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Tag: recognition

  • US Consul General Explores Dairy Excellence at Milk Mantra

    MUMBAI: US Consul General Ms. Jennifer Larson, accompanied by her team, visited the Milk Mantra Headquarters. She met the founders Srikumar Misra & Rashima Misra to learn about their unique entrepreneurial journey of starting Milk Mantra in Odisha.

    It is to be noted that Milk Mantra raised USD 10 Million in funding from the US Development Finance Corporation in 2020 to build a new plant at Puri. The plant is nearing completion and will further enhance the impact Milk Mantra has on the ecosystem from job creation to improving farmers’ economic livelihood and expanding the Milky Moo range of products. Meanwhile, the founder Srikumar Misra has moved on to start his next venture called ‘aarna’ in the AI + Decentralised Finance space, whilst he continues on the Board of Milk Mantra. The management of the company is being led by co-founder & executive director  Rashima Misra and a professional management team including Kailash Gahir as CEO and Pradeepta Jena as CFO.

    The US delegation included Economic Chief Frank Talluto, Commercial Chief Raghavan Srinivasan, Political Advisor Srimali Kari, Economic Advisor Siba Prasad Tripathy, and Commercial Advisor Suniel Kumar. 

  • YesMadam Partners with Bollywood Star Shraddha Kapoor: A Game-Changer for Bootstrapped At-Home Salons


    Har Expert, Salon Expert Nahi Hota

    Har Expert Salon Expert Nahi Hota

    Known for her grace, beauty, and relatability, Shraddha Kapoor resonates with YesMadam’s target demographic across all age groups

    The startup’s mission to make premium beauty and spa services accessible to a broad audience perfectly aligns with the celebrity actress’s PAN India presence.

    MUMBAI: A recent viral video on Twitter, showing two men arguing on the Delhi NCR metro with one shouting “Har Expert, Salon Expert Nahi Hota”, sparked widespread curiosity and conversation across the region while catching the eyeballs of the masses. But there is more to reveal, in a surprising twist, this viral sensation has been revealed as a part of a genius marketing campaign by YesMadam, India’s leading tech-enabled salon-at-home service provider. The Bootstrapped startup has onboarded leading Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor as its brand ambassador, featuring her in the campaign. This partnership aims to redefine the at-home beauty and spa service experience while leaving a mark as the industry’s revolutionary Beauty and Salon Experts.

    As Shraddha Kapoor has become the face of its latest campaign, “Har Expert, Salon Expert Nhi Hota”, the brand showcases its commitment to delivering exceptional and super professional at-home beauty and spa experiences with 100% hygienic services, genuine and top-quality products, transparent and affordable prices, the option to use your own products and expert services.

    The captivating campaign video features Shraddha in a humorous situation, highlighting the importance of choosing the right salon expert. This hyper-strategic partnership aims to boost YesMadam’s reach, and visibility while expanding its user base and tapping into a vast set of cohort demographics that enables exponential business growth, above and beyond. While the brand currently garners an Annual Recurring Revenue of 100 crores, this initiative will proactively enhance brand positioning while scaling organic reach and shareability, aligning perfectly with YesMadam’s mission to make premium beauty and spa services accessible nationwide.

    Commenting on the association, Mayank Arya, the Co-founder and CEO of YesMadam, said, “Partnering with Shraddha Kapoor is a game-changer for YesMadam. Her aura and the perfect blend of elegance and approachability perfectly and seamlessly align with our brand values. Through our ‘Har Expert, Salon Expert Nahi Hota’ campaign, we aim to showcase how YesMadam brings truly professional and reliable salon services to every home. This collaboration will significantly boost our mission to revolutionize the at-home beauty experience across India.”

    Akanksha Vishnoi, Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, added, “Collaborating with Shraddha Kapoor is a strategic move for YesMadam. Her influence will help us connect with a broader audience and strengthen our commitment to accessible, high-quality beauty services. We are also dedicated to empowering our service partners across various locations, providing them with financial stability and growth opportunities, which in turn creates a positive impact on society, and this collaboration will surely support us in actualizing the dreams of our wonderful service partners.”

    Since the beginning, YesMadam has blazed a trail of unprecedented growth and innovation. This bootstrapped startup has swiftly conquered over 50+ cities, bringing the luxury of premium salon experiences directly to the doorsteps of millions. The marvelous spectacle along their journey caught the eyes of the masses when the brand was featured on Shark Tank Season 3 bagging a terrific deal from 4 sharks, Aman Gupta, Ritesh Agarwal, Vineeta Singh, and Piyush Bansal that made their presence prominent across locations. The startup’s commitment to using one-time-use products ensures hygiene and quality, while its transparent and affordable pricing model eliminates hidden costs. With 3500+ highly trained and vetted female professionals and cutting-edge technology for seamless booking and service delivery, YesMadam has positioned itself as a leader in the at-home salon industry.

  • Juleo’s $2.5 Million Boost: How This Online Singles Club is Revolutionizing Dating and Matrimony with Support from 180+ Angel Investors

    The Club has secured funding from the founders’ family, friends, and professional networks.

    Unicorn Founders from Ramakant Sharma, Founder of Livspace; Ruchi Deepak, Co-founder of Acko; Harsh Jain & Lailt Keshre, Founders of Groww; to Kunal Shah, Founder of CRED; the illustrious list of angels includes prominent investors and industry stalwarts

    MUMBAI: Juleo, a Trusted, Exclusive Club for Singles, announces raising $2.5 million in an angel funding round from 180+ prominent investors to solve the online dating and matchmaking crisis in India. The illustrious list of angels includes Ramakant Sharma, Founder of Livspace; Kunal Shah, Founder of CRED; Ruchi Deepak, Co-founder of Acko; Leo Puri, ex-chairman of JP Morgan India; and Harsh Jain & Lalit Keshre, Founders of Groww.

    Founded in 2023 by Chiranjeev Ghai and Varun Sud, Juleo is inspired by the modus operandi of the traditional Indian matchmaker and offers a more responsible and healthy approach to modern dating and matrimony by fostering genuine, real-life meetings.

    Varun Sud, founder-CEO of Juleo, said, “I am thrilled to bring Juleo to our users across the world. Dating app burnout and mental health issues sadly affect singles globally today. We intend to build a Trusted Club for Singles that provides them with a safe, trustworthy, and responsible service to find real love.”

    Varun further adds, “ I am incredibly grateful to my accomplished friends and family for coming out in full support as angels. Their advice and networks, coupled with our quality team of highly smart, passionate, and nice people, will help us revolutionize the modern matchmaking landscape with AI and India Stack at the core. We’d consider it a job well done if we become the de facto trusted service for Dating/Matchmaking globally, just as YouTube is for videos or Google is for search. ”

    Ramakant Sharma, Founder of Livspace, said, “Driven by a team of incredibly sharp and talented professionals, Juleo is on a mission to solve one of the most complex consumer internet problems of our time. I am very excited to be a part of their journey and look forward to supporting them in all possible ways.”

  • Emerging Technologies and the introduction of AIs will help reimagine ITIs: Shri Jayant Chaudhary, MoS, MSDE


    Shri Jayant Chaudhary,

    In partnership with Microsoft, MoS (I/C), MSDE & MoS, Ministry of Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary launched the Pioneering AI Training Program at National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) – Women, Noida

    The National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, signed four key Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs)

    These MoUs will enhance skill development, digital commerce, and women’s entrepreneurship

    The MoUs were signed with Maharashtra Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (MSSIDC), Government e-Marketplace (GeM), Jamia Hamdard University, and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)

    INDIA: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is proud to announce the launch of a series of groundbreaking initiatives aimed at revolutionizing India’s vocational training landscape and empowering its workforce to lead in the digital economy. This announcement was made during a keynote address delivered by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, the Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSDE, Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Government of India at the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) – Women in Noida during his visit to the institute.

    Microsoft’s AI Programming Assistant Program across all ITIs and NSTIs

    The centerpiece of today’s announcement is the expansion of Microsoft’s SkillSaksham Program for Digital Productivity and AI Skilling across 200 ITIs from this academic session targeting more than 10,000 candidates and its support for the introduction of the ‘AI Programming Assistant’ course in about 15 NSTIs from the academic session 2024-25. We have already trained more than 8500 students under the SkillSaksham Program in the last session of the CTS program in our ITIs.

    To ensure that this training reaches every corner of our country, Microsoft will support the rollout of the ‘AI Programming Assistant’ course under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) across 15 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) beginning with the 2024 academic session. Hence the students of the 15 NSTIs across the country, will have access to 1200 hours of AI-focused training, and, in addition to this, about 400 additional hours will be dedicated to Advanced AI skills and a virtual On-the-Job Training (OJT), facilitated by Microsoft. This nationwide deployment will help democratize access to future skills, ensuring that young minds in every region have the opportunity to lead in the AI-driven future.

    “We are on the cusp of a generational change. Our partnership with Microsoft is more than just a collaboration—it’s a bold statement that India’s vocational education system is not merely catching up with the times but is setting the pace,” said Shri Jayant Chaudhary, the Hon’ble Minister.

    “We need to create a pool of trainers and teachers who understand new technologies and AIs. Individuals from such training will play a vital role in preparing future talent for the new job environment. Emerging technologies and the introduction of AIs will help reimagine ITIs. Preparing our students to harness the transformative power of AI, will play a crucial part as India’s expected GDP growth touches $500 billion by 2025.”

    Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE highlighted the need for partnerships in India’s quest to become the hub of skilled talent for a global workforce. He said, “This signing of our MoU with Microsoft is a part of building synergies at multiple levels such as with MeitY and this is yet another push to enhance the capability of our young talent. During Mr Nadella’s visit to India, we broached the subject of how Microsoft can add value to our ITIs. Today, we have made it possible.

    He further stated, “This AI Training program, will help women from non-technical backgrounds to be part of this digital future and with an edge from a Microsoft certified course, be able to find prominent job placement. Moving forward, we would like to scale this further with our various partners like Microsoft shortly.”

    Puneet Chandok, President, of Microsoft India, and South Asia said “As we celebrate the successful five-year-long partnership between Microsoft and the Directorate General of Training (DGT), we remain committed to empowering India’s youth with critical digital skills. Our mission is AI for everyone, we want to enable every person and every organization in the country to achieve more. With thousands of young minds already benefitting from our AI-focused skilling programs, along with cybersecurity and digital productivity, we are now focused on expanding this impact for vocational education in India. By joining forces with industry partners, we will enhance our training programs and extend the reach to over 200 ITIs and 15 NSTIs, copiloting India in its innovation journey from ‘incredible opportunity’ to ‘credible impact’.”    

    Strategic Partnerships to Empower MSMEs and Entrepreneurs

    In addition to the AI program, the MSDE is also forging key partnerships to bolster the competitiveness of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and to support entrepreneurial skill development:

    NIESBUD-MSSIDC Partnership: Focused on capacity-building training tailored for women-owned MSME units in Maharashtra under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Programme. This initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs in the state and empower women entrepreneurs.

    NIESBUD-Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Collaboration: A formal institutional mechanism will be established to enable NIESBUD trainees to leverage the vast opportunities offered by GeM’s digital platform, increasing market access and visibility.

    MoU with Jamia Hamdard University: This partnership will harness the strengths of both institutions to promote entrepreneurial education and skills, ultimately enhancing self-employment opportunities.

    Collaboration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC): NIESBUD and ONDC will explore mutual collaboration opportunities to further entrepreneurial skill development and support self-employment initiatives.

    “These partnerships are pathways to building a more ‘Kushal, Viksit, and Atmanirbhar Bharat’ of our dreams. What has been a silent revolution till now is about to gain scale and speed,” the Hon’ble Minister added.

    Looking Ahead

    As India navigates the digital future, MSDE’s initiatives are laying the foundation for a workforce that is not just ready for the future but is equipped to lead it. Through strategic partnerships and the integration of emerging technologies like AI into vocational training, India is set to become a global leader in digital innovation and economic growth.

  • Honoring the Legacy of Jaywant Dalvi on August 15


    Honoring the Legacy of Jaywant Dalvi on August 15

    PUNE: In celebration of the centenary year of renowned author and playwright Jaywant Dalvi, the Belvalkar Sanskrutik Manch is all set to organize a special program titled ‘Dalvi Samjun Ghetana…’ on Thursday, August 15, at 5 pm at the S. M. Joshi Hall, Navi Peth. Entry to the program is free for all on a first-come, first-served basis with a few seats reserved for invitees.

    Detailing out the program, Sameer Belvalkar, Head-Belvalkar Sanskrutik Manch said: “Starting August 14, we will begin the birth centenary celebrations of the esteemed author and playwright Jaywant Dalvi. He was an ardent devotee of Goddess Saraswati, and we will be organizing this special program in his honor”

    “The event will feature prominent personalities such as senior journalist Vijay Kuvalekar, renowned playwright Prashant Dalvi, and veteran actress Neena Kulkarni, who will shed light on Jaywant Dalvi’s life and achievements. A special issue dedicated to Jaywant Dalvi compiled by the Belvalkar Sanskrutik Manch will also be released during the event.” He added further.

    In the latter half of the event, the Sambhasha Foundation will present ‘Streeparva’, a segment dedicated to female characters from Jaywant Dalvi’s celebrated plays. The dramatized readings of these characters will be performed by artists Vinita Pimpalkhare, Amit Tribhuwan, and Manasi Magikar. Manasi Magikar has also conceptualized the program.

  • “Once Upon a Time, a Pandemic” Exhibition Open Until August 25th

    Once Upon a Time, a Pandemic

    PUNE: ‘Once Upon a Time, a Pandemic’ – An Exhibition of Paintings by young artist Chithkala Ramesh is all set to mesmerize art enthusiasts till 25th August at Monalisa Kalagram, Koregaon Park Pune. The one-of-its-kind exhibition is being curated by Giridhar Khasnis and will be open to all from 11 am–7:30 pm on all days. The exhibition is presented by Monalisa Kalagram and organized by IGA Galleria, Pune.

    ‘Once Upon a Time, a Pandemic’ is Chithkala’s first exhibition in Pune and will display her poignant and personal artistic expression of the pandemic times. The art offers meaningful insights into human experiences by recalling the realities of living through lockdowns and isolation. Each painting in this exhibition tells an evocative story. Chithkala’s visuals will encourage viewers to introspect about life, grief, recollection, and resilience. They will serve as lyrical tools to understand the fragility of the world around us.

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  • Sony Pictures Networks India Unveils Strategic Leadership Changes


    Ajay Bhalwankar, Nachiket Pantvaidya, Tushar Shah

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced three significant leadership changes, reflecting the company’s continued dedication to strategic growth and operational excellence. These appointments are pivotal for SPNI’s journey, with each leader bringing valuable expertise and fresh perspectives to their respective roles.

    Nachiket Pantvaidya, an industry veteran with a rich and diverse career spanning multiple leading media companies, is now taking over as the Business Head of Sony Entertainment Television (SET). This marks his third stint with SPNI. While he joins SET, he will also continue to manage his role as General Manager at Sony Pictures International Productions (SPIP). Nachiket has consistently demonstrated strategic prowess and leadership in his previous roles at SPNI, including managing P&L for SET, developing iconic franchises, and boosting advertising and distribution revenues. His broader role will enable him to leverage his extensive expertise to deliver exceptional entertainment experiences across both platforms.

    Ajay Bhalwankar, who has been with SPNI since 2014, currently heads its Marathi channel. He previously served as the chief creative director for SPNI’s flagship General Entertainment Channel, Sony Entertainment Television (SET). Under his leadership, Sony Marathi has seen significant growth, delivering high-quality, engaging content that resonates with Marathi audiences. Ajay’s strategic vision has enabled Sony Marathi to carve a niche in the crowded Marathi GEC market. His emphasis on progressive and relatable content has helped the channel capture a 9% market share. Moving forward, Ajay will additionally spearhead Sony SAB as its business head. With his experience and creative insight, Ajay is well-positioned to bring fresh and engaging content to Sony SAB’s diverse audience, further strengthening the channel’s reputation for quality entertainment.

    Tushar Shah is the Business Head of English, Bengali, and Infotainment Channels and the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI). He oversees prominent channels such as Sony PIX, Sony AATH, and Sony BBC Earth. With nearly 18 years of experience across two tenures at SPNI, Tushar has driven significant growth and profitability and enhanced viewership. His strategic leadership has also been crucial in the successful reach and expansion of Sony AATH in West Bengal. Going forward, Tushar will additionally oversee Sony MAX, Sony MAX HD, Sony MAX 2, Sony WAH and Sony PAL. His expertise will fuel further innovation across these channels, enhancing their market presence.

  • SEBI chief, husband issue detailed rebuttal to Hindenburg’s allegations |

    Mumbai, Aug 11 (IANS) SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband, Dhaval Buch, on Sunday issued a detailed response to the accusations made by US short-seller Hindenburg Research, saying it is unfortunate that instead of replying to the show-cause notice, they have chosen to attack the credibility of the SEBI and attempt character assassination of the SEBI Chairperson.

    In the new statement released in their personal capacity, the couple firmly addressed all the allegations, providing a detailed rebuttal and emphasized that the contested investment occurred before Madhabi’s tenure at SEBI.

    “The investment in the fund referred to in the Hindenburg report was made in 2015 when they were both private citizens living in Singapore and almost 2 years before Madhabi joined SEBI, even as a Whole Time Member,” the statement read.

    “The decision to invest in this fund was because the Chief Investment Officer, Anil Ahuja, is Dhaval’s childhood friend from school and IIT Delhi and, being an ex-employee of Citibank, J.P. Morgan and 3i Group plc, had many decades of a strong investing career,” it added.

    The fact that these were the drivers of the investment decision is borne out by the fact that when, in 2018, Ahuja left his position as CIO of the fund, “we redeemed the investment in that fund”.

    “As confirmed by Ahuja, at no point in time did the fund invest in any bond, equity, or derivative…,” the couple stressed.

    The statement said that Dhaval’s appointment, in 2019, as Senior Advisor to Blackstone Private Equity was on account of his deep expertise in Supply Chain management.

    “Thus, his appointment pre-dates Madhabi’s appointment as SEBI Chairperson. This appointment has been in the public domain ever since. At no time has Dhaval been associated with the Real Estate side of Blackstone. On his appointment, the Blackstone Group was immediately added to Madhabi’s recusal list maintained with SEBI,” the statement read.

    The two consulting companies set up by Madhabi during her stay in Singapore, one in India and one in Singapore, became immediately dormant on her appointment with SEBI. These companies (and her shareholding in them) were explicitly part of her disclosures to SEBI.

    The statement said that after Dhaval retired from Unilever in 2019, he started his own consultancy practice through these companies.

    “Dhaval’s deep expertise in Supply Chain allowed him to work with prominent clients in the Indian industry. Thus, linking accruals in these companies to Madhabi’s current government salary is malicious,” it noted.

    The couple said that SEBI has strong institutional mechanisms of disclosure and recusal norms as per the code of conduct applicable to its officers.

    “Accordingly, all disclosures and recusals have been diligently followed, including disclosures of all securities held or subsequently transferred,” they added.

    Madhabi is an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad and has had a corporate career of over two decades in banking and financial services, largely in the ICICI Group.

    Dhaval is an alumnus of IIT Delhi and has had a corporate career of 35 years in Hindustan Unilever Limited in India and then in Unilever globally as part of its senior management team.

  • Samsung Expands Its Retail Footprint with a New Premium Store in Pune

    The new store is set to enhance consumer experiences with immersive gaming and SmartThings zones

    Spanning 2,000 sq. ft., the store is located in Pune’s growing business hub and shopping destination – Phoenix Market City at Viman Nagar

    Consumers will get, 2X loyalty points on all transactions above INR 15000 and Galaxy Fit3 at INR 1999 on buying select Galaxy devices for a limited period

    PUNE: Samsung, India’s leading consumer electronics company, has inaugurated its new premium experience store at Phoenix Marketcity in Pune, Maharashtra. The store will be a one-stop solution for consumer needs around sales and customer service. Situated at Pacific Mall, a prime shopping destination, the store will offer captivating experiences to consumers, including its connected device ecosystem – Samsung SmartThings – and host various engaging activities.

    Spanning a total area of 2,000 sq. ft., the store is designed to offer consumers immersive zones showcasing, smartphones, laptops, audio, gaming, and SmartThings among others. At the store, Samsung will host a variety of Galaxy workshops as part of its ‘Learn @ Samsung’ program designed for Gen Z and millennial consumers. This will include seminars around AI education focusing on consumer passion points such as productivity, doodling, photography, fitness, and events celebrating local culture.

    Consumers coming into the store will get, 2X loyalty points (on all transactions above INR 15000) and Galaxy Fit3 at INR 1999 with select Galaxy devices as a limited-period offer

    In addition, consumers can also avail of always-on special benefits such as up to 22.5% cashback on leading banks, student benefits of up to 10% on smartphones, laptops, and smartwatches, and up to INR 21000 in ecosystem benefits on select items.

    “Witnessing an exhilarating response from consumers in Pune and adjoining markets, we are optimistic that our new store will captivate shoppers just as much and help us connect better with our consumers. The new store allows them to enjoy a holistic product and service experience. Galaxy workshops will also be conducted under the larger ‘Learn @ Samsung’ program to drive AI Education”, said Sumit Walia, Vice President, of D2C Business, Samsung India.

    The new store will offer a phygital experience through Samsung’s Store+ endless aisle platform. With Store+, consumers can browse over 1,200 Samsung products online or in-store using a digital kiosk and have products delivered directly to their homes.

    Consumers can also access Samsung’s digital lending platform, Samsung Finance+, and opt for Samsung Care+ plans for Galaxy smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. The store also provides after-sales service for smartphones and the convenience of booking home service calls for all consumer electronics needs.

  • Comprehensive Protection with Bajaj Allianz Life eTouch

    PUNE: Term insurance is a critical component of financial planning, providing financial security and peace of mind to policyholders and their families. Offering substantial life cover at an affordable premium, term insurance ensures well-being and financial stability in the event of the untimely demise of the policyholder. One such product that recognizes the importance of a comprehensive term plan, is Bajaj Allianz Life eTouch. This unique product offers the flexibility to choose from three variants with value-packed features that help families of policyholders keep their life goals on track.

    While the market offers innovative, value-packed products such as Bajaj Allianz Life eTouch at affordable prices, it’s equally critical for customers to understand the importance of adequate coverage. Underinsurance remains a significant issue in India, with many individuals lacking sufficient coverage to meet their loved one’s financial needs. The general rule of thumb is that life insurance coverage should be at least 10 times one’s annual income. Policyholders can meet this benchmark with the Bajaj Allianz Life eTouch, which also provides holistic Health Management Services.

    Bajaj Allianz Life eTouch has three variants: Life Shield, Life Shield ROP & Life Shield Plus. All the 3 variants come with an inbuilt feature of Waiver of Premium in the event of Accidental Total Permanent Disability or Terminal Illness. With the Life Shield ROP variant, the policyholder will receive a one-time amount which is equal to total premiums paid upon maturity if he/she survives the policy term. As for the Life Shield Plus variant, an additional payout is provided in the unfortunate event of a death resulting from an accident, in addition to the regular death benefit.

    The Company has enhanced its commitment to holistic well-being by offering Health Management Services tailored for women. These services provide easy and quick access to medical facilities, supporting customers in achieving their overall health objectives, conveniently integrated into a single product. They include comprehensive health check-ups and OPD in-clinic consultations for routine check-ups and minor treatments. It also provides instant access to medical consultations and holistic well-being offerings.