June 2023 -

Global University Systems launches ‘WILL’ – an executive education initiative; partners with renowned international and Indian academic institutions

Global University Systems (GUS), a leading international network of higher-education institutions has today announced the launch of its executive education initiative ‘WILL’ -Work Integrated Learning for Leadership. WILL offers executive programs through its academic partners like UPES, Edology, Edvancer, EDGE Metaversity and Jolt, which have been co-created by them with leading organizations like KPMG, IBM and IIT-Kanpur’s E&ICT Academy. Being a part of GUS, an established global education provider with over 60,000 students in six countries, including the UK, Germany, Canada, Ireland, Israel and Singapore, WILL aims to bring global offerings in executive education.

Commenting on the launch of WILL, Sharad Mehra, CEO, Global University Systems-APAC, said “We are proud to launch WILL for executives who are ambitious about accelerating their professional growth in the VUCA world. Research from the World Economic Forum estimates that by 2025, half of the world's population will need upskilling to stay up to date with the technological developments. Therefore, through WILL our idea is to help the industry bridge the skill gap and build a pipeline of future ready workforce. With well-curated courses, industry-first programs, and strategic collaborations with market leaders, our aim is to make WILL India’s most preferred Executive Education partner.”

WILL offers bespoke upskilling solutions for every stage of the employee cycle which not only help them stay engaged and motivated in their roles but also give them the chance to broaden and deepen their skills and knowledge throughout their career, ensuring that they remain competent in an increasingly volatile and uncertain world.

Through WILL professionals can upskill across domains and career streams such as management, marketing, finance, analytics and human resources. These MBA, PGP and certification courses in Data Sciences, Renewable Energy, Industrial Safety, Metaverse Game Design, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and more are designed with a comprehensive approach based on the learning and development needs of organisations and individuals. WILL also brings NAMBA (Nurturing and Advancing Managerial Business Abilities)- a first-of-its-kind program to India, in partnership with Jolt, an Israel based global learning solutions provider.

Additionally, WILL offers exclusive, customized leadership programs like ‘Shakti’- women leadership program, ‘Pragati- senior leadership program and LEAP- for young potential leaders. Leveraging strong collaborations and the legacy of GUS in the education space, WILL is set to become an acclaimed partner for executive education in the next few years.

Canadian Authorities Scrutinize International Student Programs in Wake of Groundbreaking Research

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the British Columbia (BC) Ministry are scrutinizing their international student programs following the release of new research. The study, which surveyed over 1,300 BC international students, has spurred the authorities into action, examining the effectiveness of their programs and their impact on the students' future employment prospects.

The Research Findings

The survey indicates that many international students in BC are finding that their Canadian education has minimal impact on their job prospects. Furthermore, they often end up in jobs unrelated to their field of study, especially in a province known for low rates of offering permanent residency (PR). These findings have raised concerns about the efficacy of the current international student programs.

The research also revealed that 42% of the respondents used an international immigration consultant to apply for a study permit. This has led to calls for post-secondary institutions to sever connections with profit-driven actors. However, institutions like the University of British Columbia (UBC), which has the largest overall student population in BC, do not employ international immigration consultants but provide career counselors available to all students.

The Response of Authorities

The IRCC and the BC Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills have been asked whether they plan to implement the key recommendations from this groundbreaking report. The recommendations include curbing the use of profit-oriented immigration consultants, offering career counseling and other resources tailored to international students, and simplifying the path to PR1.

However, the IRCC has not provided specific answers to these questions, merely restating the current rules for international students. The department did mention in a statement that they are currently reviewing the International Student Program. The aim of the review is to bolster the program's integrity, protect international students, and modernize the program to better select and retain students that meet Canada's economic and social-cultural goals.

The BC Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills is also reviewing its policies and guidelines in response to the questionable recruitment methods used by immigration consultants. However, the ministry has not provided a timeline or any additional information about the review procedure.

Comments from the Education Industry

Raghwa Gopal, CEO of education management company M Square Media (MSM), provided his insights on the story. He said, “This research uncovers critical issues that we need to address urgently. Our educational institutions and immigration policies should work together to ensure that international students can leverage their Canadian education for better job opportunities.”

Gopal added, “The fact that many students are resorting to immigration consultants implies a need for more direct and clear guidance from institutions themselves. It is crucial that we prioritize creating a supportive environment for these students.”

Reflecting on the situation, he concluded, “As we look forward, it's essential that we continue to scrutinize and refine our programs. We need to ensure they are not only beneficial for the students but also align with Canada's broader economic and cultural objectives.”

Latest study reveals 9 out of 10 customers in India want cars with a safety rating

· Survey commissioned by Škoda Auto India and conducted by NIQ BASES

· 92% customers want cars in India to be crash-tested and given a safety rating

· 47.6% customers prioritise safety over other features in a car

· Crash-rating tops list of priorities for car purchase decision

· Fuel efficiency takes third place for car purchase decision

· 91% feel incentivising cars based on safety features will be very effective

· Only 30% of all customers are aware of separate child/rear occupants safety rating

· A 5-star crash rating is the most preferred crash rating for car purchase

A study was conducted among customers to gauge their feature preferences, when it comes to choosing a personal car. The survey was commissioned by Škoda Auto India and conducted by NIQ BASES. It revealed a heavy inclination among customers towards the safety features of the car with 9 out of 10 customers who thought all cars in India should have a safety rating. Crash-ratings and number of airbags were the top two features driving the consumer car purchase decision as derived from the survey results. Fuel-efficiency, one of the popular features, occupied third place.

About 67% of the respondents consisted of current car owners who owned a car above Rs 5 lakh. Some 33% did not own a car, but intended to purchase one above Rs 5 lakh within a year. The survey was conducted on individuals between 18 and 54 years of age in the SEC A and B bracket, with 80% respondents being male, and 20% female.

The car’s crash rating was the top driver of customer car purchase decision with an importance score of 22.3% followed by number of airbags with an importance score of 21.6%. Fuel efficiency emerged as the third most important driver with importance score of 15.0% when purchasing a car.

When it comes to crash rating for cars, maximum customer preference of 22.2% was observed for a 5-star rating followed closely by 21.3% preference for a 4-star rating. Crash rating of zero is the least preferred with only 6.8% score.

While the awareness about existence of 2 sets of 5-star safety ratings on crash tests is high at about 76%, only about 30% of all customers in India identify child/rear occupants safety rating as being one of those two sets.

Petr Šolc, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “For us at Škoda, safety is part of our DNA and it is our philosophy to build safe cars. We have an over 50-year legacy with crash-tests and safety. And since 2008, every Škoda car has been crash-tested globally, and in India, with a 5-star safety rating. The survey reveals Škoda to be perceived as among the top-3 brands having models with high safety ratings. With India’s rapidly growing infrastructure, and the upcoming proposals for India’s own crash-testing standards, it is heartening to see consumers being aware of and demanding safety. This is the right way forward. And Škoda will continue focusing on these values to grow the brand in the Indian market.”

Amrita Srivastava, Regional Director (APMEA),BASES Speciality Sales, NIQ BASES, “The survey, which was done using NIQ BASES solution – FPO (Feature Price Optimiser) based on discrete choice methodology, revealed that the customer places the safety feature of 'Crash Rating‘ among the tested features⁽¹⁾, at the forefront of their purchasing criteria. Our Feature Price Optimiser (FPO) leverages customer choices to understand their purchase behavior and trade-offs that they are willing to make. The survey covered 1,000 people in 10 states across India. The states covered were Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh/Telangana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.”

Alejandro Furas, Secretary General Global NCAP, “Since 2014 Global NCAP has been encouraging a market shift in India for safer cars. We have been delighted with the positive response from consumers and the impact this has had on accelerating automaker safety design improvements. This recent survey demonstrates that consumers see safety as a priority in making a purchasing decision. A strong market indicator that safety sells cars as well as saving lives.”

With a major focus on safety from the Government of India and other regulators, the study was conducted to gauge the perception of safety in cars among consumers. The survey went about tracking the features which were the most discriminating in driving consumer choice. And the position of safety in this list of features. The interview flow consisted of screening questions, followed by an explanation of features and a virtual shopping exercise where customers were asked to pick and choose the most preferred concept consisting of different features The survey also had few additional questions on which direct customer responses were captured to understand their awareness/sentiments on some safety related aspects/initiatives.

Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Limited Raises Commitment of Rs 893 crore For India Equity Services Fund

Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Limited, a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Limited, an investment manager to Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund (ABSLMF) has garnered a commitment of Rs 893 crore for its India Equity Services Fund, a close-ended Category III Alternate Investment Fund. The fund was launched on 31^st October, 2022 and closed on 14^th June, 2023.

The Fund seeks to invest in companies, which are primed to benefit from the catalysts and secular growth in the services sector, with strong service driven business models by leveraging in-house research for identifying leading companies in the service sector.

The fund has already deployed Rs 504 crore as of 21^st June, 2023 across 30+ companies with a service-driven business strategy. Top sectoral bets of the fund include Financial Services, Information Technology, Energy, Services, FMCG & Healthcare. The fund intends to construct and maintain a high-quality multi-cap portfolio to substantially reduce downside risk.

A. Balasubramanian, Managing Director and CEO, Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Ltd, said, “The services sector is the core growth engine of our economy, and this fund serves as a platform for investors to become a part of India’s growth story. It is particularly well-suited for individuals seeking long-term investing gains and possess a moderate to high risk tolerance. The fund's concentrated portfolio, coupled with flexible drawdown plans, empowers investors to navigate market volatility and mitigate the risk associated with timing the markets.”

Pride Fest 2023’s ‘Samvad’ Kicks Off in Delhi

The Samvad Sessions of Pride Fest 2023, held at The LaLiT Delhi, have commenced with the aim of reaching a wider audience and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI). These sessions are part of the larger Pride Fest event, which celebrates and advocates for the rights and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community.

The organizers of Pride Fest 2023 recognized the importance of fostering dialogue and understanding among various communities and individuals to create a more inclusive society. The Samvad Sessions serve as a platform for engaging discussions, sharing experiences, and promoting awareness about LGBTQ+ issues.

Pride Fest 2023, one of the most anticipated events celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, is set to prioritize the crucial elements of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the corporate sector. This year’s festival aims to foster a more inclusive environment for businesses and organizations, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have equal opportunities and representation.

With a deep understanding of the significance of DEI in the corporate world, Pride Fest 2023 will host engaging events, discussions, and workshops to address key issues and promote effective strategies. These efforts aim to drive positive change, enhance workplace cultures, and empower LGBTQ+ employees to thrive in their professional lives.

Pride Fest 2023 acknowledges the pivotal role that corporates play in advancing social progress and equality. By focusing on DEI, the festival aims to encourage businesses to create inclusive policies and practices that support LGBTQ+ individuals. Through collaborative partnerships with corporations, Pride Fest 2023 seeks to foster dialogue and promote understanding among diverse communities.

The event will feature prominent speakers, thought leaders, and experts in DEI, providing valuable insights and sharing best practices. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from successful case studies, engage in meaningful conversations, and network with like-minded professionals who are dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces.

Pride Fest 2023 is excited to host this significant event at The LaLiT Delhi, a renowned venue that embraces diversity and inclusivity. The LaLiT Delhi’s commitment to creating an accepting atmosphere aligns perfectly with the festival’s objectives of promoting DEI within the corporate sector. The venue’s state-of-the-art facilities and welcoming ambiance will contribute to the success of the event.

Pride Fest 2023 invites businesses, professionals, and individuals passionate about DEI to participate in this milestone event. By coming together, we can build stronger, more inclusive corporate environments where everyone can feel valued and empowered.

The Delhi Samvad Session witnessed powerful addresses by Harish Iyer, Rudrani Chhetri, Akshay Tyagi, Ruhie Pande, Ankur Bhagat, and other notable speakers.

Mr. Ankur Bhagat, Vice President & Chief Supply Chain Officer at Procter & Gamble, expressed, “At P&G, we continuously strive to create an empowering workplace environment where everyone can bring their authentic selves and have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed. This ideology translates into meaningful actions and interventions, both within and outside P&G. We aim to leverage the power of visible and vocal allyship by fostering continued sensitization, establishing visible inclusion indicators such as Rainbow entrances and Ally stickers, implementing gender-neutral infrastructure, creating supportive circles of trust, and extending our inclusivity efforts beyond the workplace to the communities we serve.”

Highlighting the significance of cultivating a welcoming and inclusive work environment, Ms. Ruhie Pande, CHRO at Godrej Capital, stated, “Organizations reflect the society we live in, making it imperative for us to embrace the full spectrum of human diversity. Embracing diversity is not only the right thing to do but also a strategic advantage that fuels innovation, fosters creativity, and drives overall organizational success. A truly inclusive workplace environment necessitates a genuine commitment to fostering a culture of belonging, where individuals are empowered to bring their authentic selves to work without fear of prejudice or discrimination. We must actively challenge biases and dismantle systemic barriers that hinder the progress of LGBTQ+ individuals. At Godrej Capital, we endeavor to provide LGBTQ+ employees with equal opportunities for professional growth through internship programs, capability-building initiatives, mentoring, and employee resource groups. Organizations must also engage in external advocacy efforts to promote LGBTQ+ rights and equality beyond the workplace, creating a positive impact on society at large.”

During the Delhi chapter of Pride Fest’s Samvad Sessions, the audience was deeply moved when “Nirbhaya” and “Juhie,” two transgender individuals (dummy names), shared their personal stories of overcoming hardships and finding success as professionals in the hospitality industry at The LaLiT. Akshay Tyagi, DEI Head at The LaLiT Group, highlighted the trailblazing initiatives undertaken by the group to support the well-being and empowerment of the LGBTQ++ community, serving as a guiding light for other organizations in the DEI domain.

Speaking to the media, Harish Iyer, an equal rights activist and corporate professional, shared his thoughts on the importance of families accepting individuals as nature has intended.

Rudrani Chhetri, a transgender rights activist, emphasized that the responsibility for change should not rest solely on the LGBTQ+ community but on society as a whole. True improvement will only occur when individuals are treated equally, and marginalized communities receive acceptance regardless of labels.

Ms. Joita Sen, Director and Head of Marketing and Designs at Senco Gold and Diamonds, added, “Every color of the rainbow deserves to shine, and true pride is about lifting each other up. Senco Gold and Diamonds celebrates the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, recognizing that love is love, and everyone deserves acceptance and celebration for who they are. As an all-inclusive company, we believe in providing equal opportunities for growth and a life of dignity to everyone.”

The next stop for Pride Fest’s Samvad is Bengaluru, where it is scheduled to take place on June 28th.

Scott Rea Joins eMudhra as Senior Vice President – Global Strategic Advisor, Bolstering the Company’s Leadership in PKI and Digital Signatures

Bangalore, India: eMudhra, a world-renowned Trust Service Provider specializing in Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), digital identity, digital signatures, and trust services, proudly announces the appointment of industry veteran Scott Rea as its Senior Vice President – Global Strategic Advisor. Rea will be based in Utah, North America, and his role will focus on expanding eMudhra's presence and influence in the PKI and digital signing domain in North America and Europe.

With over 25 years of experience in managing relationships and fostering business opportunities with pivotal government and industry clients, Rea's expertise in digital transformation and managed PKI projects is unparalleled. His leadership and insights will play an instrumental role in driving eMudhra's growth and reinforcing its standing in the global PKI and signing domain.

“Scott's appointment comes at a pivotal moment as we continue to evolve our portfolio and expand our global footprint in the PKI and digital signing sector,” said V. Srinivasan, Executive Chairman of eMudhra. “His extensive knowledge, strategic thinking, and established track record in the industry make him an invaluable addition to our team.”

Prior to joining eMudhra, Rea held a distinguished career leading DigitalTrust, the United Arab Emirates National PKI provider, where he was responsible for the design and implementation of the UAE National Digital ID (UAEPASS) and other national PKIs in the Gulf region. His previous roles also include serving as Senior Vice President of Trust Services at DarkMatter, Senior PKI Architect at DigiCert, and Senior PKI Architect for Dartmouth College.

In his new role at eMudhra, Rea will provide strategic and technical direction on product roadmaps across the PKI and Signing portfolio, ensuring the products maintain global relevance and are poised for future expansion. His deep understanding of the industry, coupled with his strategic leadership, will be critical in shaping eMudhra's products and services and positioning them for success in the global markets.

VFS Global offers UK Visa services via Premium Application Centres at four Radisson Hotel Group properties in India

· UK Premium Application Centres launched at Radisson Blu Hotel Amritsar, Park Plaza Ludhiana, Radisson RED Chandigarh Mohali, and Radisson Noida

· Customers additionally secure a range of complimentary services such as document scanning assistance, courier return of passport, and SMS notification.

VFS Global, the world's largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions, entered into a strategic partnership with the Radisson Hotel Group in India. Through this alliance, VFS Global aims to operate UK Premium Application Centres from the hotel chain’s properties in Amritsar, Ludhiana, Mohali in Punjab, and Noida in Uttar Pradesh.

UK visa customers can now book appointments at any of the Premium Application Centres located at Radisson Blu Hotel Amritsar, Radisson RED Chandigarh Mohali, Park Plaza Ludhiana, and Radisson Noida for submitting their applications and enrolling biometrics this summer season. This partnership will provide customers residing in and around Punjab and Noida with four new location options, in addition to the visa application centres located in Chandigarh, Jalandhar and New Delhi.

Customers who choose to submit their documents and enroll biometrics at any of the Radisson Hotel Group’s properties will get a range of complimentary services such as document scanning assistance, SMS notifications on status of visa application, and Courier return of passport. Additionally, they will enjoy complimentary refreshment, a 10% discount on food and beverages, free parking at the hotel premises, and Premium Membership of the Radisson Rewards Program.

Christina Scott, Acting British High Commissioner to India, said, “Indian visitors, professionals, and students make an immensely positive contribution to the UK. Indian travellers receive the largest share of UK visas issued globally and are integral to the unique living bridge that connects our countries. That is why we have our largest network of visa application centres right here in India, and it is great to see that number increase further thanks to this new partnership between VFS Global and Radisson hotels.”

Zubin Saxena, Managing Director & Area Senior Vice President – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group said, “We are delighted to partner with VFS Global for a strategic initiative that offers convenience to UK visa applicants at our hotels. Through the opening of these new visa centres, we look forward to extending the warm hospitality and exceptional services of the Radisson Hotel Group and providing customers with convenient access to plan their international travel.”

Prabuddha Sen, Chief Operating Officer-South Asia, VFS Global, said, “The partnership with Radisson Hotel Group provides additional and conveniently located touchpoints to our customers. UK visa customers will continue to enjoy the same comfort, convenience, and best-in-class services at these locations that they do at our Visa Application Centres, as well as experience the comfort and hospitality offered by the Radisson Hotel Group’s properties.”

VFS Global has enjoyed a long-standing relation with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) in India since 2004, offering UK visa services through centres in 12 cities.

For more information, please visit www.vfsglobal.com/uk/radisson/ind/index.html

Elevating Craftsmanship at the Brews & Spirits Expo

Business Wire India
The fourth edition of Brews & Spirits Expo (13 – 15 September 2023) at the Manpho Convention Centre in Bengaluru, is set to bring together the finest minds and brands in the alcohol beverage sector, creating a hub of innovation and industry networking.

The alcohol beverage sector is a significant contributor to the Indian economy, with a wide range of products and services that cater to various consumer preferences. The sector comprises of beer, spirits and wine, and has experienced steady growth in recent years.

As a catalyst to the fast-growing sector, Brews & Spirits Expo aims to deliver value to the alco-bev ecosystem by providing a platform to foster partnerships within the industry with curated events such as:

Trade Fair with machinery and materials displays and presentations
Conference on ‘Grain to Glass 4.0: Disruptive Innovation’
Topic of the conference this year: ‘The Shape of Things to Come’
Technical Workshop on Brewing by VLB Berlin
Masterclasses on spirits and wines
Tasting sessions for beer, spirits and wines
Mixology & Flair Bartending Challenge
Brews & Spirits awards for the industry.

Raising a glass to innovation, Mr. Sukhinder Singh, the founder of The Whisky Exchange, will deliver a keynote speaker at the conference. Several more industry leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and corporate leaders will share their knowledge and expertise during panel discussions focused on trending topics in the alco-bev sector.

The event is supported by industry associations and organisations such as All India Distillers’ Association, All India Wine Producers’ Association, APEX Wine Club India, India Bartenders' Guild, Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies, Craft Brewers Association, Distillers’ Association of Maharashtra, Ethanol Manufacturers’ Association, Fragrances & Flavours, Gin Explorers’ Club, Grape Growers’ Federation of India, Indian Flair Bartenders Association, International Spirits & Wines Association of India, Karnataka Brewers and Distillers Association, Karnataka Wine Board, NSIC, Single Malt Amateur Club, UP Distillers’ Association, Wine & Spirits Club of India, and many more.

The beer segment has been a key driver of growth, with craft and premium beer gaining popularity. The rise of micro-breweries and brewpubs has also contributed to the growth of the beer segment, with consumers seeking unique and personalised drinking experiences.

In the spirits segment, premiumisation is driving growth, with consumers increasingly opting for high-end products. Whiskey, in particular, is experiencing strong growth, driven by demand from emerging markets such as India, China and South-East Asia.

The wine segment has also witnessed steady growth, with increasing demand from emerging markets and the rising popularity of sparkling wines. The growth of e-commerce and online sales channels has also made it easier for consumers to access a wider range of wine varieties.

The growth in the alcohol sector is driven by several factors, including changing consumer preferences, rising disposable incomes, and the increasing popularity of social drinking. The sector is also benefiting from the growth of the hospitality and tourism industries.

Additionally, technology and innovation have been helping the alco-bev sector to improve the efficiency, safety and quality of the production process, resulting in significant benefits for the industry. Innovative equipment, technology and raw material are expected to continue to play a key role in the growth and development of the alcohol production industry in India.

With a comprehensive trade fair, conference and an array of engaging activities, Brews&Spirits Expo promises to be a game-changer for the industry by bringing together technology providers, equipment manufacturers, brand owners, digital influencers, raw materials suppliers; brewers, winemakers, distillers, distributors and retailers of alcohol beverages; food and beverage professionals from the hotel, restaurant and entertainment sector; connoisseurs of spirits and wine.

For details about Brews & Spirits Expo 2023, visit www.brewsnspiritsexpo.com.

L&T Technology Services and BSNL Join Hands to Enable Private 5G Network Deployments for Enterprises

Business Wire India
L&T Technology Services (NSE: LTTS), a leading global pure play engineering services company, announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to drive and enable global enterprises in their private 5G network deployments. BSNL and LTTS plan to co-innovate and jointly bring to market private 5G connectivity solutions to accelerate digital transformation for enterprises.

According to the agreement framework signed by both companies, the spectrum will be provided by BSNL using both PLMN or isolated allotment. LTTS will anchor the private network requirements by deploying equipment, applications, servers, technology and software, and core for the integration of devices/sensors within the customer’s ecosystem.

This partnership marks LTTS’ foray into the 5G private network space, with LTTS assuming the role of a master system integrator for customers, offering choice of technologies, equipment and use case buildout, while BSNL will be the official network provider.

According to IDC, the global private 5G market is expected to exceed $8 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 35.7% from 2022. India is seeing an increased need for enterprises seeing the need for deploying a Non-Public Network (NPN) due to faster connection speed and lower latency.

As enterprise needs are becoming more focused on network modernization for security, the push to adopt Captive Non-Public Networks or CNPN have increased. Enterprise 5G will support in unleashing the full potential of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and the Internet of Things across healthcare, education, manufacturing, and smart cities.

Amit Chadha, CEO and Managing Director, L&T Technology Services, said, “We believe in partnerships that enable us to expand technology usage across industries in this Industry 4.0 era. 5G enabled Private Enterprise Networks today are a major step towards allowing such a transformation. We are excited to partner with BSNL across the various joint private networks and digitization to support the growth of sustainable and smart spaces. This partnership is a perfect-fit offering to enterprises with complementary network & digital capabilities coming from both organizations.”

BSNL commented: “This strategic partnership with LTTS will allow us to support global organizations in their digital transformation endeavors. 5G is the next Big Enabler which can positively benefit the lives of millions of end-users and we expect rapid adoption of private networks across multiple use cases and major industries.”

Fathers embrace frozen snacks more than mothers: Latest finding from The India Snacking Report by Godrej Yummiez

~ Fathers in Bengaluru use and cook frozen snacks the most when compared across Indian cities, reveals The India Snacking Report by Godrej Yummiez ~

~ Kolkata ranks second amongst Indian cities as 58% fathers embrace frozen foods, reveals The India Snacking Report by Godrej Yummiez ~

~ Pune ranks third among Indian cities with 54% fathers enjoying and opting for frozen snacks as per The India Snacking Report by Godrej Yummiez ~

There are perceptions of fathers not being much inclined towards cooking or lending a hand in the kitchen. However, an interesting study titled ‘STTEM – Safety, Technology, Taste, Ease & Mood Uplifter’ – The India Snacking Report (Volume I) by GodrejYummiez, a brand of ready-to-cook products from Godrej Tyson Foods Ltd (GTFL) highlighted preference towards frozen snacks, particularly among fathers. The report states 52% fathers in India are taking charge of cooking frozen snacks more than mothers. Notably, 83% of fathers, and an equal number of mothers believe that frozen snacks are a quick and convenient fix for the family.

When compared across regions, the Godrej Yummiez report highlights that fathers in the East region showed highest preference for cooking frozen snacks with a 58% score. The second rank is taken by fathers in Southern India with 55% score. Fathers in the West and North India, showed near similar levels of preferences towards frozen snacks with 49% and 48% score respectively.

Speaking on the insights and the report, Mohit Marwaha, AVP – Godrej Yummiez, Godrej Tyson Food Limited (GTFL), said, “As a category thought leader, Godrej Yummiez understands its consumers and the evolving trends that are redefining the frozen ready-to-cook segment. The India Snacking Report is one such initiative by Godrej Yummiez to analyse and predict snacking trends. The report sheds light on an intriguing paradigm shift in Indian households. It is fascinating to observe that more and more fathers are taking an active role in cooking and doing so they prefer frozen snacks. This shift not only reflects evolving family dynamics but also demonstrates the convenience and versatility offered by frozen snacking options.”

While fathers cooking more with frozen snacks was observed across more than half of India, this sentiment echoed across the key cities as well. The India Snacking Report by Godrej Yummiez states that Chennai tops the ranking amongst cities, with 60% fathers cooking frozen snacks more than mothers. This is followed by fathers in Kolkata at the second spot with 58% and Pune stands third with 54%, while 53% in Lucknow and 49% of fathers in Hyderabad and Mumbai, 48% from Delhi, 45% from Jaipur and 42% from Ahmedabad embrace cooking frozen snacks.

Commissioned by Godrej Yummiez, ‘STTEM – Safety, Technology, Taste, Ease & Mood Uplifter’ – The India Snacking Report (Volume I) was conducted by InQognito Insights. The study was conducted across North, South, West, and East regions and covered 10 cities like Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.

Please download the complete report on https://www.godrejyummiez.in/