26, Sep 2024
Beyond Key Celebrated Among India’s Best Workplaces for Millennials 2024 Among Top 50 Mid-Size Organisations
New Delhi, 26th September 2024 – a leading global technology solutions provider, proudly announces its recognition as one of India’s Best Workplaces for Millennials in 2024 by Great Place to Work. The company has been ranked among the Top 50 in the Mid-size category. This prestigious accolade highlighted Beyond Key’s commitment to fostering a High-Trust, High-Performance Culture within its organization.
Great Place to Work recognition is an award given to companies with outstanding workplace culture and employee satisfaction. Beyond Key’s success in creating a nurturing and empowering workplace for millennials has yielded remarkable results, securing a spot among India’s Best Workplaces for Millennials. Previously recognized as a “Great Place to Work” five times in a row, Beyond Key has been ranked in the Top 25 Organizations for Building Culture and Innovation for All, as well as the Top 50 Great Mid-Size Workplaces. Now, it has earned a place in the 2024 category of India’s Best Workplaces for Millennials.
Studies indicate that organisations offering distinctive benefits that enhance employees’ psychological and emotional well-being can experience a 2.3x boost in overall employee welfare. At Beyond Key, the workplace culture values diversity, inclusion, and innovation, while offering fair pay, making it a great place for employees to work. By providing equitable pay and well-defined roles, the company ensures that employees are motivated and aligned with the organisational objectives. This strategy cultivates a strong sense of purpose, elevating job satisfaction and productivity while also fostering a spirit of innovation across the company.
Commenting on the same belief, Mr. Piyush Goel, CEO and Founder at Beyond Key, expressed his delight, “Being recognised as one of India’s Best Workplaces for Millennials shows our dedication to creating a space where employees feel valued, supported, and driven to succeed. By focusing on fair pay, clear roles, and emotional well-being, we empower our team to achieve great things. This honour motivates us to keep building a culture of trust and high performance. At Beyond Key, we prioritise team building, visionary leadership, and holistic well-being, ensuring millennials can grow, innovate, and make a real impact within our organisation.”
Beyond Key’s recognition as one of India’s Best Workplaces for Millennials highlights its dedication to enhancing workplace culture. By prioritising trust, clarity, and fairness, the company fosters an environment where employees thrive, setting a benchmark for the future of Indian workplaces.
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- By Rabindra
26, Sep 2024
FICCI organised The HR Evolution Summit-2024 with the theme Adapting to Evolving Workplaces, Workforce, Work Output and Work Ethos
Hyderabad, September 26, 2024 –The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) organised a full day The HR Evolution Summit-2024 on Thursday with the theme “Adapting to Evolving Workplaces, Workforce, Work Output and Work Ethos” at the Hotel Awasa at Madhapur.
Mr. Srini Raju Chintalapati, Vice Chairman, Young India Skills University, Telangana; Founder, and Chairman of iLabs Capital gave an overview of how HR transformed. It has evolved from basic personnel management to becoming a strategic partner in achieving organizational goals. He highlighted the supply and demand gaps in employment. How entry-level workers’ salaries were staged but salaries for other roles increased manyfold. He spoke about the disparity in the wage structure. He suggested a supply chain mechanism similar to the one in manufacturing for HR.
The role and face of HR are changing so much that nobody would have imagined it. Flexibility will be as important as efficiency. Performance predictability will be critical as business cycles become shorter and more volatile. Measurement and modelling are the key to predictability said T. Muralidharan, Chairman of TMI while delivering a keynote address on The Future of HR: A Revolution in the Making.
The work, workforce and workplace are changing rapidly, he said and gave five huge counter-intuitive trends in India. More women are getting educated but fewer women want to work. Male youth prefer to sit at home than work. Real wages in the organized sector are stagnant due to excess supply. Population control has happened without coercion and income inequality is growing rapidly he said
He highlighted the shifting employment terms landscape. The current generation of employees are preferring from full-time to flexible working. The days of full-time and permanent employees will be over soon, he made a startling revelation.
T. Muralidharan who is a former President of FICCI Telangana State Council said a Flexible workforce, part-time, contractual, gig and outsourced workers is going to be the norm in future. HR function needs expertise to effectively hire, engage and compensate this diverse workforce, he added.
NITI Ayog report predicted that the GIG workforce in India will rise from 7.7 million to 23.6 million or 6.7% of the non-farm workforce by 2029-30. Is HR ready for that scenario, he asked 150 plus HR professionals in the hall.
Dr D. Srinivasa Reddy, Founder and Director, Optimus Group in his special address said HR which used to be statutory compliant has now evolved and become a strategic partner in business development.
Malcolm Nicolson, Head of Sreenidhi School said the way we work has transformed over the past few years. How do we evolve with these changing times? he asked. The answer is leadership, collaborative leadership is the need of the hour, he stated. Collaborative leadership fosters innovation, creativity and engagement and builds, confidence and trust. This leadership can help employees feel heard and understood. They are the partners in progress of each other, he added. The transition from an ego-system to an eco-system approach to leadership is a shift we are witnessing now. They form an individual-centric mindset to one that focuses on the well-being of the whole, he stressed
MVV Rama Raju, Co-chairman of FICCI Telangana State Council while welcoming the gathering said the theme of the summit ‘Adapting to evolving workplaces, work output and work ethos provides insights into the subject and engages in meaningful dialogue. The amount of technology being used in HR has transformed the way we work.
The day-long summit attended by over 150 HR professionals had two panel discussions and a workshop on Future Proofing of HR; Mental Health and Wellbeing and a workshop on Labour Code Implementation
26, Sep 2024
Future of video in India – Mr. Kevin Vaz, CEO – Broadcast Entertainment, Viacom18’s views at APOS 2024
The global media and entertainment industry is advancing at a rapid pace, and India is no exception. In fact, India is at the cusp of an entertainment revolution, driven by technology, diverse content, and evolving consumer behaviour. And at the forefront of this revolution, leading the charge, is Viacom18. Over the last year, we’ve made significant strides not only in expanding our reach but also in reshaping how audiences consume content across the country. It’s been an exhilarating ride, and we’re just getting started.
When I look back at the past year, I’m proud to say it’s been nothing short of transformative for us. Our first priority was assembling a world-class team with the vision, drive, and grit to execute on our ambitious goals. With that foundation in place, we made targeted investments in key brands like Colors, Colors Kannada, and Colors Marathi, and the results speak for themselves. Colors has grown by 35% in less than a year, getting closer to securing the top spot in the industry. Nickelodeon, our kids’ portfolio leader, just celebrated a decade as the number one brand in its category. And in the regional space, Colors Kannada reigned as the top channel during primetime for three months, while Colors Marathi saw an astonishing 150% growth in the last three months alone, putting it in fierce competition for the second spot.
In the non-fiction space, we’ve continued to lead with iconic properties like Bigg Boss and Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi, and we’ve added to that list with Laughter Chefs, India’s biggest comedy reality show to date. This homegrown success is a testament to our ability to create world-class content tailored to local tastes. For smaller screens and connected TVs, we launched JC Premium, bringing Hollywood’s best, top-rated web series, and 24/7 live streams of our reality shows to Indian households.
Looking at consumption trends in India, it’s clear that audiences are more dynamic than ever before. There’s this notion that viewers are either glued to their TV sets or completely immersed in their phones, but the reality is far more fluid. A show like Bigg Boss is watched on Colors at its scheduled time, then consumed further on JioCinema’s 24-hour live feed, and even discussed on social media. This multi-screen experience is where the future of entertainment lies.
India’s daily media consumption—combining both large and small screens—currently stands much lower than developed markets, but the potential for growth is immense. Large screens currently have around 60% penetration compared to 85-90% in other major markets, giving us significant headroom for growth. India is an ‘AND’ market, where both TV and digital are thriving in tandem, creating endless opportunities for content creators and distributors.
Family entertainment has always been at the core of what we do, and we’ve ensured that our content seamlessly transitions between TV and digital. Bigg Boss, for example, saw 25% of its viewership last season coming from digital platforms, while some of our fiction shows are experiencing significant digital engagement alongside their TV broadcasts. It’s all about offering the consumer flexibility and choice.
One of the most exciting trends we’re witnessing is the rise of local language content. India’s cultural and linguistic diversity is unparalleled—22 official languages and over 58 socio-cultural regions. This diversity presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Audiences today crave authenticity; they want stories that resonate with their own experiences. We are already serving content in 10 languages and aim to eventually cover all 22, making local content not just the present but the future of entertainment in India.
When it comes to advertisers, we are uniquely positioned to deliver value across both large and small screens. Television continues to be a powerful medium, with a reach of around 900 million people in India. Given that over 95% of households have just one TV, families gather to watch together, creating shared experiences and deeper emotional connections. TV advertising remains one of the most effective ways to reach multiple demographics in one go—parents, kids, grandparents—all engaged in a single viewing experience.
On the digital front, Viacom18 is home to the largest curated content platform in India, with a monthly active user base of around 300 million. This creates a safe, immersive environment for brands to connect with consumers, especially during drops of prime-time shows or live streaming of sports events, when engagement is at its highest. Whether it’s long-term brand building or short-term performance goals, our value proposition for advertisers is unparalleled.
Viacom18 is at the forefront of the entertainment revolution in India – across large screens, small screens, and every format in between. We have the scale, expertise and the experience to deliver results. The future of entertainment in India is bright, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of it.
26, Sep 2024
Bombay Shaving Company enjoys Cult Gen Z following with the introduction of their exciting trimmer range and hair removal solutions
National, 26th September, 2024 – Bombay Shaving Company, known for its innovative hair removal products and exciting marketing campaigns, has established itself as a grooming game-changer brand for men. By transforming the way men approach their personal style and catering to the needs of its core consumers, ‘Gen-Z’s’, the brand has upgraded its trimmer range with a groundbreaking innovation providing power packed solutions – to enable men to express themselves limitlessly.
In just nine months, the company has achieved over ₹100 crore in ARR, capturing the imagination of style-conscious, self-aware Indian men. Bombay Shaving Company’s trimmer range is redefining grooming by encouraging men to express themselves freely through their hair, going beyond traditional methods and breaking long-standing stereotypes With Gen–Z‘s increasing contribution and influence on culture, commerce, and content, Bombay Shaving Company has embraced a ‘Gen–Z-first’ approach. Their innovative products and exceptional post-sales care are tailored to meet the diverse grooming needs of young men, from facial hair to full-body trimming. Selling over 2,000 units daily, the trimmer portfolio offers an unmatched value.
Through engaging content that merges trending conversations with unique influencer collaborations, the brand resonates with Gen–Z, providing insights to inform their grooming choices and fostering a loyal community.
Commenting on this growth, Mr. Varun Gupta, Chief Growth Officer at Bombay Shaving Company said “As we explore this high-growth and promising category amidst the evolving grooming landscape, our brand is uniquely positioned to lead the change. From consumers using razors as the go-to product, our focus is transitioning to a more comprehensive grooming-first approach that meets diverse needs across pan India. At Bombay Shaving company, we are at the forefront of redefining this space by moving beyond traditional devices and focusing on content, infrastructure, and insights. Our goal is to be a supportive partner for Gen–Z, helping them make informed grooming choices. By prioritizing unmatched value over the competition, I believe we’re perfectly positioned to steer the way in transforming men’s grooming for a new generation”
26, Sep 2024
Break into happiness: Mad Over Donuts Teams Up with KITKAT to launch Donuts
Mad Over Donuts (MOD) is thrilled to announce an exciting new collaboration with KITKAT, bringing together two beloved brands to create a unique and delicious experience for donut and KITKAT enthusiasts alike.
Tarak Bhattacharya, Executive Director and CEO of Mad Over Donuts, shared his excitement about the partnership: “We are always looking for innovative ways to make our donuts more delicious and irresistible, and collaborating with KITKAT allows us to bring a new dimension of flavor and fun to our offerings. We believe this collaboration will create a unique and memorable experience for our customers.”
The new range includes several mouth-watering options: Such as the Swirl it Up, DND Donuts, and Break time bliss. In addition to these scrumptious donuts, MOD is also introducing The Break Shake, blending the iconic chocolate flavor into a creamy, refreshing treat with KITKAT crunch. These donuts and the shake are perfect for sharing with friends and family or taking a break into happiness.
Talking about the association, Mr. Saurabh Makhija, Director, Nestlé Professional, said, “It has always been our endeavor to ensure that our consumers can enjoy Nestlé’s brands, both in home and out-of-home. This partnership with MAD OVER DONUTS is a step towards building more relevant consumption occasions for KITKAT. Through this partnership, consumers would be able to enjoy three different variants of donuts and one variant of shake, made with KITKAT. We are confident that the consumers would find it to be a novel and delightful proposition.”
To celebrate this exciting partnership, MOD hosted a special launch event at their flagship store at Viviana Mall. The event was attended by media personnel and influencers. Guests had the exclusive opportunity to meet and interact with Mr. Tarak Bhattacharya, Executive Director and CEO of Mad Over Donuts, and Mr. Saurabh Makhija, Director, Nestlé Professional. The event was filled with photo opportunities, capturing memorable moments during the launch of the three new donuts and a shake made by KITKAT.
26, Sep 2024
Parnika India Launches Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Drive to Empower Underprivileged Women
New Delhi, September 26, 2024 – Parnika India, a distinguished leader in the manufacturing and global export of exquisite women’s ethnic wear has taken a significant step towards supporting women’s health and empowerment by launching a menstrual hygiene awareness drive. The initiative is designed to address the widespread challenges of menstrual hygiene, particularly in rural and underprivileged communities where access to affordable and hygienic sanitary products remains a critical issue.
As part of this campaign, Parnika India is offering customers who make purchases of ₹20,000 or more a unique opportunity to directly contribute to this cause. With every such purchase, customers receive 15 sustainable sanitary pads, which they are encouraged to distribute to women and girls from underserved areas. This initiative not only provides much-needed sanitary products but also empowers Parnika’s customers to become advocates for menstrual hygiene and break down the taboos associated with menstruation.
Reflecting on the motivation behind the campaign, Mr. Vishal Pacheriwal, Director at Parnika India stated, “At Parnika India, we have always believed that businesses have a responsibility to create meaningful, lasting change in society. The issue of menstrual hygiene, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas, is one that affects not just the health but also the dignity and opportunities available to women. With this awareness drive, we are stepping up to address this critical challenge by providing sustainable sanitary products and raising awareness about menstrual hygiene.”
The initiative has already made a considerable impact, with nearly 500,000 sanitary napkins distributed so far. By engaging both their customers and communities, Parnika India hopes to spark a larger movement toward improving menstrual health and reducing the stigma surrounding it.
Though the drive is currently an in-house effort with no external partnerships, Parnika India is committed to continuing this initiative and expanding it in the future, reflecting the brand’s broader mission of empowering women and giving back to the community.
Parnika India’s dedication to empowering women goes beyond the scope of its sanitary pad initiative. The company has been actively supporting women by creating entrepreneurial opportunities and providing guidance to those aspiring to start their own small businesses. Parnika India understands the challenges that women, particularly those working from home or in rural areas, face. Through its programs, the company offers mentorship on starting and running businesses, helping women navigate their local markets, and guiding them in becoming financially independent.
26, Sep 2024
SBI organizes National Kavi Sammelan on the occasion of Rajbhasha Pakhwada
New Delhi, September 26, 2024: On the occasion of Rajbhasha Pakhwada, a National Kavi Sammelan was organized at the SBI Headquarters in Mumbai. The conference was presided over by SBI Chairman, Mr. Challa Sreenivasulu Setty. On this occasion, Mr. Setty stated that SBI has taken several initiatives to promote Hindi and other Indian languages. He emphasized, “We live in a multilingual society, and providing banking services in Indian languages is a part of our customer service.”
The event was attended by the bank’s Managing Directors, Mr. Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh and Mr. Vinay M. Tonse. Welcoming the guests, the bank’s Chief General Manager, Mr. Rajeev Kumar, expressed his gratitude to the Chairman, Managing Directors, Deputy Managing Directors, and all the guests and audience members.
Renowned poets Rajesh Reddy, Arun Jaimini, Chirag Jain, and Aman Akshar recited their poetry at the event. Senior poet, ghazal writer, and composer Mr. Rajesh Reddy’s ghazals were highly appreciated by the audience. His line, “Kisi din zindagani mein karishma kyun nahi hota, main har din jaag toh jaata hoon zinda kyun nahi hota” (“Why does no miracle happen in life someday, I wake up every day, but why don’t I feel truly alive”) won the hearts of the audience.
Humorous poet Arun Jaimini had the audience in splits with his comic poetry. Young poet, skilled host, and presenter Chirag Jain, along with poet Aman Akshar, also received appreciation for their performances.
Addressing the officers and employees on this occasion, the bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Binod Kumar Mishra, mentioned that several programs were organized across the country in September to promote the national language. SBI is leveraging the power of information technology to promote the national language, in line with India’s multilingual and inclusive culture. Rajbhasha Pakhwada is being celebrated with great enthusiasm from September 14 to 30 across all offices and branches of the bank, and this National Kavi Sammelan at the SBI headquarters is a part of this celebration. He expressed his gratitude to the Chairman and all the guests for attending the program.
26, Sep 2024
Axis Bank and Next Bharat Ventures partner to facilitate Working Capital Financing Solutions for impact-driven Entrepreneurs
Nagpur, 26th September 2024: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Next Bharat Ventures IFSC Private Limited, a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation in Japan, to provide tailored Working Capital Financing Solutions to impact-driven startups and Micro and Small Enterprises (MSME). This collaboration will enable MSMEs to secure credit without the traditional collateral, thereby reducing financial hindrances and simplifying access to capital needed for business growth.
Through this initiative, Axis Bank will extend support to MSMEs across key sectors, who are part of Next Bharat Ventures’ Residency Program. This four-month program, launching its first cohort in October 2024, is designed to empower entrepreneurs committed to driving impact in India’s rural and informal sectors. The startups selected under the program will have access to Axis Bank’s comprehensive range of financial services and solutions, tailored to meet their specific needs.
The partnership will leverage Axis Bank’s vast network of branches across India to deliver these financing solutions and simplify the credit evaluation process, thereby making it easier for startups to obtain debt financing. With a strong focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 regions, this initiative will not only promote financial inclusion but also foster long-term economic growth in these underserved areas.
Speaking on the occasion, Munish Sharda, Executive Director, Axis Bank, said, “At Axis Bank, we recognize the pivotal role that entrepreneurs, especially those in the underserved regions, play in driving India’s economic growth. This collaboration with Next Venture underscores our commitment to foster innovation and empower the entrepreneurial ecosystem, leading to the growth of India’s rural economy. By leveraging our financial expertise and extensive branch network, we aim to help these entrepreneurs scale their operations and achieve sustainable growth. This strategic collaboration reinforces our commitment to financial inclusion, giving us the opportunity to support the next generation of socially impactful business leaders.”
Vipul Nath Jindal, MD and CEO of Next Bharat Ventures, commented, “This partnership with Axis Bank marks an advancement to build a sustainable financial ecosystem for impact-driven entrepreneurs in India. By combining Axis Bank’s financial expertise in providing debt funding with Next Bharat’s tailored support for innovative social ventures, we are excited to see the advancement of high-impact startups in Bharat.”
By integrating Axis Bank’s financial capabilities with Next Bharat Ventures’ focus on nurturing social enterprises, the partnership aims to build a more inclusive and sustainable financial ecosystem for
entrepreneurs while positioning them for long term success as self-sustaining MSMEs. The collaboration will ensure that essential financial support reaches entrepreneurs in underserved regions, empowering them to drive meaningful economic progress and create lasting impact in their communities.
26, Sep 2024
Parnika India Launches Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Drive to Empower Underprivileged Women
New Delhi, September 26, 2024 – Parnika India, a distinguished leader in the manufacturing and global export of exquisite women’s ethnic wear has taken a significant step towards supporting women’s health and empowerment by launching a menstrual hygiene awareness drive. The initiative is designed to address the widespread challenges of menstrual hygiene, particularly in rural and underprivileged communities where access to affordable and hygienic sanitary products remains a critical issue.
As part of this campaign, Parnika India is offering customers who make purchases of ₹20,000 or more a unique opportunity to directly contribute to this cause. With every such purchase, customers receive 15 sustainable sanitary pads, which they are encouraged to distribute to women and girls from underserved areas. This initiative not only provides much-needed sanitary products but also empowers Parnika’s customers to become advocates for menstrual hygiene and break down the taboos associated with menstruation.
Reflecting on the motivation behind the campaign, Mr. Vishal Pacheriwal, Director at Parnika India stated, “At Parnika India, we have always believed that businesses have a responsibility to create meaningful, lasting change in society. The issue of menstrual hygiene, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas, is one that affects not just the health but also the dignity and opportunities available to women. With this awareness drive, we are stepping up to address this critical challenge by providing sustainable sanitary products and raising awareness about menstrual hygiene.”
The initiative has already made a considerable impact, with nearly 500,000 sanitary napkins distributed so far. By engaging both their customers and communities, Parnika India hopes to spark a larger movement toward improving menstrual health and reducing the stigma surrounding it.
Though the drive is currently an in-house effort with no external partnerships, Parnika India is committed to continuing this initiative and expanding it in the future, reflecting the brand’s broader mission of empowering women and giving back to the community.
Parnika India’s dedication to empowering women goes beyond the scope of its sanitary pad initiative. The company has been actively supporting women by creating entrepreneurial opportunities and providing guidance to those aspiring to start their own small businesses. Parnika India understands the challenges that women, particularly those working from home or in rural areas, face. Through its programs, the company offers mentorship on starting and running businesses, helping women navigate their local markets, and guiding them in becoming financially independent.
26, Sep 2024
Mosaics Fine Art Festival Selects Best of Show Winner
Artist Ann Kathryn Kehoe awarded first place prize at 29th annual art festival.
(St. Charles, Mo., Sept. 25, 2024) Missouri resident Ann Kathryn Kehoe was recently awarded the prestigious title of “Best of Show” at the Mosaics Fine Art Festival’s 29th annual event. She was among nearly 100 juried artists from more than 15 states.
Kehoe received a cash prize of $1,000 as the first-place winner for her jewelry. Eight artists were honored with an “Award of Recognition” prize along with $500 each. The awardees include:
- Chris Abigt, oil/acrylic, from Ottumwa, Iowa
- Rob Gilmore, photography, from Maryland Heights, Mo.
- Naomi Hart, mixed media, from Hartford, Wisc.
- Christian Nevin, jewelry, Orlando, Fla.
- Neshama Roash, photography, from St. Louis, Mo.
- Tatyana Robberts, oil/acrylic, from O’Fallon, Ill.
- Leslie Song, mixed media, from St. Louis, Mo.
- Steve Springmeyer, photography, from St. Louis, Mo.
Denise Wulff, president of Mosaics Fine Art Festival, said Kehoe was chosen as the overall winner based upon her “handcrafted jewelry, which was both unique and beautifully designed.” Wulff noted that Kehoe “wowed the judges with her artistry and creativity.”
Pictured from left to right is Mosaics Fine Art Festival Denise Wulff, artist Ann Kathryn Kehoe, and Mosaics’ vice president Melinda Nolan.
The Mosaics Fine Art Festival is a nonprofit organization that showcases local and regional artists while educating the community’s children and adults in how art can enhance their lives. The festival features a wide array of artwork produced by a mix of emerging, mid-career and established artists in all media. For more information, call (314) 406-2067 or visit Mosaics Fine Art Festival.
