30, Oct 2023
State Bank of India welcomes cricketing icon MS Dhoni as Brand Ambassador
Bangalore, October 30, 2023 – The Country’s largest commercial bank, the State Bank of India (SBI) has announced its collaboration with cricketing legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, as the bank’s official Brand Ambassador.
As the brand ambassador of SBI, MS Dhoni will play a pivotal role in various marketing and promotional campaigns. His remarkable capacity to maintain composure in stressful situations and his renowned ability for clear thinking and rapid decision-making under duress makes him the ideal choice that resonates with SBI, to connect with its customers and stakeholders across the country. This association symbolizes the bank’s commitment to forging deeper connections with its customers, reflecting the values of reliability and leadership.
On the occasion, Mr. Dinesh Khara, Chairman, SBI said, “We are pleased to onboard MS Dhoni as Brand Ambassador of SBI. Mr. Dhoni’s association with SBI as a satisfied customer makes him a perfect embodiment of our brand’s ethos. With this partnership, we aim to reinforce our commitment to serving the nation and our customers with trust, integrity, and unwavering dedication.”
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- By Rabindra
30, Oct 2023
Antara Jewellery Unveils “Mysteria” Campaign: Where Timeless Beauty Meets Modern Elegance
30th October, Mumbai: Antara Jewellery, renowned for exquisite and timeless jewellery, is delighted to present its latest jewellery collection and campaign, “Mysteria.” This captivating collection and the associated campaign serve as a tribute to the essence of women who epitomize the strength, serenity, and elegance reminiscent of the timeless forest, drawing inspiration from the enduring mystique and grace that both the natural world and modern women embody.
The “Mysteria” campaign derives its name from the overarching concept that defines Antara Jewellery’s unique approach and inspiration. Just as the timeless forest continues to flourish and enchant through the ages, so too does the modern woman radiate enduring beauty, leaving all in awe and wonder, pondering her secret.
Taking cues from the ‘forest’ theme, the “Mysteria” campaign accentuates the qualities of these exceptional women and their deep connection to the jewellery collection. Like the branches of a tree that seamlessly blend modernity with roots in tradition, the women of “Mysteria” steadfastly uphold their values and traditions while fearlessly embracing change.
Ankit Gala, Managing Director at Antara Jewellery, commented, “The ‘Mysteria’ collection itself pays homage to the mystique and elegance of the modern woman. We have expertly interwoven tradition and modernity to craft pieces that make a bold statement with unmatched elegance. Each jewellery piece in the collection exudes the same timeless beauty and grace one encounters in a tranquil forest, captivating all who behold it.”
Antara Jewellery cordially invites you to immerse yourself in the “Mysteria” collection and discover the enchantment of timeless beauty and modern elegance. With these exquisite pieces, women can embrace their inner strength and calmness leaving a trail of wonder and admiration in their wake, much like the timeless forest.
28, Oct 2023
ICOMM- CARACAL showcase a range of high-precision weapons to be made in India
New Delhi, 28 October 2023: In a move aimed at showcasing India’s potential in being self-reliant and making defence equipment in the country, CARACAL, a leading firearms producer within EDGE group, in collaboration with MEIL’s ICOMM showcased a range of super-efficient and high-precision weapons at the Milipol India 2023, the Indo-Pacific’s premier international event for homeland security.
The weapons displayed are set to be made locally by ICOMM-CARACAL in Hyderabad, giving a substantial push to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make in India call. These indigenous weapons will add to India’s security apparatus going forward.
India’s manufacturing boost in defence equipment will further boost Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmnirbhar Bharat.
Among the weapons displayed at the inaugural edition of the three-day event were highly-dependable combat pistols, sub-machine guns, mission-proven rifles, and precision sniper rifles. CARACAL-ICOMM showcased their versatile 9mm combat pistols, modern sub-machine gun, mission-proven assault rifles and high-performance bolt action sniper rifles.
On the occasion, Mr. Hamad Al Ameri, CEO of CARACAL, said, “Participating in Milipol India 2023 provides an ideal opportunity for CARACAL to showcase firearms that are tailored to the operation. CARACAL pays careful attention to the requirements of end-users, not only in the military but those in internal security roles as well. Over the past three years, CARACAL has shown a dynamic capability to develop and manufacture advanced, customer-centric solutions that end-users can depend on for mission success.”
Managing Director (MD) of ICOMM, Mr. Sumanth Paturu, said, “We are excited about our partnership with CARACAL as this marks a significant milestone in bolstering India’s homeland security and defence sectors. Our vision is to bring cutting-edge technology to these critical domains, contributing to PM Shri Narendra Modi’s Make in India vision for a self-reliant and secure nation.”
The companies’ participation at Milipol India 2023 follows a partnership licensing agreement signed earlier this year with Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd. (MEIL) group company ICOMM, an India-based leader in the production of missiles, communications and EW systems, UAVs, electro-optics, and counter-drone systems.
The agreement includes an on-going Transfer of Technology (ToT) in defence articles from the UAE to India.
The three-day flagship exhibition was held at Pragati Maidan between October 26 and 28.
28, Oct 2023
One Nation, One OTT Award, Once Again! – OTTplay Awards Returns for Its Second Grand Celebration
The OTTplay Awards, India’s most prestigious recognition of outstanding achievements in the realm of Over-The-Top content, is back with its much-anticipated second edition, presented by Danube Properties Dubai. In an ever-evolving digital landscape, the OTTplay Awards continue to honour excellence and innovation, setting the gold standard for the Indian OTT industry.
The OTTplay Awards 2023 promises to be a night to remember, featuring a star-studded lineup of guests. The purple carpet event at the iconic Taj Lands End in Mumbai is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 p.m. on October 29th, 2023, offering an unparalleled glamour quotient.
This year, the OTTplay Awards proudly announces its telecast partnership with Colors Infinity, adding an extra layer of grandeur to the event. With this collaboration, the awards ceremony will reach an even wider audience, celebrating the brilliance of Indian OTT content across the nation.
The OTTplay Awards will recognize achievements across a remarkable 30+ categories, encompassing all genres. The event’s one-of-a-kind distinction is its mission to celebrate India’s diverse cultural landscape, making it the first-ever PAN-INDIA OTT Award – truly embodying the spirit of “One Nation, One OTT Award.”
The prestigious awards night will witness the presence of the who’s who of the OTT industry, from celebrated actors to visionary directors, talented writers, and producers who have contributed to the growth and success of India’s digital entertainment landscape.
“The OTTplay Awards have always been about acknowledging and appreciating the incredible talent that the OTT platforms have brought to the forefront,” said Mr. Avinash Mudaliar, CEO and Co-founder, OTTplay. “This year, our focus remains unwavering, as we celebrate excellence in every genre, reinforcing the idea that content knows no boundaries. We are delighted to be hosting our second edition of the awards, and we look forward to the presence of some of the most iconic names in the industry.”
As the anticipation builds for the OTTplay Awards 2023, the stage is set for a remarkable evening that will shine a spotlight on the brilliance and innovation of India’s ever-evolving OTT industry. With the promise of iconic guests and a record-breaking number of categories, this event marks a significant milestone in the digital entertainment landscape.
28, Oct 2023
Blue Dart Announces Second Quarter Results, Sales At Rs. 1,324 Crores
New Delhi, October 28th, 2023: Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia’s premier express air, integrated transportation, and distribution logistics company, declared its financial results today for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, at its Board Meeting held in Mumbai.
The company posted ₹ 71 crores profit after tax for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. Revenue from operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 stood at ₹ 1,324 crores.
Commenting on the company’s performance, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart Express Ltd., stated, ” Our ability to maintain resilience has once again been demonstrated, thanks to our robust air and ground infrastructure, comprehensive solution portfolio, and extensive reach. Even amid sluggish global economic growth, we’ve not only exceeded pre-pandemic revenue but also solidified our position as the Provider of Choice for our customers. Understanding their needs remains our priority, driving our pursuit of operational excellence and expanding our customer base across India.”
Speaking about the business outlook, he says, “Even though we are keeping a close eye on our costs in the current business environment, our strengthened earnings power puts us in a position to continue investing significantly in future growth. Through these initiatives, we are strategically positioned for sustained growth and remain committed to leveraging technology and exploring new opportunities.”
The Company continues to invest significantly towards enhancing capacity, digitalization, and automation of processes. The two B737-800 aircraft procured during the year 2022-23 amounting to ₹ 400 crores got inducted during the previous quarter has supported capacity requirements during the current.
India’s economic recovery from geopolitical uncertainties in the world is progressing well, and this trajectory is set to further strengthen with the recent developments in India’s logistics industry. Blue Dart’s presence in Tier I and II markets across India has improved. This move has also accelerated the company’s reach by providing strategic, scalable solutions to large customers, enabling economies of scale with end-to-end service offerings. On August 15th, the company announced the inauguration of 15 company-owned retail stores, 15 franchise collection centers, 15 express-selling agents, and 15 regional service provider franchisees.
Exceptional Service Quality remains one of the major pivots, alongside automation and technology, providing customers with a one-stop, hassle-free solution to all their logistics requirements. In its journey to delight customers, the company carried 918 lakh shipments weighing 307,480 metric tonnes during the Quarter ending September 30, 2023.
Focusing on its mission of Excellence, Simply Delivered, the organization has set in motion several technological initiatives that lead the company towards its Limitless Growth Strategy. During the quarter, Blue Dart was recognized as the Best Cargo Service Provider at the Indian Cargo Awards 2023.
The company also received UNFCCC Certification for its Climate Neutrality Efforts as a step towards its sustainability roadmap. In order to sustainably improve productivity, additional funds were invested in automation and digitalization initiatives. The company is working on sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions, including deploying electric vehicles, reducing paper consumption, green facilities, etc. To date, the company has planted 6,66,000+ Trees to offset its carbon footprint. As part of its ESG journey, Blue Dart is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of compliance.
The organization has set a precedent well within its second quarter of the financial year 2023-24 by continuing to be a Provider of Choice, an Employer of Choice, and an Investment of Choice for all its stakeholders.
28, Oct 2023
Ladakh Tourism Displayed its Tapestry of Beauty and Culture at ITB Asia 2023
Ladakh Tourism, the jewel of the Himalayas, showcased its interesting beauty and unique cultural experiences at the prestigious ITB Asia 2023, held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore from October 25th to 27th.
Throughout the event, attendees engaged in interactions, sharing the wonders of the region. The interactive sessions allowed visitors to delve deeper into the myriad experiences Ladakh has to offer, from high-altitude adventures to serene spiritual retreats.
The Ladakh Tourism stand attracted a significant number of visitors eager to explore the region’s diverse offerings. The stand was designed to provide an immersive experience, featuring stunning visuals, interactive displays, and cultural artefacts that captured the essence of Ladakh. Visitors to the stand were transported to the breathtaking landscapes including the breathtaking landscapes of Pangong Valley, Nubra Valley, and Zanskar Valley. Visitors were transported to India’s northernmost region, known for its stark and awe-inspiring beauty.
The Ladakh Tourism stand was drawn to a diverse audience eager to explore the region’s cultural depth and natural splendour. Ladakh Tourism’s commitment to showcasing Ladakh as an eco-conscious and culturally vibrant destination resonated well with the event’s theme of sustainable tourism. Ladakh Tourism reflected on three extraordinary days of immersive experiences, vibrant cultural exchanges, and fruitful engagements.
The event provided an invaluable platform for Ladakh to shine as a destination that seamlessly blends adventure, spirituality, and ecological consciousness. The conversations forged during ITB Asia 2023 will undoubtedly propel Ladakh to becoming a top-tier travel destination.
28, Oct 2023
The 3rd Edition of the Eggfirst Chalo Rural India Conclave and Awards Celebrates Rural Excellence and Digital Advertising
Mumbai, October 28, 2023 – The 3rd edition of the Eggfirst Chalo Rural India Conclave & Awards, held at the Westin Goregaon, Mumbai, marked a historic milestone in the advertising and digital marketing landscape. The event, organized by Eggfirst, a prominent advertising and digital agency specializing in rural advertising, brought together over 500 industry leaders from more than 250 renowned brands for a transformative evening dedicated to exploring the vast potential, growth prospects, and digital advertising avenues in rural India.
A highlight of the event was the presence of Akash Jadhav and Santosh Jadhav, popular YouTube influencers known for their Indian Farmers channel, which boasts 18.2 million subscribers and serves as a valuable resource for millions of farmers across the country.
The Conclave featured two insightful panel discussions: ‘Rural India ki Kahaani, Brands ki Zubaani’ and ‘Badhte Bharat ki Nayi Kahaani,’ where leaders from top-tier companies including Bayer CropScience, Corteva, Fino Payments Bank, DeHaat, Ambuja Cement, Yes Bank, Del Monte, Parle, SBI General, and NABARD shared profound insights and experiences related to rural India.
Ravikant Banka, the Conclave’s curator and the founder and CEO of Eggfirst, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “The response to the event has been absolutely exhilarating. Witnessing such a robust turnout of senior industry professionals at our event is nothing short of overwhelming. The wealth of knowledge that was shared and exchanged under one roof was genuinely phenomenal.”
The grand finale of the conclave was the awards ceremony, celebrating excellence in rural advertising, marketing, and digital. Notable winners included Fino, DeHaat, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, Syngenta, and Corteva, who received Gold trophies, while PNB Bank, ESAF Small Finance Bank, Simpolo, and Agrostar were honored with silver awards, and Greenstar, Tata Tiscon, and more received Bronze recognition.
The event brought together delegates from rural tech startups, venture capital firms, FMCG giants, banks, government bodies, and agri-input companies who traveled from cities across India, underscoring the wide-reaching impact of the conclave.
Ravi Banka emphasized, “The conclave and awards turned out to be an event packed with insightful discussions and recognition of the best rural marketing campaigns across multiple categories. We are delighted to have hosted the event and are grateful to our esteemed panelists and delegates.”
The 3rd edition of the Eggfirst Chalo Rural India Conclave & Awards has ignited a wave of enthusiasm within the industry, encouraging discussions on the boundless opportunities in rural India.
28, Oct 2023
Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd. inks Power Delivery Agreement for 43.75 MW Group Captive Solar Plant
National, October 28th, 2023: Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a leading player in the renewable energy sector and a subsidiary of The Tata Power Company Limited, signed a Power Delivery Agreement (PDA) with Mukand Limited, a Bajaj Group company and a leading manufacturer of specialty steel long products and heavy machinery in India, for a 43.75 MW AC Group Captive Solar project. Located at Jamkhed in Maharashtra, the installation will generate 99.82 MUs annually and is expected to offset ~54687 CO2 emissions per year.
The aim of the installation is to meet the growing energy requirements of Mukand Limited,and contribute to making their steel manufacturing processes and production greener. TPREL will undertake the construction, operation, and maintenance of this group captive solar power plant.
Scheduled for commissioning by March 2024, this project places a significant emphasis on adhering to stringent quality standards and specifications. The solar power plant’s primary objective is to fulfill Mukand Limited’s energy needs while promoting environment-friendly practices within their stainless-steel manufacturing operations. With this project, TPREL reinforces its commitment to empowering its partners to adopt non-conventional energy solutions.
Commenting on the partnership Mr. Ashish Khanna, CEO, Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd. said, “The installation of this group captive project is in line with our commitment to provide clean and sustainable energy solutions to our C&I consumers, especially in the energy- intensive sectors. It will help to enhance renewable energy capacity and reduce carbon emissions in the country. Through this partnership we are forging a sustainable energy path for Mukand Limited, a Bajaj Group company.”
Mr. Shashibhushan Upadhyay, President, Mukand Limited, a Bajaj Group company, said, “We are thankful and acknowledge collaborative efforts between Tata Power Renewables and our organization, Mukand Limited, to harness the potential of clean and green energy by executing this strategic PPA. This partnership shall contribute to our mission of sourcing clean energy for our manufacturing operation and support us in meeting our climate change commitments.
With this addition, the total renewables capacity of TPREL reaches 7,946 MW, including 3,755 MW projects under various stages of implementation, and its operational capacity is 4,191 MW, which includes 3,185 MW solar and 1,006 MW wind.
28, Oct 2023
HFCL launches India’s first indigenous designed and developed 2 Gbps Unlicensed Band Radio (UBR) for enterprises and telcos
New Delhi, October 28, 2023: HFCL Limited (HFCL), a leading technology enterprise and integrated next-gen communications product and solution provider has showcased its commitment to offer innovative technology solutions with the launch of India’s first 2 Gbps Unlicensed Band Radio (UBR) and Unified Cloud Network Management System (UcNMS) at the India Mobile Congress 2023, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
HFCL’s 2 Gbps UBR is indigenously designed and developed to revolutionize last-mile wireless connectivity and bridge the digital divide challenge in the country with fiber-like speeds and efficient spectrum utilization, with its adaptive radio frequency (RF) technology. Marking a significant leap in offering 5G backhauling and carrier-grade enterprise wireless connectivity, the launch of Make-in-India 2 Gbps UBR positions HFCL as a dominant player in the growing Indian and global UBR market. This innovative product offers a low-latency, 2 Gbps connectivity solution that can operate across an extended 5GHz frequency range. It is designed for easy installation, effortless management, and high reliability and has advanced security features to protect from external threat vectors. Further, in comparison to traditional backhaul solutions, 5G wireless backhauling with 2 Gbps UBR will enable HFCL’s customers to save up to 75% on the total cost of ownership (TCO).
In tandem, HFCL has also launched its Unified Cloud Network Management System (UcNMS) to offer easy management and monitoring of its 2 Gbps UBR and other wireless and wireline products in its portfolio. The AI-powered UcNMS is designed to control, monitor and manage access points, switches and UBR devices. It is a comprehensive, end-to-end solution that also creates a customized ecosystem, tailored for seamless third-party integration via Open APIs. HFCL’s UcNMS offers AI-based predictive analysis that can anticipate problems and suggest troubleshooting steps to avoid network interruptions. UcNMS facilitates network management and application control, allowing telcos and enterprise customers to seamlessly integrate and adapt to the needs of their customers’ requirements. UcNMS is highly flexible and scalable, allowing customers to deploy it basis the size and architecture of their network. It offers on-premise, private as well public cloud deployment models.
With consumers and enterprises increasingly adopting digital processes, the demand for high-capacity wireless connectivity has been growing exponentially. The market potential for a 2 Gbps fixed wireless solution is poised for significant growth fueled by Industrial IoT, smart cities, and public safety sectors. Additionally, industries like banking, healthcare, mining, education, hospitality, and retail among others are also poised for a revolution in the backdrop of solutions such as these.
Speaking on the launch of revolutionary products and solutions, Mr. Mahendra Nahata, Managing Director, HFCL said, “We are proud to be the first Indian company to launch a 2 Gbps Unlicensed Band Radio (UBR) product line in the market and potentially the first one to offer an end-to-end solution combining UBR with a single console – Unified cNMS to enterprises. HFCL’s 2 Gbps UBR is a groundbreaking innovation that will revolutionize wireless access with fiber-like speeds, offering a remarkable 2 Gbps connectivity solution with exceptionally low latency. This revolutionary product will play a crucial role in building 5G network infrastructure and offer last-mile connectivity with its hassle-free installation features and robust reliability.”
28, Oct 2023
Marut Drones sets up new office to meet expansion plan
Hyderabad, October 28, 2023: Marut Drones, a leading drone manufacturer and service provider in India, propels its national expansion plans, signaling a renewed commitment to innovation and sustained market leadership. With India’s drone sector projected to achieve a turnover of Rs 12,000-15,000 crore by 2026, Marut Drones is set to scale up its workforce, extend its market presence, and amplify its sales targets, poised to revolutionize the drone technology landscape in the country.
In tandem with its expansion strategy, Marut Drones has also unveiled a state-of-the-art 9,000 sq ft. corporate office in the heart of the city, designed to serve as a hub for innovation and collaboration. The new office is equipped with amenities to support production, technology, and research and development (R&D). The company is rapidly expanding its network of dealers, with the goal of partnering with over 100 dealers by March 2024 and aiming to reach 500 dealers by 2028. To provide exceptional customer support, Marut Drones is establishing service centers in key regions like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The adoption of drone technology is still in its infancy in India, and Marut aims to expedite this process by establishing drone customer support centers, thus playing a key role in promoting drone technology. Marut’s type certified drones, empaneled in with multiple government agencies, are also eligible for subsidies provided by central government and state governments.
The Company is taking decisive measures to bolster its leadership team by onboarding industry veterans. The company is on course to hire senior professionals. In line with its vision of achieving a pan-India presence, Marut Drones will extend its operations from seven states to over ten states.
The Company has set its sights on an ambitious five-year sales target of up to 30,000 drones, in response to the surging market demand. Marut Drones is in the process of raising $4 million towards expansion of business and operations, while actively seeking investments. The focus of these investments will be towards creating agri-tech innovations, enhancing the drone lineup, extending the channel network, and expanding to new markets across India.
Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and Founder of Marut Drones, expressing his enthusiasm for this significant milestone, said, “As we embark on this exciting journey of expansion, we’re driven by our passion for innovation and our unwavering commitment to shaping the future of drone technology. With additions to our extensive dealer network, our visionary team and dedicated partners are determined to deliver exceptional drone solutions to our customers. India’s drone sector is ripe with opportunities for investments, especially given the Government’s continued efforts to encourage the proliferation of Make in India drones. Marut’s mission is to provide the younger generation with a ‘dignity of work’ and by manufacturing more Make in India drones, we aim to make India the drone hub of the world by 2030.”
Marut Drones has already obtained dual certification and RPTO approvals from DGCA to facilitate training and capacity building for drone pilots in rural regions. The company’s flagship model AG365 boasts an impressive endurance of 22 minutes, features high-end sensors for smooth operations, and has undergone extensive testing to ensure exceptional quality. Marut Drones has the vision to create 5 lakh drone entrepreneurs by 2030 by skilling and training drone pilots via Marut’s Drone academies. Marut’s Centers of Excellence will help in generating employment opportunities, especially in Tier-II and III cities.
The company attributes this growth to Marut’s vision to use technology for a purpose. As the Indian drone market flourishes, Marut Drones is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory, contributing to the nation’s technological advancements and establishing itself as a serious player in the global drone ecosystem.
