Mumbai gets its first and one-of-its kind exquisite ‘S Lounge’

Mercedes-Benz ups its luxury quotient in the Financial Capital; inaugurates a refurbished 3S luxury car destination, the largest in Mumbai

·         Mumbai gets a renovated world-class 3S luxury car showroom, that represents the theme of modern luxury

·         Facility has been designed using modern interior architecture concepts, which creates a new benchmark in modern luxury

·         Mumbai continues to remain a key market for Mercedes-Benz, contributing approximately 20% to national sales

·         It is the 5^th outlet in Mumbai by Shaman Wheels and the 11^th for Mercedes-Benz in the bustling city

·         Shaman Wheels boasts of showcasing the entire range of Mercedes-Benz cars with eight car display and an exclusive car delivery lounge

·         The total spread of the 3S facility is a lavish 44,000 square feet and hosts 49 bays including supporting bays for service and repair

·         The showroom boasts of the largest front façade for a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Mumbai, spreading close to 200 feet   

·         Over 200 professionally trained staff will ensure the renowned Mercedes-Benz brand experience and a hassle free vehicle ownership experience

·         Mercedes-Benz has the most comprehensive network presence amidst luxury car makers comprising 86 outlets across 41 cities

Mumbai: India’s largest luxury car maker, Mercedes-Benz today further strengthened its footprint in the financial capital, by inaugurating its revamped world-class 3S dealership. Shaman Wheels’ latest luxury car destination is located in the heart of the city at Kalina, Santa Cruz, which is conveniently connected to all parts of Mumbai. The planned location will majorly cater to localities in Santa Cruz, BKC, Kurla, Chembur and Ghatkopar. The luxurious 3S dealership was inaugurated by Roland Folger, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India and Amar Sheth, Managing Director, Shaman Wheels Pvt. Ltd.

Speaking at the inauguration, Roland Folger, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented, “Mumbai remains an important market for Mercedes-Benz contributing nearly 20% to our overall sales annually. With this entirely refurbished 3S luxury car dealership, we aim to cater to the incessantly burgeoning luxury car market in the city. This is Mercedes-Benz’s eleventh outlet in Mumbai and we are glad to present yet another luxury destination for our patrons in this key market. We are confident that our ever-growing customer base will now enjoy a hassle free ownership experience synonymous with the Three Pointed Star, in close proximity; be it in South Mumbai or the central and western suburbs.

Mr. Folger further elaborated, “With our philosophy of providing the ‘Best Customer Experience’for 2017, we are confident that together with our long-standing partner Shaman Wheels, we will continue creating unsurpassable luxury car ownership experience for our discerning patrons. Mercedes-Benz has always believed in the growth story of India and the company has been adding value to the narrative of strengthening the brand presence across the country. Its strategic initiatives like this in network expansion, which enhances our growth story even deeper in the market and wins customer trust.”

Shaman Wheels, Kalina is spread over 44,000 sq. ft. area and built with an investment of INR 6 Crore. This location of Shaman Wheels in the heart of the city at Kalina, has great access to all parts of Mumbai and promises to be a one-stop luxury destination for luxury automobile enthusiasts. There will be a total of over 200 professionals to ensure a hassle free brand experience. The showroom is located at CST road, Kalina, Santa Cruz (East) in Mumbai.

Mr. Amar Sheth, Managing Director, Shaman Wheels commented, “Shaman Wheels has been associated with Mercedes-Benz for the last 8 years and we are extremely pleased to continue this strong relationship. We now have a state-of-the-art 3S outlet, which is the largest in Mumbai and incorporates the latest elements of modern interior architecture that reflects modern luxury. The strategic location of Shaman Wheels will not only cater to the premium clientele in the Central Mumbai, but also provide easy accessibility for the customers from south Mumbai and the western suburbs. The convenient location backed by top-notch infrastructure will make the experience of buying a Mercedes-Benz from this facility a memorable one for the Mumbaikars. The luxury car segment growth in Mumbai is on an upswing, and patrons have shown keen interest for a Mercedes-Benz. With this new facility we are confident of creating an unforgettable luxury experience for our ever growing customer base in Mumbai.”

Mercedes-Benz has the most widespread network for any luxury car maker in India with 86 outlets across 41 cities. Our customer-centric approach has made sure that we reach out to our base in the most defined manner, bringing them closer to our luxurious brand.

Exquisite interior architecture imbibing modern luxury:

Shaman Wheels’ new 3S facility in Mumbai emphasizes on modern interior architecture that reflects modern luxury and creates a new benchmark in retail luxury quotient. The shell of the new dealership is designed as a monolith with the ceiling as sculpted surface. The lighting inside the dealership accentuates the fascinating range of Mercedes-Benz that creates an aura around the vehicles. The façade is made larger with the help of an opaque lacquered glass which not only adds sophistication to the external appearance of the showroom, but also gives access to diffused natural light.

Shaman Wheels’ dedicated new car delivery area has been created with semi-transparent thread curtains and a fabric light to impart a superlative premium experience adding to the exclusive experience for the patrons while taking a new car delivery. In addition, the service reception has been designed as a large open lounge with café tables and a Barista to make it more plush and interactive.

Mumbai’s first S Lounge:

Shaman Wheels is the first dealership of Mercedes-Benz in Mumbai to boast of the exclusive ‘S Lounge’ created for the customers of the high-end Mercedes-Maybach and the S-Class luxury sedans. Adorned with wooden floor, highly exclusive carpets, imported furniture, the ‘S Lounge’ boasts of a complete luxury atmosphere and exudes modern luxury to the core. With segmented wall panels having integrated elements, latest accessories display and audiovisual display built into the wall panels unit, the ‘S Lounge’ is the most distinctive arena of the new dealership. The S Lounge is also lit by mood lighting that provides an unparalleled personalized experience for patrons, akin to the ambient lighting experienced in the S-Class luxury sedan. The high-end Mercedes-Maybach and the flagship S-Class luxury sedans will be exclusively displayed at the S Lounge.

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Media Contact: Mercedes-Benz India Pvt. Ltd.:

Shekhar Das Chowdhury | shekhar.daschowdhury@daimler.com |+91 98508 36477

Vignesh Shankar | vignesh.shankar@daimler.com | +91 7774036269

About Mercedes-Benz India:

Established in 1994, Mercedes-Benz India Pvt. Ltd. pioneered the luxury car market in India and boasts of more than 130 years of cutting edge innovation in the luxury automobile industry globally. Set up in 2009, Mercedes-Benz India’s world class production facility is spread over 100 acres in Chakan near Pune. Since June 2015, Mercedes-Benz India also commenced production from its new expanded production facility located in the same premises.

The production facility now carries an investment of INR 1000+ crores and has the largest installed production capacity for any luxury carmaker in India. Mercedes-Benz India also has the largest network spread amongst any luxury carmaker, with presence in 41 Indian cities through 89 outlets. Through the exclusive AMG Performance Centres located in 5 metros including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Pune; the AMG performance sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz also boasts of a strong retail network presence in the country.

Mercedes-Benz India’s flagship programme, ‘My Mercedes, My Service’ launched in 2016, aims to completely redefine the after-sales experience by digitalizing service process and create unparalleled benchmark in the luxury car service domain. The launch of ‘Mercedes-Benz Approved Tyres’ in February 2017, is also integral to the ‘My Mercedes, My Service’ campaign. ‘My Mercedes, My Service’ aims at enhancing the customer’s ownership experience manifold, thus making after-sales experience as the new differentiator in the luxury car segment.

Mercedes-Benz India product portfolio comprises the locally produced Mercedes Maybach S 500, S-Class, E-Class, C-Class, CLA luxury sedans and the GLA, GLE and the GLS luxury SUVs. The CKD GLC was the 9th product added to Mercedes-Benz’s local production portfolio. Completely Built imported cars portfolio includes the A-Class, B-Class, CLS, E-Class Cabriolet, S-Class Coupé, C-Class Cabriolet, S-Class Cabriolet and the S 600 Guard a range of other Guard vehicles etc. The product portfolio also comprises the iconic off-roader Mercedes-AMG G 63 as well as a wide range of other Mercedes-AMG performance cars like the AMG CLA 45, AMG C 63 S, AMG S 63 Coupe, AMG S 63 Sedan, AMG GLA 45, AMG GLE 43 Coupe, AMG GT S sports car, AMG SLC 43 and AMG C 43.

The long wheel base version of the new E-Class is Made in India, for India, the first new generation car to be locally produced since market launch. India is the first country to get an RHD version of the LWB E-Class in the world.

Mercedes-Benz India registered annual sale of 13,231 units in the January–December 2016 period facing multiple market challenges. In 2017, ‘One Team, One Goal’ will be Mercedes-Benz’s philosophy, towards achieving best customer experience. The company will have fascinating product introductions, innovative luxury retail experience, value driven finance programmes and

innovative after-sales service experiences. With ‘One Team, One Goal’ philosophy, Mercedes-Benz India will continue the ‘winning’ momentum it has created for itself in the diverse Indian market.

Tata Capital brings the ‘Salaam Loans’ initiative to deserving individuals in Mumbai’s Dharavi and Golibar area

Some people are brave enough to dream big and are bold enough to push limits and achieve great professional heights. However, sometimes lack of credit is the stumbling block for such individuals, which is prevalent not only in the rural sectors but also in urban, Tier 1 cities like Mumbai. Tata Capital aims to provide loans to deserving individuals based on the strength of their conviction, and with the help of the public at large.

Under its ‘Do Right’ mission, Tata Capital has launched ‘Salaam Loans’, an initiative which spreads the message that every right intention has a #LoanKaHaq. To reach out and support resolute individuals from within the vicinity of Mumbai, the company conducted an on-ground activation and setup two booths – one each in Dharavi and Golibar area. The video booths allowed individuals to walk in and shoot their own video narrating their story. The activation unearthed over 120 stories of courage and determination, highlighting the need to widen access to credit.

One of the stories is that of Nasir Qureshi - a visually challenged individual from Dharavi, whose wife was recently diagnosed with cancer. He needs urgent funds for her treatment and also wants to start a small business of his own to sustain his family. From Golibar, Shivkumar Pasi, a car driver turned vegetable vendor who lost vision in his left eye, because of which he cannot make his ends meet. He nurses a dream to start his own two-wheeler washing centre and secure a better future for his family.

The selected stories of these loan aspirants are posted across social media platforms, and uploaded on the website www.doright.in. Public at large is encouraged to visit these digital forums and encouraged to ‘salaam’ or like the stories of these deserving candidates. Under the initiative, the number of ‘Salaams’ / likes garnered are considered as votes for their nomination to secure a loan from Tata Capital.  ‘Salaam Loans’ is a first-of-a-kind initiative which, puts the power of loan approval into the hands of the public.

Commenting on this campaign initiative, Veetika COO-Digital Vertical and Vice President- Brand Marketing and Corporate Communication said that, “Tata Capital Salaam Loans is a true embodiment of the Company’s ‘do right’ spirit. Salaam Loans specifically cater to the needs of deserving individuals who are otherwise denied credit. Buoyed by the excellent response the initiative received on our digital platforms, we recognized that more can be done on-ground to reach out to such individuals. We encourage everyone to come and both - post their own story or the story of their known ones, or ‘salaam’ other uploaded stories which are heart-warming and deserving.”

CEOs Sing for GF Kids Mumbai is Back and Promises to Rock!

Mumbai, June 7, 2017: They excel in their respective fields, they set examples for the people they work with, they inspire, they lead and occasionally, they also sing and dance to Save Little Hearts with Genesis Foundation. The 18^th edition of Genesis Foundation’s CEOs Sing for GF Kids is scheduled for June 17 and promises to be even better than the previous ones.

The ITC Grand Central, Mumbai is all set to resound with music by CEOs from various companies, and all for a very significant cause. The rehearsals are on in full swing—the guitars, flutes and saxophones have been dusted off, the costumes are being chosen, the melodies are being polished and the corporate leaders are getting set to take the stage by a storm.

Genesis Foundation works towards supporting the treatment of critically ill, under-privileged children with heart disorders. Corporate leaders from across the spectrum of industries come together every year to support and help raise funds for the cause. Taking time out from their busy schedules, these extremely influential people come together to sing, dance and do their bit to ‘Save Little Hearts’. One of the closest and most dedicated supporters of Genesis Foundation, YM Deosthalee, Past Chairman, L&T Finance Holdings, and our Patron will be leading the host team this year.

The line-up for this year’s edition of CEOs Sing For GF Kids is:

·         Dennis Taraporewala, Managing Director, Criesse Communications

·         Geetu Verma, Exec-Director, Hindustan Unilever

·         Vinit Store, CEO, The Quadron Business Park

·         V Vaidyanathan, Chairman, Capital First

·         Kerman Lalkaka, GM, ITC, Grand Central, Mumbai

·         Dinesh Mirchandani, Managing Partner, Boyden

·         Subhash Kamath, Managing Partner, BBH India                  

·         Vinodini Lulla, Trustee, CMCA

·         Ashwin Deo, MD, Trinity Vintners

·         Mehmood Curmally, CEO, JnY Entertainment

·         Kuldeep Bhartee, GM, ITC Maratha, Mumbai

·         Ramesh Iyer, Vice-chairman, MD & President, Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd.

Speaking about the event, Prema Sagar, Founder, Genesis Foundation said, “I am grateful to each of these lovely friends and leaders who volunteer for this cause. We are overwhelmed by the encouragement we get each year. Some of these CEOs have been with us for the past 16 years with as much enthusiasm as they had in the first year, and their music and talent always leaves us spellbound. It’s truly a great feeling. The support of these leaders is invaluable in our endeavour to raise funds for the little hearts who need them.”

“My association with Genesis Foundation goes back several years and each year, the cause comes closer to my heart. These critically ill children need a fighting chance and I am gratified that I am able to do my bit. It is my pleasure to be a part of sharing smiles and Saving Little Hearts.” said YM Deosthalee, Past Chairman, L&T Finance Holdings.

About Genesis Foundation:

Genesis Foundation facilitates medical treatment for critically ill under-privileged children suffering with Heart Disorders. The support required in the said critical illness varies from specific surgeries (including neonatal), Cath Lab Interventions along with recovery and recuperation post-surgery.

We Save Little Hearts. 

So far, we have supported medical treatment of over 1200 critically ill children. The children supported by the Foundation belong to families with an income of less than Rs 10,000 per month and the parents and caregivers are unable to afford treatment of these children who suffer from a serious life-threatening ailment.

100% of funds raised are used towards treatment of critically ill children as all overhead costs are borne by the trustees. 

GF is registered under Section 12-A and 80-G of the Income Tax Act, which entitles 50% tax exemption. GF is also registered under FCRA allowing it to receive foreign funds.

To know more, visit – www.genesis-foundation.net.

Wipro is a ‘Leader’ in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant North America & EMEA, 2016-17 for Oracle Applications Services

East Brunswick, New Jersey, USA and Bangalore, India – June 6, 2017:Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company, today announced that it has been positioned as a ‘Leader’ in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant North America (NAM) & Europe, Middle-East and Africa (EMEA) 2016-17 for Oracle Applications Services.

The report evaluated 20 service providers from NAM and 16 service providers from EMEA on their ability to deliver implementation and management services across the Oracle portfolio and placed Wipro in the Leaders quadrant for both NAM and EMEA. Wipro is positioned highest for its ability to execute in NAM. This Magic Quadrant is focused on the full lifecycle of Oracle application services, spanning project-based implementation and multi-year applications management services (AMS).

Additionally, Gartner’s Critical Capability reports for both North America and EMEA have three use-cases - Implementation services, Management services, & Implementation and management services. Wipro scored the highest in all of them in North America among all the evaluated service providers and in two use-cases (Management services & Implementation and management services) in EMEA.

Ravi Purohit, Vice President & Global Head – Oracle Service Line, Wipro Limited, said, “Wipro’s position as a ‘Leader’ in the Oracle Applications Services in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant North America and EMEA is testament to the value we bring to our clients. Wipro is committed to helping its clients deploy end-to-end Oracle services, accelerate the realization of business value from their investments and enable the creation of digital enterprises.” He added, “This recognition also reinforces our ability to leverage our strategic investments in integrated cloud applications, IP-based industry solutions, and innovative global delivery capability.”

Please click here to view full reports:

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Oracle Application Services, North America, and Gartner Critical Capabilities for Oracle Application Services, North America, published on 13 February 2017, authored by Kris Doering, Frances Karamouzis

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Oracle Application Services, EMEA, 08 February 2017 andGartner Critical Capabilities for Application Services, EMEA, published on 08 February 2017, authored by Neil Barton, Susanne Matson, Gilbert van der Heiden and Fabio Di Capua.

Aviva launches ‘Aviva i-Life Total’

Press Release

 An Online Term Plan

that is more than just a term plan

·         A comprehensive Online Term Insurance Plan with customized options to cover different types of uncertainty

·         Provides additional protection at the same cost as a simple term plan

·         Each of the 4 options can be further enhanced by adding a critical illness and disability rider that covers 16 critical illnesses and permanent total disability (due to illness or accident)

Jun 05 , 2017, New Delhi: Aviva Life Insurance, one of India’s leading private insurance companies, today announced the launch of ‘Aviva i-Life Total’ - an online term plan with a range of options to choose from. This tailor-made plan keeps the customer at the heart and enables the customer to select a solution that fits his/her specific needs.

Aviva i-Life Total is a distinctive online insurance plan that provides the option of Additional Benefits built into the product. The customer can customize his plan according to his distinct needs in the same price as the simple Term Insurance plan.

The 4 options enable the customer to secure his loved ones in case of a terminal illness, accidental death, benefit at maturity or monthly income in case of death. Each of these options can be enhanced by adding a Critical Illness and Disability Rider that covers 16 critical illnesses and permanent total disability (due to illness or accident). This product takes care of the different risks associated with critical illness, accidents or disability at a nominal cost.

Commenting on the launch, Ms. Anjali Malhotra, Chief Customer Marketing and Digital Officer, Aviva Life Insurance said, “Research shows that India is a grossly underinsured market. Though the ideal term insurance for an individual has to be 10 times his/her earning capacity, there is a massive gap here. As per WHO Global Health Expenditure report, in India, 85.9% of all private health expenditure was paid out of pocket by individuals, and 31% of all hospitalisations in urban areas are financed by loans or sale of assets. Thus, it becomes imperative for customers to not just buy a plain Term Insurance Plan, but to get a truly differentiated Term Insurance Plan – a plan that presents them with additional benefits to take care of unforeseen expenditures. ‘Aviva i-Life Total’ gives you the control to acquire and access your insurance policy online, while meeting your specific requirements to secure the life goals of your loved ones.”

The exclusive feature of ‘Aviva i-Life Total’ is that customers can choose their insurance cover from– Protect, Protect Plus, Protect Assured, and Protect Income Options– with additional protection against critical illness and permanent total disability through an optional rider, along with option to increase the amount of cover, when responsibilities increase.

How Does The Plan Work?

There are four options available with ‘Aviva i-Life Total’ insurance plan:

·   Protect: Death Benefit with terminal illness benefit

·   Protect Plus: Double the Sum Assured paid out on accidental death 

·   Protect Assured: Death Benefit with 120% of total premiums at maturity 

·   Protect Income: Monthly Income for the family in case of death 

Protect

•      This option provides  life cover along with in-built Terminal Illness benefit

•      Sum Assured is payable on death of the Life Insured

•      In case of terminal illness, an immediate payout is made to Life Insured

- The payout is 50% of the Sum Assured, subject to maximum of Rs. 1 crore per life

- Balance amount of Sum Assured is payable on death of the insured

- All future premiums are waived after the claim is paid for Terminal Illness

Protect Plus

•      This option provides life cover with additional coverage for accidental death

•      In case of death due to an accident, double the Sum Assured is paid to the nominee

•      In case of non-accidental death, 100% of Sum Assured  is paid to the nominee

Protect Assured

•      This option provides life cover with pay-out of 120% of total premiums paid on survival till maturity

•      Sum Assured is payable on death of the Life Insured

Protect Income

•      This option provides a regular monthly income to the nominee for a period of 10 years to 57 years on death of the Life Insured, depending upon age.

•      Policyholder needs to opt for a Regular Monthly Income (RMI) amount at the time of inception of the policy. This amount increases by 5% every year during survival as well as during the death benefit pay-out period.

•      The income pay-out starts from the 1st day of month immediately following death of insured and continues for the outstanding policy term, i.e. till the original maturity date of the policy

The Aviva Critical Illness & Disability Rider

This rider offers the option to enhance protection by adding Aviva Critical Illness & Disability rider to the base plan, which covers 16 critical illnesses & Permanent Total disability (due to illness or accident)

•      This is a stand-alone rider where Rider SA is paid on contracting any of the 16 illnesses covered or Total Permanent Disability, due to illness or accident, covered under this rider

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) was seized of five cases against Chartered Accountants

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) was seized of five cases against Chartered Accountants who have been found advising/guiding in a manner encouraging money laundering during the currency Demonetisation period. The Board of Discipline (BOD) of ICAI, has completed its inquiry in four out of five cases and found the respective Chartered Accountants guilty having brought disrepute to the profession thereby violating the applicable provisions of the Chartered Accountants Act. After concluding inquiries in these cases, the BOD of ICAI has imposed the maximum penalty upon all four erring Chartered Accountants envisaged under the Chartered Accountants Act. 

The Board, keeping in view the severity of the allegations, completed the proceedings in the shortest possible time and has awarded maximum penalty under the CA Act upon the erring Chartered Accountants,  highlighting that involvement of any Chartered Accountant in such activities will be dealt with strictly. 

SkyPixel and DJI Launch the 2017 Aerial Video Contest

A New Way of Storytelling That Allows People to Explore the World Like Never Before

June 2, 2017 – SkyPixel, the world’s most popular aerial photography community run in cooperation with DJI, on Friday kicked off its first aerial video contest of the year. The 2017 SkyPixel Video Contest runs from June 2 to August 2 and welcomes all drone users to submit their vision of the world in video format to any of three categories: Nature, City, or Sport. This contest is open to participants from around the world, whether you are a new drone user, a professional videographer, or someone just wanting to showcase their creativity from above.

“Since its inception in 2014, SkyPixel has become the largest community for aerial enthusiasts and photographers from around the world. We now have over four million users worldwide using this platform as a way to share their perspective of the world and inspire others with this fantastic new art form,” said Danny Zheng, DJI Vice President of Marketing.

“This art form is very much about storytelling and allows people to see or experience something different or otherwise out of reach. With this video contest, we hope it will expand creative possibilities even further and allow people to explore the world like never before.”

Participants can submit their work in any one of the following categories:

l  Nature: Tell us a story with landscape shots, revealing the deep secrets of Mother Nature from above.

l  City: Capture the character of your city’s transformation or show us places we know and love, but from a brand new perspective.

l  Sport: Capture the energy and excitement behind a sport or an athlete pursuing their dreams.

Videos captured from any type of aerial platform are welcome. Submissions should not be longer than five minutes and should include at least 30 seconds of aerial footage.

One Grand Prize winner will be selected out of all the entries. The winner will receive a DJI Inspire 2 Premium Combo, Nikon D750 Body + 24-70 mm VR 2.8 Lens, Suunto Spartan Ultra Copper Special Edition (HR) Watch,LaCie d2 Thunderbolt 3 Hard Drive, an Oakley Latch Prizm Sunglasses, and a Tourism Australia Travel Package. Other prizes include the DJI Phantom 4 Pro, DJI Mavic Pro Fly More Combo, and DJI Spark, among others.
SkyPixel will also give out a People’s Choice Prize to the top ten most liked videos (cut-off time for voting is August 2, 14:00 CST). Winners will receive aDJI Osmo Mobile, LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C Hard Drive, Suunto Traverse Alpha Black Watch, and an Oakley Latch Prizm Sunglasses.

The 2017 SkyPixel Video Contest is hosted by DJI, and is sponsored by Nikon, Adidas, and Raffles City.

Several renowned videographers and influencers will act as judges and decide the contest’s winners.

l  Phil Pastuhov ­— Aerial Director of Photography whose credits include the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Godzilla, and The Amazing Spider-Man 2

l  Ning Hao — Director and screenwriter of several Chinese blockbusters. His breakout film Crazy Stone (2006) earned a Golden Horse Award for Best Original Screenplay.

l  Ryan Hosking — The youngest feature film Aerial Director of Photography. Ryan’s film credits include The Revenant, American Sniper, The Nice Guys, and CHiPs.

l  Filipe DeAndrade — 10-time Emmy award-winning Director of Photography, wildlife ambassador for National Geographic, and Nat Geo WILD

l  Robin Mahieux — Robin has worked on creative projects for Chanel, Redbull, Sony, AIA, Cartier, Air China, Porsche, and Jaguar

l  David Etienne — TV producer, director, pilot, and commercial drone pilot

l  Andy Best — Renowned photographer and filmmaker

l  Josh Raab — Multimedia Editor at TIME and professor at the International Center of Photography

l  Brad Rickman — Digital Director for Condé Nast Traveler

Contest Details

Contest Start Date: June 2 2017, 14:00 CST

Contest Deadline: August 2 2017, 14:00 CST

Award Announcement: August 31, 2017 CST

For more info about the contest and how to enter, visit: https://www.skypixel.com/events/videocontest2017

2baconilTM’s “Tumbaku Mukt BEST” a huge success

¾    NRT through Transdermal Patches helps more than 81% participants successfully quit tobacco

Mumbai, May 30, 2017: On the eve of World No Tobacco Day, last year Rusan Pharma aimed at promoting the campaign‘Tumbaku Mukt BEST’ by providing tobacco cessation services to 83 BEST employees to help them quit tobacco dependence and lead a healthy life. For this, Rusan Pharma along with its medical team sensitised and counselled the BEST employees across all the 25 depots in Mumbai to assess the intensity of physical addiction to tobacco and gave them the necessary treatment to quit. The campaign has been extremely successful and has resulted in 52(81.3%) of the participants quitting tobacco.

Smoking or chewing tobacco leads to serious health concerns like addiction, gum disease, heart disease and cancer. As a socially responsible organization, Rusan Pharma conducted special camps for BEST staff to assess their level of tobacco addiction, educate them about health hazards of tobacco consumption and the importance of leading a healthy life by giving up tobacco. Rusan Pharma provided 12 weeks of patch therapy to 83 BEST employees to keep them away from the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.

The report compiled by 2baconil^TM to study the safety and efficacy of their 24hr Nicotine Transdermal Patches reveals vivid Tobacco consumption patterns of the sample, 75.9% (63 of 83) participants were tobacco chewers and 16.9% (14 of 83) were tobacco smokers and 7.2% (6 of 83) would chew and smoke tobacco. The tobacco chewers consumed tobacco daily at an average of 10.8 times per day, 48.2% (40 of 83) consumed tobacco at their workplace. 40.9% (34 of 83) of the participants tried quitting previously, with at least 3 or more previous quit attempts and failed.

Out of the 83 participants, 64 (77.1%) participants completed the full 12 week 2baconil™ patch therapy, from which 52 of 64 (81.3%) participants quit tobacco consumption. Additionally, three participants who did not complete the full 12-week therapy but have still quit tobacco after completing 1-2 months of 2baconil™ patch therapy.

Delighted by these positive results, Dr. Anilkumar Singal, Chief Medical Officer, BEST, Mumbai said, “To provide uninterrupted power supply and effective transport service BEST has employed 45000 people. BEST takes utmost care to maintain health of the employees at an optimal level. For that Medical department of BEST undertakes various health promotion activities like ‘Tobacco Free BEST’ Campaign. Till last year we had around 500 BEST employees that had given up their tobacco addiction now around 1500 employees added in this list. We have another 100 to add to this tally. I am delighted by the efforts taken by Rusan Pharma for providing this effective treatment to BEST employees which will helped them quit tobacco addiction.”

Talking on the occasion Dr. Kunal Saxena, Managing Director, Rusan Pharma said, “BEST buses are the city’s second life line, BEST employees are responsible for ensuring safe, secure and timely public transport for the entire MMR and provide continues power supply to South Mumbai. Hence it is important for them to stay fit, healthy and focussed at all times. Therefore, we at Rusan decided to provide tobacco cessation treatment to them to ensure good health. We are very happy with the results that we have achieved in past one year, and we wish continue the association with BEST, in the future. ”

Pleased by the report results, Ms.Malavika Kaura Saxena, Business Head, Rusan Healthcare said, “We are pioneers in de-addiction and are passionate about the cause. We care that our patients genuinely quit, we have studied the progress of the BEST staff undergoing cessation therapy. The findings reveal encouraging numbers and show that the success rate of nicotine transdermal patch is more than 81 percent in this case. We will continue our relentless efforts to conducting regular awareness programs with various high risk groups across the country to create awareness and encourage people to quit tobacco.”