Archive: October 5, 2023

UNICEF India National Ambassador, Ayushmann Khurrana and public-private-youth partners launch YouthHub platform in India

New Delhi, 05 October 2023: UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell joined UNICEF India National Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana, government officials, the private sectorand young people at the launch of an innovative, digitalYouthHub app to connect young people in India to future job opportunities, especially girls and marginalised youth.

The platform, which functions as a digital ecosystem, was jointly launched by them along with Mr. Shombi Sharp (United Nations Resident Coordinator in India), Smt. Meeta Rajivlochan(Hon’ble Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports), Ms. Cynthia McCaffrey (Representative, UNICEF India), Mr. Ashwin Yardi (CEO, Capgemini India), Mr. Ranen Banerjee(Government Sector Leader, PwC India), Ms. Vandana Bahri(Head, Skills and Livelihood, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation – CIFF India), Ms. Dhuwarakha Sriram (Chief of YuWaah, Youth Development, and Partnerships at UNICEF), Mr. Abhishek Gupta (COO, YuWaah at UNICEF) and two young leaders – Ms. Zakira Ganji and Ms. Jagriti Pandey.

The YouthHub – co-created by YuWaah at UNICEF, PwC India, Capgemini, and CIFF – aims to connect young people to curated jobs, skills, and volunteering opportunities, and enable access especially for girls and youth from marginalised backgrounds. In its first phase, which was launched on Tuesday, the YouthHubapp has become accessible to young individuals via the Google Playstore. Serving as a unified platform, it offers free access to aggregated job opportunities in nine Indian languages, simplifying the job search process for young people:

Intersecting technology and innovation, the hub is a ‘one-stop’application that integrates diverse platforms, tools, and resources, which aggregates curated economic opportunities for young people. The launch of the YouthHub marks a significant step in convening public, private, and youth partners to foster a generation of informed and skilled young people who can transition well from learning to earning.

Ms. Russell is visiting India this week to meet with government officials, members of the private sector as well as young people, children and some of India’s frontline community workers.

UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, said:“Investing in children and youth is the best way to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals and create a brighter future for generations to come. Collaborative initiatives such as this YouthHub are a good way to reduce inequalities and ensure that girls are included and have access to future job opportunities. We can create a lasting impact when young people are involved in decision-making and when their voices are heard.”

Ayushmann Khurrana, Bollywood star and UNICEF India National Ambassador said, “Being a UNICEF India National Ambassador has allowed me to peek into the lives, dreams, and hurdles faced by the children and young people of our country. They are our future, and ensuring they have a fair shot at success is not just a choice, it’s our duty. YouthHub app byYuWaah at UNICEF and partners is like a script for success for every young person in India. It’s not just a platform; it’s a dream factory that opens up doors to economic, skilling, and volunteering opportunities. But it’s much more than that. It’s a symbol of hope and the belief that every youngster, no matter their gender or background, deserves a shot at greatness. And we begin with equal opportunities for all. That’s what theYouthHub app will extend to young people.”

DPS Indirapuram Celebrates Gandhi Jayanti and Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti with Enthusiasm

Delhi Public School Indirapuram (DPSI) commemorated the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri with a series of engaging activities for students from Nursery to Class V. A number of activities served as a reminder of the enduring values of peace, non-violence, and social justice that continue to inspire our students.

A special assembly was presented by students, with kids donning Khadi attire, echoing the values advocated by these revered leaders. A student presented a heart-touching poem honoring Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle. Students also enacted Gandhiji’s historic Dandi March and conveyed the message of non-violence. Dressed as Gandhiji’s monkeys, they also emphasised, “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.”

Class 3 students expressed their thoughts on Mahatma Gandhi through creative writing, while Class 4 students learned to craft the iconic Charkha symbolising self-reliance and freedom. Class 5 students showcased their knowledge through an educational quiz to analyse their understanding of Mahatma Gandhi’s life and his role in India’s independence movement.

Coca-Cola India Launches 100percent Recycled PET Bottles in the Carbonated Beverage Category

Bengaluru, 5th October 2023: After being the first company in India to launch a one-litre bottle made from 100% recycled PET (rPET) for its packaged drinking water brand Kinley, Coca-Cola India is taking another meaningful step towards creating a circular economy and has announced the launch of Coca-Cola® in rPET in pack sizes of 250 ml and 750 ml. These rPET bottles are being manufactured by Coca-Cola bottling partners – Moon Beverages Ltd., and SLMG Beverages Ltd..

The rPET bottles expansion showcases Coca-Cola India’s transformative journey towards building a sustainable and greener future for all. The bottles made from 100% food-grade rPET (excluding caps and labels) have an on-pack call to action “Recycle Me Again” message and will also drive consumer awareness with “100% recycled PET bottle” displayed on the pack.

Sanjeev Agarwal, Chairman, of Moon Beverages Limited (part of MMG Group), commended the rPET launch stating, “PET plastic bottles have value beyond their first life. Our new bottles made with food-grade rPET are recyclable and can become another bottle giving it another life. Recycled PET is a big move in the right direction to embrace plastic circularity in India.”

These rPET bottles are crafted from food-grade recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The plastic is recycled as per the technologies approved by the US FDA and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for food-grade recycled material and repurposed into new PET bottles, reducing the need for virgin plastic for producing PET Bottles.

On the launch of Coca-Cola® in rPET, Paritosh Ladhani, Managing Director, SLMG Beverages Limited stated, “We produced the first bottle of Coca-Cola in India and are proud to be amongst the first bottlers to produce the rPET variant. We are committed to sustainability and SLMG is enthused to drive meaningful change and build a sustainable future.”

The Coca‑Cola Company now offers 100% rPET bottles in over 40 markets, bringing it closer to its World Without Waste goal of making bottles with 50% recycled content by 2030. Announced in 2018, the sustainable packaging platform also includes a goal to collect and recycle the equivalent of a bottle or can for every one the company sells globally by 2030, and to make 100% of its packaging recyclable by 2025.

Enrique Ackermann, Vice President of technical and Innovation, at Coca-Cola India, and Southwest Asia, said, ” We seek to drive a circular economy for our packaging in order to reduce waste and carbon emissions. We’re working to increase recycled content in our packaging, expand our use of refillable bottles, and collect packaging for recycling through our World Without Waste initiative. We also do research for new solutions for packaging. This expansion by Moon Beverages and SLMG Beverages underscores Coca-Cola India’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and its dedication to forging a more sustainable future.”

The Food Safety Authority of India (FSSAI) has approved the use of recycled PET in food packaging. Similarly, the Government of India’s, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Bureau of Indian Standards have enabled befitting regulations and standards to facilitate the use of recycled plastics in food and beverage packaging.

Coca-Cola is making it convenient for consumers to return their empty PET bottles by recycling them at conveniently placed drop-off points or Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs). Earlier this year, Coca-Cola India launched a ‘Return and Recycle’ initiative with Zepto that focuses on gathering PET bottles directly from consumers. This also helps in establishing an organized process of collecting PET bottles with 100% traceability. Specifically for India, Coca-Cola introduced ASSP (Affordable Small Sparkling Pack) for the 250 ml PET bottle. ASSP, a proprietary Coca-Cola innovative technology is used to reduce plastic usage in the production of PET bottles for sparkling products by up to 40 percent.

In December 2022, Coca-Cola Bangladesh launched 100% rPET bottles, making it the first market in Southwest Asia (SWA) to introduce Kinley water bottles in one-liter packages.

Lectrix EV Joins Forces with Zypp Electric to Supercharge Electric Two-Wheeler Expansion

Bengaluru/New Delhi 5th Oct 2023, In a significant move that promises to reshape the Indian electric two-wheeler landscape, Lectrix EV, a major player in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, has forged a strategic partnership with Zypp Electric, a leading provider of electric mobility & delivery solutions. The collaboration is set to play a pivotal role in Zypp’s ambitious expansion plan, which aims to increase its electric vehicle fleet by more than 1 lakh EV Fleet size by next year.

Lectrix EV, the electric mobility arm of SAR Group is renowned for its cutting-edge electric two-wheelers. In this strategic collaboration, Lectrix EV will leverage its expertise and resources to supply customized electric vehicles tailored to Zypp’s specific requirements for their expanding last-mile delivery business. These vehicles are not only environmentally friendly but also compliant with the FAME II scheme, aligning perfectly with the Indian government’s goal of cleaner and sustainable transportation options.

One of the standout features of this partnership is the fact that all the vehicles provided by Lectrix EV to Zypp will be 100% Made in India & FAME II approved products. This commitment to domestic manufacturing reflects the companies’ shared vision to bolster the ‘Make in India’ initiative and promote self-reliance in the EV sector. It is expected to generate a positive ripple effect throughout the Indian EV ecosystem aiding in increased employment opportunities and technological advancement.

Mr K Vijaya Kumar, MD & CEO of Lectrix EV shared, “Lectrix EV’s readiness to provide customized electric two-wheelers tailored to Zypp’s needs is a testament to their deep understanding of the B2B (business-to-business) use case in the electric mobility industry. This understanding has been honed through past and ongoing collaborations with industry giants like Bounce and Moving. The valuable insights gained from these partnerships have positioned Lectrix EV as a go-to partner for businesses seeking efficient and sustainable last-mile delivery solutions. As the partnership between Lectrix EV and Zypp takes shape, it is likely to accelerate the adoption of electric two-wheelers for commercial purposes, setting a new benchmark for sustainable and efficient last-mile delivery solutions in India.”

“We are currently in a massive expansion phase and our aim is to deploy half a million scooters within the next 4 years. Indian last mile market is desperately looking to electrify itself and the solution lies with large-scale fleet service providers who can manage the entire ecosystem around EVs. The adoption of electric two-wheelers for last-mile deliveries not only reduces operational costs for businesses but also contributes significantly to reducing carbon footprint and fueling the ongoing demand for faster deliveries to customer doorsteps. In the past, we have worked with a few select OEMs. We have been testing Lectrix products for a few months now and am happy to collaborate with Letrix EV to achieve this big goal and look forward to working with them in the future as well”, shared Tushar Mehta, COO & Co-founder, of Zypp Electric.

The timing of this collaboration couldn’t be more opportune. With the Indian electric vehicle market witnessing rapid growth and the e-commerce sector experiencing a boom, Zypp’s expansion plans align perfectly with the evolving needs of the Indian consumer.

With FAME II compliance and a commitment to Indian manufacturing, this alliance exemplifies the transformative potential of the electric vehicle industry in the country. As these electric fleets hit the streets, it won’t just be the wheels that are turning; it will be the wheels of progress, innovation, and a greener future for India’s urban landscape.

MyFoodPlanit Launches All-In-One Meal Planning and Nutrition Tracking Platform with AI Tool, Free Trial Period

Seattle, WA—October 5th, 2023 – MyFoodPlanit, the all-in-one platform for meal prep, planning, grocery shopping, and macronutrient tracking, announces today the official launch of its platform and new AI feature, ‘Orion’. MyFoodPlanit makes meal planning an easy, seamless process by creating meal plans, and grocery lists, assisting with shopping, and then tracking all the nutritional facts of planned meals for users. In addition, the AI feature is integrated into the platform and allows users to input their unique goals and food preferences to generate targeted recipe recommendations. By producing targeted results fine-tuned to the user’s specific needs, the AI feature eliminates the stress of meal planning through simplification. Orion can also answer general health, food, and fitness questions.

“When creating MyFoodPlanit, I noticed how many different apps were required for meal prepping, planning, food tracking, and actually shopping for ingredients”, says Ryan Chapman, CEO and Founder of MyFoodPlanit. “I wanted to develop a full platform to simplify the meal prep process, where you could plan meals, shop for the ingredients, and track your nutrition all in one place. With the addition of our new AI tool, we are making the process even simpler and eliminating the often difficult choice of selecting a recipe that fits within your goals. It’s like having your own food and fitness concierge.”

MyFoodPlanit will also offer a solution for professionals looking to create and sell their own meal prep plans through a white-labeled process. Experts will be able to use the unique designs of MyFoodPlanit to create, package, and sell their created plans in a MyFoodPlanit store that can be linked back to.

MyFoodPlanit has a 14-day free trial period for new users who are interested in testing out the platform.

Shyam Metalics, The Manufacturer of S-E-L Tiger TMT Re-Bars to Make Aluminum Foil for Lithium-ion Cell Manufacturing

Hyderabad, 05, October 2023: Shyam Metalics and Energy Limited, the manufacturer and seller of the iconic S-E-L Tiger TMT Re-Bars, announced its entry into the energy storage sector with battery-grade aluminum foil, a critical component in Lithium-ion cells.

Headquartered in Kolkata, Shyam Metalics is at the forefront of integrated metal production and is poised to become a pivotal domestic contributor to the Indian government’s AatmaNirbhar Bharat initiative in the battery energy storage sector.

An industry trailblazer, Shyam Metalics is renowned for revolutionizing the construction industry with its cutting-edge S-E-L Tiger TMT Re-Bar and is a major producer and exporter of aluminum foil for diverse industrial applications. With an impressive annual production capacity of 20,000 tons, Shyam Metalics is primed to enable India to secure a substantial share of raw materials in the global Lithium-ion cell market, projected to reach a capacity of 6500GWh/year by 2030.

The production of 1GWh (Gigawatt-hour) of LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells, which power an extensive range of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, necessitates 350 tons of high-purity and uniform-thickness aluminum foil, serving as a positive (cathode) current collector. This demand doubles for sodium-ion batteries, where both positive and negative current collectors are expected to use aluminum foils.

Shyam Metalics offers customized battery aluminum foil with thickness ranging from 12-micron to 20-micron, rigorously tested and validated by third-party laboratories. Furthermore, the company boasts state-of-the-art German equipment capable of manufacturing aluminum foils as thin as 6-micron, ideally suited for future requirements in tandem with evolving Lithium-ion cell technologies, enhancing the cell’s gravimetric energy density (amount of energy contained per unit weight of the cell expressed in terms of Watt-hour/Kilogram).

The cutting-edge S-E-L Tiger TMT Re-Bar has been revolutionizing the construction industry with its exceptional cement bonding capabilities. Available in sizes ranging from 5.5/6 mm to 32 mm, these Re-Bars ensure defect-free work, smoother surface conditions, and reduced thermal conductivity, making them the preferred choice for residential, commercial and industrial projects. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the S-E-L TIGER TMT Re-Bars showcase exceptional strength, durability, and reliability. Designed to meet the diverse needs of builders and construction professionals, S-E-L Tiger TMT bars offer unparalleled performance, ensuring the creation of robust and enduring structures.

Raheja Developers to Invest a Massive Rs. 2000 Crores in FY 2024,25 & 26

Gurgaon- Raheja Developers, one of India’s premier real estate companies, is poised to invest a massive upto Rs. 2000 crores in its projects in the Financial Year 2024,25 & 26.

This substantial investment is aimed at increasing the pace of construction ensuring early delivery of residential and commercial properties. The company has a proven track record of delivering approximately 30 million square feet across all segments. An additional 20 million square feet is currently under execution and includes future developments. Most of these projects will be offered for possession in FY 24, 25 and 26.

“This significant investment aims to accelerate the pace of construction, ensuring the timely delivery of residential and commercial properties. We’re committed to delivering dream homes and innovative business spaces. With a legacy of excellence spanning over more than 30 years, we continue to redefine industry standards and create value for all stakeholders,” says Nayan Raheja of Raheja Developers.

Raheja Developer’s line-up of under construction residential projects include “The Leela Sky Villas” in the heart of Central Delhi,Vanya in Sector-99 at the Dwarka Expressway in Gurugram, “Raheja Revanta” & “Tapas Townhouse” in Sector-78, Gurugram, “Raheja Shilas Independent Floors” in Sector 109, Gurugram, “Raheja Maheshwara” in Sectors 11 & 14 in Sohna, Haryana, “Sansara Floors At Raheja Oma” in Sector-2A, NH-8, Dharuhera, “Krishna Housing Scheme” in Sector-11 & 14, Sohna, Haryana, Aranya city, phase-2 in Sohna.

Raheja Developers commercial projects under development are “The Delhi Mall” located on Patel Road in New Delhi, “Raheja Trinity” in Sector-84, Gurugram, “Krishna Commercial Complex” in Sector-14, Sohna, Haryana, and “Raheja Market Sec-83 & 84 (SCO)” in Sector-83 and 84, Gurugram.

Raheja Developers was founded in 1990 by Mr. Navin M. Raheja and has consistently maintained its reputation as a pioneer in the Indian real estate industry. The company has achieved numerous milestones, from introducing trendsetting luxury housing to providing affordable homes to the underprivileged including offering possession of 2800 EWS units under PPP with DDA. Raheja Developers’ portfolio includes India’s tallest skyscrapers and expansive plotted townships, floors, apartments, SCO redefining how people live, shop, and work.

Over the past 30 dynamic years, Raheja Developers has forged partnerships with top-notch names in construction, innovation, design, architecture, cinema, and hotels. Collaborations with esteemed entities such as The Leela Lace Holdings, Tata Housing, Aedas, Arabtec, Thorton Tomasetti, L&T, Best Western, and Ginger Hotel have allowed Raheja Developers to consistently deliver value for money and create projects that redefine excellence.

Tata CLiQ, Tata CLiQ Luxury, and Tata CLiQ Palette celebrate the festive season with their flagship sale event 10.10

National, 5th October 2023: The flagship e-commerce initiatives of the Tata Group—Tata CLiQ, Tata CLiQ Luxury, and Tata CLiQ Palette are hosting their annual and much-awaited 10.10 sale starting on October 6. The sale will have attractive offers across various categories, such as apparel, beauty, accessories, footwear, jewellery, watches, and more, allowing consumers to shop from leading brands this festive season.

Gopal Asthana, Chief Executive Officer, of Tata CLiQ, said, “At Tata CLiQ, our efforts are focused on becoming the preferred platform for consumers for lifestyle, luxury, and beauty. Tapping into the current buying sentiment of consumers this festive season, we are excited to announce our flagship sale event, 10.10, which starts on October 6. All three platforms, Tata CLiQ, Tata CLiQ Luxury, and Tata CLiQ Palette, have a bouquet of offers across categories that are bound to excite consumers as they shop this festive season. The platforms have also expanded their existing portfolio by introducing the latest collections, thus increasing their assortment further across different categories. We look forward to an exciting festive season as we continue to provide curated offerings and an elevated shopping experience to our customers.”

Tata CLiQ, India’s leading e-commerce destination, is driving the proposition of ‘scoring the perfect 10 on your fashion’ for the 10/10 sale. During the sale, it promises to offer curated and trendiest collections from leading brands across fashion and lifestyle.
Starting October 6th, customers can enjoy up to 85% off on their favorite brands, along with added benefits such as free shipping, additional coupons, and bank offers. Further, one can avail a flat 15% off on the products wishlisted from October 3rd to 5th.
It promises to be a blockbuster shopping season for customers, with amazing offers up for grabs across leading categories such as apparel and footwear. Menswear brands like Jack & Jones, Levi’s, Spykar, U.S. Polo Assn., and more will be up to 30-80% off, while men’s footwear will be up to 70% off. Womenswear too has exciting offers, with up to 70% off on leading apparel and footwear brands such as Aldo, AND, Biba, Clarks, Only, Vero Moda, and W. In addition, one can enjoy offers on watches from brands like Casio, Fossil, and Titan. The gadgets and accessories categories also have offers one can’t resist.
Leading banks are also participating in the sale with a 10% instant discount on HDFC bank credit cards from October 6 to October 10 and on ICICI bank credit cards from October 10 to October 16. *T&C apply

Tata CLiQ Luxury, India’s premier luxury lifestyle platform, invites consumers to celebrate and cherish timeless traditions as they avail offers on the most coveted global and Indian luxury brands across categories.
Enjoy up to 10–40% off on accessories from brands like Guess, Montblanc, Mulberry, Samsonite, and more. Luxury watch brands like Versace have up to 40% off, and one can get special gifts from brands like Longines, Rado, and Tissot. Premium fashion watch brands like Earnshaw, Emporio Armani, Just Cavalli, and Maserati will also have offers.
Dress to impress as fashion categories which includes premium and bridge-to-luxury portfolio for men and women are up to 40–50% off. Brands like Calvin Klein Jeans, Forever New, Gant, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, True Religion, and Selected Homme in apparel and Aldo, Adidas Originals, Bugatti, Dune London, and New Balance in footwear will have offers. In the kid’s category, consumers can avail of 30–50% off on brands like Boss Kids, Choupette, Jordan, and Karl Lagerfeld Kids. In the Indiluxe section, prominent Indian designer labels like Balance by Rohit Bal, GopiVaid, Masaba, Ritu Kumar, RR Blue, and more will have irresistible offers. In addition, Joules by Radhika, Da Milano, and Tiesta in jewelry, accessories, and footwear will also have attractive offers.
Beauty and fragrance enthusiasts are in for a treat, with brands like Bvlgari, Dyson, L’occitane, Moroccan Oil, and Yves Saint Laurent up for grabs with special offers. Apart from this, in the fine jewelry category, leading brands like De Beers Forevermark and Zoya have special offers, and fashion jewelry brands such as Swarovski, Police, and Ted Baker are up to 60% off. Dyson Home, Le Creuset, Noritake, Roberto Cavalli, Versace, and Zippo in the home category will also have offers. If one is looking to shop for eyewear, luxury brands have lucrative offers of up to 50% off. Also brands like Prada, Ray-Ban, and Tom Ford have special offers. In the fitness category, Flexnest and Powemax will have offers one wouldn’t want to miss!
HDFC bank credit card holders can get a 10% instant discount from October 6 to October 10 and on ICICI and IDFC bank credit cards from October 11 to October 15 while shopping on Tata CLiQ Luxury. *T&C apply

Tata CLiQ Palette, India’s beauty matchmaker, invites customers to score the perfect look this festive season with their widest assortment of top beauty products from 1000+ brands at up to 50% off this 10/10 sale, starting on October 6th. What’s more? First-time shoppers can avail of a flat Rs. 500 off on their first order across the entire collection, along with exciting gifts with purchases and additional discounts.

Get ready to discover your favourite brands at never-seen-before prices, from exciting daily deals to offers on new drops until October 15th! It’s the best time to shop makeup must-haves from Colorbar, Lakme, Maybelline New York, and Sugar Cosmetics which are up to 60% off. Set the base right for any look with the right skin prep with holy grail essentials from Biotique, L’Oreal Paris, Minimalist, and Neutrogena which are up to 45% off. With up to 65% off, refresh your perfume counter with classic fragrances from Ajmal, Guess, Jaguar, and SkinnBy Titan. Discover hair care and hair colour best-sellers from Garnier, L’Oreal Paris, and Pilgrim that will be up to 45% off. If you are looking to switch up your shower routine, stock up on bath and body supplies from Dove, Mamaearth, Nivea, and Vaseline which are up to 55% off.

In the luxury beauty section, one can indulge in luxury skincare at incredible prices from CLINIQUE, COSRX, Gallinee, and more with assured gifts and a minimum of 20–65% off, respectively. Recreate iconic looks with top international makeup brands such as Bobbi Brown, GA-DE, M.A.C., and Sigma Beauty, which are up to 40% off. Coveted fragrance brands like Bvlgari, Carolina Herrera, and PacoRabanne will be up to 20% off and make for the perfect gifting option this festive season. Tame those tresses with hair care by availing of 25% off on brands like Kevin Murphy, Olaplex, and Rene Furtner. Stock up on body care essentials for the upcoming winter season with steal deals from cult favourite brands like Forest Essentials, Kama Ayurveda, and The Body Shop that are up to 50% off.

HDFC bank credit card holders can get a 10% instant discount from October 6 to October 15 while shopping on Tata CLiQ Palette. *T&C apply