6th December 2024 Pune, Maharashtra, India Deutsche Bank and The Akshaya Patra Foundation have further strengthened their long-standing partnership to combat classroom hunger by initiating the construction of a state-of-the-art kitchen in Shivajinagar, Pune. The groundbreaking ceremony for this innovative facility marks a major milestone in their joint efforts to enhance the lives of underprivileged children through the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) scheme. The Akshaya Patra Foundation is the implementing partner of the PM POSHAN initiative and world’s largest NGO-Run school meal program.

Expected to be operational by early 2026, the multi-level kitchen will provide over 25,000 daily hot, nutritious meals to students in government and government-aided schools across Pune. This initiative is aimed at improving school attendance, academic performance, and the overall health and well-being of marginalized children. The facility will adhere to the highest standards of hygiene and safety and is designed to serve as Akshaya Patra’s central kitchen in Pune. Beyond addressing nutrition and education, the project is poised to create employment opportunities and support local agriculture, fostering economic development within the community.

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Kaushik Shaparia, CEO of Deutsche Bank Group, India, along with Shri Sampati Dasa, Regional President – Pune, The Akshaya Patra Foundation; Shri Shridhar Venkat, CEO, of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, Ms Ruchi Khemka, Head – CSR, Deutsche Bank Group, India, Praveen NR, IFS, Sri Prithviraj BP, IAS & other senior representatives from the Pune Government department & The Akshaya Patra Foundation and other dignitaries.

Mr. Kaushik Shaparia, CEO of Deutsche Bank Group, India, highlighting the significance of this initiative, said, “At Deutsche Bank, we believe collaboration is vital to creating lasting social impact. This new kitchen in Pune reflects our unwavering commitment to addressing hunger and education, empowering students to realize their full potential. With our strong presence in Pune, we also look forward to engaging our employees in advancing this meaningful cause and fostering sustainable change.”

Mr. Shridhar Venkat, CEO, from The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant milestone in our ongoing journey with Deutsche Bank to eradicate classroom hunger and foster educational opportunities for children across Pune. Through this state-of-the-art kitchen facility, we are set to enhance our operational capabilities significantly, thereby ensuring that over 25,000 students receive nutritious meals every school day. This initiative not only supports academic excellence but also strengthens the fabric of our communities by promoting better health and creating economic opportunities locally. We are immensely grateful to Deutsche Bank’s for their support over the years. We also want to thank the Government of Maharashtra for providing us the opportunity to serve the children in the state. They have been instrumental in helping us make an impact and nurture the potential of every child we serve.”

Since 2014, Deutsche Bank has supported Akshaya Patra’s efforts to provide mid-day meals to students in Jaipur, Bengaluru, and Pune. Over the past decade, this partnership has facilitated the provision of over 8 crore meals to children, significantly enhancing educational opportunities for marginalized communities. In addition to the Pune kitchen, Deutsche Bank is extending its support to Akshaya Patra by funding meals for an additional 2,000 children in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad.

The Pune kitchen is set to play a critical role in scaling Akshaya Patra’s Mid-Day Meal Programme in Maharashtra, furthering its mission of eliminating hunger and ensuring access to education for all.

6th December 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India SMFG India Credit (SMICC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG), has been awarded an international credit rating of “AA-” with a stable outlook by the Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR). This exceptional outcome places SMICC four notches above India’s sovereign rating and only one notch below its parent financial group SMFG’s own “AA” rating.

JCR highlighted SMICC’s strategic importance to SMFG’s Asia Multi-Franchise Strategy, which is supported by robust governance and alignment with SMFG’s ethos of promoting financial inclusion and empowering underserved communities in India.

Mr. Pankaj Malik, Chief Financial Officer, SMFG India Credit, said, “This AA- rating by JCR is a testament to SMFG India Credit’s commitment to maintaining financial discipline, operational excellence, and customer-centric growth with the help of innovative products offerings. SMICC’s consistent growth trajectory and strategic alignment with SMFG’s global objectives position us as a key player in India’s rapidly expanding retail loan market. This recognition further motivates us to continue fostering financial inclusion and delivering value to our stakeholders.”

JCR also observed that SMICC’s business scale has grown significantly, driven by the expansion in the domestic consumer credit market and strong support from SMFG. The company’s growth trajectory remains robust and it continues to maintain a healthy loan book. The company has also kept its interest rate risk and liquidity risk appropriately managed through risk management committee.

6th December 2024 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Blue Dart, South Asia’s leading express air and integrated transportation company, announces the launch of its first-of-its-kind Blue Dart Affiliate Program (BDAP) for technology partners and ecosystem enablers. This innovative program is designed to foster collaboration with top technological enablers in the industry, offering seamless integration of Blue Dart’s advanced logistics solutions while creating new revenue opportunities for affiliates. Participants can promote Blue Dart’s suite of services, onboard new customers, and earn attractive monthly incentives.

This is a perfect blend of path-breaking technology providers and an industry-leading logistics network to collaborate and bring to their customers the best mix of both. Affiliates benefit from partnering with a trusted, market-leading brand, gaining access to the world-class and industry-best network and early access to Blue Dart’s cutting-edge technology solutions and APIs. A dedicated support team ensures smooth collaboration, allowing affiliates to focus on building their solutions while Blue Dart handles all logistics needs. Looking ahead, the program will offer future-ready integration, including access to Blue Dart-DHL product lines through a single-window solution, driving long-term growth and innovation.

On the launch, Dipanjan Banerjee, Chief Commercial Officer, Blue Dart said, “At Blue Dart, innovation is at the core of everything we do. The launch of our Affiliate Program strengthens our commitment to collaborating with technology providers and offering world-class express logistics solutions. This program represents a unique opportunity for technology partners to expand their service offerings, increase revenue, and deliver best-in-class logistics capabilities to their customers.”

Blue Dart, with over four decades of industry experience, stands at the forefront of express logistics, celebrated for its reliability, resilience, and innovative approach. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology and deep operational knowledge, Blue Dart ensures seamless end-to-end logistics solutions.

Mumbai, 6th December 2024:Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), Greater Noida, a leading business school in India, hosted an art workshop on Tuesday, facilitated by the illustrious Padma Shri awardee, Mr. Paresh Maity. This workshop, organized in collaboration with the prestigious Birla Academy of Art & Culture, aimed to bring art into the realm of business. The workshop was a unique confluence of creativity and leadership, offering students an opportunity to delve into the world of art under the guidance of one of India’s most renowned contemporary artists.

Following the event Dr. Prabina Rajib; Director; BIMTECH, stated, “This workshop beautifully demonstrated how art can transcend creativity to inspire personal growth and leadership. Under Mr. Maity’s guidance, students explored various artistic techniques, expressed their emotions through art, thought innovatively, and embraced mindfulness. This session helped students and faculty reduce stress from academic and professional pressures, cultivating a sense of inner balance and clarity to foster well-rounded, emotionally resilient leaders, reinforcing BIMTECH’s commitment to transformative and artistic expression.”

Highlighting the therapeutic and introspective nature of art, the session inspired a deeper understanding of self-awareness and mindfulness. Mr. Maity shared his journey from evocative watercolor landscapes to monumental creations such as The Indian Odyssey, captivating the audience with anecdotes drawn from his extensive travels and artistic pursuits.

Students also discovered the intersection of art and business, as the workshop reinforced critical skills such as adaptability, resilience, and creative problem-solving. These experiences highlighted how art can serve as a powerful medium to enhance emotional intelligence and self-awareness, which are essential in today’s dynamic professional world.

The event concluded with heartfelt appreciation for Mr. Paresh Maity’s invaluable guidance and the Birla Academy of Art & Culture for facilitating this enriching initiative. The artworks created during the session stood as a testament to the transformative power of creativity and the workshop’s success in nurturing a collaborative and values-driven environment at BIMTECH.

Inspired by its founders Late Basant Kumar Birla and Sarala Birla, BIMTECH pioneered innovative programs like PGDM, PGDM-International Business (IB), PGDM-Retail Management (RM), and PGDM-Insurance Business Management (IBM), nurturing individuals into global leaders. Also, BIMTECH is now AACSB accredited, joining the Ivy League of Top Globally Recognized B-Schools. Fostering a symbiotic relationship, the institute excels in management education, supported by its globally placed robust alumni network of over 7000 individuals.

Sony Entertainment Television’s homegrown format, India’s Best Dancer vs Super Dancer: Champions Ka Tashan, hosted by Haarsh Limbachiyaa, brings an electrifying dance showdown to the stage each week. The show features Team Owner Malaika Arora, who supports the incredible talent of India’s Best Dancer, and Team Owner Geeta Kapur, backing the young prodigies of Super Dancer. The legendary Remo D’Souza leads the judges’ panel, while twelve exceptional dancers, six from each show, will battle it out in two rival teams, guided by renowned choreographers.

One of the highlights of the evening was a stunning performance by IBD’s Saumya and Shivanshu on the track Chuttamalle from the movie Devara. Their captivating act won over the judges, with Geeta Kapur marvelling at their brilliance: “Shivanshu, your ability to make subtle dancing so effective, so impactful; it is remarkable, usko salaam. And Saumya, you take my breath away when you dance; it was a magical performance. Jo hai woh hai, yeh kamaal tha.”

Impressed by Saumya’s outstanding performance, Remo D’Souza was so taken aback that he offered her a role in his upcoming movie, which will be going on floors soon. He excitedly said, “Would you like to be a part of my film? Let me tell everyone, I’m making a film, and the very first cast member is Saumya!” Overwhelmed with gratitude, Saumya responded, “That is a huge thing for me; I would absolutely love to, sir!”

However, the evening wasn’t without its share of drama. When Sanchit stepped in for Rupsa from Team Super Dancer, who was injured during her last performance, it sparked a debate between Malaika and Geeta. While Geeta defended her decision, saying, “I would have sent Rupsa, but she injured herself and couldn’t perform,” Malaika questioned the fairness of choosing Sanchit, stating, “Competition is one thing, but fairness is another. If tomorrow we face a similar situation, will we receive the same favor? You had other options but you chose your strongest performer, making it purely a strategic decision.”

Despite the tension, Geeta stood by her choice, praising Sanchit’s exceptional skill and composure, while Remo admired the sheer talent on display, emphasizing how every contestant is raising the bar for dance.

As the competition heats up, the question remains: Will Saumya, Shivanshu, and Sanchit rise to the occasion and secure another win for their respective team?

Tune in every weekend at 7:30 PM on Sony Entertainment Television to witness more unforgettable moments and find out which team will ultimately claim the title!

Bengaluru 6th December 2024: Qwatt Technologies, award-winning startup in India, has introduced the industry first 36V LED module in the signage and lighting sector, offering an industry-leading warranty of up to 10 years. Designed to optimize energy efficiency and extend lifespan, this groundbreaking product delivers exceptional luminous output while significantly lowering power consumption. Featuring advanced thermal management and unparalleled reliability, the 36V LED module is perfectly suited for commercial and signage applications, setting a new benchmark for sustainable lighting technology.

The 36V LED module offers an impressive efficiency of over 185 lumens per watt (LPW), ensuring the highest performance in its category. With its constant current design, the module maintains consistent brightness over time, while the IP67 rating provides robust protection in challenging environments. Additionally, it supports longer wiring runs—up to 50 meters—between the power supply and the module, simplifying installation and reducing maintenance needs.

Premnath Parayath, Co-Founder of Qwatt Technologies, commented, “Our new solution has the potential to redefine industry standards. It can cut LED module consumption by up to 50% compared to existing products, driving a significant reduction in operational costs. Every component of our product has been carefully selected to meet international standards of efficacy and durability.”

Kiran James, Co-Founder of Qwatt Technologies, added, “At Qwatt, we are committed to being a socially responsible brand, embracing sustainable practices. The significant reductions in module and energy consumption, along with lower costs, align with our vision to become a leader in sustainable, technology-driven lighting solutions by addressing the industry’s gaps.”

In just two years, Qwatt Technologies has rapidly positioned itself as a key player in the signage and lighting industries, securing over 40 multinational corporate clients. The company’s innovative IoT-enabled time switches and emphasis on energy efficiency have further solidified its status as a forward-thinking brand in a competitive market. Recently, Qwatt was honored with the title of ‘Most Promising Technology Startup in India’ at the Times Business Awards 2024, highlighting its remarkable growth and industry impact.

Prajakta Koli, a prominent content creator, actress and activist, has achieved a remarkable feat with the pre-order launch of her debut novel, ‘Too Good To Be True’. Within hours of its release, the romance novel claimed the top spot on Amazon India’s Books Bestseller chart within record time, a testament to Koli’s widespread appeal and the considerable anticipation surrounding her foray into the literary world.

Koli, known for her magnetic online presence and diverse creative endeavors, has seamlessly added the title of an author to her wide-ranging impressive repertoire. Her January 2025 release is more than just a book; it’s a vibrant and witty exploration of love, relationships and self-discovery, promising to resonate with readers of all ages. ‘Too Good To Be True’ offers a fresh and authentic perspective on modern romance, drawing from Koli’s signature style of relatable and deeply personal storytelling.

With its irresistible premise of a bookstore romance that seems almost too perfect to be real, ‘Too Good to Be True’ follows Avani, a romance novel enthusiast who encounters Aman—a man who appears to have stepped straight out of her favorite love stories. This captivating novel is a witty and heartwarming exploration of love, expectations and the beautiful chaos of finding your happily ever after.

Talking about her debut novel. Prajakta Koli says, “I always knew I could start writing a book. But not in a million years did I think I would actually finish one. Too Good To Be True is a fictional piece of my heart that has brought a lot of happiness to me. I’ve always enjoyed the process of storytelling but writing this book has opened a whole new door of possibilities in my mind. It is easily one of the most challenging yet most special pieces of content I have worked on so far. I hope it brings as much joy to you as it did to me. Lots of love to HarperCollins for making this journey even more special. Here’s to romance and everything that it brings to us!”

Poulomi Chatterjee, Executive Publisher – HarperCollins India, adds, “Prajakta’s connect with her large and ever-growing audience is phenomenal, and her versatility as a creator across media remarkable. We at HarperCollins are thrilled to be partnering with her on her next exciting venture – a funny, heartwarming, sharply observed and incredibly relatable rom-com (that is) Too Good To Be True! As publishers and editors, we’re constantly on the lookout for that one fresh and addictive voice that tells a love story we know will touch a million hearts. Prajakta’s book is that, and so much more. I, for one, am delighted that she has channeled her talent and her passion for books towards writing this one. It’s sure to give readers all the feels and have them smitten, and I can’t wait for it to be out soon!”

The novel’s immediate success underscores the significant reach and engagement of Koli’s massive fanbase, further solidifying her position as a leading voice in both digital and traditional media. ‘Too Good To Be True’ is poised to be more than just a bestseller; it’s a significant addition to the contemporary romance landscape.

Mumbai, 6th December 2024: The Australian Trade and Investment Commission has brought together 20+ beauty/ cosmetic brands in conjunction with Global Victoria under the Australia Pavilion at Cosmoprof India 2024 in Mumbai. Cosmoprof India 2024 – The B2B event for the fast-growing beauty market in India started today in Mumbai and concludes on 7 December 2024.

The Australian pavilion at Cosmoprof India 2024 will showcase products across different categories ranging from skincare, haircare, personal care, baby care, nutrition, wellness, fragrances and essential oils.

Australia has an extraordinarily diverse abundance of native botanicals which allows for exceptional and potent products that are clean, easy-to-use, and have high-grade, government regulated formulations that are highly effective, tested, and highly popular globally. The Australian beauty and cosmetics industry has invested significant resources to deploy cutting-edge science, bio-chemical processes, and innovative solutions using locally available natural ingredients.

Speaking about the Australian Participation in Mumbai, Mr John Southwell, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner – South Asia, Australian Trade and Investment Commission said, “We are delighted to be at Cosmoprof India 2024 in Mumbai to showcase Australia’s leading beauty and skincare innovations to Indian consumers. We have curated a selection of high-quality Australian products to celebrate the shared values of excellence and sustainability while fostering deeper economic and cultural ties with India. This initiative underscores our commitment to supporting the growth of the Indian beauty industry through knowledge-sharing, innovation, and partnership.”

Mumbai, 5th December 2024: Suraj Estate Developers, a leading real estate player focused on the South-Central Mumbai (SCM) market has announced the acquisition of a vacant parcel of land measuring approx.1,464 sq. Meters. The said plot of land upon development will have an estimated RERA Carpet area of 1.03 Lacs square feet. The new plot is located adjacent to an existing vacant land acquired earlier by the company, also for the development of a commercial building

The said two plots upon amalgamation will have combined plot area of approximately 3,000 square meters which is estimated to have sale RERA Carpet area of 2.10 lacs square feet with an estimated GDV of 1,000 Crores.

Situated in the heart of the city, the location offers brilliant connectivity with its close proximity to railway stations and upcoming metro line, along with upcoming new flyover connecting Senapati Bapat Marg to western express highway. Ensuring seamless commuting.

Commenting on this, Rahul Thomas, Executive Director, Suraj Estate Developers, said, “This acquisition fulfils the objectives of the funds raised through issue of equity shares and share warrants on preferential basis amounting to Rs.343 crore. Our operational performance in the last quarter has also been exceptional, marked by a 14% increase in sales volume and a 10% rise in sales realization. Looking to the growing demand for commercial spaces given the strategic location of the land, we are confident about the success of the project.”

In the last quarter, the company achieved an 88% surge in PAT, along with a 26% Y-O-Y growth in pre-sales for Q2FY25. Collections grew by 89% Y-O-Y in Q2FY25 and 46% Y-O-Y in H1FY25, driven by increased sales and collections from the commercial project CCIL.