Archive: September 2, 2024

NRAI and Pernod Ricard India, in Association with Titus & Co., Advocates, Honor Olympic Medalists at Grand Felicitation Ceremony

New Delhi, September 02nd, 2024: In a spectacular celebration of India’s shooting prowess, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), in collaboration with Pernod Ricard India, hosted an elegant felicitation ceremony at Kamal Mahal, ITC Maurya, New Delhi.

The event, co-hosted by Titus & Co., Advocates, recognized the extraordinary achievements of the Indian Olympic Shooting Team, who clinched bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics—the evening attracted an esteemed assembly of sports icons including Mr. Abhinav Bindra and distinguished personalities from various fields.

Raja Randhir Singh, Chairman, of the Olympic Council of Asia, and Madam P.T. Usha, President, of the Indian Olympic Association lauded the athletes for their unwavering dedication and stellar performance. The NRAI proudly recognized the outstanding contributions of Ms. Manu Bhaker, who won two bronze medals in both Individual and Team events, Mr. Swapnil Kusale, who secured a bronze in the Individual Rifle category, and Mr. Sarabjot Singh, who earned a bronze as part of the Team event. The athletes were present to receive accolades for their outstanding performances, which have brought immense pride to India.

“We are incredibly proud of our shooters, whose exceptional skill and determination have shone brightly at the Olympic Games. Their achievements are a true testament to the dedication and hard work of the athletes and their coaches and support teams. NRAI remains steadfast in its commitment to providing the resources and training necessary for our athletes to reach even greater heights,” said Mr. Kalikesh Singh Deo, Officiating President of NRAI.

Mr. K Sultan Singh, Secretary General, NRAI, expressed his pride in celebrating the Indian Shooting team, stating, “Leading the Indian shooting team has been one of the greatest honours. Their remarkable achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympics are a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and unparalleled skill. It is truly inspiring to witness our athletes excel globally, bringing pride and recognition to our nation. At the NRAI, we are committed to providing them with the resources and support they need to reach even greater heights. Their success not only reflects their dedication but also the collective effort of everyone involved in their journey. We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and will continue to stand by them as they pursue their future goals.”

Mr. Prasanna Mohile, President of External Affairs at Pernod Ricard India, highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing sports, stating, “This event is not just a celebration of individual excellence but also of teamwork and collective support. At Pernod Ricard India, we are dedicated to creating a positive impact within our community, and supporting our athletes is a vital part of this mission. We look forward to continuing this partnership and witnessing even greater accomplishments in the future.”

The ceremony commenced with an inspiring opening by Mr. Diljeet Titus, Founder of Titus & Co., Advocates, who underscored the importance of nurturing athletic talent and the collective responsibility of the community to support our athletes. “It is a privilege to be part of this celebration, honouring the incredible achievements of our shooting team. Their dedication and commitment are truly inspiring, and it is our responsibility as a community to encourage and support them in their growth. I congratulate each of them for making India proud on the world stage,” said Mr. Titus.

Anjali Nayyar, Executive Vice President, Global Health Strategies emphasized on the crucial link between Health and Sports “Sports and health are interlinked. Sports prevent non-communicable diseases and physically they help in hand-eye coordination, functional mobility, and most importantly help in mental discipline and self-regulation, thus, enabling people to improve their quality of life and well-being. Sportspersons are icons. We are grateful to them not only for the honour that they bring to our country but also for how they set an example for people, societies, and communities on how to live better, disciplined, and healthy lives.”

The grand felicitation event was valuably supported by Campari, PS Intelegencia, Deneb & Pollux, Avyay Legal, Juggernaut, Global Health Strategies, OSIA, ITC Hotel and Mr. Sanjay Yadav. The prestigious event was a testament to the collective efforts of athletes, coaches, and organizations dedicated to advancing shooting sports in India. The NRAI, Pernod Ricard India, and Titus & Co., Advocates reaffirmed their commitment to fostering excellence in sports and supporting Indian athletes as they aim for greater success in the upcoming Olympic Games, Los Angeles 2028.

FTCCI delegation meets CMD of TG Transco & TG Genco

Hyderabad, September 02, 2024: The Representatives of the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry led by its President Sri Suresh Kumar Singhal, Sri Anil Agarwal, Past President of FTCCI, Sri Sushil Sancheti, Co-Chair of Energy Committee of FTCCI and Smt Sujatha, Senior Director, FTCCI met Sri D. Ronald Rose, Secretary, Energy Department and Chairman & Managing Director of TG Transco & TG Genco on Saturday evening at its office, Vidyuthsaudha, Khairtabad.

They discussed various industry issues with CMD and requested the cooperation of power utilities. The Energy Secretary assured to extend full cooperation to develop industries in the State.

In another program, FTCCI organised a Seminar on the

Latest Changes in GST Law – With practical implications for businesses. It was organised on Saturday in a late evening function on the Latest Changes in GST Law – With practical implications for businesses at Federation House, Red Hills

Giving his opening notes, Suresh Kumar Singhal, President of FTCCI said, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Honorable Finance Minister, Government of India had presented the Union Budget for the Financial Year 2024-25 introducing many changes and amendments in the Finance Bill 2024 regarding GST Law. Also 53rd GST Council meeting was held on 22nd June 2024 and important recommendations have been made by the Council. Under this, several clarifications have been issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). We are here today to discuss these changes in GST Law from the Council Meeting and Finance Bill 2024.

After a long pause, the GST council met in July 2024 and made certain sweeping recommendations which were accepted and adopted and which were seen in the form of new Notifications and Circulars and Finance Act, 2024. While the council met for 4 times in 2023, in the current year this was the first meeting owing to elections. As per the recommendations, interest and penalty were waived on tax demands raised under Section 73 which is applicable for 3 years from 2017-18 to 2019-20 and also extended the date for availing the ITC up to 30.11.2021 for 4 years from 2017-18 to 2020-21. FTCCI has conducted a knowledge session for Industry players explaining various changes in the law. These practical sessions play a supportive role for businesses by taking necessary precautions and implementing them in their businesses so that interest and penalties can be avoided. The attendance was very healthy and many people attended enthusiastically and took several clarifications from the speakers, said Mohd Irshad Ahmed, one of the speakers.

Speaking on the occasion Mallikarajun Guptha, Tax and Technology Litigation Advisory and Advocacy said the Co-Chair for GST & Customs Committee Director for Indirect Taxes at Manohar Chowdhry & Associate, Chartered Accountants has discussed the recent changes announced in the GST on Telecom Sector, Insurance Sector, Infrastructure Sector and recent changes on GST. He has also explained the changes required in the business process to be GST-compliant.

Madhukar N Hiregange, Founder Partner of HNA & Co. LLP gave his insight on the challenges in GST law and the challenges of the biased approach of the law and the officers creating hardship to the Trade and Business, he opined that there is a need for revamping the GST laws and make the business flourish while collecting the tax.

Unveiling Forgotten Superfoods: Chikamagalur’s Raw Café Revolution

Chikamagalur is a beautiful sleepy city nestled in the cradle of Sahyadri mountain ranges. The challenging hills, beautiful water falls and dense forests of chikamagalur invite nature enthusiasts with open arms. Having rated as the second best place in the world to have oxygen rich pure air this city is a travellers delight.

This travellers attraction city is on her way to be also know for some delightful nutrient rich super foods which are getting reintroduced in popular culinary avataar appealing enough to the expectations of new generations. Meet the founders Nagachaitra and his wife Tanushree who are behind this innovating sustainable food practices.

Nagachaitra, a former technology entrepreneur, found his true calling during the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a successful career in tech startups, Nagachaitra was adept at innovation and problem-solving. However, gruelling personal health crisis and eventual recovery through life style corrections prompted him to introspect the purpose of his life. This reevaluation of his priorities, leading him to a path where he could contribute more directly to community well-being and sustainable living.

Inspired by the rich agricultural heritage of his hometown, Chikamagalur, Nagachaitra transitioned from technology to food entrepreneurship, establishing the brand ‘Samyak Jeevan.’ His vision was to promote mindful living by reintroducing forgotten superfoods into modern diets. This led to the creation of Raw Café, an innovative experience center dedicated to showcasing ancient, nutrient-rich foods such as Neera and raw jackfruit.

Neera, The Natural Elixir is One of Nagachaitra’s key interests. Neera, a sweet sap extracted from the inflorescence of various species of toddy palms, in this case specifically extracted from the coconut tree. Often referred to as “nature’s necter,” Neera is rich in essential nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and a range of vitamins. Unlike its fermented counterpart toddy, Neera is a non-alcoholic, health-boosting beverage that can be consumed fresh.

At Raw Café, Neera is offered in its pure form, highlighting its natural sweetness and refreshing taste. Additionally, it is incorporated into various dishes and beverages, providing a unique twist to traditional recipes. This approach not only enhances the culinary experience but also educates customers about the versatility and benefits of this ancient superfood.

Raw Jackfruit is another Versatile Superfood which is rich in dietry fibres and has the potential to be on everybody’s diet plan.

Another focal point of Raw Café’s menu is designing desirable cuisines made from raw jackfruit, which were otherwise only seasonal staple in traditional chikamagalur cuisines for centuries. Rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, raw jackfruit is celebrated for its ability to improve digestion, boost immunity, and maintain heart health. Its neutral flavor and meaty texture make it an excellent substitute for meat in various dishes, appealing to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Raw Café showcases the versatility of raw jackfruit through an array of innovative dishes, from jackfruit Biriyani, Kababs and burgers to traditional Indian curries. By presenting this superfood in contemporary and traditional formats, the café bridges the gap between old-world nutrition and modern culinary trends.

As the public response to Raw Café’s innovative Neera and jackfruit cuisines has been overwhelmingly positive, Expanding the Menu to accommodate Local Specialties was a natural option. The couple decided to expand the café’s offerings to include more local specialties. Today, the menu features a variety of Chikamagalur’s finest foods like aromatic coffee, rich cocoa chocolates, and wholesome millet-based dishes. Each item is carefully curated to celebrate the region’s agricultural bounty while promoting health and sustainability.

Raw Café is designed to be an immersive experience center where visitors can learn about the origins, nutritional benefits, and culinary applications of new foods like Neera and raw jackfruit. The café hosts workshops, cooking demonstrations, and tasting sessions, encouraging people to incorporate these nutrient-dense foods into their daily diets.

The interior of Raw Café reflects the Samyak Jeevan philosophy of mindful living, with eco-friendly décor, open kitchens, and communal dining spaces. This setup fosters a sense of community, where patrons can share their experiences, exchange ideas, and build a deeper connection with their food.

At the core of Raw Café’s operations is a commitment to sustainability and support for local farmers. By sourcing ingredients directly from local organic farms, the café ensures the freshest produce while promoting fair trade practices. This initiative not only benefits the local economy but also encourages sustainable agricultural methods that are kinder to the environment

The Indian School of Business organises SPARK 2.0

September 02nd, 2024: the Indian School of Business (ISB) organised SPARK 2.0 – Startup Conclave, with the theme:- ‘India’s Growth Story’, where industry leaders, venture capitalists, founders, and aspiring entrepreneurs converged at the Hyderabad campus of ISB to discuss and deliberate opportunities and challenges in the startup segment.

Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, ITE&C, and Industries & Commerce, Government of Telangana, delivered the keynote address and spoke about ISB and its DLabs role in aiding entrepreneurial growth. Professor Madan Pillutla, Dean, ISB, and Professor Bhagwan Chowdhry, Faculty Director, I-Venture@ISB, were present at the inaugural session. Attached are the pictures of the inaugural session.

The day would be marked with the Founder’s Finale, Unicorn Founder’s Panel, Investor Panel, Digital Public Infra Panel, and Celebrity Fireside Chat.

Embassy REIT’s Pedal for the Planet Sees Record Participation with Over 2000 Cyclists at Embassy Manyata, Bengaluru

Bengaluru, India, September 2nd, 2024: Embassy Office Parks REIT (NSE: EMBASSY / BSE: 542602) (‘Embassy REIT’), India’s first listed REIT and the largest office REIT in Asia by area, successfully concluded the 9th edition of its flagship cyclothon, Embassy Pedal for the Planet, at Embassy Manyata. This year’s event saw a record turnout of over 2,000 cyclists, doubling participation from the previous year and reinforcing the cause of sustainability, healthy living, and community engagement.

Embassy Manyata, one of India’s largest office parks and home to over 100,000 employees, served as the perfect venue for this event. Spanning over 120 acres, the park is renowned for its world-class amenities, excellent connectivity, and a strong tenant base, making it an ideal setting for community-driven initiatives like this.

Aravind Maiya, Chief Executive Officer, Embassy REIT, said, “We are thrilled by the extraordinary response from our occupiers and participants. With double the registrations compared to last year, Pedal for the Planet has evolved into a city-wide celebration that champions eco-friendly commuting and holistic living. Our priority is to foster engagement within our office parks through various such initiatives, and the remarkable turnout this year is testament to the growing community spirit.”

The 2024 edition of Pedal for the Planet featured four race categories tailored to all ages and skill levels:

• 30 km Pro-Elite Ride: For seasoned athletes
• 25 km Amateur Ride: Open to cycling enthusiasts
• 15 km Fun Ride: Designed for casual riders
• 1 km Kids Fun Ride: For young children

Continuing its commitment to environmental responsibility, Pedal for the Planet implemented various sustainable practices, including tree planting for every registration, a no single-use plastic policy, and comprehensive waste management efforts. Additionally, all proceeds from the event were donated to non-profit initiatives supporting the education of underprivileged children and the transformation of local schools.

Air India Express Launches Daily Direct Flights From Bengaluru To Vijayawada, Indore

02nd September-2024:  Bengaluru: Air India Express has expanded its rapidly growing network by adding two new daily direct flights from Bengaluru, connecting Vijayawada and Indore. The airline also inaugurated Agartala, the capital city of Tripura, as its 32nd domestic destination. Air India Express launched daily direct flights from Agartala to Guwahati and Kolkata on Sunday, offering convenient one-stop connections to eight domestic destinations, including Delhi. Additionally, the airline began new daily connectivity between Hyderabad and Guwahati, all commencing on the same day.

Bengaluru:

Air India Express operates 376 weekly flights from Bengaluru, connecting directly to 24 domestic destinations, such as Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Guwahati, Gwalior, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Ranchi, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam, and to Abu Dhabi internationally. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to six domestic destinations, such as Agartala, Imphal, and Srinagar, and 12 international destinations, including Al Ain, Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Riyadh, Salalah, Sharjah, and Singapore.

Indore:

Air India Express operates flights from Indore, offering direct connections to three destinations: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Sharjah. The airline also provides one-stop connectivity to 18 destinations, such as Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Goa, Gwalior, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, and Visakhapatnam, and to Jeddah internationally.

Vijayawada:

Air India Express operates 16 weekly departures from Vijayawada, offering direct connections to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Sharjah in United Arab Emirates. The airline also provides convenient one-stop itineraries to 18 domestic destinations, including Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Gwalior, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, and Visakhapatnam, as well as one international destination, Jeddah.

Agartala:

Air India Express operates 14 weekly flights from Agartala, providing daily direct services to Guwahati and Kolkata. The airline also offers convenient one-stop connections to Bhubaneswar, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Imphal, Jaipur, and Kochi.

Guwahati:

Air India Express operates 77 weekly flights from Guwahati, offering direct connections to eight destinations: Agartala, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Imphal, Jaipur, and Kolkata. The airline also provides one-stop connectivity to 20 domestic destinations, including Ayodhya, Goa, and Kozhikode, and to four international destinations: Bahrain, Dammam, Singapore, and Sharjah.

Kolkata:

Air India Express operates 124 weekly flights from Kolkata, connecting directly to 12 destinations, including Bhubaneswar, Bengaluru, Kochi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Imphal, Bagdogra, Jaipur, Chennai, Surat, and Varanasi. The airline also offers connectivity to 22 one-stop destinations, such as Abu Dhabi, Kozhikode, Kannur, Doha, Dubai, Lucknow, Kuwait, Thiruvananthapuram, and Gwalior.

Hyderabad:

Air India Express operates 187 weekly flights from Hyderabad, connecting directly to 18 domestic and three international destinations, including Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Dammam, Goa, Guwahati, Jaipur, Jeddah, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Riyadh, Srinagar, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam. The airline also provides one-stop connections to 10 domestic destinations, such as Agartala, Ayodhya, and Gwalior, and nine international destinations, including Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Kuwait, Muscat, Salalah, Sharjah, and Singapore.