ITV

Category: Press Release

  • Instant messaging app imo raises awareness among millions in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic

    Instant messaging app imo raises awareness among millions in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic

    imo, a free video calling and instant messaging app, has taken slew of initiatives to raise awareness and put a check on misinformation about Covid-19 pandemic. The efforts by imo were carried out at a global level. With a comprehensive dashboard furnishing verified information, the app has kept more than 20 million people apprised across countries such as India, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh.

    As part of its CSR initiative at the onset of Covid-19 outbreak, imo began to take steps aimed at easing the situation for its users. It collated real-time data from impacted countries and disseminated the same through a dashboard. Apart from it, the app also catered information such as prevention and control, government announcements, verified reports etc through different meta-authorized content topics. It further ensured to dispel misinformation and unverified information circulated across social media boards. The average daily exposure of the pandemic-related content was recorded to be more than 10 million.

    It was due to this comprehensive approach and the app’s massive global outreach that even some government authorities took cognizance of the steps taken. The Information Communication Technology (ICT) division of the Bangladesh government launched a healthcare call centre on the app on April 29 to provide medical assistance to its nationals stranded in Saudi Arabia. Five imo numbers were included in the programme through which Bangladeshi expatriate could schedule consultations with specific doctors.

    Talking about factors behind the app’s global popularity, imo spokesperson said, “A major reason for our wide acceptance is the ability to provide stable calls even in unstable or weak network areas. Compared to other IM applications in the market, users can save more than 20% mobile data while using imo for video calls and messaging. We are happy that our tech-powered innovations have helped people.”

    Apart from aforementioned initiatives, the app has also made some key changes in its functioning to ease out things for personal as well as professional usage. Based on the requirements of the Covid-19 scenario, the app upgraded its multi-person audio and video call mechanism. As many as 20 people can get connected at once on an audio call and 9 people on a video call through imo. While this is particularly helpful in organizing office meetings in a work-from-home situation, it is also of use for those who wish to connect with their loved ones in these trying times.

  • “We have to take care that businesses which have been built by the sweat and toil of Indians and which have had a great brand value cannot be picked up by people who are just looking for an opportunity”

    “We have to take care that businesses which have been built by the sweat and toil of Indians and which have had a great brand value cannot be picked up by people who are just looking for an opportunity”

    The Wuhan virus is taking lives and bleeding economies and the leaders of the world have a double challenge now, to save lives and to save livelihoods. WION, India’s first International news channel took an exclusive interview with a leader who perhaps has the most difficult job in the world right now, the Finance Minister of the world's largest democracy – Nirmala Sitharaman on the show ‘Straight Talk’.

    On being asked about the task at hand, she said, “At the very least challenging and as it is in India every issue or every policy decision has its own complexity when in comparison to any other country. India because of its diversity, because of the uneven spread of wealth and because of the levels of literacy, every policy becomes all the more complex when you try to implement it here.

    About going through four rounds of lockdown and may be looking at a fifth. Where do we stand today and have we been able to achieve what we set out to and at what cost? 

     “As I said it was first lives of people we wanted to be sure at a time, when we had about just a hundred cases. The approach and the clarity with which one had to deal with this kind of a pandemic was unclear to many.

    India went through without a break one, two, three lockdowns and so on whereas there are some countries which have lifted the lockdown and then gone back to it all over again.

    At what cost is a very big relevant question. Yes, it it has meant that the economy had to take a big beating. How much is it, we'll have to wait and see but whatever it is the government is very clear that we'd stand by our industry stand by our entrepreneurs stand by our farmers we need our economy to be supported and we should support them for your job in this situation” the Finance minister explained to WION’s executive editor, Palki Sharma Upadhyay. 

    On positive growth projections likely only for India and China.

    The Finance Minister said, “If there are engines of growth for the global economies all across – emerging, developed, not so developed economies, it's only two countries and they are India and China. What gives me the confidence to say that this holds good even now are our macro-economic fundamentals and it is on the fact that our fundamentals are strong we are able to face a lock down which is fairly severe.”

    About the budget estimates and the plan of a 5 trillion dollar economy 

    Sitharaman started out, “Let me put it this way, the budget estimates of first February 2020 will now have to be relooked. None of my assumptions will hold good I don't think any one of us understood to what extent and even now I think we are not very clear to what extent this pandemics impact will be on the economy. I'm not going to be stuck on my assumptions of 1st February 2020 and now every option is kept open because ultimately we want the economy to be up and going so yes things are changed from the last budget we have to see how it goes 

    On the talk of hostile takeovers does she see a threat of hostile takeovers of distressed assets in India by foreign firms

    The Finance minister said, “That's certainly a worry in that with the valuations being cut so badly and with the lockdown and the entire world being upset because of the way in which demand some drastically fallen movement of people being affected 

    There is definitely this risk of companies getting into a distress mode and the market being market that'll be the best time for people with deep pockets who want to come and buy and that's a reality. We have to take care that businesses which have been built by the sweat and toil of Indians and which have had a great brand value cannot be picked up by people who are just looking for an opportunity so that is a factor which all of us are worried about. We will certainly do something to ensure that Indian industries don't get picked up at a throwaway price because we want them to be able to run their business once everything is normally”

    On FDI norms being changed recently to prevent hostile takeovers and what are the steps if any are being looked

    “We are also making sure that the regulators will be able to look at various existing options through which they can ensure that distress companies are not going to be picked up easily. Regulators will also keep a watch in fact they have been fairly active in getting to know about even the secondary market operations through which companies are getting picked up or or their shareholdings are getting drastically changed. I would think it'll be a combination of the government and the regulators to keep an eye on the developments.” the finance minister explained. 

    On countries practicing economic distancing from China and creating an ecosystem for companies to shift from China to India.

    The Finance Minister said, “it is certainly an opportunity, but it cannot be a reactive thing alone. I think it should be a larger approach of anyone shifting from anywhere should find India attractive and your attractiveness is not dependent purely on the taxation incentives. I think the compliance burden the unpredictability of policy fear of what respective taxation fear of you know of tax men these are all factors which either vitiated or help the kind of environment which can draw investments and I would want to play a lot on them to make sure that it need not always be a targeted incentive based approach to drawing industry. It should be a blanket approach. 

    So the GDP figures for the last quarter of last financial year have come 3.1 percent and the coal industry’s data for April is a 38 percent decline in growth, is this what you expected? 

    “3.1 for the last quarter, a quarter where we thought we started seeing green shoots because the way in which through the bank's credit was pushed between September, October, November and that is one of the reasons why the budgetary estimates were made the way it was made but if the contraction that you're talking about in core sectors about 35 percent that is in April, which is into this financial year, by which time the coronavirus hit us. So the 3.1 is actually given the fact that by February we started having some kind of an impact of the pandemic, therefore gives me the feeling that revival was happening but unfortunately the hand of God started playing.” she said.

    Most agencies projecting a contraction of 5% what's your estimate?

    “I said I shall not do an estimate I shall wait to see how it pans out I am

    watching and hearing agencies tell us about what extent to which this

    contraction is going to hit India as I said it's my duty to be prepared to face the situation and be ready to help, rather than spend time now on what will be the expected contraction.” the finance minister concluded.

    The entire Interview will be available on Wionews.com and on WION’s YouTube and social media channels. 

  • Xavier PRabhu, PRHUB’s founder is the next President of APAC region for IPREX; will be part of the global board & executive committee in the new role

    Xavier PRabhu, PRHUB’s founder is the next President of APAC region for IPREX; will be part of the global board & executive committee in the new role

    IPREX, a US$420 million network of communication agencies with 1,600 staff and 110 offices worldwide working across a spectrum of industries and practice disciplines and the third-largest global network of independent PR firms, today announced its new global leadership team. Xavier PRabhu, Founder & MD, PRHUB (IPREX Partner in India), one of India’s prominent branding, communications and entrepreneurship voices will take on the role of President – APAC region for IPREX effective June 1, 2020.  In his new role, he will be part of the 6-member global board and 13-member global executive committee which together sets the strategy and direction for the whole network. With more than 60 IPREX partners worldwide, the global communication network is uniquely positioned to embrace the new era of communications that is not limited by borders or languages and welcomes diversity of thought.

    In her comments on the new leadership team, Alexandra Mayhew, Executive Director, IPREX said, “IPREX’s greatest strength is its incredible partners and global connectivity, which has been on display the past several months as our partners have come together to support one another through Covid-19. The communications industry is shifting to a more global mindset and the advantages of having independent agencies from around the world come together to truly support one another has proven invaluable, especially during the current pandemic. Look forward to working with the new leadership team which is dynamic, experienced, and driven.”

    On his new role of President, APAC Region for IPREX, Xavier PRabhu, Founder and Manager Director, PRHUB, said, “Would like to thank Andrei, the outgoing global President, Julie, the incoming global President and the entire board for reposing the confidence in me to play a role in a region that is diverse, different, and thus inherently more complex. In Alexandra and Alaina, have an awesome team, on whom will heavily count on in the days and months to come to get IPREX to expand in Asia-pacific. Personally, look forward to the new role as one that will involve great learning working closely with some of the best minds in the business from across the world.”

     With 25 years’ experience across advertising, journalism, and PR, Xavier PRabhu is among India’s most visible PR entrepreneurs. A TEDx speaker, he speaks regularly in India and beyond (10+ countries including the US, Mexico, Kazhakstan, Iran, Slovenia, Belgium, Germany, UK, Turkey, and Japan) on branding, communication, PR, entrepreneurship, leadership, etc. He was the Founding Editor of a unique business handbook being bought out of Bangalore and led a one of its kind full credit course on Emerging economies for a leading Indian university’s unique, residential MBA program focused on producing entrepreneurs.

    About PRHUB: Founded in 2002, PRHUB is among India's leading independent, full services PR and communication firms, with offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru; full-time staff in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kochi, besides associates spanning 100+ locations pan India. It has in-house specialized teams in design, social and digital, content development & marketing, online & digital PR in addition to traditional media relations and influencer engagement. PRHUB is consistently ranked among India's top 20 PR firms and recognized as among India's top 11 technology PR firms. It has successfully handled 300+ clients’ (MNCs, Indian growth firms, start-ups, governmental organizations, and Non-profits) in this period across diverse sectors. Its’ the Indian partner for IPREX, the world’s third-largest independent agency network. Do visit https://www.prhub.com/v1/ for details.

  • Grafdoer recommences production with a brand-new line of Hygienic Touch-less Products

    Grafdoer recommences production with a brand-new line of Hygienic Touch-less Products

    New Delhi : To curb the spread of novel Coronavirus, companies across various sectors are diversifying their inventories with new and innovative products to meet the growing need of consumers. Kitchen and Sanitary-ware brand Grafdoer announced the commencement of its production of new touch-less product range which comprises products such as – touch-less faucets, touch-less sanitizer and soap dispensers, hand dryers, etc which will be soon available in the market at an affordable price.

    The inventory includes automatic sensor faucets, self-closing taps, pedal control taps for basins and automatic soap/sanitizer dispensers. All the products produced by Grafdoer allows hand-free accessibility and easy-to-operate mechanism. The touch-less faucets range is designed by intelligent computerized means which also ensures a reduction in water wastage up to 70%.  Developed under top quality standards, the entire product range also comes with standard warranty. Keeping the current pandemic in mind, the touch-less series is specially designed to provide maximum safety in offices, public utility areas such as gyms, lounge, restaurants, institutions, and homes as well.

    The novice product range is scheduled to be up for sales in June and will be easily available across all retail stores. Grafdoer through its new product range wants to provide a promise of utmost safety and hygiene while ensuring easy installation and secured after-sales services at a consumer-friendly price range.

    Commenting on the same, Mr. Vinay Jain, Founder, and CEO, Grafdoer added “Necessity is the mother of Invention. Dealing with the pandemic and making the most out of it while at the same time providing our customers with best-in-class and innovative products is the need of the hour. At Grafdoer, we are working 24/7 to serve our customers with quality products ensuring proper hygiene as well. Our new Touch-less series aims at catering to the growing customer need for products that ensure proper hygiene without compromising on the safety and quality of the products and that too at an affordable price.”

  • Metro Shoes provides relief to workers by donating footwear

    Metro Shoes provides relief to workers by donating footwear

    Migrant labourers are struggling to reach their hometown amidst the pandemic that has brought the country and its economy to a halt. Many of them have chosen to walk towards their homes. The long miles, blistering heat and inadequate food and water have made their struggle to reach home a lot harder. As a lot of migrant workers have been walking with broken footwear and some even barefoot, Metro shoes partnered with United Way of Mumbai and Rotary Club to donate footwear to migrant workers as a part of their ‘Metro Cares’ initiative.

    Since the pandemic, Metro Shoes has constantly been involved in measures to support the migrant workers affected by the pandemic. Previously they had distributed ration kits to the migrant labourers with the support of NGO’s like Salaam Bombay Foundation. Talking about this initiative, to support the migrant labourers who are walking, Jayant Shukla, CEO, United Way of Mumbai said, “For the fellow Indians leaving our city, the journey back home is long and arduous. Many of them are having to walk back hundreds of kilometres without adequate food, water, rest or even footwear. We are glad that the support of Metro Shoes will provide those who are walking with the basic footwear they need on their journey back home.”

    Aziz Fidai, Head CSR from Metro shoes added, “In this time of distress, we aim to enable migrant workers to return to their homes comfortably. Ration and footwear distribution are small endeavours towards the same. We hope to continue extending our support to them, however, big or small.”

    Mr. Rajendra Ruia, from Rotary Club said, “We distributed basic and comfortable footwear range by Metro shoes in Thane – Majiwada and Fountain area, under our Jeevan Rath Platform. The on-ground implementation was done by MAHA C19 PECONet- an alliance of development partners with technical support of UNICEF, Mumbai. This initiative by Metro Shoes is praiseworthy as it ensured that migrant labourers did not have to walk barefoot.”

  • HR-Tech startup, iXceed forays into Digital Marketing Services

    HR-Tech startup, iXceed forays into Digital Marketing Services

    After making a mark in the HR domain, iXceed – HR-Tech the start-up now expands its portfolio services by offering digital marketing in tandem with the clients’ demands. Marketers—as advocates for consumers in every business—have a critical role to play. Digital Marketing is a major driver for most of the organization’s growth agenda and iXceed wants to drive that growth for the brands.

    iXceed strives to offer each client with a uniquely tailored digital marketing solution that ranges from strategy formulation, varied types of content including video content, running targeted campaigns, search engine marketing (SEM), search engine optimization (SEO) to social media marketing (SMM), that will always keep them on their customers' radar.

    The digital marketing team aspires to make it effortless for brands to peer into markets across India and Europe by creating corporate videos, infographic animation, and animated tutorials for their clients. In a world where videos are around 600% more effective than contextual mail or print content, iXceed can help you remain relevant and visible without spending a fortune.

    Digital marketing unleashes a brand’s complete potential to offer the best experience to their customers. In the current financial scenario, the pandemic-stricken market demands a little “extra” effort from the companies. In a world of social distancing and quarantines, digital marketing is the only way to connect the companies to their current, displaced, and new customers.

    Talking on the introduction of new services, Ms. Yogita Tulsiani, M.D, iXceed Solutions said,” While consumers may not leave the safety of their homes any time soon, they have unabated access to their mobile phones, iPods, laptops, and PCs. That gives the brands the opportunity to renew old relationships and create new ones by using existing social media channels as well as push notifications.”

    iXceed’s prominent presence in both the  European and Indian markets give global companies and organizations the perfect opportunity to cement their presence on digital platforms across both markets.

    iXceed is looking to help organizations new and old, which want to expand in the Europe-India corridor. An organization that have associations in India in terms of product development and aspires to expand in Europe, our offering can help them position well for the market Indian organizations can now gain a stronghold in the European key markets, while UK and  European players can explore the Indian market, and target one of the world’s largest economies, with greater knowledge and preparation thanks to our talented and an experienced digital marketing team.

    The company will be targeting and offering services to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and larger global corporations in Europe,  US, and India with the opportunity to scale up their operations and explore new markets via digital media

    Currently, iXceed is proceeding into digital marketing with 15 members strong team, where each member has been chosen carefully due to their ability to contribute to brand activation and planning, social media marketing, content creation skills,  and technical know-how.

    Follow Tellychakkar for the consumer facing news & entertainment

  • 8th Edition of The Edutainment Show Goes Virtual Amidst Lockdown

    8th Edition of The Edutainment Show Goes Virtual Amidst Lockdown

    India’s leading Event IP Company, Event Capital initiative The Edutainment Show has announced its 8th edition online. Edutainment Show Live a media and design education exhibition is set to be held from the 11th June -20th June. The show is a platform to connect young budding and aspiring students yearly with experts from the design and media domain. This year, the live offerings guides students at the comfort of their homes.

    The show will harness digital technology to bring on-ground experiences virtually in a 3D exhibition format.

    This 3D exhibition will allow students to inquire about courses from top institutes through virtual stalls and also speak to their professional counsellors. Students can download the course brochure and get a virtual campus tour using this technology. This unique 3D format will help students unlock important information at the click of a button. Along with the exhibition a parallel platform offers interactive sessions with over 100+ speakers like Terrence Lewis, Dancer, Choreographer, Bharat Dabholkar, Actor and Director, Kubbra Sait, Actor, Anupama Chopra, Film Critic and TV anchor, Rajesh Kejriwal, Founder and  CEO, Kyoorius Group, Miss.Malini, Founder and Creative Director, Miss Malini Entertainment, Aakanksha Gupta, CEO, The Other Circle, Amit Inamdar, Industrial Design Consultant, Educator and Social Entrepreneur, Ashwini Deshpande, Co-Founder, CEO, Elephant, Atul Kasbekar, Fashion Photographer, Bollywood Film Producer, Gaurav Sharma, Chief Programming Officer- Radio, Entertainment & Events, Hemant Suthr, President, National Executive Council of ADI, Hrishikesh Kannan, Producer and Presenter, 94.3 RadioOne, Rajeev Masand, Film Critic and Entertainment journalist, Sayani Gupta, Actress, Shanoo Bhatia, Founder and Director, Eumo, Tanya Ghavri, Celebrity Stylist, Founder of Dhoom Dhaam Weddings, Pravinsinh Solanki, Associate Senior Faculty/ Designer, NID and many more.

    Additionally, there will also be 20+ workshops conducted on topics related to media, design, and communication by experts. Akshita Gandhi, known for her globally renowned artwork, will conduct a workshop on Future of Art and Design, Doodle workshop by Sheefali Desai, Founder, The Doodleist and many more. 

    Commenting on this Janak Vora, CEO, Event Capital said, “The Edutainment Show is one of the most successful and well-known Expo in the field of Education in Media & Design in India and has successfully helped in bringing together the education and the student fraternity together. We conduct the exhibition every year in April but due to the on-going pandemic, we decided to create a virtual exhibition and webinar sessions this year. We have harnessed the best technologies available to create this virtual event and we expect over 30 academic institutions to participate in this. We are also happy to feature over 100 leading personalities from different sectors of the media and design industry who will share valuable knowledge with the students of today who are the leaders of tomorrow.”

    To register at no cost, log on to: https://www.edutainmentshow.in/

  • NEO TECH® is set to launch PPE kits and protective gear for frontline warriors with partner brands – Donear, Grado by GBTL & OCM

    NEO TECH® is set to launch PPE kits and protective gear for frontline warriors with partner brands – Donear, Grado by GBTL & OCM

    Mumbai: With the Covid-19 pandemic making its presence felt globally, the frontline workers are diligently performing their duties towards the society. Being synonymous with product innovation since their inception and with the vision of contributing to the society, the Donear Group – Donear, GRADO by GBTL (GBTL was formerly known as GRASIM) and OCM – have ventured into manufacturing fabrics, garments and protective gear using NEO TECH® Technology, under their ranges – CARETEX, PROTEX and SHIELDTEX respectively offering PPE Kits, Masks, and healthcare apparels.

    To quickly cater to the evolving need for Healthcare products, the group has invested in ‘heat seam sealing’ taping machines and has started producing PPE kits. These kits have been certified by renowned laboratories and agencies including SITRA and DRDO.

    Understanding the need of the Healthcare segment and due pain points, the group has also developed specialized fabrics with Anti-microbial and Blood repellent finish. These fabrics are made with NEO TECH® Technology and especially for PPE coveralls. One of the USPs of these coveralls is that they are reusable.

    Another USP is the comfort factor for the wearer, which is why the fabric is made with a breathable water-proof chemical.

    With the primary aim of providing high quality, utilitarian, ready-to-wear products and catering to an array of industries such as Healthcare, Aviation, Defence, Banking, Police, NGOs, municipal workers, security agencies, Government bodies, etc. These products shield the frontline workers from viruses and bacterium, upholding the tenets of health, hygiene and comfort which are the need of the hour. These reusable coveralls will further help curb the challenges of waste management considerably.

    These anti-bacterial fabrics have received wide acclaim from multiple industries, such as the major State Police Departments and Government bodies amongst others.

    These fabrics are also being appreciated by people who commute daily (commuter suits), as aprons in Salons/ clinics – anywhere where a human touch could be involved.

    NEO TECH® is a unique technology developed by the Donear Group companies, a culmination of extensive efforts in research and development, done with the intention of bringing a paradigm shift in the Indian Textile industry. In the wake of COVID-19, a team of industry stalwarts, illustrious chemical suppliers and technological institutions was formed, with the aim of developing fabrics that are high quality, utilitarian and have a shield against bacteria and viruses alike. Apart from other technologies such as moisture management, anti-odour, cool max and much more.

    The product basket of CARETEX, PROTEX and SHIELDTEX comprise of PPE Kits, masks, and healthcare apparels and details are as follows-

    ·         PPE Kits comprise of :

    o   Anti-microbial Reusable Coveralls customised for being waterproof and stain repellent

    o   Disposable Coveralls (non-woven poly propylene fibre) which are dust-proof, fluid and blood resistant

    o   3-Ply Face Masks

    o   Nitrile Gloves

    o   Shoe covers

    o   Face Shields

    o   Goggles

    and much more

    ·         Specifically for masks, they are available as –

    o   Anti-Microbial Reusable Mask made of 100% cotton fabrics, which are Fluid repellent, odourless, anti-fungal in nature

    o   Disposable 3 ply non-woven masks, made out of ultra-fine fibre which is fluid resistant in nature

    Pioneering in innovation, these brands have extended their product range by bringing in Anti-viral and Anti-microbial Reusable and Disposable healthcare apparels –

    ·         Reusable apparels constitute of scrubs, lab-coats, caps, aprons and Gowns made of Poly cotton & Poly Viscose and 100% Polyester with fluid repellent finish

    ·         Disposable category comprises of caps, shoe covers and aprons.

    Apart from the range above, the NEO TECH Research & Development laboratory is constantly working on new products and innovations which will be rolled out in due course of time.

    Rahul Agarwal (Director – Donear) said, “While the country is grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic and the front line warriors are taking the centre stage, it’s our responsibility to contribute and protect them. In doing so, we have successfully extended our product offerings for NABL certified NEO TECH®  range of protective gear inclusive of PPE kits, masks and apparels for healthcare, police, defence, municipal workers amongst others. We endeavour to provide our civilians and frontline warriors with the best quality protective gear while keeping them safe and sound and meet the evolving needs of tomorrow.”

  • ITC’s B Natural and Amway India collaborate to launch first of its kind immunity offering in Fruit beverages, with clinically proven ingredient

    ITC’s B Natural and Amway India collaborate to launch first of its kind immunity offering in Fruit beverages, with clinically proven ingredient

    In a unique partnership, ITC’s B Natural and Amway India have collaborated to launch the first of its kind B Natural+ range for the Indian consumer. B Natural Juices & beverages which believes in providing fruit nourishment to its consumers, intends to provide the dual benefit of Immunity + Fruit & Fiber to them with the launch of the B Natural + range.

    The promise of supporting immunity is delivered by a unique clinically proven ingredient, which has been developed by ITC’s Life Sciences & Technology Centre (LSTC). ITC’s team of scientists at LSTC has been working on various health & nutrition areas for nearly a decade. During these trying times, Immunity has emerged as a key focus area. This Clinically proven Ingredient was tested in a randomized, double-blind placebo controlled clinical study conducted over a period of 3 months keeping in mind all the guidelines by ICMR and the study is registered in CTRI. 

    The new B Natural + range will be available in two popular variants – Orange and Mixed Fruit.

    Amway is appreciative of ITC's efforts in conceptualising the new product idea.
    To ensure that the B Natural + range reaches consumers through a credible and expert partner and to get quick consumer feedback, this range is being launched with Amway India. As a strategic partner in the space of health and immunity, Amway India is expected to further accelerate reach to the consumers. Subsequently, the new range will also be available nationally across modern trade format, general trade stores and e-commerce websites, through ITC’s PAN-India distribution network.

    Commenting on this unique partnership, Mr. Hemant Malik, Divisional Chief Executive − Foods Division, ITC Ltd. “At ITC, we are committed to developing world class Indian products that address the needs of the Indian consumer. Given the current health crisis, Immunity of the entire family has emerged as a key consumer priority and B Natural proactively spearheaded the endeavour of providing an effective fruit beverage range this summer that could contribute to supporting immunity with a clinically proven ingredient. ITC’s innovation engine has been at work during this pandemic and the tireless efforts of our colleagues in the ITC Life Sciences and Technology Centre has made the development of this range possible within a record time of less than two months. 

    It gives me immense pleasure to announce our partnership with Amway India. This collaboration is a reflection of our synergies and our teams will be working closely on various programs in the area of health and wellness. We are confident that this partnership will enable us to make a meaningful contribution in serving our consumers and society even better.”

    Talking about the exclusive collaboration, Mr. Anshu Budhraja, CEO, Amway India Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. said “Amway is a brand of choice among health enthusiasts with Nutrilite being the world's No. 1 selling vitamins and dietary supplements brand, and enjoys a strong legacy of more than 80 years of pioneering and perfecting the plant-based approach to supplementation. Backed by the best of nature and the best of science, the Nutrilite All Plant Protein is known to be a foundational ingredient for immunity building. Currently given the heightened awareness around immunity, we believe that the Nutrilite All Plant Protein, known for its immunity properties combined with B Natural’s + range, is going to offer a delicious option for strengthening immunity, and will be a compelling value proposition for the consumers.

    Currently, we are piloting and testing ground and also deploying resources and science based research to strengthen the partnership further. Our strategic partnership with ITC Ltd.’s B Natural is just the first step in the direction to help consumers integrate immunity boosting products in their daily diet and hence, the new fruit beverages range along with Nutrilite All Plant Protein, positions it as a great daily breakfast immunity strengthening option. Our extensive network of micro-entrepreneurs is best suited to provide recommendations on interesting ways of consumption and also seek insights to continue our innovations to address impending demand for nutrition. As we inch towards the food segment, we are confident of creating immense value for people through this partnership and further solidify our leadership in the health and immunity domain.”  

    “We are pleased to share that both the companies are coming together to co- create products in the health, wellness and immunity space to address the anticipated demand in the future. It’s a first-ever move in the history of Amway, and we continue to innovate and create opportunities to deliver value to our consumers and this is just the beginning,” added Anshu Budhraja

    The newly launch B Natural + range in Orange and Mixed Fruit variants with clinically proven ingredient to support immunity will be available in 1 liter packs at a price point of INR 130.

  • More than 300,000 viewers witnessed the launch of stayIN Alive – India’s dedicated foundation for performing artists

    More than 300,000 viewers witnessed the launch of stayIN Alive – India’s dedicated foundation for performing artists

    MUMBAI: stayIN aLIVE launched on 16 May 2020 with a tremendous start! Over 100 artists, 12 collectives and 300k viewers from across the globe came together to share experiences, engage with each other, and entertain with never seen performances and collaborations!

    The launch kickstarted with a session about Creators x Fitness and the role physical wellbeing plays in every artists’ life. It flowed into an insightful discussion about artists maintaining and working towards mental health and dealing with the highs and lows of a public-facing life. Through the day, artists touched upon subjects that have not been covered so far on such a level. Topics such as Self Motivation vs Validation, Passion vs Pay Cheque, Finding you own Path, Importance of Networking, Role of Mentors and Lockdown Learnings were discussed at length by leading names including the likes of Shruti Haasan, Vishal Dadlani, Uday Benegal, Tanmay Bhat, Bosco Martis, Priya Malik, Dualist Inquiry, Nikhil D’souza, Tejas, Nikhita Gandhi, Neeti Palta, Ankur Tewari, Rahul Vaidya, Shankar Chugani and Roshan Abbas.

    The evening then took a turn to collaborations, performances and some enthusiastic online jam sessions. Dramatic Readings saw industry stalwarts such as Imtiaz Ali, Faye Dsouza, Sandhya Mridul, Cyrus Sahukar, Danish Hussain, Kausar Munir, Amol Parashar and Sainee Raj. This was followed with representation from the Indian folk music field in a session called ‘Back to the Roots’ by Kavita Seth, Divya Kumar, Kanishk Seth and Dhruv Sangari. The final session of the day ‘Collaboration Central’ was a befitting end with some enthusiastic and power packed interactions between Ashish Shakya & Palash Sen, Su Real and Karan Kanchan, Bhuvan Bam & Roshan Abbas and Amit Tandon & Gursimran Khamba!

    Nakash Aziz, Indian composer and singer, spoke about his association with stayIN Alive, “It's really hard for younger artists in the music industry and I'm so happy that initiatives like stayIN aLIVE are helping artists to be more aware, find like-minded people and build a community – something that's missing in our ecosystem.”

    Amit Tandon, stand-up comedian quoted, “In the toughest of times, it is art that keeps people in high spirits. It is good to see someone decided to do something for the artist community as well because they were the first ones to lose livelihood and will be among the last to get back on feet once things go back to normal.”

    Nikhita Gandhi, singer and performer shared, “As artists in these times, we really need to talk about mental health since it can really take a toll on you! I'm really glad to be a part of stayINaLIVE and hope to do more to be able to support artists who are finding their feet in the industry!

    Gaurav Wadhwa, Founder, Big Bang Music shared, “The idea behind the festival was to announce the foundation and the artist relief fund and through a fresh approach to programming we hope to inspire, educate and celebrate artists, who are grappling with the realities of this new world. I'm glad that so many partners from the industry came together for a common vision – to make the world a better place for the artist! We can't wait to dial-up our efforts to do more for the community”.

    The stayIN Alive Artist Emergency Fund (SAAEF) has been formed in collaboration with GiveIndia, India’s leading not for profit organization. The fund is intended to help artists in the short run via a ‘personal emergency fund’ aimed at addressing specific financial challenges and as a stop-gap measure. The type of grants will range from small cash grants, reimbursement for a certain class of urgent expenses (such as rent, important bills) and utility payments to third parties. Interested patrons can continue to donate here – https://stayinalive.giveindia.org/

    StayIN aLIVE continues to prepare for its next round of artist interactions which will happen on a regular basis, encouraging the community to come together stronger than ever before.