Category Archives: Business

Cleaner Hills, Happy Pune: RIA Makes a Difference

8th July 2024 Pune, Maharashtra, India  Recognize, Innovate, and Accelerate – that is the ultimate motto of RIA Advisory LLP, a Pune-based Business and Technology Advisory Consulting firm. Last Tuesday, RIA traded in their briefcases for garbage bags and headlamps for a different kind of acceleration – a climb up the scenic slopes of Hanuman Tekdi alongside the Youth Talent Development Society (YTDS NGO).

This wasn’t your typical team-building exercise. RIA, known for their sharp minds and strategic solutions, joined forces with YTDS, a successful non-profit organization that has championed the Four E’s – Environment, Education, Employment, and Empowerment – focused on the “E for Environment” for a unique initiative: the Hill Cleaning Activity.

With the rising sun casting a warm glow over the famous Hanuman Tekdi, the enthusiastic team at RIA assembled at the base of the Tekdi and divided into mighty teams, armed with the ultimate weapons against waste – hefty garbage bags and a healthy dose of environmental spirit.

Gloves, face masks, and a shared determination to make a difference were the order of the day. The initial assessment was clear – Hanuman Tekdi, despite its natural beauty, had become a silent victim of littering. Undeterred, team RIA rolled up their sleeves, their competitive spirit igniting as they raced (in a friendly way, of course!) to fill their designated bags with plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other discarded items.

“It was truly heartening to see the dedication of the Team RIA,” said Mr. Ameet Bhinganiya, Founder and President of YTDS. “This was the first time we conducted a Hill Cleaning Activity, and the enthusiasm from RIA was truly infectious.”

As the hours progressed, the teams transformed into a mighty garbage-collecting force. Bag after bag was filled, and the once-polluted landscape began to show signs of beauty and rejuvenation. The collective effort not only cleaned the hill but also fostered a sense of camaraderie between the two organizations.

But the real win goes beyond the collected waste. This collaborative clean-up served as a powerful reminder: protecting our environment requires all hands on deck. From financial advisors to social workers, every individual can play a part in nurturing the natural world.

This initiative perfectly exemplifies the synergy between RIA and YTDS. While RIA brings its expertise in strategy and innovation, YTDS provides local knowledge and dedication to community improvement. Together, they demonstrate how seemingly different organizations can come together for a common cause – a cleaner, greener future for Pune.

“It is deeply satisfying that our young and bright engineers at RIA are so passionate about their social responsibilities,” said Mr. Sameer Deo, Head of India Operations, RIA Advisory. “via its RIA-Cares initiatives, RIA takes pride in being socially responsible and contributing directly to worthy causes RIA takes”

RIA and YTDS hope to inspire others to take action, be it organizing a clean-up drive in your own neighborhood, switching to reusable bags, or simply disposing of waste responsibly. Every small step counts when it comes to protecting our environment.

In conclusion, this was not just a cleaning drive; it was a statement – a statement of intent, a statement of unity, and a statement of hope for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Remember – a little initiative can go a long way in preserving the beauty of our natural spaces.

Get Rid of Frizzy Hair this Summer with this DIY Hair Mask for Soft and Nourished Hair

8th July 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  As summer begins, it is important to indulge in a hair care routine that shields your hair from the harmful effects of UV rays, humidity, and pollution. The combination of these factors often results in dull, dry, and frizzy hair. Moreover, increased exposure to hard water worsens the damage, making your hair prone to dullness and breakage.

An effective way to control frizz and provide intense nourishment to your hair is indulging in a regular hair oiling routine. While there are many hair oil options to choose from, you need to pick one with the right ingredients for your hair. Aloe Vera is one such ingredient that has been a summer favorite for years!

Renowned for its moisturizing benefits on our skin to tackle summer irritation, Aloe Vera has also proven beneficial for lending the same benefits when applied on the hair. Aloe Vera is known as a great ingredient for promoting hair growth, preventing hair fall that leads to hair thinning, and improving overall hair health in the summer. Additionally, Aloe Vera is known to be rich in vitamins and minerals that can nourish the scalp and hair, making it stronger and less prone to breakage. It can also help to soothe an irritated scalp and reduce dandruff.

To unlock the full potential of Aloe Vera for hair, it is recommended to team it up with a Coconut-based hair oil for deep nourishment. This of unique blend of coconut-based hair oil allows penetration up to 10 layers deep inside your hair and helps you control frizz, resulting in soft hair that gives you the freedom to style and wear your hair just the way you want to, with utmost ease.

Although we are already a month into the summer season, you can still make the most of these two wonder ingredients by creating a simple yet effective hair mask at home. All you need to do is mix equal proportions of Aloe Vera gel and Coconut hair oil in a bowl and massage this gently on your scalp till the tips, leaving it for just 30 minutes before washing your hair.

Pro Tip: For best results apply this hair mask 2-3 times a week. If pressed for time, you may also choose Parachute Advansed Aloe Vera Enriched Coconut Hair Oil, a non-sticky and lightweight Aloe Vera-enriched coconut hair oil.

So, this summer season indulge regularly in this haircare routine and experience the combined goodness of Aloe Vera and coconut-based hair oil in controlling frizz and helping you achieve soft nourished hair.

A First in India: Kody Technolab’s Surveillance Robot “Athena” Safeguards 35,000 Attendees at Tuneland Music Festival

8th July 2024 Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India  At this year’s Tuneland Music Festival, held in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Kody Technolab Limited introduced a groundbreaking approach to event security and service, marking a first in India with its autonomous surveillance robot – Athena, and serving robot – Dasher. The event, attracting over 35,000 attendees, showcased the unprecedented integration of robotics into public safety and service delivery, setting a new standard for technology in entertainment. You can view Athena in action here.

The festival not only featured performances from renowned artists B Praak and Vishal Mishra but also demonstrated advanced robotic capabilities with Athena, Kody Technolab’s state-of-the-art surveillance robot. For the first time in India, a music festival leveraged robotic technology for full-scale security and surveillance, with Athena equipped with 360-degree cameras and intelligent threat detection systems. Athena’s capabilities included people detection, threat assessment, and monitoring of unattended objects, ensuring a safe environment throughout the festival grounds.

Additionally, Dasher, Kody Technolab’s serving robot, enhanced the experience for VIP guests by managing food and beverage services with its bionic design and seamless navigation. The robot’s efficiency and innovative features not only improved service delivery but also captivated the attendees, further illustrating the potential of robotics in enhancing customer service.

Manav Patel, Founder of Kody Technolab Limited, remarked, “The deployment of Athena and Dasher at the Tuneland Music Festival is a testament to the vast possibilities that robotics holds for improving both security and service in public spaces. Athena’s successful operation across the festival is a proud moment for us and a landmark in India’s technological progress in public safety.”

Event Highlights Include:

Revolutionary Security: Athena’s deployment provided a comprehensive surveillance solution, handling large-scale crowd monitoring with cutting-edge technology.

Exceptional Service: Dasher offered a unique service experience to VIP attendees, showcasing the integration of robotics in traditional service sectors.

This historic event not only signifies a milestone for Kody Technolab and Tuneland but also paves the way for future advancements in robotic applications in the entertainment and public safety sectors.

Can Design Create Social Impact? Experts Discuss at IIAD’s Industry Conclave

8th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  In a dynamic exchange of ideas, the fourth edition of the Indian Institute of Art and Design’s (IIAD) annual Industry Conclave brought together over 50 industry stalwarts from 40 leading brands, igniting discussions on how design can address pressing global challenges and create a social impact. From fashion giants like Urvashi Kaur Label to global corporations like Ernst & Young LLP, the conclave served as a platform for dialogue between industry experts and over 140 students and alumni.

The annual event witnessed the participation of industry heavyweights like Ernst & Young LLP, India Today, Charkhee, Groyyo, PDS Group, JCPenney, Urvashi Kaur Label, Design Plus, RLDA Studios, Miraggio, Genie Mode, Alt Mobility, QUOD, RATA, OR & Aur, Aaquib Wani Design, Kaboom Social Impact, Yellow Brick Road Media, PLUGD. Recognized for their innovative approaches, experts from these brands brought real-world insights and fueled thought-provoking discussions.

In a time marked by global challenges, the imperative for design to drive positive social change has never been more pronounced. This urgency takes center stage as the theme of the conclave: “Creating Social Impact by Design.” The event focused on how design can tackle contemporary issues, with students and industry experts from diverse design sectors – communication, fashion design fashion business management, and interior architecture and design—engaging in one-on-one dialogues through the World Cafe format.

Bridging the theory-practice gap, initiatives like Industry Conclave serve a dual purpose: sparking discussions on design’s role in driving social impact, while offering students practical insights. Beyond theoretical frameworks, these interactions establish much-needed clarity on the practical applications of design across various industries, thereby equipping students with the skills and perspectives needed to navigate the complexities of the professional landscape.

The Role of Sustainability in Fashion

Sustainability dominated the discussions at the Fashion department, where fashion design and management experts, such as Urvashi Kaur (Urvashi Kaur Label) and Shilpi Nigam Sharma (JCPenney), tackled the multifaceted issue, dissecting its true meaning and the challenges of implementing sustainable practices within the industry. A key debate centered on balancing business needs with social impact by design. While sustainable practices often incur higher costs, the conversation emphasized clear communication with consumers to bridge this gap. Experts also challenged the notion of tradition as static in fashion, arguing instead for its evolution and adaptation to changing needs and community engagement. Deconstructing outdated practices and embracing authenticity emerged as key takeaways for driving sustainable fashion forward.

User-Centric Approach in Design and Cultural Sensitivity

Conversations at the Interior Architecture and Design department shifted gears, highlighting the importance of user-centric design. Experts such as Rahul Singh (RLDA) and Abhishek Bij (Design Plus) emphasized the need for designs that adapt to specific contexts and celebrate the diverse needs of users. The dialogue expanded into ways to incorporate a range of design trends and materials while maintaining cultural sensitivity. Collaboration strategies were also a point of discussion, with some advocating for direct community involvement, not just within groups of design specialists. This focus on user-centricity and cultural awareness suggests a growing recognition of the impact interior architecture and design has on individuals and communities.

Value, Ethics and Audience Collaboration

Discussions at the Communication Design department underscored the importance of creating conscious designs that build upon existing ideas. Experts condemned the practice of free work and advocated strategies to empower local artists through fair compensation. Communication design leaders like Vandana Pant (Folklogue Studio) and Yogesh Gagotia (Simpleplan Media) emphasized the importance of ethical practices and audience-centric design. In this conversation, Nirmala Nair (Kaboom Social Impact) highlighted the need for integration between design thinking and marketing, ensuring that sustainability is addressed throughout the entire design process. A key shift advocated for by experts was the evolution of designers from creators to facilitators, collaborating with audiences and iterating designs for maximum impact. This shift highlights the growing emphasis on both ethical practices and audience-centric communication in the field.

SecureKloud Technologies Appoints Venkateswaran Krishnamurthy as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) to Spearhead Business Growth

8th July 2024  Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India  SecureKloud Technologies Limited (NSE: SECURKLOUD; BSE:512161), provider of innovative cloud solutions and AI, is pleased to announce the appointment of Venkateswaran Krishnamurthy (Venkat) as its new Chief Revenue Officer (CRO).

Venkat is a seasoned business leader with over 26 years of diverse industry experience spanning Technology, Cybersecurity, Staffing, and E-commerce. He brings a wealth of expertise in managing large businesses and teams across various geographies, making him a valuable addition to the SecureKloud leadership team.

Throughout his career, Venkat has held numerous leadership positions in renowned companies such as Dell, Lenovo, Ola, Teamlease, and more. He has a proven track record of successfully building and scaling organizations, coupled with extensive experience in both Indian and international markets.

Before joining SecureKloud, Venkat served as the Global Senior Vice President of Enterprise Business at Seqrite, where he played a pivotal role in driving growth and innovation strategies for the company. His deep understanding of enterprise solutions and customer-centric approach have enabled him to deliver exceptional results and build long-lasting relationships with clients.

In addition to his corporate endeavors, Venkat also serves as an advisor to several new-age startups, where he leverages his strategic vision to guide companies toward sustainable growth and success.

Beyond his professional achievements, Venkat is known for his passion for music and cricket, reflecting his well-rounded personality and interests.

“We are thrilled to welcome Venkat to the SecureKloud family as our new Chief Revenue Officer,” said Suresh Venkatachari, Chairman & CEO of SecureKloud. “His extensive experience, strategic insights, and proven leadership will be instrumental in driving our revenue growth and enhancing our market position. We look forward to leveraging Venkat’s expertise as we continue to innovate and expand our offerings to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

Venkat’s appointment reaffirms SecureKloud’s commitment to attracting top talent and strengthening its leadership team to drive business growth and deliver exceptional value to customers.

Sheela Foam Chairman & MD, Mr. Rahul Gautam, Honoured as One of the ‘100 Great IITians’; a Legacy of Building the India Story

8th July 2024  Delhi, India  Rahul Gautam, a name that’s considered the don of the Indian mattress industry was included in the prestigious list of Top 100 IIT’ans in a book edited by Commander VK Jaitly. The title is bestowed upon alumni who challenged the status quo of going overseas to build a career, instead becoming business icons in India. As the chairman of Sheela Foam, his journey from the corridors of IIT Kanpur to the boardrooms of India’s largest foam manufacturers is nothing short of inspiring. One has to also understand the journey to comprehend why he is one of the most obvious choices for not just a Great IITian but also a devoted countryman.

Born with a zeal for excellence, Rahul Gautam embarked on his academic journey at the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, where he pursued chemical engineering. Not only did he excel in academics, but he also captained the hockey team of the college—a testament to his multifaceted personality.

However, his journey wasn’t confined to the walls of a single institution. Coming from an army family, he experienced a diverse upbringing, studying in 12 different schools across the country. This exposure instilled in him adaptability, resilience, and a deep understanding of diverse cultures—a foundation that would serve him well in his future endeavors.

After completing his undergraduate studies, young Rahul had the world at his feet. Armed with a desire to delve deeper into his field, he pursued post-graduation abroad. Yet, fate had other plans for him. Driven by a sense of duty and a vision to contribute to India’s industrial landscape, Rahul chose to return home, setting the stage for his remarkable journey with Sheela Foam Ltd. (SFL).

Under his stewardship, Sheela Foam has soared to new heights, achieving a turnover of almost INR 4000 crore, establishing over 5000 stores, and a commanding market capitalization of $2.2 billion. Beyond the borders of India, SFL has expanded its footprint into Europe, the Middle East, and Australia—an affirmation of Rahul’s strategic vision and global acumen. The recent acquisition of Kurlon in addition to the leading brand Sleepwell, further cements SFL’s industry leadership.

Mr. Gautam’s impact extends far beyond the realm of business. At the heart of Sheela Foam’s ethos lies a commitment to the betterment of society through mindful means and programs. Through the Sleepwell Foundation, spearheaded by Ms Namita Gautam, the company spearheads initiatives aimed at empowering communities and fostering sustainable development. From providing training and skill-building opportunities to over 800 girls to implementing a range of developmental projects in Khurja, Uttar Pradesh.

In addition to his corporate achievements, Mr. Gautam is a trailblazer in the manufacturing sector—an exemplar of homegrown success. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping and nurturing India’s foam and sleep industry, propelling it onto the global stage. As the Chairman Emeritus of the Indian Polyurethane Association, he continues to champion the interests of the industry, advocating for innovation, sustainability, and growth.

Rahul Gautam’s journey from a young engineer & hockey captain at IIT to a visionary business leader who wrote an important chapter in India’s Manufacturing Sector embodies the spirit of perseverance, passion, and purpose.

Diverse Home Loan Options Now Available on Bajaj Markets

8th July 2024  Pune, Maharashtra, India  Bajaj Markets ensures a hassle-free borrowing experience to aspiring homeowners. One can now explore a range of options tailored to their needs on the platform and choose a loan offer that aligns with their requirements and preferences.

Some key features and advantages of applying for a home loan on Bajaj Markets are as follows:

• Borrowers can get home loans of up to Rs. 15 Crores to purchase a property of their choice
• Individuals can repay the loan over tenure of up to 40 years, providing ample time for convenient and stress-free repayment
• One can benefit from attractive interest rates starting at 8.50% p.a., leading to long-term savings on repayment costs
• Individuals can compare and choose from 10 leading home loan providers, allowing them to select the option that aligns with their financial goals

Beyond home loans, one can get a wide array of financial products, including insurance plans, credit cards, and various investment options, on the Bajaj Markets platform. To apply for a home loan or other financial products, visit the official website or download the Bajaj Markets app.

Minor Hotels Appoints Puneet Dhawan as Head of Asia

8th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Global hotel owner and operator Minor Hotels has appointed Puneet Dhawan as Head of Asia as the group plots its growth in Asia and India. From July, Dhawan will be responsible for the performance of all Minor Hotels properties in Asia, working in close collaboration with the Minor Hotels senior leadership team, and will report to Minor Hotels CEO Dillip Rajakarier.

Dhawan, a seasoned professional with a 30-year hospitality career spanning Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His most recent role as Senior Vice President of Operations – India & South Asia at Accor saw him lead the group’s business development, owner management, hotel operations and commercial team, driving Accor’s growth in the region. Notably, he oversaw the opening of the first Raffles hotel in India. His 25-year tenure at Accor also included time as the group’s Vice President of Operations, Middle East, and several General Manager roles. Dhawan’s journey in the hospitality industry began with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, where he held positions at its properties in the Philippines and Hong Kong.

Dhawan holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He will be based in the group’s Bangkok Corporate Office when he joins Minor Hotels in July.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International, commented, “We are excited to welcome Puneet to the Minor Hotels family. His operational experience and empowering leadership will be invaluable as we work to achieve our growth ambitions in Asia and India in the coming years.”

In January, Minor Hotels unveiled its target to add more than 200 new openings to its global portfolio, with approximately half in Asia, by the end of 2026. More recently, the hotel group announced its plan to 50 new openings in India within the next ten years, including the debut of its luxury Anantara brand later this year in Jaipur.

Meril’s Next-Gen Myval THV Series Marks India’s Triumph in Global Heart Valve Sector: Successful Primary Outcomes Unveiled at EuroPCR 2024, Garnering Late Breaking Trial Status and Prestigious Acceptance by The LANCET

8th July 2024  Vapi, Gujarat, India  Exciting news from Meril Life Sciences! The LANDMARK trial’s 30-day primary outcomes were presented on 15th May at EuroPCR 2024, Paris, France. LANDMARK was recognized by EuroPCR as one of the top three late-breaking trials poised to transform and revolutionize current practices in the field of Interventional Cardiology.

The LANDMARK study showed that the performance of the Myval THV series in terms of safety and effectiveness was non-inferior to the contemporary THV series (24.7% vs. 27.0%, occurrence of primary composite endpoint which is composite of deaths, stroke, major bleeding, acute kidney injury, major vascular complications, moderate or severe valve regurgitation, and the need for new permanent pacemaker implantation as per the third Valve Academic Research Consortium consensus) with no difference in the itemized components of the primary composite endpoints. The other secondary endpoints including technical success at exit from the procedure room, device success at 30 days and early safety at 30 days were comparable in both groups.

Professor Serruys, Chairman & study Director of The LANDMARK trial, said, “Myval THV series are novel next-gen THV devices; non-inferior to the Sapien and Evolut THV series. Myval THV series have a unique size matrix incorporating conventional, intermediate and extra-large diameters with increasing diameter steps of 1.5mm that match and fit precisely the multi slice CT scan-defined aortic annulus area of each individual patient, as a result, provides a superior effective orifice area on echocardiography, which may impact on durability and long-term clinical outcomes. Additionally, the Myval Octacor, with its 2 rows of octagonal cells and a minimal foreshortening of 19% during expansion, has unique features not paired by any other contemporary design.”

Myval THV series has a versatile range of sizes offering not only traditional sizes (20 mm, 23 mm, 26 mm, 29 mm) but also intermediate (21.5 mm, 24.5 mm, 27.5 mm) and extra-large sizes (30.5 mm and 32 mm). This tailored sizing matrix allows cardiologists to select the appropriate valve size, thus avoiding excessive over- or under-sizing. In the LANDMARK trial, 48.1% of the patients were implanted with the intermediate size of the Myval THV series.

The hemodynamic outcomes in terms of valve effective orifice area (EOA) were significantly better for the 23, 26, and 29 mm Myval THV series as compared to the Sapien THV series, while there were no significant differences in the pre-procedural annular area. The long-term benefits of the intermediate sizes of THV will be further studied during the subsequent follow-up up to 10 years.

As per the Global Principal Investigator, Prof. Andreas Baumbach, “The Landmark trial showed that the Myval THV series performed as safe and effective as contemporary THV series. It is a valve made for everyday clinical practice and an all-comers population. The special feature of intermediate diameters allows for more accurate sizing, which has the potential to translate into improved long-term outcomes. Our patients will be followed up for 10 years and it will be interesting to see the long-term results in the three treatment arms.”

Mr. Sanjeev Bhatt, Sr. Vice President – Corporate Strategy at Meril said, “In a successful development in structural heart interventions, the LANDMARK RCT has revealed compelling results for the novel Myval transcatheter heart valve (THV) series, confirming its non-inferiority to other contemporary THV devices. The results of LANDMARK trial are not just a win for us but for the entire medical community and, most importantly, for patients undergoing TAVI. This study not only reinforces the safety and efficacy of the Myval THV series but also highlights its adaptability to challenging anatomical structures,”.

TCL India On-boards Rohit Sharma as the Brand Ambassador

8th July 2024  Delhi, India  TCL – a leading global brand in the Television and Home Appliances segment has recently on-boarded the Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma, represented by RISE Worldwide line, as the national brand ambassador to augment its brand presence. By leveraging Sharma’s goodwill in the market and his association with the most popular sport in the country, TCL aims to increase its brand visibility and credibility in the Indian Market, especially for televisions and washing machines.

Being one of the finest cricket players in Indian cricket history, with over six titles in the t20 tournament and a stellar performance in the 20 World Cup, Sharma’s ambition to go big with every game seamlessly aligns with TCL’s ‘GO BIG’ marketing strategy that focuses on large screen-sized TVs. India’s GDP has been growing tremendously in the past few years paving the way to increased customer expectations. Keeping this in mind, TCL has always emphasized providing extraordinary experiences to its customers. With its exquisite range of large screen-sized TVs, available at an affordable price; TCL has been successful in winning trust of the customers who keep an eye out for bigger and better viewing experiences. In tandem, Sharma’s commitment to deliver 100% in every match, with every ball, and TCL’s commitment to sophistication and innovation make this exclusive one-year partnership a perfect match.

Delighted with the announcement, Philip Xia, General Manager, TCL India, said, “We are elated to welcome the one and only ‘Hitman’ to the TCL India family. Being a cherished icon, he inspires fans to strive for excellence just as we push the boundaries of excellence in technology and products with each launch. With the World Cup just around the corner, Rohit Sharma is undoubtedly the best partner, with whom we can grow our Indian community.”

Underpinning the company’s ambition to connect with its Indian audience and deliver an exceptional experience, the partnership will feature high-impact online and offline marketing campaigns starring India’s beloved ‘Hitman’. The combination of Rohit Sharma and TCL symbolizing power, impact, and a tech-savvy lifestyle will be instrumental in reinforcing the company’s position as a dynamic player in the consumer electronics market.

Talking about his partnership with TCL India, Rohit Sharma said, “TCL’s dedication towards innovating with bigger and better technology-oriented products is inspiring. With this approach, I am looking forward to supporting the company’s efforts to bring the Indian sports community together, through our shared love for cricket.”

As the captain of the Indian National Cricket team, Rohit Sharma has always gained admiration from a massive number of people who look up to him for his leadership traits. Since he likes to play big shots in every game, the brand is also committed to going big with innovation when it comes to all TVs and Washing Machines each year. Henceforth, by advocating a TCL product, the target group’s affinity and purchase consideration are predicted to increase remarkably.