbinger of change, be it via the technology solutions that we have brought closer to our customers or by undertaking the challenge and aligning efforts to curb and reduce the growing e-waste in the world. ASUS believes the staggering need for inculcating sustainable practices and contributing towards setting up a more prevalent circular e-waste economy. By 2025, we aim to achieve a global recycling rate of 20% for ASUS products and this will only be feasible if we are supported by our customers who have trusted us day in and day out. Seeking their support and furthering our vision of ‘my responsibility, discard responsibly,’ we at ASUS India are elated to announce the #DiscardResponsibly-2023 campaign.”
“The campaign is also aimed at creating conversation and driving awareness on how anything with a plug, battery and cable needs to be discarded and used cautiously to ensure maximum life. We are certain that this initiative will compel ASUS users to support us in building India’s e-waste circular economy, thus striving for a greener and more sustainable future for our planet”. added Eric Ou.
How can people request for home collection drive:
ASUS India has set up a toll-free helpline number (1800 2090 365) and portal, visit https://asus.in/discardresponsibly/, where consumers can attain information about how they can dispose of e-waste and schedule pick-up slots for collection. ASUS representatives will promptly collect the e-waste from the specified location.
The company will also drive an on-ground awareness campaign at over 40 ASUS stores. The employees at the store will detail the steps that will help customers reduce e-waste while also taking cognizance of how they can contribute to the initiative. People buying laptops from the ASUS stores will also be presented with a jute bag and a plant as a pledge to reduce waste.
ASUS India has been striving towards reducing the e-waste generated by opting for incorporating post-industrial recycled waste in its products. The recently launched ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED laptop is one of the most environmentally conscious devices available in the Indian market. This product embraces recycled materials in its chassis, employing a high percentage of post-industrial-recycled (PIR) aluminum and magnesium-aluminum alloy in its metal parts. The company also became the first to introduce the ASUS Select Store which displays a range of refurbished laptops that are at par with brand new products.
12, Oct 2023
Envision secures 653.4MW order from JSW Energy
Mumbai, 12 October 2023: Envision Energy, a global leader in renewable energy solutions has won an order from JSW Energy for developing a 653.4 MW wind energy park in Karnataka and Maharashtra. As per the order, Envision would provide 198 units of EN 156-3.3 MW WTGs (Wind Turbine Generator). The project is expected to be commissioned in phase manner by Calendar Year 2024 end and will produce 2200 GWh units of clean energy, significantly accelerating India’s progress towards achieving its net-zero emissions goals.
With an investment of around Rs. 500 crores, India has emerged as a strategic market for Envision and created over 2,000 job opportunities (direct and indirect). The association with JSW Energy would play a pivotal role in ramping up renewable energy capacity in Karnataka and Maharashtra. With a proven track record in global markets like China and Vietnam, Envision’s WTGs are well poised to bolster India’s wind energy landscape. Built with a rotor diameter of 156 m, a hub height of 140 m and a rated capacity of 3.3 MW, these WTGs are best suited to thrive in the Indian wind regime.
Mr. RPV Prasad, CEO, Envision Wind Power Technologies India said, “It is a really happy moment for us as we partner with JSW Energy to leverage India’s wind energy potential in Karnataka and Maharashtra . As part of our commitment to the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, we would be assembling the nacelle and hubs for the wind turbines at our Pune factory, blades from our Trichy factory, and sourcing tower components from our manufacturers based out of Maharashtra. The booming Indian wind energy landscape would play a pivotal role in propelling the country towards net-zero.”
Mr. Kane Xu, Global Vice President of Envision Energy and Chairman of Envision Energy India, said, “It has become critical to collaborate for accelerating green energy transition to avert the climate crisis. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to solving the challenges for a sustainable future. Together, we can develop reliable renewable energy solutions in India.”
In India, Envision has successfully commissioned 330MW of wind projects and awarded >4.7GW of additional projects. To maintain this positive growth trend, the company has established an annual manufacturing capacity of 3GW for Nacelle & Hub in Pune, and a 2.5GW capacity for blades featuring 9 moulds at its Trichy plant. Envision has strengthened its presence in India, covering six states, with 12 clients and operations on 20+ project sites with a cumulative order book size nearing 5GW.
12, Oct 2023
ICICI Bank opens a new branch at Kesinga
Kesinga: ICICI Bank has set up a branch at Kesinga in Kalahandi district, Odisha. This is the first branch of the Bank in the town. The branch has an ATM-cum-Cash Recycler Machine (CRM) to offer cash deposit and withdrawal services to the customers round the clock.
Shri. Praful Kumar Oddu, BDO, Kesinga inaugurated the branch.
The branch offers a comprehensive range of accounts, including savings and current accounts, trade and forex services, fixed and recurring deposits, loans- business loan, home loan, personal loan, auto loan, and gold loan – along with remittance and card services. The branch also offers banking services to NRI customers. It operates from 9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M on Monday to Friday, and on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month
The Bank has a network of about 180 branches and 350 ATMs in Odisha.
12, Oct 2023
AVer Joins GITEX 2023 to Showcase Innovative Video Conferencing and Pro AV Solutions
Taipei, Taiwan – October 12th, 2023:AVer Information Inc., an award-winning provider of video collaboration and education technology solutions, will be exhibiting video conferencing camera solutions at GITEX 2023, taking place on 16–20 October. Visitors can find the AVer Stand at H22-26 of the Dubai World Trade Centre.
AVer boasts a line of exceptional video conferencing cameras, and visitors can find live demos at the booth. The flagship VB350 is a superb all-in-one video bar designed for mid-to-large rooms, helping meeting participants maximize audio and imaging performance and clarity. The CAM570 is one of the most popular high-end cameras AVer offers, with exceptional audio tracking to focus on who is speaking during meetings. The CAM520 Pro3 is the first PTZ camera with Smart Composition, a plug-and-play feature that allows all participants to be visible on-screen.
Visitors will also see other camera solutions displayed at the exhibition, including video bars and camera-microphone sets. The video bars displayed include the VB342 Pro and VB130, the former equipped with a 4K PTZ lens and intelligent AI features like Auto-framing and Smart Gallery and the latter offering intelligent lighting for huddle rooms. The camera-speakerphone set VC550 is adaptable to rooms of any size due to its scalable speakerphone technology.
For those looking for pro AV and education solutions, visitors can find a variety of impressive AVer camera solutions exhibited by our partner Dutco at Stand H4A-A15. Attendees will experience the newest AVer and Nureva collaboration, combining the AVer PTC310UV2 and MT300N with Nureva audio conferencing systems to achieve seamless voice tracking functionality. As for education cameras, the A30 is an all-in-one streaming and audio solution while the U70i is a smart USB visualizer with AI Image Rotation and AI Noise Reduction.
12, Oct 2023
thinKitchen strengthens its prepware category by adding the globally loved brand, KitchenAid to its portfolio
India, October 12 2023 – thinKitchen®, India’s omnichannel retailer offering a curated selection of global premium kitchen and homeware brands, is thrilled to enhance its prepware offering with the exciting addition of KitchenAid tools and gadgets to its product lineup. This partnership serves to fortify thinKitchen’s prepware category, enhancing the offerings available to its discerning customers.
KitchenAid, a celebrated brand renowned for its ingenious kitchen solutions, brings a harmonious fusion of creativity, practicality, and culinary joy to Indian households. With a history spanning over a century, KitchenAid has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation since the debut of its iconic stand mixer in 1919. The brand has consistently provided cooks with state-of-the-art technology and visionary design, recognizing that consumers want great kitchenware to make their inspiration happen.
By introducing KitchenAid and their exceptional prepware products, thinKitchen® not only enriches its portfolio but also empowers culinary enthusiasts across India with the tools and equipment needed to elevate their cooking experiences. This partnership signifies a significant milestone in thinKitchen’s continuous commitment to delivering quality and innovation to its valued customers.
With the addition of KitchenAid, and their exceptional range of products, thinKitchen® has significantly strengthened its prepware category, solidifying its position as the go-to destination for kitchen and homeware enthusiasts in India. This expansion means that thinKitchen® now boasts an impressive collection of over 30 renowned global brands within its online portfolio, spanning across 12 distinct categories covering the entire kitchen and home space.
Commenting on the global launch, Anand Baldawa, CEO, thinKitchen® said, “We are thrilled to enhance the depth of the prepware category with the arrival of KitchenAid products onto our platform. It is a widely popular and trusted brand across the globe. With KitchenAid now part of our portfolio, we are excited to offer our valued Indian customers an even more extensive range of exceptional kitchenware tools and gadgets. The unwavering dedication KitchenAid has to meticulous design and practicality mirrors our own mission of providing our customers with kitchenware that is functional, high on design and great value. Now, with KitchenAid joining our portfolio at thinKitchen®, we invite you to choose innovation, precision, and endless possibilities. Welcome KitchenAid into your culinary world and transform your kitchen into a sanctuary where extraordinary flavours and masterpieces are born.”
Gizelle Anley, Senior Brand Manager and Buyer for LifetimeBrands Europe added, “We are thrilled to join forces with thinKitchen®, bringing the KitchenAid legacy of culinary excellence to a platform that shares our passion for exceptional kitchenware. This collaboration marks a new chapter in our journey, where innovation and creativity meet to elevate the cooking experience for home chefs. With thinKitchen’s commitment to quality and innovation, we are excited to inspire and empower kitchen enthusiasts across the globe. At KitchenAid, we’ve always aimed to be a reliable companion to passionate cooks, and our presence on thinKitchen’s platform allows us to extend that companionship to even more homes. Together, we’re stirring up a symphony of flavors, innovation, and inspiration that will resonate in kitchens where home cooks can cook, serve, enjoy!”
12, Oct 2023
M.R. Synrem joins as the Managing Director, ITDC
12th October 2023, Mumbai – India : Sh. M.R. Synrem, IAS officer of 2002 Batch, Assam-Meghalaya Cadre has joined as the Managing Director of India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) in addition to his existing role as Joint Secretary and Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
During his career so far, Sh. Synrem served as Secretary in the Health & Family Welfare Department, Mission Director of the Meghalaya State National Health Mission and CEO of Megha Health Insurance Scheme in Meghalaya.
In a span of over two decades, he has demonstrated adept administrative expertise in spearheading the projects, schemes and initiatives in the Information Technology & Communications Department, the Transport Department, the Urban Affairs Department, the Commerce & Industries Department etc in his parent cadre.
12, Oct 2023
Astral Foundation Celebrates International Day of the Girl Child with an Inspirational Short Film
Mumbai/Ahmedabad, 12th October 2023: Astral Limited, through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm Astral Foundation, is delighted to announce the release of an inspiring short film in commemoration of International Day of the Girl Child. This heart-warming film draws inspiration from the remarkable contributions of Padma Shri Awardee Shyam Sunder Paliwal in Piplantri, Rajasthan. His work focuses on the protection of the girl child and the conservation of water and trees in the village.
Through the launch of the short film, Astral Foundation celebrates and extends its support toward this exceptional initiative. To contribute to the initiative this year, Astral Foundation has installed a 13-kilometer-long pipeline to supply water to the plantation sites. Additionally, Astral Foundation has proudly planted 5,000 trees to mark the birth of 42 precious daughters in the village of Piplantri on the occasion of International Day of the Girl Child.
Watch the short film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orTOCb_WIuo
Speaking on the association, Mr. Kairav Engineer, Director, Astral Limited, said, “We’re honored to join Padma Shri Shyam Sunder Paliwal in celebrating this inspiring initiative, showcasing the power of collective action for positive change. We have supported the initiative this year by installing a 13 km pipeline and planting 5,000 trees. Join us in commemorating International Day of the Girl Child with this campaign.”
Mrs. Jagruti Engineer, Director, Astral Limited said, “We are deeply privileged to stand alongside Padma Shri Shyam Sunder Paliwal in support of this initiative to create a better society and a healthier planet. We are deeply committed to championing forward-thinking projects that help in building a sustainable future.”
Shyam Sunder Paliwal’s inspiring mission was initiated in 2006 to honor the memory of his beloved daughter by planting 111 saplings for each newborn girl in the village of Piplantri. As part of this initiative, parents of the village open a bank account in the girl’s name and pledge not to marry her off before 18 or engage in female foeticide. This unique campaign has not only brought prosperity to the village of Piplantri but has also been instrumental in addressing Rajasthan’s persistent drought and water scarcity issues.
We invite you to watch this heartwarming short film and join us in celebrating the spirit of the International Day of the Girl Child. Together, we can be inspired to make a difference in the lives of girls and the environment.
