3, Oct 2024
Couple Donates Land for Government Health Center in Kerala
Kottayam, 3 -10-2024: Retired Air Force officer and his wife, retired high school teacher Annamma Sunny, have donated 13.5 cents of land in the 12th ward of Neezhoor Grama Panchayat, at Madathiparambil, for the establishment of a government Health and Wellness Center. The foundation stone for the center was laid by the Honorable Minister for Cooperation, Registration, and Ports, V.N. Vasavan, during a ceremony held on Saturday. Kaduthuruthy MLA Adv. Mons Joseph, Kottayam Lok Sabha MP Francis George, local panchayat members, and officials from the health department also participated in the event.

In 2021, the couple had also donated land to build a house for a disabled family in the same panchayat, further demonstrating their dedication to community welfare. Minister V.N. Vasavan praised their selfless contributions to public health and social welfare, expressing the Kerala government’s gratitude. He noted that such initiatives will greatly improve the state’s healthcare system.
The couple’s elder son, Dr. Joseph Sunny, works as an occupational therapist for the Kerala Health Services at Govt.Mental Health Centre, Thrissur, and their daughter-in-law, Mrs. Ponnu Joseph, is the Director of Prayatna, a leading rehabilitation center in Kerala for autism and other psycho-neuro disorders.
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- By Rabindra
3, Oct 2024
Shantanu Maheshwari: ‘My Character Won’t Give Up on Love’ in Ishq In the Air
Mumbai, 3 October, 2024: Amazon MX Player – Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently made headlines with its latest romantic drama, Ishq In the Air. With an impressive IMDb rating of 8.5, this series features Shantanu Maheshwari and Medha Rana in pivotal roles. It follows the story of Naman, a shy Indore boy with a passion for photography, and Kavya, a hairstylist from the bustling city of Mumbai. When they unexpectedly meet at the airport during a delayed flight, their contrasting backgrounds ignite an unexpected bond.

Shantanu Maheshwari who essays the role of Naman, shed some light on his character, “Naman is a smart and intelligent individual, but he struggles with confidence, having always lived in the shadows of his family. He has consistently followed the path laid out for him, never truly having the opportunity to explore his own potential. However, with Kavya entering his life, his confidence gets a boost. He is also deeply respectful towards his family, valuing their importance.”
He further added, “What truly stands out about Naman is that he is a giver, someone who deeply empathizes with others’ pain. He combines this empathy with logical reasoning, which is portrayed in various scenes for the audience to witness. Despite the challenges, Naman remains determined. He refuses to give up on their love and approaches every situation logically.”
Get ready for takeoff into a whirlwind romance as Kavya and Naman’s fates intertwine in Ishq In The Air, streaming exclusively on Amazon MX Player, available within Amazon’s shopping app, on Prime Video, Fire TV, Smart TVs, and Play Store.
3, Oct 2024
Hungry Much? Snack Smarter with SnackPure, A New Name of Healthy, Flavour-Packed Snacking
Bengaluru, October 3, 2024: SnackPure (by Zuari), a guilt-free healthy snacking brand, is all set to take the Indian snacks and chips market by storm with its irresistible, palm-oil-free munchies. From the crunchy makhanas to the flavorsome namkeens and chips made from beetroot, soya, moong, ragi, or oats, these snacks are as delicious as they are nutritious. Packed with nutrients and all healthy vibes, SnackPure is here to take you on a flavourful ride. Whether it’s morning coffee, Netflix binges, or when the midnight munchies hit, SnackPure has got you covered with a range of mouthwatering snacks with a full flavour crunch, minus the guilt.

What’s Pop-ping?? SnackPure’s new lineup is fire, packed with flavors you won’t want to miss! First up, is the Millet Crunch—perfect for those mid-day “I-need-a-boost” moments while you’re working from home or at the office. If you’re in the mood for something spicy, the Peri-Peri Soya Sticks will blow up your taste buds with their crunch. And don’t forget the Garlic Moong Dal Chips; great for pairing with your favorite tea or coffee for a seriously flavorful snack.
Looking for something nutritious? The Ragi Poha Masala is spicy and delicious, making it a hit for everyone from your little cousin to your grandma. For late-night cravings, try the Beetroot Chips with a Jalapeno kick that has a zingy, sweet-spicy vibe that’s hard to resist. The Achari Ragi Chips are tangy and crispy, perfect for enjoying with dips or drinks. And let’s not overlook the Oat Chips with Cream & Onion; they deliver creamy, crunchy goodness that pairs beautifully with yogurt or chutney for a truly indulgent treat. Best of all, there’s no palm oil and no compromises—just good-for-you, flavorful snacking that hits differently.
SnackPure’s mission is to make snacking not just a tasty experience but one that’s packed with well being too. Because why should people have to choose between flavor and health? Each product is crafted with love and care, designed to fit into the fast-paced life while keeping busy souls fueled and focused.
SnackPure’s Head of Sales & Marketing, Mr. Ravi comments on the launch, “We’re beyond excited to drop these new snacks! SnackPure is all about delicious, guilt-free snacking that fits your busy lifestyle. We know health-conscious Gen Z and millennials want it all—great taste, zero bad stuff—so we made it happen. We‘re sure SnackPure is about to become your snack-time MVP, whether you’re munching at home, with friends, or just need a quick pick-me-up.”
With an exciting starting price of just 145 Rs, SnackPure’s tasty, guilt-free snacks are now available on Zuarifoods.com and Amazon with delivery across India. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to snack smarter, not harder
3, Oct 2024
BCE Honours Shreyas Webmedia Solutions at the 2024 Entrepreneurs Excellence Awards
October 3rd, 2024/Bhubaneswar: On October 2, 2024, the Business Club of Entrepreneurs (BCE) celebrated the spirit of entrepreneurship at the BCE Entrepreneurs Excellence Awards 2024 held at KT Global School in Barunei, Khordha, Odisha. The event showcased a remarkable gathering of innovators, creators, and business leaders, all dedicated to fostering growth and excellence within their communities.

The awards ceremony was meticulously organized by Ms. Nivedita Satpathy, the Convenor, alongside Acharya Madhuri as Co-Convenor. Key coordinators included Mr. P.K. Dixit, Ms. Snigdha Sangamitra, Prafulla Barik, and Purnendu Ray, who worked tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.
Shreyas Webmedia Solutions showcased an exhibit at the event and received recognition during the ceremony, where Ms. Rekha Nair, the Director of HR and Operations, was honored by the chief guest, Chandan Kar, a renowned Ollywood actor and IT professional. This accolade underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the digital realm.

Celebrating Local Talent
The event also celebrated the achievements of women from small-scale industries in Baripada, a rural area in Odisha. Their contributions to local entrepreneurship were acknowledged, highlighting the importance of empowering women in business and fostering a supportive environment for their growth.
The BCE Entrepreneurs Excellence Awards 2024 featured various categories, including the MSME Excellence Award, MSME Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, and MSME Young Entrepreneur of the Year. These awards aim to encourage and recognize outstanding performances within the micro, small, and medium enterprises sector.

Cultural Extravaganza
Beyond the awards, the event was enriched by vibrant cultural activities. Attendees enjoyed captivating performances, including traditional Odissi dance and the Paika dance, a martial folk dance of Odisha, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Dr. Deep Khare, Director & Principal of KT Global, along with Ms. Rinku Sarangi, Vice Principal, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship in driving economic development and cultural preservation.
Exhibitions and Networking
In addition to the awards, the event featured various exhibits, showcasing an array of local craftsmanship and industries. Stalls included handloom textiles, exquisite jewelry, Sambalpuri handloom products, Odisha pattachitra art, millet promotion initiatives, real estate options, and innovative water filter solutions. These exhibits provided a platform for entrepreneurs to network, share ideas, and promote their products.
The BCE Entrepreneurs Excellence Awards 2024 was a resounding success, celebrating the dynamism of local entrepreneurs and honoring those who have made significant contributions to their fields. With the participation of esteemed guests and local talents, the event not only recognized achievements but also inspired future generations to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. As the BCE continues to champion excellence in entrepreneurship, the impact of such events will surely resonate throughout the community for years to come.
3, Oct 2024
Top Decile startup fund TDV Partners launches their new fund of Rs 50 Crore
Bangalore, 3rd Oct, 2024: Early Stage focused micro VC firm Trillion Dollar Ventures has announced the launch of their second fund with a total corpus of Rs 50 Crore. The fund aims to back innovative founders with a global outlook from Day 1, supporting companies in the pre-seed and seed stages with cheque sizes ranging from Rs 1-2 crore per startup. The vision of the fund is to collaborate and nurture companies that can potentially become Trillion Dollar Ventures of tomorrow.

Founded in 2021, by Ujwal Sutaria, Founder & General Partner, TDV Partners, is a 2X founder turned investor, thus bringing in founders experience along with investing. He collaborates with entrepreneurs from pre-revenue stages, offering support in brainstorming ideas, finding PMF, gaining early traction and follow-on fundraising. The firm’s investment thesis focuses on backing serial founders or those with deep domain expertise, with a strong preference for high-tech, low-operations businesses. The fund lifecycle has also been kept between 5 – 7 years which is half of traditional fund life cycles that ranges from 10 – 12 years, thus returning capital faster to the LPs for more active deployments.
With the new fund launch, the VC firm will invest in business models like Platform plays, Marketplaces, and Exchange businesses across various consumer tech(B2C) categories such as Spirituality Tech, Fintech, Gaming, Creator Economy, Social, and Consumer Upgrade. TDV is one of the few funds in India today focusing on new category building segments like spiritual tech and consumer upgrade. The firm believes that they are at an inflection point to scout early stage companies in these sectors and back some of the eventual category winners generating a multi-bagger opportunity for the fund.
TDV Partners plans to begin deploying capital from Q3 of this financial year.
Ujwal Sutaria, Founder & GP, TDV Partners, says, “We want to back startups with potential of Trillion Dollar outcomes as our name reflects our genesis of backing startups. We believe in taking non consensus bets which is where a fund makes the alpha. Our proven track record with the last fund has encouraged us to double the target corpus with the second fund and increase the average investment size too. With our first fund, we have provided an exit opportunity within 2 years of investing in the company and generated over 60% IRR. The Fund I MOIC is 3 within two and a half years. We are confident of continuing our track record with the new fund as well.”
The Fund has already been receiving strong commitments from LPs in India as well as across countries like US, UK, UAE, SG further validating the early stage investment model and the high returns it can generate. The backers include top global unicorn founders, family offices and many CXOs across industries globally.
“There are few pre-seed focused funds in India, creating a bottleneck for visionary founders to raise capital quickly. We want to fill this market gap and provide support, access and growth to startups in addition to capital infusion,” he adds.
The due diligence process at TDV Ventures places a strong emphasis on founders. Significant time is spent understanding what founders are building, why they are building it, their vision, and how they plan to execute. This includes exploring the type of company they aim to create. Alongside traditional evaluations such as market size, competitor landscape, and potential to win, TDV Partners also focuses on how they can add value to the founders and their startups, making this a key differentiator in the investment process.
TDV Partners anticipates making 10-12 investments annually. Ujwal, with six+ years of startup investing experience and having run TDV Partners for the past three years, has already backed more than 30 companies, half of which have gone on to raise subsequent funding rounds.
Ujwal Sutaria has extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship. Previously an Associate Director at InnoVen Capital, he managed companies like Swiggy, Eruditus, Licious and Blackbuck. A 2X entrepreneur, Ujwal founded Athletto and FruitOn, and began his career at Powergrid, handling commercial aspects of their multibillion assets across India.
3, Oct 2024
Warivo Motor partners with Battery Smart to revolutionize B2B Electric Mobility
New Delhi, 03 October 2024: Warivo Motor India Pvt Ltd, a leading electric two-wheeler manufacturer, and Battery Smart, India’s largest battery swapping network for electric two and three-wheelers, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to integrate cutting-edge battery swapping technology into Warivo’s fleet, targeting the B2B market.
Following the recent launch of CRX- its first high-speed electric scooter, Warivo Motor aims to lower the upfront costs for fleet operators by decoupling the battery from the vehicle purchase. This innovative approach will not only make electric scooters more accessible to businesses but also ease their transition to sustainable transport solutions. Moreover, the integration of Battery Smart’s vast network of swapping stations will eliminate range anxiety, and also save time, by allowing fleet operators to quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones, ensuring uninterrupted service and greater efficiency in delivery and logistics operations.
By the end of 2025, Warivo plans to deploy over 20,000 electric scooters equipped with Battery Smart’s battery-swapping technology across India. This ambitious rollout underscores Warivo’s commitment to promoting clean mobility solutions and addressing the rising demand for sustainable transportation options.
Speaking about the partnership, Ms. Tanushree Bhattacharya, Assistant Vice President, Partnerships and Alliances, Battery Smart, stated, “The increasing demand for cost-effective and time-efficient solutions makes battery swapping a vital component of the EV market. Our collaboration with Warivo Motor allows fleet operators to utilize our extensive battery-swapping network, reducing operational costs and boosting efficiency. We are confident that this partnership will accelerate the electrification of commercial fleets across India, paving the way for a more sustainable future.”
Mr. Yuvraj Garg, Director of Warivo Motor, expressed enthusiasm about this partnership, stating, “This collaboration with Battery Smart marks a pivotal step in our journey to transform urban mobility. By incorporating battery-swapping technology into our B2B solutions, we are not only lowering operational costs for fleet operators but also making electric mobility more practical and accessible. With the recent launch of our CRX, a high-speed electric scooter crafted for everyone, our goal is to ensure our product caters to all segments, B2B and B2C equally suitable for all ages. We are confident that this partnership will accelerate the adoption of electric two-wheelers in the enterprise sector, advancing our vision for a more sustainable future.”
This strategic alliance marks a significant step forward in the electric mobility sector, empowering fleet operators with innovative solutions that enhance both cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.
Together, Warivo Motor and Battery Smart are committed to transforming urban transportation, fostering a sustainable ecosystem that prioritizes clean mobility and supports the growth of electric vehicles in India.
3, Oct 2024
Tata Motors registered total sales of 2,15,034 units in Q2 FY25
Bengaluru, October 3, 2024: Tata Motors Limited sales in the domestic & international market for Q2 FY 2024-25 stood at 2,15,034 vehicles, compared to 2,43,024 units during Q2 FY 2023-24.
Domestic Sales Performance:
| Category | Sept’24 | Sept’23 | %
Change |
Q2 FY25 | Q2 FY24 | %
Change |
| Total Domestic Sales | 69,694 | 82,023 | -15% | 2,09,861 | 2,37,128 | -11% |
Commercial Vehicles:
| Category | Sept’24 | Sept’23 | %
Change |
Q2 FY25 | Q2 FY24 | %
Change |
| HCV Trucks | 9,295 | 12,867 | -28% | 22,904 | 30,369 | -25% |
| ILMCV Trucks | 5,387 | 6,377 | -16% | 14,693 | 16,483 | -11% |
| Passenger Carriers | 3,101 | 3,344 | -7% | 10,935 | 10,622 | 3% |
| SCV cargo and pickup | 10,848 | 14,626 | -26% | 31,399 | 41,704 | -25% |
| Total CV Domestic | 28,631 | 37,214 | -23% | 79,931 | 99,178 | -19% |
| CV IB | 1,401 | 1,850 | -24% | 4,350 | 4,907 | -11% |
| Total CV | 30,032 | 39,064 | -23% | 84,281 | 104,085 | -19% |
Domestic sales of MH&ICV in Sept 2024, was 14,190 units vs 18,577 units in Sept 2023; In Q2 FY25 it was 37,372 units, compared to 45,174 units in Q2 FY24.
Domestic & International sales for MH&ICV in Sept 2024, was 14,839 units vs 19,199 units in Sept 2023; while in Q2 FY25 it stood at 39,433 units, vs 46,865 units in Q2 FY24.
Mr. Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors Ltd. said, “Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles domestic sales at 79,931 units in Q2 FY25 were ~19% lower than Q2 FY24 sales. Sales in September 2024 were ~11% higher compared to August 2024.
Slowdown in infrastructure project execution, reduction in mining activity and an overall drop in fleet utilization due to heavy rains resulted in the HCV segment record a 25% YoY decline in Q2 FY25 and the ILMCV segment register a 11% decline. The resilient demand in the passenger commercial vehicles business saw it register a 3% increase in Q2 FY25 over Q2 FY24. SCVPU volumes decline by 25% YoY, and we expect a gradual improvement as we press on with initiatives to address challenges in first-time user financing.
As we move forward, with the rains easing, increased infrastructure spending, and the arrival of the festive season boosting consumption, we anticipate demand to pick up gradually in Q3, led by ILMCV and Buses, followed by M&HCV and SCVPU.”
3, Oct 2024
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Registers 14% Growth in September 2024
Bangalore, 03 October 2024: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) continues to record positive sales momentum by registering a 14% increase in wholesale sales in September 2024 compared to the same period last year. The company sold a total of 26,847 units, with domestic sales accounting for 23,802 units and exports totalling 3045 units.
In September 2023, the company had sold 23,590 units.
In the first 6-months of the Financial Year of 2024-2025, TKM achieved a notable increase in vehicle deliveries, reaching a total of 1,62,623 units. This marks the company’s strongest performance ever in India. For reference, the company had sold 1,23,939 units in the corresponding period of the previous financial year.
Commenting on the strong sales performance, Mr. Sabari Manohar – Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “As the festive fervour picks-up footfalls and enquiries are charged up which makes us positive of a very good festive season. Notably, our SUV, MPV, and small car segments have experienced significant growth nationwide, contributing over 90% to our sales in in the month of September.
Key to meeting this rising demand has been our strategic operational improvements, such as the introduction of a third shift. This has significantly optimized our supply chain, particularly for high-demand models where waiting periods have been reduced.
We have also consistently implemented customer-centric programs and value-added services aimed at further building on market synergies. In keeping with the festive spirit, we’ve introduced the 555 Plus program that offers exciting new schemes and customer benefits such as extended warranties, free service, Roadside Assistance and attractive exchange offers across key models, giving our customers every reason to celebrate with Toyota this season. We recently, we introduced initiatives like TCare, which consolidates multiple value chain offerings under a single brand, providing top-tier convenience and a hassle-free experience.
Furthermore, with our 1,045 touchpoints and diverse product portfolio, we effectively meet our customers’ needs, whether they’re seeking lifestyle-driven options or solutions for family mobility.”
3, Oct 2024
India Sweet House Opens New Outlet at Reliance Freshpik, 1MG Mall, Bangalore
Bangalore, October 3, 2024 – India Sweet House, one of India’s fastest-growing sweet brands, has officially opened its latest outlet at Reliance Freshpik, 1MG Mall, Bangalore. This 33rd store adds to the brand’s rapidly expanding footprint and continues to deliver an exceptional culinary experience with its vast array of traditional Indian sweets, savouries, and chaats.

The new outlet at 1MG Mall offers over 300+ varieties of sweets and snacks, from the melt-in-your-mouth Mysore Pakto the rich and indulgent Gulab Jamun and Rasgulla, catering to diverse tastes. Their premium festive hampers are also available in the store. The Festive Collection 2024 is designed to cater to every palate and occasion. With no artificial flavors, preservatives, or varak, the sweets are farm-fresh and delivered within 12 hours. Customers can choose from a variety of luxurious gift boxes, each one a token of purity and rich tradition.
Speaking about the new opening, Shwetha Rajashekar and Vishwanath Murthy, Co-founders of India Sweet House, said, “We are delighted to bring India Sweet House to one of Bangalore’s premier shopping destinations. The opening of our store at Reliance Freshpik, 1MG Mall, allows us to connect with a diverse group of customers who appreciate the richness of traditional Indian sweets. We are excited to continue sharing our love for authentic flavors with Bangalore’s ever-growing community of food enthusiasts.”
The new store also features a dedicated seating area, inviting customers to take a break from their shopping and enjoy a moment of indulgence with friends and family. With its prime location at 1MG Mall, India Sweet House continues to build on its vision of offering a blend of tradition and innovation, all while providing a delightful and immersive experience for sweet lovers.
Having grown rapidly since its inception, India Sweet House is set on expanding further, maintaining its focus on bringing high-quality, traditional sweets and savouries to cities across India. Visit the new store at Reliance Freshpik, 1MG Mall, Bangalore, and embark on a flavorful journey through India’s rich culinary heritage.
3, Oct 2024
Lighthouse Canton’s LC Beacon Global Fund Wins at HFM APAC Performance Awards
3rd October 2024:- Global investment firm Lighthouse Canton has announced that LC Beacon Global Fund, managed by Lighthouse Canton, has won the top spot in the Macro (Below $500m) category, at the prestigious 21st HFM APAC Performance Awards.
The HFM APAC Performance Awards are known for their objective and rigorous evaluation, using both Sharpe ratio and absolute return to highlight the hedge funds that best achieve two critical goals— managing volatility and delivering consistent, positive returns to investors.

LC Beacon Global Fund focuses on a dual-strategy approach, generating steady risk-adjusted returns with low volatility and correlation to equity and bond markets. It generates steady, uncorrelated returns by investing in short-dated fixed-income instruments, relative value market-neutral trading strategies and arbitrages across all major liquid asset classes.
Fund’s annualized return for 2024 stands at 9.43%, with a 1.02% gain in August, showcasing an impressive 4.01% outperformance over SOFR during this period.
Sanket Sinha, Global Head of Asset Management at Lighthouse Canton, expressed, “We are honored to receive this recognition for LC Beacon Global Fund. Our commitment has always been to generate superior risk-adjusted returns and create long-term value for our private and institutional clients. This award not only showcases the strength of our asset management capabilities but also affirms the success of our strategy that merges deep fundamental analysis with innovative investment approaches.”
Sunil Kalra, Portfolio Manager for LC Beacon Global Fund, added, “Winning the HFM APAC Performance Award is a significant milestone for LC Beacon Global Fund and the team. This recognition underscores our conviction and our investor’s confidence in the Fund’s unique dual strategy model and its ability to be an effective diversifier in investors’ portfolios. Since inception in 2016, the Fund has not seen a negative month. The numbers are a strong demonstration of our team’s extensive expertise and commitment to maintaining high performance standards and delivering value to our investors.”
Headquartered in Singapore, Lighthouse Canton is a global investment institution with wealth and asset management capabilities. Lighthouse Canton employs over 160 experienced professionals across its offices in Singapore, Dubai, India, and London, and oversees over US$ 3.7 billion worth of assets under management and advisory (as of 30th June 2024).
Its Asset Management business invests on behalf of private accredited clients and institutional investors, comprising strong internal product capabilities in hedge funds, private equity, and traditional fundamental analysis. It runs 8 private and public market funds investing through multiple strategies in real estate private equity, direct lending, venture capital, venture debt, public equities, and global macros.