Archive: June 29, 2024

MSME Minister Announces Seedfund for Differently Abled and Transgender Startups in Tamil Nadu

Chennai – June, 29, 2024: Hon’ble Minister for MSME, Thiru. T.M. Anbarasan, announced in the assembly that a special Seedfund will be introduced to support the Startups run by differently abled and transgender people in Tamil Nadu. He made the announcement on Friday during the demand for grant session for the
MSME Department.

The special Seedfund is meant to support startups run by differently-abled individuals and transgender people in order to achieve inclusive growth in new- age entrepreneurship development. StartupTN will identify potential beneficiaries throughout the state.

The Hon’ble Minister announced that new Regional Startup Hubs will be established in Coimbatore and Tiruchi cities in the current financial year. Regional Startup Hubs have already been established in Madurai, Tirunelveli,
Erode, Salem, Hosur, Cuddalore, and Thanjavur in the last two years. In addition, the Chennai Metro Startup Hub, equipped with all the required facilities, has already been established.

The Hon’ble Minister also announced that Global Startup Coordination Centres (GCC) will be established in Singapore and the United States of America in the 2024-25 financial year to support startups registered in Tamil Nadu in expanding their business on the global stage, he said. The Hon’ble Minister also announced that a modern Design Studio named ‘Thozhil Nayam’ will be established at StartupTN Chennai Metro Hub to fulfil the requirements of startups in designing their products.

Veedol Signs Cricket Legend Sourav Ganguly as Brand Ambassador

Bangalore– June 29, 2024: Veedol, one of India’s leading lubricant brands from Tide Water Oil Co. (India) Ltd., has signed up cricket legend Sourav Ganguly as its brand ambassador. This partnership signifies a pivotal move for Veedol as it seeks to enhance its brand presence and solidify its market position across India.

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Brand Veedol has a rich, near-century old legacy with markets in over 70 countries. Positioned internationally as the ‘Professional’s choice’, Veedol enjoys considerable saliency amongst the workshop fraternity worldwide. Respected and trusted in the industry, Veedol provides a comprehensive range of lubricants for both the Automotive Aftermarket (Retail) and Institutional (B2B) segments. With a pan India footprint, Veedol is one of India’s most prominent lubricant brands, with a consolidated revenue from operations of 31st March 2024.

Veedol is a trusted brand encompassing a repertoire of excellent quality products delivered far and wide through its network of channel partners, many of whom have been engaged with the company for two generations. Honesty, transparency and enduring relationships are defining features of the Veedol way, as encapsulated in its advertising tagline ‘Rakhe Saaf, Dil Se.’

Expressing enthusiasm, Mr Arijit Basu, Managing Director, Tide Water Oil Co (India) Ltd said, “We are delighted to have a cricketing great like Sourav Ganguly join us as our brand ambassador. His leadership, grit and determination are the stuff of legend, shaping the winning attitude of Team India as we know it today. Founded on honesty and self-belief, brand Sourav continues to inspire all to raise the bar of performance and achievement, values that resonate strongly with Veedol. We are confident that this association will give us a strong impetus as we drive forward into the future.”

Commenting on the association, Mr Sourav Ganguly said, “My association with Veedol represents a commitment to excellence, innovation and reliability. Just as Veedol stands for high-quality and performance in the automotive industry, I am dedicated to embodying these values in every aspect of my work. Together, we will strive to inspire and connect with our audience, showcasing the best of what we both have to offer.”

Comprehensive Product Portfolio and Market Presence

Veedol has a strong presence across all automotive segments, including 2-wheelers, passenger cars, agri and commercial vehicles (both heavy and small). There are products across various performance specifications and price points. Traditionally strong in the 2-wheeler segment with its flagship brand “Take-Off” and in agriculture with “Prima,” Veedol is increasingly expanding its presence in the passenger car (PCMO) and commercial vehicle (CV) segments.

The company has been particularly strong in upcountry and rural areas and is now intensifying its focus on urban markets. With significant equity in trade the brand enjoys a robust distribution network with 500 direct distributors and dealers servicing over 50,000 retail outlets and workshops.

Strategic Initiatives and Future Directions

Veedol is currently undergoing a portfolio upgrade and packaging makeover to introduce a new-age look and feel while offering technically superior products. A major revamp of supply chain and digitization processes is also underway to enhance operational efficiencies and meet future customer needs.

Investing significantly in brand building, Veedol is leveraging its association with cricket, including its partnership with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the appointment of Sourav Ganguly as brand ambassador. These strategic directions underscore Veedol’s commitment to achieving high brand saliency and recall, factors that would help fuel its ambitious growth plans.

FTCCI held an interactive meeting on Business Opportunities in Africa

Hyderabad, June 29, 2024…..FTCCI(Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry) organized an interactive meeting on Business Opportunities in Africa on Friday at Hotel Hyatt Place, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.

Srinivas Garimella_Meela Jayadev_AK Pramod Kumar_Chakravarthi AVPS at the interactive meeting

Africa, with its rich natural resources and rapidly developing sectors, presents a wealth of business possibilities Today’s event is an opportunity for potential investors who have a keen interest in harnessing the potential of Africa’s dynamic business environment, said Meela Jayadev of FTCCI in his presidential address.

Since most of the African countries are vying with each other to develop and improve the standards of living of people, the countries are focusing on infrastructure development and creating facilities to attract investors globally, Meela Jayadev said

Mr. A. K. Pramod Kumar Kathigasu, Business Development Head – AP & Telangana, Arise Integrated Industrial Platform explained in detail the various opportunities. Another advantage is, goods can be exported to Europe from Africa at zero tax. This provides a huge opportunity for investors to get high returns and expand, he said.

Africa is a fast-growing continent and many international investors recognize that there is enough of money to be earned there. This program was organized to create awareness of investment opportunities in Africa. The general impression that still prevails in many people is that Africa is still an underdeveloped country. That poverty is very high, people are not highly educated. Several countries in Africa have undergone economic reforms and are one of the best places to invest, when compared to other countries in other regions, said Srinivas Garimella, Chair of the Industrial Development Committee.

This is an opportunity to explore the wealth of business possibilities in Africa across diverse sectors such as Agriculture timber, textiles, cashews, fruits, rubber, spices, minerals, glass, construction, Food Processing and others, stated Chakravarthi AVPS, Chair of the International Trade Committee said.

Assouline releases AlUla Flora, celebrating the ancient oasis destination’s vibrant blooms

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AlUla, Saudi Arabia – 29th June 2024: Premier luxury publishing house Assouline has released its latest masterpiece, ‘AlUla Flora’. The work celebrates the diverse plant life that blooms in the ancient oasis city located in northwest Saudi Arabia.

‘AlUla Flora’, the latest addition to Assouline’s Classics Collection, features text by Abdulaziz Assaeed, a professor of rangeland ecology at King Saud University, accompanied by captivating images by young Saudi photographer Hayat Osamah. The vibrant tome is further elevated by artwork by Carolyn Jenkins, Lil Sire, Raxenne, Moira Frith, and Mary Woodin.

Following the success of last year’s ‘AlUla Ever’, which showcased the region’s geological wonders, rich cultural heritage and flourishing arts scene, ‘AlUla Flora’ invites readers on a visual and educational journey through the city’s lush ecosystems. The book highlights over 80 plant species that flourish in AlUla’s diverse landscapes—from rocky sandstone outcrops and vast desert plains to a verdant oasis teeming with natural springs.

Featured plants include the Hispid Viper’s Bugloss with its bright funnel-shaped flowers, the striking Spiny Milkvetch with pinkish-purple blooms, and the culturally significant jujube tree. Each species is presented not only for its ecological value but also for its role in local traditions, from Bedouin crafts to ancient culinary uses.

Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla, articulates the vision of the book: “’AlUla Flora’ opens a window to the city’s fascinating botanical world, which we have been carefully and intentionally nurturing to rebuild and reinforce the ecological richness and vibrancy of the region. The book acts as a visual narrative of our broader aspirations to protect and showcase the verdant life in AlUla, inviting visitors and locals to discover more about the environment that we live in and create an all-important connection with nature.”

The book is a visual exploration of the little-know flora of the city and an educational journey that illuminates the significant conservation efforts underway in AlUla to restore and rewild its ecosystems and preserve its native plant species for years to come. These efforts underscore a commitment to sustainability and ecotourism, aimed at enriching the lives of the local community and visitors alike.

An oasis teeming with life

The publication of ‘AlUla Flora’ highlights the destination’s dedication to environmental stewardship, evidenced by the allocation of more than 50% of AlUla’s geographical boundaries to protected nature reserves — including Sharaan, Wadi Nakhlah, Gharameel, Harrat Uwayrid, Harrat AlZabin, and Harrat Khaybar.

Integral to AlUla’s mission is the restoration of the land and its ecological heritage through the reintroduction of essential native species of both flora and fauna that once flourished there. The animal reintroduction program, which launched in 2023, has already seen successful animal releases of around 1,000 animals from four species—Arabian gazelles, Sand gazelles, Arabian oryx, and Nubian ibex.

AlUla’s legacy is one of harmony with nature, a testament to a region that has nurtured human civilisation for millennia through its generous natural resources. In this way, AlUla is reclaiming its past and sowing the seeds for a revitalised future where nature and humanity continue to thrive in balance.

Bank of India receives Top Honours at PFRDA

Bangalore, 29 June 2024: Bank of India (BOI) has been honoured with multiple prestigious awards, recognizing its outstanding performance in various aspects of banking and financial inclusion. BOI has been felicitated with the Atal Pension Yojana Annual Award for FY2023-24 by PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Awards) for the second consecutive year. Additionally, the Bank has been awarded the APY Ultimate Champions Cup while three of its branches have been recognized among the top five branches across India.

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In a testament to its leadership role, the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) Jharkhand, led by Bank of India, received the prestigious ‘Award of Ultimate Leadership’ for exemplary contributions to APY enrolments in the state. The Bank’s commitment to financial inclusion was further highlighted as BOI-sponsored Regional Rural Banks – Aryavrat, MPGB, and VKGB – were also felicitated for their APY enrolment achievements.

The awards were presented by the Secretary of the Department of Financial Services, in the presence of the PFRDA Chairperson and senior executives from public sector banks. Mr M Karthikeyan, Executive Director of Bank of India, accepted the awards on the Bank’s behalf.

Rajneesh Karnatak, Managing Director & CEO – Bank of India, stated: “These awards reaffirm our unwavering commitment to financial inclusion and excellence in banking services. Such recognitions motivate us to continue innovating and expanding our reach to serve every segment of society.”

These accolades underscore Bank of India’s dedication to promoting financial security, retirement planning and overall banking excellence.

Singer Suryansh Unveils New Single “Tum Aana” Inspired by Ted Chiang’s “Exhalation

Mumbai, 29th June 2024: Acclaimed playback singer and music virtuoso, Suryansh, has released his highly anticipated new song, “Tum Aana.” Drawing inspiration from a poignant short story in Ted Chiang’s book “Exhalation,” the track delves into themes of love, loss, and the unchangeable nature of fate.

“‘Tum Aana’ was born out of a deep connection I felt with the narrative of a man who travels to the past to save his wife, only to realize that fate cannot be altered,” Suryansh shared. “The emotional core of the story resonated with me profoundly, and I aimed to capture that complexity through minimalistic arrangements that allow the powerful lyrics to stand out.”

Known for his remarkable contributions to the Indian music industry, Suryansh has showcased his multifaceted talents as a playback singer, composer, music producer, and arranger in blockbuster films like “Maidaan,” “Pippa,” “Mili,” “Mimi,” and “Atrangi Re.” His recent collaboration on the song “Baaja” from the movie “Amar Singh Chamkila” saw him working alongside legends such as A.R. Rahman, Irshad Kamil, and Imtiaz Ali.

Suryansh’s soul-stirring vocals and versatile skills have earned him accolades from industry giants, setting him on a path to captivate audiences globally with his unique blend of talent.

“Music has always been a medium for me to explore and express deep emotions,” Suryansh added. “With ‘Tum Aana,’ I hope to touch the hearts of listeners and convey the profound beauty and sadness of an unchangeable fate.”

Fire Up Your Fourth Of July With Viking Barns’ Amazing Savings On Metal Buildings

Viking Barns is proud to announce exclusive sales for metal barns, workshops, and garages on this Independence Day. Now is the perfect time to invest in their durable, resilient, versatile buildings that stand the test of time.

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Get ready to celebrate this independence in style with amazing deals and discounts on Viking Barns’ metal buildings. Whether you’re a farmer needing a new barn, a rancher looking for a shelter for your livestock, or a business owner seeking to expand, take advantage of their unbeatable discount offers.

They have a wide range of steel structure options, from simple carports and garages to workshops and large barns. Each metal building is constructed using high quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. The buildings are American-manufactured, with attention to detail that ensures reliability. Not only are they offering discounts, but they also have special financing options to make your metal building more affordable.

Wondering what’s in the offers? Apart from elusive discounts galore, Viking Barns offers customization options for roof, color, size, and height tailored to your needs. Their insulated metal buildings keep livestock and other stored equipment safe and secure from external elements. Include strategically placed windows to bring natural light and a fresh air breeze to your design.

Don’t miss out on the limited-time savings! Discover the power of rust-resistant structural steel and uncover the versatility of the multi-functional structures. Viking Barns offers structural steels that are 100% recyclable and reduce deforestation.

Limited Time Only! This Independence Day sales start from today to July 4th, 2024. So, don’t miss out on incredible deals. For more information, visit the official website.

So, hurry! Make this Independence Day one to remember with a brand-new metal barn, garage, or workshop at an unbeatable price! Viking Barns is excited to offer their customers an opportunity to save big on their metal structures during the July 4th sales event.

5 Upskilling Platforms to Boost your Career

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the urgency for upskilling has never been greater. A report by the World Economic Forum and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) estimates a potential skill gap of 23 million in India by 2030, underscoring the critical need for upskilling initiatives. Many working professionals consider going back to school to advance their careers, switch fields, or enhance their skills to stay relevant. One effective way to achieve this without taking a sabbatical is through upskilling platforms that offer a wide range of degree and certification courses designed to help adult learners boost their careers. Here, we explore the top five upskilling platforms that can significantly enhance your career trajectory.

Hero Vired: Hero Vired is India’s premium learntech company dedicated to providing career-relevant new-age programs to working professionals and graduates. The Hero Group venture partners with world-class universities like INSEAD, University of Chicago, Snapchat, and UXDI among others to equip learners with critical skills for emerging jobs and future workforce. Offering a comprehensive range of short-mid duration learning programs, Hero Vired uses a unique teaching methodology that combines more than 70% live learning with self-paced content. Hero Vired’s report, “Future of the Skills Landscape 2024,” also revealed that 82 percent of working professionals are concerned about the impact of evolving technologies on job security, while 78 percent recognize upskilling as a proactive strategy to navigate the rapidly changing work landscape. Aligning with the findings of the report, their mission is to bridge the divide between the skills that graduates possess and the evolving demands of the Industry 4.0 landscape.

upGrad: Founded in 2015, upGrad was established when its founders recognized the need for professionals to continuously upskill in response to a rapidly evolving industry. They observed that professional learning often halts once individuals enter the workforce. upGrad aims to transform the lives of working professionals by providing opportunities to upskill while they continue working. Committed to delivering quality education for the future workforce, upGrad offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, striving to make online learning as engaging and interactive as a traditional classroom environment.

edX: edX, an online learning platform from the leading digital education company 2U, Inc., was originally founded by Harvard and MIT as an initiative to make world-class education accessible to everyone. Now part of 2U, edX connects over 78 million learners globally with online courses that promote real professional advancement across diverse career fields, from artificial intelligence and robotics to sustainability and public health. In collaboration with top universities and organizations, edX offers thousands of job-relevant programs, providing ambitious learners with pathways to success.

Unacademy: Unacademy, based in Bangalore, is a prominent Indian multinational educational technology company known for its online learning platform. Founded in 2015 by Gaurav Munjal, Hemesh Singh, and Roman Saini, Unacademy offers comprehensive preparation for a wide range of competitive exams, including JEE, NEET, UPSC, GATE, Chartered Accountancy, UPSC NDA, CUET, Boards, and more. Additionally, it provides foundational K-12 education and skill-building courses in areas such as programming, photography, entrepreneurship, and more. As of May 2022, Unacademy had a valuation of $3.44 billion and has received several accolades, including being listed among the GSV Global EdTech 50 in 2020 and ranking first in LinkedIn’s Top Startups List for India in 2021.

Zamit: Zamit, headquartered in the UK, specializes in integrated learning solutions for students and excellence management for teachers. Their unique Measure, Improve, and Monitor model, powered by AI-driven Learner Analytics, ensures impactful institutional assessments. Zamit offers a holistic development program for students, promoting lifelong learning habits and fostering over one hundred 21st-century skills alongside traditional subjects, with the Zamit Quotient (ZQ) as a key benchmarking tool for future readiness. For teachers, Zamit provides a comprehensive CPD program utilizing the TERM (Teaching Excellence and Relevance Management) framework to enhance over seventy teaching and relevance management skills. Additionally, teachers benefit from access to a robust Resource Vault, supporting both their teaching capabilities and personal development.

AbbVie Employees in Bengaluru Volunteer During 9th Annual “Week of Possibilities” to Support Young Students

Bengaluru, June 29, 2024 – AbbVie, a global biopharmaceutical company focused on creating medicines and solutions announced the ninth annual ‘Week of Possibilities.’ It is a global volunteering program that unites employees with a shared mission: to give back to local communities. From 10th June 2024, thousands of AbbVie employees across 50 countries and territories collaborated with trusted nonprofit and community partners to complete hands-on projects that benefit local communities and impact tens of thousands of people worldwide. This year, the highly anticipated ‘Week of Possibilities’ event will unfold across the vibrant cities of Mumbai, Chennai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru.

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“We at AbbVie are committed to supporting our local community in Bengaluru through volunteering. We are excited to collaborate with iVolunteer that helped us reach Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Urdu School in Bengaluru,” said Suresh Pattathil, Managing Director & General Manager AbbVie India. “During our ‘Week of Possibilities,’ one of our most anticipated annual volunteer initiatives, thousands of AbbVie employees globally come together to serve their local communities.”

In Bengaluru, volunteers experienced the joy of spending time and making a day of a group of government school students’ fun-filled and fruitful. The activity was divided into two sessions. In the first half, a session on ‘problems due to fast fashion and textile waste’ was by an iVolunteer representative for the volunteers. Then a training on how to upcycle a T-shirt into a simple cloth tote bag. In the second half, the Volunteers were paired with 1 or 2 students and conducted a session to train them on upcycling a T-shirt into a simple cloth bag. The bags were then donated to students at the school.

Speaking at the event, Natasha Tiwary, Director, Human Resources, AbbVie India said, “The AbbVie Foundation believes that the initiative unites employees globally to make a tangible difference in local communities through various volunteer activities. This annual event aligns with AbbVie’s commitment to philanthropy, focusing on strengthening educational programs and creating a positive environmental impact. By listening and learning from our partners, we empower them to develop innovative solutions that address critical inequities and advance health equity in their communities.”

Each ‘Week of Possibilities’ location selects service projects that align with the greatest needs of the local community.

Since its inception in 2014, AbbVie’s Week of Possibilities has become a cherished global tradition. Funded in part by the AbbVie Foundation, the initiative focuses on service projects in the local communities where AbbVie employees live and work.

Dancers from Shankarananda Kalakshetra Shine in ‘Manyam Veerudu – Alluri Sitaramaraju’ Production

Hyderabad, June 29th 2024: The dance theatre production on India’s greatest freedom fighters Alluri Sitaramaraju, ‘Manyam Veerudu – Alluri Sitaramaraju’ choreographed by Dr Ananda Shankar Jayant, was premiered today at Ravindra Bharati. The dance theatre production paying tributes to the man who dared the British, was presented by the Ministry of Culture, Govt of India and Shankarananda Kalakshetra, under the Ministry’s scheme ‘Centenary and Anniversary celebrations’.

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Manyam Veerudu – Alluri Sitaramaraju’, was a dance theatre production that brought alive the extraordinary bravery, inspiring life and incomparable love for Bharatamata, of one of India’s revered freedom fighters Alluri Sitaramaraju. The celebrated classical dancer, scholar, speaker, writer and nationally awarded artiste, Padmashri Ananda Shankar Jayant’s vision and direction captured this unique life story of one of our greatest freedom fighters, in a scintillating dance theatre production.

Ananda says ‘I am a Tamilian by birth but a Telugu by soul! Many are my choreographies that have been inspired by Telugu Vaggeyakaras – Thyagaraja, Bhakta Ramadas, Annamayya, as well as modern poets – Devullapalli Krishna Sastri, Rayaprolu Subba Rao, Venkata Parvateesam Kavulu etc. Our latest production offers our salutations to one of our own and India’s great freedom fighters.’

The large cast of 21 dancers of the Shankarananda Kalakshetra ensemble, along with guest artists Mithun Shyam, Surender Nath and young dancers from Hyderabad and Bangalore, brought alive the rousing patriotism of Sitaramaraju in a scintillating dance production

Infused with exquisite choreography combined with martial arts and thrilling fight scenes alongside grace charm and emotions, the thrilling production left the full house audience inspired, who gave long standing ovations at the end of the crisp 45-minute performance.

‘Such dance productions are what is needed today to bring the stories of our many freedom fighters to our youth’, ‘Beautiful way to bring history alive’, ‘I wish history was taught like this’ said some of the many young people in the audience.

The choreography by renowned dancer Padmashri Dr Ananda Shankar Jayant, was unique and raised the envelope on visual presentation on so many levels. The rousing musical soundscape by Sweta Prasad and IV Renukaprasad, set to the Telugu poetry by Venkat Gadepalli, along with stirring English narration by Jayant Dwarkanath, lights by Surya Rao and digital design by Gunjan Ashtaputre all added to a brilliant and spectacular program.

Bharatanatyam dancer from Bangalore – Mithun Shyam, as Alluri Sitaramaraju and Kuchipudi dancer Surender Nath as the British captain lived their roles impeccably as did the young ensemble cast who created a memorable program.

Manyam Veerudu – Alluri Sitaramaraju’, is a program that must be seen across schools and colleges said the guests Dr Mammidi Harikrishna, Smt Ramaa Bharadvaj and others.