Category Archives: Business

Truecaller announces updated subscription packages for its Verified Business Caller ID solution

Bangalore, Karnataka, India  Truecaller, the leading platform for verifying contacts and blocking unwanted communication, trusted by millions worldwide, has launched its updated subscription plans for the Verified Business Caller ID solution. Starting 6th May 2024 the revised subscription packages and pricing will apply to all new and current business customers upon their upcoming renewals or upgrades.

Truecaller Verified Business Caller ID solution updated subscription packages, Growth, and Enterprise plans are tailored to empower early/mid-stage companies as well as large enterprises The Growth Plan is best suited to early/mid-size companies looking to scale their business and establish a strong market to build trust and enhance brand visibility through its flagship Verified Business Caller ID.

The Enterprise Plan is designed for large, established businesses that need scalable solutions to support their extensive user bases across various products, services, departments, or regions. These organizations require robust and more adaptable systems to manage their operations effectively. The Enterprise plan supports these businesses with advanced capabilities and deeper product integration with their communication infrastructure.

With more comprehensive analytics and advanced reporting capabilities, the updated subscription plans are designed to provide deeper insights and CX productivity, enabling businesses to refine their communication strategies effectively. Deeper integration capabilities, including Call Personalization APIs, are available to support large businesses with increasingly complex integration and customization needs.

Truecaller Verified Business Caller ID solution empowers business calls with brand identity and context, fostering reliable customer communication. So far, over 2500+ active businesses across India and other vital global markets have benefitted from the solution and other advanced communication capabilities. Besides improving business call efficiency, the solution has significantly reduced phone call-related frauds and scams, promoting heightened customer safety in business communications.

Glow by Kirtilals Shines Bright with Grand Opening of Thrissur Showroom

Thrissur, Kerala, India Glow – Versatile Diamond Jewellery by Kirtilals, is delighted to announce the grand opening of its newest showroom in Thrissur. The inauguration ceremony, held on 6th May, was graced by the presence of the talented and beloved actress, Anaswara Rajan. This milestone marks a significant expansion for the esteemed jewelry brand, bringing its unparalleled diamond jewelry collection closer to the hearts of discerning customers in Thrissur and beyond. The new showroom is located at Asset Galleria building near Aswini Junction, Thrissur.

GLOW by Kirtilals offers world-class diamond jewellery in a wide array of designs, with a legacy and experience of more than eight decades in creating premium diamond jewellery. Glow represents a celebration of empowered women, designed with their dynamic lifestyles and individuality in mind. The new Glow by Kirtilals showroom in Thrissur offers versatile, lightweight diamond jewellery that complements the modern woman’s elegance, confidence, and achievements.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the grand opening of Glow by Kirtilal’s new showroom in Thrissur,” expressed Anaswara Rajan. “The brand’s commitment to crafting lightweight, versatile & innovative jewelry pieces that exude elegance and sophistication is truly commendable. I am excited to witness firsthand the stunning collection and share in the joy of this special occasion with the people of Thrissur.”

“We are proud to unveil our latest showroom in the vibrant city of Thrissur,” said Suraj Shantakumar, Director – Business Strategy, Kirtilals. “From a business perspective, this expansion not only signifies our commitment to reaching new markets but also reflects our strategic vision for growth and innovation. As we open our doors in Thrissur, we are poised to offer our exceptional collection of jewelry to a wider audience, further solidifying our position as a leader in the industry.”

“Our focus at Glow is to redefine the jewelry experience for the modern woman by offering versatile and lightweight pieces that effortlessly complement her dynamic lifestyle,” said Seema Mehta, Director-Creative, Kirtilals. “We understand the importance of jewelry that seamlessly transitions from day to night, from casual to formal, providing both style and comfort. Our collection embodies this ethos, offering a range of exquisitely crafted pieces that empower women to express their individuality with ease and grace.”

Actor Sijoy Varghese said, “I am truly honored to be a part of this momentous occasion, where timeless elegance meets modern sophistication, sparking joy and celebration in every meticulously crafted piece.”

The company has a state-of-the-art Diamond Jewellery manufacturing unit established in 1992 at Coimbatore which engages more than 500 professionals. The company has also established an exclusive manufacturing unit dedicated to Glow. This bespoke manufacturing unit embodies Glow’s commitment to excellence, utilizing cutting-edge technology and artisanal craftsmanship to bring each piece to life.

Springer Nature and Department of Atomic Energy, India sign Landmark Transformative Agreement to Drive Forward Open Research

New Delhi, Delhi, India  Springer Nature has agreed a landmark transformative agreement (TA) with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), India. The agreement marks the first TA by any publicly funded department in India, which is a significant leap forward for India’s research and academic community.

The deal will allow all 50+ centers affiliated to the DAE to read and publish Gold Open Access (OA) – an article is published immediately as OA in an online journal of book and is available for all to use and reuse from the moment it is published – in Springer Nature’s 2,000+ hybrid journals across all disciplines. This agreement marks a significant milestone in the journey toward universal access to research findings and represents a collaborative effort to accelerate the transition to open science.

The deal is the latest development in Springer Nature’s longstanding partnership with the DAE, India. As part of this collaboration, both Springer Nature and DAE will work together to promote open-access principles and remove barriers to the dissemination of scholarly research. The agreement encompasses a range of initiatives designed to foster innovation, transparency, research integrity and accessibility in academic publishing. As part of Gold OA, the visibility and impact of Indian research will be enhanced, and its global reach will foster greater international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Commenting on the agreement, Carolyn Honour, Chief Commercial Officer of Springer Nature Group, said, “I am delighted that the Department of Atomic Energy has chosen to extend its partnership with Springer Nature on their Open Science journey. This is the first time DAE has consolidated all its member subscription as a consortium and we are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey to advance scientific discovery, increase publishing options and reach for Indian researchers. This deal is a testament not only to our strong partnerships and experience in delivering sustainable transformative deals, but also to our commitment to drive positive change in the scholarly communication landscape and ensure that research findings are accessible to all.”

Echoing these sentiments, Dr Arun Kumar Nayak, Head of Nuclear Controls and Planning Wing (NPCW) at the Department of Atomic Energy, who also led this project in the department said, “Our chairman was instrumental in taking these decisions and this is a historic moment for all the scientists and research scholars in the DAE family and the country. This deal also lays the foundation for many more such agreements in the future which will be instrumental in ensuring that our country’s scientific temperament is known to the world.”

Commenting further Dr. Deepali Kuberkar, Head of the Department of Library Sciences, TMC & Coordinator, One DAE One Subscription (ODOS) said, “ODOS is an important turning point for DAE and its scientific community. We look forward to our collaboration with Springer Nature to help advance and spread the culture of knowledge and learning to better the world. Here on, our focus will be on publishing world class literature.”

The deal will benefit 5,000+ researchers across DAE with simplified workflows and an easy author journey. The partnership between Springer Nature and the DAE exemplifies a collaborative approach to advancing open-access publishing and promoting the free exchange of knowledge. This transformative agreement will have a lasting impact on the academic publishing landscape in India and pave way for discussions for a potential national or regional agreement.

Understanding the Difference: Multi-Asset Allocation Funds Vs Balanced Advantage Funds

Pune, Maharashtra, India  Investing in mutual funds has become increasingly popular due to their potential to generate wealth over time. Among the various options available, two types of funds often catch the attention of investors: multi-asset allocation funds and balanced advantage funds. While both aim to provide diversification and manage risk, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Let’s understand the differences between these two investment avenues.

Multi-Asset Allocation Funds

• Multi-asset allocation funds are hybrid mutual funds designed to invest in a mix of different asset classes such as equities, bonds, and commodities. The allocation to each asset class can vary based on market conditions and the fund manager’s strategy. The primary objective is to achieve diversification across various asset classes, thereby reducing the overall risk of the portfolio.
• One of the key benefits of multi-asset allocation funds is their ability to adapt to changing market conditions. For instance, during periods of economic uncertainty, the fund manager may increase the allocation to defensive assets like bonds or gold to mitigate potential losses. Conversely, in bullish market phases, they may tilt the portfolio towards equities to capitalize on growth opportunities.
• Another advantage of these funds is that they offer convenience for investors who may not have the time or expertise to manage a diversified portfolio on their own. By investing in a single fund, they gain exposure to multiple asset classes without the need for active monitoring.
• It’s essential for investors to understand that multi-asset allocation funds are not immune to market fluctuations. While diversification helps spread risk, it does not guarantee protection against losses, especially during extreme market downturns.

Balanced Advantage Funds

• Balanced advantage funds, also known as dynamic asset allocation funds, follow a slightly different approach. These funds dynamically adjust their asset allocation based on predefined valuation metrics or market indicators. The goal is to capitalize on opportunities while managing downside risk.
• Unlike multi-asset allocation funds, which maintain a relatively constant asset mix, balanced advantage funds have the flexibility to vary their equity exposure based on market conditions. For example, if stock valuations appear expensive, the fund may reduce its equity allocation and increase exposure to debt instruments. Conversely, when stocks are attractively priced, the equity allocation may be higher.
• The dynamic nature of balanced advantage funds makes them well-suited for investors who seek to participate in equity markets’ potential upside while having some downside protection. By actively managing asset allocation, these funds aim to deliver returns across various market cycles.
• However, it’s important to note that the success of balanced advantage funds largely depends on the fund manager’s ability to accurately assess market conditions and make timely asset allocation decisions. Moreover, frequent portfolio adjustments may lead to higher transaction costs, which can impact overall returns.

Key Differences
Approach to Asset Allocation: Multi-asset allocation funds seek to maintain allocation to different asset classes within a specified range, whereas balanced advantage funds dynamically adjust their allocation based on market conditions from time to time.

Risk Management: While both types of funds aim to manage risk through diversification, balanced advantage funds often employ tactical asset allocation strategies to minimize downside risk.

Investor Profile: Multi-asset allocation funds are suitable for investors seeking a diversified portfolio with a long-term investment horizon, while balanced advantage funds may appeal to those looking for a more flexible approach to asset allocation with active risk management.

In conclusion, both multi-asset allocation funds and balanced advantage funds offer investors opportunities to diversify their portfolios and manage risk effectively. The choice between the two depends on individual investment objectives, risk tolerance, and market outlook. By understanding the differences between these two types of funds, investors can make informed decisions that align with their financial goals. Investors can consider investing in these funds through lumpsum or SIP route, basis their preference.

British Safety Council Introduces Critical Risks Safety Audit for High-Risk Workplaces

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  British Safety Council, one of the world’s most trusted leaders in health, safety, and environmental management has introduced Critical Risks Safety Audit for hazardous and high-risk business operations in India.

The Critical Risks Safety Audit is a deep-dive assessment that aims to provide an in-depth examination of a high-risk organization’s health and safety management systems. It is an in-depth audit of situations or high-risk activities that could potentially cause serious injury and harm to people and property and assists the leadership in focusing on these activities.

The Audit actively looks at high-risk activities such as working at height, confined space entry, lifting operations, ground excavation, electrical safety, fire safety management, contractor safety, and areas related to specific sectors. In addition, leadership commitment and accountability, risk assessment and management and permit to work are also reviewed in detail.

Speaking about the Critical Risks Safety Audit, Hemant Sethi, Managing Director, British Safety Council, India, said, “The Audit helps build a high level of confidence and assurance that the chance of injury and fatality decreases to a great extent. It focuses on high-risk areas, clarifies strengths, and identifies areas for improvement.”

Critical Risks Safety Audit is available to organizations of any size who are engaging in critical risk activities that have a high potential to cause serious injuries and fatalities. It is also available to organizations. Operating in the following sectors Construction, Metals, Chemicals, Power (Thermal, Wind, Solar, and Hydro), Oil & Gas, Pharma, and Automobiles.

Organisations undertaking Critical Risks Safety Audit will receive a detailed report along with recommendations and action planning. They will also receive branding across relevant elements with RAG (Red Amber Green) criteria and benchmarking across various aspects of the specification.

Explore Credit Cards on Bajaj Markets for Akshaya Tritiya Gold Purchases

Pune, Maharashtra, India Explore a range of credit cards on Bajaj Markets, a digital financial marketplace, for Akshaya Tritiya 2024 gold investments. Celebrate new beginnings and prosperity with gold purchases using credit cards for added convenience and flexibility.

Bajaj Markets offers a user-friendly platform where users can browse and apply for credit cards catering to diverse needs. Here are a few lifetime-free options, along with their features, that individuals could consider:

1. IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card

• Earn 4,000 reward points on yearly spends of Rs. 6 Lakhs or more
• Get a complimentary Priority Pass membership for airport lounge access
• Make secure payments with a chip-based contactless card

2. AU Small Finance Bank Altura Credit Card

• Get 5% cashback up to Rs. 150 on spends exceeding Rs. 2,500 in the first 60 days
• Earn Rs. 50 cashback on monthly spends of at least Rs. 10,000
• Enjoy 1% cashback on other purchases (up to Rs. 50/month)

3. Rupicard

• Invest a minimum of Rs. 5,000 in an FD to get a secured credit card
• Earn up to 7% p.a. as FD interest
• Get the credit card without income proof

Apply for a credit card online to purchase gold and enjoy the following benefits:

• Enhanced Investment Power: Invest in larger gold quantities with increased buying power
• Reward Points and Cashback: Earn valuable rewards on gold purchases
• Convenience and Security: Enjoy safe and hassle-free transactions
• Build Your Credit Score: Responsible use could improve your credit score for future loans

On Bajaj Markets, users can explore credit card options to get started with their gold investment for Akshaya Tritiya 2024. Visit the official website or download the app to get started.

Apparel Group Partners With Crocs in India

July 13, 2024,India : Apparel Group, the global leading retail conglomerate, announced the expansion of its successful partnership with Crocs, the global footwear brand. Building on their existing collaboration in the GCC region, Apparel Group has now been appointed as the Exclusive Retail Licensee for Crocs’ iconic footwear in the North and East of India, marking a significant expansion of the brand’s presence in the Indian market.

This development enriches Apparel Group’s robust portfolio and reinforces its commitment to bringing leading international brands closer to its customers. This strategic alliance leverages the distinct strengths of both retail giants, positioning them perfectly to capitalize on the surging demand for high-quality footwear in the region.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Tushar Ved – President, of Apparel Group India said, “At Apparel Group, we are committed to offering our customers the best shopping experience possible. Our focus is to build on the success we have together achieved in the GCC region and extend it to new markets in North and East India. With the addition of Crocs’ iconic footwear brand to our Indian portfolio, we are excited to expand our customer reach and offer a wider range of high-quality products. We value our customers’ loyalty and provide them with exceptional service and ease of shopping.”

“At Apparel Group, our dedication remains steadfast in delivering excellent retail experience. Our partnership with Crocs is poised for growth and enhancing their presence through our existing retail network. We are confident that through this partnership with this leading global brand, we will meet consumers’ growing aspirations for lifestyle brands in the region,” said Mr. Abhishek Bajpai – CEO, Apparel Group India, on the partnership.

“Our partnership with Apparel Group is a strategic move for us as we continue to expand our business in India. We are confident that this collaboration will enable us to leverage their strategic network and commitment to experiential opportunities. By adapting their proven strategies to meet the unique needs and preferences of the Indian market, we are confident that this move will further enhance our offerings and open even more prospects for growth and success,” expressed Mr. Sumit Dhingra, Vice President & General Manager- India, Middle East and Africa, Crocs.

The alliance promises to unlock exciting new opportunities for both companies while providing Indian consumers with even greater access to Crocs’ beloved products. Through this strategic partnership, customers can choose from an extensive collection available for men, women, and kids. The strategic alliance between Apparel Group and Crocs marks a formidable union of strengths, propelling both retail companies to seize the growing demand for high-quality footwear products in the North and East Indian markets.

Nothing But Noodles, Neighborhood Favorite for Nearly Two-Decades, Expanding with New Locations in Alabama & Tennessee

Charolette, NC, July 13, 2024 –Nothing But Noodles has stood the test of time gaining approval from two generations of consumers and long-term veteran franchisees, proving the concept is perfectly poised to make a resurgence across the nation, relaunching ground floor incentives to attract new and experienced entrepreneurs to join the brand by the end of 2024.

Nothing But Noodles will open its 3rd location in Huntsville, AL this month and the first Tennessee location is coming soon.

The pandemic showed the resilience of the fast casual segment and boosted a surge in revenue which has continued to grow, fueling the franchise’s rebirth across the nation. The Nothing But Noodles concept reflects a broader opportunity in this segment with new menu items for franchisees hungry for expansion… satisfying the on-the-go value-driven consumer, diverse family-friendly options, as well as large catering clients who demand consistent, quality ingredients prepared fresh daily and arriving with perfection.

The key to long-term sustainability is listening to feedback from franchisees and consumers: Especially in the competitive fast-casual market.

Co-founders Chad Everts and Todd Welker have consistently improved the approach to the franchise model as partners for more than 25 years, launching numerous successful concepts (one of which is now publicly traded on the Nasdaq with more than 950 locations.) “We’ve witnessed our original concept, Nothing But Noodles, truly grow roots in markets across Alabama and North Carolina for nearly two-decades proving loyalty and trust from the neighborhoods we serve because of our commitment to differentiating from the crowded chicken and burger space with globally-inspired noodle dishes and salads that are always fresh and made to order… and hearty, value-driven portion sizes.” They took a 15 year hiatus from franchising the well-established brand to launch other concepts which gives them a fresh perspective and unparalleled expertise to strategically expand their first-born success in franchising. The fast-casual restaurant bridges the gap between quick, convenient food and time-consuming, expensive dining experiences… and the impressive $1.75 million average gross revenue per location (five currently open, two opening soon) confirms that guests connect deeply with the brand and the concept is here to stay for generations to come.

The duo is now prioritizing all resources into revitalizing the Nothing But Noodles franchise offering with a new website launch, investment in technology and operations, as well as national marketing efforts. They attribute the long-term success of the brand to constantly soliciting feedback from the franchisees, the consumers, and pivoting to stay ahead of trends in the market. “We have remained true to what originally made us a community favorite – a diverse menu with guaranteed fresh wok-seared noodles served in ceramic bowls (drawing inspiration from Asian, European, Mediterranean, and American cuisines), while offering a delightful dining experience within 15 minutes of walking through the door.”

But over the years, Nothing But Noodles, has expanded beyond traditional noodles to also include low-carb options, gluten and peanut-free choices, and mouth-watering, garden-fresh salads to accommodate even the most selective consumer – offering something everyone will love while creating a memorable dining experience which makes the franchise even more attractive now.

Todd Gallinek, franchise owner of two locations in North Carolina, including the impressive top grossing restaurant ($2.5 million) in the Nothing But Noodles network for more than 18 years, has witnessed children grow up in his restaurants. “We’ve created a gathering place for schools, teams, clubs and charities… we’re known as the spot to meet up and enjoy a fresh, delicious meal with a welcoming staff and family atmosphere,” Gallinek, a multi-unit veteran in the fast-casual space (Biscuit Belly and Super Chix), confessed the long-term success with Nothing But Noodles is because supporting neighborhoods near their locations has always been a priority. “My favorite part about owning profitable franchises in our community is that I’ve watched kids become adults in our dining area… who are now parents bringing their families to enjoy the same experience. Our culture, value, and trusted dishes have become a tradition for future generations and that inspires my staff and I to make sure we continue to deliver our mission to make it fast, fresh, and delicious… and most importantly: make it memorable.”

Co-Founder Everts added, “We are excited about this relaunch, which opens the door for ground-floor franchise licenses and regional development territories with a proven, profitable, and trusted concept.”

Nohing But Noodles was created in 2002 in Albuquerque, New Mexico by Chad Everts and Todd Welker, who later launched the initial franchise offering in 2004. With experience for nearly 30-years as multi-unit franchisees of other restaurant concepts, they noticed a gap in the market and a need for a concept that served hot, fresh food fast in a casual environment. The Nothing But Noodles brand was born and the pair spent more than two decades perfecting the menu which includes global wok-seared noodle selections from the classic favorite Fettuccine Alfredo, Asian Pad Thai and Beef Stroganoff to Basil Pesto and Shrimp Scampi, low-carb, gluten and peanut-free options, pan-seared soups, delectable desserts, and newly introduced fresh, hand-tossed salads. The brand has proven successful for more than two decades, with top grossing locations boosting $2.5 million in annual revenue. In 2024, the concept relaunched the franchise offering across the nation. Today, as successful franchisors for several other concepts, they bring a wealth of experience and an unparalleled commitment to grow Nothing But Noodles in the next five years.

Daugherty Named 2024 Best of the Best Small Business in Chicago

Chicago, IL, July 13, 2024 — An independent research firm in partnership with the National Association for Business Resources (NABR), which has over 20 years of experience conducting the Best and Brightest competitions, reviewed several key measures relative to other nationally recognized winners.

Using numerous best Human Resource practices and provided benchmarking for companies that continue to be leaders in employment standards, the NABR sees Daugherty as among the top companies scored in categories that include Compensation, Benefits and Employee Solutions; Creative, Wellness and Wellbeing Solutions, Employee Enrichment, Engagement and Retention; and others.

Selleria Veneta Celebrates Ernest Hemingway’s 125th Birthday Fete

Chicago, IL, July 13, 2024 –Selleria Veneta will be hosting a weekend of shopping, reflection and connection in the Hemingway District from Thursday, July 18 thru Sunday, July 21. The festivities kick off with their annual Summer Sidewalk Soiree.

Thursday, July 18: – Shop Selleria Veneta and find those coveted deals starting at 11:00am. From hand-crafted Italian leather handbags to clothing entirely hand made by expert Italian artisans, shoppers can find that unique handbag or clothing with savings up to 70% off. These pieces aren’t found in any mass-produced stores in the U.S. and some pieces can be found exclusively in Selleria Veneta’s boutiques.

Friday, July 19: Selleria Veneta kicks off a “movable reading feast” with a Hemingway reading at 6:00pm. Enjoy a beverage and get transported back to a Parisan café in the 1920’s. Hear the musings and thoughts of a young Hemingway. Sponsored by the Hemingway Foundation, Karolis Gintaras Zukauskas will be reading the first six pages of A Movable Feast. The “movable reading feast” continues with a 7pm reading at R Titus Designs – excerpts from A Farewell to Arms and concludes at 8pm at Yoga Loft Studios – excerpts from The Snows of Kilimanjaro.

Saturday, July 20: Sip & Shop Bingo and Hemingway District’s Scavenger Hunt
Bingo: Stop by Selleria Veneta to pick up your Bingo stamp card and collect your stamp while you sip and shop. Collect 4 connecting squares and turn the card back in to Selleria Veneta or other participating business and be entered into a raffle to win one of 11 cool prizes from your local neighborhood shops in the Hemingway District and Downtown Oak Park.

Scavenger Hunt: The Scavenger Hunt starts Saturday at 10:00am and ends on Sunday, July 21 at 5:00pm. Scan the QR code at Selleria Veneta and other Hemingway District shops. Answer Hemingway questions and earn points to win cool prizes. Take photos of any purchase, post, and tag to earn extra points. Winners announced Sunday at the Summer Concert Series / Birthday Celebration at Scoville Park. Sponsored by Visit Oak Park and The Hemingway District.

Sunday, July 21: Happy Birthday Ernest Hemingway. Born July 21, 1899, in Oak Park, IL, the weekend concludes with a Happy Birthday Concert at Scoville Park sponsored by the Park District of Oak Park and other Hemingway District sponsors. Cecilia Romanucci, co-owner of Selleria Veneta and Moses Valdez, co-owner of Selleria Veneta and President of the Hemingway District Oak Park, are delighted to be a part of a warm and supportive community. Join the Selleria Veneta team and other Hemingway District collaborators and friends in Scoville Park and live the life best stories are made of. Bring a picnic as the festivities continue with live music under the stars and spin the celebratory prize wheel from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Check out their Facebook page for updated information.