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Archive: January 31, 2024

IKEA announces doorstep deliveries in 62 new markets across the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana

IKEA

India, Mangalore, 31st January 2024: IKEA, the world’s leading Swedish omnichannel home furnishings retailer, announces the launch of its ecommerce deliveries to thousands of pin codes across 62 districts in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. The expansion comes into play as IKEA continues to see excitement, demand, and visits from thousands of customers hailing from nearby cities and towns to shop from the IKEA stores.

These new customer meeting points will offer a full range of over 7,500 well-designed, affordable, good quality, functional, and sustainable home furnishing products, along with practical solutions for the home. Customers will be able to search, find, and buy their favorite products using the IKEA app, order online via the brand website www.ikea.in, or through its “Shop by Phone” assistance service. Susanne Pulverer, CEO & CSO (Chief Sustainability Officer), IKEA India shares, “IKEA has received a lot of customer love and trust over the last five years from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Expanding our reach further in these markets means making IKEA more accessible to our customers, more convenient, and truly omnichannel.

We see great potential in ecommerce helping us inspire and make our solutions available to the many Indians. We will leverage the distribution capabilities of our existing physical stores in these states to fulfill the demand from online channels. These emerging cities are key hubs for online retail growth, and we are thrilled to bring the IKEA experience to the doorsteps of our many customers in India.”

Customers can easily explore IKEA’s app and website, which focuses on creating a better life at home through home-inspiration designs, product feeds, ratings, and reviews. They can browse offers and explore New Lower Prices on products along with special discounts upon signing up as an IKEA Family member. Furthermore, customers can also avail of services such as kitchen planning, living room planning, interior design services, personal shopping, etc. in the comfort of their homes by visiting the customer service section on the website.

Speaking on the home trends that will help IKEA shape and strengthen its relevance in these markets, Susanne adds, “Indians have a very positive outlook about their homes and see it as an important enabler of physical, emotional, and mental well-being for themselves and everyone around them. Our recent ‘Life at Home’ report highlighted the needs of Indian homes for better storage solutions and a focus on good sleep. We have many solutions for creating a better life at home and now we are ensuring they are accessible and affordable for all.”

Currently, 72% of customer orders in existing markets are fulfilled via Electrical Vehicles. With this expansion, IKEA aims to build further capacities in its supply chain, making it more sustainable.

Rainmaker Launches WorkSAFE Unfiltered, A Unique E-Module on PoSH

Antony AlexJanuary 31, 2024, Mumbai: Rainmaker, the leading culture and compliance learning solutions company in India, is pleased to introduce its new e-module, WorkSAFE Unfiltered, focusing on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH), in the workplace. Featuring two distinct units: ‘Employee Awareness’ and ‘Manager Sensitivity’, Worksafe Unfiltered, merges humor with crucial insights on fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, and is narrated by popular comedian, Shreeja Chaturvedi, who doles out both wit and wisdom in equal measure.

The new e-module includes interactive examples, real-life scenarios and actionable strategies, helping participants gain a deeper understanding of workplace dynamics, legal implications and the significance of open communication.

Speaking about the new e-module, Antony J. Alex, CEO of Rainmaker, said, “With WorkSAFE Unfiltered, we’ve taken a bold step towards redefining the entire learning experience of PoSH compliance. By enlisting Shreeja as our narrator, we’ve infused humor into a critical dialogue, making the educational journey not just enlightening, but genuinely engaging and memorable. This e-module is more than just a compliance tool; it’s a holistic exploration of workplace dynamics and legal intricacies and highlights the profound importance of open communication. Together, with Shreeja’s unique narrative style and Rainmaker’s experience in creating consummate training modules, we are endeavoring to empower participants with actionable strategies, fostering a workplace environment that prioritizes respect, understanding and a shared commitment to a safer and more inclusive future.”

On her collaboration with Rainmaker, Shreeja Chaturvedi, said, “It’s been such a great learning experience working on this module with Rainmaker. The best application of comedy is to use it to educate, so this project has been really special to work on. Using humor to talk about a topic as important and complex as this was bold on Rainmaker’s part, and I hope we’ve created something good. Which is to create training literature that’s simple yet impactful.”

Rainmaker believes that fostering a safe and inclusive workplace begins with empowering individuals with knowledge delivered in a way that resonates. WorkSAFE Unfiltered exemplifies this philosophy, setting a new standard for comprehensive and impactful PoSH training. It breaks away from traditional methods of training to make the learning experience more engaging and memorable.

WorkSAFE Unfiltered features two units: ‘Employee Awareness’ and ‘Manager Sensitivity’. In Employee Awareness, Shreeja guides participants through engaging scenarios and relatable anecdotes, employing her signature sarcastic style. This approach provides employees with a candid and informative exploration of what constitutes sexual harassment, empowering them with the knowledge to recognize, respond to and prevent such situations in the workplace.

In Manager Sensitivity, Shreeja continues to leverage her unique comedic style, guiding managers through nuanced discussions on handling concerns related to sexual harassment. The content focuses on fostering a supportive environment and understanding managers’ crucial role in creating a culture of compliance.

Moneycontrol unveils comprehensive coverage for The Election Budget: India 2024

Pre-Budget31 January 2024: Moneycontrol, India’s No. 1 business and markets news platform, is proud to announce its latest initiative, The Election Budget: India 2024′. Using innovative data visualization tools and leveraging the unmatched experience of the country’s leading business newsroom, this coverage is designed to provide the most cutting-edge coverage of the Narendra Modi government’s last budget before the general elections.

With accurate, insightful, and easy-to-understand reporting, Moneycontrol’s coverage of Budget 2024 will cater to the changing needs of diverse digital audiences. Moneycontrol’s team of expert journalists will demystify government policies, providing a comprehensive analysis of their implications on Indian businesses and investors.

Alongside in-depth reportage and analysis, Moneycontrol has introduced new interactive data tools to facilitate a deeper understanding of the Union Budget. Users can immerse themselves in games like ‘Play the FM’ and ‘Budget Word Cloud’, which offer a playful yet informative experience. Furthermore, its Income Tax Calculator will provide readers with instant valuable insights into the Budget’s impact on their pockets.

Moneycontrol’s live digital video broadcast feed on Budget Day will feature exclusive perspectives from top industry leaders, investors, market gurus, and its team of experts. Coming straight out of India’s leading business newsroom, this broadcast will offer unparalleled insights. This includes how the Budget will impact key industries and companies. ‘Pitch Report’ delves into key issues, expectations, and the potential impact on major sectors, providing viewers with a thorough understanding of the economic landscape.

‘Fast and focused’, a key aspect of this coverage is to identify key gainers and losers with an in-depth perspective. Furthermore, the Personal Finance segment decodes how the budget will impact individuals. The ‘Budget in Charts’ feature simplifies complex financial information into easy-to-understand visuals, ensuring the audience stays well-informed. Additionally, in the Modi@10 series, we analyze the impact of budgets presented during Narendra Modi’s decade-long tenure. To complete the narrative, Moneycontrol also profiles the people behind the scenes with a special feature series, ‘Team FM’.

The interim Budget 2024, scheduled on the eve of national elections, presents a unique challenge of striking a delicate balance between policies aimed at pleasing voters and upholding fiscal responsibility. Moneycontrol will delve deep into the nuances of these policies, offering critical insights essential for navigating the complex economic landscape.

Nalin Mehta, Managing Editor, Moneycontrol said “Though this is an Interim Budget, it sets the political agenda ahead of national elections. As India’s leader in business news, Moneycontrol’s unmissable coverage will provide news and insights that matter to investors, traders, consumers, and everyone interested in the larger India story. To cut through the clutter and understand the big story behind the Finance Minister’s numbers, log into Moneycontrol.com on Budget Day.”

Stay tuned to Moneycontrol for comprehensive coverage of Budget 2024, decoding the intricacies of government policies and their impact on Indian businesses and investors

Shriram General’s premium grows 41percent net profit soars 51percent in December quarter

Shriram Jaipur, January 31, 2024: Shriram General Insurance Company (SGIC) on Tuesday announced that its Gross Written Premium (GWP) during Q3 FY24 has increased by 41% to Rs 850 crore, over the same period last year. The company wrote 1681086 policies in Q3 FY24 and earned a net profit of Rs. 117 crore during the third quarter of FY24, a 51% increase YoY owing to a growth in GWP YoY and better claims management. The company has settled 47006 claims during Q3 FY24, compared to 38937 in the year-ago period.

The company has maintained an augmented solvency ratio of 4.30 as of December 2023 (from 4.63 a year ago) as against the regulatory requirement margin of 1.5.

Segment-wise GWP during Q3 FY24

  • Motor: Rs 779 Cr (Rs 549 Cr in Q3FY23, 42% growth YoY)
  • Personal Accident: Rs 33 Cr (Rs 21 Cr in Q3FY23, 57% growth YoY)
  • Fire: Rs 24 Cr (Rs 21 Cr in Q3FY23, 14% growth YoY)
  • Engineering: Rs 5 Cr (Rs 4 Cr in Q3FY23, 25% growth YoY)

Business line growth as against industry during Q3 FY24:

Anil Aggarwal, MD & CEO, of Shriram General Insurance Company, said, “This year we had a focus shift towards increasing the Gross Written Premium. Also, the company is entering into newer areas like EV insurance and developing combo insurance plans. It is also aiming to increase the non-motor folio. We anticipate a growth of 37% in our non-motor business this year and are aiming to further this to 30% next year.

The insurer, jointly owned by Shriram Group and Africa’s Sanlam Group, said that 83% of all its policies were sold through digital mode and has unveiled a new health product during the last quarter. “We recently introduced Shri All Benefit Health Insurance (ABHI) Group Policy, an umbrella product that provides 21 benefit-based products/add-ons.”

The company has a current workforce of 3885 and plans to hire an additional 700 next financial year. The insurer has furthered its operations by opening 28 new branches in the last 9 months across India.

59th Annual General Meeting organized by West Bengal Cold Storage Association

West Bengal Cold StorageKolkata, 30th January 2024: West Bengal Cold Storage Association is the only active Association of Cold Storage in West Bengal. The 59th Annual General Meeting was held today at The Almond (Salt Lake), Kolkata which was inaugurated by the Chief Guest – Sri. Becharam Manna, Hon’ble MIC Department of Agricultural Marketing Govt of WB; Dr. Pradip Kumar Mazumdar, Hon’ble MIC Department of Panchayat & Rural Development, Govt of WB and was attended by: Sri. Ashok Kumar Das, Special Secretary, Agricultural Marketing Govt. of WB; Sri. Rajesh Kumar Bansal, President of West Bengal Cold Storage Association; Sri. Sunil Kumar Rana, Vice President of West Bengal Cold Storage Association; Sri. Patit Paban De, Past President of WBCSA & many other eminent personalities.

On this occasion, Sri. Rajesh Kumar Bansal, President of West Bengal Cold Storage Association highlighted, “Considerable enthusiasm is observed among potato growers, and around 4.6 lakh hectare land has been cultivated in the current season. Despite occasional unfavorable weather conditions production is expected to be almost the same as the previous year. He estimated production of around 110 lakh tons of potatoes in the current season; domestic consumption in West Bengal being 65 lakh tons, the balance stock needs to be marketed outside the state. To ensure a steady price and regular supply of potatoes in the market he requested the authorities to frame a system for the release of the stored stock at a uniform rate of 12% each month during the unloading period. He recommended collection and analysis of pan India comprehensive data on cultivation, harvesting, storage & marketing for the formulation of necessary action plans and monitoring the stock situation on a real-time basis.”

Govt. initiative was suggested for farmers to maintain proper grading, curing, and assortment; standardization on the above was also suggested. Since the extension of the storage period beyond November has become a common experience for almost every year it was requested by him that the quantum of additional rent for the extended storage period needs to be included in the notification for periodical rent Revision.

Given the periodical rise in input cost and cost of capital for cold storage, demand was placed for raising cold storage rent at par with rent in other potato producing states where the current rate is Rs.230/- to Rs.270/- per quintal. He mentioned that cold storage rent was not revised by the Govt despite the Expert Committee’s recommendation for the revision of cold storage rent to Rs 190 & Rs 194 for South & North Bengal respectively. He apprehended that the operation of cold storage in the ensuing season may be hampered as store owners are unwilling to operate their units with the present rent structure. Further, it was suggested that cold storage rent calculation should be based on 85% storage capacity instead of 100% storage capacity as utilization of 100% capacity is rarely experienced.

It was suggested that discussions on the review of the Cold Storage Act 1966 should include:

  1. Duties of hirers in respect of the quality of storable potato.
  2. Simplification of a process to be observed for disposal of potato stock left in store units after the end of the storage season.
  3. Extension of validity of cold storage license to five years.
  4. A minimum volume of stock is required in the cold storage chamber for running the plant.

He laid special emphasis on the industry-friendly business environment in the state and the practice of simplified Rules & Regulations, Time-bound actions, and Fair & logical dealing of issues concerning the conduct of business.

Long Hair Transplant: A Trend Amongst the Elite in Delhi-NCR

Dr. Amrendra Kumar, Director of Dermaclinix, MBBS & MD (AIIMS Delhi). 

In the dynamic world of aesthetics and self-care, long hair transplant has emerged as a groundbreaking solution for individuals seeking a lush and voluminous mane. This specialized hair restoration procedure has gained significant popularity among celebrities, sports players, corporates, and business personalities, particularly in metropolitan areas like Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida. As there is an upsurge in demand for this innovative treatment prevailing, Renowned Hair Transplant Surgeon, Dr. Amrendra Kumar, Director, Dermaclinix, MBBS & MD (AIIMS Delhi) shared his insights about the trend.
The Appeal of Long Hair:

Long, flowing locks have always been associated with beauty, vitality, and youthfulness. While the desire for a full head of hair is universal, the preference for longer strands has become increasingly prevalent among individuals who wish to make a bold and stylish statement. Whether it’s the allure of a classic mane, the versatility of styling options, or the confidence that long hair exudes, more people are turning to long hair transplant procedures to achieve their aesthetic goals.

The Rising Trend Amongst the Elite:
A-list actors, musicians, and influencers are known for setting trends in fashion and style. Long hair has become a signature look for many celebrities, prompting their fans to follow suit. With the accessibility of advanced hair transplant techniques, celebrities often opt for long hair transplant procedures to maintain their glamorous appearance. In the competitive world of sports, a strong and healthy image is crucial. Long hair transplant allows athletes to showcase a robust and well-groomed image, enhancing their overall presence both on and off the field. Executives and business leaders in metro cities like Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida are increasingly recognizing the importance of personal branding. Long hair can add a touch of sophistication and individuality, contributing to a distinguished and memorable professional image.

Long Hair or Non-shaven FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) Advantages:

Discreetness:
Anyone remaining discrete is the key factor, catering to individuals who prefer to keep their hair transplantation confidential, especially celebrities and those who value privacy.

Immediate Growth with Hair Root Revival Treatment:
Long hair transplantation, combined with Hair Root Revival Treatment, provides an immediate growth of approximately 30 to 50% of hair. This translates to instant and visible results for individuals seeking quick transformations.

Suitability for Women:
Long hair transplantation is considered one of the most suitable techniques for women’s hair transplantation, providing natural-looking and dense results.
Long Hair Transplant Procedure

Consultation:
A comprehensive consultation is conducted to understand the patient’s objectives, assess the donor area’s health, and determine the feasibility of the procedure.

Donor Hair Extraction:
Healthy hair follicles are harvested from the donor area, typically located at the back of the scalp. Advanced techniques such as FUE are employed for precise extraction.

Recipient Site Creation:
Tiny incisions are made in the recipient area to accommodate the transplanted hair. The angle, direction, and density are carefully considered to achieve a natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Hair Transplantation:
The harvested hair follicles are meticulously transplanted into the created recipient sites, ensuring a seamless integration with the existing hair.

Postoperative Care:
Patients are provided with postoperative care instructions to facilitate a smooth recovery and optimize the final results. This includes guidance on activities to avoid, medications, and follow-up appointments.

The long hair transplant procedure offers a comprehensive solution for those desiring discreetness, immediate results, and a natural-looking outcome, making it particularly suitable for both men and women seeking hair restoration.
A long hair transplant is not just a medical procedure; it’s a transformative journey toward regaining confidence and achieving the desired aesthetic. As the demand for this specialized treatment grows among celebrities, sports players, and corporate professionals in metro cities like Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida, hair transplant surgeons find themselves at the forefront of delivering exceptional and trendsetting results. With advancements in technology and the expertise of skilled surgeons, long hair transplants have become more accessible, allowing individuals to embrace their desired look with confidence and style.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah inaugurates the 5th Edition of Bengaluru GAFX 2024

Shri SiddaramaiahMumbai/Bengaluru, 30 January 2024: The Fifth Edition of Bengaluru GAFX, India’s flagship event in the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics (AVGC) sector, organized by the Ministry of ITBT, Karnataka, and ABAI, today inaugurated by Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka. The event took place in the august presence of Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka today at the Hotel Lalit Ashok, Bangalore. This year’s focal theme, ‘Augmented Intelligence: Powering AVGC,’ serves as a unifying force, bringing together the Animation, Visual Effects, Games & Comics (AVGC) industry for an audience of knowledge exchange. The event aims to create a common platform, fostering collaboration among industry, academia, and government to deliberate the learnings, trends, challenges, and future roadmap of the AVGC sector.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by guest of honor, Shri Rizwan Arshad, Minister of Karnataka Legislative Assembly; Shri Prithul Kumar, IRTS, Joint Secretary (Films), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India & Interim Managing Director, National Film Development Corp. (NFDC); Mr. Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman Axilor Ventures, Co-founder Infosys, President Infosys Science Foundation; Mr. Thierry Berthelot, Consul General of France in Bangalore; Mr. Alfonso Tagliaferri, Consul General of Italy in Bengaluru; Ms. Nivruti Rai, MD, and CEO Invest India; Mr. Rajan Navani, Founder & CEO, JetSynthesys; Mr. Vishal Dhupar, Managing Director, Asia South – NVIDIA; Mr. Sai Srinivas Kiran Garimella; Co-Founder, MPL; Mr. Ashish Kulkarni, Founder & CEO, Punnaryug Artvision Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Sudhir Kamath, COO, Nazara Technologies; Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government, Dept. of Electronics, IT, BT and S&T, Govt. of Karnataka; Mr. Biren Ghose, Country Head, Technicolor India and President, ABAI; Shri Darshan H V, IAS, Director, Department of Electronics, Information Technology & Biotechnology, Govt. of Karnataka; Mr. RK Chand, Executive Director, The Mill India & Secretary, ABAI.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah said, “I am pleased to inaugurate this congregation of the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics (AVGC) industry at the 5th edition of Bengaluru GAFX. Karnataka has long been the torchbearer state in India across technology, innovation, and growth. We are proud to be the pioneers of leading the IT and IT-enabled services industries. Our state, a trailblazer in technology, is proud to lead the nation’s Media & Entertainment sector, contributing 20% to the industry. With over 15,000 professionals and 300 specialized studios, GAFX celebrates Karnataka’s role as a global AVGC hub. With a focus on generating 30,000 jobs by 2028, targeting 80% revenue from exports, the policy rests on six strategic pillars—emphasizing skill development, infrastructure, startup empowerment, global market access, incentives, and a ‘Mobile First’ approach. Since 2012, Karnataka has been a pioneering force, boasting 139 specialized institutes and Digital Art Centers, with the Karnataka Centre of Excellence (COE) serving as a unique facility nurturing creative technologists and technicians. As we delve into the next two days of discussions, let’s concentrate on the synergy of creativity and technology that defines our industry. Bengaluru GAFX 2024 provides the platform for government and industry collaboration, propelling the AVGC industry in India to new heights.”

A patron of Bengaluru GAFX 2024, Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Govt. of Karnataka said “Karnataka, a pioneer in evolving India’s AVGC policies, is committed to securing a future where it not only maintains the state’s leadership in traditional IT-BPM but emerges as a global powerhouse in AVGC-XR. With a vision to create 30,000 jobs by 2028, we shall leverage our existing strengths and additionally establish a center of excellence for Gaming. The state is also looking to help establish AVGC-XR-focused incubators. Bengaluru GAFX epitomizes our dedication to becoming a global skilling epicenter, aiming to position Karnataka as the world’s #1 hub for creativity and technological advancement. The Bengaluru GAFX B2B Forum acts as a catalyst, propelling local talent onto the global stage, and defining Karnataka as the leader in AVGC-XR intellectual property creation.”

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Shri Biren Ghose, ABAI President & Country Head, Technicolor India, said: “Bengaluru GAFX 2024, is a celebration of our wins and exploring new avenues for the all-round growth of AVGC in India. With diverse sessions, competitions, and networking opportunities, Bengaluru GAFX 2024 will witness a stellar lineup of speakers comprising industry veterans and thought leaders. The AVGC industry is on a continuous growth spree, and events like GAFX bring together studios, producers, and investors, creating a hub for gaming, film, animation, AR/VR, and comics. It’s more than an event; it’s a platform where innovation meets opportunity, shaping the future of India’s creative narrative on a global scale.

Bengaluru GAFX 2024 is set to host 120 sessions and 200 speakers, including more than 20 renowned international speakers hailing from 10 different countries. This impressive lineup features industry veterans and thought leaders, including winners of prestigious awards such as Oscars, British Arrows, VES Awards, Cannes Golds, and esteemed Indian accolades. Bengaluru GAFX stands out as a unique event in the AVGC industry, facilitating the convergence of Indian and international synergy. Both international and Indian studios, along with industry veterans, will present some of the largest and most critically acclaimed titles during the event.

  •  VFX: This edition will see some leading Indian & international names in the world of visual effects. Some mind-blowing visual effects showcase from Hollywood that wowed audiences the world over will be presented at GAFX including the Oscar-winning Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, Antman & Wasp Quantamania, and The Fast & the Furious X. As well as the Making of Blockbuster LEO’s Photoreal Hyena VFX by multiple-Oscar winning studio MPC’s Jateen Thakkar & Nimish N Shah, the Making of Jurassic World by Industrial Light and Magic, London and Srinivas Mohan- the VFX Supervisor for R. The rise of VFX content in the Indian regional landscape will be further underscored by showcases from Ghost, Jawan, Animal, PS2, Charlie 777, and Vikrant Rona.
  •  Animation: Cutting-edge animation presentations and showcases include the animation of the Oscar-nominated movie Nimona by DNEG, Delivering Spectacular Animated Features from India by Oscar-nominated studio Mikros Animation, and Independent Global Animation Films by Assemblage, as well as How to Secure your IP for Content Creators by Zebu Animation. Greengold Animation will present its unique work on the Making of Chhota Bheem’s action movie.
  •  Gaming: Kalari Capital’s Vani Kola & Invest India CEO Nivruti Rai are slated to address the incredibly exciting gaming landscape of India in the session ‘Investor Speak – Strategies for Staying Relevant and Resilient in the Indian Gaming Startup Ecosystem.’ Leaders of the Gaming ecosystem Kris Gopalkrishnan- Chairman Axilor Ventures, Co-founder Infosys, President Infosys Science Foundation & Rajan Navani- Vice Chairman & Managing Director at JetLine Group of Companies; Founder & CEO JetSynthesys will address the gathering on The Indian Video Gaming and Esports Industry. MPL, Nazara Technologies, Nodwin Games, and Technicolor Games will present insightful panels and showcases on topics ranging from the ecosystem, technologies, talent, and game art & animation.

Moreover, the Bengaluru GAFX B2B Forum stands as a distinctive platform meticulously designed to connect IP owners, developers, content creators, and production houses aspiring to produce groundbreaking content. This event acts as an exclusive interface, attracting selected international and national studios, producers, broadcasters, distributors, and financiers. Esteemed industry figures like Rajeshwari Roy, Associate Chief Producer & Head of Content – Animation, Digital & Broadcast Media at Ramoji Group, Farnaz Esnaashari-Charmatz, Creator of Nickelodeon’s hit international franchise Shimmer and Shine, and Russell Tracy Jr. from Mikros Animation will contribute to the stellar industry lineup at this marketplace forum.

A diverse range of competitions is thoughtfully curated to engage the talents and potential of students and emerging professionals, representing the future workforce of India. Spanning from traditional artistry like Clay Sculpting to the digital realms of Sculpting and Painting, and venturing into the intricate world of 3D Character Animation, these competitions are carefully crafted by industry leaders. The primary objective is to nurture a sustained ecosystem that promotes a culture of progression, skill enrichment, and mentorship within the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) realm in India.

In its fourth edition, Bengaluru GAFX and the B2B Forum continue to shape the future of the AVGC-XR industry, providing a platform that facilitates collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of ideas on a global scale. The event is organized with a steering committee covering all individual domains of VFX, Animation, and Gaming. GAFX will also witness the participation of AVGC trade associations from other states, including TVAGA from Telangana.

Harisharan Devgan secures double victory at global stud mahender North India Derby

Harisharan DevganIn a thrilling showcase of skill and speed, Harisharan Devgan stole the spotlight at The Global Stud Mahender North India Derby. The prestigious event, held at the iconic Delhi Race Club, witnessed heart-pounding races, with Devgan’s horses dominating two key categories.

The first triumphant moment unfolded in Race No. 3, as ‘Little More,’ guided by trainer Ajay Sharma and expertly ridden by jockey Imran Chisty, surged ahead to claim victory in ‘The Daring Don Plate Div-2.’ The duo exhibited remarkable stamina and strategic finesse, leaving an indelible mark on the fiercely contested race.

The excitement reached its pinnacle in Race No. 8, where ‘Niche Storm,’ under the meticulous training of V S Parmar and the skilled riding of jockey Vivek G, triumphed in ‘The Turf Hawk Plate Div-2.’ The victory showcased the exceptional speed and coordination between the horse and rider, adding another feather to Harisharan Devgan’s cap.

The victories at the North India Derby were not just individual achievements but a testament to the collective effort of the entire Niche Group team. From skilled jockeys to dedicated trainers and the hands-on owner, Harisharan Devgan, each played a crucial role in ensuring success on the racetrack.

The Delhi racing calendar boasts not only the North Indian Derby but also other high-stakes races, including Grade II and Grade III events like the Indian 2000 Guineas and the Kurukshetra Plate. These races add depth and excitement to the equestrian season, attracting participants and spectators alike.

Speaking on this, Harisharan Devgan, said “Today’s victories at The Global Stud Mahender North India Derby are a testament to the belief that distance is merely a number in the realm of horse racing. It’s not just about the length of the track, but the precision of training, impeccable timing, and unwavering patience. In the race of life, much like on the turf, a 1400 m horse can triumph in a 1000 m dash, and a 1000 m horse can conquer the challenge of 1400 m. It’s a delicate balance of strategy and perseverance that defines true equestrian excellence.”

Harisharan Devgan, is renowned for his innovative farming practices and his passion for horses and horse racing, culminating in his recognition as a prominent figure in the realm of Indian Horse Racing and the proud ownership of esteemed equines. Fueled by his skilled and elite stable of horses, he has achieved victory in numerous distinguished and classic races across the country.

In a nod to the digital age, Harisharan Devgan’s presence online has further amplified the excitement surrounding his victories. Engaging with fans on various platforms, Devgan shares behind-the-scenes glimpses, race insights, and connects with enthusiasts globally, bringing a new dimension to the thrill of horse racing. As The Global Stud Mahender North India Derby drew to a close, the dynamic victories of ‘Little More’ and ‘Niche Storm’ lingered in the air, etching a memorable chapter in the annals of equestrian excellence. Harisharan Devgan’s double triumph serves as a testament to his enduring legacy in the exhilarating world of horse racing.

Bengaluru Traffic Police conducts Road Safety Training program at NMIT

NMITBengaluru, 30th January: The Traffic Training Road Safety Institute (TTRSI) of Bengaluru Traffic Police in collaboration with the Faculty Development Cell of Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology recently conducted a training program on “Navigating Traffic Rules for a Safe Journey”. Over 100 transport faculty and drivers from NMIT, NSAM PUC College, and Degree College, Nitte International School participated in the workshop.

Addressing the faculty, Sharanappa, the Assistant Commissioner of Traffic-Police said, “As one of the most active cities of India, Bengaluru is always faced with challenges related to congestion, varied roads, and an ever-growing number of vehicles. This calls for a robust road safety procedure. Through this training, we aim to enhance knowledge within Nitte’s transport faculty to navigate these challenges to prioritize lives. We aim to build a culture of responsible driving while ensuring that every journey within the city limits is a safe one”

Bengaluru Traffic Police signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology in December 2023 to bolster the traffic conditions of Bangalore City. The initiative aims to facilitate the exchange of faculty members, researchers, and professionals, fostering a dynamic learning environment that contributes to real-time solutions for traffic management challenges.

During the program, Dr. Samanvitha, Dr. Arun Kumar G L, along with the officers in the Transport dept shared insights on navigating traffic rules and handling complexities. By educating the transport faculty, the program aims to enhance understanding of traffic rules, proper road behavior, and the significance of their role in maintaining road safety.
K B Rao, Director- Corporate Relations, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, and Mr. Rohit Punja were present during the program.