Jan 4, 2024 | Uncategorized
ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Group, continues to exemplify its commitment to community well-being. In a demonstration of its values, ACC has successfully enhanced the economic prosperity of over 300 residents in a small village in Maharashtra by establishing an exclusive flour mill for the local community.
Until recently, members of the 80-odd households in Chincholi village located in Wani taluka of Yavatmal district were forced to travel more than 15-kms, had to navigate challenging terrains to accomplish a simple task of grinding everyday cereals into flour for daily use. What might seem to be a simple task for us in the city, was a huge challenge for villagers.
This initiative reaffirms ACC’s belief that no endeavor is too modest when it comes to improving the lives and livelihoods of its stakeholders.
In December 2020, ACC started working closely with Jivandhara Self Help Group (SHG) under the Integrated Chanda Area Development Program (ICADP) to set up a brand new flour mill in Chincholi village that today not only provides easy access to a grinding machine, but has also created a new stream of livelihood for members of the local self-help group. The flour mill grinds locally grown cereals like Wheat, Bazra, Jawari and Toor for as till as Rs. 4 per kg with a capacity to handle 250 kgs every day. Furthermore, this intervention is also generating a monthly income of Rs 12,000 for the members of the local SHG.
Mr. Ajay Kapur, CEO, Cement Business, said, “This initiative underscores our belief that every positive step, no matter how seemingly small, contributes to the greater good. By addressing the basic needs of the Chincholi community, we are not just providing a service but promoting sustainable change and creating opportunities for economic well-being. This aligns with our broader vision of promoting self-reliance, community empowerment, and a more resilient and prosperous future for all.”
The flour mill has also won the hearts of the 300-odd residents in Chincholi village, who are now able to direct their energies and scarce resources to more productive use by saving on travel and more expensive grinding services in the main market situation some 15 km away.
ACC and the Adani Foundation are involved in specific initiatives addressing various themes like social inclusion, community development, and the empowerment of rural communities. Their dedication extends to supporting and uplifting rural communities, contributing to positive change and sustainable development across these crucial areas
Jan 4, 2024 | Uncategorized
Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, is bringing back this budding story of teen adolescence, Gutar Gu for its second season, directed by Saqib Pandor and produced by Sikhya Entertainment. The innocent romance is rekindled with the much-loved couple Ritu and Anuj, starring our heartthrobs Vishesh Bansal and Ashlesha Thakur. The wait is finally over as the cast and crew of Gutar Gu have begun shooting for the second season, and the streaming service has given a sneak peek straight from the sets.
The coming-of-age series has not only received rave reviews for its gripping narrative and the pair of Ashlesha Thakur and Vishesh Bansal, but it is also a massive hit, being one of the most viewed series on Amazon miniTV, with fans eagerly awaiting six all-new episodes of the magic between Anuj and Ritu.
Produced by Guneet Monga Kapoor’s Oscar Winning Production House, Sikhya Entertainment, in Gutar Gu Season 1, Ritu and Anuj navigated complex relationships, portraying diverse facets of teenage romance amidst difficult situations, exploring various shades of love. The sophomore season will focus on their journeys ahead, amidst new challenges, managing life, careers, and expectations from each other.
Sharing his excitement for the second season, Amogh Dusad, Head of Content, Amazon miniTV said, “Gutar Gu had struck a chord with audiences from the word go and we couldn’t be happier to bring season 2 of this highly acclaimed series!”
“The Story of Gutar Gu, is very close to our hearts at Sikhya. After an outpour of love for Ritu and Anuj’s short story in Gupt Gyaan, to come back together with phenomenal Director Saqib Pandor and explore the story in a series format was truly an exciting opportunity. With so much love and support for Season 1, we thought it was only best to see where Ritu and Anuj’s love takes them next. We’re excited to take you yet again on a nostalgic ride, exploring new challenges of teenage love in an all-new season of Gutar Gu!” shared Guneet Monga Kapoor, Producer, Sikhya Entertainment.
Sharing his thoughts, Saqib Pandor, Director, Gutar Gu said, “Gutar Gu started as an innocent story of two young lovers in Bhopal, but the magnitude of success and love we have received for the show and its characters on Amazon miniTV has truly empowered us to dream of another season. That’s the best reward one can get as a filmmaker, where audiences are eager to know what’s next for their beloved characters. We’re ready for this love story, to go the distance!
Gutar Gu Season 2 is slated to release in 2024 exclusively on Amazon miniTV available on Amazon’s shopping app, on Fire TV, and on Play Store.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LnRDQp8zMQ
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About Amazon miniTV
Amazon miniTV is a free video streaming service available on Amazon’s shopping app, on Fire TV and on Play Store, provides high quality entertainment, which you can watch anytime, anywhere. Always Entertaining. Always Free.
- Exclusive shows and videos: Amazon miniTV is home to a cherry-picked collection of fresh, incredible and engaging stories and titles across multiple genres ranging from webseries, award-winning short films, comedy shows to expert videos on tech. These include popular titles like Half CA, BadtameezDil, Hunter, The Haunting, Physics Wallah, RaftaRafta, Case Toh Banta Hai, Sixer, Gray,Ishq Express, Highway Love, Gutar Gu, UdanPatolas, YatriKripyaDhyan De, Crushed, GuptGyaan, Uljhe Hue, Clean, Sorry Bhaisaab, Adulting, Shimmy, Transistor, Tech with Rajiv Makhniamong others. The content has been carefully curated to suit the varying entertainment preferences of today’s viewers.
- No Paid Subscription required: Amazon miniTV is absolutely free!
Instant access: Amazon miniTV is present on Amazon’s shopping app, which is India’s most trusted and largest online store. Just download the Amazon shopping app, click or search for ‘miniTV’ to view from thousands of titles available. Want to watch on the big screen? Then visitwww.amazon.in on your laptop and click on Amazon miniTV or on Fire TV. You can now also download the Amazon miniTV app on Play Store.
Industry recognition: Amazon miniTV’s content has received a lot of love from fans and the industry. Titles such as Physicswallah, Highway Love and Half CA have received prominent ratings by Ormax; our short film Shimmy won the People’s Choice Award for Best Actor and Critic’s Choice Award for Best Actor (Pratik Gandhi); Clean won best short film at IWM Buzz Awards 2022; YatriKripaDhyan De was adjudged the best short film by Indian Television Academy; as our most loved high school drama Crushed was nominated at the 2022 Filmfare OTT Awards, to name a few.
Jan 4, 2024 | Uncategorized
PayNearby, India’s leading branchless banking and digital network and Star Health and Allied Insurance, one of India’s leading health insurance specialists, entered into a strategic partnership to make health insurance coverage more accessible and affordable across the country, especially among its semi-urban and rural population. The strategic alliance will be instrumental in insuring millions of uninsured across the country through PayNearby’s million+ active Distribution-as-a-Service (DaaS) network, by bringing Star Health’s curated insurance products to local retail stores.
For health insurance to reach Bharat, it requires an innovative approach that offers affordable coverage, is easily accessible and eliminates the need for excessive paperwork. With the Star Health-PayNearby partnership, customers will now be able to conveniently buy tailored insurance offerings at their nearest retail store, assisted by their trusted local retailers. Through PayNearby’s robust DaaS network across 22,000+ PIN Codes, customers will gain seamless access to a variety of innovative bite-sized health insurance products from Star Health, including Group Personal Accident and HospiCash policies. PayNearby partnered retailers will handhold customers throughout the buying journey, ensuring instant and hassle-free issuance. Star Health’s convenient claims process, valued added offerings like free telemedicine consultations with expert doctors, personalized wellness programs and free annual health checkups will enhance the insurance experience.
Commenting on the partnership, Anand Kumar Bajaj, Founder, MD & CEO, PayNearby said, “For India to be truly progressive, there is an urgent need to scale simplified health insurance services for the masses as it improves access to quality healthcare services for all. However, as per the recent PayNearby Bharat Health Index (BHI) 2023 report, the level of insurance awareness among Bharat’s last mile is abysmally low. 55% have never heard of insurance, and among those aware of insurance, only 32% had taken some form of insurance in their lifetime. Additionally, a substantial 38% cited affordability as a major hindrance, while 36% did not know where to buy insurance from. Regarding health coverage, 32% mentioned limited availability of health insurers and lack of information as the primary challenge, closely followed by high premiums and complex documentation processes. These numbers, while worrisome, present an opportunity too. An opportunity to use technology to find breakthroughs in product democratisation and distribution so that every citizen is safe from the uncertainties of life.
For insurance to gain inroads in Bharat, it needs to be easy to understand and easy to consume. Our partnership with Star Health solidifies our commitment to making quality health coverage more economical and available to everyone, everywhere. Together, we are taking the much-needed action required for better insurance penetration in the country and ensuring that people perceive insurance in the right light for a safer, better future for themselves and their families. Also, aiding this initiative will be our Health Correspondents, who will help spread health insurance awareness, ensure its last mile reach and help insure the uninsured. Zidd Aage Badhne Ki.”
Chitti Babu, Chief Innovation Officer, Star Health, said, “At Star Health, we believe that today, health insurance has become a basic necessity along with food, water and shelter. This belief drives our endeavor to insure every individual, regardless of their location, enabling them to gain access to quality healthcare irrespective of their societal strata. Our collaboration with PayNearby, given their strong presence and deep networks in rural and non-metro regions of India, is another step in this direction, enabling us to offer bite-sized health insurance covers to all. This partnership will play a crucial role in insuring the under-served population in Bharat.”
Jan 4, 2024 | Uncategorized
India Medtronic Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT), today announced a strategic collaboration with Cardiac Design Labs (CDL) to launch, scale up, and expand access to CDL’s novel diagnostic technology, Padma Rhythms®, an external loop recorder (ELR) patch designed for comprehensive, long-term heart monitoring and diagnosis. As part of the collaboration, Medtronic will become the exclusive distributor of Padma Rhythms in India, while both Medtronic and CDL will jointly develop training and education programs to expand reach of the ELR technology across the country.
“We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with CDL to reshape cardiac rhythm monitoring in India,” said Michael Blackwell, vice president and managing director of Medtronic India. “Remote monitoring of cardiac diseases is a rapidly growing space and the inclusion of Padma Rhythms ELR patch provides us with an opportunity to serve more patients by expanding its reach across India.”
The ELR device combines the convenience of an external patch with the advanced capabilities of a Holter, ensuring accurate and insightful data for the monitoring period. It has been designed and manufactured in India by CDL and is powered by a first-of-its-kind connected platform for managing tests, data, algorithms, analysis, review, and reporting. CDL’s innovation includes wearables designed for use in sweat inducing conditions with dependable workflows and minimal interventions for use of devices. An automated data transfer mechanism allows physicians and technicians to access real-time test management dashboards and full disclosures on-demand.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of death globally and in India. A study by Global Burden of Disease puts the death due to CVD in India at 272 per 1 Lakh population as compared to the global average of 235.1
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Medtronic in our combined objective to alleviate the burden of heart rhythm disorders in India,” said Anand Madanagopal, founder and chief executive officer at CDL. “The collaboration holds immense promise for the future of cardiac care in India. The launch of Padma Rhythms marks the coming together of a decade of building an indigenous platform with strong R&D focus and interplay of technologies that can bring a tectonic shift in the prevailing cardiac monitoring approaches.”
Proven with over two million hours of ECG from patients, CDL’s proprietary algorithms have been benchmarked against the best globally and remain core to their innovation and commitment to high standards of performance.2 This combined with the integrated platform assures test outcomes and accuracy in rhythm diagnosis.
“Cardiac rhythm disorders can often exhibit subtle symptoms and can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. Affordable diagnostic solutions ensures that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, can access essential diagnostic tools, leading to earlier detection and timely intervention,” said Dr. Devi Shetty, chairman of Narayana Health. “It is initiatives like these that will help address the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases in the country.”
Padma Rhythms® ELR features dual ECG channels for precise abnormality detection, a high-resolution 16-bit ECG for accurate data analysis, and proprietary AI-powered algorithms for efficient monitoring. The device is disposable, easily activated, water-resistant, and breathable, ensuring comfort and reliable performance. Crafted with a focus on high fidelity and lightweight construction, it allows uninterrupted daily activities during continuous monitoring.
Jan 4, 2024 | Uncategorized
In its RoC (Registrar of Companies) filing with the Ministry of Company Affairs, audio series platform Pocket FM has disclosed the financial performance of its India subsidiary for FY2023. The company reported a 647% surge in revenue, reaching Rs.131 crores. It has reduced its loss (before tax) by 56%, amounting to Rs.75.7 crores.
Pocket FM has experienced a 417% increase in microtransaction revenue (content monetisation) to Rs. 82.8 crores. The advertising revenue soared by 1120% to Rs.12.17 crores, with the company at a pilot stage for its brand and ad solutions streams.
Pocket FM has been prudent with expense management in FY23, with overall expenses growing by 9.32% to Rs.206.78 crores. The advertising and marketing expenses are brought down by 45% to Rs.70.57 crores. However, the company’s commitment to expanding its content library is evident with its content expenses more than doubled to Rs.21.29 crores in FY23.
Employee spending has witnessed an increase from Rs.30.7 crores in 2022 to Rs.73.3 crores in 2023 to align with the company’s growth strategy.
Commenting on its FY23 financial disclosures, Anurag Sharma, Chief Financial Officer, Pocket FM said, “As Pocket FM charts its path in FY2023, our focus is clear: strategic growth, global expansion, and financial resilience. Our commitment to staying financially healthy ensures a strong foundation for scaling up not just in India but also globally. With continuous investments into content and the writers’ community, we look forward to elevating entertainment not just limited to listening experiences but replicating the experience across other formats through IP stronghold.”
The company’s expense-to-revenue ratio has got better to 1.58 in FY23 from 10.78 in FY22.
Jan 4, 2024 | Uncategorized
Panasonic Life Solutions India – a leading diversified technology company, today launched a new digital mirrorless camera – LUMIX G9II. The LUMIX G9II is the latest addition to its flagship G Series Segment line-up for the Indian market. This camera is equipped with a new sensor, a new engine, and the first-time implementation of Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) technology in the LUMIX G Series for outstanding photograph/videographic performance and high-speed response. The LUMIX G9II body has been priced at INR 1,74,990, and a LUMIX G9II combo kit with a lens, including Leica DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm/F2.8-4.0 ASPH/ Power O.I.S at INR 2,28,990. LUMIX G9II will be available across all Panasonic brand shops, Lumix Lounges, dealer network across India.
Mr. Fumiyasu Fujimori, Managing Director, PMIN, Panasonic Life Solutions India, said, “Our commitment towards delivering cutting-edge technology and innovation to imaging professionals and enthusiasts continues with the LUMIX G series. With the help of a new sensor, PDAF technology and an advanced imaging engine in the new LUMIX G9II, creative professionals will feel more empowered to capture breathtaking visuals and excel further in their storytelling. At Panasonic, we will continue to push the horizons of imaging to provide our consumers with the best of technology to support especially in the field of Wildlife, Sports and Events.”
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Hardeep Sarna, Business Chief, Imaging Business Group, Panasonic Life Solutions India said, “Since the introduction of the first LUMIX G series camera in 2009, we’ve been breaking boundaries for digital mirrorless camera categories. The new LUMIX G9II is an extension of our tradition of innovation, advanced technology catering to the evolving needs of creative professionals and multimedia producers. It has been designed to deliver an unparalleled experience in the ecosystem. The LUMIX G9II is packed with features including Pre-Burst Shooting, 100MP Handheld High-Resolution Mode on Raw & JPEG, Real-Time LUT, and a new imaging engine for a fast and accurate Auto Focus to capture superior quality images/videos. Through this, we are hoping LUMIX G9II will contribute 10% to LUMIX category.”
The new 25.2-megapixel Live MOS Sensor, paired with a new engine, delivers high-resolution images in outstanding quality with rich color tones. The PDAF technology ensures precise auto-focus and swift tracking of rapidly moving subjects. Additionally, the camera offers a remarkable burst shooting capability of 60 fps in AFC mode and 75 fps in AFS mode, complemented by pre-burst recording that initiates before the shutter release. This guarantees the capture of decisive moments, even when dealing with dynamically moving subjects. Furthermore, the camera excels in video performance, supporting impressive features such as C4K/4K at 120p/100p and FHD at 280p.
LUMIX’s renowned image stabilization system is further improved, integrating an 8-stop B.I.S. (Body Image Stabilizer) to achieve exceptional video image stabilization. This collaborative improvement extends enhanced assistance for capturing dynamic scenes through handheld shooting, overcoming any challenge that a user encounters.
Furthermore, the LUMIX experience is enriched with the introduction of enhanced monochrome photo styles, including the distinguished LEICA Monochrome, complemented by REAL TIME LUT for personalized color settings, providing photographers with a versatile palette.
