20, Aug 2024
How STAAH’s hospi-tech solutions empower hoteliers to effortlessly navigate a long-weekend rush

New Delhi: August 20, 2024 – With six more long weekends still to go before the year ends, hoteliers are constantly on the lookout for innovative and effective ways to draw more bookings and maximise guest experience while boosting their bottom line. STAAH, a hospitality solutions provider based in New Zealand, has just the right stack of solutions for hotel, homestay and apartment owners. Its suite of innovative technology tools designed to streamline operations and boost revenue, enables hoteliers to manage this busy period efficiently and profitably.

Here’s how!

Channel Manager

For hoteliers, if managing their distribution and ensuring maximum occupancy is not done right, especially during long weekends, their business could take a hit. This tool addresses both these pain points by enabling property owners to manage their distribution on a single platform and increase occupancy. The Channel Manager syncs all channels and aligns their bookings from OTAs and their website. It also updates rates, availability, and guest data in your PMS and across all connected channels. It eliminates over bookings and allows bulk rate adjustments so hoteliers can enjoy dynamic pricing and enhance their property’s visibility on over 500 channels worldwide.

ReviewMinder

What’s a fabulous property without great reviews as proof, right? This centralised review management tool allows hoteliers to personally engage with their guests in real time, take in feedback as well as monitor, respond to and resolve online reviews from TripAdvisor, Google, and major OTAs. Being at the top of the reviews game will help hoteliers to strengthen brand loyalty, build a community of repeat customers and grow and expand their business. ReviewMinder also offers features like review translation and guest journey optimization, ensuring a positive online presence and better guest satisfaction.

Global Distribution System (GDS)

If you are a STAAH partner in India, you are in luck! Its GDS hosting connects hotels to over 500,000 travel agents and management companies globally via major systems like Sabre, Amadeus, Worldspan and Pegasus, placing hoteliers in the ambit of the world’s largest travel marketplace! Hoteliers who are worried about how to deploy and learn about these complicated systems need not worry. A dedicated STAAH GDS team will assist with rate structuring and content optimization, maximizing global reach and revenue potential.

SwiftBook

By displaying live rates from multiple channels and promoting seasonal discounts, SwiftBook helps hoteliers enhance their revenue per available room (RevPAR) and average daily rate (ADR), while saving on OTA commissions. With this tool, you can boost Direct Bookings and increase revenue seamlessly as it transforms website visitors into guests with dynamic rate plans, exciting offers, and up-selling opportunities.

InstantSite

First impressions are the often the last and this isn’t truer than in the world of hospitality! Guests usually pick up a vibe about a property they are considering from browsing through the website so if this primary interface isn’t looking good, hoteliers are likely to lose business. STAAH’s InstantSite tool empowers them to attract new customers by engaging visitors with visually stunning, professionally-designed and responsive websites that not only display promotions and optional extras but are also optimised for mobile devices and search engines. This tool is integrated with the SwiftBook and helps drive more direct bookings while improving overall profitability.

Armed with these tech solutions in hand, hoteliers can dive straight into all long weekends knowing that they will deliver exceptional guest experiences, have a packed house and end up with an encouraging bottom line!

20, Aug 2024
Gaurs Group & its Cricket Team, Gorakhpur Lions Organise UPT20 Cricket League to help Cancer Patients

Delhi NCR: Gaurs Group and its cricket team, Gorakhpur Lions, organised a charity match to support cancer patients. The event featured an exciting match between Gaurs Group’s owned Gorakhpur Lions and Meerut Mavericks, two leading teams from the UPT20 Cricket League. Rs 36 lakhs raised from the match was donated to Yashoda Hospital for the treatment of cancer patients. It was held at Gaur City Stadium in Greater Noida West.

cricket

Manoj Gaur, CMD of Gaurs Group, stated, “This match is our effort to help cancer patients and raise awareness among people. Gaurs Group is deeply committed to community welfare, and this match reflects our dedication to promoting health through sports. By organising such tournaments, we also want to highlight the significance of fostering talent through local sports leagues and community engagement. Our team, Gorakhpur Lions, is an important part of UPT20 Cricket League.”

Apart from the Gaurs Group’s CMD, Manoj Gaur, those cheering the players included Rajeev Shukla, Vice President of BCCI, DS Chauhan, Chairman of UP Cricket Association (UPCA), Rajesh Dubey, Owner of Meerut Mavericks, and Dr. P.N. Arora, Chairman of Yashoda Hospital.

Addressing the gathering, Rajeev Shukla spoke about the role of leagues like the UPT20 Cricket League in promoting local talent, highlighting players like Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel, Ankit Rajput, and Yash Dayal as examples. On his part, Dr. P.N. Arora, Chairman of Yashoda Hospital, announced a donation of Rs 11 Lacs for the treatment of cancer patients.

Gaurs Group, erstwhile Gaursons India, foray into UPT20 is led by its energetic Director, Veshesh Gaur, who was also the main force behind this charity match.

During the match, Meerut Mavericks captain Rinku Singh won the toss and opted to bowl first. Gorakhpur Lions’ opening batsman, Dhruv Jurel, set the tone with a four and a six in the fourth over, though he was caught behind for 20 runs on the next delivery. Aryan Juyal was the standout performer for Gorakhpur, scoring 68 runs and guiding his team to 155 runs in 20 overs. For the Mavericks, Divyansh took two wickets, with Vishal, Yogendra, and Vijay each contributing one.

Chasing the target, Meerut Mavericks started confidently. Ankit Rajput struck the first blow for Gorakhpur by dismissing Swastik for 16 runs. Akshay Dubey followed soon after dismissed for 18 runs. Despite this, the solid partnership between Madhav Kaushik (41) and Rituraj Sharma (73) steered the Meerut Mavericks to a commanding 8-wicket win. Rituraj Sharma was adjudged the Man of the Match, while Aryan Juyal was awarded for his outstanding batting.

20, Aug 2024
The Open Couple’ Returns After 7 Years at Veda Kunba Theatre, Presented by Paytm Insider and Bhasha Centre

Mumbai, August 2024: Paytm Insider presents a satirical rom-com play, Dario Fo’s ‘The Open Couple’, as part of its co-producing initiative—‘Manch’ with Bhasha Centre. The play makes a comeback after 7 years at the spacious auditorium, Veda Kunba Theatre Mumbai, opening with two shows on September 1, 2024.

Open Couple- Paytm Insider

‘The Open Couple’, is a play by Italian playwrights Dario Fo and Franca Rame, which explores the intricacies and complexities of modern-day relationships. Antonia, after years of coping with her husband, decides that they should become an “open couple”. However, the decision delivers nothing short of a madcap masquerade and a roller-coaster ride of emotions, making their new normal tickle the audience’s funny bones.

In today’s world of blurring boundaries in relationships and the modern dating scene, the play poignantly points to the changing dynamics of a couple in love, but the flame is flickering. It maneuvers through the themes of trust, communication, and the complexities of love from the lenses of a lovelorn couple.

The play is brought to you by La Compagnie Dramatique with Faraz Khan, a LAMDA graduate actor and director, donning the director’s hat. Ragini Rowchowdury is the creative producer of the play. La Compagnie Dramatique invites audiences to witness the unraveling of a tumultuous journey through rapid-fire dialogue and incalculable turns. It is a fascinating tale of a couple played by ace actors Vaishali Bisht and Gaurav Sajjanhar, a new addition to the cast, who infuse raw emotionality into the play. The stage is set for a renewed look at contemporary relationships against the backdrop of societal expectations and gender roles.

20, Aug 2024
Chandak Group Receives ‘Transformation Excellence Award’ for Redevelopment in Mumbai’s Western Suburbs

Mumbai, August 20, 2024: Chandak Group, a prominent Mumbai-based real estate developer with over 35 years of industry expertise, has been honoured at the Times Redevelopment Awards 2024 for ‘Transformation Excellence Western Suburbs’. This prestigious accolade highlights the Group’s significant contributions to reshaping Mumbai’s real estate landscape through innovative redevelopment projects.

mr sunil

Chandak Group’s portfolio boasts an impressive array of 10 ongoing projects, with over 12 million square feet of developed space they have enriched the lives of over 10,000 families, offering them enhanced lifestyles in well-planned, modern communities. Noteworthy projects include Chandak Highscape City, Chandak Treesourus, Cornerstone, Chandak Nishchay, Chandak GreenAiry, and 34 Park Estate, strategically located in vibrant areas such as Chembur (E), Malad (W), Worli, Dahisar (E), Borivali (E) and Goregaon (W).

Chandak Group’s comprehensive portfolio spans residential, retail, and commercial developments, catering to a diverse clientele. Some of their areas of focus are Society Redevelopment along with Slum Redevelopment Scheme (SRA), a collaborative urban initiative where government and private developers join forces to transform slum areas into well-constructed, organized housing projects. This initiative provides former slum dwellers with dignified, healthier living conditions.

As Mumbai continues to grow, the importance of redevelopment initiatives is an attempt to rejuvenate aging neighbourhoods, ensuring enhanced safety, better living conditions, and modern amenities. For existing residents, this means a substantial improvement in quality of life. For new homeowners, it presents a unique opportunity to embrace a modern lifestyle and invest in rapidly appreciating assets. It also ensures that there is a shift in the way redevelopment projects are perceived, since there is a dearth of fresh land parcels in cities like Mumbai, the only way forward is by redevelopment. Having realised this potential some top builders are constructing uber luxury projects in coveted localities in Mumbai like Tardeo, Worli and Bandra.

Chandak Group’s approach to redevelopment transcends traditional practices. Their focus is not merely on constructing new homes but on fostering harmonious and thriving communities. The meticulous planning, design, and quality of their projects reflect a deep commitment to the well-being of both new and existing residents.

In the dynamic Mumbai real estate market, developers like Chandak Group are not just creating properties—they are spearheading visionary transformations that align with the aspirations of modern Mumbaikars for exceptional living spaces.

20, Aug 2024
F5 Strengthens Leadership in Multicloud Networking with Expanded Technology Partnerships and Customer Success

BENGALURU, AUGUST 20, 2024 – F5, the global leader in multi-cloud application security and delivery, today announced expanded technology partnerships and customer win milestones that reinforce its position as a leader in multi-cloud networking. According to IDC, the multi-cloud networking market is rapidly expanding and is expected to reach $10.16 billion in 2028.

As a pioneer in multi-cloud application security and delivery, F5’s solutions help customers solve the unique complexity challenges inherent in securely connecting applications and APIs across hybrid multi-cloud environments. To help solve this challenge, F5 Distributed Cloud Services offer infrastructure-agnostic solutions that reduce the complexity of networking across data centers, clouds, and the edge while enabling consistent app security policy and enforcement, regardless of where the apps are hosted.

According to F5’s 2024 State of Application Strategy Report, the demand for multi-cloud networking strategies has grown significantly—with nearly 90% of enterprises deploying apps and APIs across a mix of on-premises and cloud or edge environments. The report highlights significant challenges faced by today’s enterprises as they manage apps across multiple infrastructure environments. More than one-third of respondents (38%, nearly double the 2023 figure) operate apps across six or more different environments.

“Modern enterprises today must manage a multitude of disparate applications, all hosted on multiple clouds and on-premises environments. The realities of today’s hybrid multi-cloud infrastructures mandate that applications must be stitched together to deliver secure, fast, and reliable digital experiences,” said Arul Elumalai, Senior Vice President and General Manager of distributed Cloud Platform and Security Services at F5. “With multi-cloud comes significant complexity, cost, and security risks, as applications become increasingly distributed. F5’s secure multi-cloud networking capabilities abstract this complexity to connect and protect these distributed applications, without having to pay attention to the cloud or infrastructure on which they run.”

“Indian businesses are rapidly adopting hybrid/multi-cloud technologies to modernize and accelerate revenue. However, this has heightened security challenges due to sophisticated cyber threats, increasing demand for enhanced cloud security. According to Gartner, security and risk management spending in India is expected to grow by 12% year-on-year in 2024. Businesses are looking for security solutions that are designed to secure their applications, irrespective of where they are deployed in the multi-cloud environment,” said Pratik Shah, Managing Director of India and SAARC, F5. “At F5, we understand these challenges and are expanding our partnerships with NetApp, Red Hat, Console Connect, and others to provide innovative solutions that simplify the complexities of securely connecting applications across hybrid environments.”

F5 Introduces Technology Partnerships to Help Enterprises Tackle Multicloud Networking Challenges

F5 has developed partnerships with key technology leaders to extend the capabilities of its multi-cloud networking solutions and address a broader set of customer challenges.

NetApp

F5 is collaborating with NetApp, a global leader in data storage solutions, to provide enterprises with robust, secure, and agile data mobility capabilities, enhancing hybrid cloud ROI and reducing IT overhead. NetApp, with over three decades of expertise, and trusted by more than 10,000 customers globally, continues to innovate in the cloud era, offering unified data storage for any data type, workload, or application.

NetApp Blue XP provides a cloud-native unified management experience for storage and data services across multi-cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments. Blue XP integrates on-site storage with the public cloud of a customer’s choice, keeping data secure and always available while optimizing cost and performance. F5’s Distributed Cloud Services deliver a secure MCN solution for Blue XP users that enables safe, easy, and simplified operations of connecting NetApp storage on-premises and Cloud Volumes ONTAP (NetApp’s cloud-based data management service) in the cloud. Data mobility achieved by NetApp and F5 simplifies disaster recovery processes and promotes data as a strategic asset. This partnership empowers businesses to navigate the complexities of multi-cloud environments with confidence.

Red Hat

F5 has enhanced its collaboration with Red Hat to simplify the migration and management of cloud workloads using Red Hat OpenShift Service on AWS (ROSA). By enabling integration for F5 Distributed Cloud Services with ROSA, customers can connect and manage hybrid cloud environments with improved security capabilities, reduced complexity, and lower costs. This collaboration leverages F5 Distributed Cloud App Connect to provide more seamless app-to-app communication and security-optimized workload migration, delivering greater consistency, security, and visibility.

Console Connect

F5 is also introducing its collaboration with Console Connect, a premier Network as a Service (NaaS) provider. This partnership integrates Console Connect with F5 across multiple Points of Presence (PoPs), extending F5’s global backbone and reinforcing its multi-cloud networking solutions. Underpinned by a Tier 1 IP network that is ranked in the top 10 globally, Console Connect brings significant network reach, enabling secure and efficient data movement across cloud environments.

Together, F5 and Console Connect enhance multi-cloud connectivity and security by removing the need to rely on the public internet, resulting in private and secure connectivity across clouds. Through this partnership, customers benefit from F5 Distributed Cloud Services such as DDoS Protection on Console Connect’s global network for public-facing applications in addition to seamless deployment of customer edge (CE) software capabilities for Network Auto-Discovery, Cloud Orchestration, Distributed Application and API Security, and more.

Proven Customer Success with F5 Distributed Cloud Secure Multicloud Networking Solutions

Organizations are harnessing the multicloud networking capabilities of F5 Distributed Cloud Services to enhance their app and API security, performance, and management. Here are four standout case study snapshots that showcase how customers have transformed their operations with F5:

· Ailos Cooperative, a financial services provider, implemented F5 solutions such as F5 Distributed Cloud Network Connect to connect its app portfolio between multiple public clouds and its proprietary data centers. F5 enabled Ailos to fortify its app and API security, ensuring consistent protection and high performance across various cloud platforms. F5 provided comprehensive traffic management, robust security measures, and streamlined compliance, which helped Ailos manage its multicloud infrastructure efficiently. As a result, Ailos could focus on delivering reliable digital experiences to customers, who could be confident in the security and performance of their applications.

· Grupo Élève, an educational technology provider, needed to overcome the complexity of delivering a first-class student experience from its multicloud environment. A secure multicloud networking solution centered on F5 Distributed Cloud Services ensured seamless integration and fortified security to streamline traffic management and enhance application protection across different cloud platforms. This resulted in a unified approach to compliance and performance that reduced complexity while reducing admin workloads by 90%.

· McGraw Hill, a leading educational content provider, aimed to streamline its multicloud management and enhance security. By adopting F5 Distributed Cloud Services, McGraw Hill simplified its infrastructure and management while delivering consistent app-level security across various cloud platforms. F5 simplified the company’s ability to deploy and scale apps across disparate cloud environments, while providing robust traffic management, fortified application protection, and ensured compliance.

· The Scottish Government needed a streamlined approach to connect clouds, services, apps, and APIs with consistent visibility and security across assets. With F5 Distributed Cloud Services, the Scottish Government has created a single administration model across cloud environments where they can keep policies consistent on an ongoing basis, while eliminating multiple dashboards. F5 multicloud networking solutions facilitated a seamless transition to a multicloud infrastructure, allowing the organization to leverage future cloud innovations while ensuring operational security and efficiency.

20, Aug 2024
Preparing for an Elderly Nation: India’s Readiness for a 347 Mn Senior Citizen Population by 2050

Bangalore, India – August 20, 2024: By 2050, one in every five Indians will be a senior citizen, translating to a whopping 347 million senior citizens over the next 25 years. In an interaction on the “What India Needs” podcast, hosted by Shutapa Paul, Rajinish Menon, Founder and CEO of Sukino Healthcare Solutions, shared his insights on this staggering demographic shift. This shift prompts an urgent question: How prepared are we as a nation to address the challenges and opportunities this brings?

Shutapa Paul, Author, Media Entrepreneur, Speaker, Founder, Dharma Media Consultants and Rajinish Menon, Founder and CEO of Sukino Healthcare Solutions

“India is a quick-learning country and has begun to understand the impending challenges faced by the elderly. We anticipate a 40% decadal growth in the elderly population. This demographic shift is significant, with the number of people over 80 expected to equal those aged 0-15. Are we ready? The answer is no, but we are mentally preparing and gearing up for the change,” he said.

“The machinery is working towards addressing this shift. The government has shown focus, and private players are actively promoting good health among elders. CSR activities from corporates are playing a crucial role in this transition, and we see promising initiatives in urban areas being replicated in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities,” he added.

Menon identified several pressing challenges faced by senior citizens in India, including financial security, infrastructure, and healthcare.

Shutapa Paul also raised concerns about the isolation and loneliness that many seniors experience. Highlighting the growing safety concerns, she pointed out the increasing percentage of crimes against seniors, including elder abuse by family members. “We see a growing percentage of crimes against senior citizens, whether physical, mental, or cybercrime. The numbers are huge and shocking. As per reports, almost 35% of senior citizens face abuse from their sons and 21% from their daughters-in-law,” she said. In response, Menon stressed the need for awareness and self-protection among elders.

The insightful discussion also touched upon India’s home healthcare market that is expected to be worth $21.3 billion by 2027, up from $6.2 billion in 2020, according to a 2021 NITI Aayog report. Factors driving this growth include the increasing demand for better quality postoperative and primary care, advancements in technology, rising disposable incomes, and the shift from communicable to lifestyle diseases.

Addressing the state of home healthcare in India, Menon said, “Home care has great potential and is a resource-augmented model, especially where business is concerned. The infrastructure is developing, but there are significant challenges. Home care is currently in a nascent stage, often relying on labour from less developed states, who are trained briefly and then deployed. This model will evolve as society becomes more accepting and technology progresses. Home care is essentially the last-mile delivery of healthcare.”

“Adequate compensation is necessary for good home healthcare services. There are affordable options available, but consumers must understand the minimum requirements for quality care. It is a combination of proper training, technology, and consumer awareness that will improve home healthcare. Sukino is committed to playing a pivotal role in this transformation, providing multidisciplinary out-of-hospital inpatient recuperative, rehabilitative, and palliative care that feels like home, ensuring that the elderly can age with dignity and receive the care they deserve,” he said.

Elaborating on Sukino’s growth plan, Menon highlights that the company will not only expand its geographical presence across various cities in India but will also explore new models of care. This includes areas such as oncology, ambulatory care, and other advanced healthcare services beyond traditional home and continuum care. Menon states, “Our focus is not only on organic growth but also on exploring strategic opportunities for inorganic expansion. We see significant potential in collaborating with promising startups and technology providers that align with our vision for advanced healthcare solutions. Our technology adoption strategy is centered on integrating meaningful advancements to enhance patient care and streamline processes. We aim to leverage technology as an enabler to deliver practical and impactful healthcare solutions.”

As India prepares for this “Silver Tsunami”, creating a supportive and secure environment for our senior citizens must be a national priority. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort from the government, private sector, and society at large.

20, Aug 2024
ICICI Bank inaugurates a branch in Srikakulam

icici bank

Srikakulam: ICICI Bank has set up a new branch at Arasavalli Road in Srikakulam city. The branch, which is second of the Bank in the city and seventh in the district, is equipped with an ATM.

Sri Farman Ahmad Khan, I.A.S., Joint Collector and Additional District Magistrate, Srikakulam District, inaugurated the branch.

The branch offers a comprehensive range of accounts and deposits including savings and current accounts, fixed and recurring deposits and loans like, business loan, home loan, personal loan, auto loan and education loan along with remittance and card services. It also provides locker facility at its premises. It operates from 9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Monday to Friday and on the first, third and fifth Saturdays of the month.

The branch also offers Tab Banking facility that provides nearly 100 services at the customer’s place by an employee through a tablet device. The services include opening of accounts and Fixed Deposit (FD), raising cheque book request, generation of e-statements and change of address, among others.

ICICI Bank has 260 branches, and 520 ATMs and cash recycling machines (CRMs) in Andhra Pradesh.

ICICI Bank services its large customer base through a multi-channel delivery network of branches, ATMs, call centres, internet banking, and mobile banking.

20, Aug 2024
Croma’s Past Tech Present; Film Series for India’s 78th Independence Day Highlights Legacy of Today’s Tech

National, August 20, 2024: As India celebrated its 78th Independence Day, Croma marked the occasion with a unique video campaign that took viewers on a nostalgic journey through India’s technological evolution. Released on the “Unboxed by Croma” channel on YouTube, the four-episode “Past Tech Present” film series beautifully draws out the enduring charm of vintage electronics that have become a cherished part of our history even as we are surrounded by cutting-edge electronics today.

“Past Tech Present” celebrates passion and craftsmanship through stories that symbolise the soul of India’s progress through 77 years of independence. While modern advances continue to shape our daily lives, the heartfelt stories remind us of the simple yet powerful connections we have with devices that once defined entire eras. On this Independence Day, the series acknowledges India’s journey towards the future while embracing the deep-rooted heritage that continues to influence our relationship with technology.

The films showcase four individuals from different parts of India, each preserving a piece of history through their commitment to vintage electronics. From the crackling sounds of a vinyl record to the ticking of a classic wristwatch and from the click of an analogue camera to the static of a vintage radio, the series captures the essence of a bygone era, evoking nostalgia while highlighting the spirit of resilience and continuity.

Episode 1 takes us to Hyderabad, where Mahboob Radio, a historic radio service center founded in 1928, continues to operate even as digital technology dominates the airwaves. Run by Mohammad Mooinuddin Saheb, the store was once a hub of activity with people gathering to listen to the latest news, music, and programs. Despite the passage of time, Mahboob Radio remains a cherished part of the community. Croma proudly salutes Moinuddin’s dedication to preserving a legacy that spans generations.

In Episode 2, the series introduces us to Shaik Mehmood, a vintage watch restorer based in Bengaluru. His shop in Indiranagar is a haven for watch enthusiasts, filled with timepieces that hold sentimental value for their owners. In a world of digital convenience, Mehmood’s unwavering dedication to the art of watch restoration attests to the importance of preserving traditional crafts. Croma honours Mehmood’s commitment to passing on his knowledge to the next generation through a planned YouTube channel, ensuring that the art of vintage watch restoration lives on.

Kolkata’s love affair with music takes centre stage in Episode 3, featuring Munna’s vinyl record store. Operating since the late 1970s, Munna’s shop has been a gathering place for those who appreciate the warmth and depth of analogue sound. Despite the rise of digital music, the store remains a sanctuary for those who seek out vinyl records and cherish the nostalgia they evoke. On this Independence Day, Croma celebrates Munna’s role in preserving the city’s rich musical heritage.

The final episode brings us to Lucknow, where Ravi Kapoor’s photography studio is a treasure trove of memories captured on film. His collection of over a thousand cameras bear witness to the evolution of the technology of photography. Kapoor’s love for photography has grown over the decades, documenting Lucknow’s cultural vibrancy and the everyday lives of its people. Croma acknowledges Kapoor’s dedication to preserving the soul of photography, even as digital technology has taken over the creation of images.

In a world where Independence Day campaigns often focus on patriotic themes, Croma’s “Past Tech Present” boldly takes a refreshing approach that pays tribute to our past and links it to the present. The series taps into the deep emotional connections people have with technology from the past while celebrating the innovations that continue to shape the future. Through a spotlight on vintage electronics, gadgets, and the people who are passionate about them, the campaign offers a unique perspective on India’s journey toward progress. It reminds us that while technology may evolve, the memories and experiences it creates remain timeless.

Mr. Shibashish Roy, Deputy CEO of Croma Infiniti-Retail Ltd, spoke about the thought behind the series, “Technology has always been at the heart of progress. It is important to remember that the gadgets and electronics we enjoy today are a result of decades of innovation, passion, and dedication. ‘Past Tech Present’ is our way of saluting those who are preserving the art and soul of a bygone era for our generation. And in doing so, are inspiring us at Croma to build an authentic, thoughtful, and connected future.”

Through “Past Tech Present”, Croma invites consumers to take a step back and appreciate the foundations on which modern technology has grown. This Independence Day, the film series reminds us that craftsmanship driven by passion has an enduring legacy that bridges the past with the present in the ever-progressing world of electronics.

20, Aug 2024
MeritTrac Partners With OET, To Offer OET Test For Healthcare Professionals In South Asia

Bengaluru, August 20, 2024: MeritTrac, India’s leading pure-play Testing & Assessment provider, today announced a strategic partnership with the Occupational English Test (OET), a global leader in English Testing for healthcare professionals. This collaboration aims to enhance opportunities for nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals in India seeking international careers.

With a global shortage of 4.5 million nurses by 2030, this partnership, MeritTrac will leverage its vast experience in testing to oversee the delivery of the OET Test, which has versions for 12 healthcare professions, in Bangalore. This initiative will facilitate convenient access to these assessments for healthcare professionals across the region, ensuring they meet international standards and qualifications necessary for overseas employment.OET Test’s has acceptance by 500+ employers, regulators and universities worldwide.

Speaking on the partnership, Manjunath K P, the COO at MeritTrac, said “MeritTrac, with its roots in the Manipal Group, one of India’s largest hospital chains and nursing school network, is uniquely positioned to expand and embed awareness of the OET Test’s relevancy for an international healthcare career amongst students and professionals in the region”.

“We are proud to partner with OET, which is trusted and recognised worldwide, and are confident in delivering secure assessments and a superior test-taker experience through our extensive industry experience.” stated Manjunath.

“When choosing a partner for expanding our test delivery in India, MeritTrac’s understanding of healthcare industry dynamics and its industry-leading testing processes stood out,” remarked Tom Keenan, Regional Director, APAC, OET.

“We’re excited that this partnership can expand awareness and accessibility of the OET Test in the region to better serve Indian healthcare professionals seeking new opportunities.” added Tom.

With this partnership, MeritTrac along with OET will nurture a comprehensive ecosystem involving various stakeholders from medical and nursing education. This ecosystem will encompass aspiring learners, nursing schools, employers, and OET’s network of accredited preparation partners, all aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the test preparation and assessment journey and providing professionals with better opportunities for success.

20, Aug 2024
BTL EPC Ltd. Bags new orders worth Rs. 413 + Cr & aiming Rs. 1000 Cr Topline for the Current FY

Kolkata, 20th August 2024: BTL EPC Ltd., the engineering arm of the Shrachi Group and a leading EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) player announces about securing of new contracts worth Rs. 413 (+) Cr (Inclusive of GST) & strengthening its position as a leading player in India’s EPC sector. The recent projects include a significant Rs. 267 Crore (Inclusive of GST) contract from BHEL for NTPC (2 X 800 MW) Lara TPS Stage-II, Rs. 96 Crore contract for the By-Product plant at SAIL-Bhilai and over Rs. 50 Crores (Inclusive of GST) for underground Mining conveyor supply.

The Rs. 267 Crore project with BHEL involves providing turnkey solutions for conveyor systems with capacity of 2640 MTPH and electromechanical equipment essential for coal, limestone, gypsum and biomass handling at Stage-II (2 X 800 MW) NTPC Lara Thermal Power Station (TPS) at Pussore, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. This project enhances BTL EPC’s role in supporting India’s critical energy infrastructure.

Additionally, BTL EPC has been awarded a Rs. 96 Crore contract for SAIL-Bhilai’s By-Product Plant. This project focuses on the replacement of equipment for COB #7 & #8 with an expected completion timeline of 18 months. The company also continues to make strides in the underground conveyor market with projects totaling over Rs. 50 Crore for various public and private sector mines.

The company concluded the last fiscal (FY 23-24) with a topline of Rs. 641(+) Crore, reflecting a robust 24 % growth as compared to previous FY. BTL EPC is now poised to achieve a milestone turnover of ₹1000 Crores in the current FY 2024-25.

Mr Ravi Todi, Managing Director, BTL EPC Ltd., said, “Securing these high-value contracts underscores BTL EPC’s commitment to delivering quality and innovative engineering solutions. Our strong performance and strategic project wins are paving the way for our ambitious target of Rs. 1000 Crores turnover this fiscal. The company’s growth strategy emphasises securing high-value projects, stringent cost control measures and fostering stronger relationships with its clientele.”