Month: November 2024

Jindal (India) Limited, part of prestigious B.C. Jindal Group and one of the leading downstream steel products manufacturers in India, successfully hosted “Milaap” event, the company’s retailer meet, in Visakhapatnam. The event, attended by senior company officials that included Zonal Sales Head and State Sales Head, was organised to engage and interact with leading retailers in the region.

The event, organized in collaboration with Jai Kapees Associates, was attended by close to 100 retailers.

These events, organized by Jindal (India) Limited, are in line with the company’s endeavour to further fortify its foothold in the region and expand its geographical presence across India. During the meet, the downstream steel products manufacturer showcased its range of advanced coated steel products, each designed to meet the specific demands of various industries while ensuring high performance and durability. Among these was Jindal Sabrang, an offering from Jindal (India) Limited that redefines the aesthetics of steel by introducing a vibrant array of colour-coated options with exceptional corrosion resistance in outdoor applications.

In addition, the company apprised the retailers about Jindal NeuColor+, a range that represents the pinnacle of premium coated steel products, offering a combination of advanced technology, aesthetic versatility, and long-lasting durability. The product offering, from Jindal (India) Limited, is engineered with a special coating process that makes the steel sheet exceptionally resistant to corrosion and colour fading.

“Jindal (India) Limited has already established itself as one of the leading players in the East and the South markets in India, having a strong foothold in these regions. Over the years, Visakhapatnam has emerged as a key market with a growing demand for Jindal Sabrang. The Milaap Retailer meet is a step to educate retailers in the region about Jindal (India) Limited's premium offerings and our new innovations. With this, we aim to further penetrate the current markets and strengthen our presence,” said a Jindal (India) Limited’s spokesperson.

As part of this initiative, Jindal (India) Limited’s representatives also discussed the company’s plans for the region, gather first-hand feedback from the retailers and address any challenges that they may be facing. This proved beneficial to Jindal (India) Limited to network with the retailer partners driving growth across the region for the company and further strengthening the company’s position as a trusted and evolving company.

Since its inception, Jindal (India) Limited has been steadfastly committed to nation-building initiatives, strongly supporting the Government of India's push for modern infrastructure.

Recently, the company also announced a strategic capacity expansion of 0.6 Million MT, a 60 per cent increase from its current capacity of 1 Million MT per annum with a capex spend of over INR 1,500 Crore. This expansion will primarily focus on new lines for coated flat products, allowing Jindal (India) to increase production of current range of products, diversify into new segments like solar and home appliances, and contribute to import substitution, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and growth.

⮚      Aim to empower investors with transparent and efficient passive investment solutions

Angel One Asset Management Company Ltd, wholly owned subsidiary of Angel One Limited, a leading Fintech player, has received the approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to act as the asset management company for Angel One Mutual Fund. With this milestone, Angel One marks its entry into the asset management space, focusing exclusively on passive investment solutions.

Angel One Mutual Fund’s passive investment products (i.e., Index Funds and ETFs) will be designed to offer clients a low-cost, transparent and accessible pathway to wealth creation. As passive investing continues to gain traction, Angel One Mutual Fund’s commitment to this approach addresses the rising demand from clients seeking simplicity and cost-efficiency in their portfolios.

Mr. Dinesh Thakkar, Chairman and Managing Director, Angel One Limited, said, “We are thrilled to receive SEBI’s approval for commencing our mutual fund business, signifying a pivotal moment in our journey. This license enables us to augment our offerings and better serve our clients. With a robust technological infrastructure and a deep understanding of client needs, we are poised to transform the passive investing space in India. Our focus on passive investing through ETF & Index Fund products reflects our commitment to making financial products more accessible, affordable and transparent for all. We believe this will empower a new generation of investors and enable them to participate in India’s growth story. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to helping our clients achieve their financial goals.”

Mr. Hemen Bhatia, Executive Director and CEO, Angel One Asset Management Company Limited, commented, “The mutual fund license signifies an exciting new chapter for the Group. As the asset management industry in India experiences rapid growth in passive investing, ETFs & Index Funds are increasingly being embraced by both retail and institutional investors. With deep domain expertise in passive products, Angel One AMC is poised to make long-term investing more accessible to every Indian. Through our ETFs and Index Funds, we aim to offer user-friendly, easy to understand wealth creating products to a growing base of retail investors across the country. I am confident that Angel One AMC will play a pivotal role in achieving the Group’s north star – empowering a billion lives.”

Angel One AMC's focus will be on developing a comprehensive suite of ETF & Index fund products, designed to provide clients with diversified investment options that align with their investment preferences and risk profile.

Angel One AMC plans to leverage the existing digital infrastructure and wide distribution network of its parent and other partners to ensure seamless access to these investment products

Uniqus, a tech-enabled global platform that offers consulting solutions in the accounting & reporting, finance operations, governance, risk, and ESG domains, announces the launch of Reporting UniVerse, a one-stop cloud-based technology platform designed to automate financial reporting, including preparation of financial statements.

The preparation of financial statements is a process that requires keeping data consistent and reliable – a single, clear source of truth is vital. Financial reporting requirements and regulations are complex and differ across jurisdictions. This, coupled with shrinking timelines, makes the financial reporting process challenging. Multinational companies have the additional complexity of dealing with statutory financial reporting requirements for their group entities across different jurisdictions.

Leveraging technology can help address the above challenges. Automating the financial reporting process also reduces the risk of errors and addresses inefficiencies.

Reporting UniVerse is a cloud-based solution that delivers a Board-ready set of financial statements and other sections of the annual report in an automated, user-friendly manner. With a unique blend of strong accounting and reporting domain capabilities and an innovative Generative AI-based knowledge repository, Reporting UniVerse is designed to leverage the power of technology to streamline the financial reporting process and achieve a fast, quality close.

Jamil Khatri, Co-Founder & CEO of Uniqus, commented, “Reporting UniVerse embodies our commitment to leveraging technology and building a CFO Tech stack for the benefit of our clients.  By combining our strong financial reporting capabilities and the power of emerging technologies, including AI, we have been able to create a product that understands the practical problems faced by the finance organization, and solves them.”

Sandip Khetan, Co-Founder and Global Head of Accounting & Reporting Consulting added, “In today’s fast-paced regulatory environment, Reporting UniVerse addresses the need for accurate and efficient financial reporting, helping organizations maintain transparency and achieve a fast, quality close.”

For more information and to access the platform, please visit: Reporting UniVerse

Huge savings on top-selling products, new flavors, and exclusive gifts; exclusively at Myprotein.co.in

Black Friday marks the onset of the biggest sale and saving season globally. Myprotein, a global leader in high-quality protein supplements, is making this Black Friday unforgettable with its biggest sale of the year. For a limited time, fitness enthusiasts can enjoy upto 65% off on the entire range of premium nutrition products. In addition to the huge discount, every order also includes a free creatine supplement, making this deal even more exciting for consumers.

This year, Myprotein is announcing special additions to its product range to mark the Cyber period, striking the perfect blend of fitness and flavor. This includes Impact Pista – an all-time favorite flavor with modern, premium protein for fitness enthusiasts and those new to their journey. PRO The Whey Mango Lassi,with its hydration and recovery benefits is the perfect fitness drink throughout the year.The brand is bringing back Keventers Chocolate Hazelnut, in partnership with Keventers – a premiummilkshakeand ice cream brand.This iconic collaboration combines Keventer’s best guilt-free flavour option withthe brand’s premium protein for all chocolate lovers.

These unique, culturally inspired flavors offer a delightful blend of taste and nutrition. Whether you are indulging in the dessert-inspired chocolate hazelnut, refreshing yourself post-workout with the familiar mango lassi, or savoring the rich, nutty notes of pista, there’s a flavor to match every preference and fitness goal.

Sudeshna Saha, Regional Manager, Myprotein India, said, “Black Friday is the perfect time to elevate your fitness journey with premium, high-quality nutrition at unbeatable prices. The aim is to bring fitness to the core even during the holiday season. While we are offering unbeatable discounts on our bestsellers, we are excited to introduce new products that cater to every taste and fitness goal. This year’s campaign is not just about savings, but also about bringing innovation and indulgence to the fitness community.”

Don’t miss out on these exclusive offers, available for a limited time. Visit Myprotein’s website to discover incredible deals and new products to unlock the best Black Friday gifts for yourself or your fitness-focused friends.

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EDITOR’S SYNOPSIS

• ACC and Adani Foundation empower Pramila, a single mother in Madukkarai, to launch a successful cold-pressed oil business and evening snacks corner, ensuring financial stability.
• Through ACC's support, Pramila overcame personal challenges and funded her daughter’s education, inspiring other women in her community.

ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is committed to empowering women towards self-dependence and sustainable livelihoods. Along with the Adani Foundation the Company is proud to support Pramila, a single mother from Church Colony, near ACC Madukkarai, whose journey to self-reliance highlights the success of its women empowerment initiatives.

Through the Adani Foundation’s support, Pramila started a cold-pressed oil business and later expanded into an evening snacks corner, ensuring financial stability for her family. In 2022, the Foundation provided Pramila with hands-on training in cold-pressed oil extraction, along with machinery to launch her micro-enterprise.

“I was earning Rs. 6,000 to 8,000 per month when I lost my husband in 2023. Despite the setback, the continued support from Adani Foundation helped me stay afloat,” said Pramila. She further expanded her business by opening a snacks corner to fund her daughter’s college education.

ACC and the Adani Foundation’s commitment to empowering women and promoting financial independence is highlighted in the success stories of Pramila and other women through community-based programmes in Madukkarai and across the nation.

Apollo Cancer Centres (ACCs), a leader in cutting-edge cancer care,has launched India’s firstLungLife Screening Programfor early detection of lung cancer. This groundbreaking initiative aims to combat lung cancer, which accounts for 5.9% of all cancers and 8.1% of cancer-related deaths in India. Early detection aids in better treatment outcome and enhances the survival rate.

GLOBOCAN 2020 estimates of cancer incidence and mortality produced by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) show as lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death, with an estimated 1.8 million deaths (18%) in 2020.

The LungLife Screening Program aims at individuals who have the highest risk for lung cancer such as: (i) people between the age group of 50 and 80 years, (ii)asymptomatic (no signs or symptoms of lung cancer), (iii) individuals with a significant history of smoking and (iv) people with family history of lung cancers.

Early screeningthrough low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can aid in early detection and significantly improve survival rates. Yet approximately 80% of high risk individuals have never discussed screening with their healthcare providers. It is vital to enhance communication and awareness around lung cancer screening to enable early diagnosis and save lives, especially among high-risk population.

DrNikhil Modi, Senior Consultant – Pulmonology, Apollo Cancer Centre,New Delhi,said, “Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers globally, but early detection notably enhances survival chances. Through our Lung-Life Screening Program, we aim to identify high-risk individuals early, using advanced low-dose CT technology, which minimizes radiation exposure while maximizing diagnostic precision. This program is particularly impactful for individuals with a history of smoking, passive smoking exposure, or a family history of lung cancer. By detecting lung cancer at a treatable stage, we empower patients with better treatment outcomes and build a renewed hope for a healthier future.”

Dr Manish Singhal, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centre,New Delhi, said, “The introduction of Apollo Cancer Centre’s Lung-Life Screening Program marks a pivotal step in addressing the alarming rise of lung cancer in India. With this comprehensive screening program, we focus on early-stage detection, where the chances of effective treatment and recovery are exponentially higher. The program leverages state-of-the-art low-dose CT scans, ensuring accurate diagnoses while prioritizing patient safety. Together, we are not just treating cancer but transforming lives through timely interventions and holistic care tailored to individual needs.”

Dr SVS Deo, Lead & Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centre, New Delhi, said, “Lung cancer is a silent threat, often detected only when it has advanced, thereby, making early detection a critical intervention. With the launch of the Lung-Life Screening Program, Apollo Cancer Centre is revolutionizing the approach to lung cancer care. This program combines precision diagnostics with patient-focused care to detect it early, significantly improving survival rates. Our initiative demonstrates that proactive healthcare can save lives, offering patients the best chance for recovery and reinforcing our commitment to redefining excellence in cancer treatment.”

Mr Shivakumar Pattabhiraman,Managing Director, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals,said, “We are proud to be the first in India to launch the Lung-Life Screening Program, a groundbreaking initiative that reflects Apollo Cancer Centre’s leadership in oncology care.  Our goal is not just to save lives but to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to take charge of their health.”

Apollo Cancer Centres remains steadfast in its mission to elevate the standards of cancer care and awareness in India. With the introduction of the Lung Life Screening Program, ACCs hopes to inspire nationwide action and collaboration in the fight against lung cancer.

#WinningOverCancer

Looking ahead, TANA and NATF announced their next tournament, scheduled for May 3, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The collaboration continues to drive the growth of throwball across North America.

The event was part of the organisation’s larger initiative, NPCI Synergy #Unlockinggrowthtogether

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), conducted an event as part of the NPCI Synergy initiative featuring senior leaders from Small Finance Banks (SFBs) and Payments Banks to recognise their efforts in shaping the future of India’s digital payments through innovation, partnerships, and collaboration.

Dilip Asbe, MD & CEO, NPCI said, “Collaboration is crucial to unlock the true potential of India’s digital payments system. The event bought together industry leaders from SFBs and Payments Banks to discuss the key facets of digital payments in India. We want to create an encouraging environment where innovation thrives, partnerships flourish, and digital financial services are available across every corner of the country. SFBs and Payments Banks offer last-mile connectivity solutions, drive financial inclusion, and foster trust in underserved regions. Through initiatives like NPCI Synergy, we are committed to shaping the future of payments and driving inclusive growth for all.”

The event featured high-profile panel discussions. The panel, “Collaborative Models in Financial Services,” focused on how partnerships between SFBs, Payments Banks, and NPCI can spur growth and drive innovation. Key dignitaries from Fino Payments Bank, Unity Small Finance Bank, and India Post Payments Bank participated in the discussion, speaking on the critical role of collaboration in leveraging technology for developing innovative products to expand access to financial services and drive credit penetration in India, reaching the last mile.

The panel, “Connecting the Dots: Expanding the Payment Ecosystem” focused on collaboration and sharing best practices among fintech players. The panel included leaders from NSDL Payments Bank, Jana Small Finance Bank, and Jio Financial Services. They discussed the opportunity and potential of improving access to digital payments services in small-towns in India. The discussion also emphasised on reducing cash reliance, driving merchant adoption for broader digital payments acceptance, and promoting financial inclusion.

Rajeeth Pillai, Chief Relationship Management, NPCI said, “The excellent conversations and discussions show the potential for growth and innovation that occurs when SFBs and Payments Banks come together. Collaboration must be focussed on aligning efforts and creating a seamless, user-friendly, and scalable payment solution. The NPCI has played a pivotal role in facilitating these partnerships, and we are excited to work with industry leaders to drive India’s digital payments journey ahead.”

• Solving content discovery challenges with Single Sign-On, Single Subscription, and a Unified Interface for 24+ Apps and 300+ Channels
• Partners include premium OTTs like Prime Video, Jio Cinema, Disney Hotstar along with Zee 5, Sony Liv, Youtube, Discovery+, Sun Nxt, Aha, Hoichoi, Lionsgate Play, Manorama MAX, Travel XP, Shemaroo, Fancode, Nammaflix, Dangal Play, Dollywood Play, Hungama, Stage, VR OTT, Distro TV, Chaupal, Playflix, ETV Win, Raj TV and more. 

Streambox Media, a strategic media-tech venture founded by Anuj Gandhi and backed by Micromax Informatics, along with Nikhil Kamath and Stride Ventures, proudly unveils Dor — India’s First Subscription-based Television Service. Focusing on technological innovation and seamless user experience, Dor is set to transform how Indian households access and enjoy entertainment at home and on the move. This one-of-its-kind product-as-a-service model is set to go live in India through Flipkart on December 1^st, 2024, subsequently opening to other platforms and the offline distribution ecosystem.

~Over 50,000 Indian students from underrepresented secondary school students in Andhra Pradesh have completed the University of Melbourne’s Schools Engagement Program.~

The University of Melbourne has successfully surpassed the ambitious target set in December 2023 to reach 50,000 students through the Schools Engagement Program in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The milestone was passed ahead of schedule and has now exceeded 60,000 students engaged in Andhra Pradesh alone, with more than 70,000 students from over 150 schools across India reached through the program since 2020.

The Schools Engagement Program supports underrepresented secondary school students in India through career guidance and future planning, helping themunderstand labour markets and develop their social mobility, empowering them to thrive in their studies and life. Initially launched in seven schools in Pune and Madurai, the program expanded to over 100 Government schools in five districts in Andhra Pradesh in 2023.

Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement), University of Melbourne said, “This program reflects the University of Melbourne’s commitment to long-term engagement within India, supporting the country on its ambitious education journey. India is home to the largest tertiary population in the world. Empowering the tens of thousands of young students through this program is just one of the ways we endeavour to enrich academic capabilities in India, and we would like to reach as many students as possible”.

Dinesh Kumar, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate, Alluri Sitharama Raju District from the Government of Andhra Pradesh emphasised the importance of engaging with young students, who are the future leaders of society.

Mr Kumar stated, “Timely intervention is crucial; if we don’t act now and expand our efforts, we risk losing a ‘demographic dividend’ that will be essential to leverage the productive population and future- ready world. Missing this opportunity could have significant repercussions, not only within India but on a global scale, as the country increasingly stands to export skills and talent,”

The expansion throughout Andhra Pradesh was made possible by support from the Government of Andhra Pradesh – Department of School Education, Rotary International Districts in Zone 7, Rotary India Literacy Mission, and Samaghra Shiksha, Andhra Pradesh.

Across all pilot programs in Pune, Madurai, Vijayawada, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the Schools Engagement Program has also supported over 1700 teachers and over 100,000 parents, carers and guardians through capacity building activities.

The University of Melbourne, Australia’s number one ranked university (globally ranked 13th), has embedded world-class research into the program. Professor Lindsay Oades, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne, discussed how his positive psychology research has influenced the program.Professor Oades said, “We’ve embedded coaching into the classroom as part of this initiative and this is a new pedagogy in India. Now teachers aren’t just clarifying concepts; they serve as a life coach. This strength-based approach inspires young people to become the best version of themselves, encouraging them to take responsibility for managing their studies, life, and career goals.”

Teachers from participating schools have noted the change they see in students and the impact it is having.

One of the teachers said, “This program has enabled our children to select their career choices independently as well as become more self-reliant and responsible.”

Students are also commenting on how the program is improving their outlook on their studies and career choices.“I had really no clear vision on what my future was going to look like or what my career was about,” said one student. But after going through this program I was able to find what I truly desire, my passions, and how to make money off those passions.”

Mr.B.Srinivasa Rao, State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha AP, said,“In today's world the problems we are dealing with are complex, requiring many specialised areas of expertise. This calls for an innovative model involving government, academia, and industry to work together in a symbiotic manner, across secondary and tertiary sectors of education. The government of India and the government of Andhra Pradesh are implementing many coherent reforms as part of the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework 2023 to enhance youth aspirations and closing the gap between industry skill demand and talent supply. So, this program is a priority and must be replicated.”

The University of Melbourne continues to explore opportunities to expand the Schools Engagement Program further within Andhra Pradesh and across India, hoping to reach as many students as possible with this important early learning and careers guidance program.