16th December 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  RenaissThera Private Limited (“RenaissThera”), a pioneering Bengaluru-based biotechnology company, has successfully closed its seed funding round backed by angel investors. This funding will accelerate the development of novel small-molecule therapies targeting GLP-1 and GIP receptors for Cardio-metabolic (CM) diseases, with an emphasis on diabetes and obesity. The company aims to address critical health challenges in underserved populations globally through affordable and transformative solutions.

RenaissThera is revolutionizing the fight against cardio-metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity through its AI-powered Innovation Platform, leveraging Generative AI (GenAI) and machine learning to rapidly identify and optimize small molecules for targeted therapies. Mr. Sudhir Nagarajan, Managing Director, said, “We thank all the investors in this round for their support and belief in our team and the promise of RenaissThera in delivering innovative medicines.” With the successful close of its seed funding round, CEO Dr. Ramkesh Meena stated, “This milestone enables us to scale up and validate our early-stage pipeline in pre-clinical proof-of-concept studies and get ready for IND filing next year, propelling us closer to delivering life-changing, affordable therapies that address critical gaps in care.” This innovative approach combines scientific rigor and efficiency to reduce development timelines and costs while improving patient outcomes worldwide.

16th December 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  The Association of People with Disability (APD) observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2024 with a ‘Mela’ (fair) on Monday, December 9, at the India Campus Crusade for Christ, Hennur Main Road, Bengaluru. The Mela, themed “Championing Disability Leadership for a Sustainable Tomorrow,” focused on the role of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in creating an inclusive society.

Shri Krishnamurthy. K, District Disabled Welfare Officer, Bangalore Urban District, Dept for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, Govt of Karnataka, attended as the chief guest. In his address, he said, “Events like these reveal the incredible potential of persons with disabilities when given the right opportunities to thrive. The holistic approach to disability and rehabilitation showcased today paves the way for an inclusive and sustainable future.”

Participants had the chance to explore the Yes To Access app, a tool that uses computer vision to map accessible spaces. By using the app, they identified barriers and contributed to a growing database aimed at improving accessibility in public areas.

APD showcased its comprehensive support programs, including Early Intervention, Spinal Cord Injury and Rehabilitation, Inclusive Education, and Livelihood programs. These initiatives are designed to support individuals with disabilities and their caregivers in rebuilding their lives, fostering skill development, community integration, and long-term independence. Attendees interacted with individuals who shared personal stories about their recovery journeys.

The event showcased a range of assistive devices, including wheelchairs, hearing aids, splints, and artificial limbs which help individuals with disabilities and improved mobility. Visitors also learned about other adaptive tools that enable PwDs to address everyday challenges and enhance independence.

A key feature of the event was the Experience Zones, where attendees immersed themselves in activities designed to simulate the experiences of PwDs. These zones provided insight into the daily challenges faced by PwDs and offered a platform to interact with individuals living with disabilities. Through these interactions, participants gained an understanding of the measures and tools that support an inclusive lifestyle.

Help desks at the event facilitated enrollment in the Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme, a government program offering financial support for medical and rehabilitation needs. This initiative ensured that eligible participants could access essential benefits.

At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Senthil N.S. Kumar, CEO of APD, stated, “The remarkable success of our IDPD event underscores the strength of unity and collaboration. By creating experiential zones that cover the entire life cycle—from pediatrics to geriatrics—we raised awareness about holistic disability services, including inclusive education, livelihood, health, assistive aids, and entitlements. As a society, it’s time to transform awareness into action for true inclusion”

The event underscored the importance of accessibility, leadership, and collective efforts in advancing an inclusive society.

16th December 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  Maserati has appointed VST Group as its exclusive partner for South India, marking the Italian luxury brand’s much-anticipated return to the region after a decade. This collaboration is celebrated with the launch of the highly anticipated Maserati Grecale, an SUV ideal for roads of the Indian subcontinent. Combining cutting-edge technology, exhilarating performance, and unmistakable Italian design, the Grecale joins Maserati’s prestigious lineup, which includes iconic models such as the GranTurismo, GranCabrio, MC20, MC20 Cielo, and GT2 Stradale, in addition to Quattroporte, and Levante.

The Grecale, Levante and Quattroporte are currently on display at VST Group’s exclusive pop-up showroom in Bengaluru on Millers Road, offering customers an opportunity to explore Maserati’s renowned design and performance firsthand, ahead of the full launch of its dedicated Maserati Experience Centre on St. Marks Road which is anticipated in Q2 of 2025.

Philippe Claverol, Head of Overseas Region, Maserati said, “We are thrilled and honoured to inaugurate our new dealership in Bengaluru in partnership with VST Group. With their proven expertise and dedication to representing prestigious brands and catering to discerning customers, we couldn’t ask for a better partner. Bengaluru and the southern region of India are home to a thriving community of successful entrepreneurs, particularly in the tech industry, who have a deep appreciation for performance-driven sports cars like our Maserati GranTurismo, GranCabrio, MC20, and GT2 Stradale, as well as our luxury SUV Maserati Grecale.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Arun Surendra, Chairman & Managing Director of VST Group, said, “This collaboration with Maserati is a transformative moment for the luxury automotive market in South India. With our reach across five southern states, we aim to deliver an unparalleled experience to the customer, reflecting Maserati’s legacy of excellence and our commitment to customer satisfaction.”

In addition to the pop-up showroom, VST Group will launch a state-of-the-art Maserati service facility in Bengaluru in Whitefield in Q1 of 2025, providing comprehensive after-sales support for its customers. Looking ahead, VST Group plans to expand its footprint with new facilities across other key locations in Southern India over the coming year.

This partnership is set to redefine the luxury automotive landscape in South India, bringing Maserati’s iconic vehicles closer to new luxury customers throughout the region.

Maserati S.p.A.

Maserati produces a complete range of unique cars, immediately recognizable for their extraordinary personality. Thanks to their style, technology, and innately exclusive character, they delight the most discerning, demanding tastes and have always been a benchmark for the global automotive industry. A tradition of successful cars, each of them redefining what makes an Italian sports car in terms of design, performance, comfort, elegance, and safety, currently available in more than 70 markets internationally. Maserati line-up includes the Grecale, the “everyday exceptional” SUV, the GranTurismo, the iconic Italian grand tourer, and the GranCabrio, the new convertible of the Trident; all models characterized by the use of the highest quality materials and excellent technical solutions. A range equipped with 4-cylinder hybrid powertrains – available for Grecale – and V6 petrol, with rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, embodying the performance DNA of the Trident brand. The top of the range is made up of the MC20 super sports car and the MC20 Cielo spyder, powered by the ground-breaking 100% Maserati Nettuno V6 engine, which incorporates F1-derived technologies into the power unit of a standard production car for the first time. The GranTurismo is available with both the high-performance V6 petrol engine, derived from the Nettuno, and a 100% electric version: the GranTurismo Folgore, the first car in the Modena-based brand’s history to adopt this solution. The full-electric range also currently includes the Grecale Folgore, Maserati’s first 100% electric SUV, and the GranCabrio Folgore. Finally, the House of the Trident’s latest addition is the Maserati GT2 Stradale, the road-legal version of the GT2 that took Maserati back to the track in closed-wheel championships. The heart of the new super sports car is the V6 Nettuno engine, reaching 640 hp (471 kW) in the latter configuration. The GT2 Stradale is therefore the most powerful road-going Maserati with an internal combustion engine.

16th December 2024  Kolkata, West Bengal, India Storied atelier Zoya from the House of Tata announced its entry into East India today, opening its first store in Kolkata, in an enchanting heritage bungalow on Shakespeare Sarani Road. Ajoy Chawla, CEO of Titan’s Jewellery Division, and the celebrated designer and author Twinkle Khanna together unveiled Zoya’s exquisite flagship boutique in the city where culture meets tradition. Over the last 15 years, Zoya has redefined the fine jewelry category with meaningful, wearable art and an ambience of warm luxury experience. The opening of this new boutique marks a significant moment in Zoya’s expansion, blending the brand’s celebrated legacy of craftsmanship and timeless to create a haven of beauty and sophistication.

“Zoya finds a perfect home in Kolkata, where modern luxury meets rich cultural heritage. Reflecting the spirit of being ‘alive,’ Zoya celebrates the timeless journey of women in a city that truly appreciates art and culture,” shared Ajoy Chawla.

The boutique has an artistic soul that reflects the Zoya woman’s own inward journey to her true self, blending femininity through handcrafted murals and evocative sculptures. A flowing handcrafted paper chandelier meanders through the space, symbolizing the Zoya woman’s path-a luminous metaphor for her inward journey of self-discovery. More than a store, it’s an immersive experience where every piece of jewelry is a meaningful, wearable work of art.

The store is designed to inspire a woman’s journey of personal discovery. Intimate spaces invite reflection, allowing the Zoya woman to reconnect with herself and her desires. Each zone offers moments of contemplation, from bespoke consultations to admiring intricate jewelry details. It’s a space where creation, transformation, and empowerment come alive, inviting guests to experience Zoya’s essence.

At the heart of Zoya’s Shakespeare Sarani boutique is the commitment to offering a deeply personal and luxurious experience. The private lounge and flexible discussion rooms allow for intimate moments of connection. The smaller, intimate rooms within the store invite guests to explore Zoya’s collections in a personal, reflective way. The private lounge and flexible discussion rooms allow for intimate moments of connection. Whether working with Zoya’s designers to create a bespoke piece or simply taking a moment.

Twinkle Khanna said, “Zoya is a brand with cultural capital – I love how each piece is not only beautifully crafted but that it tells a story that celebrates its muse. The Zoya store extends this narrative, creating a space that exemplifies our heritage.”

At the grand store launch, Twinkle Khanna mesmerized onlookers with her stunning appearance, donning the ‘An Autumn Breath’ Necklace from Zoya’s signature collection ‘Alive’. This exquisite piece showcases a 9-carat lemon quartz in the brand’s iconic Bloom Cut™️, accentuated by a swirl of diamonds, rhodolite garnets, citrines, and tourmalines. These vibrant elements come together to embody the dynamic, ever-evolving spirit of the Zoya woman. Twinkle’s selection of this striking necklace, paired with rings and earrings from the same collection, perfectly captured the vibrant spirit of the celebration shimmering through Zoya’s masterful creations in fresh, unexpected color combinations and unique gemstones.

16th December 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  TVS Motors, Reliance Jio, Tata AIG, OYO, ONGC Videsh and HPCL have been adjudged winners of the 17th BML Munjal Awards for Business Excellence in Learning & Development.

TVS Motors won in the Private Sector (manufacturing) category, Reliance Jio Infocomm and Tata AIG General Insurance won in the Private Sector (Services) category, Oravel Stays (OYO) won in the Emerging Stars category, ONGC Videsh won in the Public Sector category and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) won in the Sustained Excellence category.

The awards ceremony took place on December 12, 2024, at The Oberoi, New Delhi and were given away by the Chief Guest, Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, and the Guest of Honour, Mr. Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa.

The BML Munjal Awards annually celebrate excellence in Learning and Development (L&D) and are a tribute to the enduring legacy of the late Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal, founder of the Hero Group. They recognize organizations that invest in people and reward companies that believe in continuous improvement and innovation. For the 2024 edition, hundreds of organizations across sectors went through a rigorous four-stage screening process managed by Grant Thornton Bharat.

The six winners were eventually picked by an independent jury comprising of Sanjay Nayar, Founder and Chairman, Sorin Investment Fund, Gopal Srinivasan, Chairman & Managing Director, TVS Capital Funds, Rajat Dhawan, India Managing Partner & Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company, Vishesh Chandiok, CEO, Grant Thornton Bharat, Padmaja Ruparel, Co-founder, Indian Angel Network, Simrit Kaur, Principal, Shri Ram College of Commerce, Rajeev Dubey, Editor In Chief, Fortune India and Sunil Kant Munjal, Chairman, Hero Enterprise.

Announcing this year’s awards, Mr. Sunil Kant Munjal, Chairman of Hero Enterprise, stated, “People are the only assets that appreciate as time goes on, and they need to be placed at the centre of every model, whether it is for a business enterprise or a social venture.”

The Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry also unveiled the Braille (Hindi) edition of The Making of Hero over the course of the evening. The Making of Hero is the inspiring story of four Munjal brothers who, despite limited education and resources, revolutionized the two-wheeler industry. The Braille edition – produced by Raised Lines Foundation, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers – has been launched to address the shortage of braille content in India which makes it difficult for the blind and visually impaired to learn more about leadership, management, business practices and many other life lessons. This edition is being provided to various organizations and libraries across India free of cost so that visually impaired students and professionals can access them.

Delivering his keynote address Shri Piyush Goyal remarked, “Perseverance, passion and ambition can help people and companies reach great heights. When more people with fire in their bellies begin to fulfil their aspirations, it will redefine India’s growth story in the years to come. It is equally important as well for differently abled people to realise their dreams and feel that they are contributing to the growth of the nation; for this to happen meaningfully, a change in mindset is vital, and our Prime Minister’s Divyangjan Swavalamban Yojana is a vital initiative in this direction.’’

In his address as the Guest of Honor, Mr. Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, added: “Talent drives investment, which in turn drives growth. Without that, no company can prosper. These awards are the human symbols of India’s hard power.”

The evening’s proceedings also featured an insightful discussion on the “The Business of Doing Good” that featured an esteemed panel of Mr. Jayen Mehta, MD – Amul; Ms. Rajarshi Gupta, MD – ONGC Videsh Ltd; Ms. Mugdha Sinha, Director General of Tourism, Government of India; and Mr. Vineet Rai, Founder & Chairman of Aavishkaar Group.

16th December 2024  Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India  Latteys Industries Limited, a leading NSE-listed manufacturer of energy-efficient solar submersible pumps, has reported a remarkable year in 2024. The company has received several significant orders, reinforcing its presence across India and bolstering its reputation as a committed player in India’s green energy initiatives.

Major Achievements in 2024:

1. RajasthanPM-KUSUMScheme

In March 2024, Latteys Industries secured a prestigious order worth approximately Rs. 30 crore for the design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of 1,000 Off-Grid Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping Systems (SPWPS) under Component-B of the PM-KUSUM scheme. The project includes a complete system warranty and repair/maintenance services for five years, awarded by the Rajasthan Horticulture Department, Jaipur.

2. OEM Work Orders

September 2024: Orders worth Rs. 3 crore from OEMs for the supply of solar submersible pumps under the Kusum Yojna.

Exports: In September 2024, Latteys Industries received an export order for solar submersible pumps worth Rs. 1.5 crore plus GST through our Export Party.

November 2024: Orders worth Rs. 1.875 crore plus GST for supplying solar submersible pumps to state governments in Jharkhand and Maharashtra.

December 2024: An additional order worth Rs. 1.15 Crore plus GST to supply solar submersible pumps to the Maharashtra state government under PM Kusum Yojana.

Total Orders in Hand as On Date: 37.525 Crore Plus GST

3. Ongoing Expansion:
Latteys Industries continues its growth trajectory, securing numerous orders from various regions across India. The company is currently empanelled for installations in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, and is actively exploring opportunities to expand into other untapped regions.

Comment from the Promoter:

Mr. Kapoor Chand Garg, Promoter of Latteys Industries Limited, expressed his delight over the company’s performance, saying: “We are thrilled with the recognition Latteys Industries is receiving as a committed and reliable partner in India’s renewable energy sector. These significant orders not only validate our dedication to quality but also reflect our ability to support the nation’s green energy initiatives. We remain focused on delivering sustainable solutions and achieving even greater success in the years to come.”

Strengthening India’s Green Energy Future:

Latteys Industries’ success in 2024 underscores its commitment to contributing to India’s green energy initiatives, particularly in the solar water pump segment. With a strong portfolio of orders and an expanding market footprint, the company is well-positioned to play a vital role in the transition to renewable energy solutions.

16th December 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Bisleri International, India’s leading packaged drinking water player today unveiled its latest Bisleri #DRINKITUP sports campaign featuring Bollywood star Shahid Kapoor alongside prominent football franchises. The campaign emphasizes the importance of hydration in sports while encouraging audience to embrace the excitement of football.

The film showcases Shahid Kapoor stepping onto the football field, accompanied by top Indian football talents, including the national team captain Rahul Bheke and Farukh Choudhary, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahul KP, and Aakash Sangwan, representing Mumbai CITY FC, FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyan FC and Kerala Blasters.

Shahid, known for his dynamic screen presence and dedication to his craft, adds a fresh and playful energy to the campaign, making it both engaging and inspiring to the viewers.

Commenting on the campaign, Tushar Malhotra, Director-Sales & Marketing, Bisleri International, said, “Bisleri is proud to champion football and hydration through the latest rendition of our ongoing #DrinkItUp campaign. Partnering with Shahid Kapoor was a natural choice, given his passion for fitness and sport combined with his youthful energy. The campaign is engaging and the interplay between Shahid and the players is entertaining.”

The campaign was conceptualised by in-house creative team and the talent was managed by Wavemaker.

Over the past few years, Bisleri International, has built a robust sports marketing program partnering with Procam International’s marathons, National Games, Ultimate Table Tennis League, Dubai Marathon, Professional Golf Tour of India and several popular cricket franchises in India and UAE.

16th December 2024  India  Dr.Umesh Srinkantha, an expert spine doctor in Bangalore, and the Founder of Spine360, has come up with two significant achievements in spine care. The first one is the release of a new digital platform specifically created to improve patient accessibility. The second is the introduction of cutting-edge techniques in minimally invasive spine surgery. These improvements constitute a major step in modernising spine care in Bangalore.

The recently launched digital platform offers speedier loading times, user-friendly navigation, and many educational resources. “Our aim was to provide a digital experience that reflects the top standards of our medical care,” said Dr.Umesh Srikantha. “The enhanced site could be a comprehensive asset for patients looking for information about spine conditions and accessible treatment alternatives.”

Spine360 also remains at the forefront of development in minimally invasive spine surgery. Dr. Umesh Srikantha has successfully performed over 2,000 minimally invasive procedures and 4,500 brain and spine surgeries. He utilises the latest surgical navigation systems and advanced 3D imaging technology. “These minimally invasive techniques help reduce recuperation times considerably and improve results for our patients,” Dr. Umesh Srikantha added.

Key features of Spine360’s digital platform include:

• Interactive educational resources that provide in-depth information about spine conditions.
• Seamless appointment booking system.
• In-depth insights into minimally invasive surgical options.
• Patient testimonials and success stories.
• Accessible tips on spine health and preventive care.

The platform aligns seamlessly with Spine360’s surgical innovations, which encompass:

• Advanced surgical navigation systems, enabling precision and accuracy during procedures.
• Intraoperative neuromonitoring to ensure safety
• Minimally invasive techniques to reduce recovery time and patient discomfort.
• Cutting-edge 3D imaging technology for precise surgical planning and execution.

“By utilising a combination of digital accessibility with surgical excellence, we are setting a new benchmark in spine care,” said Dr.Umesh Srikantha. “Patients now have easier access to vital information and can benefit from the most advanced surgical techniques available.”

16th December 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India Signature Global, one of India’s leading real estate developers, today received the ‘Best Developer (India)’ award at the 19th edition of the prestigious ‘Asia Property Awards’ organized by the Property Guru Group based in Thailand. The company’s premium project ‘Titanium SPR’ also bagged the ‘Best Green Development’ award.

Ms. Nidhi Aggarwal and Ms. Bharti Aggarwal, esteemed Directors of Signature Global Group represented the company and received the awards at the glittering ceremony held in Thailand, which was attended by real estate fraternity of 14 countries, including Australia, Japan, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, China, Hong Kong, Macau, and India along with key decision makers of the region.

Commenced in Thailand in 2005 as the ultimate hallmark to ‘recognise the region’s finest in real estate’ in Asia, the Property Guru Asia Property Awards is one of the region’s biggest and most respected real estate awards programme. It acknowledges, rewards and celebrates the extraordinary achievements of developers and developments in the Asia Pacific region.

Delighted about the company’s latest honour, Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman of Signature Global (India) Ltd., stated, “These awards are a shining example of the love and admiration our projects receive from our valued customers. Such recognition fuels our passion to consistently exceed expectations and deliver unparalleled value to our esteemed buyers while continuing our emphasis on ecological and sustainable developments.”

Strategically located in Sector 71 of Gurugram, Titanium SPR has been built to reflect its timeless construction quality. Situated along the vital Southern Peripheral Road (SPR), Titanium SPR is an iconic development crafted to redefine premium living. Spanning across 14.382 acres, this architectural marvel comprises 608 uber-premium 3.5 BHK (3 to a core) and exclusive 4.5 BHK (2 to a core) condominiums, with 26-feet and 28-feet-long decks, respectively along with triple height entrance lobby and 7 lagoon pools designed by renowned international architects, such as DPC from Singapore, MPFP from the USA, Confluence, NMP Design, Senelac Consultants, and Vintech Consultants.

16th December 2024  New Delhi , Delhi, India  MaitriBodh Parivaar, a socio-spiritual organization devoted to uplifting human consciousness and fostering unity, announces “Ek Bharat, Hum Bharat Padyatra”. This monumental event will take place across three cities, Delhi, Mumbai, and Amritsar, on 15 December 2024. The padyatras will bring together over 1500 attendees in each city, symbolizing a unified effort to revive India’s spirit of love, harmony, and togetherness.

Rooted in India’s Sanskriti is the profound wisdom of “Truth is One, though sages call it by many names.” With a vision to unite the world as one family, the padyatra aims to reignite the values of love, unity, and peace deeply woven into India’s cultural heritage. Maitreya Dadashreeji, the visionary behind Ek Bharat, Hum Bharat and the Founder of MaitriBodh Parivaar, is working tirelessly towards bridging the divides of caste, religion, and beliefs. Through his endeavours for Global Transformation, he is working to establish “One World, One Family”, uniting humanity under a shared banner of harmony.

Maitreya Dadashreeji (Transformation Pioneer, Founder – MaitriBodh Parivaar) expressed, “Our nation is woven by the threads of our Sanskriti, which unite us as one. Through Ek Bharat, Hum Bharat, we shall establish our nation as a united family — bound by Love and Harmony. This unity will pave the way for us to ascend to the status of Vishwaguru.”

Since its inception in 2013, MaitriBodh Parivaar has been at the forefront of offering spiritual programs and social reform projects, transforming lives and nurturing Maitri Bhaav—the spirit of love and friendship. The Ek Bharat, Hum Bharat Padyatra reflects the organization’s unwavering commitment to transcending barriers and creating a harmonious and inclusive society.

Participants across the three cities will unite to spread the universal message of love and peace. This historic event is not just a journey but a mission to revive the nation’s soul, emphasizing the significance of shared cultural heritage in fostering humanity’s collective growth.