28, Dec 2023
Yauatcha Bengaluru Spices Up the Holidays with Michelin-Starred Feast

Bengaluru, 28th December 2023: Yauatcha, an award-winning and internationally celebrated traditional Chinese dim sum teahouse, is all set to welcome the festive magic with its newly unveiled Christmas-special menu curated by the Michelin-starred Global Chef Andrew Yeo and Chef Pradeep Gomes. Featuring a delectable mix of traditional dishes tweaked into their modern interpretations, the Holiday menu at Yauatcha is a fusion of festive flavours that will set to become a cherished tradition.

Embracing the joyous spirit with warmth and cheer, Yauatcha’s new menu offers a wide array of exquisite options for everyone. From comforting soups and flavourful dim sum to vibrant stir-fries and delectable desserts; the menu is thoughtfully crafted to harmonise a symphony of flavours and textures.

The dishes on the menu at Yauatcha are-

Senijin taro bun (Vegan): The softest and fluffiest buns bursting with a creamy, earthy taro filling. Hints of warming spice dance on your tongue, creating a nutty symphony in every bite.

Shanghai scallop dumpling: Delicate little parcels representing the perfect blend of sea, earth, and spice; all wrapped up in one bite. Each one cradled with a treasure trove of minced scallops and prawns and steamed to perfection, revealing a succulent filling bursting with coastal flavours. Garnished with vibrant green chives to add that touch of freshness and vibrance. The crowning glory is a drizzle of vibrant curry sauce; its rich golden hue promises a warm, earthy embrace of spices and creamy goodness.

Szechuan stir-fry lamb

Discover Chef Andrew’s holiday delight, the Szechuan stir-fry lamb; a personal favourite crafted exclusively for Christmas. This culinary masterpiece features shredded lamb waltzing with vibrant vegetables in a fiery toban sauce, leading to a sensational finale of garlic-mint coulis. Indulge in this symphony of flavours at Yauatcha’s celebratory table.

Fragola Gateaux- A masterpiece dish with fresh strawberries and light, airy sponge cake. This delightful dessert is the perfect way to end your festive meal at Yauatcha Bengaluru, leaving you with a taste of pure joy.

Embracing Vegan and Vegetarian preferences, the menu offers Umami-rich Vegan XO Dumpling and Crispy Walnut Pumpkin Roll. The showstoppers are Yauatcha’s signature Seaweed and Tofu Soup, Singapore Noodles with mock meat, and Edamame Fragrant Fried Rice. Undoubtedly, the menu offers a reimagination of classic dishes featuring a plant-based protein – the comforting yet gratifying Vegan Mabo Tofu.

The limited-edition menu at Yauatcha is all set to evoke the essence of the season, yet surprise and delight you with their contemporary interpretations. From classic roasts infused with exotic spices to decadent desserts reimagined with global influences, each bite promises a unique and unforgettable experience.

28, Dec 2023
Ho! Ho! Holly Jolly Christmas at Growel’s 101 Mall

Mumbai, December 28, 2023: Radiating in the glow of Christmas decorations, Growel’s 101 Mall, Suburban Mumbai’s beloved family destination, presented a joyous Christmas weekend for its customers with the ‘Ho! Ho! Holly Jolly Christmas’ celebrations.

The magnificent, glittering Christmas Tree positioned in the mall’s atrium is providing the ideal backdrop to capture the festive cheer of the season. The festive gate at the mall’s entry and the overall decor theme of the mall this Christmas revolved around the artistic renditions of gift boxes, symbolising the spirit of giving during Christmas, complemented by various other enchanting Christmas elements.

Christmas Growels 1

Speaking about the festivities at the mall, Gerald Mathew, General Manager, Growel’s 101 Mall, said, “At Growel’s 101, we are delighted to enhance the year-end festivities by curating an unforgettable family experience for our cherished shoppers. In addition to enticing shopping offers, we had meticulously planned an array of engaging activities. From captivating photo-worthy decorations to interactive family engagements and delightful opportunities for children to meet Santa, we crafted a truly memorable holiday celebration.”

Christrmas Growels

Special activities at Growel’s 101 included the magic of Santa Home Visits on December 23rd – exclusively through photo contests, Meet & Greet with Santa on December 24th, and on Christmas Day, December 25th, the spectacular ‘Santa Parade’ saw children completely mesmerised as they joined the parade around the mall. Throughout the weekend leading up to Christmas, there were an array of DIY workshops and entertaining games suitable for both children and families.

But the excitement doesn’t end here till 7th January 2024, about 24 couples will win ‘Dinner Vouchers’ and one lucky couple will win a grand Mega Prize of a holiday trip to Dubai.

28, Dec 2023
Jindal Aluminium wins the National Award for Export Excellence by EEPC

New Delhi, 28 Dec 2023 — Jindal Aluminium, India’s largest Aluminium extrusion company, announced its recognition as the ‘Star Performer’ in the large enterprise category for ‘Aluminium and Articles thereof’ at the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) National Export Awards 2023 (in its 2019-20 edition). This prestigious accolade underscores the company’s exceptional export performance on a national scale.

The grand award ceremony, held in opulence in New Delhi on November 21, 2023, witnessed the presence of approximately 300 distinguished guests, including senior government officials and industry peers. The event, graced by the esteemed Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, served as a significant gathering to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in the industry.

Mr. Pragun Khaitan

Mr. Pragun Khaitan, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Jindal Aluminium Limited, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We’re humbled to be recognized with the ‘Star Performer’ award by EEPC for our unwavering dedication to excellence in exports. It is a testament to our tireless efforts in consistently delivering top-tier products within India and across international markets.”

EEPC award accentuates Jindal Aluminium’s unwavering commitment to stringent quality parameters and exceptional contributions to the nation’s export landscape. It marked the fourth consecutive national award for the company and the 16th since its founding year, solidifying its contribution to Brand India. The company continued to set an example for ‘Vocal for local and local for global’ for two decades, with the first EEPC recognition received in the 2004-05 edition.

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It is pertinent to mention that EEPC India, the premier trade and investment promotion organization endorsed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, actively shapes government policies and serves as a crucial link between India’s engineering community and the government in its advisory role.

28, Dec 2023
Bisk Farm Boards Rashmika Mandanna as Brand Ambassador

Bisk Farm, one of India’s leading Biscuit & Bakery brands today announced its partnership with leading actress Rashmika Mandanna as their Brand Ambassador. The versatile, award-winning actress will be face of the ‘RUSKIT Brand’, which offers a delicious range of crunchy baked toast in 4 variants for a perfect tea-time partner. Bisk Farm is known for its innovation, quality and flavor, and with Rashmika Mandanna by its side, the brand is all set to create a significant buzz in the market and soar to new heights on its quest to become a household name across India.

With her infectious energy and lively personality, Rashmika mirrors Bisk Farm’s commitment to bringing joy and happiness to consumers through its delectable range of products. Bisk Farm is focusing on strengthening its position in the Rusk category, a significant contributor to the company’s total revenue. Taking the first mover advantage of adding pedigree to the local Rusk, BISK FARM RUSKIT has successfully made deep inroads into the Indian Palates.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vijay Singh, Managing Director of Bisk Farm, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Rashmika Mandanna to the Bisk Farm family as our Brand Ambassador. Her undeniable charm and widespread appeal perfectly embodies the spirit of Bisk Farm – a brand synonymous with fun, freshness, and deliciousness. Her strong connection with the millennial audience makes her the perfect choice to represent our brand and further strengthen our presence in key markets. We look forward to an exciting journey with Rashmika as a key partner in shaping the narrative and engaging with consumers on a deeper level across the nation for substantial revenue growth.”

Ruskit-Butter

Expressing her excitement about the association with the brand, Rashmika Mandanna said “Bisk Farm is one of the fastest-growing FMCG brands in India, and their commitment to growth and innovation resonates deeply with me. I believe that this partnership will be a fruitful one, and I look forward to connecting with my fans through Bisk Farm’s delicious and wholesome products.”

SAJ Food Products, which is India’s fourth-largest biscuit and bakery brand, aims to achieve a revenue milestone of Rs 5000 crore by FY29, aligning with its vision to transform its flagship brand, BISK FARM, into a truly national brand. The strategic move to rope in actress Rashmika Mandana, “The National Crush of India” as the face of its RUSKIT brand is a significant step towards achieving this goal.

Coinciding with this announcement, Bisk Farm has also unveiled an exciting 360-degree campaign celebrating the perfect pairing of RUSKIT’s satisfying crunch with Rashmika Mandanna’s versatility and playful charm. The campaign introduces the celebrated actress as the protagonist named Meena Bhai—a feared don terrorizing a busy market. The campaign takes viewers on a hilarious journey as Meena Bhai reveals magic in every cup with #TheresNoTeaWithoutRUSKIT. The tagline perfectly captures the essence of the campaign, highlighting how Ruskit’s irresistible flavors and satisfying crunch are the essential missing piece to a perfect cup of chai.

ruskit with chai

With an eye on a pan-India presence, SAJ Food is also gearing up for deeper market penetration, with a special focus on key markets in Karnataka and other southern states. To fuel its growth ambitions and expand its reach, SAJ Food commissioned its sixth facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka in March 2022. With a strong brand vision, strategic expansion plans, and popular celebrity endorsements, SAJ Food is poised for significant growth in the years to come.

Watch the TVC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ionV3gradmc

The RUSKIT brand features four enticing variants—Butter RUSKIT, Milk RUSKIT, Cake RUSKIT, and RUSKIT Gold.

28, Dec 2023
Year-end Quote | Ennoventure – Mr. Padmakumar Nair, CEO & Co-founder of Ennoventure Inc

Padmakumar Nair- CEO & Co-Founder, Ennoventure Inc.

In today’s technology-driven era, countering counterfeiting has become a complex challenge. As businesses shift towards digital platforms, the demand for effective brand protection solutions has become critical. In 2024, the growing threat of forgery requires a proactive approach, utilizing state of the art technology based anti-counterfeit solutions. Software as a Service (SaaS) emerges as a valuable ally, providing adaptable tools to tackle the increasing presence of counterfeit products.

Authenticity holds a key role in navigating the intricate landscape of international trade. The effectiveness of anti-counterfeit SaaS surpasses a mere solution; it embodies a dedication to upholding integrity, promoting transparency, safeguarding consumer trust, and ensuring continual genuine innovation in the digital era, where counterfeiting poses a challenge to every transaction. The emergence of the anti-counterfeit software as a service trend in 2024 highlights a dedication to preserving the legitimacy of goods in the digital realm. Ennoventure Inc.’s development of these covert brand protection solutions promises a robust defense against illicit practices while adeptly adapting to the evolving counterfeit challenges.

This urgency is reinforced by a joint report by CRISIL and the Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA), which presents statistics. Almost 25-30% of all products sold in the country are counterfeit, particularly affecting sectors like apparel, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), pharmaceuticals, automotive, and consumer durables. These findings emphasize the seriousness of the issue, reinforcing the need for proactive measures to address the pervasive problem of counterfeit goods.’’

28, Dec 2023
Year end trends commentary from Qlik – Nick Magnuson, Head of AI, Qlik

Nick Magnuson

“In 2024, Generative AI takes the spotlight, evolving from a theoretical concept to a practical, business-oriented reality. This shift will particularly manifest in business-to-business (B2B) landscapes, where customized, domain-specific applications of AI take center stage. According to IDC FutureScape projections, by 2026, over 80% of generative AI use cases in enterprises will pivot towards tailored models, signifying a departure from standardized solutions to highly specialized solutions. This shift emphasizes the critical importance of data security and governance in developing and maintaining these customized AI models.

As organizations strive to address specific challenges, they’ll invest in domain-specific data, leading to the rise of “solution fabrics” that augment the capabilities of generic Generative AI. This transformation urges a reevaluation of traditional AI applications, highlighting their untapped potential for delivering significant organizational value. As the realization broadens, progressive businesses will embrace the broad spectrum of available AI technologies and continually invest in establishing a solid data foundation to support a robust portfolio of existing and future AI solutions.

The rise of Generative AI has also sparked significant buzz and a healthy dose of FOMO, elevating AI’s importance to C-level and even Board-level discussions. As Generative AI progresses into its practical phase, it’s crucial to remember: every facet of AI holds significance. While Generative AI gains traction, traditional AI – already delivering substantial organizational value – remains largely untapped by many. Organizations should explore the wide range of available AI solutions to optimize the speed and scope of their implementation, maximizing their benefits.”

28, Dec 2023
Year-ender quote from SAP Concur around travel and technology sector

Srivatsan

Views of Mr. Srivatsan Santhanam, Vice President, Spend Engineering, SAP Labs India 

“Businesses today are evolving at a rapid pace, enabling faster change and progress, causing an acceleration of the rate of change. Initially predicted as a time when organizations would grapple with budget constraints and resource scarcity, the unfolding reality of 2023 brought not only anticipated challenges but also exciting technological advancements, notably in Artificial Intelligence (AI).  The tapestry of 2023 was woven with the threads of Business AI. This transformative force propelled technology to the forefront of business operations, reshaping the dynamics of travel, expense, and invoice (TEI) management infused with next-gen payment solutions. 

 Organizations should take a realistic approach to planning for 2024, build in some flexibility to course correct, as needed, and lean into the benefits of emerging technologies. Embracing Business AI, automation, and AI-infused data analysis will help finance teams bring more strategy to the organizational table and find a greater sense of confidence amid uncertainty. Going forward, organizations also envision a paradigm shift in reimbursement processes. One foresees virtual payments streamlining TEI operations, instead of using a company credit card, employees will be able to use virtual payments for all business expenses, including travel.”

27, Dec 2023
EKA Mobility joins forces with Mitsui and VDL Groep to create a leading global OEM in India
  • EKA, Mitsui & VDL Groep have entered a strategic long-term partnership, that will include joint investments, equity & technology cooperation
  •  With a joint investment of over USD 100 million (~ INR 850 crores) in phases, the cooperation will position India as the global manufacturing & sourcing hub for electric vehicles

New Delhi, Wednesday, 27th December 2023: – EKA Mobility, a leading electric vehicles & technology company based in India, is thrilled to announce a partnership with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Japan) and VDL Groep (Netherlands). This strategic cooperation marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Indian automotive industry, propelling India toward becoming a global hub for sustainable transportation. The alliance is set to establish most cutting edge global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the region.

EKA Mobility 1

This is one of the largest and most significant partnerships in the new mobility segment in India bringing together the strengths and expertise of three leading automotive conglomerates in Asia & Europe to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative electric mobility solutions globally. Under the cooperation, EKA Mobility, known for its cutting-edge electric vehicles and comprehensive EV ecosystem, will receive significant and strategic investments from Mitsui, a global trading and investment company with a rich history of contributing to industrial innovation, and technological support & equity partnership from VDL Groep, a leading Dutch technology and manufacturing company. The combined expertise and resources of the three entities will usher in a new era of sustainable transportation and manufacturing excellence.

Key Highlights of the cooperation:

Strategic Investment: Mitsui & Co., Ltd. will make significant financial investments in EKA Mobility, enabling the company to scale up its manufacturing operations and expand its product portfolio. Mitsui will also provide support to EKA for exports to select emerging markets as well as establishment of systems & process.

Technological Leadership: As part of this partnership, VDL Bus & Coach, a subsidiary of VDL Groep and Europe’s frontrunner in electric buses & coaches will support EKA Mobility by transfer of technology to produce electric buses in India for the Indian market.

Strengthening ‘Make in India’: The alliance is firmly aligned with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, aimed at promoting local manufacturing and job creation.

Sustainability: The cooperation emphasizes a commitment to sustainability and environment conscious mobility solutions, furthering the reduction of carbon footprints.

Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman of EKA Mobility

Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman of EKA Mobility, expressed his views about the cooperation, stating, “This partnership with Mitsui and VDL Groep represents a significant step toward making India a global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing. We are proud to join forces with such distinguished partners who share our vision of sustainable, profitable & efficient transportation.”

Nobuyoshi Umezawa, GM of Mobility Business Division in Mitsui & Co. India: “Through the cooperation of EKA, VDL, and Mitsui, we aim to contribute to “Make in India” by leveraging EKA’s excellent engineering and local network, and VDL’s cutting-edge technological capabilities. Furthermore, we would like to utilize our Mitsui’s global network to promote exporting EKA’s competitive products to overseas markets and contribute to creating eco-friendly societies”.

 Rolf-Jan Zweep, CEO VDL Bus & Coach: “We are delighted to partner with EKA Mobility and Mitsui. Although the basis of our high-quality development and manufacturing competences lie in north-western Europe, we see many opportunities in India, which is obviously a promising growth market. With this cooperation, we foresee especially many synergy benefits in the areas of procurement and development”.

EKA Mobility is one of the commercial vehicle manufacturers approved under the Champion OEM Scheme & EV component manufacturing scheme of the Government of India’s Auto PLI policy. EKA is the only Indian company offering end-to-end design, manufacturing & technology of new energy vehicles from scratch in India. The company has set up a state-of-the-art research, development, engineering & innovation center in Pune, Maharashtra, and has significantly grown its order book, with more than 500 electric buses and 5000+ electric light commercial vehicle orders in the pipeline. All these vehicles will be completely designed & manufactured in India, at EKA’s proposed state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. In last two years, the company has introduced electric city bus, staff carrier & school bus, 9 meter hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus, and is now all set to enter the last mile delivery with its range of e-LCVs designed & customized to suit Indian customers and businesses.

27, Dec 2023
Pride Hotels Group, Unveils “Pride’s Festive Soiree”, an Extravaganza That Embodies Elegance in Celebration and Pride in Tradition

Pride Hotels Group unveils “Pride’s Festive Soiree”, an extravaganza that embodies elegance in celebration and pride in tradition. Step into the realm where tradition meets luxury and the spirit of India’s rich heritage merges with a tapestry of joy, elegance, and celebrations. Throughout the month of December, patrons can partake in festive delights, extended long stays, and gala lunches and dinners in their own cities like Bangalore, Pune, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and 32 amazing locations across India.

pride hotel

“We at Pride Hotels Group truly believe in providing luxury along with traditions, inviting guests to revel in the spirit of the season at all our locations. Guests can immerse themselves in an extravagant celebration of traditions, blending with India’s rich heritage, promising to create timeless memories that reflect the season’s festive soiree “said Mr. Atul Upadhyay, Executive Vice President, Pride Hotels Group.

celebration 2

Anticipate a gastronomic journey curated by master chefs, offering a menu that seamlessly blends classics and festive with innovative delights. The event comprises diverse elements, including music, buffet and on-table menus, poolside dinners, and packages with and without alcohol. Elevate the celebration at the mixology stations, where skilled mixologists curate signature festive drinks. Engage in interactive zones that capture the essence of the season, featuring a gourmet chocolate corner and personalized festive hampers, each telling a unique story of celebration.

pride hotel1

Chef Shailendra Singh, Corporate Chef, Pride Hotels Group shared his excitement, saying “At Pride’s Festive Soiree, our culinary team have curated a special menu that blends tradition and innovation to serve up a celebration at gala lunches, and dinners that promise a tantalizing experience for your taste buds to captures the joy of the season.”

As the festive season unfolds, Pride Group invites guests to enjoy the long weekends that transcend the ordinary. Immerse yourself in the magic of live performances, showcasing renowned artists and entertainers who will set the stage ablaze with captivating music, dance, and laughter. The atmosphere will be charged with infectious energy, ensuring that every moment becomes a cherished memory.

27, Dec 2023
Pop Star Zaeden Collaborates with Siddartha Tytler to Launch ‘Unchained’ Fragrance D2C, Redefining Luxury Retail”

Mumbai, India – December 27, 2023: SOL, the revolutionary fragrance brand launched by Indian pop icon Zaeden this year, proudly announces the launch of ‘Unchained’, the much-awaited addition to their esteemed fragrance collection. The new variant is born out of the dynamic partnership between SOL and leading fashion designer Siddartha Tytler, setting a new standard in olfactory artistry and style fusion.

fragrance

 

Inspired by Tytler’s vibrant palette and daring couture, ‘Unchained’ embodies a sensorial journey mirroring his iconic design philosophy. The fragrance is a testament to Tytler’s journey through fashion, encapsulating his signature elements of sharp cuts, vivid hues, and exquisite crystal applications.

‘Unchained’ is composed of a symphony of fragrance notes – at its peak, bursts of orange, amalfi lemon and calabrian bergamot top notes with an alluring scent of Madagascar vanilla and mixed fruits accompanied by white musk and amber forming the base notes, creating an irresistible and empowering aroma. The packaging of the enchanting fragrance is also inspired by Tytler’s visionary creations, boasting bold colours and modern aesthetics, inviting consumers into the realm of daring sophistication.

Sharing his excitement around the launch, Zaeden, the visionary behind SOL, says, “With the launch of ‘Unchained’, we bring together the worlds of fashion and fragrance. After the successful launch of ‘Mystic Voice’ and ‘Sweet Sea’, our third fragrance represents the evolution and diversification of SOL as a brand, while staying true to our philosophy of capturing ‘Stories Of Life’. Siddartha Tytler’s creative boldness resonates with our commitment to provide our users with unique sensory journeys. Personally, this fragrance reflects my values as an artist of freedom and self-expression, and is sure to leave a blissful mark. This launch is just an indication of our continued efforts towards innovation and our commitment to think out of the box in order to create the most distinctive aromas.”

Siddartha Tytler adds, “As a person who has been obsessed with fragrances since childhood, it has always been a dream to create one myself. Thanks to ‘SOL’ and Zaeden, to ignite my imagination and for making this dream come true. Hopefully it continues in the future. The fragrance ‘Unchained’ is absolutely divine and evocative — I’m simply obsessed.”

‘Unchained’ by SOL in collaboration with Siddartha Tytler is an olfactory experience crafted for the free-spirited, confident souls who embody the synergy between fashion and fragrance. Launched by Zaeden out of his passion for fragrances, SOL marks his first venture as an entrepreneur. The fragrance is available exclusively on SOL’s website and invites all to break free from conventions and embrace their individuality.