Category Archives: News

FLO Hyderabad launches Centre of Excellence for Training Women Vegetable Farming

Hyderabad, May 30, 2024….. FLO Hyderabad launches ‘Centre of Excellence for Training Women Vegetable Farming’ in the city outskirts at Ravalkole Village, Medchal Dist. FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) Hyderabad and East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation inked an MoU on Wednesday to train 100 women farmers in commercial vegetable farming. They will be trained in cultivating, managing, and harvesting nearly 50 hybrid varieties of vegetables and greens.

Over the next three crop seasons, the FLO Hyderabad Centre of Excellence will train 100 women farmers in the art and science of efficient, profitable, and sustainable vegetable farming. They will be trained in the cultivation, management, and harvesting of nearly 50 different hybrid varieties of vegetables and greens, including Bitter gourd, Chilli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Ridge gourd, Bottle gourd, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Red Sorrel, okra, Onion and many more.

These women will not only learn the skills necessary to thrive in agriculture but will also be equipped to become trainers themselves, spreading their knowledge and expertise to others in their communities and creating an unbroken chain of self-sufficiency.

The women farmers will be taught advanced techniques to enhance crop diversity, increase productivity, and ensure water efficiency. These sustainable farming practices will also benefit the environment, promoting a more resilient and productive agricultural sector.

Apart from skill-building in farming, FLO will also focus on the development of entrepreneurial skills amongst the 100 women farmers. Through digital and financial literacy classes, they will learn the skills needed to manage and grow their agricultural ventures effectively. This knowledge will empower them to take control of their financial futures and build sustainable businesses.

The women farmers will also get crucial health and nutrition advice, and health checks so that they and their families – especially female members – can access a healthier and better quality of life.

Agriculture, the backbone of our nation, plays a vital role in ensuring food security and driving economic growth. By introducing better farming techniques, we can significantly enhance productivity, ensure sustainability, and improve the quality of life for women farmers.

This pioneering year-long agriculture initiative, actualised with the scientific collaboration of East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation marks a significant step towards FLO Hyderabad’s endeavour to build capacities of women at the grassroots.

“Resilient Roots, our Agriculture Initiative for the year 2024-25, aligns perfectly with FLO’s mission of ‘The Power to Empower.’ We believe that by empowering women in agriculture, we are not only creating avenues for financial agency among them but also addressing gender disparity by fostering inclusive growth and development. Social impact initiatives at the grassroots not only transform individual lives but also contribute to the broader socio-economic development of our communities.

We are glad to collaborate with Dutch MNC East-West Seed for this initiative. East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation (EWS-KT) launched programs in India in 2016, and has since trained more than 80,000 smallholder farmers in advanced vegetable techniques to improve their livelihoods in 5 States across India (Odisha, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka). It is our privilege to launch their Telangana program through FLO Hyderabad” said Priya Gazdar, Chairperson, FLO Hyderabad.

“I envision that this Centre of Excellence becomes more than just a training facility – it has the potential to become a beacon of hope, a gateway of opportunity, and a pillar of progress. And stand as a testament to what can be achieved when organisations together with a shared vision of inclusivity and empowerment. Together, we are planting the seeds for a brighter, more equitable future in farming”, Priya Gazdar, Chairperson, FLO Hyderabad added.

Infovision Wins Bronze Stevie(R) Award in 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards

Pune, 30th May 2024- Infovision was named the winner of a Bronze Stevie® Award in the Achievement in Product Innovation category in the 11th annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards today.

The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards are the only business awards program to recognize innovation in the workplace in all 29 markets of the Asia-Pacific region. The Stevie Awards are widely considered to be the world’s premier business awards, conferring recognition for achievement in programs such as The International Business Awards® for 22 years.

Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word for “crowned,” the winners were celebrated during a gala awards ceremony on Friday, 24 May in Manila, the Philippines.

More than 1,000 nominations from organizations across the Asia-Pacific region were considered this year in categories such as Award for Excellence in Innovation in Products & Services, Award for Innovative Management, and Award for Innovation in Corporate Websites, among many others. Infovision won in the Achievement in product innovation category.

In the ever-evolving landscape of fintech innovation, InfoVision’s BORDCASH stands as a shining example of ingenuity and forward-thinking. Awarded the prestigious Bronze for Achievement in Product Innovation, BORDCASH aims to transform the realm of cross-border transactions, breaking down barriers with its speed, security, and inclusivity. Developed on the cutting-edge blockchain framework, this platform redefines what is possible in global financial exchanges.

Sean Yalamanchi, President at InfoVision, expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishment, stating, “This award is a reflection of our team’s passion and dedication to innovation. BORDCASH is more than a solution; it’s a commitment to creating a more interconnected and accessible financial world for all.”

Gold, Silver and Bronze Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 100 executives around the world acting as judges in February and March.

IndusInd Bank sparks the excitement for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2024 with an exclusive Trophy Experience

Chandigarh, May 30, 2024: IndusInd Bank, a global partner of the International Cricket Council, concluded the much-coveted Trophy Experience in Mumbai and Gurgaon, held in anticipation of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The trophy experience reflected the Bank’s faith in the transformative power of sports, and its commitment towards nurturing lasting emotional bonds among fans.

Hosted across 10 distinct branches and offices, the trophy experience strengthened the Bank’s brand presence and helped forge deeper bonds with its customers, employees and cricket fans. This immersive experience not only celebrated the spirit of cricket but also emphasized the Bank’s dedication towards uniting cricket enthusiasts, providing enriching fan experiences to them and weaving unforgettable memories in their lives.

Mr. Soumitra Sen, Head – Consumer Banking and Marketing, IndusInd Bank, said, “We’re thrilled to offer one-of-a-kind experiences to fans and cricket enthusiasts leading up to and during the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2024. We deeply believe in the transformative impact of sports and strive to ignite passion among fans. The fantastic response to the trophy experience reaffirms our commitment as we work to deepen our bond and connect with cricket enthusiasts globally.”

The trophy experience traversed across select branches and offices of IndusInd Bank at iconic locations in Mumbai and Gurgaon, including Nariman Point, Colaba, Marine Drive, Peddar Road and Opera House in Mumbai, and Palm Springs and DLF Cyber City in Gurgaon. Here are experiences shared by fans who had the opportunity to experience the trophy up close during the tour:

Padamjeet Sehrawat, an IndusInd Bank customer, with the trophy at one of the bank’s branches in Gurgaon

Padamjeet Sehrawat, a Gurgaon branch customer

of IndusInd Bank, expressed his enthusiasm,

“Seeing the trophy, I had goose-bumps, and

my heart was pounding. All the best to Team India!

May we achieve glory with the Indian team

lifting the trophy this year. Go Team India!”

Rakesh Srivastava, a Gurgaon branch customer

Rakesh Srivastava, an IndusInd Bank customer, with the trophy at one of the bank’s branches in Gurgaon of IndusInd Bank, exclaimed, “It’s great to

see the trophy experience organized by

IndusInd Bank. May the best team win the

trophy. As an Indian, I hope that the winning team

is India. It will be amazing to see the

winning trophy in the hands of the Indian

team, with over a billion Indians enjoying

the tournament and the victory.”

V. E. Belani, an IndusInd Bank customer, with the trophy at one of the bank’s branches in Mumbai (1)

Lenovo India’s Brave New Art Sweeps Four Awards at The 16th Annual Shorty

India, 30 May 2024: At the 16th Annual Shorty Awards conducted in New York City, Lenovo India achieved remarkable success, sweeping away four key awards for its social media campaign, ‘Brave New Art’. This is the first time a Lenovo campaign from India has achieved global recognition.

In the CTV/OTT category, Lenovo India emerged as the Winner, demonstrating its excellence in reaching audiences through digital media platforms. The campaign’s Product Feature Video earned an Audience Honor in Gold, showcasing its engaging and impactful content. The Micro Influencer Strategy was recognized with a Gold award, highlighting its effectiveness in leveraging influencers for brand promotion. The campaign’s innovative use of Technology earned it an Audience Honor in Bronze, further solidifying its position as a pioneering and successful social media initiative.

Lenovo & Intel’s branded content series ‘Brave New Art’ – Season 1 and Season 2 have been streaming on Disney+ Hotstar and other social media platforms, since April 2023. The series united artists across different mediums to forge a never-imagined-before creative fusion. The selected creators designed immersive pieces of art with the help of Lenovo Yoga laptops. The Yoga portfolio empowers such creators with features that provide performance, mobility, and versatility, thereby helping them showcase their creativity and pushing the boundaries of innovation with the help of AI.

The campaign series is also accessible on YouTube, and it has secured up to 40 million video views across platforms with an impressive 9.5 IMDB rating.

The Shorty Awards (also known as “The Shortys”) are awards for outstanding and innovative work in digital and social media content by brands, advertising agencies, and creators. Notable Shorty Award winners include Malala Yousafzai, Trevor Noah, Michelle Obama, Conan O’Brien, Lady Gaga, Bill Nye, and Lizzo. Brands and organizations such as Chipotle, Duolingo, Marvel Studios, HBO, Red Bull, Airbnb, Nestle, BMW, UNICEF and the Human Rights Campaign have also been awarded.

Jammu & Kashmir and North-Eastern States witness surge in AePS transactions: PayNearby Report

Mumbai, 30 May, 2024: The significant adoption of financial services in Jammu & Kashmir has led to its transition towards a ‘Viksit’ Union Territory, aligned with the broader vision of a Prosperous Bharat. The government’s initiative towards digitization has further resulted in the success of AePS (Aadhar-enabled Payment System) adoption in the union territory. A similar trend has been witnessed in a report released by PayNearby indicating a growth of over 134% in value and 89% in the volume of AePS transactions in FY24, at Jammu & Kashmir retail stores. Likewise, MicroATM transactions at retail stores in the Union Territory saw a 31% increase in both value and volume.

Additionally, the report indicates a strong shift towards digital payments with the transactions on UPI QR codes at retail outlets growing by an impressive 84%.

PayNearby, India’s leading branchless banking and digital network, today released its ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Digital Empowerment’ report highlighting the growing acceptance of assisted financial and digital services at semi-urban and rural retail stores such as kirana stores, medical stores, and mobile recharge stores.

The report indicated a similar trend in the Northeastern states of India, which have seen remarkable growth in AePS transactions. Meghalaya tops the chart with a 1000% growth in AePS transaction value and a 712% increase in the number of transactions, showcasing the region’s rapid acceptance of financial services. This is followed by Nagaland and Assam, both of which also demonstrated impressive growth in AePS transaction value and the number of transactions.

In terms of MicroATM transactions, Mizoram and Meghalaya witnessed a growth in transaction value and volume. Transaction value of both these states grew by 55% and 43% respectively, whereas volume grew by 33% and 43% respectively.

Anand Kumar Bajaj, Founder, MD & CEO, PayNearby, said, “Over the past few years, we have witnessed an extraordinary transformation in financial & digital services across Bharat, especially in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast states. This reflects the critical role of retail outlets in facilitating easy access to banking services, especially in areas where traditional bank branches may not be easily accessible. We are dedicated to empowering local retailers and ensuring that essential financial and digital services are accessible to everyone and everywhere.”

The report further highlights the growing reliance on and trust in local retail stores to provide essential financial services such as cash withdrawals, deposits, credit, e-commerce, and insurance. Notably, Assam led with an increase in the number of retailers offering financial services and growth in overall transaction volumes at retail stores. Additionally, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh were the top two states experiencing a rise in e-commerce transactions at these stores, showcasing an increase in the adoption of online shopping among the aspirational population that requires handholding in conducting such transactions.

Moreover, Punjab has witnessed the highest growth in disbursing MSME loans through retail stores, with a notable 29% increase. Insurance disbursals through retail stores also saw a significant uptick, with Kerala and Madhya Pradesh recording 24% and 14% increase, respectively.

The report has been prepared based on transactions across 12 lakhs plus retail touchpoints throughout the country. The findings of the report are based on business data collected for a comparison period, ranging from FY 2023-24 vis-à-vis the corresponding previous financial year.

Keep Irving Beautiful Visits Heritage Senior Center for Art Project

Irving, TX, May 29, 2024 — On May 22, Keep Irving Beautiful (KIB) staff visited the Heritage Senior Center (HSC), 200 S. Jefferson St., for a birdhouse painting project with the seniors. The seniors gathered in the crafts room and spent the morning flexing their artistic talents and creativity.

HSC Recreation Specialist T.J. Friedel organizes different craft projects for the seniors to sign up for each month. “We appreciate KIB for coming out today and bringing the birdhouses,” said Friedel. “This is the first of many art projects we hope to do with them. Having the birdhouses to paint was a nice change, and the participants really enjoyed it.”

“KIB has had an ongoing relationship with the HSC for many years,” said KIB Board member Rachel Moon. “We enjoy visiting the center on a regular basis to promote KIB activities and programs or participate in special events. It’s an important part of our outreach that extends to all ages here in Irving.”

Keep Irving Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the community about litter abatement, recycling, and beautification to help preserve the health and promote the social and economic prosperity of the city. As an award-winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful, Keep Irving Beautiful reaches out to all sectors of the community, including government, businesses, churches, as well as cultural, educational, neighborhood and civic organizations. For more information on volunteering with KIB or making an activity a “green event,” visit, CityofIrving.org/KIB or call (972) 721-2175.

Second Annual Queer Women and Trans Hockey Tournament Returns Bigger and Better Than Ever

Toronto, Canada, May 29, 2024 — Anticipation is building for the second annual Queer Women and Trans Hockey Tournament, set to take place on May 31 and June 1 at the Ford Performance Centre. This year’s tournament will benchmark what it means to create inclusive spaces in sports, with a record-breaking 200 hockey players registered, a first-ever Pride sledge hockey showcase game, and a new queer vendor market.

The tournament is a testament to the growing visibility and importance of LGBTQ+ representation in sports. Organized by passionate advocates for inclusion within the hockey world, the event has garnered support from prominent organizations including Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, the Professional Women’s Hockey League, Pride Toronto, Peaches Sports Bar, Fierce Hockey, and CCM.

“This tournament is about more than just hockey; it’s about creating a space where queer women and trans athletes feel seen, supported, and celebrated,” said Cagla Baktiroglu, co-organizer of the event. “Through the power of sport, we’re breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of community that extends far beyond the ice.”

With the generous support of sponsors, all proceeds from the tournament will be donated to local charities making a meaningful impact in the LGBTQ+ community. Beneficiaries include the Orange Jersey Project, Hamilton Trans Health Coalition, and the Get REAL movement, all dedicated to promoting equality, acceptance, and resources for the LGBTQ+ community.

Marley Bowen and Chris Studer, Executive Directors of the Get REAL Movement said “In yet another year of intense polarization, hate, and violence against marginalized communities, we are so grateful for the support from TPHT to help us continue to combat 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination, racism, and bullying across the country. With all the funds we receive going towards leadership opportunities for marginalized youth and educational programming delivered by inspiring Black and 2SLGBTQ+ role models, this partnership will undoubtedly have a direct positive impact on individuals and communities.”

The Queer Women and Trans Hockey Tournament serves as a beacon of progress within the sports world, challenging stereotypes and paving the way for a more inclusive future. By bringing together players, fans, and supporters with diverse experiences, the tournament exemplifies the transformative power of sport in uniting communities and driving positive change.