2, Jul 2024
Moody’s and MSCI Announce a Strategic Partnership to Enhance Transparency and Deliver Data-Driven Risk Solutions
New York, United States 02 july : MSCI Inc. (NYSE:MSCI) and Moody’s Corporation (NYSE:MCO) today announced a groundbreaking strategic partnership agreement, leveraging each other’s strengths to bring greater transparency on ESG and sustainability to markets and power better decisions.
Moody’s will leverage MSCI’s sustainability data and models, which are used by the world’s largest asset managers and asset owners. The agreement, entered into last week, includes MSCI’s industry-leading ESG ratings and content, which measure a company’s management of financially relevant ESG risks and opportunities. With access to MSCI data, Moody’s intends over time to migrate its existing ESG data and scores to offering MSCI’s sustainability content through a range of solutions serving Moody’s customers in the banking, insurance and corporate sectors.
MSCI will gain access to Moody’s Orbis database, the world’s leading source of firmographic information with data on more than 500 million entities, to extend its private company ESG coverage. In addition, MSCI and Moody’s will explore solutions that leverage Moody’s private company data and credit scoring models to provide greater insight into the private credit market.
“Moody’s is excited to partner with MSCI, a leader in solutions for the global investment community and a pioneer in ESG and sustainability,” said Rob Fauber, President and CEO of Moody’s. “This is a real win-win, as Moody’s customers gain access to MSCI’s renowned ESG content and MSCI customers will gain access to Moody’s world-class risk assessment expertise, data and insights.”
“We are exceptionally pleased to partner with Moody’s to offer MSCI’s ESG and sustainability data to Moody’s broad base of global customers,” said Henry A. Fernandez, Chairman and CEO of MSCI. “Sustainability remains one of the most important trends reshaping the global investment landscape, and the shift to private assets is another. This agreement will help MSCI expand our private company ESG coverage and deliver enhanced solutions across client segments and asset classes.”
The partnership does not impact Moody’s Ratings, the credit rating agency, which will continue to provide transparency into the material impacts of ESG factors on its credit ratings through its proprietary Credit Impact Scores and Issuer Profile Scores. Moody’s Ratings will also continue to offer its sustainable finance offerings, including Second Party Opinions and Net Zero Assessments. In addition, Moody’s remains committed to providing its market-leading climate solutions to customers.
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- By Rabindra
2, Jul 2024
Durex The Birds and Bees Talk Launches Rainbow Classrooms Initiative to Promote Gender Inclusivity in Schools
New Delhi, Delhi, India 02 july : Reckitt, a global leader in consumer health, hygiene, and nutrition, proudly announces the launch of the Rainbow Classrooms initiative under its Durex The Birds and Bees Talk (TBBT) program, in partnership with Plan India. This initiative aims to transform schools into inclusive, supportive environments by promoting gender inclusivity and fluidity. Through vibrant, rainbow-colored doors and comprehensive gender identity education for teachers, the program seeks to create safe spaces where every student feels valued and respected.
In many parts of India, gender identity issues are often oversimplified, misunderstood, and rarely taught in schools. Recognizing the critical role of educators in addressing these issues, Reckitt, under its Durex TBBT program, has developed India’s first gender diversity course specifically designed for teachers. With the support of the Government of India and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), this comprehensive course equips teachers with the knowledge and tools to support and guide students on gender diversity and related issues.
The Rainbow Classrooms initiative is a testament of promoting inclusivity, built through painting doors of classrooms in rainbow colours as a reward and recognition for schools and teachers who have been strong advocates of diversity and inclusion. These schools and teachers have emerged as chain breakers when it comes to supporting their students in the process of growing up and creating encouraging educational environments.
Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, Reckitt – South Asia, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “The Rainbow Classrooms initiative is a crucial step in our mission to create inclusive and safe educational environments. By empowering educators and transforming school spaces, we aim to foster a culture of acceptance and respect that will positively impact students’ lives. This initiative reflects our broader commitment at Reckitt to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work.”
Ravi Bhatnagar, Director of External Affairs & Partnerships, SOA, Reckitt, highlighted Reckitt’s year-round commitment to community support: “At Reckitt, we are dedicated to promoting inclusivity and providing continuous support to the communities we serve. The Rainbow Classrooms initiative is a testament to our ongoing efforts to create safe and supportive environments for students, not just during Pride Month but throughout the entire year. By fostering acceptance and understanding, we are empowering the next generation to embrace their identities and contribute to a more inclusive society.”
The initiative will include a series of engaging activities across Sikkim, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh, such as painting competitions, extempore contests, and workshops on gender equality and inclusion. These activities will involve students, teachers, parents, and government representatives, aiming to create a broad impact and foster a culture of acceptance and respect for all gender identities.
Asif Mohammed, Executive Director, Plan International (India Chapter), said, “At Plan International, we believe that every child has the right to feel safe, accepted, and valued in their educational environment. The Rainbow Classrooms initiative is a powerful step towards rewarding our schools. By creating vibrant, welcoming spaces and equipping educators with the necessary tools and knowledge, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable society where every student can thrive and embrace their identity without fear or prejudice.”
Durex The Birds and Bees Talk Programme is an innovative and pioneering initiative that has focused on inculcating growing up life skills for adolescents in the north-eastern region of India. Through its systematic intervention, the programme encourages conversations around sexual and reproductive health among adolescents, teachers, and their community members. Adolescent girls and boys in the country lack access to information on issues affecting their lives and have limited spaces to develop competencies crucial for their active participation. TBBT programme is addressing these challenges by imparting critical and age-appropriate information, promoting healthy and safe behaviour and practices, as well as equipping adolescents with life skills, values and attitudes to become responsible adults.
2, Jul 2024
Nicholas Cumins Takes Charge as CEO of Bentley Systems, Ushering in a New Era
2nd July, 24 Bentley Systems, Incorporated Bentley Systems, Incorporated Tuesday, July 2, ,Exton, Pa., United States: Following the CEO transition plan previously announced by Bentley Systems, Incorporated (Nasdaq: BSY), Nicholas Cumins today takes charge as CEO. Cumins succeeds Greg Bentley, the eldest of the five brothers who founded Bentley Systems, who becomes Executive Chair of its Board of Directors.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240701144503/en/
Cumins is the first CEO in the company’s 40-year history who is not a Bentley family member, marking a significant milestone in the company’s development. The Bentley brothers redefined what was then computer-aided design (CAD) software when they developed MicroStation as a groundbreaking engineering application platform. Four decades of innovation and more than 120 acquisitions later, Bentley Systems is the leading provider of infrastructure engineering software, with its infrastructure digital twin solutions used to design, build, and operate critical infrastructure around the world.
The transition to Cumins’ leadership comes at a critical time for infrastructure sectors. There are not enough engineers to accomplish the work required to achieve global sustainability targets while also adapting aging infrastructure vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Cumins unveiled Bentley’s vision for infrastructure resilience, noting that engineering firms and asset owner-operators are looking to software to help them overcome the limitations of scarce talent.
“Infrastructure is at a watershed moment. Despite the massive capital investment in infrastructure projects and jobs post pandemic, so much more remains to be done to make infrastructure more resilient. Our ability to bridge that gap will literally determine the quality of life for generations to come. Fortunately, a paradigm shift in software is reshaping the landscape. AI-powered digital twin solutions are unlocking the value of data across the infrastructure lifecycle.”
For example, Bentley’s AI solutions are already transforming the way organizations are monitoring the health of roads, bridges, dams, water networks, and telecommunications towers.
“Every owner-operator in the world is looking for a simpler and more effective way to understand the condition of their assets. Think what the power and possibilities of AI imply for improving asset performance and making infrastructure more resilient. This is the moment for our generation to apply its ingenuity and build upon the legacy of innovation to continue advancing the world’s infrastructure for better quality of life.”
Before his promotion to CEO, Cumins served as Bentley Systems’ COO from January 2022. He joined Bentley Systems as Chief Product Officer in September 2020 prior to the company’s IPO. Previously he was General Manager of SAP Marketing Cloud and served as Chief Product Officer of Scytl, a platform for online voting, and as Senior Vice President of Product with OpenX, a pioneer in programmatic advertising. Before OpenX, he had already served in a variety of senior roles at SAP, including product management, corporate strategy, and business development. Cumins is a dual French and U.S. citizen and is based in France.
2, Jul 2024
Wayne Bullock’s Newly Released GOOD SUCCESS
Somerset, NJ, July 02, 2024 –“GOOD SUCCESS: 5 Keys to Achieving the Kind of Success that Prospers You and Pleases God”, a powerful and faith-driven guide to achieving success that aligns with spiritual values, is the creation of published author, Wayne Bullock.
Bullock shares, “An anointed preacher, teacher, entrepreneur, songwriter, and playwright, Bishop Wayne N. Bullock serves as senior pastor of Guiding Star Church. He is a graduate of Kean University with two bachelor of arts degrees, one in criminal justice and the other in sociology. He also earned a Master of Divinity from the Northwestern Theological Seminary and a master’s degree in educational leadership. Professionally, he is a school administrator in the Roselle Public School District. Wayne is an inspirational playwright. He has traveled much of the East Coast of the U.S. preaching the Word of God and touring his stage plays. For twenty-two years, he has been married to the love of his life, Kendra. Wayne and Kendra are blessed with three beautiful children: Kayla, Kaitlyn, and Wayne Jr. Wayne’s unyielding faith in God and determination to inspire others continuously captivate the hearts of many through his God-given gifts and work.”
2, Jul 2024
Elisabeth Bernhardt Chosen as a VIP by P.O.W.E.R.
San Diego, CA, July 02, 2024 — Elisabeth Bernhardt of San Diego, California has been chosen as a VIP by P.O.W.E.R. (Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized) for her outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of graphic design/printing/marketing.
About Elisabeth Bernhardt
Elisabeth Bernhardt is the business owner of Imagine Design & Graphics. Located in San Diego, California, the company serves clients nationwide. It is a full-service printing and graphic design studio specializing in all print marketing collateral such as business cards, menus, invitations, magnets, and other promotional materials to direct mail marketing (+ eddm®), and high-quality headshot prints for models & actors.
With over 15 years’ experience, Bernhardt is a creative designer/operations professional who has helped countless independently owned franchises, businesses and individuals with logos, business cards, forms, postcards, large format, and other branded supporting collateral.
Bernhardt earned a B.A.in graphic design from San Diego University and received a Digital Design Diploma from The Art Institutes. She is skilled in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign
2, Jul 2024
Cal Coast Cares Foundation Awards Over $175,000 in Student Scholarships in 2024
San Diego, CA, July 02, 2024 –The Cal Coast Cares Foundation has awarded more than $175,000 in scholarships this year to support college-bound high school seniors, current or former foster students, and current college students in San Diego and Riverside counties.
The non-profit foundation awarded $2,000 scholarships to 66 local students who will be pursuing higher education, have proven a commitment to academic excellence and leadership in the community, and met the application criteria. This year’s awardees include 28 foster youth. Recipients of first-year foster student scholarships are also eligible for second-year scholarships if they meet certain minimum academic requirements.
Awardee Chloe Walls, who will attend the University of San Diego, said, “I am thrilled to be a recipient of the Cal Coast Cares Foundation student scholarship. With their support, I am able to live my dreams and positively impact the community.”
“With rising tuition and related educational expenses, the Cal Coast Cares Foundation is committed to helping local college-bound students by providing scholarships to ease their financial burden so they can focus on their studies,” said Kyra Seay, Cal Coast Credit Union Vice President and Foundation board member. “That’s why we are proud to have awarded more than $1 million in student scholarships and educator grants since we were established in 2015.”
The Cal Coast Cares Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides scholarships to local students and grants to local educators. You can help by donating to the Cal Coast Cares Foundation and learning more about its mission here: https://www.calcoastcu.org/community/cal-coast-cares-foundation
2, Jul 2024
National Van Lines Partners with Instant Teams to Enhance Awareness About PPM Moves for Military Personnel
Southern Pines, NC, July 02, 2024 — National Van Lines is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Instant Teams to document Personally Procured Moves (PPM), commonly known as DITY (Do It Yourself) moves, for our esteemed U.S. military personnel. This collaboration aims to provide a seamless, efficient, and stress-free moving experience for military staff members who choose the PPM option upon receiving their Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Temporary Duty (TDY), or Temporary Additional Duty (TAD).
Benefits of PPM Moves
Choosing a PPM move offers numerous advantages for military personnel, including:
Flexibility and Control: PPM moves allow military members to set their own schedules and choose their preferred moving methods and providers, ensuring a personalized and convenient moving experience.
Increased Efficiency: By overseeing their own moves, service members can avoid the delays and complexities sometimes associated with traditional moving services.
Financial Incentives: Service members can potentially save money by managing their own moves, as they are reimbursed for a significant portion of their moving expenses, often resulting in a profit if costs are managed effectively.
PCS Social Media Campaign with Instant Teams
Through this partnership with Instant Teams, National Van Lines will provide comprehensive support to a military family throughout the entire PPM process. While following the moving process National Van Lines and Instant Teams will show how choosing the PPM process will minimize the administrative burden on service members, allowing them to focus on other important aspects of their transition.
Commitment to Supporting Our Military
“At National Van Lines, we are dedicated to providing exceptional moving services that cater to the unique needs of our military customers,” said Michael Wilson, Vice President, Government Affairs, for National Van Lines. “Partnering with Instant Teams enables us to document how we offer enhanced support and streamlined processes for PPM moves, ensuring that our service members can relocate with confidence and ease.”
2, Jul 2024
Innovative Solutions for Educational Disparities: Crack Academy’s Approach to Reaching Rural Areas
Delhi, India In rural India, educational disparities emerge as daunting obstacles, challenging the dreams and aspirations of countless students. Despite the strides in global education, rural regions continue to face a shortage of access to quality learning opportunities. Moreover, it is essential to acknowledge how geographical location significantly increases this educational disparity in rural areas. In these areas, students face a lack of inadequate infrastructure and qualified educators. Due to this lack of access, students in rural areas have to travel to other cities to obtain basic education. Hence, this gives rise to limited opportunities for academic growth.
In this scenario of educational disparity, the promise of equitable education emerges as a beacon of hope, illuminating pathways to empowerment and transformation. Crack Academy, India’s leading online ed-tech platform for civil services examination, envisions a world where every student, regardless of their geographical location, has comprehensive access to quality education and opportunities for educational growth. At the heart of the academy’s vision lies a belief that education is not merely a privilege but a fundamental right. For 17+ years, Crack Academy has been empowering IAS aspirants by providing high-quality, affordable distance education. Under the leadership of Neeraj Kansal, the CEO of Crack Academy, the academy is pioneering the mission to offer innovative solutions for educational disparities. With the remarkable achievement of being a Civil Engineering Gold Medalist and thrice selected for UPSC interviews, Mr. Kansal embodies excellence and determination in his pursuits. With over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, he has not only established himself as a successful business leader but also as a patron of shared prosperity.
The academy’s vision is clear: to deliver quality education to aspiring students in small towns through technology. The academy delivers an affordable and accessible ed-tech solution through the establishment of partner-owned classroom centers in smaller towns, thereby diminishing the educational disparity. Every day, the academy offers valuable resources to lakhs of students, bridging the educational gap. It also hosts sessions with esteemed IAS officers, offering invaluable insights and guidance to students. These initiatives transform the lives of many students, mirroring the educational standards in metropolitan areas. Further, the academy aims to bring “Delhi Wali coaching” to tier 3 & 4 cities, providing a comprehensive learning environment to the students.
To achieve this, the academy offers quality education, catering to the needs of students preparing for exams and courses like UPSC, IAS, SSC, Banking, MS Office, Tally, Google Workspace, and many others. The academy has also partnered with Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation to provide Civil Services coaching to the foundation’s meritorious students of classes 10th & 12th. In addition, it has partnered with the Haryana Government to develop its SSA Module. Hence, the academy has achieved various milestones since its inception, which is evident in its offerings and partnerships. The academy has also been recognized for its educational contributions through its innovative “Mere Sheher ke 100 Ratan” scholarship program. The program has already been launched in Shimla for the students of Himachal Pradesh and in Chandigarh for the students of Punjab, aiming to provide scholarships to hardworking and deserving students.
Furthermore, the academy envisions opening one centre in every small town across India to bring affordable national-level coaching facilities to the students in these areas. In addition, to strengthen the core of the students, the academy plans to offer study materials to Class 6-12 students meticulously curated by a dedicated team of experts. Under this course, students could access the top faculty in Delhi from the comfort of their own space and master their syllabus.
In line with its commitment to delivering unparalleled education, Crack Academy has also been the recipient of the prestigious Educational Leadership Excellence Award at the Global Indians Conclave and Awards (GICA) by Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India. Thus, as a team, Crack Academy’s vision is to nurture talent, sculpt the academics of the students, and enrich their learning experience.
2, Jul 2024
TCL Unveils Lineup of Google QLED, 4K QLED & 4K UHD TVs with Great Deals for Indian Consumers
Delhi, India TCL – a leading consumer electronics brand and one of the dominant players in the global TV industry has announced the launch of its iconic Google QLED, 4K QLED & 4K UHD TVs range. Featuring a sleek design and unique tech capabilities, this dynamic range is set to redefine the home entertainment experience for customers.
The product range includes C655, P755Pro, P755, P655 & S5500, with price starting from Rs. 36,990, Rs. 46,990, Rs. 33,990, and Rs. 42,990, and Rs. 15,990 respectively. All new models offer innovative features across accessibility, functionality and performance as they are powered with AiPQ Processor that optimises colour contrast and image for exceptional gaming and entertainment experience.
Delighted with the launch, Philip Xia, General Manager of TCL India said, “As a global leader in TV technology, we are delighted to expand our offering with new QLED, 4K QLED and UHD TVs. The iconic additions are a testament to our commitment to bringing innovative and customer-centric offerings, specifically designed to meet the personalised needs of our Indian customers. We are dedicated to prioritising their preferences and ensuring that we continue to deliver exceptional value and satisfaction.”
Product Details and Features
TCL’s latest line up 4K QLED TV – the P755 & Pro range is embedded with T-Screen technology which provides outstanding details and is available in different screen sizes – 43” & 50” in P755 and 55”, 65” and 75” in P755Pro. It offers 3x contrast enhancement, 16% lesser energy consumption and a >178-degree viewing experience. Additionally, its HDR shows richer details on the screen with higher contrast, a wider colour gamut and vivid colours for an enhanced viewing experience. TCL has leveraged the unique MEMC technology to make fast-moving action-packed scenes look sharp without blurring. Apart from this, it is an ultimate treat for gamers as TCL’s latest technology of DLG (Dual Line Gate) uses unique algorithms to bring a higher refresh rate at a lower latency than ever before.
Based on advanced full-screen technology, TCL has launched P655 to achieve a higher screen-to-body ratio, providing a larger display to viewers in a 55” screen size. The 4K UHD TV offers a horizontal resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels to deliver more than 8 million pixels for film-grade quality. P655 is one of the revolutionary offerings by TCL based on its clarity which is 8x than that of HD television. In addition, with HDR 10, viewers can experience a more realistic and vivid picture experience. Furthermore, its Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) features help viewers get a wide range of streaming solutions.
Powered by Google TV OS, TCL has added another offering C655 to its distinguished QLED TV range that brings together movies, shows and live TV across a plethora of OTT apps and subscriptions. This next-gen model features a Uni-body ultra slim design for improved visual effect as well as optimised space utilisation. It is available in multiple screen sizes – 43”, 50”, 55”, 65” and 75”, specifically designed according to the user’s home space requirements. Equipped with 4K Quantum Dot Pro, it elevates the standard viewing experience into a cinematic treat with precise light control and a super picture quality chip for extensively improved colour contrast, brightness and saturation across multiple gamuts of colours.
Available in 32-inch screen size, TCL has embedded the latest technologies in its new offering – S5500. The screen offers Full HD viewing experience in 1920 x 1080 pixels and a 178-degree viewing angle. It boasts a 60Hz refresh rate for smoother motion which is highly beneficial for gamers with higher colour accuracy and consistency.
TCL’s newly launched lineup brings the ultimate audio with Dolby Atmos, featuring high-end and the most authentic sound with down-firing speakers. The immersive sound with Dolby decoder optimises the TV’s sound quality and makes the audio fully optimised for devices.
The newly launched lineup is packed with powerful hardware and connectivity for superior performance and fluent experience. The P755, P755Pro and P655 are equipped with Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, 2GB and 16GB RAM and 3 HDMI ports – 2.1*1, 2.0*1 & 1.4*1, while C655 is equipped with 2GB and 32GB RAM along with standard connectivity of Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 and 3HDMI ports -2.1*1, 2.0*1 & 1.4*1.
Apart from this, the next-gen picture quality chips in the latest TV range are embedded with new tuning to improve colour contrast and adjust screen brightness, specifically based on the ambient lighting to provide a truly personalised experience to the viewer. C655 & P755 Pro is integrated with 35W with ONKYO 2.1 Ch and P655, and S5500 come with a 24W speaker system for an enchanting yet powerful sound while the dynamic colour enhancement in each model features 1.07 billion colours for seamless display and colour transitions.
The newly unveiled C655, P755Pro, P755, P655 & S5500 are available for purchase at offline retail and brand stores including Reliance Digital and Croma. Customers can also shop these offerings online at Amazon and Flipkart.
2, Jul 2024
U GRO Capital Line of Credit Now Live on Bajaj Markets
Pune, Maharashtra, India Bajaj Markets proudly announces its collaboration with U GRO Capital, a distinguished data-driven lender. This partnership introduces U GRO Capital’s dynamic line of credit on Bajaj Markets, empowering SMEs to borrow up to Rs. 2 Lakhs instantly.
U GRO Capital offers competitive interest rates starting at 24% p.a. on Bajaj Markets. The line of credit stands out with its zero processing fee and simplified documentation requirements. Businesses can apply online, submitting basic KYC documents and proof of business. This eliminates the hassles often associated with traditional loan applications. In short, the partnership prioritizes transparency and user-friendliness.
Businesses can draw funds as required, up to their pre-approved limit, and repay within a year. A 5-day grace period each month provides further flexibility for managing payments. Additionally, businesses have the option to convert all dues to an EMI-based business loan from U GRO Capital at the end of 30 days of withdrawing the amount. This helps ensure long-term financial stability.
In addition, the platform allows businesses to compare lending options from various institutions, empowering them to choose a solution that aligns perfectly with their unique needs.
