Bureau of Indian Standards sets up department for standardisation in Ayush sector

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body of India, has advanced standardisation for the Ayush sector. With the establishment of a dedicated standardisation department, the Bureau has expedited standardisation activity in the domain. The new department focuses on promoting safety, efficacy, and quality of Ayush products and practices, encompassing traditional Indian systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa–Rigpa, and Homoeopathy.

While explaining the process and structure of standardisation activity for Ayush, Sh. Pramod Kumar Tiwari, Director General, BIS, stated, “Under the leadership of renowned experts, the Ayush department at BIS has formed seven sectional committees, each addressing a specific Ayush system. These committees work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including experts, scientific and technical institutions, industry representatives, and regulatory bodies, to ensure comprehensive, evidence-based standards aligned with national and international guidelines.”

To date, BIS has published 91 standards covering diverse subjects like single herbs, Ayurveda & Yoga terminology, Panchakarma equipment, Yoga accessories, and test methods for pesticide residues in herbs. Notably, the publication of 80 indigenous Indian standards for herbs used in traditional medicine promotes their safe and effective use, benefiting both consumers and the industry. Additionally, the first-ever national standards for Panchakarma equipment ensure uniformity in prophylactic and therapeutic procedures, enhancing the quality of Ayush healthcare practices.

In a move towards environmental sustainability, BIS has formulated an indigenous Indian Standard for the “Cotton Yoga Mat,” supporting domestic manufacturers and farmers. The department has also identified future standardisation areas, including terminology, single herbs, yoga attire, Siddha diagnostics, and homoeopathic preparations.

While appreciating BIS initiatives, Secretary Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said, “As more people turn to Traditional Healthcare Systems, the need for consistent quality, safety, and efficacy in Ayush products and services is imperative. BIS has reflected its commitment in this area by establishing this dedicated department and developing critical standards, such as IS: 17873 ‘Cotton Yoga Mat’. These are critical milestones in promoting and developing traditional Indian medicine. Through rigorous standards and innovation, BIS is committed to enhancing the acceptance and growth of Ayush systems nationally and internationally.”

Haldiram’s Honours Indian Armed Forces with a Special Independence Day Offer

Hyderabad, August 13th, 2024: Haldiram’s, one of India’s most trusted brands in the culinary landscape, is pleased to launch a special Independence Day offer to commemorate the valour of Indian soldiers and the invaluable contributions of the country’s defence forces. Paying homage to the nation’s brave defenders, Haldiram’s offer will witness all serving and retired personnel of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force availing a 15% discount from August 15, 2024, to March 31, 2025.

This exclusive pan-India offer will be made available at all Haldiram’s restaurants in Hyderabad, Pune, Bangalore, Vijayawada, Valsad, Vapi, Surat, Nashik, Shirdi, Kolhapur, and Kognoli. After savouring the delectable flavours of India at the restaurant, defence personnel will simply need to present their respective identity cards at the time of billing to avail of this special discount, making their dining experience more memorable.

Speaking about the­ offer, Mr. Neeraj Agrawal, Director of Haldiram’s Foods International Pvt Ltd, said, “We, at Haldiram’s, believe that the true taste of freedom is best savoured with a sense of gratitude. Our defence personnel are an embodiment of the spirit of selflessness and courage. We hope this small token of appreciation brings joy and sweetness to their lives and reminds them that their sacrifices are cherished and celebrated.”

Haldiram’s has always prioritised the country’s best interests and the well-being of its citizens. While catering to the discerning palates of India’s diverse population, the brand remains steadfast in its commitment to contribute to the nation’s growth. More recently, Haldiram’s extended its mouth-watering menu of snacks and delectable dishes with the addition of wheat-based food items—a testimony to the brand’s continued focus on diversity while catering to varied tastes and preferences of its customers, including the health-conscious generation.

Known for its commitment to quality and taste, Haldiram’s takes pride in honouring traditions while evolving to meet changing consumer preferences. Haldiram’s invites the nation’s defenders to experience the magic of diverse flavours this Independence Day. With a commitment to catering to every palate, Haldiram’s offers a tantalizing array of sweet and savoury delights. With their ongoing campaign of ‘Ab Sab Khayenge’ everyone can enjoy the brand’s new wheat-based menu offering wholesome and delicious options.

From the iconic Chole Bhature to innovative wheat bread sandwiches, the newly introduced menu bridges generations and geographies. Through the legacy Haldiram’s aims to indulge everyone with a memorable dining experience with a focus to cater the health-conscious generation.

FirstCry Goes Public: Chiratae Ventures Celebrates the Success of Its Longest-Standing Portfolio Company

Bangalore, 13th August 2024 – FirstCry, the leading omnichannel retailer in the baby and maternity products space, has officially announced its public listing, marking a significant milestone in its 14-year journey. As a company that has consistently led the way in innovation and growth since its inception in December 2010, FirstCry stands tall as one of the most successful consumer tech startups in India.

For Chiratae Ventures, FirstCry represents one of our longest and most rewarding partnerships. We began as early venture investors and evolved into growth investors, supporting the company through every phase of its remarkable journey. FirstCry is uniquely positioned in Chiratae’s portfolio as the only company with VC and Growth Funds invested for over 12 years, underscoring Chiratae’s deep belief in its potential.

“Supam’s founding vision has been the bedrock of FirstCry’s triumph. His foresight, unwavering determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence have steered the company’s growth trajectory, transforming FirstCry into a household name synonymous with trust, innovation, and customer-centricity.” said Sudhir Sethi, Founder and Chairman of Chiratae Ventures.

FirstCry‘s journey has been marked by significant milestones. The company’s vertical integration into manufacturing and successful expansion into international markets, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, exemplify its resilience and strategic acumen.

Supam Maheshwari, Founder and CEO of FirstCry, reflected on the company’s journey, saying, “From the very beginning, our mission has been to serve millions of mothers with the best products and services. This public listing stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team. Sudhir has been a trusted partner from the start, and he, along with Team Chiratae, has gone above and beyond in supporting us. I am deeply grateful to Sudhir and Chiratae for backing us early on and walking with us every step of the way, providing unwavering support throughout our journey.”

As FirstCry embarks on this new chapter as a publicly listed company, Chiratae Ventures remains a proud and supportive partner. “We have no doubt that Supam and Team FirstCry will excel in this new chapter, just as they have throughout their journey,” added Sethi. “They have built a company that India can truly be proud of, and we will continue to cheer them on.”

The Role of Façade Glazing in Acoustics: Enhancing Soundproofing in Urban Environments

By-Dc Chandra

Persistent noise pollution can present serious problems for both residential and commercial spaces in the busy settings of modern cities. The constant cacophony of traffic, emergency sirens, and the general bustle of city life can all hurt one’s comfort, productivity, and general well-being. There has never been a higher need for efficient soundproofing solutions as cities grow and become denser in population. Façade glazing is one such idea that has attracted a lot of interest.

Façade glazing is the term for the external covering of a building’s structure, usually made of glass that serves as a decorative element in addition to a protective barrier. Being aesthetically pleasing, contemporary façade systems are also made to fulfill several practical needs, including light transmission, thermal insulation, and, more and more, acoustic performance. In urban settings, façade glass plays an especially important role in soundproofing buildings since structures are frequently subjected to high levels of outside noise. Architects and builders can create a more comfortable and quiet interior by using glass systems and materials that are appropriate for the structure and reducing the amount of outside noise that enters the building.

Acoustic Principles of Façade Glazing

The two main components that influence the acoustic performance of glazing are sound absorption and sound insulation. The ability of the glazing to prevent or lessen sound from entering the building from the outside is referred to as sound insulation. Conversely, sound absorption refers to the glazing’s capacity to take in sound waves and stop them from bouncing inside the rooms.

1. Sound Insulation: A façade glazing system’s Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating indicates how well it insulates against sound. The better the glazing system’s ability to suppress sound, the higher its STC rating. Conventional single-pane windows often have poor STC ratings, which indicates that a substantial quantity of outside noise can enter the structure. Modern double- or triple-glazing systems, on the other hand, can reach significantly higher STC ratings, which effectively lower noise levels, especially if they use laminated glass.

2. Sound Absorption: Sound absorption manages interior noise, whereas sound insulation stops outside noise from entering the building. By absorbing sound energy, specific acoustic glazing materials can be employed in façade systems to lessen echo and reverberation within the room. This is especially crucial in big interior spaces like atriums and open-plan workplaces where managing noise levels is crucial for comfort and efficiency.

Types of Acoustic Glazing

Different types of acoustic glazing, each having varying degrees of noise attenuation, can be utilized to improve soundproofing in urban environments:

1. Laminated Glass: Usually composed of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), laminated glass is composed of two or more layers of glass joined together by an interlayer. This interlayer not only increases safety by keeping the glass from breaking, but it also greatly enhances the acoustic qualities of the glass. By attenuating sound vibrations, the PVB interlayer lessens the propagation of noise.

2. Double Glazing: This technique uses two glass panes spaced apart by an airtight spacer or an inert gas such as argon. Sound waves are less likely to pass through because of the buffering effect of the air space between the panes. One pane can be laminated for better acoustic performance, or the gap can be widened for even better sound absorption.

3. Triple Glazing: By including a third pane of glass, triple glazing expands on the idea of double glazing. This extra layer can offer even more sound insulation when paired with several air gaps, which makes it a wonderful option for buildings in very noisy urban settings.

The Impact on Urban Living

The quality of life for building occupants in urban areas can be significantly enhanced by the installation of high-performance façade glazing systems. Better acoustic glazing in homes can produce a calm and quiet atmosphere that is necessary for rest and sleep. Effective soundproofing can boost output, lower stress levels, and raise customer and staff happiness in commercial facilities like hotels and offices. Furthermore, acoustic glazing is essential for establishing the right atmosphere in healthcare and educational facilities, where a calm setting is critical for healing and focus.

As cities expand and noise pollution becomes a constant problem, façade glazing plays a bigger and bigger part in improving acoustic performance. Architects and builders may design buildings that not only satisfy energy efficiency and aesthetic criteria but also offer a haven from outside noise by grasping the fundamentals of sound absorption and insulation and choosing the right glazing systems. Thus, façade glazing is more than just a matter of taste in design—rather, it is an essential component of the continuous endeavor to raise the standard of urban living.

Speech by Mr. Anand Mahindra at the FirstCry listing ceremony

By- Mr. Anand Mahindra

I am sure that the question upmost in your mind when you see me at the podium is: What am I doing here? Why am I here?
I’m here because it’s actually a moment of great pride for the entire Mahindra group.

 The next question in your mind is: This much pride for a sizeable stake in a company?

 I am here because of the story behind that stake. The story is about an experiment, in management if you will, it’s a lab experiment you might say. The experiment was about trying to understand or to figure out: How do large business groups incubate and build new businesses? How do you create a sense of entrepreneurship inside a large group?

 To answer that question, in 2010, ironically when FirstCry was born. We created Mahindra Partners. That was our attempt at trying to create this experiment in entrepreneurship. The mandate for Mahindra Partners, was that they should be investing in incubating companies, particularly in the new age fields. They would of course have to do that while competing with a variety of startups, and frankly nobody is betting on the large companies, as you know. So, I asked one of my colleagues Zhooben Bhiwandiwala and another colleague Parag Shah to join. Zhooben as senior Managing Director of the company and then Parag as the Managing Director. They are both here today. Their mandate, as I said, was to isolate this kind of mentality of the startup. To our minds, the really differentiating mentality of startups is that they worship at the temple of value creation. Almost to the exclusion of everything else. They are not there necessarily to build empires, they are there to build and create value; and that his why they are so agile; so nimble; and so focused. That’s why nobody bets on large companies to create new businesses.

 Now if we found that they invested in businesses where the value creation was better done in the large company, under the umbrella, or aegis of our large companies, so be it. We’d build them as a new vertical. But if they found that, greater value would be created by ceding control or ceding leadership, so be it too. And so, they worked first on Mahindra Logistics, a company that was a division of Mahindra. They took it out, grew it dramatically, created extraordinary value. They then created Susten, a new age business in new age renewables, new energy, solar to be specific to begin with; and that’s been very successful. Both these are now solid pillars of the Mahindra group. As well as Mahindra Accelo which was the first business of the group that was the first business of the group that they transformed from a trading business to manufacturing powerhouse.

 Then they invested in Mom & me which was a business in clothing and other goods for newly born children, for infants and beyond. The identical space that Supam is fighting in. After a while they felt that consolidation is the path value to creation, so we acquired Baby Oye, we were still fighting Supam.

 One day Zhooben came to me and said, “You know Anand, I’ve studied this man and he is brilliant. He is an innovator, he is passionate, he focuses relentlessly on efficiency. He has a global vision”, which I am delighted to hear today is manifesting in UAE and Saudi. He then said, “this is the time for us to really create value by consolidating with them. I think we’ll be better off supporting him rather than fighting him.” That, ladies and gentlemen, is why we merged with FirstCry and at that time became the largest shareholder. After that you know, Supam went like a rocket ahead. He has created a delivery system that is the envy of many global online retailers. Which, I suppose, is what attracted Softbank of course to come in, and of course the rest is history.

 So, I want to end by saying here today that we are extraordinarily happy to be here. I want to congratulate you Supam, and your entire team that is here, and I want to express our gratitude for creating value for yourself and your team. I want to congratulate you and express my gratitude for creating immense value for Mahindra. And I want to thank you in particular for creating enormous value for this country.

ACCA and Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini Launch Financial Literacy Programme to Empower 600 Students & Community Members

Mumbai, August 13, 2024: ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognised professional accountancy body, in collaboration with Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini, conducted FinLit Festivals, interactive events focused on promoting financial literacy among students. These events marked the launch of ACCA’s Financial Literacy programme at two schools in Chithode, Tamil Nadu, and Macherla, Andhra Pradesh, aimed at empowering students in grades 6-9 with essential financial skills at no cost.

Financial literacy plays a pivotal role in shaping young minds, providing them with practical knowledge on smart money management, understanding banking services, evaluating investment options and preparing them for future financial needs. By introducing these concepts early on, ACCA aims to empower students with practical finance knowledge and create a generation that is not only financially savvy but also capable of making prudent financial decisions.

The launch of the Financial Literacy Programme also included parents of the students and the broader community from Chithode and Macherla. ACCA members engaged with the community on the subjects of banking and finance, providing them with insights and practical knowledge. The programme also included skit performances by students, which focussed on key financial concepts such as the benefits of banking, the perils of using money lenders, and the risks associated with chit funds. The overall programme was designed with the intention of not just educating, but also entertaining the students, while leaving the audience with a memorable learning experience.

Speaking on the launch of the programme, Md. Sajid Khan, Director- India, ACCA, said, “We are excited to launch the ACCA Financial Literacy Programme in partnership with Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini. Financial literacy is not just a skill—it’s a lifeline that empowers individuals to make informed decisions, plan for the future, and achieve their dreams. By educating young minds early on, we are laying the foundation for a financially secure and prosperous future of the country. Our collaboration aims to inspire and equip these students with the knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of the financial world confidently. Together, we are not just teaching finance; we are fostering a generation of financially savvy, responsible citizens.”

Prasanthi Nilayam-based Director of the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini, Mrs. Karuna Munshi celebrates the intersectionality of the FinLit festival as a historic and collaborative milestone. “It’s refreshing how a professional body, a philanthropic digital education project and a private school with many first-generation learners can come together for the good of the larger community. It is a rare but powerful vision alignment aimed at giving back to our communities,” she says.

Kingfisher joins Indian Racing League as the Presenting Sponsor for the 2024 edition

Delhi, August 13, 2024: Kingfisher Power Soda from United Breweries Limited (UBL), part of the HEINEKEN®️ Company, is set to bring the good times as the presenting sponsor of the Indian Racing League (IRL) for the 2024 edition. IRL and Kingfisher announce this exciting partnership as they are poised to elevate the appeal and thrill for India’s premier race event and the motorsport fans across the country.

Promoted by Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd, the IRL aims to captivate India’s booming motorsports fanbase. Returning in 2024, the IRL is set for its most spectacular season yet, with eight franchise teams set to battle for glory over five rounds. Kingfisher, known forits vibrant and youthful spirit, joins the high-octane speed extravaganza, adding another layer of prestige to the festival.

Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director of RPPL, expressed his delight in welcoming Kingfisher on board; “We are thrilled to have Kingfisher, a brand that has been intrinsically associated with premier sports events in India. We are happy to welcome them as our sponsor for the 2024 edition. Kingfisher embodies the same spirit of excitement, youth, and belief to create experiences—values we at IRL not only share but also aim to celebrate with our rapidly growing fanbase of motorsport enthusiasts.”

Vikram Bahl, Chief Marketing Officer, United Breweries Limited said, “As one of the mosticonic brands in the country, Kingfisher has always been on the forefront in bringing experiences that elevate consumer engagement. With significant opportunities for motorsports and growing popularity of the sport in India, we are thrilled to partner with Indian Racing League 2024 as representing partner. Tamil Nadu has been a hub for motorsports and is a state with immense growth potential. By being a part of IRL, we look forward to strengthening our association with the state and connecting with motorsport fans and consumers, as we celebrate the competitive spirit of the sport.”

Fueled by a relentless pursuit of excellence, Kingfisher has cemented itself as a prominent name in Indian sports, aligning with premier sports leagues and teams, including India’s foremost cricket franchise-based league. Sharing Kingfisher’s dedication, the IRL is equally committed to delivering exceptional moments for its audiences. The iconic visual identity of Kingfisher, the logo, will also be showcased throughout the Indian Racing Festival with a 360 degrees visibility this year.

The 2024 edition of IRL will witness the pre-season testing from August 21 and 22 followed by the first race at the Madras International Circuit on August 25. The excitement then shifts to the first-ever Chennai Formula Road Racing Circuit, hosting the subcontinent’s first night circuit race from August 30 to September 1 and the grand finale will be played in November 2024.

With an expanded grid and an unprecedented race experience, India is all set for good times on the track.

Protectt.ai Debuts ApiProtectt: Cutting-Edge Mobile App Security for Banking APIs

National, 13th August, 2024: Protectt.ai, a leader in Mobile App Security in India and an innovative cyber security firm delivering RASP (Runtime mobile App Self Protection) Mobile App Security XDR platform, has announced the launch of ApiProtectt. It offers advanced protection features specifically designed to safeguard Banking and Financial mobile application APIs against evolving cyber threats and data leakage.

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, securing APIs is paramount to protecting sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of Mobile Apps. APIs serve as the backbone of mobile applications, enabling seamless communication between the client and server.

API vulnerabilities can serve as entry points for fraud and data leakage, posing significant risks to both businesses and customer trust. ApiProtectt provides seamless Mobile App API protection preventing unauthorized access, securing data transmission, and mitigating risks associated with cyber-attacks. By prioritizing API security, businesses can protect themselves against fraudulent activities and data breaches, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and maintaining the integrity of their digital ecosystem.

Key Features of ApiProtectt Include:

• Real-Time Threat Detection: Advanced monitoring and analytics to identify and respond to security threats instantly.
• Comprehensive Protection: Defense against common threats such as data breaches, malware, and fraud.
• API Protection: Secure APIs with advanced threat detection, behavioral analysis, and continuous monitoring to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.
• Bot Mitigation: Detect and block malicious bots with sophisticated algorithms, protecting against automated attacks and ensuring legitimate traffic.
• Enhanced Security Protocols: Secure communication channels, encryption, and access controls to protect sensitive information.

 User-Friendly Interface: Easy integration and management to streamline security operations for businesses of all sizes.

“Our mission has always been to set new standards in mobile app security”, said Manish Mimani, Founder & CEO of Protectt.ai. “With the launch of ApiProtectt, we are reinforcing our commitment to providing state-of-the-art security that protect our clients’ mobile applications from evolving Mobile Cyber Threats. We are excited to offer ApiProtectt to our clients and partners, equipping them with the tools they need to ensure their mobile apps are secure and resilient to protect against data breaches and frauds.”

Protectt.ai continuously takes steps ahead in innovation, ensuring that mobile app security remains robust and adaptive to emerging cyber threats. By providing cutting-edge solutions like ApiProtectt, Protectt.ai empowers banks, financial institutions, and other critical sectors to serve their customers better. This commitment to innovation not only enhances the security of mobile applications but also helps these organizations build trust and reliability with their clients by safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring seamless and secure digital transactions.

mPokket hosts blood donation camp, 127 employees step forward to boost local blood supply

National, 13 August 2024: Demonstrating its commitment to community welfare, mPokket – one of India’s leading digital lending platforms – organized a blood donation camp in collaboration with Maheshwari Foundations and Howrah Lions Hospital Blood Centre. This initiative saw 127 donors come forward to collectively contribute 124 units of life-saving blood, highlighting the tremendous impact of community solidarity in promoting health and well-being.

Each donor received a card for emergency use and a token of appreciation, as a reminder of their vital contribution. Notably, a single donation has the potential to make a difference in the lives of up to three people, emphasizing the extraordinary impact of each act of kindness. Looking ahead, mPokket plans to organize quarterly blood donation camps to maintain a steady supply of essential blood for local hospitals, aiming to save numerous lives via ongoing community support.

Ms Rajani Jalan, Director of CSR & People Relations at mPokket, commented, “We are incredibly proud of our employees’ enthusiastic response to this initiative. Their generosity will greatly benefit the community. This initiative reflects our core values of contributing to societal well-being. We extend our sincere thanks to Maheshwari Foundations and Howrah Lions Hospital Blood Centre for their invaluable support and partnership.”

The collaboration with Maheshwari Foundations, known for its efforts against illiteracy, hunger and deprivation, aligns with mPokket’s mission to uplift the underprivileged. Howrah Lions Hospital Blood Centre’s premier diagnostic services ensured the safe collection and distribution of blood, enhancing the event’s success and impact on community health. Through such initiatives, the Kolkata-based digital lender demonstrates its commitment to crucial causes and fosters a culture of empathy and community engagement.