Category Archives: Business

Mia by Tanishq Partners with Swiggy Instamart to deliver stunning silver jewellery in 10 Minutes

Chandigarh, February 14, 2025: Mia by Tanishq, one of India’s trendiest precious fine jewellery brands, announces its collaboration with Swiggy Instamart, marking its entry into the burgeoning quick commerce space. Starting this week, Mia’s exquisite silver jewellery collection will be available on Swiggy Instamart in more than 35 cities, including Gurgaon, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. The operations will be offering customers the convenience of doorstep delivery of silver jewellery in under 10 minutes.

This partnership leverages Swiggy Instamart’s position as a market leader in quick commerce, known for its exceptional communication and operational excellence, to enhance the e-commerce experience for consumers. The collaboration aligns with Mia Tanishq’s strategy to expand its omni-channel presence, reaching new customers through diverse sales channels. As part of this partnership, Mia will introduce a range of stunning silver jewellery catering to the growing demand for precious jewellery in the quick commerce market. Whether it’s a special occasion or a thoughtful gift, Mia’s silver jewellery promises to bring a touch of elegance and good fortune, delivered swiftly and seamlessly.

Sampurna Rakshit, Marketing & E-commerce Head – Mia by Tanishq, shared her thoughts on the collaboration: “This is an effort at our end to prioritise our consumer’s convenience and be present wherever the users are. Owing to Mia’s exquisite design language coupled with our affordable pricing, we have always been India’s favourite gift of choice. As quick commerce transforms the way India shops, consumers are also looking for stylish jewellery gifting options from trusted brands. So we are thrilled to partner with Swiggy Instamart, who can get many more consumers to access and experience our brand at their fingertips.”

This strategic collaboration highlights the growing trend in the Indian retail landscape, where quick commerce platforms are emerging as key touchpoints for consumers prioritizing convenience. It ensures that customers are well-informed about Mia’s beautiful collections and the ease with which they can access these offerings through Swiggy Instamart.

TVS Motor & Gujarat Tourism Celebrate Rann Utsav with Biking & Culture

Chandigarh, February 14, 2025: TVS Motor Company (TVSM) – a leading global automaker that operates in the two and three-wheeler segment – has partnered with Gujarat Tourism to bring an unparalleled motorcycling experience to the ongoing Rann Utsav. As part of this collaboration, the company unveiled two exclusive ‘Rann Utsav’ edition custom motorcycles based on the TVS Ronin.

Recognized as a key driver of India’s tourism-led economic growth, the festival plays a pivotal role in shaping Viksit Gujarat for Viksit Bharat, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. By merging tradition with modernity, Rann Utsav has evolved into a platform that showcases India’s artistic heritage and contributes to sustainable development through cultural tourism.

Speaking about the partnership, Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said: “At TVS Motor Company, we have always believed in blending lifestyle, adventure, and culture with our motorcycles. The Rann Utsav was the perfect backdrop to showcase the unique synergy between motorcycling and India’s rich artistic heritage. The ‘Rann Utsav’ edition of TVS Ronin motorcycles is a tribute to Gujarat’s vibrant traditions, seamlessly integrating the regional artistry into their design. This collaboration was a step towards celebrating the essence of riding with a cultural spirit and is our commitment towards the Prime Minister’s vision of prioritizing India’s tourism sector.”

Adding to this, Rajender Kumar, Secretary of the Tourism, Devasthanam Management, Civil Aviation & Pilgrimage Departments, Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar, remarked, “Rann Utsav has grown into one of India’s most iconic cultural celebrations, drawing millions of visitors and showcasing Gujarat’s rich heritage and unique landscape of white Rann on the global stage. In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the festival plays a crucial role in driving cultural tourism and shaping Gujarat’s development. This collaboration with TVS Motor Company is a testament to how tradition and modern craftsmanship can come together to create something extraordinary, further strengthening Gujarat’s position as a premier tourism destination.”

Rann Utsav: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition

Rann Utsav, an annual cultural extravaganza organized by Gujarat Tourism, is one of India’s most sought-after tourism events. Held in the breathtaking Rann of Kutch, the festival showcases the vibrant traditions, folk music, dance, and craftsmanship of the region. What started as an initiative to boost tourism in 2005 for just three days, has now become a global attraction, drawing visitors from across the world to witness the magic of the White Desert under a moonlit sky.

Experiential Highlights at Rann Utsav

As part of this collaboration, TVS Motor Company also curated unique engagement activities to enhance the experience for hundreds of its TVS Ronin and TVS Apache customers, along with other motorcycling enthusiasts:

•  The TVS Adventure Zone – At the heart of Tent City, visitors explored thrilling adventure activities and marveled at a specially designed TVS Ronin Bike Installation, symbolizing the fusion of motorcycling and culture.
•  Sunset Expedition – Riders embarked on an exclusive journey to Sunset Point, capturing the breathtaking views of the White Rann while visiting other key local attractions.
•  Celestial Sojourn – A mesmerizing star-gazing experience under the vast expanse of the Rann sky, offering participants a moment of tranquility and connection with nature.
•  The Road to Heaven Ride – An unforgettable morning ride through the scenic ‘Road to Heaven,’ a picturesque stretch that cuts through the heart of the Rann of Kutch.
•  Cultural Immersion – Guests indulged in Gujarat’s rich heritage through traditional art showcases, folk music performances, and an authentic culinary experience, bringing the spirit of Rann Utsav to life.

Godrej Enterprises Showcases Smart, Sustainable MHE Innovations at LogiMAT India 2025

Chandigarh, 14th February 2025: The Material Handling Equipment business of Godrej & Boyce, part of the Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG), showcased its latest innovations and advanced technologies at LogiMAT India 2025 scheduled from February 13 to 15 in Mumbai. As one of India’s most anticipated trade fairs for intralogistics and process management, LogiMAT India will provide the perfect platform to highlight the business’s leadership in the material handling sector, where it commands a market share of over 20 percent.

Driving the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the business continues to develop innovative, indigenous solutions that contribute significantly to the nation’s industrial growth. With a strong market presence across India, Godrej Enterprises Group plays a crucial role in modernizing warehousing and manufacturing operations. Its range of technologically advanced solutions and material handling equipment is designed to meet the evolving demands of growing industries in India.

Among the highlights of the Material Handling Equipment business at the expo will be India’s first indigenously manufactured lithium-ion battery-powered forklift, featuring a proprietary Battery Management System (BMS), showcasing its commitment to sustainable solutions. The company will also unveil a vehicle monitoring system offering real-time performance insights capable of generating preventive maintenance alerts which will be further enhanced to predictive maintenance capabilities, pushing the boundaries of smart intralogistics solutions. The expo will also feature the Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) articulated forklift, which is capable of operating at heights of up to 12.5 meters in aisles as narrow as 2 meters, resulting in an increase of 6X pallet locations in the same space, making it one of the most space-efficient solutions in the market. Reach truck: Godrej is the only Indian manufacturer who has designed this product to provide operator comfort, safety features, and maximum productivity with higher-capacity batteries. This is increasingly finding its application in factory-led warehouses. Godrej is also showcasing an indigenously developed 3-wheel counterbalance forklift which provides the benefit of a forklift in terms of performance and space optimization of warehouse equipment. This workhorse comes with industry-first wet disc brakes and increases operator comfort and safety atthe workplace.

Anil Lingayat, Executive Vice President and Business Head – Material Handling Equipment, Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “Sustainability remains at the heart of our strategy, as we focus on energy-efficient solutions, eco-friendly designs, and reducing carbon footprints across our product range. As the market leader in India’s intralogistics, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that give our customers a competitive edge. We aim to help businesses optimize their internal material flow, enabling them to focus on their core operations. Our diverse portfolio includes forklift and warehouse equipment to serve harsh outdoor environments and inside demanding warehouses, which cater to retail, e-comm, 3PL, and an extensive service network within 100Km radius of any industrial and warehouse establishments across India. With advanced and sustainable solutions, we strive to empower businesses with cutting-edge solutions for a greener and more efficient future.”

The business is targeting growing sectors such as retail, e-commerce, q-commerce, pharmaceuticals, FMCG, 3PL, and cold chain logistics, which require advanced and agile material handling solutions to meet their rapidly evolving supply chain demands.

LogiMAT India 2025 promises to be a landmark event for showcasing Godrej Enterprises Group’s capabilities and underscoring its focus on sustainability, and innovation in intralogistics. The Material Handling Equipment business’s stall will be in Hall 4 at stall number B-20. Visitors can expect to witness a wide range of cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.

NSDC to Launch 50 Future Skill Centres & 10 International Academies

Chandigarh, February 14, 2025- The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) today announced a significant expansion in its skilling footprint across India with plans to set up 50 new Future Skills Centres and 10 NSDC International Academies to advance skill development and training programs.

During his address at the Annual Press Conference, Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, of NSDC and MD, of NSDC International, shared his roadmap to skill and upskill the Indian youth for domestic and global job markets. He said, “The number of industry-aligned programs will increase beyond 300, covering 12 major emerging technologies. The goal is to train over 2 lakh candidates and establish over 2.70 lakh square feet of training infrastructure, further strengthening employability and workforce readiness.”

The industry-aligned programs aim to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills by aligning education with emerging technologies and industry needs. So far, 33 global corporations have partnered, and 21 Future Skills Centres have been established in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Over 200 industry-aligned programs have been assessed and certified by corporations, covering 9 major emerging technologies. More than 27,000 candidates have been trained, with over 1.20 lakh square feet of training space developed.

NSDC aims to make quality education accessible to students from tier 2 and 3 colleges by addressing challenges in emerging technologies through collaborations with Institutes of National Importance. So far, 11 premium institutions have partnered to launch 17 micro-credential programs, awarding more than 75,000 credits and training over 5,000 candidates.

Looking forward, NSDC plans to collaborate with 15 premium institutions, introduce over 30 micro-credential programs, and award around 1,80,000 credits, further enhancing access to quality education and skill development. Students will receive specialized training in emerging technologies across key industry verticals such as aerospace, automotive, mining, and infrastructure. The OEMs’ tools and curriculum will be integrated into structured guided pathways, supporting different proficiency levels and leading to job opportunities across various domains.

As part of the Job-as-Skills model, Mr.Tiwari said, “There are plans to onboard 1 million students, establish MoUs with leading OEMs, bring in training partners, select industry-specific tools, design career progression pathways, implement joint certification with NSDC and OEMs, and introduce new industry verticals in a phased manner.”

Talking about international mobility, Mr. Tiwari said that the institution is working towards setting up new international language labs and assessment centers, offering training in Russian, Italian, Korean, and French to equip candidates with multilingual capabilities, enhancing their global employability. Outlining a strategic roadmap for the future, focusing on expanding global employment opportunities and skill development initiatives, he said, “Israel has requested 5000 healthcare workers.”

Additionally, NSDC International is extending its advisory services across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Africa, ensuring that workforce development programs are effectively implemented in these regions. Germany and Japan have also shown a consistent demand for healthcare workers, reinforcing the need for continuous training and deployment to meet their workforce requirements.

Since its establishment in October 2021, NSDC International has made a significant impact on workforce development and global employment. It has successfully aggregated 88,924 overseas jobs across 22 countries, providing employment opportunities for skilled professionals in various sectors. Additionally, over 64000 candidates have been deployed across multiple countries, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, Japan, and the United Kingdom, through the NSDC International ecosystem. The organization has facilitated training and job placements across 19 industries, focusing on key sectors such as construction, Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP), and facility management. A total of 13,631 trainees have undergone training in NSDC International Centres across India, further strengthening the country’s skilled workforce.

Talking about creating digital infrastructure, Mr. Tiwari highlighted that youth living in remote areas of the country are skilling and upskilling themselves through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). SIDH has made a significant impact, reaching 1.30 crore candidates, including 92 lakh short-term trained candidates, 86 lakh certified candidates, and 13 lakh apprentices. The platform supports more than 7,100 courses in 23 Indian languages, with over 10 lakh active users and around 42,000 skilling and training centers, reinforcing its role in convergence, integration, skilling ecosystem development, partnerships, recognition, and measurable outcomes.

The platform collaborates with 57 digital learning partners, offering 1,245 courses.

He also talked about NSDC JobX which is an advanced job platform that connects job seekers and employers by simplifying hiring and offering premium services like resume building, career coaching, and job alerts.

Talking about NSDC Trust that was established to provide a digital platform with digitally verifiable credentials, he said, “The platform ensures security, privacy, and global verifiability, offering services like Aadhaar, PAN, passport verification, driving license authentication, voter ID, GST, TAN, MCA verification, regulatory compliance checks, global database checks, education and employment verification, DIN, UAN, credit/record checks, and more than 100 additional services.”

While addressing the media about the National Apprenticeship Programme, Mr. Tiwari said that NSDC has significantly contributed to apprenticeship programs from the financial year 2018-19 to 2024-25. Over 3.5 million apprentices have been engaged in various sectors, and 0.56 million assessments have been successfully conducted to ensure skill competency. The network expansion efforts have resulted in the establishment of over 49,000 training centers engaging apprentices, with 170 Training Partner Aggregators (TPAs) being impaneled to facilitate skill training. In terms of financial commitment, a fund disbursement of Rs. 100,250 million has been allocated to support apprenticeship programs. The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) has provided grants amounting to Rs. 10.46 billion, while the industry has contributed Rs. 288.93 billion towards apprenticeship initiatives.

Technological advancements have played a pivotal role, with over 0.3 million e-KYC completions and the creation of 2.8 million Aadhaar-based beneficiary IDs, enhancing digital tracking and transparency in skill development programs.

NSDC has also made a substantial impact in terms of socio-economic diversity. A total of 1.58 million apprentices, constituting 45.5% of the total engagement, belong to socio-economic groups, ensuring inclusive growth. Furthermore, 0.71 million women apprentices, accounting for 20.5% of the total, have been engaged in various trades, promoting gender inclusivity.

Talking about skilling through CSR and Industry partnerships, Mr. Tiwari said that NSDC has secured a total financial commitment of INR 2676 million to support its initiatives. The program aims to benefit 192,111 target beneficiaries across various sectors. This initiative includes 147 projects in collaboration with 67 corporate partners, ensuring a widespread impact on skill development and employment generation.

As part of these efforts, a total of 192,111 individuals have undergone training. Out of these, 153,850 candidates have been assessed, and 136,441 have been certified. Moreover, 81,779 individuals have been successfully placed in jobs, demonstrating the effectiveness of these initiatives.

While addressing the gathering, he highlighted NSDC’s key initiatives so far. NSDC has successfully trained over 40.3 million candidates, with 9.4 million securing placements. With a network of over 40,000 skilling centers, the skilling programs have empowered 18.3 million women and supported 12.9 million candidates from socio-economically disadvantaged groups, along with over 250,000 people with special abilities. The reach of these initiatives extends across 36 sector skill councils, covering more than 750 districts and engaging 200,000 employers. Additionally, capacity-building efforts include more than 30,000 million in financing facilities, 72,000 skill teachers, and over 43,000 skill assessors, ensuring a robust and sustainable skill development ecosystem.

ITDC Announces Q3 Financial Results for FY 2024-25

Chandigarh, 14th February 2025: India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has announced its financial results for the third quarter of the fiscal year 2024-25.

ITDC reported a total revenue of INR 155.14 crores for Q3 FY 2024-25. The company’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) stood at INR 30.50 crores, while Profit After Tax (PAT) reached INR 21 crores, reflecting steady growth in line with its strategic initiatives. The total revenue for the nine months ending 31 December 2024 stood at INR 401.60 crores with PAT of INR 57.59 crores. The strong financial performance comes at a time when the Union Budget has placed significant emphasis on tourism as a driver of employment and economic growth.

Mr. M.R. Synrem (IAS), Managing Director, ITDC, highlighted the broader vision, stating, “ITDC’s strong Q3 results reflect our ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure, improve service quality, and expand business opportunities. With the Union Budget reinforcing tourism as a key driver of employment and economic growth, we are committed to leveraging this and aligning with the government’s vision. ITDC has forayed into new product lines, recently we very successfully set up luxury Camps at the ongoing Mahakumbh 2025 at Prayagraj.”

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Lokesh Kumar Aggarwal, Director of Finance and CFO, of ITDC, stated, “Our third-quarter performance highlights ITDC’s strong financial resilience and continued commitment to operational excellence. ITDC is set to fast-track its expansion by forging strategic partnerships as well. We have focused on optimizing resource allocation and improving efficiency across our SBUs of hospitality, travel, tourism, event management, and skill development”

By leveraging emerging opportunities and adopting a forward-looking approach, ITDC aims to reinforce its leadership in the tourism sector and contribute meaningfully to India’s economic progress. With enhanced government support for tourism-led growth, ITDC remains committed to driving innovation in hospitality, facilitating seamless travel experiences, and delivering top-tier services that create lasting value.

Hcl Unveils The Third Outpost Of Loya At Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

Chandigarh, FEBRUARY 14, 2025: Following the success of its signature Indian restaurant at Taj Palace, New Delhi,, and Taj West End, Bengaluru, Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announces the opening of the third outpost of Loya at its flagship Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. This addition to Taj’s gastronomic portfolio celebrates the rich and diverse culinary traditions of North India.

Mr. Ritesh Sharma, General Manager, Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, shared, “The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, with its century-old legacy, has long been an iconic destination recognised for leading and pioneering innovative dining concepts. The addition of Loya brings an extraordinary celebration of Northern India to our repertoire. As regional Indian cuisines gain wider appreciation, Loya will offer our guests a chance to explore the rich epicurean heritage in a setting that reflects its timeless charm.”

Loya’s culinary journey traverses the Himalayan foothills, Punjab’s fertile plains, and the snow-capped peaks of Kashmir. Inspired by the five elements and the vibrant culture of the region, the restaurant offers a nostalgic dining experience, enriched by spirited folk music and expertly crafted dishes. Loya in Mumbai will offer some of its all-time favorites such as the Gosht Ki Lazeez Pasliyan, Sepu Wadi, Dal Jakhiya, and Kulfi Pops, along with an exquisite selection of new dishes like Loya Chaat, inspired by the celebrated chaat culture of Mumbai. The restaurant showcases time-honored cooking techniques of dhungaar, dum, baghaar, sigdi, and sil-batta. The bar’s signature cocktail menu, titled Panjj (five), continues the theme with drinks motivated by experimentation, and authenticity, complementing the food.

Recreating a North Indian caravanserai, Loya’s design blends tradition with artistry. From the distinctive sandstone masonry featuring arches and alcoves to intricately carved geometric motifs, every element reflects a storied past. Accompanied by a specially curated music album by the renowned Shreyas Patkar, Loya brings unique experiences like Loya Qissa, eclectic storytelling, and the vibrant Loya Bazaar, curated brunches inspired by historic marketplaces, to immerse guests in the region’s rich delicacies.

Leveraging William J. O’Neil’s Principles for Success in Today’s Stock Market

William J. O’Neil’s How to Make Money in Stocks has been a trusted guide for investors for decades. His CAN SLIM method provides a structured approach to identifying high-potential stocks. But how relevant is this strategy in today’s market?

 The CAN SLIM Strategy in Modern Investing
CAN SLIM is an acronym representing seven key factors O’Neil identified in top-performing stocks before their biggest gains. Each component represents a crucial factor in stock selection:
1. Current Quarterly Earnings (C)
O’Neil emphasized that stocks with strong earnings growth outperform the market. Earnings reports are more accessible than ever in our current digital age. Investors can track earnings surprises and revenue growth using platforms like Bloomberg, Yahoo Finance, and company investor relations websites.
2. Annual Earnings Growth (A)
Companies with consistent annual earnings growth attract investors. Look for firms with at least 20-25% earnings growth over the past few years. Tech firms, SaaS companies, and innovative healthcare stocks often exhibit strong earnings expansion.
3. New Products, New Management, or New Highs (N)
A stock’s price often surges when a company introduces groundbreaking products, undergoes leadership changes, or reaches new highs. Investors should watch for AI advancements, clean energy innovations, or disruptive technologies that can drive growth.
4. Supply and Demand (S)
Stocks with limited supply and increasing demand tend to rise in price. Monitor trading volume and institutional ownership; high demand from mutual funds and hedge funds often signals a strong stock.
5. Leader or Laggard (L)
O’Neil advised investing in industry leaders rather than laggards. Today, leaders in cloud computing, semiconductors, and fintech have shown strong momentum. Investors should compare relative strength ratings to find top-performing stocks.
6. Institutional Sponsorship (I)
Institutional investors (example: pension funds, hedge funds) play a crucial role in driving stock prices. Modern investors can track institutional holdings through 13F filings and platforms like Morningstar or MarketWatch.
7. Market Direction (M)
O’Neil stressed the importance of understanding market trends before investing. Today, investors can use technical indicators, macroeconomic data, and sentiment analysis tools to gauge market health.

 Adapting CAN SLIM to Today’s Market
While the core CAN SLIM principles remain relevant, investors must adapt to modern challenges:
● Rise of Retail Investing: With commission-free trading apps, retail investors influence market movements more than ever. Stocks can become overvalued quickly due to hype, requiring careful analysis.
● Algorithmic Trading: AI-driven trading strategies create rapid price fluctuations. Investors should be mindful of short-term volatility and focus on long-term trends.
● Global Events Impacting Markets: Geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and central bank policies significantly affect stocks. Investors should incorporate macroeconomic analysis into their research.

Sprite’s ‘Thand Rakh’ Vibe: The Ultimate Summer Refreshment

India, 14 February 2024: Sprite, the iconic lemon & lime beverage, goes live with it’s legendary ‘Thand Rakh’ campaign with a fresh spin. The all-new films showcase Sharvari and Varun Tej making their debut, while the ever-chill Vedang Raina and Dev Adhikari return, bringing their effortless cool back to the summer. No matter what challenges life throws your way, Sprite’s crisp, fizzy magic serves as a simple reminder to sip, relax, and take it easy.

This campaign puts a unique spin on every day, high-temp situations that happen on the go, capturing the essence of how today’s youth tackle these challenges with wit, humor, and a refreshing bottle of Sprite. It perfectly embodies the spirit of staying cool and refreshed in a fast-paced world.

Sumeli Chatterjee, Senior Category Director, Sparkling Flavours, Coca-Cola India and South-West Asia, shared, “For decades, Sprite has been the go-to youth brand, known for its edgy and authentic communication. This summer, the iconic ‘Thand Rakh’ campaign brings to life how Sprite is a perfectly refreshing ally for teens, always on the go. Launching with a 360 approach – the campaign features all-new films with India’s most loved teen icons. We’re excited to bring this chill philosophy to life and provide the refreshment our young audiences crave.”

In line with this partnership, Sharvari added, “Sprite has always had its finger on the pulse of youth culture. The ‘Thand Rakh’ campaign is no different; it’s witty, fun, and reminds all of us to take it easy and go with the flow. It’s the perfect blend of humor and chill vibes, promising to be exactly what we need when life gives you lemons!”

Varun Tej Adds, “Sprite’s ‘Thand Rakh’ is the ultimate life hack—keep it cool, keep it fun, and let nothing faze you. I love how this campaign brings humor into everyday moments, making sure that no matter what, you always have a sip of chill to fall back on.”

Talking about his association, Vedang Raina said, “It’s always a pleasure to be associated with Sprite. ‘Thand Rakh’ is something that I personally relate to because finding your chill in life’s situations is the key to joy. This campaign is sure to match the vibe of audiences who are looking for that one moment of refreshment.”

Dev Adhikari shared, “The ‘Thand Rakh’ vibe is something we all need—whether you’re stuck in a situation or just dealing with everyday chaos. Working with Sprite on this campaign was the right kind of chill, and I can’t wait for everyone to see the fun we had bringing this to life.”

The 360-degree campaign will be amplified across television, and digital touchpoints, bringing Sprite’s zesty punch and playful vibe to the audiences, ensuring that whatever life brings—Thand Rakh, sip Sprite, and stay effortlessly cool!

Sukesh Nayak, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy, remarked ‘With this Sprite ‘Thand Rakh’ campaign we really wanted to bring back the Sprite persona in a way that was refreshing, while staying true to the cool, witty, effortless world of Sprite. We chose on-the-go and outdoor summer moments when things are at their most heated to show people how to keep their ‘thand’ and enjoy the Sprite side of life.’

UTI Large & Mid Cap Fund: Invest in Quality Businesses at Value Prices

Chandigarh, February 14, 2025: UTI Large & Mid Cap Fund offers a diversified investment portfolio and aims to invest in sound companies which provide margin of safety by trading cheaper, relative to their history or peers. According to the SEBI categorization of mutual funds, large and mid cap funds invest a minimum of 35% each in the equity and equity related instruments of large cap and mid cap companies. The Fund aims to provide stability with a biasness towards large cap companies and offers higher growth in the portfolio through investment in mid and small cap companies.

Value Investing is a strategy that involves picking stocks which are trading at less than their intrinsic value. Markets often over react to short-term news flow or sentiments, which gives the opportunity to the value investor to buy a stock below its intrinsic value. Buying below the intrinsic value provides margin of safety, which is the distinguishing feature of value investing. By purchasing a stock at lower valuations, the value investor increases the odds of making money or losing less money if the business does not perform as expected or takes longer to perform. Value investors emphasize on margin of safety over growth and embrace cyclicality and the potential for mean reversion in business fundamentals and valuation. The value investor makes money when the stock trades at intrinsic value – capturing the potential for improvement in business fundamentals and valuations.

The Fund follows a top down approach to pick sectors which are available at below mean valuations with reasonable prospects. It follows a bottom up approach to pick sound businesses with reasonable relative valuation, a healthy past track record and potential for future growth are considered. The core belief of the Fund is that a company goes through its own valuation cycle which may vary on account of either macro cycles or company specific factors, and its aim is to capture the inefficiency in the cycle. It would also look towards growth oriented companies if the valuations are in the comfort zone.

The investment strategy of the Fund is built around three tenets: relative valuation versus history or peer, growth opportunities at reasonable valuations and mean reversion. The Fund focuses on quality companies whose relative valuation are below their historical valuation or valuation of their peers, providing margin of safety. The Fund also looks at growth oriented stocks which are trading at reasonable valuations. In this regard, small caps can offer the combination of growth and value as they are not well discovered by the market and good quality companies could be available at reasonable valuations. The strategy also endeavours to pick businesses that are undervalued and benefit from mean reversion in profitability and valuation as the cycles play out.

UTI Large & Mid Cap Fund was launched in the year 2009. The Fund has an AUM of over Rs. 4,000 Crores as of January 31, 2025. The Fund has about 48% invested into Large Caps, 38% in Mid Caps and the remaining in Small caps as on January 31, 2024. The scheme’s top holding consists of HDFC Bank Ltd., ICICI Bank Ltd., ITC Ltd., Infosys Ltd., Federal Bank Ltd., Vedanta Ltd., Dalmia Bharat Ltd., Aditya Birla Capital Ltd., Indus Towers Ltd. and IndusInd Bank, which accounts for around 33% of the portfolio’s holdings.

UTI Large & Mid Cap Fund is designed for investors who seek exposure to a portfolio of investing in both large and mid market capitalization stocks with a bias towards relative value style of investing. The Fund is suitable for investors looking to build their core equity portfolio for long-term wealth creation.

Eyebetes Foundation Launches Awareness Drive on Diabetes-Induced Vision Loss

Prayagraj, 14 February 2025: Underscoring their commitment to combating diabetes-led vision impairment, the Eyebetes Foundation, led by renowned Mumbai-based eye surgeon Dr. Nishant Kumar (a three-time Guinness Record holder), has launched a large-scale charitable health initiative at the Maha Kumbh 2025. This transformative mission is designed to provide life-changing eye care and diabetes screenings to tens of thousands of devotees and frontline personnel attending this sacred event.

With a dedicated team of 100 professionals, Eyebetes Foundation aims to offer free vision and diabetes screenings to over 20,000-30,000 pilgrims and over 5,000 uniformed personnel, ensuring that preventable blindness and undiagnosed diabetes do not hinder the lives of those who have embarked on this deeply spiritual journey.

Founded in 2016, Eyebetes Foundation is driven by a mission to combat two of India’s most pressing health concerns – diabetes and preventable blindness. An estimated 21 million Indians suffer from Diabetes-led vision impairment. To date, the foundation has served over 175,000 people through its free screening and awareness programs, including its widely recognized annual initiative during Mumbai’s 10-day Ganpati festival. Now, at the Maha Kumbh, the foundation sees an unparalleled opportunity to extend its reach and serve those who may not otherwise have access to quality healthcare.

The Maha Kumbh is a sacred confluence of faith, tradition, and devotion, drawing millions of seekers in pursuit of spiritual awakening. Eyebetes Foundation recognizes this gathering as an opportunity not just for prayer, but for profound transformation through service. Located at Sector 23, Arail Ghat, the foundation’s medical camp offers essential healthcare services, including free random blood sugar tests, comprehensive vision screening, AI-powered retinal imaging, prescription glasses for uniformed personnel, bifocal glasses, and UV protection sunglasses for frontline officers.

Understanding the critical role of uniformed personnel in ensuring the safety and order of this grand event, the Eyebetes Foundation is extending its care beyond pilgrims to the very people who protect them. The foundation is conducting dedicated screenings for diabetes, cholesterol, and vision impairments, ensuring that these frontline officers can continue to serve without health-related hindrances.

Speaking on this initiative, Dr. Nishant Kumar, said “Maha Kumbh is a rare and extraordinary gathering of millions for a spiritual purpose, making it the perfect opportunity to provide life-enhancing medical support. Our mission is simple – to ensure that no one suffers from preventable blindness or undiagnosed diabetes. Through this initiative, we aim to connect healthcare with spirituality, reinforcing the idea that service to humanity is the highest form of devotion.”

By integrating medical care into this momentous spiritual gathering, the Eyebetes Foundation aims to touch millions of lives, leaving a lasting impact far beyond the banks of the Sangam. With each screening and every pair of prescription glasses provided, the foundation is turning devotion into action, ensuring that the journey of faith is also one of health and well-being.

Eyebetes – A Movement Against Preventable Blindness & Diabetes

Diabetes is a movement against Diabetes and Preventable Blindness. Since 2016, the year we started Eyebetes, more than 1,70,000 people have directly benefitted from our charitable work receiving free diabetes and cholesterol blood tests, detailed eye examinations to screen for preventable causes of blindness, free custom-made prescription glasses for near, distance, and both near and distance (bifocal glasses).

More than 1.4 million educational leaflets regarding diabetes and preventable blindness have been distributed by our staff, volunteers, and social work partners during our Eyebetes projects and through door-to-door awareness campaigns.

Our work has highlighted the shockingly high prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes in the poorest of slums and villages and amongst our frontline workers – More than 60% of people participating in our Eyebetes projects are undiagnosed pre-diabetics or diabetics.

70% of people in our projects have either never worn glasses or are wearing the wrong prescription resulting in poor vision with more than 30% having a moderate visual disability due to their refractive error. A simple intervention of prescribing the correct prescription glasses has a transformative effect. As far as ‘bang for buck’ is concerned, prescribing and dispensing prescription glasses, custom-made for the individual has been shown to create the largest impact on quality of life across all indices studied.

Since 2016 our work has been supported and scrutinized by some of the largest and most reputed organisations of the country. We adhere to the strictest standards of corporate governance and reporting and have all the regulatory certifications to conduct our charitable work.

We partner with leading organizations like Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and academics from India and internationally to ensure our work adheres to the gold standards and all the data we collect helps raise the knowledge and evidence base to help shape future public policy.