Category Archives: Business

Bitty Clicks Expands with a New Studio in Pallavaram: A Dedicated Space for Food and Product Photography

Chennai, India – September 2024 – Bitty Clicks, the brainchild of renowned photographer M. Sharmila, has officially opened the doors to its new studio in Pallavaram, Chennai. This cutting-edge facility is designed specifically to cater to the growing demand for high-quality food and product photography, providing brands and businesses with a space dedicated to capturing their unique stories through the lens.

 The new studio, which boasts a skilled team of four, is fully equipped with advanced tools, professional cameras, and sophisticated lighting setups to meet the specific needs of food and product photography. Whether you are a restaurant, cafe, food brand, or any business that requires visual storytelling for your products, Bitty Clicks offers the ideal environment to bring your vision to life.

 “The idea behind this studio is to create a space where anyone in the food and product industry can get their shoots done with ease,” says Sharmila, Founder of Bitty Clicks. “We’ve always believed in delivering visuals that are unique to each brand. With this new space, we can better serve our clients with the specialized equipment and setting needed for high-end photography.”

 With over 10 years of experience and collaborations with well-known brands like Akshayakalpa, P-Tal, Titan, and Dawaat, Bitty Clicks has established itself as a trusted partner in the world of commercial photography. The studio’s expansion reflects its ongoing commitment to providing top-tier services in food and product photography, which include stills, videography, and stop-motion content.

 The new Bitty Clicks studio will continue to offer its signature theme-based projects, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in every shot. Clients can expect tailor-made services that align with their branding needs, all under one roof. Customizable packages are also available to accommodate different scales and requirements.

Affinity Salons on a Rapid Expansion: Revamping Strategy for Luxury Beauty Services

Affinity Salon, under the visionary leadership of Mr. Vinit Dua, has become a distinguished name in the luxury beauty and salon industry. With a mission to make premium salon services more accessible, Affinity continues to deliver top-tier beauty treatments across Delhi-NCR, establishing itself as a leader in quality, innovation, and unmatched customer service.

Offering a comprehensive range of unisex services, including expert haircuts, coloring, keratin treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, and professional makeup services, Affinity is synonymous with a luxurious experience. This is all made possible by a team of highly skilled professionals and state-of-the-art technology.

Continuing its rapid expansion, Affinity is set to open a new salon in Green Park, Delhi, by the end of the month. This new facility will feature cutting-edge equipment, an extensive array of beauty services, premium product offerings, and exclusive loyalty programs with special promotions, ensuring customers receive a truly high-end salon experience.

Building the Future: Club NPC 2024 Unites India’s Construction Fraternity

Over 12,000 Members Discuss Skills, Technology, and the Future of India’s Infrastructure

New Delhi, India – September 22, 2024

The Club NPC Annual General Meeting (AGM) and networking event, held on September 21, 2024, at the PHD Chamber of Commerce in New Delhi, brought together over 15,000 members from various sectors of the construction industry. Leaders, professionals, and stakeholders participated in a landmark event that emphasized innovation, knowledge-sharing, and a unified approach to advancing India’s construction industry.

Keynote by ‘Airport King of India’ Sparks Dialogue on Skill Development and Technology

Prof. Charanjeet Singh Shah, renowned as the ‘Airport King of India’ for his work on major airports across the country, delivered a powerful keynote address, highlighting the importance of integrating new skills and technologies in the construction sector. “To meet the goals of Prime Minister Modi’s Viksit Bharat mission by 2047, we must equip our workforce with advanced skills like AutoCAD and artificial intelligence. This is not just about upgrading technology but uplifting laborers by imparting these critical skills,” said Prof. Shah.

Prof. Shah’s emphasis on skill development resonated with attendees as he outlined how technological advancements can align the construction industry with India’s ambitious growth targets.

Leaders of Club NPC Highlight Unity, Innovation, and Community Service

Mr. Yogesh Jagatramka, President of Club NPC India, opened the event by reiterating the organization’s core mission of creating a close-knit network to drive India’s progress. “We are a family of the people, by the people, and for the people. Together, we can reshape the future of India’s infrastructure by fostering collaboration and innovation across all sectors of the construction industry.”

Vice President Mr. Karan Arora emphasized the need for continual self-improvement: “Our focus on self-discovery and learning ensures that our members stay ahead of industry trends, continually upgrading their skills to remain competitive.”

Ms. Rieetu Bhatnagar, Secretary of Club NPC, celebrated the deep friendships and professional bonds formed within the organization, saying, “These relationships not only enhance our careers but also our personal growth.”

Md. Perwez, Director of Finance and Founder-Treasurer, lauded the role of Club NPC members during the pandemic. “Our members served like Corona Warriors, ensuring essential construction projects continued during the most challenging times. Their efforts demonstrated the power of unity and commitment to societal welfare,” said Perwez.

Driving Change and Future Growth

The event marked a significant moment for the construction industry, offering a platform for stakeholders to discuss the future of India’s infrastructure and the role of technology, education, and collaboration. The discussions and workshops are expected to set the stage for groundbreaking developments, helping India’s construction sector play a key role in the nation’s future growth trajectory.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Showcases Special-Purpose Iconic Hilux at Himtech 2024

Bengaluru, 21st September 2024: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today showcased special-purpose Hilux (modified with the support of an authorized external vendor) at the Himtech 2024 symposium, organized by the Indian Army jointly with FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry). Moving towards the national goal of “Raksha Atamanirbharta’, and to provide the defense forces with access to the best equipment and solutions available, these two organizations (Indian Army & FICCI) have collaborated for “HIMTECH 2024” with an emphasis on utilizing military technology for high altitude areas (HAA). The event, held at the Rinchen Auditorium Grounds, Leh, Ladakh, on 20th and 21st September 2024, witnessed the presence of senior officials from the Army Commands, Air Force, ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police), defense users and other key dignitaries along with representatives from TKM.

Driven by Toyota’s renowned QDR (Quality, Durability, and Reliability), this 4×4 all-terrain, off-road vehicle is expertly engineered to perform in the most demanding environments, making it the perfect choice for diverse customers with specialized needs, including the specific purposes of the Indian Army which are modified with the support of an authorized external vendor. These curated vehicles signify TKM’s commitment to identify unique solutions to cater to diverse consumers’ needs across markets and verticals, enabling ‘Mobility for All’. During the event, TKM exhibited customised Hilux emphasizing its versatility and robust capabilities for defense and commercial applications:

Hilux FDV (Field Deployment Vehicle): This model showcased its commercial viability with a focus on heavy-duty applications. It had previously undergone successful trials with the Northern Indian Army Command, proving its adaptability for demanding military operations. This is specifically designed to excel in tasks such as remote location diagnostics and repair, as well as the movement of supplies and spare parts, making it ideal for stimulating environments.
Modified Hilux: Designed to exhibit exceptional off-road performance, equipped with upgraded suspensions, specialized tires, and a snorkel to handle rugged and difficult terrains. Its modifications highlight enhanced capabilities for rough terrain, ensuring reliability even in extreme conditions.

Last year, TKM displayed two Hilux – Field Diagnosis Vehicle (FDV) and Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) at the North Tech Symposium organised by Northern Command of Indian Army. TKM handed over a large fleet of Hilux, marking the company’s first-ever delivery of its Hilux to the Indian Army. Additionally, the company has provided necessary off-road driving as well as vehicle maintenance trainings for the vehicle drivers and service technicians respectively at the Northern Command of the Indian Army. Needless to say, Toyota’s participation in high-profile forums reflects its strong support towards country’s pursuit of self-reliance in defense sector, by leveraging its technological expertise in mobility space.

Sharing his views, Mr. V. Wiseline Sigamani, Vice President – Strategic Business Unit (North) of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “We are honoured to participate in Himtech 2024 and showcase the distinctive features of specially-purposed Hilux (modified with the support of an authorized external vendor). The global iconic reputation of Hilux being a powerful performer is the courtesy of its rigid Innovative Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) platform and a strong powertrain system. These modified vehicles reflect Toyota’s technological capabilities in developing customised solutions to meet the unique customer requirements (e.g. army purposes) and great practicality for various commercial usages. Further, these vehicles have been engineered keeping in mind the operational challenges of army troops be it the drivability through rough terrains, patrolling movement, surveillance including night visions, digital video for recording and winch for rescue operations during emergency situations and more.

As we continue to innovate and enhance our product offerings, we remain committed to support such uniquely purposed requirements as may arise going forward.”

Spanning more than five decades and eight generations, the Hilux continues to deliver extraordinary experiences, forming an unbreakable bond with those seeking thrilling drives. Designed to meet the diverse needs of consumers, the Hilux excels not only as a versatile utility vehicle for off-road adventures on tough terrains but also proves its practicality in daily city commutes. Furthermore, the Hilux supports a wide range of industries, including agriculture, defense, mining, construction, and more. It also serves emerging businesses as a reliable campervan or rescue vehicle. Powered by a robust 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, it offers both 6-speed automatic and manual transmission options, ensuring a powerful and efficient performance. With an impressive 700mm water wading capacity, it redefines off-road capability, making it the perfect choice for tackling rugged Indian landscapes. Known for its durability, low maintenance costs, and adaptability, the Hilux is ideal for various applications, including general customers’ personal preferences be it for business or the family.

Bank of Baroda announces winners of GenAI Hackathon 2024 held in collaboration with Microsoft

Mumbai, September 19, 2024: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, announced the winners of nationwide online Hackathon on Generative AI, held in collaboration with Microsoft Azure as the technology partner. The nearly three month long Hackathon brought together the brightest minds in the technology and banking sectors to tackle pressing challenges as defined by the Bank through innovative solutions. The hackathon attracted over 26,000 registrations. From these, 180 teams advanced to the prototype building phase, with the top 10 teams showcasing their solutions at the grand finale in Mumbai.

Shri Sanjay Mudaliar, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “Banking today is undergoing transformative changes and this requires constant ideation and reimagining solutions, making use of emerging technologies. Bank of Baroda Hackathon 2024, in collaboration with Microsoft, was truly a celebration of creativity, teamwork and technological prowess. We thank all participants for their enthusiastic participation and congratulate the winners for their outstanding submissions. We will further fine-tune, test and then implement the winning solutions within the Bank, giving winners an opportunity to enhance their prototypes and make them achieve scale.”

In this Hackathon, Bank of Baroda sought groundbreaking solutions in six areas: customer service, financial advisory, audit & compliance, risk management, operational efficiency and personalised content generation. The Top 3 winners and their winning submissions were as follows:

Team Goblins secured the first place, for their ComplianceAI platform designed to automate and streamline compliance processes within banking institutions. This solution integrates real-time updates on regulatory guidelines, AI-driven AML monitoring, and automated audit report generation, addressing critical delays in regulatory compliance and operational inefficiencies.

In joint second place were Team Refo and Team Wisteria. Team Refo presented Refo.dev, an AI-driven lending automation platform which significantly enhances the efficiency of customer on-boarding and product launches. By integrating AI to streamline critical lending processes, Refo.dev reduces operational costs and time-to-market, transforming the lending landscape. Team Wisteria introduced Seva AI, a revolutionary customer service platform that utilises AI for real-time sentiment analysis and personalised customer interactions. This platform ensures a consistent and customised service experience across various channels, markedly improving customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Team Cyber Wardens secured third place. They developed an AI-powered suite of tools that revolutionizes email management and data accessibility within banks. Their solution automates email categorisation, enhances sentiment analysis, and provides a natural language interface for efficient data retrieval, significantly improving operational responsiveness and customer service.

The teams were felicitated by Shri Sanjay Mudaliar, Executive Director, Shri Saurabh Shukla, Chief Technology Officer, along with other senior functionaries. The winners received cash prizes worth Rs. 5 lakh, Rs. 3 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh for securing the first, second and third positions respectively.

The success of the hackathon was a result of strategic collaboration amongst Bank of Baroda, Microsoft Azure & ID8NXT. The innovative solutions presented by the participants were built using Microsoft Azure services. An extensive promotional campaign, knowledge-sharing sessions, webinars, rigorous mentorship programmes, and robust technological support ensured that participants had the resources and guidance necessary to bring their visions to life.

LEAF partners with Verdana to enter Indonesia, launching Sustainable Agriculture Programs and High-Impact Carbon Credits

Chennai, September 20, 2024: Lawrencedale Agro Processing India (LEAF), India’s leading sustainable and vertically integrated agriculture services company, is making a strategic entry into Indonesia with a focus on delivering innovative climate-resilient agriculture solutions and high-impact carbon credits to millions of marginalised farmers.

This expansion is underscored by a landmark partnership with Verdana International, a global leader in carbon asset management and development, aimed at revolutionizing agricultural practices and generating high-impact carbon credits for Indonesia’s vast network of small-hold farmers.

This collaboration is poised to transform the agricultural landscape for over 15 million marginalized farmers which Verdana and LEAF will be working with. The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu-headquartered LEAF will introduce climate-resilient farming techniques specifically tailored to the unique challenges faced by these small-hold farmers, enhancing crop productivity, improving soil health, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. These initiatives are designed to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability and bolster economic stability in the region.

In addition to advancing sustainable farming practices, LEAF will lead the generation of high-impact carbon credits. Leveraging Verdana International’s advanced digital technology, this partnership simplifies the carbon validation process, aligning with Indonesia’s national carbon reduction goals. The resulting carbon credits will create a new revenue stream for farmers, further promoting environmental stewardship and economic resilience.

Palat Vijayaraghavan, Founder & CEO of LEAF, emphasized the importance of this expansion: “Our partnership with Verdana International marks a significant milestone in our mission to advance climate-resilient agriculture on a global scale. Over the past decade, we have witnessed the transformative power of sustainable practices among marginalized farmers in India. We are now bringing this expertise to Indonesia, empowering millions of farmers to build a sustainable and prosperous future.”

Building on a decade of experience working with 1.5 million marginalized tribal farmers in India, LEAF’s entry into Indonesia reflects its commitment to uplifting millions of farmers across borders through innovative agricultural practices that have already proven transformative.

Asad Sultan, CEO of Verdana International, remarked: “Collaborating with LEAF is a critical step forward for Indonesia’s farmers. By adopting LEAF’s climate-resilient practices, we are not only enhancing the productivity of our fields but also securing the future of marginalized farmers against the uncertainties of climate change. The integration of sustainable practices and carbon credits will open new avenues for growth and ensure our farmers’ continued contribution to Indonesia’s agricultural landscape.”

This initiative underscores LEAF’s unwavering dedication to promoting inclusive growth and environmental sustainability in agriculture. Together with Verdana International, LEAF aims to make a profound impact on millions of farmers, safeguarding their livelihoods and reinforcing their role in bolstering Indonesia’s food security.

Deepak Fertilisers Holds 45% Share in Indian Nitric Acid Market: PL Capital Report

Mumbai, September 20, 2024: PL Capital – Prabhudas Lilladher, one of the most trusted financial services organisations in India in its latest beat report on DEEPAK FERTILISERS AND PETROCHEMICALS LTD cited that Deepak Fertilisers holds a dominant position in the Indian Nitric Acid business with a 45% market share and is increasing capacity by 450 KTPA with a capex of ₹1,950 crore. PL Capital believes that capex in ammonia, TAN and Nitric Acid will aid growth in FY25-26 across all verticals along with better monsoon supporting crop business, and value’s it at 18X FY26 EPS arriving at a target of ₹1,355.

Industry Growth

In 2023, the global Nitric Acid market was valued at $31.77 billion and is expected to increase from $32.94 billion in 2024 to $44.09 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.71% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2032. The ammonium nitrate market was valued at $18.38 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $25.86 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% from 2024 to 2031. DFPCL is a major producer of technical ammonium nitrate (TAN) and aims to become the third-largest producer globally within the next two years.

Titanium Ammonium Nitrate (TAN) Segment

The outlook for technical ammonium nitrate (TAN) has improved, with the ammonia spread over natural gas increasing, along with the ammonium nitrate spread over ammonia. DFPCL has achieved backward integration with a ₹4,500 crore investment in ammonia and has secured medium-term gas-based contracts. The export ban on technical ammonium nitrate (TAN) in FY24 has now been lifted. The 2024 Budget proposed increased duties on ammonium nitrate while reducing duties on precious metals used for catalysts, both of which are expected to have a positive impact.

Nitric Acid and IPA segment

The price of nitric acid remains stable, while isopropanol (IPA) prices are strong due to reduced exports from Europe. There is a brownfield expansion in nitric acid with WNA (300 KTPA) and CNA (150 KTPA) at a project cost of ₹1,950 crore. Sixty-five percent of the additional CNA capacity is secured under a 20-year contract, and a significant portion of this capital expenditure will be received by the company as a subsidy.

Market Outlook

The outlook for the TAN business is positive, supported by capital expenditures and an increased ammonium nitrate spread over ammonia. Nitric acid prices remain stable, and volume expansion is anticipated due to these investments, as well as the introduction of a service component in the commodity business. Capital expenditures in ammonia, TAN, and nitric acid are expected to drive growth across all verticals in FY25-26, bolstered by improved monsoon conditions that will benefit the crop sector.

KW Group extends its brands store portfolio in Delhi6 mall, adds more brands in its flagship Mall

KW Group’s Delhi 6 Mall- the Flagship commercial project in Raj Nagar Extension, Ghaziabad, has announced that it has added more brands in its existing large portfolio. Brands such as AAR Fun Zone that offers entertainment, Mehlab Cafe and the ultimate men’s wear clothing brand: Cobb have already opened their exclusive stores in the mall.

The Group has also signed MOU agreement with the following brands like KOJA India,BBQ Company, BBQ Beer Bash,BeYours and Brewhouse Pub & Grill opening its exclusive store in KW Delhi6 Mall. For the consumers the above mentioned brands will be in service very soon.

With so much under one roof, the addition of newer premium brands marks a significant milestone in the mall’s journey to become the region’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination.

“KW Delhi 6 Mall is dedicated to provide its customers the best possible shopping and leisure experience even as it develops and grows. With these esteemed Brand on board, the mall is sure to win over customers’ hearts and develop into a centre for business and pleasure in Ghaziabad, as well as the nearby areas of Noida and East Delhi.” says Mr. Pankaj Kumar Jain, Director KW Group.

Going beyond a mere shopping experience, Delhi6 Mall offers amazing recreational amenities with fantastic leisure alternatives, such as a food court and a gaming arcade too. This guarantees that guests can unwind and have fun, making Delhi 6 Mall a great place for both individuals and families to visit.

Standing tall with its impressive architecture and plethora of shopping cum entertainment opportunities, Delhi6 Mall has already acquired a prime position in the heart of Raj Nagar Extension .Having come up as a significant commercial development with multitude of avenues ranging from high end brands, multi- cuisine -eateries and entertainment activities, Delhi 6 Mall is bound to become a hot spot of leisure, fun and shopping for residents of Raj Nagar Extension.

Cleartrip signals a new era of travel with The Big Billion Days 2024

Bengaluru, 20 September 2024: Cleartrip, a Flipkart company announces its highly anticipated year-end travel sale with The Big Billion Days (TBBD) from 26 September – 6 October 2024. This year, Cleartrip aims to set a new standard in India’s travel aspirations during the festive season with great deals on flights, hotels, buses, and holiday packages, empowering customers to escape their daily routines and embark on much-needed getaways.

As consumer priorities shift towards valuing experiences alongside material purchases, travel has become a core part of festive celebrations. TBBD is perfectly aligned with this growing trend, offering value-driven travel deals that make the perfect festive escape possible while also making it affordable.

Speaking on the occasion, Anuj Rathi, Chief Business and Growth Officer, Cleartrip, stated, “We are witnessing a profound shift in Indian consumerism and travel is at the heart of this transformation. At Cleartrip, we are leading the charge to democratise travel by building an integrated ecosystem that connects airlines, hotels, and key travel partners, making us a one-stop destination for all.”

He added, “With 120 million leisure travellers and 27 million outbound travellers, India’s demand for international travel is stronger than ever. In response, Cleartrip has curated an exclusive selection of long-haul destinations to help users elevate their travel experience to luxury. Through strategic partnerships with airlines and hotel chains, we make these curated, high-end experiences not just aspirational but accessible and affordable.”