Spreading Happiness InDiya Foundation, the partnership between Sachin Tendulkar and Schneider Electric India achieves significant milestone; aims to transform 500 rural schools by 2025



 

·          Establishing Smart Digital classrooms that are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and powered by solar energy.

·         Fostering a community of ‘Green Ambassadors’ to take decisive climate action.

 

With an aim to empower young students, Spreading Happiness InDiya Foundation (SHIF), a collaboration between cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar (through Sachin Tendulkar Foundation – STF) and Schneider Electric India, a leader in digital energy management and next-generation automation, have reached a major milestone in their mission to empower young minds in rural areas through digital education. Through the flagship SMITA program, the Foundation has positively impacted 60,000 students across 300+ schools in India. Inspired by the success and in celebration of World Literacy Day, SHIF has committed to revitalising 500 rural government schools by 2025. It aims to touch the lives of more than 100,000 young learners across aspirational blocks of India.

 

At the heart of the SMITA program are ‘Digital’ classrooms, designed to bring digital education to rural areas while promoting sustainability. Till date, SHIF has equipped 300 schools with Digital classrooms, situated in some of the remotest corners of the country, also serve as hubs for fostering a community of 'Green Ambassadors' who are empowered to take proactive climate action.  These classrooms, powered by renewable energy sources like solar, offer cutting-edge infrastructure and virtual training opportunities, helping schools reduce operational costs and expand access to quality education through virtual training.

 

Highlighting the importance of expanding digital education access, Mr. Sachin Tendulkar expressed, “The Spreading Happiness InDiya Foundation is dedicated to narrowing the digital gap by granting students access to high-quality education, while also imparting the significance of sustainability. SMITA program signifies our dedication to cultivating a generation of responsible and knowledgeable citizens who will guide us towards a sustainable future. Through the foundation, we are working to ensure that every child, regardless of their location, possesses the resources necessary to thrive in the contemporary world.”

 

Access to quality education is an integral pillar for achieving holistic sustainable development. The evolving digital world has necessitated the timely modernisation and upgradation of educational infrastructure for keeping the students ahead of the learning curve.

 

In line with this goal, Mr. Deepak Sharma, Zone President – Greater India, MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India, stated, “Schneider Electric is an impact-driven company, and education is fundamental for creating a lasting, sustainable impact. We believe that access to energy and education is a fundamental human right.  Our Digital classrooms exemplify our commitment to leading energy and environmental conservation to empower rural communities. We have already positively impacted 60,000 children in 300 schools and aim to transform 500 schools by 2025. We are honoured to partner with Mr. Sachin Tendulkar to educate and empower our next generation, driving actions on climate change and sustainability.”

 

The SMITA Program is committed towards nurturing an ecosystem of ‘Green Ambassadors’ through its interactive learning program on Environment and Energy conservation. This program is tailored to inform and educate students to make judicious and eco-friendly choices in their daily lives.

The innovative SMITA program by SHIF is making a positive impact on government schools in 12 states like Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka including some aspirational district blocks. The Foundation is dedicated to ensuring uninterrupted learning by making education available to students in regional languages.

Adani Foundation at ACC Chanda eliminates Gowari farmers’ water insecurities with Cement Nala Bund



 


 

·         ACC and Adani Foundation construct a Cement Nala Bund (CNB) in Gowari village to address water scarcity faced by Bhaskar Wasekar and other farmers.

·         This structure has recharged the groundwater table, increasing the number of functional borewells, and expanding cultivable area by 11.78%.

·         Owing to this, Bhaskar’s income from farming has gone up 35.46%, reaching Rs 3.22 lakh annually.

·         25 hectares of farmland belonging to 18 harmers from the village benefits from this CNB.

ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is committed to facilitating modern farming and efficient water management solutions in communities where it operates. Through CSR efforts, Adani Foundation has been able to significantly impact the lives of 18 farmers by addressing long-standing water scarcity issues in Gowari village near ACC Chanda.

 

Gowari village, located in the Wani Taluka of Yavatmal district, has faced persistent water shortages due to unreliable rainfall and arid conditions. For 41-year-old farmer, Bhaskar Ramchandra Wasekar, this challenge was a daily struggle. With only 4 hours of water per day from his borewell, Bhaskar's ability to cultivate his 8.07 hectares of land was severely restricted, impacting his income and future prospects.

 

The Adani Foundation collaborated with Dilasa Janvikas Pratishthan to initiate a project to build a Cement Nala Bund (CNB), with the aim of improving water retention and recharging the groundwater table. Completed in the 2023-24, the CNB has proven transformative. Water availability on Bhaskar’s land has increased by 75% to 7 hours per day, enabling him to expand his cultivable area by 11.78%, from 6.15 to 7.10 hectares.

 

This expansion has allowed Bhaskar to diversify his crops, including the addition of water-intensive chillies, significantly boosting his income by 35.46% to Rs. 3.22 lakh annually. “The CNB has been a blessing,” says Bhaskar. “I no longer worry about water for my crops. Now, I can grow more, explore new crops, and ensure a secure future for my family. In all, similar impacts are seen across 25 hectares of farmland owned by 18 farmers from the village.

 

ACC and the Adani Foundation’s commitment to sustainable community development is highlighted through the collaborative efforts to drive positive, life-changing results, as seen in the CNB project. The project not only enhances the livelihoods of Gowari’s farmers but also instills hope and resilience within the community.

Growel Group enters Pet Food Category with the launch of “Carniwel”


        First Indian brand to offer a diverse range of vegetarian options and superfood-enriched products, tailored to meet the unique dietary needs of Indian pets.

        Carniwel offers premium pet foods with human-grade, natural, superfood ingredients for optimal pet nutrition.

 

Growel Group, a prominent leader in aquaculture feeds, aqua healthcare, and seafood processing industry since 1994, today announced its strategic expansion into the rapidly growing pet food sector with the launch of its new pet food brand – “Carniwel”.

Post COVID, the bond with pets has strengthened tremendously, leading to an evolution in pet parenting. This shift reflects an increased understanding of the emotional and mental benefits pets provide as companions, leading to more evolved needs for their care. Recognising this phenomenon, we have launched “Carniwel,” a new line of pet food, that meets the growing demand of pet nutrition, falling under the category of premium nutrition without being heavy on pocket for pet parents.

Carniwel provides a diverse selection of high-quality products with super high palatability tailored to meet the evolving needs of pets through their life stages. Our product range offers nutritious and delicious balanced food for pets at every life stage, from puppies and kittens to seniors – even for the pickiest eaters. Our goal is to make the pet parenting journey a celebration.

Carniwel enriches pet food with superfoods, essentially comprising nutrient-dense ingredients like Antarctic Krill, Algal Oil, Spirulina which provides vital proteins, Omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants to support cognitive development, immune system function, and skin and coat health. As a first in the industry, Carniwel incorporates fresh protein in almost all products, including fresh chicken, fresh lamb, and fresh fish – a feature typically reserved for the super-premium segment -while offering these at prices that are easy on the budget.

Recognising that over 30% of Indian households follow a vegetarian diet, Carniwel has introduced an extensive range of vegetarian pet food.Crafted with high-quality, nutritious ingredients and manufactured entirely in India, it offers a complete, balanced diet for pets while staying true to our commitment to catering to diverse dietary preferences.

Announcing the launch of Carniwel, Mr. M.S.R Karthik, Promoter Group, Growel, said, “Formulated in the United States with over 50 years of expertise in animal nutrition and carefully adapted for the Indian market by Growel’s in-house team, Carniwel meets stringent global standards for premium quality and safety. The Indian pet food market is on track to surpass one billion dollars by 2027, with a CAGR of over 25%. This surge is driven by increasing pet adoption, evolving consumer preferences towards high-quality

 

nutrition, and rising disposable incomes among urban households. As we strive to make the pet food industry self-sufficient and domestically robust, we are set to commence exports in the coming months. We are committed to supporting the nation’s efforts in this growing sector.”

J.S. Rama Krishna, Business Head, Growel Pet Nutrition, stated:

“As the number of pet food brands continues to grow, a noticeable gap remains for high-quality food at affordable price points. Carniwel is the only brand in India that includes ‘Fresh Meat’ and ‘Superfoods’ in its recipes, perfect for both dogs and cats. Our proprietary blend of essential nutrients and vitamins supports the holistic health of pets at different life stages. Each recipe guarantees flavor and taste without compromise (96% palatability as per extensive trials of over 1000 pets). With the launch of Carniwel, we are committed to offering pet owners a diverse range of products that cater to the specific needs of their pets, from brain development and joint support to weight management and skin and coat health. Made with high-quality ingredients that are also GMO-free, our aim is to ensure pets receive the best possible nutrition, with all products proudly made in India.

“With Growel’s presence in over 4,000+ pet outlets, supported by a robust distribution network spanning over 200 cities and an omnichannel presence, we are ensuring widespread availability of our products,” he further added.

Carniwel provides a range of products tailored to the specific needs of both small and large breed dogs. Our pet food is available in various pack sizes and is suitable for different life stages, from puppies and kittens to adult and senior pets.

For Small Breed Dogs

        Fresh Chicken & Fresh Lamb:Our Fresh Chicken & Fresh Lamb range is tailored for small breed dogs, providing essential nutrients for brain development, lactation support, and immune health. For small breed puppies and adult dogs up to 20kgs, this range ensures specialized nutrition for weight management, dental health, digestive support, and a healthy skin and coat.

        Superfoods: Our 100% Pure Veg Superfoods line supports the unique dietary needs of small breed dogs. The Starter formula focuses on brain development, lactation support, and immune system enhancement for mothers and puppies. For small breed puppies and adult dogs up to 20kgs, we offer formulas for weight management, dental hygiene, digestive support, skin and coat health, and immune protection.

 

For Large Breed Dogs

        Fresh Chicken & Fresh Lamb: Our Fresh Chicken & Fresh Lamb range for large breed dogs offers vital nutrients for brain development, lactation support, and immune strengthening in puppies. For large breed adult dogs up to 75 kgs, this range provides comprehensive support for joint health, digestive health, immune resilience, and skin and coat condition.

        Superfoods: The 100% vegetarian Superfoods line for large breed dogs supports their larger frames and health needs. The Starter formula aids brain development, lactation support, and immune strengthening for puppies. For large breed adult dogs up to 75kgs, our formula emphasizes joint support, digestive health, immune resilience, and optimal skin and coat condition.

 

For Kitten & Adult Cats

        Carniwel also offers a range of premium cat food products designed to meet the nutritional needs of kittens and adult cats. For kittens, our Ocean Fish & Krill, Fresh Fish & Shrimp, and Fresh Chicken formulas provide essential nutrients that promote digestive health, a healthy coat, and a robust immune system. For adult cats, these same high-quality formulas focus on hairball reduction, digestive support, and maintaining a healthy heart, ensuring optimal health and well-being at every life stage.

Plan Your Next Getaway with Scoot’s September Network Sale!


Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, is thrilled to announce its September Network Sale – one of the biggest sales of the year! Running from 10 September to 16 September 2024, this sale offers Indian travellers the ultimate opportunity to book one-way economy fares at budget-friendly prices!Short to medium-haul destinations can be booked starting from as low as INR 5,900*. With all destinations priced under INR 19,000*, the September Network Sale allowstravellers from Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Amritsar, and more to explore bucket-list destinations without stretching their budget!

 


 

Discover trending travel destinationsat the best value, including:

  • Chennai to Singapore: INR 5,900*
  • Coimbatore to Kuala Lumpur: INR 8,400*
  • Thiruvananthapuram to Malacca: INR 8,000*
  • Visakhapatnam to Ho Chi Minh City: INR 8,500*
  • Amritsar toSibu: INR 8,600*
  • Trichy toPerth: INR 13,500*

 

For an enhanced travel experience, including priority check-in and boarding, spacious seating with ample legroom, 15kg cabin baggage and 30kg checked baggage allowances, and 30MB of Wi-Fi, passengers from Amritsar and Chennai can also book ScootPlus seats starting at INR 12,900* on the Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

 

The sale is applicable to travel bookings made for the following time periods:

 

Amritsar (ATQ)

24 September 2024 – 1 November 2024

16 March 2025 – 19 June 2025

28 July 2025 – 10 September 2025

 

Coimbatore (CJB), Thiruvananthapuram (TRV), Visakhapatnam (VTZ), Chennai (MAA) and Tiruchchirappalli (TRZ)

 

24 September 2024 – 1 November 2024

6 November 2024 – 14 December 2024

10 February 2025 – 11 April 2025

12 May 2025 – 16 June 2025

8 July 2025 – 15 September 2025

 

 

(Additional blackout periods may apply over school holidays and event periods)

 

For more information on this visit: http://www.flyscoot.com/en/promotions/in-sep-network-sale

 

Visit Scoot’s official website or use the Scoot mobile app to book your next adventure. With a range of captivating destinations to choose from, travellers can secure exceptional prices during the September Network Sale and transform their travel dreams into reality!

 

For more information and bookings, visit Scoot's website athttps://www.flyscoot.com/en

 

*T&Cs apply. Visit the website for more details.

Airtel Africa Foundation unveils ‘Airtel Africa Fellowship Program’ to empower studentsatIIT Madras Zanzibar


The Airtel Africa Foundation today announced the launch of the prestigious ‘Airtel Africa Fellowship Program’ for the undergraduate students at IIT Madras Zanzibar, the first-ever foreign campus established by an IIT. The Fellowshipaims to support deserving students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligenceat the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) in Zanzibar. Starting with an outlay of US$500,000, this program will benefit 10 undergraduate students, for their entire course duration of 4 years.

Founded in 2024 with a vision to foster a prosperous Africa, the Airtel Africa Foundation is dedicated to advancing digital and financial inclusion across the continent along with key focus on education and environmental protection. This Fellowship is themaiden initiative undertaken to enhance educational opportunities for meritorious students, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, enrolled at IIT M Zanzibar. It is designed to support students from 14 African countries, which arenamely Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, DRC, Niger, Chad, Congo B, Gabon, Madagascar and Seychelles.

Recipients of this scholarship will be known as ‘Airtel Africa Fellows’. They will receive 100% of their college fees i.e. US$12,000 as per the course fee structure of the Institute for a 4-year program. Additionally, to cover the living expense cost, US$500 will be given to all eligible students. This initiative will aspire to transform, shape lives and nurture future leaders who will contribute to technological innovation and economic growth of Africa.

Commenting on the fellowship scheme, Zanzibar’s Minister of Education and Vocational Training, H.E. Ms Lela Mohamed Mussa said, “IITM Zanzibar is charting a wonderful path in technical education in the region. Providing access to this high quality education to students from Tanzania and the rest of the continent, who are topping the IITM Zanzibar screening and test processes, through financial assistance, is an important priority for us. We are thankful to this support from Airtel Africa Foundation, which will enhance our own efforts in this direction.”

The Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr.Olusegun Ogunsanyasaid, “We are pleased to partner with IIT Madras Zanzibar to provide opportunities for young Africans to access quality education. This initiative aims to contribute towards creating a prosperous and sustainable continent. We look forward to creating even more opportunities not just in education, but also infinancial and digital inclusion, and environmental protection”.

The Director of IIT Madras, Prof. V. Kamakotisaid, “IIT Madras is committed to establishing a world class campus in Zanzibar. We are delighted that Airtel Africa Foundation is joining hands with us in this effort.We look forward to welcoming the second cohort of bright young students to the IITM Zanzibar campus this year. We are immensely grateful to Airtel Africa Foundation for providingfinancial assistance for these future global leaders.”

Amway Invests $4M in Four Research & Development Labs Across India


Launches 14000 sq ft Nutrition, Beauty, Analytical, and Packaging labs in Gurugram

 

Advancing its focus on strengthening scientific capabilities to provide cutting-edge, next-generation support in health and wellbeing, Amway, a global company, today formally introduced its four state-of-the-art Research & Development (R&D) labs across India with an investment of $4 million[1]. By harnessing advanced technology, contemporary science and thought leadership, these labs are poised to redefine industry standards by developing safe, effective, differentiated and high-quality health and wellbeing products with the aim to support people in India and around the world. India is the location of one of the four Amway R&D hubs, worldwide. This strategic move is in line with Amway's efforts to cater to the evolving needs of consumers empowering millions to achieve optimal wellbeing and fostering a healthier future for all.

Amway’s four state-of-the-art R&D labs in Gurugram, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Dindigul collectively total 24,700 square feet, creating a powerhouse of scientific discovery and breakthrough product development.

Talking about the investment from Amway India’s business perspective and describing the benefits to India, Rajneesh Chopra, Managing Director, Amway India, said There is a need for a transformative approach to nutrition and wellness in India, as the health landscape here faces significant challenges related to nutrition, lifestyle and gut health. This investment accelerates Amway India’s product development capabilities and positions Amway to better serve the unique and evolving needs of its consumers and businesses in India and around the world. India stands as one of our top priority markets globally and this investment underscores the confidence of Amway Global in the country’s expertise and potential to drive groundbreaking innovation in the health and wellbeing space.”

“For over a quarter-century, Amway India has earned the trust of people by helping them lead a healthy way of life. Our commitment to a healthier nation envisions empowering our distributors to help transform the lives of millions of Indians by prioritizing healthspan over lifespan. As we continue to drive innovation to offer need-based recommendations, we’ve found that the most crucial element in your health and wellbeing journey is a strong gut that is also linked to improved mental health and immunity. The R&D labs will further support driving scientifically backed initiatives like ‘Morning Nutrition’ – a holistic campaign to support a healthy lifestyle that helps individuals start their day with optimal nutrition to maintain a healthier lifestyle. We are poised to foster a healthier future for all in line with the Government of India’s vision. This strategic investment strengthens our confidence in achieving our goals while solidifying our position at the forefront of the health and wellbeing industry,” Mr. Chopra concluded. 

Introducing the R&D labs in India, Dr Shyam Ramakrishnan, Director, Innovation and Science, India and Southeast Asia, Amway said, “In response to the rising awareness around health, wellbeing and nutrition worldwide, this investment in state-of-the-art R&D labs is well positioned to meet the evolving consumer needs across global markets.  Importantly, it aligns with our global multi-year growth vision of consistently providing recommendations for overall wellbeing tailored to the evolving needs of various age groups.Having an innovation hub in India allows us to harness the incredible Indian talent pool and support the country’s ambition to be a meaningful and significant contributor to overall wellbeing. For more than six decades, we, at Amway, have always prioritized a science-led approach to product development, consistently innovating for our distributors and their customers. We're leveraging top talent in India and around the globe to develop differentiated nutrition, food, and beauty products.  These products are focused on India and Southeast Asia and possibly for other global markets. Aligned with our vision of helping people live better, healthier lives, I believe this move will raise the bar of innovation, keeping science and technology at the forefront, thus showcasing our commitment to make Amway future-ready through aspirational, trendsetting products and solutions.”

Amway is focused on delivering innovative, plant-forward formulations to meet modern nutrition, health and wellbeing needs around 4 key areas, namely – Healthy Weight, Healthy Beauty, Fitness and Healthy Ageing, emphasizing clean labels and sustainability. A team of expert researchers across various scientific disciplines will expedite the development of differentiated solutions. These contemporary R&D labs are equipped with advanced technology and instrumentation, botanical-driven innovation, the latest packaging technology, and more to ensure Amway's benchmark quality and safety standards.

The investment in the R&D labs in India will cater to domestic and global requirements, further augmenting the company’s efforts around research, testing, and validation of innovative ideas, products, and technologies. These labs are equipped to develop product solutions in Foods, Oral solids, Beauty and Personal care segments with premium botanical ingredients for nutrition and skin applications.

ASDC at ACC Thondebhavi empowers rural women by transforming their careers with skill development


·         
Adani Foundation’s Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC) at ACC Thondebhavi plays a pivotal role in equipping young people with the essential skills needed to succeed.

·         Channamma KS, Gowthami GN, and sisters Vanaja GR and Nirmala GR are among the recent success stories of ASDC skill development programmes.

·         ASDC students are placed in noted corporate houses and multinational companies (MNCs), including Google, among others.

 

ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, continues to empower rural communities in Karnataka through upskilling. The Adani Foundation’s Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC) at ACC Thondebhavi has been instrumental in equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive. Recently four inspiring success stories have emerged from this ASDC, demonstrating the transformative impact of its training programmes.


Channamma KS, a 36-year-old woman with a physical disability and speech disorder, faced several challenges in finding employment after completing her Bachelor of Arts degree. Relying on her farmer father, and her daily-wage labourer brother for support, Ms. Channamma’s life changed when she joined Saksham, ACC’s CSR upskilling initiative, and enrolled at ASDC Thondebhavi. After completing a three-month training there, she landed a job as a back-end executive at Google in Marathahalli, earning a monthly income of ₹ 15,000 with free food and accommodation. “I never imagined I would have this opportunity,” she said, adding, “ASDC gave me the skills and confidence I needed to succeed. I am so grateful as I can now support myself and my family.”


Gowthami GN had to discontinue her education after class 12 due to financial constraints. Her family, who relied on agricultural labour, often struggled to make ends meet. However, the future seems bright now as Gowthami joined ASDC Thondebhavi and enrolled in the Retail Sales Associate course. She secured a retail job with an annual pay package of ₹2.25 lakh upon completing her 2.5-month training. She said, “ASDC gave me the chance to learn new skills and build a better future for myself and my family. My parents are so proud of me.”


Sisters Vanaja GR and Nirmala GR were unable to continue their education after completing class 10. Their elderly parents, including their mother who suffers from chronic illnesses, depended on them for support. Recognising the need for skills and employment, they joined ASDC Thondebhavi’s Retail Sales Associate course in June 2023. As a result, they secured retail jobs upon the course completion. They now make a combined annual income of ₹4.51 lakh. The sisters excitedly said, “We are so grateful to ASDC for giving us this opportunity. We are now able to take better care of our parents and build a brighter future.”


ACC and the Adani Foundation’s initiatives via ASDC are highlighted through these success stories. They showcase how skill development can play a crucial role in empowering rural communities and fostering sustainable growth, while contributing to the country’s success.

Airtel Finance introduces fixed deposits at industry-leading interest rates of 9.1%

  • Partners with leading NBFCs and small finance banks to do so
  • Invites customers to manage and track their investments safely and securely through the Airtel Thanks App

 

 Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), one of India’s leading telecommunications services providers, today, announced the launch of a fixed deposits marketplace under its digital arm, Airtel Finance. These fixed deposits come at an attractive interest rate of up to 9.1% per annum.*

The marketplace enables Airtel Finance to provide an assured return and fixed-income investment option on the digital platform that is built on top of Airtel’s Thanks App framework. It strengthens its portfolio offering of Personal Loans, Airtel Axis Bank Cobrand Credit Cards, Airtel Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI cards, Credit Cards marketplace and Gold Loan.

Anshul Kheterpal, Chief Business Officer, Airtel Finance said, “We are consistently innovating to offer products that are customer centric and, in this endeavor, today, we are excited to announce the launch of our Fixed Deposits proposition. The FD comes at an attractive interest rate that will help our customers manage their funds better and meet their financial goals. We have partnered with the best banks in this venture and promise to offer customers a completely transparent, seamless and digital journey.”

On the Airtel Thanks App platform, customers can book and manage fixed deposits directly without opening a new bank account with a minimum investment of INR 1000.

It is entirely a digital process with three simple steps:

  1. Compare and select FD.
  2. Enter details and complete KYC.
  3. Make payment via existing bank account.

*This service is currently available only on Android devices. It will be made available on iOS shortly. *

Airtel Finance has offered the Fixed Deposit service via a partnership with multiple small finance banks and NBFCs including Utkarsh Small Finance Bank, Shivalik Bank, Suryoday Small Finance Bank and Shriram Finance. This will help customers lock in assured returns at high rates of interest.

Bank FDs are insured up to INR 5 Lakh per PAN per bank by DICGC- Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (a 100% RBI subsidiary). This will help customers invest in Small Finance Bank deposits with greater assurity. Airtel Finance is also offering fixed deposit options with withdrawal any time after seven days which will put to rest all customer concerns about lock in and lack of liquidity.

Airtel Finance, trusted by more than eight lakh customers, is a financial services platform with an evolving portfolio of offerings aimed at providing personalised, simplified and secured financial solutions to its customers. Currently, Airtel Finance offers multiple products including Airtel Flexi Credit Personal Loan, Co-brand Credit Card, Co-brand Insta EMI card and Gold Loan with financial institutions, all easily accessible on its Thanks App, with additional product offerings like Business Loan and Secured Lending Products in the pipeline. Airtel Finance is on its way to becoming a one-stop solution for all the financial product needs of its 350 mn+ customers across the country.

[Govt] ASDC at ACC Thondebhavi empowers rural women by transforming their careers with skill development


 


·         Adani Foundation’s Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC) at ACC Thondebhavi plays a pivotal role in equipping young people with the essential skills needed to succeed.

·         Channamma KS, Gowthami GN, and sisters Vanaja GR and Nirmala GR are among the recent success stories of ASDC skill development programmes.

·         ASDC students are placed in noted corporate houses and multinational companies (MNCs), including Google, among others.

 

ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, continues to empower rural communities in Karnataka through upskilling. The Adani Foundation’s Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC) at ACC Thondebhavi has been instrumental in equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive. Recently four inspiring success stories have emerged from this ASDC, demonstrating the transformative impact of its training programmes.


Channamma KS, a 36-year-old woman with a physical disability and speech disorder, faced several challenges in finding employment after completing her Bachelor of Arts degree. Relying on her farmer father, and her daily-wage labourer brother for support, Ms. Channamma’s life changed when she joined Saksham, ACC’s CSR upskilling initiative, and enrolled at ASDC Thondebhavi. After completing a three-month training there, she landed a job as a back-end executive at Google in Marathahalli, earning a monthly income of ₹ 15,000 with free food and accommodation. “I never imagined I would have this opportunity,” she said, adding, “ASDC gave me the skills and confidence I needed to succeed. I am so grateful as I can now support myself and my family.”


Gowthami GN had to discontinue her education after class 12 due to financial constraints. Her family, who relied on agricultural labour, often struggled to make ends meet. However, the future seems bright now as Gowthami joined ASDC Thondebhavi and enrolled in the Retail Sales Associate course. She secured a retail job with an annual pay package of ₹2.25 lakh upon completing her 2.5-month training. She said, “ASDC gave me the chance to learn new skills and build a better future for myself and my family. My parents are so proud of me.”


Sisters Vanaja GR and Nirmala GR were unable to continue their education after completing class 10. Their elderly parents, including their mother who suffers from chronic illnesses, depended on them for support. Recognising the need for skills and employment, they joined ASDC Thondebhavi’s Retail Sales Associate course in June 2023. As a result, they secured retail jobs upon the course completion. They now make a combined annual income of ₹4.51 lakh. The sisters excitedly said, “We are so grateful to ASDC for giving us this opportunity. We are now able to take better care of our parents and build a brighter future.”


ACC and the Adani Foundation’s initiatives via ASDC are highlighted through these success stories. They showcase how skill development can play a crucial role in empowering rural communities and fostering sustainable growth, while contributing to the country’s success.

Xiaomi India onboards Katrina Kaif as brand ambassador: A Magical Reunion for a Smarter Tomorrow


Xiaomi India, a global technology brand renowned for its innovation, today announced a strategic partnership with the iconic global actress Katrina Kaif. Kaif will serve as the brand ambassador for Xiaomi's diverse range of Smartphones, TVs, and Tablets. As Xiaomi celebrates a decade of excellence in India, this announcement stands as a testament to Xiaomi's unwavering commitment of innovation for everyone, and it encapsulates the essence of Katrina's global appeal and charismatic beauty perfectly.

 

Katrina Kaif, a celebrated actress in the Indian film industry and a global icon, embodies the spirit of innovation, style, and excellence that Xiaomi strives to embody. Her immense popularity and influence resonate deeply with the brand's growing customer base. With Katrina as its brand ambassador, Xiaomi further aims to strengthen its connection with consumers and reinforce its position as a preferred choice for aspirational Indians seeking cutting-edge technology.

 

In the wake of the exciting announcement, Anuj Sharma, Chief Marketing Officer, Xiaomi India, commented, “As we commemorate a decade of innovation in India, welcoming Katrina Kaif back to the Xiaomi family feels like the perfect way to celebrate. Her grace, widespread appeal, and deep resonance with our audience makes her an ideal ambassador for our next chapter. Both Xiaomi and Katrina have a unique ability to connect with millions of people in an endearing manner. Together, we'll continue to create magic with this association and bring innovative technology to everyone.”

 

Sharing her excitement on coming on board as Xiaomi's new face, actor Katrina Kaif said,“I am thrilled to be back with Xiaomi, especially at this exciting juncture when the brand is celebrating a decade of bringing magic to people’s lives. Xiaomi is a household name in India and their commitment to innovation is something I deeply admire. It feels great to be part of a brand that is constantly evolving and contribute to its iconic legacy. I look forward to represent Xiaomi, a brand that is loved by people across the country and excited to further engage my fans in the innovative world of Xiaomi.”

 

Prateik Das, Associate Director, Marketing Partnerships and Alliances, Xiaomi India further added, “We're thrilled to announce this exciting collaboration between Xiaomi India and Katrina Kaif. This partnership brings together two iconic brands that resonate deeply with Indian audiences. We believe that Katrina's charisma and Xiaomi's innovative technology will create a powerful synergy that will inspire and delight audiences of all ages.”

 

Xiaomi India has cemented its place in households across the country as the most loved and trusted technology brand. Katrina Kaif, on the other hand, has established herself as an icon and symbol of elegance. Together, they promise to bring a new level of excitement to the festive season with a captivating campaign that will kick off this enduring partnership.

 

As Xiaomi and Katrina Kaif collaborate to redefine the Xiaomi brand experience, they aim to become the preferred choice for tech enthusiasts and a symbol of the perfect blend of technology and Bollywood glamour.