Category Archives: News

Chennai’s 18-30-Year-Olds Call the Shots on Snacking at home, Godrej Yummiez Study Shows

Chennai, 16^th May 2024: The International Day of Families is celebrated annually on May 15th. In India, one of the key moments that brings families together is the daily ‘chai time and snacks.’ This tradition transcends age groups, from kids to senior citizens, making it a perfect bonding time for families. An interesting study titled ‘STTEM – Safety, Technology, Taste, Ease & Mood Uplifter’ – The India Snacking Report (Volume I) by Godrej Yummiez, a brand of ready-to-cook products from Godrej Tyson Foods Ltd (GTFL), examines which age group typically decides on the choice of snacks consumed in families, amidst the plethora of options available in the market. This insight into family snacking dynamics is particularly insightful as we celebrate the International Day of Families, highlighting the role of food and snacks in bringing families together.

According to the report, youths (male-female both) aged between 18–30 take the lead in deciding the family’s snacking choice, accounting for 34%, kids at 27%, followed by Adults and Senior Citizen at 22% and 12% respectively. When compared across regions, the Godrej Yummiez report shows that youth in the East have the highest influence in making snacking choices, scoring 40%. Following closely behind are youth in the West, with a score of 34%. Meanwhile, youth in the North and South of India demonstrate a comparable level of influence on snacking choices, with 33% and 32%, respectively.

Speaking about the insights and the report, Mohit Marwaha, AVP – Yummiez, Godrej Tyson Foods Limited (GTFL), stated, “Godrej Yummiez is proud to be a category thought leader, deeply understanding consumers and shaping trends that redefine the frozen ready-to-cook segment. Our India Snacking Report is a testament to this commitment, offering valuable insights into snacking trends and highlighting the increasing influence of youth in shaping family snacking choices. It’s fascinating to see the significant shift in traditional family dynamics, with youngsters aged 18–30 now taking the lead in deciding snacking preferences. This trend reflects the evolving consumer landscape and the growing demand for affordable, convenient, and easy-to-make options, and encourages youths to explore new snacking categories.”

One interesting trend highlighted in the report is the emerging role of children in snack decision-making, particularly in Hyderabad, where they account for 33% of choices. The report also provides city-wise data on youth-led snacking decisions across India’s key cities. Kolkata leads with 40% of youth influencing family snacking choices, followed by Lucknow at 37%, Ahmedabad at 36%, Bangalore at 35%, and Mumbai at 34%. Delhi and Jaipur tie at 32%, while Pune and Chennai follow closely at 31% and 30%, respectively.

Commissioned by Godrej Yummiez, ‘STTEM – Safety, Technology, Taste, Ease & Mood Uplifter’ – The India Snacking Report (Volume I) was conducted by InQognito Insights. The study was conducted across North, South, West, and East regions and covered 10 cities like Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.

Makoonites Celebrate Mother’s Day In Their Respective Branches

New Delhi, May 16th, 2024: Makoons Play School, one of the leading play school chains in India, celebrated International Mother’s Day to honour all the SuperMoms on May 12th 2024, across all their branches. To celebrate the spirit of motherhood, Makoons Play School has organised a day filled with fun activities and bonding sessions between the moms and kids.

The day started with Art and Craft Workshop, wherein children prepared handmade gifts for their moms as souvenirs. The second activity was the Talent Show Extravaganza, wherein children performed different shows of small durations on the theme of Motherhood. The third event on the list was Bonding with Mom, in which the children and their moms came forward to play various games in an association, which promoted bonding and fostered a spirit of teamwork between moms and their children. The day concluded with Luncheon With Mommy, in which a designated space, for lunch and tea with tables, chairs, and food items, was set up. In this event, children were at their free will to invite their moms to enjoy the event collectively with them. All the activities took place within the school premises, and under adult supervision.

Speaking expressly about the planned campaign Dr. Shalini Agarwal, Director of Academics at Makoons Group of Schools said, ‘The importance of mothers cannot be estimated in the lives of their children. In the absence of a mother, a child would go astray. It is always the mother who lays the foundation of an intellectual of the future. To pay homage to all the mothers of the community, and to strengthen the bond of a child with their mothers, we are committed to organising such events in future, because we want our children to be equally sound in values and ethics as they are in academics.’

Institutions and society must work together to further these important morals and values in the children today, who are growing up in a scientifically advanced society, wherein these aspects of personality are not so well catered to. Without brooding their moral and ethical understanding, they cannot grow into becoming well-rounded intellectuals of tomorrow solely on the strength of academics.

Farmers’ Association Report: Agriculture Budget Surges 300 percent in 9 Years

New Delhi, 16 May 2024: The Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA), a non-profit organization representing the cause of millions of farmers and farm workers of commercial crops across the States of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka etc. convened a seminar today at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi – Ensuring Farmer Livelihoods: Enhancing Farmer Incomes Through Sustainable Farming Practices.

During the seminar, FAIFA released a Report titled – TRANSFORMATION IN INDIA’S AGRICULTURE which highlighted key achievements in the agriculture sector in the last decade. The Report also put forward strategies to enhance farmer incomes in a sustainable manner. The seminar was graced by Sh. GVL Narasimha Rao, Former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha. The Key Speakers in the seminar were Prof MV Ashok, Senior Adviser BAIF Research and Development Foundation Pune and Former Chief General Manager, NABARD and Dr. JP Tandon, Former Director, Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

While addressing the audience during the seminar Chief Guest Sh. GVL Narasimha Rao, Former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha said, “With my extensive experience in the agriculture sector including the dairy sector, I understand the challenges confronting farmers. So I can say with some conviction that farmers must unite and collaborate to address these challenges collectively. Through initiatives such as Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) or cooperatives, they can harness the strength of the collective organization to better their circumstances and secure a brighter future for themselves.”

“Indian agriculture is currently undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the remarkable accomplishments of our government, under the leadership of our Honourable Prime Minister. Over the past decade, we have consistently achieved a commendable growth rate of 4 percent in the sector and I am optimistic that this momentum will only accelerate in the coming years, surpassing even the 4 percent mark. With the projected annual population growth rate of 2.5 percent, our nation is poised to not only meet its own food requirements but also have surplus produce for export to global markets. It’s a ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’ that in the next 10 years there will be bumper growth for farmers and the agricultural sector.” Sh. Narasimha added.

The FAIFA Report put the spotlight on the term “Jai Kisan,” emphasizing that the diverse fabric of India’s agricultural economy has been a consistent aspect of its identity throughout history. It acclaimed the farmers or the Annadaatas and stated that they have earned the foremost access to opportunities without question. The FAIFA Report commended the government’s decade-long efforts, acknowledging a comprehensive approach that has borne fruit. From initiatives supporting farmers’ income, agricultural insurance schemes and expanded irrigation coverage to promoting organic farming, empowering women farmers, bolstering infrastructure and digitizing services, the government has embraced a holistic strategy in championing the cause of the farmers.

The Report conducted an extensive analysis of the government’s achievements, providing a wealth of facts and figures. Some noteworthy highlights provided in the document include:

A remarkable 300 percent plus increase in budget allocation for agriculture over the span of 9 years
Over 11 crore farmers benefited from the PM Kisan scheme
A massive 7350 percent increase in pulses procurement at MSP
Production of over 330.5 million metric tons of food grains in the fiscal year 2022-23
Creation of 4.60 lakh Seed Villages and production of over 102 million metric tons of seeds
Recognition of over 7,000 Agri and allied start-ups in the agricultural sector
Coverage of 76 lakh hectares under the Per Drop More Crop (Drip Irrigation) initiative since 2015
Achievement of 221.06 million metric tons of milk production, marking a 51 percent increase over 9 years
Coverage of over 11 lakh hectares under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) since 2016, among various other notable accomplishments

Mr. Javare Gowda, President, Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) on the release of the Report said, “The strides made by the government in the agriculture sector and for farmers are commendable. Efforts are being tirelessly invested in augmenting farmer income and ensuring their security, aiding our invaluable ‘Annadata’ in feeding our nation and the world too. Key policy initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY), Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) have played pivotal roles in extending financial and income support to farmers. For instance, the PM-KISAN Samman Yojana annually provides direct financial assistance to lakhs of farmers, including marginal and small farmers, totalling over Rs 2.80 lakh crore disbursed so far. Also, crop insurance coverage has been extended to 4 crore farmers under PMFBY.”

The comprehensive crop insurance policy serves as a vital shield for farmers, offering protection against unforeseeable natural calamities thereby safeguarding their livelihoods and preventing financial ruin. Another significant achievement highlighted in the Report is the historic increase in Minimum Support Prices (MSPs), where for the first time the MSP for all 22 crops was set at a minimum of 50 percent more than the production cost. The government has ensured this since the agricultural year 2018-19.

Notably, there has been a consistent upward trajectory in MSPs for 22 Kharif and Rabi crops. Over the past decade, farmers have received nearly Rs. 18 lakh crore as MSP for paddy and wheat crops alone, a figure 2.5 times higher than the preceding decade before 2014. Additionally, government procurement of oilseeds and pulses crops, which was previously negligible, has seen a significant increase. In the last decade, farmers producing oilseeds and pulses have received over Rs. 1.25 lakh crore as MSP, underscoring a tangible commitment to supporting farmers across diverse crop categories.

Mr. Ather Matheen, Vice-President, Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA), “The MSP initiatives by the government have been a tremendous relief for farmers across the country. The significant increase in Minimum Support Prices for various crops has provided much-needed stability and assurance to farmers, enabling them to invest confidently in their agricultural endeavors. We also earnestly appeal to the government to continue this commendable work and further promote digital platforms for the benefit of farmers. Platforms like e-NAM hold immense potential to revolutionize the agricultural landscape by facilitating seamless online trading of agriculture and horticulture commodities, empowering farmers with greater market access and fairer prices. Moreover, initiatives like the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund will play a pivotal role in boosting farmer incomes in the long run, fostering sustainability and prosperity within the agricultural sector.”

Launched on July 8, 2020, the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) is a financing facility aimed at developing post-harvest management infrastructure and community farm assets, focusing on infrastructure at the farm gate. The scheme offers medium to long-term debt financing for viable projects through interest subvention and credit guarantee support. Under AIF, financing facility are being provided to create and modernise post-harvest management infrastructure like dry and cold storage infrastructure, ripening chambers, pack houses, primary processing centres, assaying units, cold chains, supply chain infrastructure including e-marketing platform, logistic facility alongside community farming assets like bio-stimulant production, farm and harvest automation, infrastructure for smart and precision farming, organic input production, remote sensing and IoT- based farming infrastructure among others.

The FAIFA Report also pointed out the government’s effort to actively promote digital inclusion and mechanization to foster productivity and stressed on the continuity of such initiatives. The launch of the digital platform e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) in 2016 has facilitated the integration of Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees (APMC) mandis and has provided multi-faceted benefits to farmers, farmer-producer organizations (FPOs), buyers and traders. The number of markets linked to the e-NAM platform has increased from 250 in 2016 to 1,389 in 2023, facilitating the online trading of 209 agriculture and horticulture commodities. The platform has witnessed the registration of over 1.8 crore farmers and 2.5 lakh traders promoting market opportunities through a transparent price discovery system and online payment facility. Further, the value of trade on the platform has increased from Rs 0.3 lakh crore in August 2017 to over Rs 3 lakh crore in November 2023.

MSME Growth Conclave organised by MSME Development Forum WB

Kolkata, 16th May, 2024: MSME Development Forum, West Bengal a renowned platform that promotes the cause of the MSME sector in the state organised a MSME Growth Conclave at The Spring Club, Kolkata. The event was inaugurated by Chief Guest: Sri. Vivek Gupta, MLA and was organised by CS (Dr.) Adv. Mamta Binani, President of MSME Development Forum WB Chapter. The Guest of Honour was Sri. Rajnish Goenka, Chairman of MSME Development Forum; Sri. P C Khurana, Zonal Head of Central Bank of India East & many other eminent personalities.

On this occasion, Sri. Vivek Gupta, MLA said, “I am elated to inaugurate The MSME Growth Conclave which aims to catalyse the next wave of growth opportunities, tackle challenges and foster knowledge exchange and networking to establish the groundwork for sustainable growth in Indian MSMEs and mentioned about West Bengal having the second highest number of MSMEs. He congratulated the Kolkata Chapter for inaugurating the MSME office in Salt Lake.”

Speaking to the media, CS (Dr.) Adv. Mamta Binani, President of MSME Development Forum WB Chapter said, “The conclave was held with an objective to showcase the talent and entrepreneurship of West Bengal in the very vital space of MSMEs. West Bengal houses very passionate MSMEs in the country and this program was held with the objective of disseminating the advantages that MSMEs have and the various schemes that the Government has for them.”

On this occasion, Sri. Rajnish Goenka, Chairman of MSME Development Forum said, “This conclave provides a platform for policymakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, strategies, and success stories, fostering a collaborative environment that highlights the importance of MSMEs in achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth.”On this occasion, Sri. P C Khurana, Zonal Head of Central Bank of India East said, “MSMEs, or micro, small, and medium enterprises, are vital for the economic growth and development of India. They provide employment opportunities, contribute to manufacturing and exports, and support innovation and entrepreneurship.”

The MSME Growth Conclave had sessions on the pathways available for the MSME, including the Initial Public Offering route given by the stock exchanges that is the SME IPO route powered by GYR Capital Advisors. The MSME Growth Conclave was followed by the Book Launch on MSME Sector which is Co Authored by CS (Dr.) Adv. Mamta Binani, President of MSME Development Forum WB Chapter & CA Sanjib Sanghi, Chairman EIRC of ICAI. The program had multiple moderated panel sessions along with a fireside chat. Following the MSME Growth Conclave & Chat Session the announcement of a new office of MSME at Salt Lake was made & gratitude was extended to Sri Ashish Mittal, Director, Golden Tulip Hotel for his support.

CBRE Report Views of Mr. Amit Sarin, Managing Director, Anant Raj Limited

Mr. Amit Sarin, Managing Director, Anant Raj Limited

The Indian data center sector is growing, driven by strong government support and the demands of the IT sector, global capability centers (GCC), and the expanding digital economy, including social media, e-commerce, digital transactions, online gaming, and streaming services. This surge presents significant investment opportunities for businesses providing top-tier data center infrastructure and services.

Recognizing this potential, we plan to invest over Rs. 10,000 crores to develop a 307-megawatt data center across three locations: Manesar, Rai, and Panchkula. The buildings are ready for a 157 MW capacity campus, with the remainder to be developed as greenfield projects. The initial capacity is already operational, and the next phase will be operational in the coming days.

Our future plans in this segment include forming strategic partnerships, leveraging technological advancements, and expanding into emerging markets to capitalize on the growing demand for data. Once our entire planned capacity is fully operational, we will hold a significant market share in this segment.

ENTOD Pharmaceuticals Partners With Rotary Club To Donate Ambulance To Machhal Village

New Delhi, 15th May 2024: ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Bombay Seacoast, has undertaken a CSR initiative by donating an ambulance to the remote village of Machhal in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, situated just 4 km from the Line of Control (LOC).

The symbolic handover of the ambulance occurred at the Sahi Memorial Hospital, amidst the presence of our armed forces, with Mr. Kishore Masurkar, Chairman of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, presenting the vehicle to the Sarpanch of Machhal village.

With a geographical area spanning 212.1 hectares and a population of 1614, Machhal village has long faced dire medical challenges. The absence of adequate healthcare facilities has compelled residents to undertake arduous journeys of over 130 km to Kupwara and Srinagar, navigating treacherous mountainous terrain during emergencies.

Emphasising the significance of their initiative Mr. Kishore Masurkar, Chairman of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, said, “Our commitment to corporate social responsibility extends beyond business success. By donating this ambulance to Machhal village, we are not just providing medical aid but also nurturing a lifeline for those in need. This initiative resonates with our core values of community welfare and shows our societal responsibility.”

Echoing the sentiment, Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, highlighted the transformative impact of the ambulance donation. He remarked, “Access to timely healthcare is a fundamental right, yet many remote communities like Machhal face significant challenges in receiving medical assistance. With this ambulance, we aim to bridge the gap and ensure that every individual, irrespective of their geographic location, has access to quality healthcare. At ENTOD, our primary goal is to work towards improving lives and making a substantial difference in the communities we serve.”

This ambulance will serve as an important resource for Machhal village residents during medical emergencies, facilitating rapid transfers to city hospitals and significantly enhancing access to healthcare services.

SOS Children’s Villages India Celebrates Mother’s Day, Honoring Caregivers

Delhi NCR, 14 May 2024: SOS Children’s Villages India, a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to providing care and support to vulnerable children celebrated Mother‘s Day across all 31 villages and 27 project locations spanning 22 states in India. The idea was to pay tribute to motherhood and honour the invaluable role played by the SOS Mothers in fostering a nurturing and stable environment for children in need.

At SOS Children’s Villages, Mother’s Day is a cherished occasion because the mothers play the most critical role in its functioning – without a mother, caring for the vulnerable in a home-like environment will be incomplete, especially during the first 10 years of a child’s life.

This year, the children took the lead in highlighting the essence of family like care programme that they are in. In order to make their mothers feel special, the children took charge of the leisure activities for the day, which was spent together as a family, with love, and laughter. Right from making sweet, personalised greeting cards to decorating their respective homes, their enthusiasm was palpable as it further strengthened their bonds with their mothers.

Speaking about the gesture shown by the children, Sumanta Kar, CEO of SOS Children’s Villages India, said, “At SOS Children’s Villages India, we recognise and value the critical importance of a stable family in a child’s life. Unfortunately, not every child enjoys this privilege. Our children have done us proud by celebrating their mothers’ initiative – a testament to the indispensable role that all mothers play in fostering lifelong bonds and positively impacting countless lives. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all mothers, whose love and dedication shape brighter future for the children under their care.”

At SOS Children’s Villages India, children are at the heart of everything we do, striving to provide the children with adequate care for their holistic growth. In this pursuit, SOS Children’s Villages adopts a community-based approach, recognising that the well-being of children is intricately linked to the strength and support of the communities they belong to. Within this framework, mothers emerge as important pillars, demonstrating remarkable strength and dedication.

Tata Power-DDL Hosts Affirmative Action Collaboration Meet with Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (Tata Power-DDL), a leading power utility supplying electricity to a populace of 7 million in North Delhi, in line with its commitment to social inclusion and support for Affirmative Action (AA) communities including promoting women entrepreneurs, recently organized a networking meet in collaboration with the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) on 3rd May 2024.

The networking session with the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry was orchestrated to showcase the leadership’s commitment towards the development and upliftment of the Business Associates.

The meet served as a platform to highlight Tata Group’s legacy of fostering social inclusion and supporting Business Associates (BAs) within the AA community.

With the progressive philosophy of ‘Be Job Givers, Not Job Takers’, the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an organization representing Dalit entrepreneurs belonging to the Affirmative Action community.

Commenting upon the objective of the meeting, Bharat Kumar Bhadawat, Chief – Contracts, EAC & Consumer Litigation, Tata Power-DDL said, “Following in the footsteps of Tata Group’, we are deeply committed to promoting social inclusion and fostering entrepreneurship. Tata Power-DDL has been the torch bearer of affirmative action and the meeting with DICCI is yet another endeavor to help our communities not only move up economically but also create ‘job givers’ within the community.”

The collaboration meet, was spearheaded by Mr. Bharat Kumar Bhadawat, Chief – Contracts, EAC & Consumer Litigation at Tata Power-DDL, along with eminent leaders from Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry including Mr. R. N. Narra, Padma Sri Awardee and National President, Mr. Sanjiv Dangi, National Vice President, and other DICCI members.

Participants expressed gratitude for the enriching experiences and insights gained from the leaders at Tata Power-DDL. The program has instilled a sense of purpose and empowerment, fostering a nation-building mindset among the participants.