SIIC IIT Kanpur and MeitY Startup Hub Facilitate Investor Connections at Startup-Investor Connect Program

The MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), in collaboration with the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur, organized a highly successful “Startup-Investor Connect Program”. This event provided a dynamic platform for emerging entrepreneurs supported by the MeitY funding program to connect with established investors and explore potential collaboration opportunities.

 

Hosted on the prestigious IIT Kanpur campus, spearheaded by the SIIC team, the program brought together a diverse array of startups and prominent investment organizations, including IvyCamp, RTAF, HPCL, SIDBI, BIORX, Sanchi Connect, Cummins India, Indian Angel Network, Danazir Wealth Management, Singhania & Co, Lawsikho, and Skill Arbitrage. The startups showcased their groundbreaking ideas and business models, while the investors shared valuable insights into market trends, investment opportunities, and scaling strategies.

 

The program facilitated productive dialogue and insightful exchange, enabling startups to gain a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape and the potential for financial backing and growth. The event exemplified the collaborative spirit and commitment of both MSH and SIIC IIT Kanpur to nurturing the continued development and success of startups in India.

 

Commenting on the success of the program, Prof. Ankush Sharma, Professor In-charge, Start-up Incubation and Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur, said, “We are thrilled to have partnered with MeitY Startup Hub in organizing this successful Startup-Investor Connect Program. By creating a platform for meaningful connections between innovative startups and experienced investors, we have taken a significant step towards empowering entrepreneurs and driving the growth of India’s vibrant startup ecosystem. This event not only facilitated access to potential funding opportunities but also equipped startups with valuable insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of the entrepreneurial journey.”

 

The “Startup-Investor Connect Program” concluded with a sincere vote of thanks from Prof. Suresh Srivastava, Director, IIT Kanpur-La Trobe University Research Academy, reiterating the unwavering commitment of both organizations to support and propel the startup community in India.

 

Dish TV rolls out dynamic AV Vans to unveil ‘Zing Super Offer’ across the Hindi Speaking Market

Dish TV, a prominent DTH service provider, has launched a strategic outreach initiative targeting Hindi Speaking Market (HSM) regions across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh East & West, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar to popularise its Zing Super offering through on-ground activities, tailored for Tier-2, Tier-3 towns, and deep rural areas. The company is using all decked up dynamic interactive Audio-Video (AV) vans to promote its special ‘Zing Super offer’ and provide entertainment avenues to the HSM market, with the aim to attract potential customers towards the evolved entertainment experience of the pay television.

 

Dish TV provides both pay-TV channels and free channels on its platform to offer customers a choice between pay-TV and Free TV viewing. The Dish TV van activity has been instrumental in directly connecting with customers by demonstrating both pay-TV and FTA through live programming demos and on-the-spot resolution of complaints of existing subscribers. The vans will also showcase educational channels and distribute stationery to children to build an emotional connection with families.

 

Manoj Dobhal, CEO of Dish TV India Limited, said, “At Dish TV, we’re committed to delivering top-notch entertainment to our valued customers. Our ‘Zing Super’ offer provides 300+ channels for an extended period of time with the flexibility to add pay channels on an à la carte basis whenever required. With our unique initiative, using interactive dynamic AV vans, we aim to highlight the content quality of pay-TV vis-a-vis FTA through live programming on the spot, which helps in converting FTA customers by bringing them onto the pay platform at a reasonable entry price.”

 

As part of the campaign, dynamic vans will traverse these targeted markets, generating awareness, facilitating on-the-spot new sales and resolving customer complaints.

 

Customers can avail the exclusive offer during the campaign period and receive exciting gifts with every purchase, ensuring a delightful experience for all customers.

 

BPCL Secures 5th Spot in Business World Real 500: Leading the Change

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Maharatna and India’s second-largest government-owned downstream oil producer, proudly announces its continued position as the 5th-ranked company in The Business World Real 500 List of 2024. This accomplishment underscores BPCL’s unwavering commitment to excellence and highlights its consistent and robust financial performance in a dynamic operating environment.

 

Throughout the first three quarters of the current fiscal year, BPCL has demonstrated agility and resilience in navigating through changing times while remaining firmly committed to the strategic path of energy transition. Our physical and financial performance during this period reflects our dedication to maintaining a growth trajectory amidst challenges.

 

In line with our commitment to sustainable development and stakeholder value creation, BPCL has unveiled ambitious investment plans totaling Rs. 1.5 Lakh Crore over the next five years. These investments are not only aimed at strengthening our core business but also at making significant strides in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, further solidifying our position as a responsible corporate citizen.

 

As BPCL continues its journey of growth and sustainability, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to driving long-term value for its stakeholders while contributing to the nation’s development.

 

About Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL):

 

Fortune Global 500 Company, Bharat Petroleum is the second largest Indian Oil Marketing Company and one of the integrated energy companies in India, engaged in refining of crude oil and marketing of petroleum products, with presence in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. The company attained the coveted Maharatna status, joining the club of companies having greater operational & financial autonomy.

 

Bharat Petroleum’s Refineries at Mumbai, Kochi and Bina have a combined refining capacity of around 35.3 MMTPA. Its marketing infrastructure includes a network of installations, depots, energy stations, aviation service stations and LPG distributors. Its distribution network comprises over 21,000 Energy Stations, over 6,200 LPG distributorships, 525 Lubes distributorships, and 123 POL storage locations, 53 LPG Bottling Plants, 70 Aviation Service Stations, 4 Lube blending plants and 4 cross-country pipelines as on 30.09.2023.

 

Bharat Petroleum is integrating its strategy, investments, environmental and social ambitions to move towards a sustainable planet. The company has chalked out the plan to offer electric vehicle charging stations at around 7000 energy stations over next 5 years.

 

With a focus on sustainable solutions, the company is developing an ecosystem and a road-map to become a Net Zero Energy Company by 2040, in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Bharat Petroleum has been partnering communities by supporting several initiatives connected primarily in the areas of education, water conservation, skill development, health, community development, capacity building and employee volunteering. With ‘Energising Lives’ as its core purpose, Bharat Petroleum’s vision is to be an admired global energy company leveraging talent, innovation & technology.

 

Experts Share Strategies: Engaging Adolescents in the Fight Against Malnutrition

As India nears its Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for eliminating chronic hunger by 2030, the country has witnessed remarkable progress in the reduction of malnutrition in recent years – demonstrated by an almost 3% decrease in the percentage of children below five years of age that are stunted or chronically malnourished, according to the National Health Family Survey 5 (2019-21). Despite various efforts, malnutrition remains a consistent burden on the country: nutrition experts have pointed out that 74% of Indians have insufficient access to adequate nutrition, highlighting the widespread problem of food insecurity in the country.

 

To combat the nationwide challenge, experts and practitioners came together at the inaugural Nourishing Schools Foundation Nutrition Conclave, which was organized in association with the Department of Home Science at Mount Carmel College, Autonomous, Bengaluru. The forum emphasized the need for collaborative strategies to engage pre-adolescent and adolescent children in tackling malnutrition. It highlighted the significance of integrating nutrition education in the school curricula to enable children to make knowledgeable food decisions.

 

Noting the success of the first edition of the Nutrition Conclave, Ms. Archana Sinha, Co-founder and CEO of the Nourishing Schools Foundation (NSF), said, “We are immensely grateful to have hosted the first edition of NSF Nutrition Conclave 2024 – bringing together the country’s most distinguished changemakers in the nutrition and education sector under one roof. As we move closer towards India’s SDG target of eradicating malnutrition by 2030, Nourishing Schools Foundation envisions further collaborative initiatives to accelerate the country’s battle against chronic hunger. We are grateful to Mount Carmel College, Autonomous for collaborating with us to organize this event.”

Stressing the urgency of addressing the nutrition gap in the country, Ms. S. Veena Rao, Director of Auro Center for Public Health, Public Nutrition, Public Policy, Bangalore, and Former Advisor, Karnataka Nutrition Mission, Government of Karnataka, said, “A strong nation must have strong human capital. Much has been said about India’s demographic dividend, that 67.3% of our population is between 15-59 years of age, and that this demographic advantage will continue for another three decades. Students constitute our present and future demographic dividend and can become critical agents of change. They must be nurtured into becoming India’s strong human capital, especially those from less privileged sections of society.”

Highlighting the need for such insightful platforms, Dr K Madan Gopal, Former Senior Consultant, NITI Aayog, GOI, noted, “India has achieved remarkable strides in the battle against malnutrition, particularly in safeguarding the health of children and women, thanks to decades of dedicated policy initiatives. As we zero in on our national aspiration to eliminate malnutrition within the coming decade, we must harness our collective resolve.”

To end food insecurity and guarantee a healthier, more nourished future for every child, the Nourishing Schools Foundation aims to continue bringing together stakeholders to enhance collaborative efforts in the battle against malnutrition.

Air India Express Summer Schedule 2024: 25% Increase in Flights Compared to Summer 2023

Air India Express today announced a significant network expansion and increased flight frequencies to cater to the anticipated surge in travel demand during the upcoming summer season. As part of its summer schedule in 2024, Air India Express will offer over 360 daily departures, connecting a wide range of business and leisure destinations. Compared to last year’s Summer Schedule, Air India Express is growing its network significantly, with over 25% increase in domestic and over 20% in international flights. This translates to an additional 55 domestic flights and 19 international flights, bringing the total to 259 domestic and 109 international departures.

 

The airline will be increasing its frequencies to international destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Jeddah, and Sharjah. The airline will boost its presence by increasing domestic and international frequencies from Ayodhya, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kannur, Kolkata, Kochi, Mangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, and Varanasi, aiming to provide guests with a more extensive and well-connected travel experience.

 

Upholding its brand promise of “Fly As You Are,” the airline offers a variety of fare types that cater to individual travel preferences and budgets. The airline has four fare products to choose from – Xpress Lite (cabin baggage only fares), Xpress Value (15 kg check-in bag fares), Xpress Flex (unlimited changes with no change fees), and Xpress Biz (Business Class seating with complimentary Gourmair meals and priority services).

 

As part of the upcoming Holi celebrations, Air India Express has introduced the traditional Indian sweet “Gujia” to its award-winning in-flight dining menu, ‘Gourmair,’ promising guests a refreshing gastronomic experience. Recently, Air India Express dominated as the most punctual airline in India, as per the data reported by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for February 2024.

TATA AIG Introduces ‘Travel Guard Plus’ – A Comprehensive Travel Insurance Solution with Enhanced Features

TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited, a leading general insurance provider, has launched “Travel Guard Plus”, a comprehensive travel insurance product that redefines complete coverage for travellers with an array of bundle plans. TATA AIG’s Travel Guard Plus has been meticulously designed to meet people’s diverse travel needs with a wide range of plans where 41 different types of covers has been packaged to meet the need of customers.

TATA AIG’s Travel Guard Plus provides coverage for a range of situations including Loss of Personal Baggage, Compassionate Travel / Stay, Accommodation extension, Up-gradation to Business class, Personal Accident in India, and Instant Gratification that allows travellers to get instant money in case of any flight delays or cancellation on real-time basis. These enhancements aim to elevate the overall travel experience and setting new standards in a travel protection, ensuring travellers have access to extensive coverage tailored to their needs with the ease of claims.

Amongst the many product enhancements, one significant transformation is the customization of plans.  Customer can choose from 3 add-on bundles – Cruise Bundle, Travel Plus Bundle, Accident Bundle which caters to cruise related contingencies, frequent flyer cover, coma cover, adventure sports cover.  The plans have been customised in addition to the base plans.  Moreover, the policy also provides optional assistance services which allows travellers to customize their coverage even further.

Speaking about the new TATA AIG Travel Guard Plus, Mr. Saurav Jaiswal, President & Chief Operating Officer, TATA AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd. said, “At TATA AIG we are excited to announce the launch of Travel Guard Plus, which demonstrates the company’s unwavering commitment to its customers’ needs by providing all-encompassing insurance solutions. With our Travel Guard Plus policy, travellers can embark on their adventures with a sense of assurance, as they have a safeguard against unexpected circumstances. Our emphasis is on ensuring a stress-free experience tailored to each traveller’s specific requirements.”  

Key Additions in Travel Guard Plus:

  • Annual Multi Trip cover with higher single per trip duration of up to 180 days
  • Single Trip with an option of single policy up to 365 days.
  • Optional Assistance Services such as Care at Home, Baggage tracking, Lost Passport tracking to enhance convenience.
  • Non-medical coverage only plan that suits several travellers who requires cover for non-medical covers only – such as for students who travel abroad for study or young travellers travelling for short duration preferring only non-medical travel insurance.
  • Separate plan for Schengen geo-scope.
  • New age covers such as adventure sports, instant gratification for flight cancellation/flight delay, loss of Personal Baggage, Personal Accident in India and pandemic coverage.
  • Senior Plus plan (71 – 80 years) for higher medical sum inured up to $100000.
  • Super Senior plan (> 80 years) for higher medical sum insured up to $50000.