Panasonic Energy India Company turns around operations and reports a profit for FY23-24

New Delhi, 29th May 2024: Panasonic Energy India Co. Ltd. (PECIN) a part of Panasonic Holdings Corporation today, announced the audited standalone results for the financial year that ended on March 31, 2024. The company reported a revenue growth of 15.45% over last financial year and a 198% increase in profit after tax (PAT). These numbers are a result of cost efficiency initiatives, benefits accruing from consolidation of operations in FY22-23 and reduction in cost of raw materials turning the operations profitable this year.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Akinori Isomura, Chairman and Managing Director of Panasonic Energy India Co. Ltd. (PECIN), said, “We have been focusing on long-term sustainable and profitable growth for the company in India. Hence, we took on a restructuring and consolidation activity in FY22-23. I am delighted to report that our strategy was in the right direction as we recorded the highest-ever revenue growth for the company. As per industry estimates, our growth rate is currently double the industry CAGR and we aim to increase our market share by 2% annually year on year by implementing various initiatives to enhance service levels for consumers. This includes data-driven sales management and expanding our distribution network into rural and deep rural markets. Furthermore, we are expanding our presence on e-commerce platforms and in retail outlets to better serve our customers.

He added, “India, one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world and the dry cell battery market here is witnessing steady growth, driven by increased demand in various sectors such as consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial applications. Hence, we are committed to reaching a broader and more diverse audience through strategic digital initiatives while ensuring we engage with them effectively and meaningfully while upholding our brand motto, “Protect what matters”.”

The PECIN factory in Pithampur (Madhya Pradesh) is a Carbon Neutral Factory and has received a Certificate of Verification Carbon Unit (VCU) Retirement from Verra. Additionally, it has been certified by the International REC Standard. The wastewater treatment at the factory results in zero discharge of wastewater and 50% of factory land has a forest cultivated by PECIN. Given further Co2 reduction company is focusing on expanding installed solar capacity and installing energy-efficient utility equipment. At present, the company uses approximately 6% recycled materials in their products which is in line to the direction of 3R (Reduce, Reuse Recycle). The company invests in Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in line with Schedule VII of the CSR bill.

On the manufacturing front, PECIN aims for a better quality of human life and the preservation of the planet. The majority of the products manufactured by the Company are eco-friendly with no addition of (Mercury) Hg, (Cadmium) Cd, (Lead) Pb. The company’s manufactured products are compliant with the limits set by RoHS Directives (EU) 2015/863. Currently, the product portfolio is around 87% zinc carbon batteries 5% alkaline batteries, 5% rechargeable batteries, and 3% Lithium coin batteries.

Global Study Abroad Market to Reach $450 Billion by 2030, Growing at 7.4 percent Annually

Mumbai,29th May 2024 : Anand Rathi Advisors Limited (ARAL), one of India’s premier investment consultants, released a detailed report on the Global Study Abroad Market “Beyond Borders: An Insight into the Global Study Abroad Market.”

In this comprehensive report, ARAL delves into the dynamic landscape of studying abroad, meticulously examining outbound and inbound trends across 34 global countries as listed below:

1) North America (US, Canada, Mexico): Major Host Continent housing top-tier universities, providing a high standard of living, and exceptional educational opportunities;
2) Europe (UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain): Major Host Continent due to its comparatively lenient visa policies, prestigious universities, multicultural environment, abundant scholarship opportunities, and high-quality education system
3) BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa): Leading Source Region leveraging its position as the most populous continent and the quest for enhanced opportunities beyond native borders
4) MENA (Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt, UAE): Major Host Region fostering cultural richness, economic diversity, and educational opportunities within its borders.
5) ASEAN (Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia): Major Source Continent largely driven by its young population and developing economies
6) Rest of World (Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Kenya, Japan, Bangladesh, South Korea, Morocco, Ghana, Cameroon): A mix of being both Host and Source countries, they contribute significantly to the study abroad market.

India remains a shining star among the source countries, continuing to contribute upwards of 1.3 million students to the global study-abroad market

The report covers the size of the global study abroad market, the top universities and scholarship opportunities across countries, governmental initiatives, and future prospects of the industry, alongside assessing the evolving job market dynamics within each country.

The professionals have analyzed and created brief profiles on more than 300 companies in this sector in Part B of the report covering various consultants, counselors, and ancillary service providers across the globe.

ARAL believes that the Global Study Abroad market will become a US$ 450 billion market by 2030 on account of increased globalization, rising demand of international education for career advancement, rise in disposal income, cultural enrichment, and access to specialized programs and institutions offering unique learning experiences.

While unveiling the report, Samir Bahl, CEO – Investment Banking, Anand Rathi Advisors Limited, said, “At Anand Rathi Investment Banking, education is a core practice area, and we aim to continue to invest in this sector. We intend to cover the global education sector on a regular basis to ensure that industry players get a comprehensive understanding of the market dynamics. Our latest release, ‘Beyond Borders: An Insight into the Global Study Abroad Market,’ marks the 8th instalment in our series, stimulating continuous dialogue among industry stakeholders. Notably, as the study abroad market size is projected to reach an impressive USD 450 billion by 2030, our report provides invaluable insights for navigating this dynamic sector.”

While unveiling the report, Atul Thakkar, Director – Investment Banking, Anand Rathi Advisors Limited, “The global study abroad market is witnessing unprecedented growth fuelled by increasing globalization, rising demand for international experiences, technological advancements, and evolving educational preferences. This expansion is further propelled by universities’ adaptation to offer more international programs and partnerships, despite challenges like visa restrictions, language barriers etc.”

Key highlights of the research findings –

• Global study abroad market to hit $450 billion by 2030, growing at ~7.5% CAGR
• Rising tuition fees, living costs, and service expenses impact overall study-abroad costs
• International student numbers are expected to double by 2030, reaching 8 million
• UK, US, Australia and Canada host a majority of top higher education institutions
• Asia and Africa to drive 75% of global demand for international education by 2030
• India (19%) and China (14%) lead outbound student flow, comprising ~33% of the total.

MAHE and Medorganics India Pvt Ltd Sign MoU to Foster Collaborative Research and Development

Manipal 29th May 2024– Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Medorganics India Pvt Ltd, a division of Meditek India, based in Mangalore. This partnership aims to enhance collaborative research, training, and development in the fields of herbal and nutraceutical products.

Founded in 2018, Medorganics India Pvt Ltd is dedicated to catering to underserved markets through active research and innovation. The company focuses on developing formulations and molecules that meet domestic market demands, particularly in herbal extracts-based tablets and capsules. Licensed by the AYUSH department of Karnataka and FSSAI, Medorganics India is committed to producing safe, effective, and cost-efficient products that comply with regulatory standards. The company has a significant presence across Karnataka and plans to expand its market reach to other states and countries. The MoU outlines several key objectives. Medorganics India will be recognized as a doctoral study center for MAHE’s Ph.D. program, allowing doctoral candidates to conduct their research in compliance with both institutions’ terms and regulations. Additionally, final-year students from MAHE’s M. Pharm. programs will have the opportunity to undertake industrial internships at Medorganics’ state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

The collaboration will also facilitate translational research and the development of entrepreneurship. Both MAHE and Medorganics will enable their scientific staff to collaborate in areas such as formulation development, pharmacology of Ayurveda, phytopharmaceutical formulations, health supplements, dietary supplements, and nutraceuticals. Training of students and staff on advanced instrumentation, exchange programs for knowledge sharing, and conducting scientific studies of mutual interest are also part of this agreement.Furthermore, MAHE’s faculty will provide training programs for trainees and participants delegated by Medorganics. Clinical trials on Medorganics products will be conducted at one of MAHE’s group institutions, with access granted to Kasturba Medical College and Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, for frequent visits related to clinical trials and technical discussions.

“This MoU marks a significant step in fostering collaborative research and training between academia and industry. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring for our students and researchers,” said Dr. Raviraja N S, Chief Operating Officer Designate and Director of Planning & Monitoring at MAHE.

Dr. Giridhar P Kini, Registrar of MAHE, added, “Through this partnership, we aim to bridge the gap between academic research and industry requirements. It will provide a platform for our students and faculty to work on real-world challenges and contribute to the advancement of herbal and nutraceutical sciences.”

Mr. Pramod Hegde, Chairman & Managing Director of Medorganics India Pvt Ltd, commented, “We are delighted to collaborate with MAHE, a prestigious institution known for its excellence in education and research. This MoU will enable us to leverage MAHE’s expertise to enhance our product development and expand our market reach.”

Dr. Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor – Health Sciences at MAHE, stated, “This partnership aligns with our mission to advance health sciences through innovation and research. We look forward to working closely with Medorganics to develop cutting-edge products that can benefit society at large.”

This partnership marks a significant step forward in advancing research, education, and the development of innovative herbal and nutraceutical products. Both institutions are committed to leveraging their strengths to achieve common goals and contribute to the health and well-being of the community.

Cinema Lovers Day Returns With Movies for Just Rs 99/- Cinema Lovers Day, on 31st May

 29th May 2024: Mark your calendars for Friday, May 31st, as The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) and Cinemas all over India unite once again to bring you Cinema Lovers Day. This exciting day promises an unforgettable movie marathon to all movie enthusiasts for just Rs 99/- per admission.

Building on the resounding success of the last event, Cinema Lovers Day this May will unfold across more than 4000 participating screens, including renowned cinemas like PVR-INOX, CINEPOLIS, MIRAJ, CITYPRIDE, ASIAN, MUKTA A2, MOVIE TIME, MOVIEMAX, WAVE, M2K, DELITE, and many others.

This special occasion brings audiences of all ages together for a day of cinematic bliss, celebrating the incredible success of multiple films at the box office, last year and this year. It’s a heartfelt “thank you” to all the moviegoers who contributed to this success and an open invitation to those who haven’t yet returned to their local cinema.

Stay tuned for additional details on movies and ticket prices, which will be revealed at the participating cinemas, on their websites, and via their social media channels. Be sure to follow #CinemaLoversDay for the latest announcements and updates.

Gera Developments Hosts Meet the Champion Session with Olympic Boxer Mary Kom

Pune, 29th May 2024: Gera Developments Private Limited (GDPL), renowned pioneers in Real Estate, and recipients of multiple awards for their premium residential and commercial projects across Pune, Goa, and California, hosted the latest session in its signature series, ‘Meet the Champion’, featuring illustrious Indian Olympic boxer, Ms. Mary Kom.

The six-time World Amateur Boxing champion is part of the celebrity-led academies at Gera’s ChildCentric® Homes, commencing her collaboration with Gera’s Island of Joy, East Kharadi^, Pune, via her academy, Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation.

The event featured Ms. Mary Kom in discussion with Mr. Kumar Gera, Chairman, Gera Developments Private Limited, and meeting the customers of Gera’s Island of Joy. The 2012 Olympic medallist spoke about her journey of having come from a challenging background to becoming a boxing legend, a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and hard work. With medals in all eight AIBA World Boxing Championships, rising to World No.1 in the AIBA world rankings for a light flyweight, and winning India’s first-ever Olympic medal in the London 2012 Games, Ms. Mary Kom’s story resonates deeply, inspiring countless individuals worldwide.

This year’s event was particularly significant as it aimed to draw attention to the tenth anniversary of Gera’s ChildCentric® Homes, coinciding with the launch of its largest project ever, Gera’s Island of Joy. GDPL has collaborated with world-renowned experts to bring world-class infrastructure directly to residents’ doorsteps. These partnerships offer children opportunities for high-quality coaching in various fields such as performing arts, sports, and personal development, ensuring they can explore and nurture their passions in a safe and supportive environment.

The recent event, aimed at showcasing the addition of Ms. Mary Kom as an expert to the academies integral to Gera’s ChildCentric® Homes, received an overwhelming response from attendees.

Speaking about the collaboration, Ms. Mary Kom said, “I am honored to be associated with Gera’s ChildCentric® Homes. It’s inspiring to see a brand dedicated to nurturing children’s talents and dreams, as this is crucial for fostering future champions. Together with Gera Developments, we can empower the next generation to achieve their greatest potential.”

Expanding on the concept, Mr. Rohit Gera, Managing Director, Gera Developments said, “The intent of Gera’s ChildCentric® Homes is to give parents the right environment to identify and nurture the talents of their children. Our academies are led by celebrities who are world-renowned experts in their respective fields, from P. Gopichand in Badminton to Shankar Mahadevan in Music. As we enter our tenth year, we are thrilled to collaborate with Ms. Mary Kom, and her academy, Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation, and add a new dimension to our offerings at Gera’s ChildCentric® Homes.” He further highlighted that the initiative was born from a vision to address the manifold challenges faced by urban parents. “By recognising these challenges, GDPL embarked on a mission to transform residential spaces, and offered thoughtfully curated celebrity-led learning academies with top-notch coaching in various disciplines, reinforcing Gera’s commitment to nurturing talent and passion among children,” he concluded.

The success of Gera’s ChildCentric® Homes is evident not only in industry accolades but also in the satisfaction of over 3,500 families. Esteemed platforms such as Realty+ Conclave & Excellence Awards have recognised the initiative as the “Themed Project Of The Year,” putting the spotlight on its impact and significance in the real estate industry.

BenQ Launches SW242Q Monitor: High-Precision Color Powerhouse for Photographers and Videographers

29th May 2024: BenQ, a leader in display technology solutions, has unveiled the SW242Q monitor, meticulously designed to meet the stringent color accuracy and precision demands of professional photographers, videographers, and creative artists. This cutting-edge 24.1-inch 2K display merges BenQ’s industry-leading color management innovations with a host of user-friendly features, empowering creative professionals to realize their artistic visions with true-to-life fidelity from concept to final output.

The SW242Q harnesses BenQ’s proprietary AQCOLOR technology to achieve an impressive 99% Adobe RGB, 98% DCI-P3, and 100% sRGB color gamut coverage. Its 16-bit 3D LUT, ΔE ≤ 1.5 color accuracy, and Calman Verified certification ensure the industry-standard color precision that creative professionals depend on. The monitor’s anti-glare, finely coated panel enables accurate soft-proofing, allowing photographers to preview printed colors faithfully on-screen before final printing.

To ensure color accuracy, BenQ’s third-generation Uniformity Technology precisely calibrates color and brightness across hundreds of screen zones, ensuring flawless consistency from corner to corner. The monitor’s HDR10 support and compatibility with various video formats such as 4:4:4, 4:2:2, and 4:2:0, along with compatibility with AJA and Blackmagic SDI devices, cater to the sophisticated needs of professional videographers.

“The SW242Q monitor is an expression of BenQ’s dedication to empowering creative professionals with cutting-edge solutions,” stated Mr. Rajeev Singh, Managing Director, BenQ India and South Asia. “With its outstanding color accuracy, anti-glare panel, and efficient hardware calibration through Palette Master Ultimate, this monitor will not only enhance creative workflows but also ensure industry-leading results.”

Key Features:

● 24.1-inch 2K IPS Panel: Provides a resolution of 2560 x 1600 with a 16:10 aspect ratio and wide viewing angles, delivering sharp and vibrant images ideal for detailed work.

● Proprietary AQCOLOR Technology: Ensures exceptional color accuracy with 99% Adobe RGB, 98% DCI-P3, and 100% sRGB coverage, catering to the color-critical needs of creative professionals.

● 16-bit 3D LUT and ΔE ≤ 1.5 Color Accuracy: Offers precise color calibration and consistency, verified by Calman certification, ensuring industry-standard results.

● Anti-glare, Fine-coated Panel: Minimizes reflections and allows accurate on-screen soft-proofing, enabling photographers to preview printed colors faithfully.

● 3rd-generation Uniformity Technology: Ensures flawless color and brightness consistency across the entire screen, enhancing the accuracy of visual content.

● HDR10 Support: Provides high dynamic range for richer color and contrast, compatible with various video formats including 4:4:4, 4:2:2, and 4:2:0.

● SDI Connectivity: Integrates seamlessly with AJA and Blackmagic SDI to HDMI devices, meeting the connectivity requirements of professional videographers.

● Hardware Calibration: Utilizes the new Palette Master Ultimate software for precise and efficient color calibration, maintaining color accuracy over time.

● Paper Color Sync: Facilitates seamless color matching from on-screen display to print, ensuring that printed output matches the on-screen preview.

● USB-C with 90W Power Delivery: Supports video, audio, data transfer, and device charging through a single cable, simplifying the workspace setup.

The SW242Q’s design seamlessly integrates several user-centric features, such as a leatherette base for securely placing cameras and lenses, an easy-carry handle for portability, improved cable management for a tidy workspace, and a 5-way navigation key with a dedicated information button for efficient color evaluation during retouching.

Pune Shines 4, ‘GIVA’ Unveils New Four Stores in Pune, Enhancing Pune’s Jewellery Scene

Pune, 29th May 2024: India’s largest D2C fine jewellery brand GIVA achieved a milestone by opening 100+ stores in India. It is pleased to announce the launch of four new stores on May 25th in Pune, located on Satara Road, Chinchwad, and Kharadi. Also, we have a grand launch at Viman Nagar High Street, Alfa Primiyo. This premium location provides an attractive and appealing interior design, giving a pleasant shopping experience.

The store has an exquisite range of jewelry that showcases grandeur and a promising blend of timeless artistry as well as modern allure that assures engaging experiential shopping for its customers.

These brand-new stores promise an immersive and captivating shopping experience for customers with their exceptional selection of jewelry, which blends modern charm with timeless creativity. Renowned Bollywood actress and reality show winner Hina Khan was the special guest of honor at the grand launch ceremony, along with GIVA Vice President (Offline Channel) Anirudh Kudva.

Commenting on the occasion, Anirudh Kudva, Vice President (Offline Channel) said, “From the humble beginnings of opening our first flagship store in Bangalore till now, we have grown steadily in a span of five years. We take immense pride in celebrating GIVA’s birthday and the successful launch of four new stores, making it 15+ stores in Pune. Also, we are excited to announce our expansion into the gold and lab-grown diamonds categories. GIVA’s vast collection includes bracelets, rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings meant for women, men and kids – for all ages and apt for any occasion. GIVA’s elegant collections speak for itself with its authenticity and minimalistic designs.”

GIVA’s expansion into the Gold & Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGDs) category offers customers contemporary jewellery options that make a bold fashion statement.