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Nuvoco Vistas Corp Achieves Highest-ever Profitability with Consolidated EBITDA at Rs. 1,657 Crores and PAT at Rs. 147 Crores

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Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

  • Successfully Reduces Net Debt by Rs. 384 Crores YoY to Rs. 4,030 crores
  • Successfully commissioned 1.2 MMTPA Grinding unit at Haryana, increasing North share of capacity from 20% to 24%

Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd., a leading building materials Company in India, announced its audited financial results for the year ended March 31, 2024. With 25 MMTPA of combined installed capacity, Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. is the fifth largest cement group in India and amongst the leading cement players in East India.

The Company’s consolidated cement sales volume stood at 18.8 MMT in FY24. Consolidated revenue from operations stood at Rs. 10,733 crores, during the same period. Consolidated EBITDA improved by 35% YoY to Rs. 1,657 crores. Further, the company reduced net debt by Rs. 384 crores YoY to Rs. 4,030 crores, resulting in Net debt / EBITDA of 2.4x.

This year marked the successful commissioning of a 1.2 MMTPA Grinding unit at Haryana Cement Plant, marking a significant milestone in our expansion. The development has enhanced North share in the total company’s capacity from 20% to 24% and will further solidify our footprint in the region. The company completed debottlenecking projects at Risda and Nimbol Plants, which has resulted in a notable increase in clinker capacity.

The Company remains dedicated to its strategic imperative in premiumisation and has expanded its premium products Duraguard F2F and Concreto Uno, into the markets of West Bengal and Jharkhand. Concreto Uno’s unique water-repelling properties and damp lock formula address the ever-changing needs of the construction industry.

The Company made significant strides in sustainability efforts under its ‘Protect Our Planet’ agenda with a reduction in carbon emissions by ~2% YoY to 454 kg CO2 per ton of cementitious materials1, reaffirming our position amongst the industry leaders in low carbon emissions. The Alternate Fuel Rate (AFR mix) saw an impressive improvement, increasing to 13% in FY24 from 9% in FY23, amongst the best in the industry. The Company also increased its solar power capacity to 5.3 MW in FY24 from 1.5 MW in FY23.

Commenting on the performance of the Company, Mr. Jayakumar Krishnaswamy, Managing Director, Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd., stated, “The Company enhanced its operational efficiencies and delivered strong growth in EBITDA and PAT despite a volatile demand environment during FY24, achieving the highest profitability. Our commendable operational outcomes reflect our dynamic and efficient strategy focused on premiumisation and cost optimisation. Moving to FY25, our strategies focus on growth, expanding our market presence, and extracting more volumes from home markets while continuing our thrust on efficiency improvement initiatives.

Furthermore, he added, “The additional capacity in Haryana allows us to expand our market presence in the North while maintaining our leadership in the East. We have also seized the opportunity to grow our Ready- Mix Concrete business, commissioning seven new plants this fiscal year, bringing the total to 58 plants pan- India.”

1. FY24 unaudited figure

About Nuvoco Vistas

Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited (“Nuvoco”) is a building materials company with a vision to build a safer, smarter, and sustainable world. Nuvoco started its operations in 2014 through a greenfield cement plant in Nimbol, Rajasthan, and further acquired Lafarge India Limited, which entered India in 1999 and Emami Cement Ltd. in 2020. Today, Nuvoco is India’s 5th largest cement group in terms of capacity (25 MMTPA), with INR 10,733 crore in total revenue from operations in FY24. It is among the leading players in East India. Nuvoco offers a diversified business portfolio in three business segments: Cement, Ready-Mix Concrete (RMX), and Modern Building Materials (MBM). Nuvoco’s Cement product portfolio includes – Concreto, Duraguard, Double Bull, PSC, Nirmax and Infracem brands that offer a complete spectrum of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), Portland Slag Cement (PSC), Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) and Portland Composite Cement (PCC). Nuvoco’s RMX business possesses a pan-India presence and offers value-added products under Concreto (Performance concrete), Artiste (Decorative concrete), InstaMix (ready-to-use bagged concrete – the first-of-its-kind in the industry), X-Con (M20 to M60) and Ecodure (Special green concrete) brands. It is also a proud contributor to landmark projects like the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train; Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium (Rourkela), Aquatic Gallery Science City (Ahmedabad), Metro Railway (Delhi, Jaipur, Noida and Mumbai), and among many others. Nuvoco’s MBM product portfolio, under the ‘Zero M’ brands, comprises construction chemicals, tile adhesives, wall putty and cover blocks. Through the NABL-accredited Construction Development and Innovation Centre (CDIC) based in Mumbai, Nuvoco identifies gaps in the marketplace and offers innovative products to meet customer requirements.

Know more about the Company on to www.nuvoco.com.

For more information, contact the Company at India.communications@nuvoco.com.

Mumbai Art Fair 2024: A Visual Delight Awaits with 300 Artists and 3000 Exquisite Artworks from 3rd to 5th May

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Mumbai Art Fair

Mumbai Art Fair, the premier platform for emerging talent in the Indian art scene, is set to return for its highly anticipated 5th Edition from 3rd May to 5th May 2024Hosted at the centrally located Nehru Centre, Discovery of India Building in Worli, the art fair promises to be a celebration of creativity, innovation, and diversity in contemporary art. From established artists to emerging talents, regardless of age or qualification, artworks spanning from Ladakh to Kanyakumari will be showcased. This year’s extravaganza will feature 300 artists and exhibit a diverse range of around 3000 paintings from across the country. From landscapes to portraits, abstracts, realism, cityscapes, and religious paintings, the artworks will present a myriad of styles and subjects, imbued with profound meanings.

The Mumbai Art Fair will host three mesmerizing evenings where art and music converge in a harmonious symphony known as the “Fusion Show.” On the first day, artist Prakash Bal Joshi’s captivating canvases will be painted with vivid tales, accompanied by the timeless melodies of flutist Girish Kulkarni. On the second day, the delicate tones of Ajinkya More’s Jaltarang will intertwine with the captivating paintings of Prof. Surendra Jagtap. This mega show will culminate with a soul-stirring sitar performance by Zaminali Khan, as artist Gautam Das translates the melodies into live art. All events will be accompanied by the rhythmic beats of ace tabla player Tushar Pawar.

Mr. Rajendra Patil, Director Mumbai Art Fair shared, “Since its inception, Mumbai Art Fair has been dedicated to nurturing and promoting emerging artists, providing them with a platform to exhibit their work, expand their network, and gain visibility in the art world. This year, the fair continues its tradition of supporting young talent with 300 artists from across India showcasing around 3000 diverse range of artworks, including seascapes, landscapes, rural and urban scenarios, portraits, wildlife art, and abstract works.”

The ground floor of the Discovery of India Building will house 75 air-conditioned booths, where attendees can explore a rich tapestry of artistic expressions. Participating galleries include Beyond the Canvas, Bouquet of Art Gallery, Dev Mehta Art Gallery, Studio3 Art Gallery, and Greyscale from Mumbai, as well as Artecious Gallery, Aura Planet, Meraki Art House from Delhi, and Arpitam Kala Mandir from Kolkata.

Among the notable artists exhibiting at this year’s fair are Shruti Challani, Rohan Sonavane, Monalisa Parekh, Prateek Kushwah, Dev Mehta, Beena Surana, Om Thadkar, Jenaifer Daruwala, Vijay Kumavat, Ashwin Kumar, Soumen Kar, Gautam Das, Akshata Shetty, and Gautam Patole. Their works span a wide range of styles and genres, from vibrant figurative paintings to minimalist and symbolic works, as well as unique stylized pieces and realistic compositions with stunning details.

Visitors to the fair can expect to be captivated by a diverse array of artworks, including vibrant figurative paintings by Purvi Lohana, Niyati Amlani, Dr. Lekshmi Sukumaran, and Manoj Das, as well as the chance-but-orchestrated effect works of Jenaifer Daruwala. Symbolic works with minimalist style will be showcased by artists such as Shruti Challani, Rashmi Pote, Samta Gala, Rakhi Sarmah, Stella Fernandes, Anavi Chawla, and Pallavi Singh, while sculptors like Rohan Sonavane and Soumen Kar will present their unique creations in metal.

Other highlights of the fair include realistic works with stunning details by Prashant B Ghaywat, spiritual artworks by Monalisa Parekh and Shivani Banerjee, and abstract paintings by Lalita Sonavane, Neha Jhunjhunwala, Atul Bhalerao, Divya Kotak, Kailas Kale, and Prakash Bal Joshi.

Additionally, artists Dev Mehta, Beena Surana, Om Thadkar, Arpita Shah, Vijay Kumavat, Jiya Phulphagar, Sneha Kamthe, Saket Arbhi, and Ujjayni Pawar will be exhibiting works in monochromatic tints, mostly black and white, focusing on elements such as composition, value, lighting, and form.

Landscape painting enthusiasts will also find plenty to admire at the fair, with themes ranging from abstract landscapes to floral, romantic, pastoral, seasonal springs, buildings and structures, waterscapes, and cityscapes. Mixed media works by late artists Prabhu Joshi and Ujjwala Surwade, as well as flowerscapes by Lakshika Bhola and Deepal Bhat, and semi-abstract landscapes with defused light by Rupali Mansinghka, will be among the many offerings available.

In addition to providing a platform for artists to showcase their work, Mumbai Art Fair offers attendees a moment of peace and tranquility amidst the purely pious and spiritual expressions of the artists, as well as narrative storytelling through various works.

By returning each year with a diverse range of artists and artworks, Mumbai Art Fair aims to create a stable platform for all kinds of art, catering to the passion and investment needs of art buyers and lovers in Mumbai.

Tickets priced at Rs. 299 for Mumbai Art Fair are available on in.bookmyshow.com/events/mumbai-art-fair/ET00390842.

European Cheese ‘Full Of Character’ Campaign Grows Stronger, Enters Its Second Year

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The French Dairy Board (CNIEL), with aid from the European Union, representing an exquisite variety of authentic French cheese, is back with year two of its ‘Full of Character‘ campaign in India. The campaign aims in 2024 to continue celebrating the rich heritage, exceptional quality, and irresistible flavours of French cheeses.

In 2023, ‘Full of Character’ was a delightful adventure that captivated the hearts and palates of cheese lovers across India. The immersive events and experiences such as in-store promotions, culinary workshops led by best awarded cheesemonger François Robin were well-received. This good response has motivated the forum to continue the delicious journey of European cheeses. And cheese lovers across the country can gear up for more such exciting events and engagement opportunities in this second year.

The French Dairy Board will be organising workshops, tastings, and masterclasses led by cheese experts and popular chefs, to help deepen the understanding and appreciation for cheese varieties. Expect wider reach via collaborations with retailers. All these events and experiences showcase the use of cheese from France in traditional Indian and contemporary dishes.

Sustainability and responsible production are key for the ‘Full of Character’ campaign. The French Dairy Board is committed to animal welfare and environmental stewardship. It is also committed to partnering with trusted farmers and cheesemakers who uphold the values of authenticity and respect for the environment.

Emilie Martin, Managing Director APAC at CNIEL, says, “We are grateful for the response we received in the first year of ‘Full of Character” and are excited to continue sharing our love for exceptional quality cheeses from France with more and more cheese enthusiasts and lovers in India. ‘Full of Character’ is not only a tribute to the flavours and quality of European cheese varieties but also to the art of cheesemaking. We’re also focused on raising more awareness about the significance of supporting sustainable and responsible cheese production.

Lastly, the second year of ‘Full of Character’ is getting even tastier by encouraging cheese lovers on social media to share their love for European cheeses using #EnjoyitsfromEurope #FullofCharacter on Facebook and Instagram. Think mouthwatering recipes, experiences, and more!

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

MS Dhoni sets a new Record in IPL!!

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MS Dhoni, the captain of Chennai Super Kings becomes the only player to be a part of 150 match wins in IPL history. He achieved this milestone on Sunday, 28th April and became the only player in IPL history to be a part of 150 victories. The record was set after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defeated SunRisers Hyderabad by 78 runs in MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Dhoni, who was a centre of attraction at the IPL Auction in 2008 due to his captaincy in the T20 World Cup previous year. His bid started at a base price for $400,000 but was eventually sold for $1,500,000.

He has captained CSK to five IPL titles, making him one of the most successful captains in the history of the tournament. Even though he’s let Ruturaj Gaikwad take charge this season, Dhoni still has a big impact on the team as everyone wishes to learn from the experience.

IPL Record for Most Matches Won by a Player:

• MS Dhoni – 150 wins
• Ravindra Jadeja – 133 wins
• Rohit Sharma – 133 wins
• Dinesh Karthik – 125 wins
• Suresh Raina – 122 wins

Dhoni even holds the record of most wins as a captain in the IPL history, 133 victories. Rohit Sharma stands at no. 2 with 87 victories.

Overall, Dhoni has played 259 matches in the IPL and remained not-out in 94 innings. He has scored 5,178 runs at a strike rate of 137.13 and an average of 39.53 and has 24 half centuries by his name. 84 being his highest score against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2019.

MS Dhoni has taken a total of 170 dismissals out of which 131 are catches and 39 are stumpings.

Dhoni has been really important this season, especially in the later part of the game. He’s been hitting the ball really well, scoring lots of runs quickly. In one match against Mumbai Indians, he scored 20 runs in just 4 balls! Because of his great performances, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are now in the top four of the IPL standings.
They’re currently third with 10 points from 9 matches, after beating SunRisers.

FedEx Collaborates with The Akshaya Patra Foundation for Sustainable Growth in India

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FedEx, a global leader in logistics and delivery services, is proud to announce its continued association with The Akshaya Patra Foundation, an implementing partner of the PM POSHAN program dedicated to providing nutritious meals to school children in India. Through this collaboration, FedEx reaffirms its commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development, aiming to make a positive impact on communities and the environment.

FedEx donated seven electric vehicles to The Akshaya Patra Foundation in Panvel, Delhi, and Narsingi. The conversion of fuel-based vehicles to electric vehicles will enhance the efficiency of meal distribution processes, allowing the foundation to allocate more resources towards its core mission of feeding and empowering children at the same time, reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, FedEx supported mid-day meals for 5,50,000 children.

Together, FedEx and The Akshaya Patra Foundation introduced electric vehicles (EVs) for distribution of mid-day meals, and assistance for administrative purposes, particularly advocacy efforts related to the Mid-Day Meal program. In 2022, FedEx teamed-up with The Akshaya Patra Foundation to support various sustainable projects, including the installation of solar panels in Panvel, the distribution of electric bikes in Bellary, and the provision of 137,602 mid-day meals to school children, across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

Mr. Suvendu Choudhury, Vice President India Operations and Customer Experience, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa, expressed, “At FedEx, our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our own operations. We aim to inspire businesses and communities worldwide to adopt sustainable practices, thereby creating a ripple effect. Our collaboration with the Akshaya Patra Foundation drives these broader sustainability efforts by integrating solutions such as EVs and solar panels into their daily operations, benefitting the environment and transforming the lives of millions of children.”

Mr. Shridhar Venkat, CEO of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, expressed his gratitude for FedEx’s ongoing partnership and shared his thoughts on the impact of their collaboration, “We are immensely grateful for FedEx’s continued support in our mission to nourish the future of India. Their commitment to sustainability and community welfare aligns perfectly with our goals, and together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of children across the country. With FedEx’s support, we are not only providing meals but also driving positive change and creating a brighter future for generations to come.”

Through the combined efforts of FedEx and The Akshaya Patra Foundation, children in underserved communities have access to nutritious meals, educational opportunities, and a promising future. As both organizations look ahead, they remain steadfast in their dedication to serving communities, fostering sustainability, and making a lasting impact on society.

About FedEx

FedEx Express is the world’s largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed the delivery of time-sensitive shipments by a definite time and date.

FedEx Express press releases are available here.

To learn more about the latest insights in the logistics industry, please visit:

FedEx Business Insights Hub

LinkedIn FedEx Go Global

About The Akshaya Patra Foundation

Akshaya Patra is a not-for-profit implementing partner for the Government of India’s flagship PM POSHAN Abhiyan. Its programme is based on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in collaboration with various governments, corporates, philanthropic donors, and well-wishers. Akshaya Patra strives to ensure children’s access to nutrition by providing them hot, hygienic, and safe mid-day meals in government and aided schools every day. The programme positively impacts children’s education by improving their enrolment, attendance, retention, and concentration.

The Foundation feeds over 2.16 million children in 24,082 schools through its 72 kitchens across 16 states and 2 UTs of India, making it the world’s largest NGO-run school feeding programme.

For more details: www.akshayapatra.org.

‘Radio Channel of The Year’ – Red FM Wins 47 Awards at ACEF Awards 2024

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India’s leading private radio and entertainment network, Red FM network was bestowed with the prestigious title of ‘Radio Channel of The Year’ along with 46 awards across different categories, making it the most awarded radio network at the 13th Edition of The Asian Customer Engagement Forum (ACEF) Awards 2024. The ceremony took place on the 29th of April, in Mumbai, Westin Garden City Hotel, Goregaon East, Mumbai.
 

The ACEF Awards, in its 13th edition, recognizes outstanding campaigns, creatives, and customer engagement activities across various marketing mediums. Red FM Network emerged as a standout winner, securing a total of 24 golds, 13 silvers, and 9 bronzes, being a testament to excellence and innovation in the industry. Amongst many other awards, RJ Arjun (Overall), RJ Raunac (Metro Overall), RJ Bandya (Non-Metro Overall), and RJ Karan (Regional Language) won the Radio Jockey of The Year under the gold category.
 

Speaking on the announcement, Nisha Narayanan, Director & COO, of RED FM, and Magic FM, said, “What an incredible night at the ACEF Awards 2024! With 47 moments of recognition, the spotlight was on team Red FM who are the heartbeat of our culture, the architects of innovation, and the magic behind all of it. These prestigious accolades are warm hugs from our listeners affirming our commitment to paint outside the lines with our uniquely imaginative content. Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude, and we simply can not express how much we treasure the endless love and support from our audience. Here’s to many more adventures together!”

S.No.RankingMain CategorySub CategoryCampaign Name
1GoldRadio Station of the Year
2GoldAI Customer engagementCreative
Mumbaiker vs Artificial Intelligence
3GoldDigital MarketingInnovativeHa Khriang Ki Sur Myllung: A Mini Mountain Concert – World Music Week 2023
4GoldEffectiveMeme Machao
5GoldEventInnovativeNuvoco, Naam hi Kaafi Hai
6GoldEventsEffectiveRED FM GUTS & GLORY (KOLKATA)
7GoldExperiential MarketingBest use of celebrity endorsementRed Karega theatre full
8GoldCreativeKavi Collective
9GoldPromotionIntimate listening session
10GoldIndividual excellence honourMultichannel engagement expertMalishka
11GoldRadio Jockey of The Year (Non-metro overall)RJ Bandya
12GoldRadio Jockey of the Year (Regional Languages)RJ KARAN
13GoldRadio Jockey of The Year (Overall)RJ Arjun
14GoldRADIO JOCKEY OF THE YEAR (METRO-OVERALL)RJ RAUNAC
15GoldInfluencer MarketingCreativeRoz Piyo, Kam Beemar Padoge
16GoldMobile MarketingInnovativeMeme Machao
17GoldPodcastComedyJoke Samachar
18GoldEntertainmentTip Tip Barsa Pyaar
19GoldGeneral PodcastingYaadon ka Basta
20GoldScience And MedicineIndia Classified
21GoldRadioEffectiveRED FM GUTS & GLORY (KOLKATA)
22GoldEffective Use of Customer FeedbackWHATSAPP TRAP
23GoldInnovationTHE PURI TRAVELER-9 DINA 9 KAHANI
24GoldRewards and IncentivesCreativeLand in Thailand
25GoldTelevisionPromotionsRJ Rudra
26SilverBTL ActivitiesInnovativeOH MY GHAT
27SilverEventPromotionSAJJA BAJJA RAJJA RAJKUMARI
28SilverEventsCreativeRED FM GUTS & GLORY (KOLKATA)
29SilverBest use of Celebrity EndorsementRed Karega theatre full
30SilverExperiential MarketingCreativeRED FM DUGGA DUGGA 2023 (KOLKATA)
31SilverIndividual excellence honourMultichannel engagement expertRJ Raunac
32SilverMobile MarketingEffectiveMeme Machao
33SilverMost Admired Social MessageSuccessful Use of CSR ActivityAMRITSAR MAAN-JHAA
34SilverSuccessful use of technologyINSANE nahi INSAAN Bano!
35SilverPodcastBusinessDhan Ki Baat
36SilverRadioEffective Use of Customer FeedbackHumara Neta Kaisa Ho
37SilverPromotionsTICKET TO DURGA PUJA (KOLKATA)
38SilverRewards and IncentivesEffectiveQUIZ INDIA MOVEMENT
39BronzeEventsEffectivenessMarathi Film Festival
40BronzeExperiential MarketingEffectiveSwag Fest
41BronzePromotionRed Karega theatre full
42BronzeMost Admired Social MessageSuccessful Use of CSR ActivityRED FM PAR HOGA BATWARA
43BronzeEffectiveHUNAR QAID
44BronzePodcastEducationScholar Bhava
45BronzeTV & FILMMain Hoon Villain
46BronzeRadioInnovationBURA MATT LIKHO
47BronzeSuccessful use of CSR activityPyaas bujhayega kya

About 93.5 RED FM
Red FM stands out as India’s largest radio channel and one of the biggest entertainment networks. We are hyper-local, hyper vocal, and with our brand philosophy and attitude ‘Bajaate Raho!’ We are at the core of millennials’ hearts. By leveraging our two-decades-old legacy and expertise, we sow the seeds of a ‘larger than life experience’. We thrive on the emotional connection with the listeners and audience fashioned through a massive footprint of 69 radio stations nationwide. We create original podcasts, digital shows, and on-ground events, feature independent music, make 360-degree noise, and speak the truth. As the ‘station of expression,’ Red FM boasts over 640 award-winning campaigns including BEST BRAND, BEST FM STATION, and BEST RJs.

Egis in India Leads the Charge for Environmental Sustainability with “Aranaya”

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Egis, a leading global architecture, consulting, construction engineering and mobility service sectors company, continues to demonstrate its commitment to environmental stewardship through its flagship initiative, “Aranaya.” With a focus on combating climate change and fostering sustainability, Egis in India launched this initiative in 2022, aiming to transform designated areas into vibrant green spaces.

Under the guidance of the CSR Committee of Egis in India, and in collaboration with NGO partner “Hara Jeevan,” the “EgisCleanAndGreen” drive in Gurgaon has made significant strides toward promoting environmental conservation. Recognizing the urgent need for action, Egis chose to support this initiative, aligning with its core values as a responsible corporate citizen.
 
The initiative unfolded in three phases, each aimed at addressing different aspects of environmental conservation. In Phase I, volunteers from Egis India and Hara Jeevan NGO conducted a comprehensive cleanliness drive near NH-8, focusing on removing plastic waste, eliminating weeds, and collecting dried leaves for composting.
 
Phase II witnessed over 100 enthusiastic volunteers from Egis India and Hara Jeevan coming together for a massive plantation drive. Leading by example, Egis Senior Management actively participated in planting ayurvedic and medicinal plants in a specially designated zone within the green belt. To further enrich the ecosystem, eco-friendly measures such as eco fencing, artificial bird nests, and provision of water for birds were implemented, alongside the utilization of tree logs and other waste materials.
 
In phase III, Egis now initiates ‘Aranaya 2.0’ which already have 1000 saplings.
 
Looking ahead, Egis in India is committed to sustaining its environmental initiatives, including the “One Employee One Plant” campaign, which encourages every member of Egis to contribute to greening efforts.
 
Mr. Sandeep GulatiMD, India and South Asia, Egis, expressed his appreciation for the enthusiastic participation and emphasized Egis’s unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability. He stated, “Through Project Clean and Green, Egis in India aims to create a lasting impact on the environment and inspire positive change in communities.” Egis in India remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the government’s environmental goals and remains dedicated to shaping a greener, more sustainable future for all.
 
Over 7000 saplings and shrubs were planted in the last two years

  • Bargad, Peepal, Neem, Millettia, Jarul, Goolar, Champa – tree saplings
  • Raat ke Rani, Chandini, Hibiscus, Vajradanti, Chitrak, Phycus, Snake Plant, Jarul, Hamelia – Shrubs 
     
    Mr. Sandeep Gulati said, “At Egis Group, we are focused on extending our community engagement and CSR support for a better future. We propagate sustainable ways in all our business practices. Let us all pledge not only to plant trees but also nurture them. Our employees are fully committed and participate in the collective effort to build a healthy and sustainable environment, address climate change and protect the Earth for future generations. I would like to thank everyone associated with Aranaya & Aranya 2.0.” 

Manisha Saini, Chief Executive Officer, Hara Jeevan“We are happy to be part of this initiative and thank Egis for choosing us to become part of the #Egisclean&green drive.”
 
Our ambition: Become the benchmark company for smart, sustainable infrastructure, fight climate change and improve the quality of life for all people.

About the Egis Group

Egis is an international player active in the architecture, consulting, construction engineering and mobility service sectors. We create and operate intelligent infrastructure and buildings capable of responding to the climate emergency and helping to achieve more balanced, sustainable and resilient territorial development. With operations in 120 countries, Egis places the expertise of its 19,500 employees at the disposal of its clients and develops cutting-edge innovation accessible to all projects. Through its wide-ranging fields of activity, Egis is a central player in the collective organisation of society and the living environment of citizens all over the world.

International Dance Day 2024: Date, History, Significance, and All You Need to Know

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International Dance Day

International Dance Day is an annual celebration that highlights the positive impact of dancing on our lives. From its date to its history, here’s everything you need to know about this global event.

International Dance Day serves as a worldwide tribute to the art of dance, a concept initiated by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute (ITI), an essential collaborator of UNESCO in the realm of performing arts. This yearly celebration commemorates the birth of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727–1810), often hailed as the father of modern ballet, whose influence reshaped classical and romantic ballet into its contemporary form. The essence of this day lies in promoting participation and enlightenment in dance through a multitude of events and festivals held globally on this significant date. UNESCO formally acknowledges ITI as the architects and coordinators of this culturally enriching celebration.

International Dance Day 2024: Date and History

International Dance Day is observed annually on April 29th, and this year, it falls on a Monday. Established by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute (ITI), which is UNESCO’s primary partner for the performing arts, the day was created to celebrate dance as an art form and to emphasize its global significance. The selection of April 29th as the date pays homage to Jean-Georges Noverre, a French dancer and ballet master credited with pioneering modern ballet.

The inaugural International Dance Day was celebrated in 1982, and since then, it has evolved into a worldwide celebration. Dance communities, schools, companies, and organizations across the globe organize various events, including performances, workshops, festivals, lectures, and other activities aimed at promoting awareness of dance as an art form and its cultural importance. Each year, the ITI selects a prominent figure from the international dance community to craft a message for International Dance Day, which is disseminated globally. These messages typically reflect on the significance of dance in society, its role in cultural exchange, and the value of artistic expression through movement.

Significance of International Dance Day

International Dance Day holds profound significance as a global celebration of the universal language of movement and expression. Established by the International Theatre Institute, it pays homage to the artistry, cultural diversity, and transformative power of dance, bringing together communities worldwide to appreciate this ancient form of human communication. Beyond its artistic merits, the day serves as a platform to advocate for the importance of dance in education, health, and social cohesion, fostering understanding and dialogue across borders while celebrating the unique traditions and innovations within the world of dance.

Nyun AI Launches Nyun Zero to Revolutionize AI Model Efficiency

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In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving at an unprecedented rate, the cost and resource demand for developing and deploying highly sophisticated AI models remain a significant barrier. Addressing this challenge, Nyun AI, a pioneering tech startup founded in 2022, backed by TEXMiN IIT(ISM) and Tenity Singapore, has introduced Nyun Zero-a state-of-the-art web app and SDK designed to streamline the development of deep learning models while dramatically reducing associated costs and latencies.

A Seamless Integration for Enhanced Model Efficiency
Nyun Zero is engineered to connect effortlessly with a user’s existing infrastructure, whether it be AWS, Google Cloud Platform, or local systems, thus prioritizing data privacy. This innovative tool harnesses advanced scientific algorithms like network pruning, quantization, distillation, and low-rank approximations. These technologies are renowned for their ability to compress deep models-from traditional CNNs to the latest large language models (LLMs)-reducing compute requirements by up to 90%. This not only leads to significant cost savings due to decreased hardware needs but also ensures faster and more efficient task-specific models.


The Technology Behind Nyun Zero
The platform supports a vast array of models readily available on hubs like Hugging Face and GitHub, thanks to its compatibility with various model architectures. Nyun Zero incorporates several in-house and academically derived methods for efficient training and compression of models. Training methods like LoRA, SSF, GLoRA, and QLoRA, alongside compression techniques such as pruning and quantization, are part of the robust toolkit Nyun Zero offers. This toolkit allows models to be directly exported and optimized for the hardware of choice, be it GPUs, edge devices, or CPUs.


Addressing Core Industry Challenges
Prakhar Joshi, the CEO of Nyun AI, highlights the timely intervention of Nyun Zero in the market, “While generative AI continues to fascinate and expand, its practical applications have been hindered by hallucinations, high operational costs and significant latencies. Nyun Zero is crafted to mitigate these issues effectively, enabling fine-tuning of large models on industry-specific data which preserves model intelligence and reduces operational inefficiencies.”


This tool is particularly beneficial for organizations struggling with the deployment of AI models due to the high costs of computation and the latency in model training and inference phases. By enabling data-aware model compression, Nyun Zero ensures that AI implementations are not only feasible but also economically and operationally efficient.


Practical Benefits and Industry Application
Nyun Zero’s benefits extend beyond just cost and time savings. It empowers data science and machine learning teams to deploy models that are not only efficient but also robust and scalable. By reducing the model size and computation needs, teams can deploy AI solutions on a wider range of hardware, including edge devices, enhancing the model’s applicability and accessibility.

CTO Arnav Chavan emphasizes the practicality of Nyun Zero, stating, “The AI landscape is rapidly evolving with continual research on enhancing speed and efficiency. At Nyun AI, we synthesize the latest compression techniques and integrate proven methods rapidly after publication. This allows our users to focus more on implementing and scaling their AI solutions, rather than navigating through the complexity of optimization research.”

Launch Details
Available now, Nyun Zero offers free access to the first few design partners for six months, with subsequent users encouraged to contact the sales team.


To sign up for a design partner fill out this form.


Engaging with Nyun Zero
For tech journalists and consumers eager to explore Nyun Zero, a demo is available on YouTube, and further inquiries can be directed to the founders via mail or company’s LinkedIn page.


With Nyun Zero, Nyun AI not only upholds its mission to make AI accessible, affordable, and fast but also sets a new benchmark in the AI industry for efficiency and performance optimization, ensuring that AI technologies are within reach for developers and businesses across the globe.

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Unveils Privé

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  • Privé is an exclusive customer experience program crafted for a special segment of policyholders 
  • Privé provides access to elevated and unmatched customer service at every touchpoint
  • To become a part of Privé, customers can opt for eligible products under Health, Motor, or Home, with a certain sum insured range, thereby fulfilling the requisite eligibility criteria

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, one of the leading private general insurers in India, today announced the launch of Privé, an exclusive customer experience program offering access to elevated and unmatched customer service excellence.Traditionally, in India, the thrive to increase insurance penetration over the last few years has largely been focused on tapping the customer base across the tier 2/tier 3 locations and rural markets, predominantly covering middle, upper middle class, and rural customers. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, in addition to its strong focus on increasing insurance penetration across all the above-mentioned customer segments, will now also cater to a special segment of customers typically requiring insurance solutions with enhanced coverage limits. Recognizing the multifaceted requirements and comprehensive protection that align with such discerning customers’ financial and lifestyle preferences, Privé goes beyond the traditional insurance offerings. By being part of Privé, the customers gain access to an array of exclusive and prioritized insurance services, ensuring their requirements are met with precision.

To become a part of Privé, the customers have the flexibility to select from a range of products across health, home, motor, personal accident, and cyber,insurance as per their specific needs. Insurance products currently include the My Health Care Plan, offering customizable health insurance coverage, with a minimum sum insured of INR 1 crore as the eligibility criteria; the Global Health Care offers coverage like overseas medical treatment, and planned and emergency treatments both international and domestic, and the customers can choose any of the sum insured options for eligibility. In addition, a motor product along with V-Pay add-on cover will be offered. This add-on cover consolidates the benefits of an array of fragmented motor insurance add-ons under one offering, requiring a minimum Insured Declared Value (IDV) of INR 25 lakhs or more for a motor vehicle. The My Home Insurance All Risk Policy ensures comprehensive insurance coverage for both home structure and valuable contents in the home. The eligibility criteria here would be a minimum sum insured of INR 3 crores for structure, INR 30 lakhs for non-portable contents, and INR 6 lakhs for portable items. Moreover, in conjunction with the above products, customers can also opt for a higher range of sum insured for advanced products like the Global Personal Guard Policy that extends worldwide personal accident coverage with a range of additional add-ons, and the Cyber Care plan, to protect against losses resulting from cyber-attacks owing to the ever-evolving digital space.

Privé is committed to elevating the service experience through experts focused on expediting claims processing and assistance. Such customers would also have access to ‘Privé Connect,’ a dedicated team available to swiftly address all insurance queries and requirements for catering to any service request or claims. In case of health claims, additional services like hassle-free discharge and pre-policy check-ups at home by professionals are also provided. Furthermore, the service is complemented by ‘Care Angels,’ who are trained professionals offering personalized assistance and support throughout the hospitalization journey. For the motor insurance add-on product V-Pay, the claim process is streamlined to provide rapid responses, including surveyor deployment on a priority basis. Non-motor insurance claims, such as home insurance claims, will be similarly handled efficiently, with a claim handler reaching out to the customers within turnaround times, which is amongst the best in the market today. Privé offers a seamless claim experience that will enhance the entire lifecycle of the insurance journey, setting a new standard in customer service excellence.

Privé, being a unique first-of-its-kind program, was launched in Pune. Mr. Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman and Managing Director, Bajaj Finserv Ltd., also graced the event. At the launch event, renowned Indian music composer duo Vishal Shekar enthralled the attendees with an electrifying musical performance. Fashion designer Rocky S also added glamour to the event by showcasing his unique collection. Mr. Tapan Singhel, MD & CEO, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, along with a few select partnersalso graced the ramp in the designer’s curated ensembles.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Tapan Singhel, MD & CEO, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, said, “At our core, we’re dedicated to pioneering insurance solutions that cater to the diverse needs of every individual across our nation. With Prive, we’re reaffirming our commitment to continuously innovate andaddress the unique requirements of discerning individuals. We understand that their sophisticated asset portfolios, astute financial planning, and distinct lifestyles demand insurance offerings that transcend conventional norms. Privé stands out with its best-in-class products and services tailored to the discerning preferences of this exclusive clientele, accessible at their fingertips for unmatched convenience.”

What truly distinguishes Privé is our unwavering dedication to service excellence at every touchpoint. Privé ensures an elevated and seamless service experience from dedicated teams to swift claims resolutions and much more. Our customers can expect unparalleled support and assistance throughout their insurance journey. Privé isn’t just another insurance program – it’s a commitment to delivering unmatched service and protection.

We recognize that individuals of this strata expect nothing but the absolute best in products and services. With Privé, we aspire to be the go-to insurer, consistently surpassing customer’s expectations.”

Privé represents another pioneering initiative by Bajaj Allianz General Insurance to create a segmented category for niche customers that addresses theirunique needs with a curated selection of personalized insurance offerings, empowering them to safeguard their lifestyle.

About Bajaj Allianz General Insurance

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance stands as India’s premier private general insurance company. It is a collaborative effort between Bajaj Finserv Limited, India’s most diversified non-bank financial institution, and Allianz SE, the world’s leading insurer and largest asset manager. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance provides a wide range of general insurance products, including motor insurance, home insurance, and health insurance, along with distinctive insurance offerings like coverage for pet insurance, weddings, events, cybersecurity, and the film industry. The company commenced its operations in 2001 and has consistently expanded its reach to be in close proximity to its customers. Presently, it maintains a presence in nearly 1,500 towns and cities across India. Notably, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance holds the issuer rating of [ICRA]AAA from ICRA Limited, signifying the highest level of assurance regarding the punctual fulfilment of financial commitments.