3, Aug 2024
Powers Insurance & Risk Management Adds Two Team Members
Brittany Gaglioti and Contina Hester join the growing insurance agency.
(St. Louis, Mo., Aug. 3, 2024) Powers Insurance & Risk Management, one of the largest family owned and operated independent insurance agencies in the bi-state region, recently hired Brittany Gaglioti as a Commercial Account Manager and Contina Hester as a Personal Lines Marketer.
Gaglioti’s responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of the renewal process for the agency’s commercial lines clients and assisting with new business sales. She will also manage current client accounts to ensure their needs are met promptly.
Gaglioti brings nearly 10 years of experience in the insurance industry to her new position. Prior to joining Powers, she worked as a Commercial Lines Account Manager for a Delaware-based insurance agency. Gaglioti holds a Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation from the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research, the nation’s premier provider of insurance and risk management education.
Hester’s responsibilities as Personal Lines Marketer include directing marketing efforts toward contracted carriers while supporting both the agency’s team and clients. She has five years of insurance industry experience, having previously served as a Licensed Account Manager for an insurance company in Wisconsin. Hester holds licenses in Life Insurance, Property & Casualty, and Insurance Producer. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from DeVry University in Chicago, Illinois.
Founded in 1991, Powers Insurance & Risk Management provides personal and business insurance, surety, risk management, and employee benefits. Founded in 2006, sister company Valley Insurance Agency Alliance is a cohesive family of over 160 independent insurance agencies in Missouri and Illinois that generates more than $600 million in written premium. VIAA is the regional founding member for SIAA – The Agent Alliance, a $12.5 billion national alliance. The companies are headquartered at 6825 Clayton Ave. For more information, call (314) 725-1414 or visit www.powersinsurance.com.
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- By Neel Achary
3, Aug 2024
SecondAct Launches Inaugural Awards Celebrating Women’s Courage and Reinvention
National, 3rd August 2024 – SecondAct, a leading platform dedicated to fostering learning, upskilling, and holistic growth for organizations and individuals, proudly announces the launch of the Inaugural SecondAct Awards. The prestigious event aims to recognize and celebrate extraordinary women who have fearlessly reshaped their paths, demonstrating resilience, determination, and an indomitable spirit throughout their unique journeys.
The event was graced by Ms. Kiran Bedi as the Chief Guest and her presence undoubtedly set the tone for an evening of empowerment and celebration. Among the incredible women being honored are Pooja Bedi, an actress turned wellness entrepreneur; Rashi Narang, founder of Heads Up for Tails; Madhura DasGupta Sinha, founder of Aspire for Her; and Anuradha Das Mathur, founding dean of The Vedica Scholars Program for Women.
Mrs. Archana Dutta, Founder and CEO at SecondAct, expressed her excitement about the event stating, “SecondAct inaugural awards event is a tribute to the remarkable women who have not only transformed their own lives but also paved the way for others to follow. Their stories serve resilience and reinvention serve as powerful reminders that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams and make a significant impact. By shining a light on their stories, SecondAct aims to inspire countless others to embrace their own second acts, rewrite their narratives, and find strength in vulnerability.”
The Inaugural SecondAct Awards mark the culmination of three years of dedicated groundwork. The awards honor the transformative power and unwavering courage of women who defy convention, reinvent themselves, and redefine their lives.
Ms. Kiran Bedi added, “I am honored to be a part of the SecondAct event that celebrates the strength and courage of women who have dared to chart their own paths. Their journeys are a testament to the power of determination and the human spirit. I hope their stories inspire many others to find their own second acts and make a difference in their lives and communities.”
The Inaugural SecondAct Awards promise to be an evening of inspiration, celebration, and recognition of the phenomenal women who have redefined their lives and continue to inspire others.
3, Aug 2024
Conosh Brings Gary, Matt & George to Hyderabad for Exclusive Dinners
Conosh is thrilled to announce a special reunion of the legendary Australian culinary trio Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston & George Calombaris, in collaboration with The Ardmore in Hyderabad. Diners will get a unique opportunity to savour a lavish 7-course dinner at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, specially curated by celebrity chefs and paired with exquisite pours from The Ardmore.
The 7-course degustation experience features Gary’s innovative Sago Cracker with a delicate Tuna Tartare, Matt’s exquisite ‘Le Grande’ Vol au Vent infused with Flinders Truffles, and George’s flavorful Vegemite & Feta Scroll. Each dish is a culinary masterpiece, crafted from the chefs’ recent travels, handpicked recipes, and expert techniques honed over years of culinary mastery. An exclusive Meet & Greet offers the guests a chance to engage with their culinary heroes, share food recommendations, and create moments of culinary delight.
City: Hyderabad
Dates: Aug 3rd & 4th, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM onwards
Venue: The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace
Speaking about the special reunion, Neha Malik and Vaibhav Bahl, Co-founders, Conosh, remarked, “Conosh is delighted to blend the boundaries for global talents in the culinary world and boost a local audience for their narrative gastronomy. We are thrilled to reunite the world’s favourite celebrity chef trio Gary, Matt & George and bring Australian culinary magic to India. We are thankful to our partners, The Ardmore and The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace for their commitment and support in embarking on this gastronomic journey with us. These dinners represent our commitment to creating meaningful gastronomic experiences that elevate India’s presence on the culinary stage.”
“We are elated to be associating with the renowned trio, Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston, and George Calombaris for an exclusive culinary event, presented in partnership with Conosh and The Ardmore. At The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, our mission is to deliver extraordinary dining experiences and unparalleled flavors to our guests. This special event epitomizes our dedication to exceptional gastronomy and promises to be a memorable showcase of culinary excellence. It brings us great pleasure in welcoming the culinary maestro’s to Hyderabad city, offering a remarkable selection of delectable and exquisite flavours”, said Mr. Deep Preet Bindra, General Manager, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace.
3, Aug 2024
SPARSH Hospital Launches New Back Pain Clinic on International Self Care Day
Bengaluru, 3rdAug 2024 – On this International Self Care Day, SPARSH Hospital launched its new Back Pain Clinic, a comprehensive wellness program designed to address the increasing prevalence of back pain.
The clinic was inaugurated by Dr. Sharan Shivaraj Patil, Chairman & Chief Orthopaedic Surgeon, SPARSH Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru, and Dr. Naveen S Tahasildar, Consultant Spine Surgeon, SPARSH Hospital, Infantry Road.
Dr. Naveen S Tahasildar highlighted the importance of holistic care in managing and preventing physical impairments, particularly back pain. “Once patients overcome their initial issues, maintaining their health through lifestyle modifications and exercises is crucial. To support this, the clinic has introduced wellness programs like yoga and dance movement therapy. Self-care is essential, not selfish, and addressing postural imbalances through physiotherapy is key. Patients learn proper ergonomics and exercises to prevent issues from recurring. The goal is to transition from being a patient to a person focused on self-care, ensuring long-term well-being.”
The Back Pain Clinic aims to tackle the root causes of back pain, which are often linked to sedentary lifestyle, long working hours, and poor posture. This initiative is timely, as back pain is becoming increasingly common among younger individuals and corporate employees.
Mr. Joseph Pasangha, COO of SPARSH Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru, emphasized the significance of this launch: “Our new Back Pain Clinic is a step towards providing holistic and preventive care. We recognize the challenges posed by modern work environments and are committed to offering solutions that promote overall health and wellness. This clinic is not just about treating pain but about fostering a healthier lifestyle for people.”
The clinic offers various therapies, including dance therapy, yoga therapy, and fitness therapy, with the aim of promoting a pain-free lifestyle.
3, Aug 2024
Rajoo Engineer Wins Double Honors at The Machinist Super Shopfloor Awards 2024
Rajkot, August 03, 2024: This year, the spotlight focused on Ms. Khushboo Chandrakant Doshi, Managing Director of Rajoo Engineers Ltd., who was awarded the coveted title of ‘Best Woman in Manufacturing.’ This accolade is a testament to her visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence, driving Rajoo Engineers Ltd. to new heights of success.
Commenting on the recognition, Ms. Doshi said, “This award is a recognition of the collective efforts of the entire Rajoo team. Being honored in an industry that is rapidly evolving and increasingly inclusive is a testament to our shared vision. At Rajoo, we believe in pushing boundaries and setting new standards. Such a recognition fuels our journey by validating our innovative approaches and inspiring us to continue striving for excellence and making impactful advancements.”
In addition to this individual honor, Rajoo Engineers Ltd.’s Rajkot plant in India has been awarded as runner up for ‘Innovation in Manufacturing.’ The Rajkot plant, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies, has been at the forefront of pioneering advancements in the manufacturing sector for capital goods. This recognition underscores Rajoo’s dedication to innovation, quality, and sustainability.
The award for innovation acknowledges the plant’s successful implementation of advanced manufacturing processes for plastic processing machines that enhance productivity and reduce environmental impact. The Rajkot plant’s innovative practices have set a new benchmark in the industry, demonstrating the potential of integrating technology with sustainable practices.
“The Rajkot plant exemplifies our unwavering dedication to continuous improvement and innovation. This award is a testament to the relentless hard work and commitment of our entire team, who continually strive to redefine the standards of manufacturing excellence. The addition of Rajoo’s new assembly shed further opens up exciting opportunities for us to enhance our capacity and expand our capabilities,” stated Mr. Utsav Doshi, Jt. Managing Director at Rajoo Engineers Ltd.
Rajoo Engineers Ltd. has always prioritized customer-centric solutions for the plastic processing industry and strives to deliver products that meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency, competing with the best of class globally. The company’s philosophy of ‘appropriate technology’ ensures that the solutions are not just technologically advanced but also tailored to the specific needs of their clients, enhancing business value and operational efficiency.
2, Aug 2024
Gargi Jewellery Plans Rs. 429.98 Million Preferential Equity Issue for Growth Initiatives
Pune, (02/08/2024): Gargi Jewellery by P N Gadgil and Sons has announced that its board of directors has approved plans to raise approximately ₹429.98 million through a preferential issue of equity shares to its promoters and public investors. This decision was disclosed in a Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) filing on July 19.
The company intends to issue 747,800 equity shares at a price of ₹575 per share, including a premium of ₹565 per share. This preferential allotment will be conducted on a private placement basis to both promoters and non-promoter public investors. The funds raised will source additional inventory, expand the chain of brand stores, SIS stores, and FOCO basis stores, and conduct a nationwide marketing campaign per the company’s strategic growth plan.
“The proceeds from this preferential issue will primarily support our aggressive growth plans,” stated Aditya Modak, Co-founder of Gargi by PNGS. “We aim to expand our existing business and drive future growth by establishing new brand stores, a comprehensive PAN India marketing campaign, and significant investment in inventory.”
Gargi plans to capitalize on the growing fashion jewellery market, driven by an increasing number of working women and higher literacy rates. The company sees a significant opportunity to cater to modern consumers’ evolving tastes and preferences by expanding its brand stores. This initiative is expected to boost sales, enhance direct customer engagement, improve market penetration, and provide local market insights for better customer service. The funding for setting up these brand stores will be sourced from the proceeds of the preferential issue.
Currently operational in less than ten states in India, Gargi intends to expand its business across various regions in India. This expansion will enable the company to tap into new customer bases and generate additional revenue. The marketing campaign will include activities such as social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, paid integrations, blog posts, video marketing, webinars, podcasts, email marketing campaigns, search engine marketing (SEM), print advertising, television and radio ads, and sponsorships and partnerships. The amount required for this marketing campaign will be funded through the proceeds of the preferential issue.
Gargi will hold an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) on August 2nd to seek shareholder approval for the preferential issue. This strategic move is part of Gargi’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its market presence, revamp its business operations, and prepare for new product launches.
In related developments, Gargi has been focusing on enhancing its brand presence and has initiated various marketing initiatives, which are already showing positive impacts in the current quarter. The company’s future plans include launching new jewellery collections, revamping its franchisee business, and optimizing costs. This preferential issue marks a significant step in Gargi’s journey towards achieving its growth objectives and establishing a stronger foothold in the competitive jewellery market.
2, Aug 2024
Criteo Raises Outlook Fueled by Transformation to Commerce Media Powerhouse
India – August 02, 2024 – Criteo, reported earnings for Q2 2024, citing strong momentum as the company continues to execute its transformation to a Commerce Media Powerhouse. Capitalizing on market consolidation and a new privacy framework from Google centered on user choice, Criteo’s solutions to unify the commerce media ecosystem are a catalyst for outsized growth.
Overview of financial results
- At constant currency, Q2 Contribution ex-TAC (net revenue) increased 14% to $267 million, above guidance
- Strong quarterly performance with double-digit organic growth for the third consecutive quarter
- Criteo raises outlook after achieving record top line and adjusted EBITDA margin for Q2
- New solutions (non-retargeting) now represent 52% of business
Criteo Continues Commerce Media Powerhouse Transformation
- Strategic collaboration with Microsoft Advertising brings extensive demand from 500K+ advertisers to Criteo’s global network of 225 retailers
- In addition, Criteo is working with Microsoft Advertising to consolidate their Retail Media supply onto Criteo’s platform
- 30% year over year growth in Retail Media activated spend, outpacing the market
- This includes retailers and marketplaces like Office Depot, Dollar General, QVC, Belk, MyTheresa, Selfridges and Grab
- Added about 200 new brands in Q2 to Criteo’s Commerce Max Demand Side Platform, or DSP
- Increase in agency spend with major holding companies grew more than 50% year over year
- Commerce Max’s new SKU-based planning tool enables brands and agencies to buy sponsored product ads across 225 Retail Media Networks, within one simple consolidated workflow
- AI innovation is playing a central role in performance media success, driving contribution ex-TAC in the double-digit million-dollar range
- On Google’s support of informed consent for third-party cookie use
- Google’s decision not to fully deprecate cookies presents an opportunity for Criteo to benefit from ongoing access to third-party signals for opted-in users, which fits well into Criteo’s comprehensive multi-pronged approach to addressability
- Google will continue to support Privacy Sandbox for opted-out users
- Criteo is one of the largest ad tech partners testing the Privacy Sandbox to date, making the company well prepared to leverage it when third-party cookies are unavailable
Our transformation is coming to life and we continue to seize the exciting opportunities in front of us, positioning ourselves for a promising future,” said Megan Clarken, Chief Executive Officer of Criteo. “Our focus remains on executing our plan to drive sustainable growth and maximize shareholder value.”
2, Aug 2024
Optoma Unveils Affordable Wave Series Laser Projectors for Home Entertainment in India
New Delhi, 02nd August 2024: Optoma, world’s No.1 DLP projector brand and a leading designer of projection announced the launch of the Optoma Wave series, a mainstream home entertainment laser projector series featuring the Wave110R, Wave110S, and Wave120R models in India. Starting at Rs 3.6 lacs the new Wave series from Optoma’s portfolio aims to provide the finest home entertainment experience to Indian customers.
Eyeing the home segment, the Wave series projectors implement bright and sharp images with astonishing colour precision, ranging from 3,500 lumens to a maximum of 4,300 lumens brightness across models and a dynamic contrast ratio of 2,200,000:1, depending on the size and purpose of the space. These projectors are equipped with 360-degree installation and 4-corner correction features which make them a perfect choice for home theatres. The Wave series projectors can be installed anywhere, whether on the ceiling, wall, or floor, and can achieve screens of up to 300 inches.
The Wave110S can create a 100-inch screen with just about 1.1 meters of distance, enabling large screen projection in narrow living spaces without separate installation. The Wave series supports 4K input and HDR (High Dynamic Range), enhancing brightness and contrast through dynamic black technology to deliver realistic and detailed screens. Thus, it can provide remarkable brightness, colour precision, reliable operation, and excellent image quality in various spaces, especially homes.
The new range features a slimmer and more compact design, utilizing an external power supply to minimize dust ingress and provide excellent energy efficiency. The DuraCore laser light source, designed with environmental considerations, in the Wave series can be used for up to 30,000 hours. Additionally, the optical engine is sealed to prevent even small dust particles from entering and has obtained an IP6X rating. Therefore, designed to reduce maintenance costs significantly, the Wave series is engineered to reduce power consumption by up to 45% compared to Optoma’s conventional lamp projectors and by up to 76% compared to a 100-inch TV.
Vijay Sharma, India & SAARC Head – Optoma Corporation stated, “Providing customers with a display solution that offers long-term reliable performance with minimal environmental impact is crucial. We are pleased to introduce the Optoma Wave series to India, which not only provides stunning image quality and installation flexibility but also sets new standards for reducing power consumption and carbon footprint. We aim to lead the market with reasonably priced home laser projectors that meet the expectations of Indian consumers who prefer high specifications while considering the overall value.”
2, Aug 2024
Castler Launches “CastlerCode”- India’s First Cloud Native Source Code Escrow Service
New Delhi, India, 2nd August, 2024:
Castler, a leading provider of escrow services in India, today announced the launch of its innovative cloud native Source Code Escrow solution under the brand name “CastlerCode”. This groundbreaking offering is the first of its kind in the country, providing a secure and efficient way for businesses to protect intellectual property of their software and ensure business continuity.
CastlerCode leverages cutting-edge cloud technology to store and manage critical software and source code, ensuring that it is accessible only to authorized parties in the event of predefined trigger events. By eliminating the need for physical storage and manual processes, the solution offers enhanced security, accessibility, and scalability to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses.
“We are pleased to introduce CastlerCode, which represents a significant leap forward in the way businesses safeguard their softwares and source codes,” said Vineet Singh, Founder and CEO of Castler. “Our solution combines the convenience of cloud technology with the robust security and reliability that our clients have come to expect from Castler. We are confident that this offering will revolutionize the way businesses approach source code escrow in India. Singh further added that “Software/Source Code Escrow is one of the fastest growing categories globally at a CAGR of 20% and is poised to reach $30Bn dollars by 2030.
CastlerCode has partnered with AWS, the leading cloud service providers and industry experts to ensure the highest standards of security, reliability, and compliance for its Source Code Escrow solution.
In India the market is set for humongous growth as RBI through its notification dated 7th November 2023, has made software escrow mandatory for all regulated entities. Another notification by RBI dated July 30th 2024 mandates all Non-Bank PSO’s to keep the custody of source codes in an escrow arrangement.
CastlerCode boasts of clients including public and private sector banks and NBFCs, who are mandated by the RBI to escrow critical applications. The solution is designed to cater to businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises, across various industries.
“As businesses increasingly rely on software to drive their operations, the need for robust source code escrow solutions has never been greater across the globe and we intent to build a world class SAAS product for the world from India.” added Singh. “With our cloud-based offering, we aim to provide a scalable and cost-effective solution that gives our clients peace of mind and helps them focus on their core business objectives.”
2, Aug 2024
CRISIL Market Intelligence and Analytics
Power demand in India is estimated to have risen ~7.0% on-year in July 2024 to ~150 billion units (BUs) owing to higher power demand in rain-deficient northern states.
However, minus the ~16% on-year surge in power demand in the north, demand moderated in other regions. Power demand rose ~4.0% in the southern region and declined a marginal ~1.0% in the western region. The sharp rise in demand in the northern region was primarily because of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
The variance in demand in the north vs the other regions can be explained largely by the spatial distribution of the monsoon. In July, rainfall in Maharashtra and Gujarat was 63% and 45% higher than normal, respectively. Ditto Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh — rainfall in these states was 60%, 33% and 28% above normal, respectively. In contrast, Punjab and Haryana received deficient rainfall of 44% and 41%, respectively, which is likely to have led to higher power demand for irrigation as these are key agriculture states.
