Month: November 2023

70% Opt for Better Diets and Lifestyles for Improved Well-being

Practo, India’s leading digital healthcare company’s latest survey reveals that 70% of people with diabetes (diabetic and pre-diabetic patients) want to make changes in lifestyle and diet for a better quality of life. The survey was conducted to understand patients’ attitudes and preferences in managing diabetes and the current scenario of diabetes management in India.

The data collected from close to 200 diabetic and pre-diabetic patients showed that nearly 40% of them do not regularly consult their doctors for diabetes. And what’s interesting is that more men with diabetes consulted doctors compared to women with diabetes.

Another noteworthy finding is that when confronted with their diagnosis, 46% of patients confessed to being concerned about lifelong dependence on medications, and 49% expressed concern about the future risk of medical complications. Despite this, almost half of the patients admitted to not being physically active, and almost two-thirds of patients had never consulted with  a nutritionist or dietitian. This is despite equal enthusiasm from both men and women to adopt improved dietary habits to manage their diabetes.

These insights highlight two critical aspects in diabetes management among patients:

1. A significant contrast between what patients intend to do and what they actually do
2. The absence of a structured program that promotes overall wellness, which affects behavioural change and implementation, and positively impacts motivation.

There is now emerging evidence worldwide that a holistic approach to diabetes can prevent and even put diabetes into remission. A breakthrough research trial called the DiRECT trial from the United Kingdom changed the landscape of diabetes management. It revealed that type 2 diabetes which was often deemed permanent and progressive can be placed in remission through lifestyle intervention. By sustained positive healthy diet changes, physical activity and resultant weight loss, patients can achieve  diabetes remission i.e. bringing blood sugars back into the normal range without the aid of medications.

To bridge this gap in diabetes care delivery, Practo designed and implemented Transform, a digital diabetes management program that aims to help patients put their diabetes into remission with habit and lifestyle changes. Through its structured program, multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach and proprietary technology it creates personalised plans and drives behaviour change that enables patients to put their diabetes into remission and live medicine free lives. So far, Transform has successfully helped hundreds of patients with Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes and improved diabetes control with less or no medication.

Commenting on the need for structured diabetes programs, Dr. Hema Venkataraman, consultant Endocrinologist, NHS, UK and Medical Advisor, Practo Transform, said, “The lifetime risk of diabetes in Indian adults over 20 years of age is estimated to be well over 50% and this risk is much higher with advancing age and obesity. Given the rising burden of Diabetes and pre-diabetes in India, there is an urgent need for the nationwide rollout of 2 key programs, to “blunt the curve” of the rising diabetes epidemic. First, A national diabetes prevention program (DPP) aiming at those at high risk of progression to diabetes eg pre-diabetes, obesity and gestational diabetes. Second, A national diabetes remission program (DRP) aiming at people with recent onset diabetes, to reduce the morbidity of diabetes and its related complications. When countries with a much smaller diabetes burden like the United Kingdom have modelled, piloted and pioneered both the national DPP and DRP successfully, it is now time to “Make in India””

Sharing her journey with diabetes remission, Saeeba Khan, Practo Transform patient said, “When I was diagnosed with diabetes, I was devastated and shattered. I thought my life would now be entirely dependent on medicines. I was feeling frustrated and helpless. Other doctors told me that later in life I might develop complications related to eyes, heart, kidney and limbs. I never knew that diabetes is so dangerous and life-threatening. When I found out about Practo Transform, at first, I wasn’t even sure whether diabetes remission was real or just a marketing myth. But, soon all my doubts vanished, when I started losing weight and saw a drop in my HbA1c levels. My sleep quality improved, my face started looking younger and I was elated to see a drop in my clothing size. I then knew I had made the best decision.”

The survey was conducted among close to 200 diabetic and pre-diabetic patients from which 66% were male and 34% were female. From the surveyed patients 49% were employed, 23% were homemakers and 29% were retired. The survey was also presented at the international Diabetes UK conference in Liverpool UK (P341).

·         The ergonomically designed eReaders feature best-in-class technology & innovation for an enriching digital reading experience.

·         Readers will be able to access millions of eBooks and audiobooks through the extensive Kobo Library

Rakuten Kobo today announced the joint launch of Kobo Clara 2E, Kobo Libra 2 and Kobo Nia, a range of feature-rich eReaders that introduces Kobo’s digital reading offering to the readers in India. The device lineup is built to inspire, with an ergonomic design readers love plus Bluetooth® wireless technology so you can read eBooks or listen to Kobo Audiobooks all in one device. The eReaders and accessories are available on Flipkart and other leading online marketplaces as of today.

As India continues to explore the joys of reading in the digital age, Rakuten Kobo's newest range of eReaders seamlessly blends design superiority and product innovation to offer an unparalleled digital reading experience for readers across the country. Equipped with advanced technologies, the cutting-edge E Ink readers feature a glare-free screen, with Dark Mode and ComfortLight PRO with blue light reduction, allowing for more late-night reading without affecting sleep quality. To meet the needs of a diverse set of readers and reading conditions, the range also comes with distinct features such as colour temperature adjustment, quick page turns and a deep contrast, amongst others. In addition, Kobo eReaders feature a long-lasting battery life with a run time lasting for weeks on a single charge (depending on individual usage).

Commenting on the launch, Michael Tamblyn, CEO, Rakuten Kobo said – “The rich reading culture in India presents the opportune time for Kobo to introduce its world-class digital reading experience to the market. With more than a decade of top-rated eReaders under our belt, we are excited to bring a lineup that is sure to please the readers in India.”

He further added,“At Kobo, it is about living our values: providing a better reading experience while also taking an important step toward sustainability. We believe that each small, thoughtful, and intentionally placed act can make a meaningful impact. We kickstarted our efforts in this direction by incorporating recycled materials into some of our devices like Kobo Clara 2E including accessories and packaging.”

Specially curated for those who love books and the ones who aspire to enter the world of reading, an expansive digital library with diverse genres and languages ensures that every person can find their next adventure on their Kobo eReaders.

One can get started with their reading journey with a fiction like The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur by Alka Joshi or with a self-help nonfiction like The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson. The audiobook lovers in India can choose from a romance like It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover, a murder mystery such as The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman or a popular biography like Spare by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.

Get to know the Kobo eReaders!

Kobo Libra 2:

For readers who are all-in on digital reading, the Kobo Libra 2 hits every mark. It is the next generation eReader, with added storage and a faster E Ink screen. Dark Mode lets the reader choose white text on a black background and colour temperature adjustment. It comes with a glare-free 7″ HD E Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen for faster display and deeper contrast alongside a 1 GHz processor and 1264×1680 resolution (300ppi). One can keep the story moving by swiping the touchscreen, or use the page-turn buttons when one of those hands is full. The device comes with 32GB of storage to store up to 24,000 eBooks, 150 Kobo Audiobooks, or a combination of both and allows instant, 24/7 access to Kobo’s eBook store with over 7.5 million titles. Featuring an ergonomic design that lets readers manage the device with a single hand, one can read comfortably for long hours. The Kobo Libra 2 is fully waterproof, so one does not need to pause their reading when sitting by the pool.

One can choose between Black or White Kobo Libra 2 devices and complement it with an eye-catching SleepCover in exciting shades like Poppy Red, Lavender, Slate Blue and Black, making reading stylish, even on the go.

Priced at INR 19,999 the Kobo Libra 2 can be purchased on Flipkart and other leading online marketplaces. It is also available with a SleepCover priced at INR 3,999 and a Classic Cover for INR 2,999. For more details, click here.

Kobo Clara 2E: Kobo Clara 2E is the perfect eReader for the environmentally conscious. Made with an 85 percent recycled plastic exterior, including 10 percent ocean-bound plastic like water bottles and CDs, the Kobo Clara 2E lets you read guilt-free. Read late into the night without straining your eyes thanks to special features like Dark Mode and ComfortLight PRO with blue light reduction. Complete with a 6” HD E Ink Carta 1200 glare-free touch screen, a 1448 x 1072 resolution (300 ppi), and 16GB of storage, bring up to 12,000 eBooks or 75 Kobo Audiobooks wherever you go.

Kobo Clara 2E is also Kobo’s first fully waterproof 6” eReader, with up to 60 minutes of water resistance in up to two metres of water. Most readers will find the eReader meets their every need as a waterproof eReader they can take anywhere and read any book on.

Kobo Clara 2E is available in a shade of Deep Ocean Blue, complemented with ocean-inspired SleepCovers, available in hues of Black, Coral Reef Orange and Sea Glass Green – all made from recycled materials as well.

Kobo Clara 2E is available at INR 14,999 on Flipkart and other leading online marketplaces. The SleepCover Case can be purchased for INR 2,999 and the basic SleepCover is available for INR 2,399.For more details, click here.

Kobo Nia:

If you’re not yet sure how much eBooks will factor into your reading life, the Kobo Nia is a perfect starter eReader.

Designed with the love of reading in mind, Kobo Nia is an approachable entry point to digital reading that doesn’t compromise on features or quality. With comfort being the key priority, the Kobo Nia comes with an illuminated screen featuring ComfortLight, with adjustable brightness levels for trouble-free reading in any lighting conditions, day or night. It is power-packed in a 6″ Carta E Ink touchscreen with a resolution of 1024 x 758 (212 ppi), offering a reading experience similar to a paperback book. Weighing just 172 g the device is 112.4 mm wide and 159.3 mm in length and features a sizable 1,000 mAh battery so that you can enjoy reading for weeks with a single charge (depending on individual usage). With Kobo Nia’s storage for up to 6,000 books, easily immerse yourself in captivating stories and rediscover the joy of reading.

Available in classic Black with three vibrant SleepCoveroptions, in Aqua, Lemon, and Black colour, get ready to fall in love with reading like never before with Kobo Nia! Kobo Nia is priced at INR 10,999 and the SleepCover at INR 2,399. They will be available for purchase on Flipkart and other leading online marketplaces. For more details, click here.

Financial Software & Systems Pvt Ltd (FSS), a leading global provider of payments technology solutions, today announced that it has recently launched its IoT& AI/ML-enabled ATMs in India. ATM operators have long been struggling with thin margins while facing multiple challenges in managing an ATM site, andenabling the ATMs with cutting-edge technologies ofIoT (Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) is expectedto resolve 60% of ATM Issues remotelywithout any manual intervention.

FSS have been one of the leading managed services providers in the country for the last 17 years. Currently, the company services 25,000 ATMs for many private and public sector banks across India.  FSS hasalready deployedIoT solutions for one of India’s leading private banks.

The present ATM monitoring solutions are not able to identify or predict thepoint of failure, causing a delay in issueresolution. With this digital transformation, FSS willoffer significant efficiency gains in areas of fault prediction, detection and remote resolution.

Speaking on this development,Mr. V Balasubramanian, CEO, FSS CashTech, said,“ATMs play a pivotal role in India's cash-driven economy. However, minimal technological advancements have been made to better the ATM landscape and operators are finding it difficult to keep this business profitable.With this technological initiative, we aim to revitalize the ATM industry in India byoptimising ATM operationswith tech and automation,resulting in enhanced ATM management, improvedefficiency, increased uptime, and better customer experience.”

FSS is committed to the advancement of ATM services and management and digital transformation. Through collaboration with banking partners, FSS seeks to enhance security, streamline operations, and improve the ATM experience for all stakeholders. At present, FSS manages and operates 25,000 ATMs across the country, processing 7 billion transactions annually for 20 banks with its proprietaryTransaction Switching Infrastructure. FSS recently launched its SaaS platform BLAZE, an advanced payments technology platform,designed to meet the diverse needs of banks and financial institutions and expects itto generate 70% of the company’s revenue by FY26.

Experts discussopportunities and risksfor investors navigating

a complex investment landscape

Franklin Templeton hosted its flagship APAC Investor Forum 2023, a hybrid event in Hong Kongthat brings together a panel of investment experts,including our CIOs and Portfolio Managers from our collection of Specialist Investment Management teams, to discuss the evolving investment landscape marked by geopolitical shifts, technological innovation and changing demographics, and their investment perspectives for the new environment.

Commenting on recession risk and opportunities in 2024, Stephen Dover, Chief Market Strategist and Head of the Franklin Templeton Institute said:

“While the likelihood of a least a mild of recession in the U.S. remains high, emerging markets, in particular Asia, may be more resilient. A weakening US dollar should support emerging markets, particularly those that will benefit from shifting supply chain dynamics. Lower debt levels, inflation, interest rates, and solid fiscal policy puts many Asian countries in a more favorable position. We see the greatest opportunities in Japan which is seeing a reversal of multi decade trends that are now showing positive momentum. We also see opportunities in Southern Asia. From an asset class perspective, fixed income globally is attractive as interest rates are at 10-year highs and are likely near peak levels in most regions. In terms of equities, we do not think U.S. earnings expectations are priced for an earnings slowdown. We prefer equity markets outside of the US.”

Commenting on inflation and rates outlook, Dr. Sonal Desai, Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income, said:

“I think we are getting closer to peak rates and the markets are starting to internalize what the Federal Reserve intends to do over the coming quarters; however, they are still overestimating the likelihood of rate cuts next year. We believe it is very possible that the Federal Reserve does not start easing at least until the end of 2024. There are a few factors behind this:  1) Supply issues (expected massive US fiscal deficits over the next several years); 2) Demand issues (Japan and China – two major holders of US treasuries – are likely to show less interest in US debt going forward); 3)Fundamental factors (inflation is likely stickier than markets expect as getting back to 2% inflation is challenging). All of this, combined with the market pricing in the return of a healthier level of term premia and a real rate closer to pre-global financial crisis averages is pushing long-term rates higher. This process, supported by the short-end rates rallying, has helped steepen the US yield curve which is what we have been positioned for.

As the financial market adjustment to the ‘’old normal’’ of higher rates takes time and brings about more volatility, we encourage investors to look for investment opportunities in fixed income which delivers attractive income while acting as a reliable diversifier to equities again. Our preference is to position in higher quality sectors while slowly moving further out the curve. Investment grade credit bonds with their all-in yield at 6%+, high quality mortgages and select opportunities in high yield all look attractive.’’

Speaking on the sidelines of the Forum, Ed Perks, Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Income Investors, said:

“The impact of higher-for-longer rates is now filtering down into the US economy, as small and medium-sized businesses are starting to feel the effects of not just the Fed’s tightening policy, but also the much more magnified and pronounced rise in longer-term interest rates. This has implications for both fixed income and equity markets, and we are starting to see cracks in corporate earnings, and there will be additional pressure if rates stay high in the long term. For income investors, higher interest rates are widening the fixed income opportunity set for achieving yield, and investment grade corporate bonds stands out to us in the current environment as it offers attractive income, total return, and risk management potential. Looking ahead, if we do see the US economy start to decelerate and the Fed progresses closer to its inflation target and gain comfort with lowering rates in the second half of 2024 into 2025, that would provide a nice tailwind for total returns in fixed income.”

Commenting onthe outlook for developed market equities, Jonathan Curtis, incoming Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Equity Group, said:

“Developed markets, and the US economy in particular, are showing signs of relative resilience and growth, thus making them attractive in this period of increasing macro and geopolitical uncertainty. We also see supportive valuations down the market cap spectrum in companies with exposure to the key themes we like including digital transformation, healthcare innovation, and energy transformation. This valuation disconnect creates an opportunity for investors to diversify their portfolios beyond the handful of large-cap growth businesses that have dominated the market for the past decade. We believe that mid-cap and small-cap growth businesses offer advantages that could make them attractive investments in the current environment.

First, we believe mid-cap and small-cap growth businesses are generally undervalued at the moment compared to their large growth counterparts.The price-to-earnings multiple on the market cap weighted S&P500 hasn’t been this elevated vs the S&P500 equal weighted index for at least the past 13 years. Second, mid-cap and small-cap businesses tend to be more sensitive to the economic cycle and may benefit from still resilient consumer spending and business activity. That said, investors should be wary of signs that less affluent consumers are starting to bear the pressures of higher interest rates. Finally, mid-cap and small-cap businesses offer more potential for innovation and disruption than large-cap businesses, as they are often nimbler and more adaptable to changing customer preferences, innovative technologies, and competitive pressures. They may also have more opportunities to expand into new markets, acquire other businesses or become acquisition targets themselves.”

Commenting on the outlook for global and emerging market equities, Manraj Sekhon, Chief Investment Officer, Templeton Global Investments, said:

“The current environment for global equity investors is unique. It offers a balance of near-term uncertainties and attractive long-term growth drivers. The short-term risks to the global economy include slower growth due to high interest rates and elevated geopolitical challenges. This contrasts with the longer-term potential from breakthroughs in technology and healthcare alongside other secular trends. This environment provides fertile opportunities for long-term bottom-up investors, including Franklin Templeton.”

-Ends-

~The brand’s annual talent hunt scales new heights with double the number of participations this year~

NIVEA,India’s No. 1 Trusted Skin Care Brand* announced the successful completion of the third edition of NIVEA Soft Fresh Batch, the brand’s digital talent hunt. Marking the occasion, NIVEA hosted an exclusive event in Mumbai to celebrate 60 new winners who secured a year-long contract with the brand to kick-start their influencer journey.

The event featured captivating content creation zones, themed photobooths alongside a professional photoshootorganized for the finalists.Renowned influencers graced the event, imparting valuable guidance to help these achievers navigate the dynamic digital landscape and carve their distinctive path forward.

This edition witnessed an exceptional surge in participation, garnering over 2,30,000 entries on both Instagram and MOJ. Emerging creators hailing from over 45 cities enthusiastically took part in this thrilling digital hunt, a testament to its escalating popularity amongst Gen-Z girls. The entries poured in from major metros like Mumbai, Pune, Surat, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabadand regional towns like Lucknow, Jaipur, Kanpur, Nagpur showcasing a diverse participation. NIVEA curated four distinctive tribes – Fresh Beauties, Berry Fashionistas, Peppy Performers and Peachy Stars, inspired by the refreshing variants of the beloved NIVEA Soft Light Moisturiser.

This year brought a fresh and exciting element into play – the inclusion of mega influencers as mentors. Notably, Manav Chhabra, Unnati Malharkar, Ashi Khanna, Tanzeel Khan, Rishabh Chawla, and Anam Darbar joined as mentors. They undertook the responsibility of nurturing and guiding the next generation of budding creators from their respective tribes. Furthermore, NIVEA also ensured on-ground amplification through thoughtfully designed college-led activations across 430 colleges spanning 40 cities.

Commenting on the success of the property, Sunil Gadgil, Marketing Director – NIVEA India, added, “We are thrilled by the overwhelming response this edition has garnered nationwide. The remarkable growth year-on-year showcases our commitment to empower talent from every corner of the country. Our dedication goes beyond providing resources and mentorship; we strive to ignite the creation of innovative and diverse content. The nearly twofold increase in engagement compared to our previous efforts underscores the untapped talent and potential, encouraging us to plan even more dynamic editions of NIVEA Soft Fresh Batch in the future.”

The Mentorsremarked, “Being a part of NIVEA Soft Fresh Batch was a delightful experience. Guiding these aspiring creators over the months was incredibly rewarding. The exchange of ideas and understanding their journey reminded us of our early days in content creation. We extend our best wishes to the 2023 batch and eagerly awaitto see them shine and come into their own.”

NIVEA Soft Fresh Batch is on an upward trajectory, gaining momentum each year. The brand is devoted to fostering new talent and collaborating with the dynamic creator community to stay relevant across diverse age groups.

From trending & best-value destinations to the travel vibes for 2024, Skyscanner reveals next year’s top travel trends

Whether it’s gig tripping or visiting the realm of sleep, global travel site Skyscanner shares the latest trends shaping industry and traveller behaviour in its “Travel Trends: Redefining value through experience in 2024” report.  Blending proprietary flights and hotels data based on millions of searches with an annual consumer behaviour study^[1] and expert commentary, today Skyscanner reveals 2024’s hottest travel vibes and types, as well as the top 10 trending destinations and best-value destinations.

Data from the report reveals that film and entertainment has a significant influence on Indian travellers, with 94% of them inclined to taking a trip to a destination they’ve seen on the big or small screen. Moreover, close to half (43%) of the respondents rate the overall ‘vibe’ of a destination as important, when choosing where to go in 2024.

Among the four key travel vibes, set-jetting took the lead in India, as travellers sought to immerse themselves into the iconic location of their favourite shows, embodying Main Character Energy. Seizing the spotlight as the top destination that Indians are inspired to visit in 2024 is Manali, India, with travellers influenced by Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani,followed by Ladakh, again in India, which inspires 47% of the travellers to visit the mesmerising city as seen in 3 Idiots. Claiming the next spot is London in the United Kingdom, with 43% of Indian travellers seeking to add a royal flair to their life as seen in The Crown, and the enchanting city of Paris in France, with 42% of Indian travellers wanting to experience the city like Emily Cooper, as seen in Emily in Paris. In fact, following the launch of season 3’s launch at the end of December 2022, Skyscanner saw a 23% increase in searches from India to Paris in January compared to the previous month.

Just like Main Character Energy, Skyscanner data shows how the value of experiences is fuelling a range of other travel trends and vibes for 2024, with price no longer solely ruling decision-making:

●      Gig tripping – One-third of Indian (37%) travellers would fly short haul to see their favourite artist live with a huge 79% considering attending a concertoverseas instead in 2024 if it would help them save money.

●      Budget bougie foodies – Indians are inherent foodies and Skyscanner’s research confirms the same, with 59% of Indian travellers having booked a destination purely based on a restaurant they want to visit. Osaka, renowned as ‘the kitchen of Japan’ with the fourth rank in the world for cities with the most Michelin stars, claims the top spot on Skyscanner’s global list for foodies on a budget in 2024, and is also one of the top trending destinations amongst Indian travellers.

●      Destination Zzzz – Citing it as one of the top activities for their next holiday, Indian travellers really just want to visit the realm of sleep in 2024. Sleep health generally is a hot topic and 85% of Indian travellers are more mindful of their sleep health today compared to a few years ago. Moreover, 66% of Indian travellers have reported experiencing improved sleep quality during their holidays.

What’s more, the thirst for experiences that drive greater lifestyle value, Skyscanner sees these traveller types emerging in 2024: 

●      Analogue adventurers – In an age of always-on and constant hype, Gen Z are craving old-school analogue adventures that ditch the digital device in favour of how it used to be done. In fact, one in four (24%) Indian travellers aged 18-to-24-year-old now bring a Polaroid camera with them on holiday.

●      Celebration vacationers – Indian travellers increasingly want to celebrate big milestones in style. 81% of Indian travellers have taken a group trip to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. That being said, it can be tricky to arrange group travel – from deciding on where and when to go, to agreeing on costs. 52% of Indian travellers said that finalising a destination is their primary hurdle when planning group trips, followed by deciding on the travel dates (48%), and agreeing on expected costs of the trip (45%).

●      Luxe-for-less seekers – While price may always be a factor when it comes to travel planning, it seems Indian travellers are still willing to splurge on comforts. 37% of Indian travellers plan to upgrade their flight to business or first class in 2024, while 44% plan to purchase airport lounge access to get their trip off to a great start.

India’s Top Trending and Best Value Destinations

The 2024 report reveals that 86% of Indian travellers plan to take the same number, if not more, trips abroad in 2024 compared to 2023. The most buzzing destinations for Indian travellers in 2024 are Da Nang in Vietnam, loved for its pristine beaches, Almaty in Kazakhstan, a captivating destination in Central Asia celebrated for its stunning natural scenes, and Baku in Azerbaijan, known for its exquisite blend of historical and modern architecture[2]. On the other hand, Nice in France came out top overall, securing the highest spot for the Best Value Destinations category, followed by Geneva in Switzerland, Tokyo in Japan, and Manama in Bahrain[3] (full overview in appendix).

Commenting on the findings, Mohit Joshi, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destination Expert said:

“The desire to explore and to make the best out of holidays with richer, more fulfilling experiences is evident among Indian travellers, as they (63%)are budgeting to spend more on travel in 2024.The strong demand for travel in India, coupled with the focus on cultural exploration next year, are reasons why a travel metasearch like Skyscanner can bring value to Indian travellers. Try the ‘Explore Everywhere’ search feature for example, to discover destinations ranked by prices. With our tools, travellers will realise that there are many ways to bag a bargain, so that allowances can be made to spend on the comfort they are after.”

Check out the full ‘Travel Trends: Redefining value through experience in 2024’ report here. Alternatively, a more comprehensive overview of the report can be found below.

ENDS

Photo Caption: ED Shri M Paramasivam (centre), ED Shri Bibhu Prasad Mahapatra (right) and CVO Shri Raghvendra Kumar (left) during the inaugural ceremony of Vigilance Awareness Week 2023 at PNB Corporate Office in Delhi.

Punjab National Bank, nation’s leading public sector bank with over a lakh employee, took the Integrity Pledge during the inaugural ceremony of the Vigilance Awareness Week 2023, which is being held across its all offices in the country. The event was in accordance with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) guidelines and was held as part of the Vigilance Awareness Week with this year’s theme “Say no to corruption; commit to the Nation”.

Shri M Paramasivam (ED) and Shri Raghvendra Kumar (CVO), flagged off the event by administering the integrity pledge in the presence of Shri Bibhu Prasad Mahapatra (ED), CGMS, senior officials and other staff of the bank at PNB’s Corporate Office in Dwarka, New Delhi.The staff pledged to uphold the culture of conducting ethical business practices and serving the customers with integrity.

Generating awareness among the employees about the ill effects of corruption, Shri M Paramasivam, Executive Director at PNB, said, “Every year the Vigilance Awareness Week is celebratedwith the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known to be a man of high integrity, courage and iron determination. We should take inspiration from him and confront any wrongdoings when we witness it because a fraud – big or small – is still a fraud. This week is a powerful reminder that vigilance should be our way of life and not be limited to a week or to the vigilance department alone. The government is also pushing for the total eradication of corruption because when it occurs, it has an impact on the nation's ecosystem.”

Shri Bibhu Prasad Mahapatra ED at PNB, also emphasised the need to be vigilant in our daily routine to prevent any malpractice.

During the Vigilance Awareness Week at PNB, multiple activities and outreach programmes, such as walkathon at PNB's Corporate Office (New Delhi)were seen. Additionally, the bank has also organised in-house competitions for its staff and family members, such as essay writing, jingle writing, drawing competition for kids.

The Vigilance Awareness Week is on till 05 November 2023.

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