Federal Bank opens its seventh Federal Skill Academy

Vijayawada, 27th March 2024: The seventh Federal Skill Academy, a CSR initiative of Federal Bank, its Vijayawada Regional Office, and Kanuru Branch were inaugurated at Kanuru, Vijayawada. This historic triple inauguration marks a step forward in the commitment to local and national development, providing comprehensive banking services, administrative oversight, and advanced vocational training under one coordinated effort.

The premises were inaugurated by Ms Shalini Warrier, Executive Director of the Bank. The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests – Dr K Jagan Mohan Rao, Chairman and MD, Nagarjuna Hospital, Dr Jagadish C Mudiganti, Registrar, Vellore Institute of Technology, Andhra Pradesh University, Ravi K Gujjula, Chief General Manager, APSSDC, Murali Krishna Vasireddy, President, FAPSMIA, Andhra Pradesh, Dileep B, Senior Vice President and Bangalore Zonal Head of the Bank, Anil C J, DVP & Head CSR of the Bank, R.Balachandran, CMD, SB Global Educational Resources Pvt ltd, K.V.Vinayarajan, CEO, SB Global Educational Resources Pvt. Ltd., other officials and executives from the bank and customers etc.

Offering state-of-the-art vocational training in various trades, the academy is poised to equip individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in today’s competitive job market, driving economic prosperity and reducing unemployment within the region. The inauguration of the Federal Skill Academy stands as a testament to the commitment to skill development and employment generation.

The Kanuru Branch will offer a wide range of financial services to meet the banking needs of individuals and businesses, fostering economic growth and financial inclusion in the region. Simultaneously, the Regional Office will serve as a central hub for operational excellence, ensuring that services across the various branches are streamlined and efficiently managed. This strategic placement within Vijayawada underscores the importance of regional dynamics in the overall growth strategy and aims to enhance service delivery and satisfaction.

The community’s response to the inaugurations has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing optimism about the potential impacts on local development and job opportunities. The comprehensive approach taken by these institutions is expected to set a precedent for similar initiatives in other regions, highlighting the importance of integrated development strategies.

Dr. Reddy’s and Pharmazz, Inc. enter into licensing agreement to market first-in-class Centhaquine (Lyfaquin®)

Hyderabad, India; 27th March 2024 –Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (BSE: 500124, NSE: DRREDDY, NYSE: RDY, NSEIFSC: DRREDDY; hereafter referred to as “Dr Reddy’s”), a global pharmaceutical company, has entered into a license agreement with Pharmazz, Inc. (“Pharma”), a U.S. based biopharmaceutical company developing and commercialising drug products to treat critically ill patients, to commercialise the first-in-class innovative drug Centhaquine in India. Developed by Pharmazz, Centhaquine is a resuscitative agent presently indicated for the treatment of hypovolemic shock by the drug Controller General of India (DCGI).

As per the agreement, Dr Reddy has received exclusive rights to market and distribute Centhaquine in India. Pharmazz will be entitled to upfront payments and royalties. Dr. Reddy’s will market the product under the brand name Lyfaquin®, which it shall own. In addition to India, Dr. Reddy also receives marketing rights for Lyfaquin® from Pharmazzfor Nepal.

M.V. Ramana, Chief Executive Officer, Branded Markets (India and Emerging Markets), Dr. Reddy’s, said: “The partnership with Pharmazz and launch of this first-in-class drug marks the latest in our effort to enter into strategic collaborations to bring novel molecules to India to meet genuine unmet patient needs. The clinical studies for Lyfaquin® have demonstrated significantly better and promising outcomes, making it as a potential add-on drug in the management of hypovolemic shock and enhancing the current standard of care for its treatment in India.”

Dr. Prof. Anil Gulati, M.D., Ph.D., inventor, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pharmazz, said: “India’s emergence as a hub for developing and introducing innovative medicines is a remarkable achievement. It reflects the country’s growing capabilities in research and development within the pharmaceutical sector. It is a large step for Pharmazz to partner with Dr. Reddy’s, a leading global pharmaceutical company from India. For patients with hypovolemic shock, I believe Dr. Reddy’s is the best partner for Pharmazz to market Centhaquine, an innovative, first-in-class novel resuscitative agent, in India.”

Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening and often fatal condition. Severe loss of blood or fluids due to traumatic haemorrhage, postpartum haemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding, post-surgical bleeding, diarrhoea or vomiting can cause hypovolemic shock, which may lead to multi-organ failure and death. India has a high prevalence of these conditions and high mortality due to these conditions. Data from various Indian studies and registries suggests a mortality rate of around 10 to 15% in traumatic haemorrhages despite the existing standard of care. This suggests a need for a novel resuscitative agent which can improve the existing standard of care.

Elevate Your Haircare Game With Suroskie’s Newly Launched Range of Hair Oils

Suroskie is thrilled to announce the expansion of its product line with the introduction of a range of hair oils. The company seeks to transform hair care by utilizing its knowledge of ingredients and advanced formulations. It is a combination of Ayurveda and science.

Suroskie is an Indian beauty and wellness brand offering luxurious products at affordable prices in the Indian market. These products are cruelty-free, clean, and chemical-free. They are curated considering market demands and concerns. Suroskie’s mission is simple yet powerful: to provide high-quality international skincare products to an Indian audience at accessible prices, ensuring that everyone can experience the luxury of premium skincare.

Range:

Champi Rituals – Hair Oil-

Suroskie’s natural hair oil is made from a variety of plant oils and can be used to nourish, protect, and condition hair. Examples of natural oils used in hair oils include Brahmi, coconut, Bhringraj, and almond oil. This helps to coat the hair with protective compounds, add shine, and lock in moisture. They also help to reduce frizz, add strength, and prevent breakage.

Dandruff Defence – Hair Oil –

Our dandruff defense oil has salicylic acid and olive oil to prevent dandruff. We also have fenugreek oil for lustering the hair, Brahmi oil for strengthening the hair, rosemary oil for improving blood circulation, peppermint oil for giving the natural shine, silkiness, smoothness, strength, length, & repair, and argan & amla oil for repairing damaged hair as split ends.

Bhumi NGO and MellowByBel Collaborate for an Artistic Cause

Chennai,27th March 2024: India – Bhumi NGO, in partnership with MellowByBel, is excited to announce the launch of the second edition of their Art Fundraiser Event. Scheduled to take place at Art Houz, Nungambakkam, Chennai, this event marks a pivotal moment in the city’s art and philanthropic calendar. The launch evening will kick off on 22nd March 2024, followed by an art sale from 23rd to 24th March 2024.

“We are happy to be associated with Bhumi NGO. Besides encouraging kids to express their creativity and talent, they greatly benefit from feeling included in making a tangible difference in the lives of the underprivileged. At the same time, it also instills a sense of social responsibility and the importance of coming together to make a difference as a society.” – Ms Belinda Sneha, MellowByBel

This event is more than an art exhibition; it’s a celebration of creativity, talent, and the generous spirit of the Chennai community. Bhumi NGO and MellowByBel invite art enthusiasts, philanthropists, and the general public to join hands in supporting a noble cause. The event will showcase the remarkable artworks of MellowByBel’s children and feature unique pieces by talented independent artists from across the city.

Event Details:

Launch Evening: 22nd March 2024, Friday

Art Sale Dates: 23rd – 24th March 2024, Saturday and Sunday

Venue: Art Houz, Nungambakkam, Chennai

The Art Fundraiser Event aims to raise funds for Bhumi’s programs, which are dedicated to providing education and whole-school transformation for less privileged children. By attending the event and purchasing art, participants will not only acquire beautiful masterpieces but also contribute to the future of countless children, offering them opportunities for a brighter tomorrow. “Art possesses the power to connect hearts and minds, transcending barriers to create a community that supports and uplifts one another. This event is a testament to the boundless creativity of young artists and the collective impact we can achieve through compassion and generosity.”- Shilpa Mishra- Director-Fundraising, Bhumi

Winners of HDFC Parivartan Startup Grants announced

Bhubaneswar: AIC-Nalanda, a leading technology business incubator, announced the winners of its cohort of HDFC Parivartan Startup Grants. This grant is dedicated to supporting startups with a focus on “Building Green Solutions for Smart Cities,” marking a significant stride toward sustainable development and innovation.

After a rigorous selection process, AIC-Nalanda chose the top 10 startups from among 70 applications to participate in the Parivartan Cohort 1.0 program. This program featured a comprehensive 2-week, 10-session Capacity-Building initiative called the S.I.G.M.A. Startup Accelerator Program in March 2024. Notably, the program witnessed the active participation of 10 mentors and esteemed investors from prominent venture capitalist firms such as Social Alpha, Inflection Point Ventures, and Fluid Ventures.

The culmination of this initiative was marked by the highly anticipated Winner Announcement Day, where four outstanding startups from the cohort were felicitated. Recycle Pay, Arc Robotics, Padverse, and Coco Boards emerged as the winners to receive the monetary grants.

Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Durga Prasad, CEO of AIC-Nalanda, expressed his excitement about the recent developments and emphasized the significant impact these supported startups would create in the sustainability sector. He highlighted the invaluable handholding support provided by the incubator along with the generous grants from corporates, paving the way for groundbreaking innovations.

On this occasion, Mr Nikhil Patra, Deputy Vice President, HDFC Bank said that, “We are delighted to collaborate with AIC-Nalanda to provide CSR grant to startups of the state. Through our CSR initiative Parivartan we are continuously helping startups through grants. We are in seventh years of our journey in Odisha and this time four startups are selected to whom we have provided Rs 30 lakh grant. Our focus areas are Agriculture, Technology, Artificial intelligence and others.”

HDFC Parivartan, a comprehensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by HDFC Bank, aims to foster sustainable economic and social development in India. Through thematic areas such as education, healthcare, livelihood enhancement, and environmental sustainability. HDFC Parivartan empowers communities and drives inclusive growth. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and impact, HDFC Parivartan plays a pivotal role in driving meaningful transformation and creating a brighter future for all.

Woodenstreet Expands – Launch of a New Light Street Store in Mumbai

Mumbai, 27th March 2024  WoodenStreet, India’s leading home furniture, décor, and furnishing brand, expands its footprint with the opening of a new store of Light Street, the lighting arm of WoodenStreet, in Mumbai. Through this move, they are advancing another leg of their rapid expansion strategy, which includes opening of 50 additional stores in over the next 18-24 months in metropolitan cities of Bangalore, Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Jaipur, etc.

The second retail store of Light Street in Mumbai after the first successful launch in Jaipur, bringing in lighting solutions to fulfill customers’ diverse needs. The store houses a variety of lighting fixtures like table lamps, chandeliers, pendants, etc. to perfectly suit to the aesthetic wants and needs.

The new launch spanning across an area of 2500-3000 sq. ftis located at the prime location of the city, Andheri East. With this new launch, the company will be providing customers with more space to explore the premium lighting solutions under one roof.

“We are working extensively on our plans to magnify the reach of our products across nooks and corners of the country. This new store opening is dedicated to our commitment to providing customers with an unparalleled shopping experience and access to the latest lighting trends and designs,” said LokendraRanawat, CEO of WoodenStreet.

The company’s expansion is fuelled by its vision of being a leader in the lighting industry. With a projected revenue target of Rs 100-150 crore from the new in-house launch, the company aims to strengthen its market position.

Light Street by WoodenStreet is committed to providing customers with an exceptional shopping experience, combining high-quality products under affordable price tags. The brand’s expansion plans conclude in fulfilling the evolving needs of customers and at the same time, establishing a strong presence across India.

Vacatia Hires Soraya Gonzales López as Director of Operations

San Francisco, CA, March 25, 2024 — Vacatia Inc., a leading provider of innovative customer-centric solutions for timeshare resorts, has announced the hiring of Soraya Gonzales López as director of operations.

In her new position, Gonzales López will oversee three critical areas for Vacatia: customer care, inventory management, and owner account management. It’s a role perfectly suited for the industry veteran, who spent 34 years with Interval International, most recently as the timeshare exchange company’s assistant vice president of resort assistance.

“We have always prided ourselves on being a hospitality-first company,” said Caroline Shin, Vacatia’s CEO. “As we’ve grown over the past few years, that commitment to owner satisfaction has only strengthened, and I can’t think of a better person than Soraya to lead in these key areas. She has spent the better part of a storied career delivering world-class service to timeshare owners and resorts. We’re thrilled to leverage her deep well of knowledge and her customer-centric approach.”

At Interval, Gonzales López and her team provided service to the company’s entire network of affiliated properties, but the smaller independents were particularly special to her.

“These resorts came first,” she said. “They’re often in great destinations where the big brands don’t build. They possess a lot of charm and offer great value. And there’s a real connection that the resort staff and owners have to these resorts. I really appreciated that connection during my time at Interval, and I’m encouraged to see that the Vacatia team honors it. We will be laser-focused on delivering the elevated experience that these owner communities deserve.”

To achieve that, Gonzales López understands just how crucial it is for the Vacatia team to be in lockstep with each on-site staff, describing them as “industry heroes who deliver the service that keeps owners, exchangers, and renters coming back year after year.”

“Having worked for years with resort teams of varying sizes and different needs,” she noted, “I know too well that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. Developing close relationships with the resort teams helps us understand the unique needs of each property and its owners.”

Starting fresh after 34 years is no small task, but Gonzales López is embracing what’s next.

“I look around and I see a talented group from diverse professional backgrounds,” she said. “I share the Vacatia team’s passion for these resorts and their owners. And I am excited for this opportunity with a company that has an extremely bright future.”

Vacatia provides hospitality-first management services to 80,000 timeshare owners nationwide. Its products drive owner engagement, improve cash flow, attract new members, and finance needed property renovations. The company also has more than 750 industry partners, including some of the largest timeshare associations that rely on it for rental and resale services. To learn more about Vacatia’s rental, resale, and property management services, as well as its subscription membership product,