3, Nov 2023
Award for Manappuram Finance’s Skill Development Initiatives

Thrissur 3rd October 2023: Manappuram Finance has been honoured with an award for the ‘Best Skill Development Initiative of the Year’. The recognition was bestowed upon the lending institution at the 4th BFSI Excellence Awards, organized by Quantic India. Manappuram’s upskilling and employee training program emerged as the standout initiative among BFSI institutions nationwide. Sujit Chandra Kumar, General Manager of Manappuram Finance’s Corporate Communications Department, and Chief Learning Officer Dr Renjith P R were present at the function in Mumbai to receive the prestigious award.

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On this achievement, Mr. V. P. Nandakumar, the MD and CEO of Manappuram Finance Limited, expressed his happiness and said, “We are proud of this recognition. At Manappuram, we are committed to enhancing the skills and capabilities of our workforce. We believe in providing specialized training in various career fields related to the banking and finance sector, both internally and in collaboration with esteemed higher education institutions.”

3, Nov 2023
Norse Brands and DCHome by DICITex Join Hands to Introduce Nordic Sleep by Fossflakes in India, Pioneering a New Era of Luxurious Slumber

Mumbai, 3rd, November 2023: Norse Brands, known for its premium home and lifestyle products from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland, is excited to introduce the luxurious ‘Nordic Sleep by Fossflakes’ collection in the Indian market. This collection represents a blend of exquisite craftsmanship, innovation, and comfort, reflecting the rich heritage and aesthetic of the Nordic regions. With this launch, Norse Brands aims to establish itself as a prominent distributor of Nordic/Scandinavian high-end fashion, home, and lifestyle brands globally, with India as a key focus.

From Denmark, the renowned ‘Nordic Sleep’ by Fossflakes specializes in crafting sustainable, high-quality pillows and duvets using a unique filling technique inspired by the natural air-trapping abilities of down and feathers. Notable for their hypoallergenic properties and durability, Fossflakes products cater to various needs, including specialized pillows for adults and children such as Chiropractic, Nursing, Maternity, and Ergonomic pillows. The collection also includes thoughtfully designed Pet Beds for the comfort and well-being of pets, appealing to discerning pet parents.

All Fossflakes products are meticulously crafted in Denmark, a country globally recognized for its excellence in design craftsmanship and commitment to stringent product standards, safety protocols, and environmental sustainability.

Norse Brands

Expressing enthusiasm for the launch, Henrik Haagen, the Co-Founder & director for Norse Brands, remarked, “The introduction of the Nordic Sleep collection to the Indian market which is now focusing on lifestyle changes and sleep being the topmost priority, fills us with pride. These offerings not only reflect the essence of Norse and Nordic culture but also offer our customers an immersive experience of elegance and comfort. We believe this collaboration will resonate with those who appreciate exceptional quality and style, and value a good night’s sleep. Norse Brands is also proud to announce that it is bringing the exquisite glassware brand “Frederik Bagger” to India through its retail partners and also concentrating on Home as a holistic approach.”

Rajjnish Aroraa the Vice Chairman along with Nimish Arora the managing director, representing the esteemed Dicitex Furnishings Group, shared their excitement about the partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with Norse Brands is a significant milestone in our commitment to provide top-notch home furnishing solutions. We are thrilled to bring the luxurious Nordic Sleep by Fossflakes collection to the discerning Indian audience, adding timeless charm, and unmatched comfort to their lifestyle and emphasizing sleep as the most crucial aspect to complete wellbeing.”

3, Nov 2023
Tenable Study Finds Indian Organisations Cannot Prevent 42% of Cyberattacks

India, November 3, 2023: Tenable®, Inc., the Exposure Management company, published a new study revealing that Indian organizations could not prevent 42% of cyberattacks on their businesses, only successfully thwarting 58% of cyberattacks over the past two years. Consequently, organizations have had to rely on reactive measures rather than preventing attacks from occurring in the first place.

The study further revealed that 78% of Indian respondents believe their organizations could better defend against cyberattacks with more resources dedicated to preventive cybersecurity. However, a concerning 64% indicated that their cybersecurity teams spend the majority of their time addressing critical incidents, hampering their capacity to take a proactive stance.

The data is drawn from, “Old Habits Die Hard: How People, Process and Technology Challenges Are Hurting Cybersecurity Teams in India,” a commissioned study of 825 IT and cybersecurity professionals including 69 Indian respondents conducted in 2023 by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Tenable.

The study, which emphasizes the significance of adopting a proactive cybersecurity approach, found that a core reason for the prevalent reactivity in Indian organizations’ cybersecurity practices is the lack of alignment in goals between IT and security teams. Seven in 10 (71%) organizations say their IT teams are more concerned with uptime than patching and remediation. The disparity results in a lack of coordination between the two teams, a challenge acknowledged by 43% of Indian organizations.

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“In today’s threat landscape, by the time organizations react to cyberattacks, the battle is half lost,” said Kartik Shahani, Country Manager for Tenable India. “Organisations in India simply cannot afford to remain in reactive mode. The study we conducted sheds light on the inherent issues within Indian organisations’ own structure and operations. This misalignment in goals between IT and security teams results in a palpable lack of synchronization, making it challenging for these vital components of an organization to work cohesively toward a shared goal.”

This goal misalignment is further exacerbated as organizations race to adopt new and emerging software-as-a-service applications from third-party providers. Eight in 10 respondents (81%) of their organizations use a third-party program for SaaS apps and services. However, only over half (54%) have visibility into these third-party environments making proactive security measures elusive.

Shahani noted, “While there are no quick fixes to these challenges, implementing an exposure management program enables security professionals to better allocate time and resources so they can focus on taking the preventive actions that legitimately reduce an organisation’s cyber risk. It requires security teams to place as much importance on proactive efforts as they currently do on reactive incident response efforts. It requires security and IT professionals to consider how siloed organisational structures — and the myriad security tools used in support of those silos — are hindering their ability to see what an attacker sees. And it requires a way for security professionals to analyse the data coming from disparate tools to empower them to draw meaningful insights they can apply to their risk reduction goals.”

3, Nov 2023
Dosti Realty launches Dosti Eden, a paradise in the heart of Thane (W)

Mumbai, November 3, 2023: Dosti Realty, a prominent name in real estate brings in yet another iconic residential project ‘Dosti Eden’ in Brahmand, Thane (W).

Dosti Eden at Dosti Desire – Phase 2 is set to push the existing benchmarks of the project. Dosti Desire – Phase 1 saw immense success amongst homebuyers due to its price, location, convenience, and ROI in the past few years. Situated in Brahmand, Thane (W) the project offers a convenient and attractive living environment with ample greenery around.

Less than 2 minutes off Ghodbunder Road, it offers one the ease of connectivity accompanied by the serenity of green open spaces making it the perfect residential location where life amidst greenery becomes one’s go-to therapy and weekdays feel no less than weekend getaways.

Dosti Eden which comprises luxurious spacious 2 BHK and 3 BHK homes with large balconies is apt for those looking for an elevated life. Complementing the luxurious feel at home are a plethora of 25 + lifestyle amenities spread across the ground and podium level for all age groups to enjoy.

Elevating lifestyle and catering to the modern-day needs of homebuyers has always been Dosti Realty’s forte as the factor of quality and variety is never compromised. Similarly, like other residential projects by Dosti Realty, Dosti Eden will boast a host of amenities focusing on Lifestyle, Wellness, and Recreation. The ground level hosts a Pickleball Court, Reflexology Path, Zen Garden, Kids’ Play Area Tree House, Sand Pit, and Climbing Wall for Kids. The podium level houses both indoor and outdoor amenities like Fitness Centre / Gymnasium, Swimming Pool with Deck, Kids’ Crèche, Indoor Games, Multipurpose Hall, Spa, Steam Room, Multipurpose Open Terrace, Pool, BBQ Area with Seating, Jacuzzi, Toddlers Play Area, Outdoor Gym, Multipurpose Lawn, Multipurpose Court, Lounge Seating with Gazebo, Picnic Corner, Mini Amphitheatre, Party Lawn, Pergolas and Garden Planting Area.

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Says Mr. Deepak Goradia, Chairman and Managing Director- Dosti Realty, “The agenda of 5cs – Care, Comfort, Convenience, Connectivity and Calm has been a key focus. Special attention has been taken when designing the project layout to ensure the wellbeing of residents in the short and long term.” There is ramp access at the entry for differently abled and older people as well as a host of environmentally friendly features such as rainwater harvesting systems, sewage treatment plant, provision of organic waste composter, solar panels for hot water, energy-efficient lights in common areas, energy saving appliances, efficient use of natural ventilation, low VOC paints, water-efficient fixtures, use of recycled water for flushing and gardening, native plant species for landscaping and outdoor sports activities for a health-conscious environment. As each day delivers a sensory thrill, Dosti Eden offers a life amidst greenery that helps discover a wonderful living experience one did not realize was attainable amidst city life.

Being located in the heart of Thane’s Brahmand, off-Ghodbunder Road, Dosti Eden is planned for convenience with the project being within walking distance of various conveniences be it schools, shopping, health facilities, etc. The project is also well-connected to other parts of Thane, Mumbai, and the MMR region. With the boom of several infra projects like Metro Line 4, Internal Metro HCMTR, Waterways, Thane Borivali Tunnel, Eastern Freeway Extension, etc connectivity is slated to improve even further. Thus, Dosti Eden is not just a prime residential destination but also a viable investment opportunity in the long term.

Dosti Desire Phase 2 is registered under MahaRERA No. P51700049421 and is available on the website – https://maharerait.mahaonline.gov.in under registered projects. This project is funded by JM Financial Credit Solutions Limited. Please note that the sale/lease of premises in the above-referred project shall be subject to and governed by the terms and conditions of the Agreement for Sale/lease. *T & C Apply.

3, Nov 2023
MAGGI unleashes potential of Millets with NEW “MAGGI Oats Noodles with Millet Magic”

Bengaluru, November 3, 2023: Nestlé India has added a new offering in their Millet-based product portfolio with the launch of MAGGI Oats Noodles with Millet Magic, under the MAGGI Oats Noodles sub-brand. Consumed by nearly two-thirds of Indian households, MAGGI noodles can contribute positively to making millets mainstream in India.

The new product offers a combination of two millets – Sorghum (Jowar) and Finger Millet (Ragi), along with goodness-filled oats. MAGGI has taken the flavorful Masala direction to make millets enjoyable and elevate the experience.

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Commenting on the launch, Mr. Rajat Jain, Director – Foods Business, Nestlé India, said, “We are excited to introduce the new MAGGI Oats Noodles with Millet Magic with goodness of millets. This launch is in line with MAGGI’s commitment to provide consumers with diverse options by recalibrating innovations. With this new product, we have combined oats with Indian Millets to offer consumers a product that is a source of fiber and protein. Over the four decades of our existence in India, we have received immense love from our consumers. We are confident that the MAGGI Oats Noodles with Millet Magic will be received by our consumers with equal love and enthusiasm.”

The MAGGI Oats Noodles with Millet Magic comes as a part of Nestlé India’s new millet-based offerings across categories. Nestlé R&D Centre India Private Limited, Manesar (a subsidiary of Nestlé S.A and a part of Nestlé’s global R&D network) signed an MOU with Nutrihub-IIMR with an aim to collaborate in areas such as millet processing, health and nutrition benefits, millet sustainable regenerative agriculture practices and start-up collaborations. Coming from the house of MAGGI, consumers can be assured of great taste, with a tastemaker combining 20 spices & herbs.

3, Nov 2023
Zimero Sweetens the Scene: Delhi’s Exquisite Ice Cream Brand Takes Center Stage

Zimero has established itself as the trending destination for ice creams, promising a unique and indulgent experience for connoisseurs of fine desserts.

One of Delhi’s best ice cream brands, its unique ice creams have been thoughtfully crafted to showcase a harmonious blend of bold and new traditional and international flavors. Zimero’s portfolio stands out for its distinctive flavors, which include South Indian Filter Coffee, Ghana Dark Chocolate, Triple Berry Bomb, and Bourbon Brownie Bash, in addition to internationally inspired flavors like Strawberry Cheesecake Snowstorm, Red Velvet Cape, and Belgian Chocolate Overdose.

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“One of the hallmarks of Zimero’s approach is our unwavering commitment to quality,” says Shuchi Jain, the owner of Zimero. She added, “We believe in giving our customers an authentic and very unique ice cream experience, and we aim to keep it as natural as possible.” The ice creams are expertly made with dairy as the main ingredient, with an intentional focus on abandoning artificial colors and flavors. Zimero uses little to no preservatives to protect its exceptional taste while upholding its commitment to staying natural. Recognizing the diverse tastes of today’s consumers, Zimero also offers gluten-free, 100% vegetarian, vegan, and sugar-free options, as well as curating flavours made with jaggery as an alternative to sugar. “One can have our ice creams even when they are following a vrat or a traditional fast,” Shuchi stated. “Ice cream is meant to be enjoyed on all occasions, and we wish to make ours the best option for everyone,” she continued.

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In addition to the bold ice cream selection, Zimero also prides itself on offering a carefully curated selection of sauces, including delectable choices like maple, vanilla, chocolate, and caramel, all of which are intended to take the ice cream experience to new heights. Its ice creams and sauces are available for purchase through its online platform. Providing gourmet quality offerings, Zimero remains dedicated to providing affordability and accessibility to a broad range of consumers.

3, Nov 2023
Social Beat’s Amar Badi campaign for Fortune Foods’ Durga Pujo Celebration

Embrace Tradition and Strengthen Community Bonds

Fortune Pujo

Chennai, 03 November 2023: Social Beat, a pioneering digital agency, introduced their latest digital campaign “Amar Badi” for Fortune Foods. “Amar Badi,” which celebrates the joyous occasion of Durga Pujo, aims to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, embracing the essence of this cultural festival while reinforcing the brand’s commitment to customers’ cherished moments.

The campaign envisions drawing inspiration from Durga Pujo’s rich history and bringing communities closer together. The digital campaign was launched across platforms and affiliates, partnered with ShareChat and Zee5.

The primary objective of the “Amar Badi” campaign was to find communication spaces that resonated with the Bengali community and celebrate Durga Pujo with love, food, and enthusiasm all while deepening their connection with the Fortune Foods brand. The campaign was targeted at enhancing brand love and creating lasting memories during Durga Pujo.

Sanjay Adesara, Head of Marketing at Adani Wilmar said “We wanted to celebrate the spirit of Durga Puja with a campaign that is innovative and unique. Through the “Amar Badi” campaign, we have attempted to keep the Durga Pujo traditions in place while celebrating it with a modern twist. The overwhelming response we received to the campaign reiterated our belief and commitment to being an integral part of this culture”.

Vikas Chawla, Co-Founder, of Social Beat: said “Through the ‘Amar Badi’ campaign, we aimed to create a fusion of tradition and technology that resonated with the heart of Durga Pujo. This campaign was a testament to our commitment to celebrating cultural festivities in innovative ways. We’ve measured success not just in numbers but in the smiles, we’ve brought to our audience’s faces. ‘Amar Badi’ embodies the spirit of Durga Pujo, and we’re thrilled to have shared this remarkable journey with our community.”

Panisa Shah, Director – Creative, Social Beat; said “The ‘Amar Badi’ campaign was a creative tapestry that wove the rich traditions of Durga Pujo with the dynamic innovations of the digital world. It was a journey of immense joy, as we witnessed our campaign breathe life into this beloved occasion. ‘Amar Badi’ showcases the very essence of Social Beat’s creative prowess, as we continue to craft experiences that celebrate tradition and embrace the possibilities of technology.”

As we continue to uphold our tradition of combining the essence of our cultural festivities with innovative digital experiences, we aim to make “Amar Badi” a reflection of the warmth, love, and joy that Durga Pujo embodied. The campaign was more than just a celebration; it was a testament to the importance of embracing tradition while welcoming innovation.

About Social Beat

Founded in 2012, Social Beat is a digital growth partner, enabling brands to rise to the impossible. With a 300+ strong team of digital experts across Bengaluru, Mumbai, NCR, and Chennai, they are India’s fastest-growing independent digital marketing solutions company and manage 4% of digital media investment in India. Social Beat is a Google Premier Partner, Meta Business Partner and works closely with ecosystem partners like Amazon, Hotstar, Salesforce & Linkedin. D2Scale is their centre of excellence for D2C and retail brands to drive e-commerce growth. Influencer.in is their creator economy product driving discovery and real-time reporting of impactful influencer marketing campaigns. They work as extended growth teams with leading brands like Bharat Matrimony, Adani Wilmar, Jaquar, Arvind Brands, Indian Terrain, Mahindra Finance, Kalpataru Group, Go Colors, JK Cement, Sundaram Mutual and with hyperscaling startups including boAt, WOW Skin, Licious, Niyo, Gamezy, Veeba, A23 Games, Kapiva and Sukoon Health on driving innovation through a combination of creativity and performance.

3, Nov 2023
Leif Assurance Hires Robert Worden

Worden brings nearly 15 years of insurance industry experience to the company.

(St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 3, 2023) – Leif Assurance, a full-service insurance agency that exclusively handles construction insurance, recently hired Robert Worden as a Construction Insurance Specialist. His responsibilities include selling multiple lines of coverage to middle market and national accounts. Worden will generate new business by leveraging the agency’s technology and consultative sales process.

Robert Worden

Worden has nearly 15 years of insurance industry experience. Prior to joining Leif Assurance, he served as Senior Vice President of Sales at a bank-owned agency in Minn. He has previously held numerous sales management and business development positions. Worden earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas in Minn., and his Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from the University of Nevada in Las Vegas.

Leif Assurance is a start-up agency created in 2021 and launched in 2022 that has quickly grown to more than $31 million in annual premium. The agency offers actionable risk management, as well as data-driven pricing models to build the most accurate risk profiles so contractors are rewarded for safe job sites with earned insurance savings. Leif provides cost-effective and comprehensive insurance solutions for worker’s compensation, general liability, builders’ risk, inland marine, and commercial auto.

Leif Assurance is led by JD Powers, who serves as CEO at Leif Assurance and at his family’s two companies, Powers Insurance & Risk Management and Valley Insurance Agency Alliance (VIAA).

“Robert’s extensive sales expertise is a valuable addition to our growing agency,” said Leif Assurance CEO JD Powers. “With a proven track record of achieving revenue goals and creating strategic planning initiatives, we are excited to see the impact he will make in our organization.”

Leif Assurance is in Powers Insurance & Risk Management’s building at 6825 Clayton Ave. along with sister company VIAA, a cohesive family of more than 160 independent insurance agencies in Missouri and Illinois. Powers Insurance & Risk Management is one of the largest family-owned and operated independent insurance agencies in the bi-state region. For more information about Leif Assurance, call (314) 202-4200 or visit www.leifassurance.com.

"To My Circle of Friends: Call Me By My Name" Exhibition Unveils a Profound Celebration of Identity and Connection
3, Nov 2023
“To My Circle of Friends: Call Me By My Name” Exhibition Unveils a Profound Celebration of Identity and Connection

New York, NY, November 03, 2023 , In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected and diverse, the exhibition “To My Circle of Friends: Call Me By My Name” delves into the heart of personal identity and the way in which we address and relate to one another. The show features an array of thought-provoking artworks, each of which offers a unique perspective on the themes of self-identity, naming, and the power of human connections.

The artists featured in this exhibition hail from various backgrounds, creating a dynamic and multi-dimensional narrative that mirrors the rich tapestry of our society. Through a wide range of artistic mediums, including painting, drawing, and collage, these talented artists express the many facets of their personal identities while exploring the significance of names and the meanings they carry in our lives.

Visitors to “To My Circle of Friends: Call Me By My Name” will experience a diverse range of artistic expressions, from abstract and avant-garde works that challenge conventional notions of identity, to more traditional pieces that capture the essence of personal stories and experiences. This exhibition provides an opportunity to engage with art that is not only visually captivating but also deeply introspective.

3, Nov 2023
Meet the MIX-ALPSD1, a Nifty Mini-ITX for the Smart Kiosk Market

Taipei, Taiwan, November 03, 2023 , AAEON, a leading producer of industrial motherboards, has announced the release of the MIX-ALPSD1, a Mini-ITX that supports up to 45W CPUs from the 12th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors for IoT Edge platform (formerly Alder Lake PS).
In choosing this CPU range, the MIX-ALPSD1 benefits from the strong processing power and efficient performance hybrid architecture that characterizes the 12th generation’s mobile processor line, while retaining the flexibility of its LGA1700 socket-type desktop CPU range.

Targeting the smart kiosk market, the MIX-ALPSD1 is available with a fanless thermal dissipation options when paired with a 15W CPU (UL SKU) from the platform’s lineup. This has the benefit of providing quieter operation and lower power consumption, while also maintaining substantial processing power of up to 10 cores (2 P-cores, 8 E-cores) and 12 threads.

The MIX-ALPSD1 offers three simultaneous 4K displays at 60Hz, courtesy of two HDMI 2.0 ports and eDP pin header. LVDS is also available via internal connector, colayed with the aforementioned eDP. The board’s support for Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics with up to 96 graphics execution units and CPU-derived AI acceleration features via Intel® Deep Learning Boost mean it can provide sophisticated display outputs across multiple screens, again conducive to powering applications within its target market.

For data acquisition and security, the MIX-ALPSD1 contains an external I/O made up of three USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports and two RJ-45 ports for Realtek® RTL8111H-CG gigabit ethernet. It also hosts multiple internal connectors, including an AAFP header for HD audio, a digital I/O header, and four COM box headers providing one RS-232/422/485 and three RS-232 interfaces.

To expedite data transmission while utilizing these communication protocols, the board has two SODIMM slots for 4800MHz DDR5, while it also boosts data security with onboard TPM 2.0.

For storage, the MIX-ALPSD1 can accommodate a 6Gb/s SATA SSD, as well as possessing an M.2 2280 M-Key slot for NVMe. Further expansion is available in the form of an M.2 3042 B-Key and M.2 2230 E-Key slot, which open the door to 5G and Wi-Fi module installation.