Thursday 31 August 2023

Central American bloc keen to sign FTA with India

The eight-country regional bloc Central American Integration System (SICA) is keen to sign Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India and has formally made a proposal in this regard. The bloc has made a proposal for FTA with India on similar lines it has signed with the USA, Europe and other countries. The members of SICA are Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Uruguay, Panama and Dominican Republic.

“SICA bloc, with a population of more than 70 million, offers huge consumer market for Indian companies, that can explore untapped business partnership in the areas of Hospitality, Chemical, Green Energy, IT, Pharmaceutical, Vehicles and Automotive products, Teak wood, medical devices,” said H.E. Mr. Claudio Ansorena Montero, Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica while interacting with Dr. Vijay Kalantri, President-All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and Chairman, MVIRDC WTC Mumbai.

H.E. Mr. Montero suggested Indian government to open its Embassy in Costa Rica to strengthen diplomatic relations, which is more than 50 years old. Costa Rica has opened an Embassy in India 13 years years ago to promote bilateral relations. Currently, bilateral trade is hardly USD 200 Million and there is immense scope to enhance this trade, the Ambassador pointed out.

Around 22 Indian companies have invested in Costa Rica to benefit from its 8-year tax holiday and exemption from Import or Export duties. All incentives and benefits are given for putting up manufacturing establishments, services and other business in Costa Rica and other SICA countries, added the Ambassador.

Pointing to areas of bilateral cooperation, Mr. Montero mentioned, “We are looking to strengthen trade and investment ties with India in pharmaceuticals, auto and auto-components as India is a reliable supply partner which meets our requirement in terms of quality. There are also emerging trade and investment opportunities in IT, telecom and energy between both the countries, he added.

Mr. Montero suggested Indian government to re-consider tariffs on fruits, coffee and other items exported by Costa Rica to India.

Mr. Montero further added that both the countries are committed to peace and we value democracy and both of us have a legal system in place and offer a fair level playing field.

Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Kalantri highlighted, “The current trade volume between India and Costa Rica is USD 200 Million. AIAI and WTC Mumbai will take efforts to enhance mutual trade and investment by signing MoUs with the Embassy of Costa Rica and exchanging frequent trade delegations. We are also planning to organize India-Latin America Economic Conclave in the course of time to create awareness about areas of mutual collaboration and co-operation.”

Dr. Kalantri added, “India is now also a pharma capital of the world besides IT and this is one potential area for mutual collaboration and Indian industry can consider Costa Rica as a gateway to Latin American, USA and Europe.

Dr. Kalantri pointed out that there are great opportunities for Indian companies in Central Latin American countries besides hinting at possibility of Technology Transfer, trade and investment in sectors such as Automotive, Pharma and Chemical.

Dr. Vijay Kalantri, President-All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and Chairman, MVIRDC WTC Mumbai with H.E. Mr. Claudio Ansorena Montero, Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica.

Honda Cars India joins hands with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation to offer exciting benefits to its customers

New Delhi, 31st August 2023  Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, has partnered with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), a Govt. of India Maharatna Energy Company, to introduce fuel reward loyalty program exclusively for Honda Connect application users.

 

Honda Connect is an intelligent and advanced connected car technology platform provided by HCIL to its customers, which provides various features like car location, car health status, trip details, book services, mileage information, important alerts etc.

HP Pay, HPCLs payment App with convenience & benefits is providing a secure, contactless, and streamlined digital payment & loyalty solution for the mobility and energy needs of customers.

Under this partnership, Hondas customers can seamlessly enrol for HP Pay application through "Fuel Pay" option in Honda Connect app and avail benefits, conveniences and enjoy additional 25% fuel reward points on their motor fuel purchase at HPCL fuel stations over and above the HP Pay reward points. Customers are only required to provide their registered mobile number at the fuel station during refuelling for earning the loyalty points. The accumulated loyalty points can then be redeemed into Wallet Balance or converted to Paycode i.e., a unique number which can be shared at HPCL fuel stations for fuel purchase. This new feature will be available on Honda Connect application from 4th September 2023.

Mr Yuichi Murata, Director, Marketing & Sales at Honda Cars India, said Our focus at Honda Cars India is to not only provide our customers with top-quality products but also offer a range of value-added services and ownership experiences. This partnership with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. is a significant step toward enhancing the value we provide to our customers through Honda Connect. This collaboration not only ensures a rewarding refuelling experience but also aligns with our focus on delivering convenience and benefits to every Honda car owner."

Mr. Amit Garg, Director-Marketing, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd, conveyed, "At Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, we are committed to consistently provide customer-centric, engaging, and innovative propositions that cater to the evolving needs of our customers. Through this partnership, our objective is to offer a seamless solution to customers, enabling them to locate HPCL retail outlets, enhance their fuelling experience with efficiency, provide secure digital payment and avail host of rewards and benefits. We are excited to collaborate with Honda Cars India to provide enhanced offerings to Honda customers in line with our motto of Delivering Happiness.

Honda Connect has been developed keeping in mind customers lifestyle and their growing interaction with advanced technology, offering instant and seamless communication between the customer, car, their family, and Honda. Honda Connect App comes with 37 connected features which offers a safer ownership experience, convenience, and peace of mind to customers.

Photo caption: Mr Yuichi Murata, Director, Marketing & Sales at Honda Cars India and Mr. Amit Garg, Director-Marketing, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd, during the signing ceremony.

About Honda Cars India Ltd.

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, was established in December 1995 with a commitment to provide Honda’s passenger car models and technologies, to Indian customers. HCIL’s corporate office is based in Greater Noida, UP and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is located at Tapukara, District. Alwar, Rajasthan. Honda’s models are strongly associated with advanced design and technology, apart from their established qualities of durability, reliability, safety, and fuel efficiency catering to the diverse needs of its discerning buyers across different segments. The company has a strong sales and distribution network spread across the country.  Besides the new car business, Honda offers a one-stop solution for buying and selling pre-owned cars through its business function Honda Auto Terrace. The Honda Certified Pre-owned cars come with an assurance of quality and peace of mind that caters to the diverse and burgeoning needs of pre-owned car buyers across the country.

About Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd,

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) and an S&P Global Platts Top 250 Global Energy Company, holds a robust presence in India's downstream hydrocarbon sector. HPCL has a strong presence in Refining & Marketing petroleum products in the country. HPCL owns and operates Refineries at Mumbai & Visakhapatnam with designed capacities of 9.5 MMTPA & 11.0 MMTPA respectively. HPCL also owns the largest Lube Refinery in the country at Mumbai for producing Lube Oil Base Stocks with a capacity of 428 TMTPA. HPCL holds a 48.99% equity stake in JV Company, HMEL which operates an 11.3 MMTPA capacity refinery in Punjab, and also has a 16.96% equity stake in MRPL which operates a 15 MMTPA capacity refinery in Karnataka.

The customer touch points constitute 21,290 Retail Outlets, 1,638 SKO/LDO dealers, 304 Lube distributors,126 Industrial Lube Distributors, 1,484 CNG facilities at Retail Outlets, 2,159 EV charging stations,770 Door-to-door delivery dispensers and 6,297 LPG Distributorships with a customer base of above 9.38 crore LPG consumers as of July’23.

The company is dedicated to harnessing digital technologies across its operations & customer experience fostering innovation, operational excellence, and new business models to deliver exceptional value to its customers, employees, and stakeholders.

Embark on a Gastronomical experience around Czechia!

 

Date: August 2023

When it comes to culinary treasures, Czechia stands as a haven for food enthusiasts seeking a blend of hearty traditions and delectable innovations. This enchanting nation's gastronomical delights are a symphony of flavours that tell stories of its history, culture, and unwavering passion for good food. Join us on a mouthwatering journey as we explore the irresistible world of Czech cuisine, where every bite is a celebration of heritage and culinary artistry.

Czech cuisine is a testament to its people's affinity for hearty, soul-warming dishes that have been passed down through generations. These comfort foods, steeped in tradition, reflect the country's rural heritage and the importance of shared meals.

Dumplings, known by their Czech moniker 'knedlíky,' occupy a cherished place at the heart of Czech culinary culture. These soft and pliable delights manifest in a splendid assortment of forms, ranging from the classic bread dumplings designed to absorb and amplify the flavours of savoury sauces, to their sweet counterparts brimming with fruity goodness, poised to satiate even the most insistent sweet tooth. Beyond their humble role as a mere sidekick on the plate, dumplings step into the spotlight as veritable canvases on which flavours are woven into an intricate tapestry, creating an enchanting symphony of taste and texture.

Czech classics like goulash showcase the art of slow-cooked perfection. Tender meat, rich spices, and a symphony of vegetables come together to create a symphony of flavours that dance on your palate. "Svíčková," marinated beef with a creamy sauce, is another beloved dish that embodies the essence of Czech comfort.

Czech desserts beckon us into a realm of pure delight, offering a journey that tantalizes the taste buds with an array of sugary treasures. If you've been to Czechia and missed out on trying fruit dumplings, it's a must-do on your list. These traditional Czech delights hold unique features, notably their seasonal availability and the diverse regional variations in serving styles. If you've overlooked them, a return visit is in order to savor this culinary treat.

The Czech populace takes profound pride in nurturing its time-honoured brewing legacy, where beer goes beyond the realm of a simple libation and ascends to the status of a cultural icon. In Czechia, beer is more than just a drink; it is a symbol that reflects the nation's traditions, history, and sense of community.

The nation's brewing artisans orchestrate a rich symphony of flavours, presenting an expansive repertoire of lagers and pilsners that cater to a wide spectrum of palates. This kaleidoscope of brews transforms Czechia into an irresistible destination for those who possess a refined appreciation for the nuances of beer. With each sip, one embarks on a sensory journey, experiencing the craftsmanship that has been perfected over generations.

In the heart of every Czech dish lies a story of heritage, culture, and the joy of indulging in a well-cooked meal. As you embark on this gastronomical odyssey, prepare to be enchanted by the warmth of Czech hospitality and the undeniable allure of its rich and flavourful cuisine.

About Czechia

The Czechia in Central Europe, is a country that's known for over twelve hundred castles, sixteen UNESCO World Heritage Sites, thermal spa’s, crystals, glass and a long history. Apart from Prague, and known for it’s therapeutic spas not only in Karlovy Vary, the Czechia has picturesque places like Český Krumlov, South Moravian region – Brno and the beautiful cultural Landscape the Lednice – Valtice complex. The local currency is Czech Korona.

For more information, check out our website and our Instagram:

https://www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/

https://www.instagram.com/visitczechia_in/

MSME National Summit and Awards - Season 3 from the house of Zee Business.in, culminates in a resounding success, acknowledging exemplary contributions from the MSME sector

Elevating the spirit of innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial fortitude, MSME Summit and Awards 2023, presented by Zee Business.in and hosted by IndiaDotcom Digital Private Limited, successfully proved to be a beacon of inspiration and recognition for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).  It not only illuminated the remarkable contributions of MSMEs but also underscored their pivotal role in propelling economic growth and fostering a culture of ingenuity.

ZeeBusiness.in MSME Summit and Awards 2023 was graced by the Keynote speaker- Shehzad Poonawalla, BJP National Spokesperson, who drove the audience’s attention towards ‘Maximum Support to Making Entrepreneurs (MSMEs)’. Industry leaders like Mr D.K.Singh IAS (Retd), Ex Development Commissioner MSME, Ex-Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation Ex Secretary National Human Rights Commission, Gurmeet Singh Kular, President, Federation of Industrial and Commercial Organization, Rajiv Chawla, Chairman, IamSMEofIndia etc also attended this grand ceremony. 

Mr. Pawan Duggal, Chairman, International Commission, Cyber Security Law, also apprised the attendees of the importance of cyber security, documented compliances and cyber readiness. Through thought-provoking panel discussions on topics like Digital transformation and cybersecurity, ‘New-age manufacturing and sustainability and business beyond boundaries’, the MSME Summit facilitated an impactful exchange of knowledge and ideas, ultimately nurturing the collective progress of the MSME ecosystem.

With an aim to empower entrepreneurial dreams, and enable growth-driven future, this summit convened visionaries, industry leaders, and policymakers to highlight the challenges, ideation, collaboration and success horizons of the respective sector. From innovation and sustainability to leadership and community impact, the MSME Awards grand ceremony awards also celebrated the exceptional efforts of MSMEs in diverse sectors.

Winners of this year’s MSME Awards were carefully selected by a distinguished panel of judges who evaluated nominees based on their contributions to growth, job creation, and their ability to adapt to changing market dynamics. To name a few, Kohsa Analytics won the prestigious title of ‘Impactful Sustainable Solution for the Environment’, Elephantine Enterprises won the ‘Visionary Realtors for Businesses and Residences’ title, Swastik Interchem Pvt Ltd bagged ‘Impactful contribution in the Indian Chemical Industry’  award etc.

On the success of the Season 3 of the MSME Summit and Awards 2023Mr. Shridhar Mishra, CRO, IndiaDotcom Digital Private Limited, said "The Season 3 of Zee Business.in MSME Summit and Awards 2023 has been an ode to the relentless spirit of MSMEs in India, showcasing their unmatched contribution to our economic fabric. As we conclude the MSME Summit and Awards 2023, we look forward to celebrating and acknowledging the power of determination and innovation that permeates the MSME ecosystem in future too.”

Anindya Khare, Marketing Head at Zee Media Corporation Limited, further added highlighted, “It's been exhilarating to witness how these enterprises are rewriting the rules, challenging norms, and ensuring business excellence. The MSME Summit and Awards 2023 has, indeed, been a masterpiece of inspiration, highlighting the dynamic tapestry of small businesses. With every success story shared, we promise to reaffirm our commitment to fostering an ecosystem where innovation thrives and dreams transform into reality.”

The MSME Summit and Awards 2023 streamed LIVE on YouTube and the Facebook page of ZeeBusiness.in. This on-ground event was driven by Honda, its insurance partner was LIC, its banking partner was Induslnd, its knowledge partner was Channel Technology and its special partner was Dish TV.

About IndiaDotcom Digital Private Limited

IndiaDotcom Digital Private Limited (formerly Zee Digital) is one of the largest digital media publishing company in India. IDPL’s distinctive digital Products are amongst the fastest-growing websites and applications worldwide, with over 32 digital properties.

Merino at FOAID 2023: Redefining Possibilities With Innovation


~Over 3000 architects and interior designers visited Merino booth at the festival that includes architects and interior designers from different parts of the country~

Mumbai, August 31, 2023 – Merino, a leading name in innovative interior solutions, once again captivated attendees at this year's Festival of Architecture & Interior Design (FOAID) held at the Jio Convention Center in Mumbai on August 18th and 19th. Building upon the success of the previous year, Merino's booth garnered tremendous attention, attracting over 3000 visitors, including architects and interior designers from across the country. With an unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship, quality, and innovation, Merino showcased a diverse range of designs, textures and materials under the theme "The World of Infinite Possibilities."

As a steadfast supporter of emerging architectural talent, Merino continued its tradition of sponsoring the "Architecture Ideas" contest, exclusively aimed at nurturing the creativity of young architects under the age of 35. This sponsorship marks Merino's ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and excellence within the architectural community.

Emanating as a central attraction of the event, Merino resonated with the very essence of boundless creativity. Right from the infinite possibilities stage with furniture pieces curated out of laminates and surface solutions to Phygital mood wall, with Visualizers & BIM files integrated to help visitors get actual essence of the surfaces — the Merino showcase echoed with the notion of endless possibilities. Anchored by the theme "The World of Infinite Possibilities," the booth served as a canvas for the vivid display of Merino's pioneering products, meticulously curated to embolden architects and designers to transcend the conventional limitations of their creative visions. This curated collection featured:

Luvih: An epitome of luxury, Luvih surfaces redefine elegance and sophistication, making a bold statement in any interior.

Hanex: Cutting-edge solid surface material, Hanex, stood as a testament to durability and design versatility.

Meister Surfaces: The pinnacle of perfection, Meister Surfaces offer exquisite finishes that elevate interior aesthetics.

Merinova: A harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality, Merinova surfaces set new standards in interior design.

MRS (Merino Restroom Solutions): Revolutionizing restroom design with intelligent solutions that prioritize hygiene and style.

Integrated Plumbing System: A dynamic visual presentation highlighting integrated plumbing solutions that amplify both convenience and aesthetics. This included space-saving and innovative in-wall cisterns that ate often used to exemplify modern bathroom design.

Feather Touch: Cutting-edge laminates offering a tactile experience that engages the senses.

Imagino: Digital laminates that bring imagination to life with stunning graphics and visuals.

Merino FABWood – Where Innovation Meets Sustainability

A standout feature of the exhibition was the official introduction of Merino FABWood, all set to be launched soon, an imminent addition that tends to redefine chipboard benchmarks. Distinguished as highly densified, moisture-resistant chipboard — Merino FABWood transcends the EN312 P5 standards. More than a testament to design innovation, it takes a holistic approach to well-being, boasting ultra-low VOC emissions that enhance indoor air quality. Moreover, Merino FABWood is soon expected to open doors to boundless design horizons, seamlessly harmonizing innovation, well-being, and sustainability in its essence.

Reflecting on the triumph of the event, Mr. Manoj Lohia, Director of Merino Industries Ltd., remarked, "The resonating enthusiasm displayed by industry luminaries, architects, and designers toward our participation at FOAID 2023 underscores Merino's relentless pursuit of pushing the frontiers of innovation and design. Our commitment to enriching the industry with fresh and captivating products remains unwavering."

Merino also showcased its commitment to digital enablement by offering live demonstrations on the BIM catalogue, the industry first solution from Merino that enables architect and designers to incorporate laminate designs into their projects easily and accurately. In addition, key facts about Project Nirmal’ were also on display, showcasing Merino's holistic approach to design and sustainability.

Right from ‘Project Nirmal’ to the ‘Architecture Ideas’ contest, alongside the impeccable showcase at FOAID 2023, Merino is leaving no stones unturned to foster a culture of collective upliftment, one for the interior, furniture and architectural ecosystem.  The company's commitment to add value to the industry has paved the way for better innovation and design.

About Merino Industries Ltd.

Merino is a versatile manufacturer and marketer of Interiors Solutions with a wide collection of products for homes, offices, commercial and public areas. Sustainability is at the core of Merino's strategy as they incorporate practices to minimize wastage and conserve water during production. Merino Group has come a long way since the launch of plywood in 1974 and subsequently with the launch of the high pressure laminates in 1981. Today Merino Group has a beautifully strong presence in over 80 countries with an annual turnover of over 245 million USD with diverse business interests that expand from Interior Architectural products to Information Technology to Food & Agro products. The Group has achieved the current leadership position by following its vision to compete at global level and has adapted the international technology while maintaining Indian ethos.

Sunidhi Chauhan, Salim Merchant support Nikhil Arora’s campaign for Caregivers


  • Come together to launch new song ‘Khayal Rakhna’

Mumbai, August 31, 2023: CareGiveShare, a platform dedicated to building a compassionate Caregiver ecosystem has today launched their transformative campaign featuring the song "Khayal Rakhna." Sung by popular artists Sunidhi Chauhan, Salim Merchant, Pawandeep Rajan, Aryana Arora and Vijay Prakash, the campaign aims to shed light on the selfless nature of caregiving.

As per the Health Aging Organization, 40% of family caregivers, along with non-family, unpaid caregivers find their roles overwhelmingly stressful. Further, an average caregiver spends 25 hours per week caring for their loved one and lack of support and resources drives 32% of them to leave their job to care full time.

CareGiveShare’s mission is to foster a community where caregivers can come together to share their stories and experiences. The campaign seeks to address the current gap in resources and support for caregivers, providing them a platform to connect with one another.

Nikhil Arora, Founder, CareGiveShare envisions the platform as a pivotal step toward creating a caregiving ecosystem that thrives on shared experiences and collective support. He started CareGiveShare on being inspired by his personal experience as a caregiver. He said, “The campaign is a manifestation of our commitment to recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary dedication of Caregivers. This platform will empower them to share their challenges, joys, and sacrifices, while fostering a sense of unity that is essential for their well-being.”

The song “Khayal Rakhna," with its soulful melody and lyrics and, serves as an anthem that resonates deeply with the core values of CareGiveShare. Deeply moved by the work and efforts of caregivers in the community, Aryana Arora partnered with Nikhil Arora to draft the campaign with an overarching mission to shed light on the individuals who devote their time, energy, and love to care for others.

Sharing on the occasion, Salim Merchant said, “When Nikhil reached out to me with this project, I felt a strong resonance because it represents a significant undertaking. Through this musical creation, we aim to provide caregivers a platform to express their trials, triumphs, and unwavering dedication, fostering a profound sense of togetherness that is paramount for their well-being.

Currently, it is being launched as a platform for shared stories and educational resources. The next stage of activation for the impact organisation is to launch caregiving services on their website that can be availed along with building a community ecosystem.

For more information, please visit www.caregiveshare.com

Zee Café’s Breaking Bad unites brands in a fun banter on X (Twitter)


~ AndTV, Moj, ShareChat, Zing, and Comedy Culture join the trend and chime in their thoughts about Breaking Bad’s Heisenberg on social media ~

Mumbai, 31st August, 2023: Zee Café has been trending on social media, making all the right noise about the premiere of Breaking Bad. The highest-rated show on IMDb is now available with a Hindi language option for the first time for Indian audiences on the channel and after successfully pulling the attention of viewers with some unique activities and assets, Zee Café’s #BreakingBadOnZeeCafe trend went viral on X (formerly Twitter) recently.

For the uninitiated, Zee Café had roped in Gulshan Grover for a fun promo that introduced the show, and popular influencer Tanmay Bhatt also mentioned Breaking Bad - Hindi in one of his videos on the YouTube channel Overpowered AI, where he also re-imagined Shah Rukh Khan as Walter White a.k.a Heisenberg through an AI video.

To take the banter around Heisenberg and Breaking Bad further, and engage with consumers and brands alike, Zee Café recently initiated a banter amongst brands by putting a spin to the most iconic relationship of Breaking Bad. Ohh, it's not Heisenberg and Jesse, but Heisenberg and chemistry! “Heisenberg ko Chemistry mein aur Breaking Bad ko content mein koi hara nahi sakta” tweeted Zee Café from their X handle.

This brand banter was a fresh and fun-filled communication strategy, breaking the monotony from the usual brand and consumer conversation and showcased the relevance of social media first campaigns. Brands came forward and spoke about their unique propositions while linking it to Breaking Bad, collaborating with each other. Isn’t that cool?

Postponement of International operations to Terminal 2 at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru

Ziro Music Festival onboards Signature Packaged Drinking water as its presenting partner

“Live Good, Do Good” with Signature Packaged Drinking Water and Ziro Festival

Signature Packaged Drinking Water is the presenting sponsor for Ziro Festival, the country’s greenest music festival which is now in its 10th Edition.

National, 31st August: Albert Einstein once said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” When we are amidst nature, we grow. There is much to learn from local people and customs about preservation of nature, our heritage and culture, and therefore, life. It reinstates that living good does not come at the cost of doing good – rather, these two tenets of life can co-exist beautifully together.

Signature Packaged Drinking Water believes in this philosophy wholeheartedly, and is therefore, proud to be the presenting sponsor of Ziro Festival, which in its 10th year, continues to manifest the spirit of living good and doing good. Set in the Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, the 4-day music festival is the nation’s most eco-friendly festival that offers enriching and engaging experiences for all nature lovers and music enthusiasts alike. Here the revelers will enjoy their days and nights with soulful music echoing the verdant green valleys, experience farm-to-table local cuisines, and partake in locally inspired beverage experiences. The festival will also give the attendees a chance to learn the sustainable way of living from the local Apatani tribe who master the art of recycling and repurposing.

The festival is scheduled to take place between 28th September and 1st October 2023 this year.

As partners, Signature Packaged Drinking Water & Ziro Festival share a mutual commitment in fostering a greener planet and enabling meaningful connections with nature. Hand in hand, both Ziro Festival of Music and Signature Packaged Drinking Water aim to promote conscious living through insightful masterclasses, raise awareness about environmental conservation with plogging through the four days, and encourage individuals to be One with Nature by living in the campsites setup in the valley exclusively by Signature Packaged Drinking Water. These campsites will endeavor to leave zero waste behind and give back the land as pristine as they were found.

The fest will feature an electrifying lineup of artists like Lee Ranaldo, Leon Somov, Farhan, Taba Chake, Mohit Chauhan, Kiss Nuka, Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Guy Buttery, Komorebi, MC Altaf, among others. This year, the festival has also announced a third stage - Takvr, dedicated to electronic music. Apart from these, the Popi Sarmiñ Creative Space will also host a variety of community engagement initiatives and workshops.

Ruchira Jaitly, Executive Vice President and Portfolio Head, Marketing, Diageo India, said “Signature Packaged Drinking Water stands for doing things consciously that each of us can follow in our daily lives. The brand’s ‘Live good, Do good’ philosophy is a testament of the way today’s generation likes to live and as the title sponsors of Ziro Festival of Music, we are excited to showcase just that. The festival has one of the most picturesque venues in India with a terrific lineup of artists, experience centers, green acts of plogging, exciting masterclasses and more. Through this collaboration, we aim to bring together the tribe of Green Seekers who seek to be One with Nature in life, and at the festival, and together propagate the ethos of living consciously.”

Anup Kutty, Co-Founder and Creative Producer, Ziro Festival, said “It’s hugely encouraging to have an esteemed organization like Signature Packaged Drinking Water commit to supporting an independent project like Ziro Festival. Having worked with them in the previous year, it is apparent that our values regarding sustainability match”.

Bobby Hano, Co-Founder and Festival Director, Ziro Festival, said "This is a boost for responsible tourism in the northeast and will hopefully pave the way for a generation of eco-responsible artists and music lovers.”

Signature Packaged Drinking Water looks to invite Green Seekers to reconnect and exhilarate in nature’s authentic experiences whilst learning to make conscious decisions to live better in their life.

Follow the experiences on: https://www.instagram.com/signaturegreenvibes/

About Diageo India:

Diageo India is the country’s leading beverage alcohol company and a subsidiary of global leader Diageo Plc. The company manufactures, sells, and distributes an outstanding portfolio of premium brands such as Johnnie Walker, Black Dog, Black & White, VAT 69, Antiquity, Signature, The Singleton, Royal Challenge, McDowell’s No1, Smirnoff, Ketel One, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan and Godawan, an artisanal single malt whisky from India. Headquartered in Bengaluru, our wide footprint is supported by a committed team of over 3000 employees, 37 manufacturing facilities across states and union territories in India, a strong distribution network and a state-of-the-art Technical Centre. Incorporated in India as United Spirits Limited (USL), the company is listed on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in India. For more information about Diageo India, our people, our brands, and our performance, visit us at www.diageoindia.com.

Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, http://www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practices.

St. Judes opens up 42nd Centre for Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) pediatric patients in Mumbai


~Targets to manage 1,000 family units across 14 states of India by 2025~

31st August 2023, Mumbai: St. Judes India Childcare Centre has today announced  that it has opened up 42nd Centre at Mira Road, Mumbai. The new centre will provide free-of-cost holistic care and accommodation to eight children and their families undergoing Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) procedures at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s CTC, PHO & BMT Center. 

Like all the other centres, the newly-opened centre will follow the holistic model of care of being a ‘home away from home’. Each room has sleeping arrangements for the child, their family members and adequate storage facilities. Since nutrition plays an important role in boosting the immunity of children undergoing cancer treatment, the shared kitchen facility has vessels and kitchen equipment, and the child’s parents can cook meals according to their particular requirements and taste preferences. Families are also provided with essential ingredients and healthy rations that are replenished every week. Common bathrooms with clean and hygienic toilets and bathing areas maintain a high standard of infection control. Families are given transport facilities to travel between the centres and the treating hospitals, along with counseling services to help with the psychological and emotional wellbeing of the children and their parents. 

“Bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a special therapy for patients with certain cancers. It tries to transfuse healthy bone marrow cells into a person after his or her own unhealthy bone marrow has been treated to kill the abnormal cells. The patient requires a lot of care and support before, during and after the BMT procedure. The holistic support offered at the centres tries to close the gap between what the hospital provides and what the children need to beat cancer,” said Anil Nair, CEO, St. Judes India. 

St. Judes aims to manage 1,000 family units across 14 states of India by 2025 and expand into cities like Jaipur, Kolkata and Hyderabad to name a few. Some of the upcoming centres include:   

  • Kharghar, Mumbai: Construction work on the biggest project has started and the facility, which will take care of 226 children and their families, will be ready by 2024.  

  • Wadala, Mumbai: MoU has been signed for 2 centres near Wadala. It is expected to be ready by April 2023.  

  • Expand Delhi centre and add BMT units in the Chennai Centre

About St. Jude India ChildCare Centres (St. Judes)

St. Jude India ChildCare Centres (St. Judes) provides a ‘home away from home’ for children undergoing cancer treatment. These children, accompanied by their parents, come from small villages and distant towns where medical treatment for cancer is not available. St. Judes provides free-of-cost accommodation and holistic care to these children to improve their chances of surviving cancer and leading a full, healthy, happy life.

Founded in 2006 by Shyama and Nihal Kaviratne and a dedicated group of volunteers, St. Judes works alongside Tata Memorial Hospital, AIIMS, New Delhi, Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata, Dr. B Borooah Cancer Institute in Guwahati and various cancer hospitals in 11 cities across India. It currently has 42 centres with 524 family units in cities like: Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Chennai, Vellore, Guwahati, Delhi, Varanasi, Vishakhapatnam, and Muzaffarpur etc.

http://www.stjudechild.org

New centre addressSterling Row house # 3 and # 4, P K Road, Survey No 373/6, 85/6,

Ward M, Ghod Dev Village, Ghod Dev, Bhayander (E), Dist Thane 401107.