Category Archives: Business

Nazara announces five investments totalling INR 196 Crores to drive growth across Gaming and Entertainment

Mumbai, 3 December, 2024: Nazara Technologies Limited (BSE: 543280 | NSE: NAZARA), India’s only listed diversified gaming and sports media company, has unveiled a series of strategic investments aimed at solidifying its position in the gaming and entertainment ecosystems.

Nazara has announced new Investments in Funky Monkeys & Learntube.ai

Nazara has expanded into physical entertainment with the acquisition of a 60% stake in Funky Monkeys Play Centers Private Limited, a leader in indoor soft play centers for children, for INR 43.7 crores. Funky Monkeys operates 11 centers across India, offering interactive play experiences for children.

Co-founders of Funky Monkeys, Binita Putcha and Sanjay Ghadiali, said: “We are excited to join hands with Nazara, whose vision for digital and hybrid entertainment aligns closely with ours. With Nazara’s expertise and resources, we are confident we can scale Funky Monkeys and bring even more joy to children and families across India. We also see synergies with digital IP’s owned by Nazara such as Kiddopia and will work to maximise these opportunities”

Nazara will also invest INR 4.2 crores for a 4.7% stake in Learntube.ai, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing education with 1:1 interactive and gamified learning. Catering to over 20 lakh learners, LearnTube is the world largest personalised learning platform that offers affordable, interactive gamified learning experiences for professional skilling.

“LearnTube’s collaboration with Nazara is a bold step forward in reshaping professional learning and interactive media. We are excited to combine forces to lead innovation on a global scale,” said Shronit Ladhani, Co-founder, LearnTube.

Nazara has Increased its shareholding of existing companies

Nazara will invest INR 148 crores in its existing subsidiaries including Sportskeeda, Nodwin Gaming, and Datawrkz to increase its ownership in them and support their growth.

• Nodwin Gaming: Nazara will invest INR 64 crores through subscription of Optionally Convertible Preference Shares to bolster Nodwin’s growth. The funds will support Nodwins expansion, enhance its intellectual properties (IPs), and strengthen its footprint in emerging markets.

• Absolute Sports (Sportskeeda): Nazara will invest INR 69 crores to purchase shares arising from exercise of ESOPs from the Sportskeeda management to increase its stake to 100% in the company making it a wholly owned subsidiary.

• Datawrkz: Nazara granted in-principle approval for an investment of INR 15 crores in Datawrkz through the subscription of Compulsorily Convertible Cumulative Preference Shares to support ongoing growth of Datawrkz

Speaking on these investments, Nitish Mittersain said: “Nazara is committed to building the largest diversified gaming and entertainment platform out of India and many of our initiatives announced today are geared towards propelling profitable growth in these strategic areas of our interest.”

Shri Tokhan Sahu Emphasizes Transforming Adversity into Opportunity Through Waste-to-Worth Principles

In his address at the CII’s 9th International Conference on Waste to Worth, Shri Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of India, stated that while we focus on Viksit Bharat, we need to also focus on Green and Sustainable Bharat. A circular economy aims to minimize waste by focusing on recycling, reusing, and reducing waste at every stage — from product design to end-of-life management. The goal is to achieve “zero waste” and ensure eco-friendly production. We need to create such a skilled workforce which will help in processing, recycling technology, and eco-friendly product design. He also called not to treat waste as a burden but as a resource.

He further highlighted several Government policies related to Waste to Worth including Plastic Waste Management Rules, Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, Battery Waste Management Rules, E-Waste Management Rules, Ash Utilization notification, Motor Vehicle Registration and Scrap Policy etc. He further emphasized that effective waste management is important for economic resilience, environment sustainability and social security.

In his message at the Inaugural Session, Shri Tokhan Sahu, Hon’ble Minister of State for Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs called for focussing on turning adversity into opportunity through the principles of waste to worth. He further stated that the Government is taking significant initiative and policies for fast tracking development of cities and states. Waste scrap is an important medium to transform cities into smart cities and the National Circular Framework developed by CII is a step in this direction.

While addressing the gathering at the Inaugural Session, Shri Baldeo Purusharth, Joint Secretary (ISD), Department of Economic Affairs, Government of India stated that India is making significant progress in achieving a circular economy and addressing plastic waste through global collaboration and innovative initiatives. He further emphasized a need to have a system in place to recognise waste to worth solutions identified by children, by people who do not have formal degrees, experience, or knowledge. Through the collective efforts of the government, industry, and citizens, we can position India as a global leader in sustainable development initiatives.

In his address, Mr Masood Mallick, Chairman, CII National Committee on Waste to Worth Technologies, Managing Director & CEO, Re Sustainability stated that renewable energy alone cannot achieve our net zero goals, as over 40% of our carbon footprint is embedded in materials such as steel, glass, wood, concrete, and plastics. To bridge this gap, we must focus on decarbonizing these materials through innovative recycling and resource recovery practices, transforming waste into valuable inputs for a sustainable future.

The Conference witnessed the release of the second edition of the National Circular Economy Framework (NCEF) that has been formulated by CII to provide guidance on developing new business models of waste management. NCEF emphasizes life cycle assessment to strengthen understanding of circular principles and promote innovation. In his message for NCEF, Prof Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India mentions NCEF as playing a valuable role in advancing our national commitment to a resource-efficient future and offering a clear pathway and actionable strategies for stakeholders across sectors. The first edition of the NCEF was released by CII last year in its endeavour towards promoting sustainability and circularity in waste management practices by the industries.

The 5th edition of CII 4R awards also took place with the winners felicitated during the Conference for their excellence in transforming waste to worth. Nearly 50 companies were recognized with awards. The Grand Award winners were Schindler India Pvt Ltd, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions India Pvt Ltd, EverEnviro Resource Management Pvt Ltd, Gencrest Bio Products Pvt Ltd, Ganesha Ecopet Pvt Ltd, Inclusive Recycling Foundation, and SRM University, Andhra Pradesh.

The conference attended by 300+ delegates had day-long engaging discussions led by industry and govt leaders, international experts, and academic stalwarts on various topics revolving around governance, circular economy transition, technologies and IP partnerships for sustainable growth, circular economics, practices, and opportunities in waste management. Nearly 10 companies also showcased their waste to worth technologies at the Conference.

Vietjet Connects Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur: New Flights to Enhance Travel Between Two Iconic Capitals

India, December 03, 2024 – Vietjet, Vietnam’s new-age carrier, welcomes its inaugural flight connecting Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, with Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. This new route provides enhanced travel opportunities for residents and tourists, linking the two administrative and cultural hubs of these nations.

The Hanoi–Kuala Lumpur route launches today, offering seven return flights per week. With this addition, Vietjet will now operate 14 return flights weekly between Vietnam and Malaysia, catering to the growing travel demand between the two nations.

Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur are among Asia’s top destinations, each offering distinct attractions. Hanoi, Vietnam’s ancient capital and a UNESCO City of Peace, is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and vibrant street food scene. In contrast, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s bustling capital, is a modern metropolis celebrated for its iconic landmarks and the harmonious blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultural traditions.

Flying with Vietjet offers passengers a memorable journey with delectable meals showcasing the best of Vietnamese and international cuisine, such as Phở Thìn and Bánh mì, served by professional and dedicated flight crews. Enjoy these offerings aboard modern, eco-friendly aircraft, enhanced by complimentary Sky Care insurance and unique cultural and artistic programs at an altitude of 10,000 meters.

Saregama partners with MTV Hustle 4 Hip Hop Don’t Stop to Elevate India’s Rap Game

Mumbai, 3^rd December 2024 — MTV Hustle, India’s leading rap reality show, is thrilled to announce a landmark collaboration with Saregama, India’s most iconic music label for its fourth season. This partnership grants Saregama exclusive audio-video rights to all music from MTV Hustle Season 4 Hip Hop Don’t Stop, with the first opportunity to sign any of the 15 talented contestants. This strategic association marks a milestone moment in the rise of Indian hip-hop, pushing rap culture into the mainstream and offering a dynamic platform for emerging artists to break through in the music industry.

With this partnership, MTV Hustle 4 Hip Hop Don’t Stop is set to elevate Indian rap to unprecedented heights, ensuring wider visibility and reach for the show’s contestants across major platforms. This partnership further strengthens MTV Hustle’s reputation of nurturing fresh talent, celebrating contemporary music genres, and expanding the boundaries of Indian rap within a rapidly evolving musical landscape.

FilterCopy, a sister concern of Saregama, joins MTV Hustle Season 4 Hip Hop Don’t Stop as an Associate Sponsor. As part of this collaboration, FilterCopy will feature a special segment, ‘FilterCopy Freshly Brewed Bangers’, which will showcase the standout rap performances from each episode. Popular FilterCopy talent will team up with MTV Hustle Season 4 contestants to create engaging content, leveraging the platform’s massive audience to amplify the rap movement. Fans will also be invited to contribute lyrics through user-generated content (UGC), fostering a community-driven approach to celebrating rap culture.

Speaking about the successful partnerships, Anshul Ailawadi, Business Head – Youth, Music & English, said, “MTV has a rich legacy of producing culture-shaping music. Over the years, MTV Hustle has grown to become the definitive melting pot of desi hip hop music, as extremely talented rap artists vie for glory in each edition. As we strive to build these young artists, Saregama makes for a great partner, to take this modern music format to new audiences. Personally, I am thrilled to see the Saregama team share our vision of building new talent and showcase fresh music globally.”

Vishwanath Shetty, D2C Business Head at FilterCopy, commented, “As one of the first pop culture creators on digital, FilterCopy has always championed fresh talent and created content that resonates deeply with India’s youth. Our partnership with MTV Hustle, the biggest talent discovery platform for hip hop in India, reflects this ethos, enabling us to celebrate the dynamic art of rap while crafting immersive experiences for young audiences.”

Season 4 of MTV Hustle Hip Hop Don’t Stop promises to be an unforgettable ride, with Saregama and FilterCopy’s collaboration setting the stage for unparalleled entertainment and showcasing the country’s best rap talent. Tune in and catch the latest in India’s rap revolution

Hafele’s Small Domestic Appliances

The recreational experience of cooking your favourite delicacies is often spoiled due to all the time and effort spent in mundane pre-cooking activities like chopping, grinding, grating or blending. Hafele’s professional range of Small Domestic Appliances makes prepping fun while giving you more time to enjoy what you like doing the most – cooking your favourite dishes or experimenting with new ones! As an extension to our comprehensive offering of cooking appliances from the Hafele Appliances Range, Hafele’s Small Domestic Appliances come in modern designs, attractive colours and long-lasting, sturdy materials; coupled with superior functions that will make your pre-cooking tasks a breeze. These handy appliances are super easy to use, provide accurate prepping results and can make even the most boring tasks in the kitchen, fun!

NOIL Air Fryer

Hafele’s NOIL Air Fryer provides a healthier alternative to cooking food – now fulfil your deep-fried food cravings without any guilt! As the name suggests, this air fryer prepares food with little to NO-OIL. The smart Rapid Air Technology intuitively adjusts the temperature so that the food cooked is crisp on the outside and tender on the inside all while using 90% less fat. What’s more, with this air fryer you can bake, grill, roast, and even reheat food as per your preference! With an attractive design, touch panel with 8 pre-set programmes, aerodynamically designed non-stick fry basket, NOIL guarantees a reimagined cooking experience: one where taste equals health.

NOIL Lite Air Fryer

A healthier lifestyle often compromises on the deep-fried food carvings. While having deep fried food gives your taste buds a treat, such food also gives you an equal amount of guilt. Hafele’s NOIL Lite Air Fryer offers a healthier alternative to cooking food, in a compact package. Now fulfil your deep-fried food cravings without any guilt! True to its name, this air fryer prepares food with little to NO-OIL. The smart Rapid Air Technology intuitively adjusts the temperature so that the food cooked is crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, all while using 90% less fat. What’s more, with this air fryer you can bake, grill, roast, and even reheat food as per your preference! With an attractive design, touch panel with 8 pre-set programmes and an aerodynamically designed non-stick fry basket, NOIL Lite guarantees a reimagined cooking experience: one where taste equals health.

NOIL Steam Air Fryer

Discover a new era of culinary excellence with the Hafele NOIL Steam Air Fryer. Be the first to experience the revolutionary Steam Fry function, a groundbreaking feature exclusive to Hafele. This innovative technology combines steam with Smart Rapid Air Technology, ensuring your dishes boast a perfect balance of crispy exteriors and tender, juicy interiors. Dry and bland meals can now be a thing of the past as our steam feature preserves moisture and nutrients, delivering delectable results every time.

But that’s not all – the NOIL Steam Air Fryer also excels at baking, grilling, roasting, and reheating, allowing you to create gourmet meals with minimal effort. Designed with sophistication in mind, it features an intuitive touch panel with 8 preset programmes and a non-stick fry shelf optimised for perfect airflow. With NOIL Steam Air Fryer, cooking becomes a seamless blend of taste and health.

Magnus Cold Press Juicer

It is often said that following a healthy lifestyle is an extremely expensive affair and why should it not be! Whether it is a pre-packaged cold-pressed juice or a vacuum blended smoothie, a whole lot of advanced technology and science goes into the machines that make creating them possible. Instead of having weekly subscriptions with health companies to send you these bottled juices / smoothies at a premium, wouldn’t it be better if you could prepare them fresh at home at a fraction of the cost.

Hafele brings to you this technology right at your doorstep with the addition of the Magnus Cold Pressed Juicer to its range of Counter-top Appliances by Hafele.

The Magnus Cold Pressed Juicer is designed to work at a much slower pace as compared to your regular juicer. It is hence able to extract fruit and vegetable juices without applying heat, the absence of which helps retain maximum number of nutrients, vitamins and enzymes, and prevents oxidation. The inlet tube, MagnaFeed, comes with a diameter of 83 mm and can take in whole fruits like apples, pears and oranges without the hassle of cutting or peeling them. The Magnus Juicer by Hafele ensures that it extracts as much juice as possible from the fruits and vegetables put in, providing an extraction rate of more than 80%.

Magnus Prime Cold Press Juicer

Cold press juicers are your gateway to a healthier lifestyle. These juicers use a slow process to extract juice, preserving essential nutrients. This method not only retains the natural flavours of fresh fruits and vegetables, but also gives a higher yield of juice with minimal waste.

Experience the quintessence in juicing with the Magnus Prime Cold Press Juicer by Hafele. Unlike traditional juicers, the Magnus Prime operates at a slow pace of 50 RPM, ensuring that it extracts juice generating less heat. This gentle process retains the maximum number of nutrients, vitamins, and enzymes, making the juice healthier and more nutritious. This juicer gets the most out of the fruits and vegetables, with its ability to extract maximum juice, while the cold press technique maintains the original properties of your produce, offering unparalleled nutritional value.

Embrace the versatility of this technology by experimenting with various ingredients to create blends that suit your lifestyle. Whether you are seeking an instant energy boost, a detoxifying cleanse, or you are on a quest to make that perfect mocktail, the possibilities are endless.

U-Kaffee Plus

Today’s fast paced world has our mornings rushed, and days filled with endless tasks. A steaming cup of coffee has now become more than a casual beverage – it has become a ritual, a moment of tranquility and a catalyst for productivity. From the rich aromas to the comforting warmth that envelope your senses, coffee, for most, proves to be a loyal companion through your daily routine and the special moments of life.

Getting you through the day, giving you the daily coffee fix with rich flavours and aroma is Hafele’s new U-Kaffee Plus! This coffee machine brews the most delectable coffee at the comfort of your home. With its sleek design and unparalleled convenience, Hafele’s U-Kaffee Plus integrates into any lifestyle, offering the perfect cup of coffee at the push of a button.

Whether it is a quick latte to kick start the morning or a cup of cappuccino to make your breakfast complete or an espresso to push through those lazy afternoons, U-Kaffee Plus can do it all, thanks to the removable milk tank and the adjustable milk frothing system which lets you make your coffee as per your liking. The 15 bar pump pressure ensures optimal extraction by exposing every grind of coffee to precise pressure and temperature conditions creating intense and flavourful espresso shots. Adding a touch of luxury is its sublime matte black finish and offering an unparalleled coffee experience is the classic analogue temperature dial and soft tactile buttons that take your coffee brewing experience to a whole new level.

ALARM 2024: Amrita Leads the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance

Hyderabad 3 December, 2024: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s Amritapuri campus hosted ALARM 2024 (Amrita Legion for Antimicrobial Resistance Management) as part of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), observed globally from November 18 to 24. The event, held on November 22 and 23, was inaugurated by Swami Shubamritananda Puri, Director of the Europe Mata Amritanandamayi Center.

The inauguration featured speakers including Dr. Sabu Thomas, Director of the Kerala Center of Excellence in Microbiome; Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed, CEO and Director of C-CAMP, Bangalore; and Dr. Bipin Nair, Dean of the Amrita School of Biotechnology. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization and Chairperson of the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, delivered the keynote address.

ALARM 2024 included activities to engage students, researchers, and the public on combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Highlights included an international symposium, the “Walk the Talk” campaign, and interactive pavilions.

The two-day symposium brought together experts such as Dr. Jason Gill (Professor, A&M University, USA), Dr. Victor Nizet (Chief of Microbial Systems and Therapeutics, California, USA), and Dr. Anshu Bharadwaj (Senior Scientist, CSIR Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh), alongside other speakers from India and abroad.

ALARM 2024 also marked the launch of the Society for Interdisciplinary Biologists Platform. This initiative encourages collaboration among students, faculty, and researchers in fields such as biology, engineering, artificial intelligence, big data, and cybersecurity to promote interdisciplinary research and innovation in addressing global challenges like AMR.

5 tech-savvy ADAS SUVs in India

Finding a car equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) at an accessible price point has become more feasible in India, thanks to automakers integrating cutting-edge technology into their vehicles. Catering to safety, convenience, and a futuristic driving experience, the latest SUVs come equipped with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and autonomous braking.

MG Astor – India’s first SUV with AI inside, the MG Astor is now available at an attractive price of 17.21 Lakh (ex-showroom). The MG Astor has a personal AI assistant with advanced UI and 14 Autonomous Level 2 features delivering an enhanced driver’s experience. Along with i-SMART 2.0 and 80+ connected features, it also offers premium features like a Panoramic sunroof, Ventilated Seats in the front row, Wireless Charger, Wireless Android Auto & Apple Car Play, and Auto-dimming IRVM for additional security giving a holistic driving experience.

Hyundai Creta: The Hyundai Creta has gained popularity for its tech-rich cabin, featuring a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and is available for Rs 15.98 Lakh (ex-showroom). The Hyundai Creta comes equipped with advanced safety features including six airbags, as standard. The new Hyundai CRETA is alive with Hyundai Smart Sense-Level 2 ADAS. It also comes with a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat, and ventilated front seats. The Creta promises to deliver an ultimate comfort and safety.

Kia Seltos: The Kia Seltos comes with a10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that matches the best in its class. The Seltos is priced from Rs 19.00 Lakh (ex-showroom) and offers Autonomous Level 2 along with stylish and edgy look with generous space that offer you supreme comfort. Additionally, it features a Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof and a Smart 20.32 cm (8.0”) Head-up Display ensuring an advanced driving experience to the consumers.

Honda Elevate: Honda’s midsize SUV comes with autonomous driving features in the top-spec ZX trim. All variants of the Elevate are powered by a refined 1.5L i-VTEC engine delivering 121 PS and equipped with advanced technologies like Honda SENSING, the vehicle offers both excitement and safety. It comes with ADAS technology and Its spacious interior boasts a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a premium sound system. The Honda Elevate price starts from 16.31 Lakhs. (ex-showroom)

Hyundai Venue: The new Hyundai VENUE is designed to transform every day into an extraordinary adventure. Packed with cutting-edge technology, the VENUE offers an exhilarating driving experience with multiple engine options including a Kappa 1.2 l MPi, 1.0 l Turbo GDi, and U2 1.5 l CRDi VGT. The Hyundai venue starting price is 12.44 lakhs (ex-showroom). With Level 1 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), the VENUE provides comprehensive road protection. The interior is a tech-rich zone featuring a 20.32 cm HD infotainment system, ambient lighting, and 60+ Bluelink connected features. Drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) and smart connectivity with Alexa make every journey lit and exciting, ensuring the VENUE is more than just a vehicle—it’s a lifestyle companion.

APFD, APFDC and ISB Partner to Revitalise Forest Economies and Empower Women

Hyderabad (December 2, 2024): The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department (APFD), Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation Limited (APFDC) and Bharti Institute of Public Policy at the Indian School of Business (ISB) announced a strategic collaboration to revolutionise forest management and community livelihoods in Andhra Pradesh.

Consequently, a tri-party MoU was signed with an aim to create a comprehensive Resource Inventory of Seasonal Forest Produces (SFPs) using advanced digital and geospatial technologies. By leveraging the power of data and innovation, the collaboration will unlock the potential of forest resources and empower local communities, particularly women, to drive economic growth and sustainable development.

Speaking on the occasion, Chiranjiv Choudhary, Head of Forest Force, Andhra Pradesh Forest Department said, “We envision this collaboration to be a game changer for Forest Economy in Andhra Pradesh, especially in the context of tribal communities. About 40 percent of the livelihood of tribal communities relies on forests, largely in the informal sector, not integrated into the economy. It is mostly the intermediaries who benefit from the forest economy and not the tribal communities as such. However, data shows that forests have the potential to generate a wide range of products derived from different species. Vast reserves of untapped potential exist in the form of handcrafted items and other resources that remain underappreciated in the market.”

“With this MoU, we aim to address challenges in realising this untapped potential with the help of globally recognised institutions such as the Indian School of Business. This collaboration provides us with a new opportunity to develop a strong, scalable model that stands to gain national and international recognition”, he added.

Ashwini Chhatre, Associate Professor and Executive Director, Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business, emphasise two points. He said, “There is a need to formalise the forest economy as it is informal and unorganised. The main challenge is the invisibility of the forest economy, which makes it difficult to invest or ensure its sustainability. With the growing interest in natural products from a climate change and sustainability perspective, private sector companies are eager to invest in environmentally sustainable products. However, companies face challenges since they have to rely on informal markets that operate far from the forest and lack visibility into the supply chain. This is where we step in. With our collaboration with the forest department, we can formalise these transactions leading to livelihoods, creating visibility, and tracking progress on the ground and step in as the need arises.”

“The state of Andhra Pradesh is uniquely positioned as it already includes the informal and invisible forest economy, and there is existing knowledge that can help create the desired visibility. There is tremendous potential for creating new opportunities, such as reforestation projects. Large tracts of open forest land can support native plants like bamboo, which not only provides economic benefits but also public goods such as environmental regeneration and improved livelihoods for local communities,” added Prof. Chhatre.

Emphasising the importance of conserving natural resources, Rajendra Prasad Khajuria, VC & MD, Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation Limited (AP FDC), said, “The scope of this initiative is broad, and we are certain that this collaboration will not only benefit our forest communities but also promote the culture of scientific forest management. Despite making substantial efforts on a joint Forest Management programme, we have been facing several challenges. Now, with a renewed focus and this collaboration with the Indian School of Business, we are sure of achieving tangible results with their expertise and experience. With better management, our forests can be more sustainable, communities can gain improved livelihoods, and new business opportunities will emerge, leading to a revitalisation of the entire sector.”