World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (July 30): ADRA Reaffirms Global Prevention Efforts

SILVER SPRING, MD (July 30, 2024) – The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) joins global communities on July 30 to commemorate World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and reinforce eradicating child trafficking. This year’s theme, “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking,” highlights the significant proportion of female trafficking victims globally.

According to the United Nations, more than 1.2 million children are trafficked each year, and minors are twice as likely as adults to endure violence during trafficking. In regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, the incidence of child trafficking is disproportionately high, with minors constituting 60 percent of the detected victims.

“Human trafficking is a serious and widespread crime affecting millions of men, women, and children worldwide. ADRA is highly aware of the crucial nature of this crisis, particularly child trafficking, as minors account for a sizable proportion of global victims. ADRA is at the forefront of providing support services and programs to victims, many of whom have been subjected to violence, forced labor, sexual exploitation, and recruited as child soldiers in armed conflicts. ADRA will continue raising awareness, advocating, and promoting action globally to educate and engage communities to protect children and adults from falling victim to trafficking,” declares ADRA International’s Vice President for Humanitarian Affairs, Imad Madanat.

ADRA Child Protection Programs

ADRA spearheads programs in different regions of the world specifically to support children at risk for human trafficking by addressing the root causes like poverty and inequality to reduce children’s vulnerability.

ADRA Bangladesh

ADRA implements a project in Bangladesh to prevent forced child labor. According to UNICEF, three million children in the country are forced to work, and many of them become victims of human trafficking. The young people who live in Bangladesh’s urban slums are the most vulnerable. To address the problem, ADRA established a school in a low-income neighborhood, and the Chalantika Slum Children Development Project (CSCDP), which has been offering high-quality education and social services to prevent malnutrition, since 1972.

Keep Girls Safe in Thailand

ADRA’s Keep Girls Safe (KGS) project in Thailand, collaborates with government agencies, local organizations, and community groups to improve awareness and reduce women and girls’ vulnerability to sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Keep Girls Safe (KGS), which has a shelter for high-risk girls, and offers education scholarships to 100 young women, is marking its 20th year of success. The project also partners with the Chiang Rai Secondary Education Department to train students, high school teachers, and counselors on how to raise awareness and encourage reporting of online exploitation, abuse, and human trafficking.

ADRA and Refugee Children

ADRA works with refugee and displaced children in a variety of settings to ensure their safety and protection, as they are targets of human traffickers. According to UN reports, an increasing number of refugee and migrant children are taking exceedingly dangerous routes, frequently at the behest of smugglers and traffickers, and being sold into slavery or prostitution.

To safeguard children, ADRA runs educational initiatives in many refugee camps around the world. ADRA’s Learning Center in Baalbek, Lebanon, offers education to children who fled the Syrian conflict and connects them and their families to crucial services.

In Mexico, ADRA assists refugee families and children who flee from violence and conflict zones by providing food, shelter, health services, and counseling.

ADRA has also launched extensive response operations to protect refugee children and families who escape the fighting in Ukraine. Several ADRA country offices including Austria, Belgium, Romania, and Slovakia, offer numerous social services, such as food, cash assistance, access to education, shelter, psychosocial support, and protection at border crossings.

Help ADRA create a safer world by joining the battle against human trafficking. Visit https://adra.org/child-protection to discover more about ADRA’s global trafficking prevention efforts, as well as ways to help survivors and protect vulnerable people from this heinous crime.

Secure interviews and more information on this story by contacting Iris Argueta at iris.argueta@adra.org or calling 301-332-3880.

Caret Capital and Peyush Bansal Invest in TraqCheck, an AI-Based Startup for Employee Background Verification

30th July 2024 Gurgaon, Haryana, India Caret Capital, a sustainability fund that invests across Mobility, Distribution and Employment, has invested in Delhi-based startup TraqCheck.

​Founded in November 2020 by Armaan Mehta, Jaibir Nihal Singh and Rishabh Jain, TraqCheck is an AI-based platform for employee background verification. It enables enterprises to onboard employees significantly faster and more accurately at a lower cost than traditional methods.

“From the outset, our mission has been clear: to empower individuals and companies through their data. TraqCheck remains committed to this goal by facilitating the utilization of personal data for individual advancement and aiding companies in making informed hiring decisions. This commitment fosters an optimal workplace culture and community. We remain focused on advancing and implementing new AI technologies to drive innovation in the background verification industry by enhancing hiring speed, cost efficiency and accuracy. Dedicated to empowering individuals and companies with their own data, we are excited to welcome Pankaj Bansal, Prajakt Raut from Caret Capital, and Peyush Bansal’s family office, Culture Cap, as partners on the TraqCheck journey,” stated Armaan Mehta, Jaibir Nihal Singh, and Rishabh Jain, the Founders of TraqCheck.

According to Prajakt Raut and Pankaj Bansal, Co-founders and Managing Partners of Caret Capital, “There are significant tailwinds for TraqCheck’s value proposition. As the industry transitions to a gig workforce and on-demand human resources (e.g. in logistics, deliveries, etc.), there will be a significantly higher demand for instant background verification services. Traditional background verification companies cannot do instant / fast verification, which companies like TraqCheck using AI can do.”

The background verification industry is a USD one billion industry in India and USD 15 billion globally. However, background verification is conventionally a manual process. Current market players are working off older generations of technology stacks and are dependent on significant human intervention. As a result, their speed, accuracy and costs are inefficient. TraqCheck fills this gap and provides quick and efficient verification leveraging the power of AI.

Godfrey Phillips India Ltd. Celebrates Sixth Consecutive Recognition as Great Place To Work®

30th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India The BSE-listed FMCG giant is making waves with its financial success. Continuous recognition as a Great Place To Work is another proud achievement for the Company.

Godfrey Phillips India Ltd. (GPIL), a leading FMCG company and a Fortune 500 and ET 500 India listed organization, proudly announces its sixth consecutive certification as a Great Place To Work® by the renowned Great Place To Work Institute.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Bina Modi, Chairperson and Managing Director of the Company said, “At Godfrey Phillips India, our People-First Philosophy is more than just a mantra; it’s the essence of our culture. We’re dedicated to cultivating an environment where every individual feels not just valued, but truly at home, empowered to thrive and contribute their best. Our employees’ deep sense of ownership, responsibility, respect, and love for GPIL is the true measure of our success. This certification is another testament to our unwavering commitment to our people, further solidifying our legacy of care and reinforcing our belief that together, we can achieve greatness.” She further added that she has never thought of the Company as ‘my company,’ but always as ‘our company’ – because at GPIL employees are equal partners.

Sharad Aggarwal, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, echoed Dr. Modi’s sentiments, stating, “We are thrilled with this recognition. GPIL takes immense pride in fostering a culture of collaboration, cross-learning, transparency and respect. I have always pushed our people to share their ideas, to try and try again. Our employees are not just colleagues; they are part of the OneGPI family. This recognition is a testament to their dedication and contributions, and how far we have come together. ‘Together’ continues to be a core value for GPIL which represents our joint contributions.”

Sakshi Anand, Chief Human Resources Officer, emphasized, “Equality is fundamental to GPIL’s ethos. We provide equal opportunities for all our employees to share their ideas, grow professionally, and diversify their skill sets. Our commitment to nurturing a supportive and inclusive workplace is unwavering. This recognition comes with a responsibility of maintaining and raising the standard of work ethics that we practice and promote at Godfrey Phillips India and I’m very proud to say that the entire OneGPI family sincerely supports this effort.”

Godfrey Phillips India’s consistent recognition as a Great Place To Work® underscores its steadfast commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture and prioritizing the well-being and growth of its employees. The Company is breaking its own growth records year on year. Along with financial success, GPIL continues to set industry benchmarks for excellence in workplace culture and employee satisfaction.

Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Delhi: Empowering Humanity’s Spiritual Journey under Sri Guru Ratna Prabhu’s Leadership

30th July 2024  Delhi, India Shrimad Rajchandra Mission is a Delhi-based non-profit and volunteer-driven organization that aims to lead people on a journey inwards. Founded in 2010 by Sri Guru Ratna Prabhu, who continues to lead the mission with her profound wisdom and guidance, the mission is run by hundreds of sevaks with the vision of “living is giving”. SRM seeks to inspire and awaken mankind to its inner infinite through limitless knowledge, unshakable devotion, and profound meditation.

Sri Guru, the Founder of SRM, is more than simply a name; she embodies the mission’s principles. As a mystic, yogi, and visionary spiritual teacher, Sri Guru offers constant direction to thousands of seekers on their inner journeys. Her intellectual brilliance and meditative grace serve as a beacon, illuminating the path of self-discovery and spiritual development. Along with imparting significant knowledge, she emphasizes the need for meditation—but only with the right methodology.

Moreover, in 2015, Sri Guru introduced SwaRaj Kriya, a revolutionary meditation technique that has been the heart and soul of SRM since its inception. This transformative yogic meditation technique is not just changing lives but propelling them forward exponentially. The fundamental purpose of SRM is to ignite the infinite powers within each individual. Through the invaluable tools of Satsangs and Meditations, Sri Guru instils profound clarity in the seekers and illuminates the path to personal transformation.

At Shrimad Rajchandra Mission, compassion and love are the cornerstone of collective belief. As a close-knit family, SRM harnesses this powerful energy to provide individuals with a platform to give back to society through numerous humanitarian initiatives, serving thousands of people each year across the country. The mission of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission, Delhi, is to support individuals in recognizing, moving towards, and achieving this noble goal.

Bajaj Markets Helps Users Build Credit with 30+ Credit Card Options

30th July 2024  Pune, Maharashtra, India  It is important to maintain a robust credit score for accessing favorable loan terms and credit opportunities. Bajaj Markets, a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv presents a curated selection of 30+ credit cards designed to help individuals elevate their credit profile and meet their financial goals.

Bajaj Markets helps users build credit

Some of the Credit Cards on Bajaj Markets that Help Boost Credit Scores:

1. IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge Credit Card

• Joining Fee: NIL
• Unique Features:
• Customized rewards plans with flexible redemption options
• Accelerated reward points on dining, entertainment, and utility bill payments.

2. SBI Card Prime

• Joining Fee: Rs. 2,999
• Unique Features:

• Earn accelerated reward points on dining, grocery, and departmental store spends
• Up to 12 complimentary visits to airport lounges in a year

3. Axis Bank Neo Credit Card

• Joining Fee: Rs. 250
• Unique Features:
• Discount on online shopping
• Zero liability on lost cards and easy redemption of reward points

4. AU Small Finance Bank Altura Plus Credit Card

• Joining Fee: NIL
• Unique Features:
• 2 Reward Points for every Rs. 100 spent on online purchases
• 1.5% Cashback on daily spends (Rs. 100/mo.)

Apart from rewards and benefits, credit cards on Bajaj Markets also serve as an invaluable tool for individuals looking to fortify their creditworthiness. By leveraging these cards effectively and adhering to sound credit management practices, individuals can create a good credit score.

One can easily apply for these credit cards online through the Bajaj Markets app or website. The process is quick and requires minimal paperwork. Apart from building credit with credit cards, users can meet their financial needs with the help of other financial products on Bajaj Markets.

Crompton Introduces its New Range of IndiBreeze Industrial Air Coolers that Delivers ‘Jaldi Cooling’ Providing Relief in the Summer Heat

30th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Limited, renowned for its commitment to quality and pioneering innovations in appliances, has continuously redefined your living spaces with sophistication and unparalleled style. Taking this to a new level, Crompton is once again transforming cooling solutions with the launch of its IndiBreeze Industrial Cooler range. Available in 95L and 135L capacities, these industrial-grade coolers are specifically designed to tackle the demanding needs of large, open spaces like factories, warehouses, restaurants with open kitchens, and large lobby areas.

As climate change becomes a harsh reality and temperatures soar to unprecedented levels, we are likely to face extreme heat in the upcoming season. The intense heat waves and scorching temperatures make it important for one to experience instant cooling after a long day. Instant cooling is not only necessary to combat the heat but also to ensure comfort, convenience, and overall well-being during the summer months. Coolers, therefore, offer a valuable solution with their affordability, durability, and energy-efficient features, providing optimal cooling comfort anytime, anywhere. However, traditional metal coolers, while cost-effective, often struggle to deliver effective cooling in large, open spaces. In line with Crompton’s commitment to enhancing the consumer experience, the company has introduced a new range of industrial air coolers – IndiBreeze series designed to deliver “Jaldi Cooling” this summer season.

Speaking about the latest innovation, Mr. Malhar Vadke – Business Head (Large Domestic Appliances) – Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. said, “The launch of the IndiBreeze Industrial Cooler range reflects Crompton’s dedication to evolving alongside its customers’ needs. Our living spaces have transformed; they are no longer just places of residence, but dynamic environments where comfort plays a crucial role in various activities. Similarly, industrial spaces require solutions that prioritize worker well-being and ensure optimal productivity. The IndiBreeze Industrial Coolers addresses this growing need for powerful and reliable cooling in industrial / different settings. Crompton has a history of breaking barriers with advanced technology and pioneering innovations. We believe the IndiBreeze Industrial Coolers continue this tradition, delivering the same high results you expect from our products for a more comfortable and convenient consumer experience.”

Engineered with precision and innovation, these coolers are designed to redefine cooling solutions for industrial spaces. Crompton understands that industrial settings require robust equipment that can withstand heavy-duty use. Hence, with their advanced features and reliable performance, the IndiBreeze 95 and IndiBreeze 135 are set to elevate cooling experiences in industrial environments, offering unparalleled comfort and efficiency.

Find below the details of the products:

IndiBreeze 95 features a robust double-bearing motor enhancement, ensuring longevity and reliability. With high-density honeycomb pads and a 17″ inch Metal fan blade, it delivers a powerful airflow of 6500m3/hr. Equipped with fully collapsible louvers, an Everlast Pump, and auto-fill functionality, it offers convenience and efficiency. Its inverter capability and heavy-duty caster wheels make it adaptable and easy to maneuver

IndiBreeze 135 boasts similar features but with enhancements tailored for larger spaces. Its double-bearing motor ensures durability, while the 20″ metal fan blade facilitates higher airflow, delivering an impressive 9000m3/hr. With fully collapsible louvers, an Everlast Pump, and auto-fill functionality, it guarantees optimal and consistent performance. Like its counterpart, it is inverter-compatible and equipped with heavy-duty caster wheels for enhanced mobility.

The IndiBreeze range of air coolers is available across the retail stores of Crompton and e-commerce channels as well for a price range of Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 29,000.

Playground Season 3 is a Massive Success; This Gaming Reality Show has now been Extended by Two Weeks

30th July 2024 New Delhi, Delhi, India  Given the overwhelming support and engagement, Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service – in association with Rusk Media, announces the extension of the Playground Season 3, the biggest gaming reality show by two weeks. Capturing the hearts of Gen-Z, Playground Season 3 transcended reality show status to become a bona fide cultural phenomenon. The enthusiastic embrace of the show by the Gen Z’s has propelled it to new heights of popularity and acclaim, highlighting its relevance and resonance among young audiences.

Since its premiere, Playground Season 3 has captivated audiences nationwide, garnering impressive success metrics across all platforms. The show has reached over 25 million unique viewers across all touchpoints, each viewer on Amazon miniTV is spending 60 mins on an average per day with over 40% returning viewers, reflecting the strong audience engagement and loyalty.

The dynamic combination of mentors in Playground Season 3 brought a diverse range of expertise and perspectives to the forefront, enriching the gaming experience for enthusiasts nationwide. Elvish Yadav, known for his infectious energy and strategic gameplay, seamlessly transitioned from his successful stint as a Bigg Boss OTT Season 2 winner to donning the mentor hat for the first time, injecting fresh enthusiasm and insight into the competition. Alongside him, the seasoned presence of OG CarryMinati provided invaluable wisdom and wit, while Techno Gamerz brought his technical prowess and innovative strategies to the table. Not to be outdone, Mortal’s unparalleled skill and competitive spirit added an extra layer of intensity to the mix. Together, this eclectic lineup of mentors not only guided the participants through challenges but also inspired and empowered the next generation of gamers, making Playground Season 3 an unforgettable journey of growth, camaraderie, and exhilarating gameplay.

The show has also been able to onboard marquee brands like Hero Xtreme125R as the title sponsor which launched its bike on the show. The show is co-powered by Pova India, and has special partners including TooYumm, Pizza Hut, LG, and Philips.

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of Playground Season 3 and grateful for the immense support from our viewers and sponsor brands for helping us build a successful content franchise,” said Amogh Dusad, Head of Content at Amazon miniTV. “The extension of the show for two more weeks underscores the tremendous impact it has had on Amazon miniTV’s audiences across the country. We are committed to delivering high-quality entertainment and look forward to bringing more excitement to gaming enthusiasts.”

Mayank Yadav, CEO of Rusk Media, stated, “The success of Playground Season 3 is a testament to our collective efforts in redefining gaming entertainment. We would like to thank the mentors, sponsors and participants for the overwhelming support. The season’s extension reflects our commitment to delivering unparalleled entertainment experiences. We look forward to continuing this journey of success and innovation.”

Headlined by Hero MotoCorp as the ‘Presenting Partner’ and powered by POVA from TECNO, Playground Season 3 has also received support from Swiggy, Pizza Hut, LG OLED TV, Philips, Too Yumm!, PUMA and Kreo as Special Partners. These collaborations have elevated the show’s entertainment quotient and provided viewers with an unprecedented immersive gaming experience.

With its blend of adrenaline-pumping challenges, fierce competition and non-stop excitement, Playground Season 3 continues to redefine gaming entertainment in India. The reality show is streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV for free within Amazon’s shopping app, on Fire TV and Play Store.

Formovie Projectors Fast Emerging as the Premium Choice in India’s Home Entertainment

30th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  The increasing inclination of customers toward a theatre-like movie or gaming experience has also led to an increase in the growing demand for laser projectors. This surge in demand has also seen many global tech giants entering the Indian market. This includes Formovie, the Mi ecosystem company, which forayed into India last year and is already making a major impact by providing an unforgettable viewing experience right at home.

Irrespective of whether you are a movie enthusiast, a gamer, or hosting a screening center, a high-quality projector can take your viewing experience to the next level. Hence, being the key to a perfect entertainment setup, finding the right kind of projector should be done after a detailed assessment of the pros and cons of the available choices.

One of the major reasons for the wide acceptance of Formovie projectors is the stunning visual quality that they offer. Powered by Advanced Laser Phosphor Display (ALPD 4.0), these RGB+ laser projectors deliver 2800 ANSI lumens brightness and 4K color accuracy. The brilliant display function can be further enhanced by using the ambient light-rejecting screen mode.

Other major pros of the projectors are their easy integration with Android TV 11.0 and Google Assistant, which help users easily control their content from the comfort of their living room. The Formovie projectors also support a wide range of streaming services, including Dolby Vision content from Apple TV, Disney+, and other popular platforms.

These advanced projectors also feature a wide array of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HDMI, enabling viewers to connect to various multimedia devices and streaming services easily and conveniently. In addition to Dolby Vision, the projectors also have built-in Bowers & Wilkins speakers with Dolby Atmos support, ensuring premium sound quality equivalent to a real cinematic audio experience in movie theatres.

In addition to the sound system, they are equipped with smart features such as voice control, screen mirroring, and auto-focus, making them the right choice for a personalized viewing experience. As consumers opt for energy-efficient and eco-friendly projectors, Formovie projectors are designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Starting from Formovie S5 projector priced at Rs 69,999, to Formovie 4K Theater, which is priced at Rs 3,79,999, these projectors are also among the most cost-effective devices included in the luxury category.

L&T Finance Ltd. Empowers Over 42 Lakh Community Members through the Digital Sakhi Program

30th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) has empowered over 42 lakh community members so far through the ‘Digital Sakhi’ program which is a key initiative under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The program which was initiated in 2017, has consistently expanded its geographical footprint in 7 states namely, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka and Kerala with a cadre of 1,370 trained Digital Sakhis over the years. The program aims to create awareness on Digital and Financial Literacy amongst the rural population.

Speaking about the progress of the Digital Sakhi program, Ms. Apurva Rathod, Company Secretary & Chief Sustainability Officer at LTF said, “Our Digital Sakhis have played an active role in bridging the last mile gap and facilitating convergence of government schemes, conducting sessions in Gram Sabhas and the State Rural Livelihood Mission programs and supporting the community to obtain the benefits of government schemes. The efforts of Digital Sakhis have been instrumental in bringing the larger community into the ambit of entitlements. Our Digital Sakhi project has continued to invigorate the women empowerment narrative with many women rising up the ranks, from the confines of their homes to being change agents in their community. In FY24, our Digital Sakhis have effectively helped empower over 11 lakh rural communities by promoting digital financial inclusion, providing impetus to 2,400 women entrepreneurs.”

Digital Sakhi is a flagship program of LTF, that equips rural women with the skills and knowledge to confidently impart Digital and Financial Literacy (DFL) training to households in their communities and nurture an ecosystem of digital financial transactions. The program focuses on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 – Gender Equality, wherein women are identified from rural communities and trained extensively on DFL, leadership, and technology. These women are called “Digital Sakhis‟. Each Sakhi is equipped with a mobile tablet with preloaded DFL modules. The program also nurtures women entrepreneurs from the communities, providing them with upskilling and enterprise development training to help them build their businesses and enhance their livelihoods.

In FY 2023-24, under the program, LTF has successfully impanelled 400 Sakhis in the new geographies of Uttar Pradesh (Gorakhpur), Bihar (Supaul), Tamil Nadu (Madurai), and West Bengal (Murshidabad).

Across existing and new program locations of Digital Sakhis, there has been a commendable 12 percent increase in the adoption of digital payments among community members, promoting a cashless economy and enhancing financial inclusion.

Details of progress made in the last financial year

The Digital Sakhi project in Uttar Pradesh at Gorakhpur district was launched in the last financial year and in the first year of the project, more than 1,25,000 individuals were reached through various awareness activities.

Similarly, the project was launched in Bihar at Supaul district and it has started to show results on the ground. In the first year of the project, more than 1,00,000 individuals were reached through various awareness activities.

The Digital Sakhi project was also launched in Tamil Nadu at the Madurai district and in the initial year, more than 1,00,000 individuals were reached through various awareness activities.

Lastly, the project in West Bengal at Murshidabad district was launched last year and during the year more than 1,00,000 individuals were reached through various awareness activities in the first year.