26, Sep 2024
FURBISHY opens its doors in Jubilee Hills Hyderabad, a luxury interior studio and a bespoke experience center like never before
Hyderabad, September 26th, 2024 – Furbishy, a brand new interior destination blending together both luxury and modernity in a one of a kind experience center located in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. Furbishy’s first interior studio in Hyderabad along with an exclusive experience center housing modular kitchens and wardrobes, custom furniture and soft furnishings, custom carved stone tiles and much more.
Furbishy offers a firsthand experience of touch and feel as well as in depth understanding of custom finishes and materials the market has to offer and redefine your dream homes. The experience center is designed to inspire creativity and offers customers the unique opportunity to “touch and feel” the luxurious quality of the products firsthand.
Tejaswini P, Founder & Managing Director, Furbishy expressed her warm welcome by saying, “We are thrilled to introduce our physical presence in Hyderabad. Our goal is to offer more than just home interiors. We want to create an experience that brings together tailor made interiors for your home no matter what size with the best quality of materials in the market. We design and execute ourselves and have no qualms in being known as a true end to end service for bespoke interiors.
Furbishy is here to alter Hyderabad’s idea of luxury and tailor made as we have always believed in attention to detail and quality along with our extensive team that specialises in design & technical expertise.
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- By Rabindra
26, Sep 2024
Women’s Representation at India Inc. Remains Stable at 37%: 2024 Avtar & Seramount BCWI – MICI Study
India, September 26, 2024: Avtar, India’s pioneer and leading workplace culture consulting company, today announced findings from the 9th edition of ‘Best companies for women in India (BCWI)’, listing. The 2024 Avtar & Seramount findings mark an evolution in the workplace culture in India, as the initiative nears the close of a decade. Data emerging from the survey establishes that average women representation across industries today is at 36.6% and close to 40% at entry level. Sectors like professional services are close to gender balance with 46% women while manufacturing reported a gender ratio of 20%, an indication of intensifying efforts.
The 2024 annual listing deep-dives and provides industry-wise listing for the first time establishing that the IT industry as the single largest employer of women with 24% companies in the listing, Banking & Financial Services Industry (BFSI) follows with a distant 11% and close to 20 other sectors ranging across manufacturing, pharma, healthcare, media & entertainment, hospitality, etc. trail with fewer companies featuring on the list. This year’s listing also includes a new category of listing- “Best Companies for Women in India- Emerging Icon”, organizations with 100-500 employees in their Indian operations, where 33% of the workforce are women and an encouraging 26% is the gender ratio at the leadership level.
Avtar also released the sixth edition of its annual ‘Most Inclusive Companies Index’ (MICI), wherein interestingly, from 58% companies focusing on People with Disabilities (PwDs) in 2019, the number has risen significantly to 98% of companies focusing on building inclusive work environments for PwDs. The index further broadens the understanding of inclusivity in India by evaluating diverse dimensions including gender, disability, age and culture.
Dr. Saundarya Rajesh – Founder, President, Avtar, celebrating the progress expressed, “We are at a unique, paradox and juncture in India today with respect to women’s participation in the workforce; we have made significant progress in many areas such as the sheer volume of the women workforce, the facilities and flexibilities provided and the benefits to name a few but yet far behind in leveraging the opportunity – of enabling women in leadership positions, of ensuring rise in women participation and distribution across sectors and needless to emphasise women’s safety and well-being at the workplace so that they are encouraged to stay and grow. We are committed to keep nudging and raising the bar at Avtar and this year’s report takes one more step in that direction – of recognising emerging companies on their initiatives towards increasing and enabling women in the workforce and of deep-diving into the data industry-wise so that we have an incisive reflection of the gaps and areas that we need to work on.”
She further added, “It is remarkable to witness how organizations across geographies are increasingly committed to creating work environments where diversity is empowered to thrive. The BCWI study and the MICI continue to be a beacon of progress and as we move forward, we remain committed to enabling workplaces where equality is not just a goal, but a reality. The DEI rigour and focus of the participating companies prove that they are keen on turning around challenges into opportunities. We are thrilled to congratulate the companies recognised in the listing this year, for their unwavering commitment to DEI in their actions and spirit.”
“Most Inclusive Companies Index helps companies in India focus their efforts to understand gaps and provide specific strategies, programs, tools, and resources to help raise the standard on DEI strategies for under-represented talent including gender, LGBTQ+, PWD, and different generations.” said Subha Barry, President of Seramount. “We celebrate the leadership, employees, and initiatives that foster an inclusive environment where women and all talent can thrive.” she further added.
This year BWCI received 361 applications from organizations across various industries, regions and sectors in India, out of which companies from industries as diverse as Automotive, BFSI, Chemical, Conglomerate, Consumer Products, E-Commerce, Global Capabilities Center, Hospitality, Health Care, IT, ITES, Logistics and Management Consulting, Manufacturing, Media, Pharmaceutical, Professional Services, Real Estate, Retail and Apparel, and Science & Engineering, Telecommunication and Utilities, made it to the Best Companies List. The study accepted applications from companies between February 2024, and July 2024. The Top Companies and Best Companies for Women in India were chosen based on their efforts towards gender inclusion, as represented in their applications. The Emerging Icons had 52 companies applying to participate, of which the winning list features 10 companies.
The companies that feature in MICI together employ 7427 people with disabilities. The champions of inclusion together employ 4652 people with disabilities, the exemplars have over 2275 PwD employees working for them.
26, Sep 2024
FICCI organised The HR Evolution Summit-2024 with the theme Adapting to Evolving Workplaces, Workforce, Work Output and Work Ethos
Hyderabad, September 26, 2024 –The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) organised a full day The HR Evolution Summit-2024 on Thursday with the theme “Adapting to Evolving Workplaces, Workforce, Work Output and Work Ethos” at the Hotel Awasa at Madhapur.
Mr. Srini Raju Chintalapati, Vice Chairman, Young India Skills University, Telangana; Founder, and Chairman of iLabs Capital gave an overview of how HR transformed. It has evolved from basic personnel management to becoming a strategic partner in achieving organizational goals. He highlighted the supply and demand gaps in employment. How entry-level workers’ salaries were staged but salaries for other roles increased manyfold. He spoke about the disparity in the wage structure. He suggested a supply chain mechanism similar to the one in manufacturing for HR.
The role and face of HR are changing so much that nobody would have imagined it. Flexibility will be as important as efficiency. Performance predictability will be critical as business cycles become shorter and more volatile. Measurement and modelling are the key to predictability said T. Muralidharan, Chairman of TMI while delivering a keynote address on The Future of HR: A Revolution in the Making.
The work, workforce and workplace are changing rapidly, he said and gave five huge counter-intuitive trends in India. More women are getting educated but fewer women want to work. Male youth prefer to sit at home than work. Real wages in the organized sector are stagnant due to excess supply. Population control has happened without coercion and income inequality is growing rapidly he said
He highlighted the shifting employment terms landscape. The current generation of employees are preferring from full-time to flexible working. The days of full-time and permanent employees will be over soon, he made a startling revelation.
T. Muralidharan who is a former President of FICCI Telangana State Council said a Flexible workforce, part-time, contractual, gig and outsourced workers is going to be the norm in future. HR function needs expertise to effectively hire, engage and compensate this diverse workforce, he added.
NITI Ayog report predicted that the GIG workforce in India will rise from 7.7 million to 23.6 million or 6.7% of the non-farm workforce by 2029-30. Is HR ready for that scenario, he asked 150 plus HR professionals in the hall.
Dr D. Srinivasa Reddy, Founder and Director, Optimus Group in his special address said HR which used to be statutory compliant has now evolved and become a strategic partner in business development.
Malcolm Nicolson, Head of Sreenidhi School said the way we work has transformed over the past few years. How do we evolve with these changing times? he asked. The answer is leadership, collaborative leadership is the need of the hour, he stated. Collaborative leadership fosters innovation, creativity and engagement and builds, confidence and trust. This leadership can help employees feel heard and understood. They are the partners in progress of each other, he added. The transition from an ego-system to an eco-system approach to leadership is a shift we are witnessing now. They form an individual-centric mindset to one that focuses on the well-being of the whole, he stressed
MVV Rama Raju, Co-chairman of FICCI Telangana State Council while welcoming the gathering said the theme of the summit ‘Adapting to evolving workplaces, work output and work ethos provides insights into the subject and engages in meaningful dialogue. The amount of technology being used in HR has transformed the way we work.
The day-long summit attended by over 150 HR professionals had two panel discussions and a workshop on Future Proofing of HR; Mental Health and Wellbeing and a workshop on Labour Code Implementation
26, Sep 2024
Future of video in India – Mr. Kevin Vaz, CEO – Broadcast Entertainment, Viacom18’s views at APOS 2024
The global media and entertainment industry is advancing at a rapid pace, and India is no exception. In fact, India is at the cusp of an entertainment revolution, driven by technology, diverse content, and evolving consumer behaviour. And at the forefront of this revolution, leading the charge, is Viacom18. Over the last year, we’ve made significant strides not only in expanding our reach but also in reshaping how audiences consume content across the country. It’s been an exhilarating ride, and we’re just getting started.
When I look back at the past year, I’m proud to say it’s been nothing short of transformative for us. Our first priority was assembling a world-class team with the vision, drive, and grit to execute on our ambitious goals. With that foundation in place, we made targeted investments in key brands like Colors, Colors Kannada, and Colors Marathi, and the results speak for themselves. Colors has grown by 35% in less than a year, getting closer to securing the top spot in the industry. Nickelodeon, our kids’ portfolio leader, just celebrated a decade as the number one brand in its category. And in the regional space, Colors Kannada reigned as the top channel during primetime for three months, while Colors Marathi saw an astonishing 150% growth in the last three months alone, putting it in fierce competition for the second spot.
In the non-fiction space, we’ve continued to lead with iconic properties like Bigg Boss and Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi, and we’ve added to that list with Laughter Chefs, India’s biggest comedy reality show to date. This homegrown success is a testament to our ability to create world-class content tailored to local tastes. For smaller screens and connected TVs, we launched JC Premium, bringing Hollywood’s best, top-rated web series, and 24/7 live streams of our reality shows to Indian households.
Looking at consumption trends in India, it’s clear that audiences are more dynamic than ever before. There’s this notion that viewers are either glued to their TV sets or completely immersed in their phones, but the reality is far more fluid. A show like Bigg Boss is watched on Colors at its scheduled time, then consumed further on JioCinema’s 24-hour live feed, and even discussed on social media. This multi-screen experience is where the future of entertainment lies.
India’s daily media consumption—combining both large and small screens—currently stands much lower than developed markets, but the potential for growth is immense. Large screens currently have around 60% penetration compared to 85-90% in other major markets, giving us significant headroom for growth. India is an ‘AND’ market, where both TV and digital are thriving in tandem, creating endless opportunities for content creators and distributors.
Family entertainment has always been at the core of what we do, and we’ve ensured that our content seamlessly transitions between TV and digital. Bigg Boss, for example, saw 25% of its viewership last season coming from digital platforms, while some of our fiction shows are experiencing significant digital engagement alongside their TV broadcasts. It’s all about offering the consumer flexibility and choice.
One of the most exciting trends we’re witnessing is the rise of local language content. India’s cultural and linguistic diversity is unparalleled—22 official languages and over 58 socio-cultural regions. This diversity presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Audiences today crave authenticity; they want stories that resonate with their own experiences. We are already serving content in 10 languages and aim to eventually cover all 22, making local content not just the present but the future of entertainment in India.
When it comes to advertisers, we are uniquely positioned to deliver value across both large and small screens. Television continues to be a powerful medium, with a reach of around 900 million people in India. Given that over 95% of households have just one TV, families gather to watch together, creating shared experiences and deeper emotional connections. TV advertising remains one of the most effective ways to reach multiple demographics in one go—parents, kids, grandparents—all engaged in a single viewing experience.
On the digital front, Viacom18 is home to the largest curated content platform in India, with a monthly active user base of around 300 million. This creates a safe, immersive environment for brands to connect with consumers, especially during drops of prime-time shows or live streaming of sports events, when engagement is at its highest. Whether it’s long-term brand building or short-term performance goals, our value proposition for advertisers is unparalleled.
Viacom18 is at the forefront of the entertainment revolution in India – across large screens, small screens, and every format in between. We have the scale, expertise and the experience to deliver results. The future of entertainment in India is bright, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of it.
26, Sep 2024
She possesses a striking personality, a confident demeanor, and a goal-oriented nature,” Medha Rana describes her character from Amazon MX Player’s Ishq In The Air
Mumbai,26th September 2024- Amazon MX Player-Amazon’s free video streaming service recently unveiled its latest love-drama series, Ishq In The Air. Set against the contrasting backdrops of Mumbai and Indore, the show follows Kavya and Naman’s simple yet passionate life journey as they navigate the ups and downs of life and love. When the soft-spoken Naman crossed paths with the lively Kavya at the airport, it sparks the beginning of an extraordinary adventure. With seatbelts fastened, they embark on a journey that would soar beyond destinations, discovering the limitless skies of love, laughter, and endless possibilities. Produced by BBC Studios Productions India, the series features the talented Shantanu Maheshwari and Medha Rana in key roles.
Medha Rana, who plays Kavya in the series, shared insights about her character, saying, “Kavya is a passionate young girl from the bustling city of Mumbai, following her career as a hairstylist. She possesses a striking personality, a confident demeanor, and a goal-oriented nature, living life on her terms. While Kavya is determined and driven, she also has a charismatic and humorous side.”
Get ready to dive into the captivating journey of Kavya and Naman as Ishq In The Air is streaming exclusively on Amazon MX Player, available within Amazon’s shopping app, on Prime Video, Fire TV, Smart TVs, and Play Store.
26, Sep 2024
IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation (IITM PTF) and Simplilearn join hands to launch the Advanced Executive Program in Applied Generative AI
Bangalore, 26 September 2024: IITM Pravartak, the Technology Innovation Hub hosted by IIT Madras, in collaboration with the world’s leading online bootcamp provider for digital skills, has announced the launch of the Advance AI The program is created to equip professionals with essential skills to harness the transformative potential of generative AI technologies across various industries.
Generative AI is rapidly evolving and is expected to expand to $667.9 billion by 2030, highlighting a remarkable annual growth rate of 24.4%. As sectors from entertainment to finance increasingly integrate these technologies, this program will deliver an in-depth understanding of generative AI tools and concepts, including Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), prompt engineering, and Large Language Model (LLM) application development.
The program offers over 70 hours of live online classes led by industry experts, and masterclasses by faculty and/or alumni from premier institutes such as IITM and other IITs. Learners will experience hands-on learning through 60+ exercises and 7 industry-relevant projects, including AI application development, logo design using DALL-E, and more. They will also work with top tools like Microsoft Copilot, Azure AI Studio, ChatGPT, OpenAI, DALL·E 2, and Hugging Face. Unique benefits include a two-day campus immersion at IIT Madras Research Park, startup incubation support, and Simplilearn’s Job Assist for connecting with employers. Upon completing the program, learners will be awarded a certificate from IITM Pravartak, along with certificates/badges for all Microsoft courses completed.
The ideal candidate for this program holds a bachelor’s degree with an average of 50 percent or higher marks, has a basic understanding of Programming concepts and Mathematics, and preferably has over two years of professional work experience.
Speaking about the program, Mr. Kashyap Dalal, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Simplilearn, said, “Generative AI is projected to contribute a remarkable $4.4 trillion annually to the global economy. I am very excited about partnering with IITM Pravartak, and announcing the launch of the Advanced Executive Program in Applied Generative AI. This program will equip professionals with the skills to leverage this new-age technology. By combining IITM Pravartak’s leading research and Simplilearn’s expert-led training, we are preparing learners to drive innovation and build the future of business applications and processes with Gen AI at the core.”
Regarding the partnership with Simplilearn, Dr. Shankar Raman, CEO of IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation said, “We are thrilled about our collaboration with Simplilearn to launch this Advanced Executive Program in Applied Generative AI. This initiative shows our commitment to addressing the escalating demand for skilled professionals in the evolving landscape of GenAI. As industries increasingly leverage generative AI advancements, this program equips learners from diverse backgrounds with the critical skills needed to excel in this transformative field. It reflects our mission to empower individuals to harness the power of generative AI and drive innovation in the digital economy.”
26, Sep 2024
Bombay Shaving Company enjoys Cult Gen Z following with the introduction of their exciting trimmer range and hair removal solutions
National, 26th September, 2024 – Bombay Shaving Company, known for its innovative hair removal products and exciting marketing campaigns, has established itself as a grooming game-changer brand for men. By transforming the way men approach their personal style and catering to the needs of its core consumers, ‘Gen-Z’s’, the brand has upgraded its trimmer range with a groundbreaking innovation providing power packed solutions – to enable men to express themselves limitlessly.
In just nine months, the company has achieved over ₹100 crore in ARR, capturing the imagination of style-conscious, self-aware Indian men. Bombay Shaving Company’s trimmer range is redefining grooming by encouraging men to express themselves freely through their hair, going beyond traditional methods and breaking long-standing stereotypes With Gen–Z‘s increasing contribution and influence on culture, commerce, and content, Bombay Shaving Company has embraced a ‘Gen–Z-first’ approach. Their innovative products and exceptional post-sales care are tailored to meet the diverse grooming needs of young men, from facial hair to full-body trimming. Selling over 2,000 units daily, the trimmer portfolio offers an unmatched value.
Through engaging content that merges trending conversations with unique influencer collaborations, the brand resonates with Gen–Z, providing insights to inform their grooming choices and fostering a loyal community.
Commenting on this growth, Mr. Varun Gupta, Chief Growth Officer at Bombay Shaving Company said “As we explore this high-growth and promising category amidst the evolving grooming landscape, our brand is uniquely positioned to lead the change. From consumers using razors as the go-to product, our focus is transitioning to a more comprehensive grooming-first approach that meets diverse needs across pan India. At Bombay Shaving company, we are at the forefront of redefining this space by moving beyond traditional devices and focusing on content, infrastructure, and insights. Our goal is to be a supportive partner for Gen–Z, helping them make informed grooming choices. By prioritizing unmatched value over the competition, I believe we’re perfectly positioned to steer the way in transforming men’s grooming for a new generation”
26, Sep 2024
Break into happiness: Mad Over Donuts Teams Up with KITKAT to launch Donuts
Mad Over Donuts (MOD) is thrilled to announce an exciting new collaboration with KITKAT, bringing together two beloved brands to create a unique and delicious experience for donut and KITKAT enthusiasts alike.
Tarak Bhattacharya, Executive Director and CEO of Mad Over Donuts, shared his excitement about the partnership: “We are always looking for innovative ways to make our donuts more delicious and irresistible, and collaborating with KITKAT allows us to bring a new dimension of flavor and fun to our offerings. We believe this collaboration will create a unique and memorable experience for our customers.”
The new range includes several mouth-watering options: Such as the Swirl it Up, DND Donuts, and Break time bliss. In addition to these scrumptious donuts, MOD is also introducing The Break Shake, blending the iconic chocolate flavor into a creamy, refreshing treat with KITKAT crunch. These donuts and the shake are perfect for sharing with friends and family or taking a break into happiness.
Talking about the association, Mr. Saurabh Makhija, Director, Nestlé Professional, said, “It has always been our endeavor to ensure that our consumers can enjoy Nestlé’s brands, both in home and out-of-home. This partnership with MAD OVER DONUTS is a step towards building more relevant consumption occasions for KITKAT. Through this partnership, consumers would be able to enjoy three different variants of donuts and one variant of shake, made with KITKAT. We are confident that the consumers would find it to be a novel and delightful proposition.”
To celebrate this exciting partnership, MOD hosted a special launch event at their flagship store at Viviana Mall. The event was attended by media personnel and influencers. Guests had the exclusive opportunity to meet and interact with Mr. Tarak Bhattacharya, Executive Director and CEO of Mad Over Donuts, and Mr. Saurabh Makhija, Director, Nestlé Professional. The event was filled with photo opportunities, capturing memorable moments during the launch of the three new donuts and a shake made by KITKAT.
26, Sep 2024
Parnika India Launches Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Drive to Empower Underprivileged Women
New Delhi, September 26, 2024 – Parnika India, a distinguished leader in the manufacturing and global export of exquisite women’s ethnic wear has taken a significant step towards supporting women’s health and empowerment by launching a menstrual hygiene awareness drive. The initiative is designed to address the widespread challenges of menstrual hygiene, particularly in rural and underprivileged communities where access to affordable and hygienic sanitary products remains a critical issue.
As part of this campaign, Parnika India is offering customers who make purchases of ₹20,000 or more a unique opportunity to directly contribute to this cause. With every such purchase, customers receive 15 sustainable sanitary pads, which they are encouraged to distribute to women and girls from underserved areas. This initiative not only provides much-needed sanitary products but also empowers Parnika’s customers to become advocates for menstrual hygiene and break down the taboos associated with menstruation.
Reflecting on the motivation behind the campaign, Mr. Vishal Pacheriwal, Director at Parnika India stated, “At Parnika India, we have always believed that businesses have a responsibility to create meaningful, lasting change in society. The issue of menstrual hygiene, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas, is one that affects not just the health but also the dignity and opportunities available to women. With this awareness drive, we are stepping up to address this critical challenge by providing sustainable sanitary products and raising awareness about menstrual hygiene.”
The initiative has already made a considerable impact, with nearly 500,000 sanitary napkins distributed so far. By engaging both their customers and communities, Parnika India hopes to spark a larger movement toward improving menstrual health and reducing the stigma surrounding it.
Though the drive is currently an in-house effort with no external partnerships, Parnika India is committed to continuing this initiative and expanding it in the future, reflecting the brand’s broader mission of empowering women and giving back to the community.
Parnika India’s dedication to empowering women goes beyond the scope of its sanitary pad initiative. The company has been actively supporting women by creating entrepreneurial opportunities and providing guidance to those aspiring to start their own small businesses. Parnika India understands the challenges that women, particularly those working from home or in rural areas, face. Through its programs, the company offers mentorship on starting and running businesses, helping women navigate their local markets, and guiding them in becoming financially independent.
26, Sep 2024
SBI organizes National Kavi Sammelan on the occasion of Rajbhasha Pakhwada
New Delhi, September 26, 2024: On the occasion of Rajbhasha Pakhwada, a National Kavi Sammelan was organized at the SBI Headquarters in Mumbai. The conference was presided over by SBI Chairman, Mr. Challa Sreenivasulu Setty. On this occasion, Mr. Setty stated that SBI has taken several initiatives to promote Hindi and other Indian languages. He emphasized, “We live in a multilingual society, and providing banking services in Indian languages is a part of our customer service.”
The event was attended by the bank’s Managing Directors, Mr. Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh and Mr. Vinay M. Tonse. Welcoming the guests, the bank’s Chief General Manager, Mr. Rajeev Kumar, expressed his gratitude to the Chairman, Managing Directors, Deputy Managing Directors, and all the guests and audience members.
Renowned poets Rajesh Reddy, Arun Jaimini, Chirag Jain, and Aman Akshar recited their poetry at the event. Senior poet, ghazal writer, and composer Mr. Rajesh Reddy’s ghazals were highly appreciated by the audience. His line, “Kisi din zindagani mein karishma kyun nahi hota, main har din jaag toh jaata hoon zinda kyun nahi hota” (“Why does no miracle happen in life someday, I wake up every day, but why don’t I feel truly alive”) won the hearts of the audience.
Humorous poet Arun Jaimini had the audience in splits with his comic poetry. Young poet, skilled host, and presenter Chirag Jain, along with poet Aman Akshar, also received appreciation for their performances.
Addressing the officers and employees on this occasion, the bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Binod Kumar Mishra, mentioned that several programs were organized across the country in September to promote the national language. SBI is leveraging the power of information technology to promote the national language, in line with India’s multilingual and inclusive culture. Rajbhasha Pakhwada is being celebrated with great enthusiasm from September 14 to 30 across all offices and branches of the bank, and this National Kavi Sammelan at the SBI headquarters is a part of this celebration. He expressed his gratitude to the Chairman and all the guests for attending the program.
